The Island Connection - November 21, 2014

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November 21, 2014
Kiawah Island
candidates Q&A
ELECTION IS
T U E S D A Y, D E C . 2
BY JENNIFER TUOHY
The Island Connection Editor
very two years, the Town of Kiawah

Island elects four councilmembers
and a mayor to serve as their voice,
not only to the other island entities, but
also to the county, state and nation. The
election takes place Dec. 2, 2014. This
year only one position is contested, that of
mayor, there are four candidates running
for the four Council seats. Following is
a brief statement from each candidate
discussing their qualifications and goals
as well as responses to questions posed by
The Island Connection to each candidate.
Candidates for Mayor of

Kiawah Island
Above: Local children wearing dresses made by BFF beneficiary,

Noahs Ark Sewing Ministry. Left: Some of the original BFFs. Back row
from left, Linda Mayhall, Tina Schell, Jane Iwan, Kathleen Paramore,
Jane Lurie, Anne Long, Pam Kaspers, Jeannie Hillock. Front row from
left, Linda Wyatt, MC Martin, Lynne Sager, Suzie Williams, Amy Tunis,
Capey Freeman.
BFF FUND REPLACES HOSTESS

GIFTS WITH GIFTS OF GIVING
Charles Lipuma
BY MARGARET PILARSKI
For The Island Connection
nspiration for Ginny Larence came from a bookshelf on the

other side of the country. It was 2012 and she was vacationing
out West in a rented strangers house, but immediately felt a
kinship with the homes owner.
I felt like she and I were separated at birth: She had so many
of the same books and foods and spices that I had at home. I
found this book on her shelf, From Me to We, and I started
reading it. I thought, Oh my goodness, this is a life-changer
and emailed my friends back home on Kiawah and told them it
was a must-read, Larence says.
fern fun
Page 5
The book reminded Larence that, Life at some age becomes

not only about making every day count, but also about making
it more meaningful, which usually involves looking beyond
ourselves.
Once she returned home, it was at a birthday celebration for a
friend that things began to click. Out came the candles and the
napkins and I just remember thinking that none of us needs this
stuff anymore; we should be divesting instead of accumulating,
BFFs Funds continues on page 10
Veterans golf
Page 18
Mayoral candidate (incumbent)

Why do you want to serve on Town
Council?
I want to continue to serve to followup
and implement as appropriate the
Towns strategic planning. Specifically,
KIU purchase, New Municipal Center,
Emergency Planning and Emergency
Services.
How would you propose the Town of
Kiawah work to help keep its citizens
informed of its plans for the island?
Election Day continues on page 4
top tomatoes
Page 22
November 21, 2014
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Kiawah Town Council, Nov. 4, 2014

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Contributors
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Bob Hooper
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Catherine Gilmore
Chad Kelly
Published by
Lucky Dog Publishing
of South Carolina, LLC
P.O. Box 837
Sullivans Island, SC 29482
843-886-NEWS
TOKI VOTES ON PROPERTY PURCHASE,

D I S C U S S E S K I AWA H R I V E R E S TAT E S A N N E X AT I O N
BY GREGG BRAGG
The Island Connection Staff Writer
hile it wasnt as full as the

previous
weeks
Public
Hearings, Town Hall chambers
were well populated for the Nov. 4
meeting of the Town of Kiawah Island
Council. The audience included a large
contingent from Johns Island, presumably
present to witness the official vote on the
property purchase of property on Betsy
Kerrison Parkway.
The formalities for a public meeting
were addressed but included an unusual
item; the minutes of the Town Council
Executive Session Meeting of Oct. 3,
2014 were approved and read into the
record along with the minutes of last
months Town Council meeting. There
were no opening Citizens Comments.
The single item of old business, a second
reading of Ordinance 2014-10 (elevated
building requirements) was quickly
dispatched. The motion was adopted
without any discussion, clearing the way
for new business that started with a vote
on purchasing 4475 Betsy Kerrison.
Despite the pace of the meeting to
this point, the proceedings slowed to
consider an amendment proffered by
Councilmember Murphy. If adopted, it
would alter the planned closing date of the
21-acre tract. During the previous weeks
Public Hearing TOKI had announced
that current tenant Sidi Limehouse
would be allowed to remain on the
property through the end of the year. The
amendment under consideration would
have delayed the closing date until after the
first of the year when all encumbrances
had been removed.
A lively discussion ensued as
councilmembers
expressed
their
concerns, approvals and reservations.
Tue, November 25
Wed, December 3
Ways and Means

Committee Meeting
2 4 p.m.
Kiawah Town Hall
Town Planning
Commission Work
Session
2:30 4:30 p.m.
Seabrook Town Hall
Town Council Meeting

2:30 4:30 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.
Thu, November 27
Lucky Dog Publishing, LLC

Publishers of Island Eye News,
The Island Connection,
The Folly Current
over next year with more great events.

In conjunction with TOKI emergency
planning efforts and Community
Emergency Response Team activities,
Councilmember Murphy asked for a
little less than $30k for 18 mobile radios.
Following some discussion, the motion
was passed without dissent.
Mayor Lipuma prefaced the discussion
of annexing Kiawah River Estates by
saying They came and asked us to
consider annexing them and this was
probably better suited on the agenda of
the next council. Lipuma then turned
the floor over the KRE Property Owners
Association President, Russ Watson.
Watson said discussions began on
August 6 of this year because he was
frustrated by Charleston County. He was
aware being annexed by TOKI would be
a lengthy process, he wanted to get out in
front of. He wanted to find out if 1: It was
legal. 2: Was TOKI interested and 3: He
had not mentioned it to his members when
it began but wanted to open a dialogue
with TOKI.
Councilmember Patch thought the
proposition looked expensive. Although
he had previously voted against the
bike path offered by the County, he still
liked the idea if it met more of his safety
requirements and thought they would
never build it if TOKI annexed KRE.
Councilmember Labriola said he wasnt
familiar with the strategic advantage of
such an action [annexing KRE].
Councilmember Murphy didnt want
annexation for the sake of growth.
Councilmember Johnson said that with
nothing commercial in the subdivision,
she wasnt sure where a financial advantage
K iawah Island Town H all

21 Beachwalker Drive
Kiawah Island, SC 29455
Phone: 768-9166
Wed, December 10 Fax: 768-4764
Public Safety
Committee Meeting
Seabrook Island Town H all
2 4 p.m.
2001 Seabrook Island Road
Kiawah Town Hall
Seabrook Island, SC 29455
Phone: 768-9121
Town Planning
Fax: 768-9830
Commission Meeting
Email:
2:30 4:30 p.m.
lmanning@townofseabrookisland.org
Seabrook Town Hall
Johns Island Council
Mon, December 15 Meetings are held at the Berkeley Electric Co-op
located at 3351 Maybank Hwy, Johns Island.
Board of Zoning and
Chairman Chris Cannon: 343-5113
Appeals
4 5 p.m.
Charleston County Council
Kiawah Town Hall
4045 Bridge View Dr, N. Charleston
958-4700t
Civic Calendar
Future deadlines: November 26

for submissions for the
December 5 Issue
The Island
Connection
Councilmember Mary Johnson best

summarized support for the amendment
saying, that while Sidi was generally liked,
letting him stay complicated things. She
also stated that although this might be a
good time for Sidi to retire, she wanted to
give him this Christmas present. While
Mayor Lipuma argued in favor of staying
with the plan originally approved on
June 5.
In the end, the amendment was defeated
in a 3-2 vote with Councilmembers
Labriola, Patch and Lipuma voting
against while Councilmembers Johnson
and Murphy voted in favor.
Attention then shifted to passing the
measure as originally agreed to on June
5, featuring a closing date of November
14. Debate still centered on the clearing
of encumbrances with the outstanding
question now focused on concern Sidi
might not move even after the end of the
year. In the end, the consensus was to
take our chances. The measure passed in
a 3-2 vote with Councilmembers Lipuma,
Johnson and Murphy voting in favor while
Councilmembers Patch and Labriola
voted in against. With the announcement,
members of the Johns Island contingent
quietly filed out of chambers.
Next,
Councilmember
Johnson
introduced a new Committee Charter
and Policy for the Arts Council. She went
on to describe two recent events. Both
James DLeon the Charleston Symphony
Orchestra had recently preformed. Both
events were well attended said Johnson,
and the CSO had prevailed in the face of
severe winds. Upcoming events include
Etienne Charles & Creole Soul and the
Charleston Dance Institute performing
The Little Match Girl. Then, it starts all
Kiawah Town
Hall closed for
Thanksgiving
Tue, December 2
Town Council Meeting
2 4 p.m.
Kiawah Town Hall
Planning Commission
Meeting
3 5 p.m.
Kiawah Town Hall
Thu, December 4
Arts Council Meeting
3 5 p.m.
Kiawah Town Hall
Tue, December 9
Communications
Committee Meeting
3 5 p.m.
Kiawah Town Hall
Tue, December 23
Ways and Means
Committee Meeting
2 4 p.m.
Kiawah Town Hall
City of Charleston
75 Calhoun St.
724-3745
November 21, 2014
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would come from that could be used to

offset the expenses involved.
Mayor Lipuma said it hasnt really been
discussed yet.
Changes in TOKI contributions to
employee health insurance premiums
were discussed and accepted with very
little debate, especially since it was a cost
savings of over $6k.
The agreement for franchise fees from
Comcast paid to municipalities expired
in 2012. The State of SC took over in the
interim. The state is now in the process of
a new agreement that would result in fees
of about 3 percent of the specific, local
market share being routed back to TOKI.
Everyone seemed to be OK with that, too.
The Town Administrator reported;
1. Phase two of the Tallow Tree
eradication project was underway
and due for completion later that
same week.
2. The fiscal report for the year
ended last June was underway and
would be complete by the end of
December.
3. Staff was engaged with year-end
performance
reviews
and
procedures.
4. The new stop sign at the first
intersection in Freshfields [from
the parkway entrance] combined
with the recently embellished
law enforcement presence had
generated some results. 60 people
had appeared in court as a result
[same room as TOKI Council
meetings] and $36,000 in fines
had been collected.
5. PSSi would complete their work
on EMS statistics by the end of
November and report at the next
council meeting.
The Mayor then reminded everyone
to vote, that TOKI also has an election
coming up and there would be a Meet
the Candidates Night on Nov. 20 at the
Sandcastle. He closed his remarks by
thanking Councilmember Murphy for

managing the land purchase.
Citizens comments featured Wendy
Kulick who asked if there would be an
ordinance passed authorizing the transfer
of money for the land purchase. She was
advised TOKI would respond in thirty
days.
Kiawah Resident Lin Oleary had both
a question and a complaint. She asked
why the 30 day wait to get answers from
TOKI? The Mayor, said it allowed time
for deliberation and asked Lin where she
lived. Lin replied Ill get back to you in
thirty days.
Council went into executive session.
On its return Mayor Lipuma announced
No decisions were made or actions taken
that would bind the town to a particular
course of action. He indicated this was
wording legal council had advised they
use moving forward, contrasted to the
now out dated No decisions were made
and no votes were taken.
Mayor Lipuma said they discussed
salaries and the salary budget and would
vote on that in open session.
The motion was made that employee
salaries be adjusted by 5 percent along
with a 1 percent range adjustment per
the recommendations of the consultant
they had hired. This would constitute a 6
percent total adjustment to be distributed
by the Town Administrator
Councilmember Lauren asked Mayor
Lipuma to clarify that the 5 percent was
a merit increase. With help from Wendy
Kulick who said if I understood what
Lauren was trying to say, not every
employee would be given a 5 percent
increase, that this would be the total pot
available Charlie said that was true;
not every employee of the Town would
get a 6 percent increase. The motion
passed unanimously and with no further
business, the meeting was adjourned.
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Election Day continues from cover
The Town is and has been informing
citizens and property owners using, for
example, Town Notes and Constant
Contact.
Do you think a referendum should
be used to determine agreement by
residents to a Town Council proposal
when the proposal will have a
significant impact on the character of
the community?
Neither Federal, State nor municipal
governance is based on a referendum
system. Elected officials are by law
empowered to make decisions large
and small. Even so, the Town has been
fastidious in apprising the public about
all major initiatives by open public forum.
Examples; Development Agreements,
Annexation, Property Purchase, Beach
Repair and Renourishment Project, and
Kiawah Island Parkway and Bike Path
Project.
Kiawah Island is planning to
annex property on Johns Island for a
municipal town center. What is your
position on annexing future property
or communities on Johns Island?
Town Council, myself included, spoke
clearly at our last meeting when we
advised Kiawah River Estates we had no
interest in annexing them into the Town
of Kiawah Island.
How would you encourage citizen
involvement in the government of the
town?
By advising the public of open or
opening positions on Town committees.
We also announce upcoming elections
for Town Council and invite citizens to
register to run for public office.
What is your position on the issue of
fire and EMS service to the island?
The Towns consultant, PSSi, is
completing their evaluation Kiawahs fire,
EMS and police services. Their findings
and recommendations will be made
to Town Council at the Dec. 2 public
meeting. Any comment should logically
await those findings.
Candidate Statement
My wife Joan and I moved to Kiawah
in 1992 as full time residents. Since
then I have been very active in town
and community affairs. In 1993 I was
appointed to Kiawahs first planning
commission and served as Chairman for
10 years. During that period we created
the Towns first Comprehensive Plan
and drafted a new Planning and Zoning
Ordinance.
I served as committee chair for the
design and construction of our municipal
center, Kiawahs representative to
Johns Island Council and the Towns
representative on Charleston Countys
2001 Johns Island road study. I also
participated on KICAs Governance
Committee.
In 2004 I was elected Town Councilman
(for the first of four terms) and given
responsibility for Environmental Affairs
and the Arts Council. I coordinated a major
updating of the Towns Comprehensive
Beach Management Plan and drafted
Kiawahs first Beach Management Policy.
Subsequently I promoted and managed
the successful $3.5 million East End
Beach Repair and Renourishment Project.
As Chairman of the Arts Council I
worked with very creative members and
dedicated staff to bring a broad spectrum
of well received performing and visual arts
events to Kiawah property owners, guests
November 21, 2014
and area neighbors.

Since 1994 I have worked on every
Development Agreement executed by the
Town. These include the 1994, 2005 and
2013 agreements with KRA/KDP/ KP
and KIGRs Development Agreements
for the Sanctuary Hotel and their Kiawah
Island Properties.
In 2011, I was appointed Mayor Pro
Tempore, in addition to serving as Chair
of the Towns Ways and Means Committee
and Arts Council. Further, I chaired
the Kiawah Island Utility Acquisition
Task Force. A public referendum showed
almost unanimous support for negotiating
the purchase of KIU. Unfortunately, the
asking price far exceeded the task forces
estimated value and negotiations were
ended.
In December 2013 I was elected
Mayor. In the ensuing two years with
a new council, we created a long term
strategic plan. This included seeking to
annex properties adjacent to Kiawah
Island Parkway, reopening discussions
on the purchase of Kiawah Island
Utility, purchasing property to meet
the Towns future needs and evaluating
our Emergency services; Fire, Police and
EMS. Councils mission statement is to
promote the Towns quality of life, sense
of community, natural environment and
well-planned and executed residential and
commercial development.
To date Freshfields Village has been
annexed. We are in negotiations to
purchase KIU and the emergency services
evaluation is nearing completion. We are
also pursuing a land purchase.
Kiawah is financially strong. At close
of the 2013/2014 fiscal year the Town
had accrued an additional $1.8 million of
reserves. In total we have over $17 million
in reserves.
If reelected Mayor I will again represent
all property owners and continue to
bring experience, energy, diligence and
openness to Town governance. My
focus will be preserving and enhancing
Kiawahs uniqueness, natural beauty and
ecosystem. And I will work closely with
Council and key island entities to achieve
our mission.
Fran Wermuth
Mayoral Candidate
Length of time you have lived/been a
property owner on the island:
We purchased property on Kiawah
in the early 1990s; we became full time
residents in 2007.
Where you are originally from: I
was born in Greenville, AL and shortly
thereafter moved to Louisiana. After
school I moved to Mobile, Alabama where
I met my husband, Mike. In 1980 we
moved to Washington, DC to work for
Alabamas newly-elected Senator Jeremiah
November 21, 2014
Denton.
Council?
The answers simple. Id like to see our
Town government operate in an open
and public manner according to state
law. As recent events have shown, too
much of Kiawahs business is conducted
behind closed doors, in what is termed as
executive session. This is not how a town
should conduct business. We are elected
to represent the people.
I earned my MA and BA (summa cum
laude) from George Mason University
in Interdisciplinary Studies with a
focus on Economics, Public Policy, and
International Relations. I accomplished
this while I worked full time with the
Department of Justice.
Our family discovered Kiawah in the
mid-1980s and quickly grew to love the
Island. It is that love that pushes me to
protect and preserve our unique coastal
environment. We hope that our five
grandchildren will be able to bring their
children here and find the same beauty
and serenity we enjoy today.
Besides serving on council in 20102012, I have also served the community
at large. These experiences have taught me
what people want to see from organizations
both public and private. They want clear
communication, the ability to be heard
and feedback from those in charge. On
island I am a member of the Community
Emergency Response Team (CERT). The
off island organizations I am involved
with are Reading Partners and Camp
Hope. These are both downtown and
involve school age children.
My interest in politics and good
governance increased while working for
Senator Denton. I served on the Senate
Judiciary Subcommittee on Security
and Terrorism, which had oversight of
several Department of Justice agencies,
including the FBI, the Drug Enforcement
Administration and the United States
Marshals Service (USMS).
I next became Congressional Liaison
officer to the USMS and later joined the
Judicial Security Divisions Management
and Oversight Team. There I led the
development of the first USMS national
Operational Response Plan. All of these
experiences have given me a true passion
for the workings of a good government.
The Mayor serves as the chief
administrative officer. As mayor, I will
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ensure that agendas are posted for each
meeting. I will also limit executive
sessions to only the most sensitive matters,
as allowed by the Freedom of Information
Act (FOIA). This past year, Council met
in executive session at every regularly
scheduled Town Council meeting plus
four others. In most cases, only general
reasons were given for these sessions, not
the stated purpose as FOIA requires.
The importance of adhering to FOIA laws
is underscored in the recent SC Appeals
court ruling finding the Mount Pleasant
Town Council violated FOIA because
its members did not voice the stated
purpose when they entered executive
session in 2007. This case should provide
a wake-up call that the courts or the
people will not tolerate bending the laws
to make transparency disappear. The
Councils most recent land acquisition and
annexations were discussed in executive
sessions and voted on in public after a
very brief period of public information
sessions. Residents were dissatisfied with
the process and walked away from those
sessions wondering what had happened
over the past several months in executive
session meetings. After each of the sessions,
the Mayor announced No decisions were
made, no votes were taken. Yet as it turns
out, many decisions and concurrences
were made.
the community?
Based on my above stated beliefs of an
open government, yes.
What is your position on annexing
future property or communities on
Johns Island?
Annexing parts of Johns Island would
be an example of a significant impact and
therefore require a referendum. Kiawah
and Seabrook Island were incorporated
because both entities were seeking ways to
avoid annexation by the City of Charleston.
Kiawah should be very sensitive about
annexing off island property.
town?
For the past few years, membership
on the various Town committees has
seen very little change. As mayor, I will
ensure that the committee positions are
widely advertised and encourage residents
to apply if interested. Biographies will
be requested and a process followed
but the expected outcome is a greater
representation of citizens.
While on Council, I served as the head
of the Public Safety Committee. I worked
closely with the previous Fire Department
Chief and have met Chief Colleen Walz.
I am impressed with her credentials and
with the response time provided to the
residents of Kiawah, given the challenge
of the low country topography. There has
been some talk of Kiawah pulling out of
the St. Johns Fire District. I believe that
would be short sighted. Such a move could
result in increased costs to the residents of
Kiawah and could also result in a heavier
tax burden for Johns Islanders.
Are there any other comments you
would like to make?
As the only challenger in any of the
positions in this election, I face an uphill
battle. My guiding principle is to keep
residents apprised of Council activity. I
commit to leading a Town Council that
works openly to support a shared vision.
Candidates for City Council

(running uncontested)
Mary Johnson
Length of time you have lived/been

a property owner on the island: 31 years
I chaired the Communications
Committee for the past 2 years. During
that time we upgraded the website,
instituted the Residents Xchange, and
began a Constant Contact e-blast on
announcements, activities, and Arts
Council events. We began providing Town
Notes in print to permanent residents and
digitally to those who travel and/or those
who wished to read online. Social Media
is still in its infancy for the Town. Later we
recommended that Town Notes be printed

and distributed quarterly and Biweekly
E-Blast Newsletter begin to inform closer
to real time happenings. The Town should
continue the latest digital communication
tools. I feel I have advanced the Towns
communications as far as one can
without a review and recommendation
by professional consultants with an
objective viewpoint. I would encourage
more resident involvement on choosing
items happening and of interest to them.
Should the Town begin planning a
new municipal center, I would strongly
encourage feedback from Town staff as to
their needs and from the residents as to
what would make their needs for coming
to Town Hall more efficient and fruitful.
Frequent updates on the progress would
be communicated. Tools have been put in
place to provide communication channels.
I will continue to push to inform sooner
rather than later for the residents and by
the residents.
the community?
There are statutes that determine issues
that require a referendum. Citizens elect
their representatives and should trust
that they will make decisions in the best
interests of their towns. This is a very
important election to choose the official
(s) you feel will best protect the interests
of the Town with decisions affecting today
while looking at the future needs.
I do not believe there is an interest in
growth of the Town of Kiawah Island.
Annexing Freshfields was a critical
strategic action to protect the brand
of Kiawah. Annexing the new municipal
property is important to place the
building and property within the town
limits. There is no interest in annexing for
the sake of growth.
town?
All meetings are public. All
committees are from the resident pool.
Announcements are made in December
every year for interested people to serve
in some capacity. Should one not wish to
serve on a committee, attendance is an
excellent way to keep oneself informed.
Residents involvement is welcomed. The

website has all agendas and minutes to
all meetings. I am frequently asked about
certain issues and am always happy to
discuss. We each have to determine our
own level of desired involvement.
I was very much in favor of hiring
consultants to interview, review, observe,
investigate the services provided by the fire
district, EMS, and the police protection.
I did not feel that we were qualified to
do a superficial review and make critical
decisions that affect our community. We
will soon be receiving the evaluation by the
experts. I shall wait for that information. I
believe the Town is interested in improved
services and is willing to cooperate and
work with these entities to achieve the
level of service necessary to protect our
lives and our homes.
Are there any other comments you
would like to make?
It has been an honor to serve these last
2 years on Town Council, my 10 years
on and with the Arts Council, and the
last 2 years with the Communications
Committee. Kiawah is a very special place
with very special people.
Candidate Statement:
My husband & I have lived on Kiawah
full time for 31 years. My international
travels through work helped me realize
long ago what a special place Kiawah is.
It has only grown to be more special as
time has gone by. While like many of
you, I enjoy the natural beauty, especially
our animal residents, it is the people who
have made 31 years possible. When the
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youngest of my 7 step grandchildren,
Will, said at age 3, I could get used to
this" I laughed and said yes, that is why
we are here.
The last 2 years I have had the honor
to serve on Kiawah Town Council. I
chair the Arts Council and work to
bring national and international artists
to the Kiawah community and the Sea
Islands with a dedicated committee.
The arts program was enlarged this year
to include a Cultural Events program
previously funded through ATAX. I, also,
chair the Communications Committee
with members with technology and
writing skills to advance the Town
communications to residents. We worked
to get the website platform upgraded and
redesigned; to begin the new e-blasts
on activities, announcements, and
performances; to initiate the bi-weekly
email blast on Town news; to change the
frequency of Town Notes to a quarterly
mailing; and to begin social media
communication.
I worked with the College of Charleston
to create the Antiques Symposium, lasting
7 years. I co-led and organized tours to
Europe with an emphasis on art history.
The College SOTA created an Arts
Council in 2000. I was President for 4
years and am still a member. The Town
of Kiawah formed an Arts Council of
which I have been a member since its
inception for 10 years and now chair. My
involvement with the College School of
the Arts has been a valuable relationship
for the Kiawah community. These
connections with faculty & students
have provided the Kiawah community
with high level performances and given
exceptional students an opportunity

to perform and enchant our audiences.
We have hosted concerts in our home
supporting numerous arts organizations.
Other community involvements have
been a member of Gibbes, etc., tutoring of
youth, GED tutoring, English as a second
language, board member of Johns Island
Youth Build, and board & committee
member of numerous arts groups. I have
been a member of Women Who Made
A Difference and served on the grants
committee for 2 years awarding donations
to organizations supporting women &
children in the Charleston community.
I have coordinated 2 women's health
seminars with MUSC and the KI Club
on Breast Cancer Awareness and Heart
Health Awareness bringing 3 doctors
in each area to Kiawah. I am a leading
member of il Circolo Italiano, Italian Club
offering 3 language classes and numerous
Italian cultural events. I have coordinated
numerous iPad classes for the community.
My career has been in retailing working
for Belk as buyer, fashion coordinator, and
teen board coordinator; later Cato Corp
as store manager, supervisor of 19 stores
in 3 states, merchandiser of 55 stores in
3 other states, special project manager,
& merchandise manager of $13 million
departments in 300 stores, import team
member for the chain, and later owned
2 businesses - one specialty store & an
accessory manufacturing business. I have
also been a business consultant of various
retail businesses advising. I am the design
component of our construction business. I
am a graduate of Wingate University with
studies in music & accounting; a graduate
of College of Charleston with degrees in
November 21, 2014
art history & studio art; post graduate

master studies in art history at USC.
John Labriola

property owner on the island: 1997
Where you are originally from:
Altoona, Pennsylvania
Council?
Over the past two years the Town
Council has been executing the key
elements of its Strategic Plan. The
objective of the plan, which was initially
prepared in January of 2013, was to
support and improve the financial security
of the Town. Many of the components
have been put into place but not fully
completed. I would like the opportunity,
as a member of Town Council, to continue
to participate in the implementation of
the balance of the plan.
November 21, 2014

The Town must continue to enhance
the communication vehicles it currently
utilizes and consider expanding into
additional methods of communication.
For example, periodic open Town Hall
meetings for the Mayor and Council to
discuss with the community issues of
interest and concern and to provide status
reports on active projects.
the community?
I feel the broader issue is one of
selection of elected representatives.
Individuals should be elected based on
their competency and trustworthy. They
should then execute their duties as elected
Town officials, which includes planning
and decision making. Efforts must always
be taken to obtain community input prior
to any decision that is made. Referendums
themselves should not be used for decisionmaking.
The annexation of Freshfields and
proposed annexation of the property on
Betsy Kerison are part of the strategic plan,
which supported the mission of the town.
I do not feel that any additional annexed
property will benefit the community of
Kiawah.
town?
Difficult challenge, however the town
officials should continue with open
and interesting dialogue to engage and
encourage members of the community to
participate.
The Town Council decided that an
objective and comprehensive review of
the services provided by the County and
Fire District should be reviewed. It was
felt that this review would be beneficial
for future planning to ensure the needs
of the community were being met. The
consultant report is scheduled to be
presented to the Town shortly and will
serve as a guide for future Councils.
Candidate Statement
Kiawah has been a major part of the
civic
life of our family for many years, both
as a vacation destination and now living
here as permanent residents. My wife,
Ardath and I purchased our property in
1997 and it has become a special place
for us. We feel very fortunate to be a part
of a community where so many people
are committed to ensure the beauty and
security of the environment.
It has been a privilege to continue the
tradition of civic service as a member of
the Town Council. Our commitment
to you two years ago was to represent
and make decisions to benefit the entire
community. I feel we have worked hard
to accomplish that commitment. A major
objective of Council was to ensure the
long term financial well being of the
Town. Strategic plans where put into
place and implemented that have had
a positive affect towards accomplishing
this objective. I believe my extensive
experience in both civic and professional
organizations provide me with the skills
of leadership, governing, communicating
and decision making. There is still work
to be done and that is why I am again
requesting your support of me for Town
Council.
We moved to Kiawah from Michigan
and became full time residents in the
spring of 2010 when I retired. We lived
in a villa at Parkside until our home
on Bluebill Court was completed in
September of 2011. Our 2 daughters and
4 grandchildren come often to enjoy the
Island.
After 40 years of employment at the
Beaumont Health System, I retired in
May of 2010. I was the CEO of the Royal
Oak Hospital, a 1,061 bed Academic
Medical Center. I have a BSBA from West
Virginia University and a MBA from the
University of Detroit.
In my retirement I have become a
member of the Board of Trustees at Siena
Heights University in Adrian, Michigan,
a Catholic University sponsored by the
Dominican Sisters. I am also a member
of their Faculty and teach courses in
Healthcare Finance. This experience is
providing a valuable understanding of the
importance of education and the impact
on both students and the community.
I am also a member of the Board of
Trustees of Our Lady of Mercy Community
Outreach on Johns Island. Ardath and I
have volunteered at Our Lady for the past
few years in the Summer and After School
tutoring programs. This is also a learning
experience in understanding the needs
of the communities surrounding Kiawah
and the important services Our Lady of
Mercy provide for them.

In 2010 I became a member of the
Towns Arts Council and learned to
appreciate the valuable resource it is
to the community. This committee is
instrumental in bringing a wide variety
of performing and visual art events to
our area. I have gained an appreciation of
the financial support that comes from the
Town and how important it is to ensure
the financial well being of the Town not
only for the Arts program but the many
other services the Town provides.
The community we live in is a unique
and special place for all of us. But there
are challenges it will face in the future
in order to continue to maintain the
vital position in all of our lives, either as
our permanent or vacation home. I feel
the key to addressing these challenges
is to ensure that the elected leadership
provides thoughtful and collaborative
efforts in discussion and decision making
working with all members of the Kiawah
community. Our Town is too important
to expect anything less.
I ask for your vote on December 2nd.
Craig Weaver

property owner on the island:
Lived on Kiawah 8 years; Owned
property 23 years
Where you are originally from?
Grand Rapids, MI
Council?
The Town has an important role in
ensuring that Kiawah remains a great
place to live, especially as new areas
are developed and more people choose
Kiawah to live or visit. The Town also
provides services that we, as residents,
depend on. I want to help ensure that the
Town government plays a positive role
in the community and that it operates

professionally, responsibly, and openly.
The Town has many written
communication tools already in place
newsletters, websites, and social media.
It has also been good about holding open
meetings about important issues. I do
want to see the town provide earlier and
more complete communication about
issues and actions that may affect residents
and I would like to see more frequent
opportunities for town council members
to interface with residents across the island
beyond just formal council meetings.
the community?
I am not generally in favor of
referendums, except where required
by law. Council members are expected
to evaluate issues, get input from the
community, and make thoughtful
decisions. Citizens can and should hold
their elected representatives accountable
for doing this well. Referendums are
expensive and do not necessarily result
in any greater consensus or clarity about
how to move a decision forward. It is also
not clear how you decide (or who decides)
what constitutes a significant issue.
I will be a hard sell on any
recommendation or request for further
annexation past the roundaboutexcept
for the land recently purchased by the
Town, which needs to be annexed now
that we own it. I think most residents of
the Town of Kiawah Island want Kiawah
to remain a small town, and do not want
to see it expand much beyond its current
island geography.
town?
We do have very good citizen
involvement already. The town provides
many opportunities for residents to be
involved, and nearly all of the towns
permanent committees are comprised of
non-elected resident volunteers. We need
to make certain that residents know when
opportunities exist to become involved
and we need to advertise openings widely.
We also have to ensure that our various

town committees remain open to new
participants.
Because of its geography Kiawah has
unique public safety challenges that
must be addressed. Emergency medical
response and transport services provided
by Charleston County EMSparticularly
response times to Kiawahmust be
improved. The town has initiated work in
this area that needs to be carried forward
to resolution. The Fire District has already
been working to ensure that it has the
capability to fully support Kiawahs fire
and emergency first response needs. The
town needs to work closely with SJFDs
new fire chief and actively support the
SJFD with its efforts and the changes it
has underway.
Candidate Statement
My wife Terry and I moved to Kiawah
full-time eight years ago. We intended
to retire, enjoy the beach and play golf.
But like many Kiawah residents, we have
enjoyed being more involved in Kiawah
and the surrounding community. Soon
after moving here I became involved
with the community association (KICA),
serving initially on the human resources
committee and later on the strategic
planning committee as well. I was elected
to the KICA board of directors in 2009
and served as the board's chair during
two years of the three-year term. I am
currently a commissioner on the St. John
Fire District commission, having been
appointed by Charleston County to a
term that ends in December of this year.
I have also participated in several social
civic
and charitable groups on the island. Terry
and I were co-presidents of the Kiawah's
POPs group. More recently I have assisted
her and a group of Kiawah women in
forming a charitable organization, the
Kiawah Womens Foundation, which
provides weekly food to low income school
children on Johns and Wadmalaw islands.
I grew up in Michigan. I have bachelors
and masters degrees in economics, public
administration and labor relations from
Michigan State University. The majority
of my career was spent in the oil industry
where I had human resources and general
management responsibilities in the US,
Europe, South America and Asia. I
followed that with five years as an officer of
Best Buy Corp. I have financial experience
as well, am certified as a financial planner,
and worked for UBS, providing investment
and financial advice to clients. Terry and
I have lived in a number of cities, dividing
our careers between Illinois, Texas and
Minnesota. We have two children, a son
in Tucson and daughter in Detroit.
Kiawah's property owners have varied
interests, yet share a desire to maintain the
value of our homes and property. We also
want to preserve those characteristics of
Kiawah that attracted us to the community
in the first place, including the natural
attributes of the island and the lifestyle
and sense of community that Kiawah
offers. We need our town government to
provide necessary services well, reliably,
and at reasonable cost. My intention, in
joining the town council, is to help the
Council carry out its responsibilities in an
effective, low-key, and fiscally responsible
manner. My business experience and my
knowledge of the community will help me
be a productive member of the council that
is attuned to the interests of our residents

and property owners. I am especially
want to assure that the Council works
cooperatively with the other community
entities, individual residents, and property
owners.
I cannot foresee all of the issues that will
engage the Town Council over the next
two years, but it is likely that continued
development of the island and surrounding
areas, consideration of further annexation,
and providing core services, such as water
and public safety will continue as issues on
the Town Councils plate. I want to assure
that these, and other issues, are considered
in a thoughtful and transparent manner
and that the Town continues to operate
effectively, provide excellent service
to the community, maintain a sound
financial structure, and focus on its core
responsibilities in the community.
John Wilson

property owner on the island: Property
owners since 1987. Full time resident since
February of 2001.
November 21, 2014
Council?
I feel that it is important to take an
active part in the islands community
to help direct the islands priorities in
directions that are beneficial to all. Sitting
on the sidelines is not my style.
The Town uses various means, including
print and electronic media, open forums
and one-on-one discussions to achieve this
purpose. Of course, its the responsibility
of residents to avail themselves of these
sources in order to arrive at informed
opinions of Town issues. Going forward,
it may be a good idea for the Town to
retain a media consultant to assist in the
critical area of communication.
the community?
Significant impact is a very subjective
criterion that can be arbitrarily applied.
The Town is required by law, in certain
instances, to spend the substantial time
and expense to conduct a referendum.
An example would be the approval of
a bond issue to purchase the KI Utility.
Beyond these cases, voters have elected a
Town government to make decisions and
conduct the Towns affairs. I think thats a
good balance.
November 21, 2014
civic
Upon purchasing the Betsy Kerrison

property for the municipal center, the
Town would have to annex it to control
the zoning and permitting process. This
makes perfect sense. However, unless
there was a compelling reason to do so I
am not in favor of additional annexation.
town?
There are many opportunities for
citizens to volunteer to serve on Town
on Community Association committees.
Citizens may also run for leadership
position in these entities.
This area is currently the subject of a
study commissioned by the Town. Id like
a chance to review the conclusions before
stating a position.
Candidate Statement
My name is John Wilson and I am
running for the Town Council. My wife
Linda, and I have been property owners
on Kiawah since 1987.Our first vacation
home was in Inlet Cove. Subsequently
we purchased a lot and built our current
home in 2001. Weve lived on Kiawah as
full time residents since February of 2001.
Im a retired Managing Director and
was head of an Institutional Investment
Unit of Prudential, managing a portfolio
of approximately $4 billion. My career
included assignments in portfolio and
asset/liability management, strategic
planning, interest rate risk management,
information systems, accounting and
auditing.
Ive attended Rensselaer Polytechnic
Institute and the Boston University

Graduate School of Management,
completed
the
ICFA
Investment
Management Program at Princeton and
The Program on Futures and Options at
Northwestern, have earned the Chartered
Financial Analyst designation, and am a
member of the CFA Institute.
Local positions since my retirement
include former Chair of the KICAs Finance
Advisory Committee and subsequently a
member of the KICA Board, serving as
Treasurer, Vice Chairman and liaison to
the Town. More recently I have served
the Town of Kiawah as Chair of the
Election Commission. Ive tutored for
several years at the Angel Oak, Frierson
and St. Johns schools with Communities
in Schools. For both the Senior PGA and
PGA Tournaments I served as volunteer
Chairman of Contestant Transportation.
I was one of the principals who conducted
the highly successful Kiawah Island
Motoring Retreat last November at the
River Course.
The Town of Kiawah is one of the
most financially sound municipalities
in the State and the Mayor and Town
Council need to make certain that
continues. A major issue facing the Town
is the evaluation and possible purchase of
the Utility. If elected, I hope to use my
background in utility finance to assist in
this effort. Looking outward, I feel it is
critical that the extensive contributions,
both financial and otherwise, of Kiawah
to Charleston County receive appropriate
recognition. In particular, the inadequate
roads on Johns Island deserve far more
attention from the County and our elected
representatives on County Council.
arts & events
Calling All Hoosiers
eabrook Islanders with an attachment to the State of Indiana

are preparing to celebrate the anniversary of the states
admittance into the Union on December 11, 2014. The
gathering has become an annual event (Since 2011) which includes
food, drinks, games, prizes, and singing all with a lot of Hoosier
gusto. Participants (Including spouses and significant others)
are asked to bring a hearty appetizer to share. The organizing
committee will provide plates, utensils, and soft drinks (BYOB).
Participants are also asked to donate $5 to cover costs associated
with the event. The event kicks off at 6 p.m. and runs to 8pm
at the Oyster Catcher Community Center on Seabrook Island.
If you have a connection (born, raised, lived, educated, traveled
through; anything works) and would like to attend please contact
Max Willis at 768-8301 or mwillissc@yahoo.com.
10
November 21, 2014
fundraising
BFFs Funds continues from cover

says Larence.
She rallied the troops, initially a dozen
of her golfing girlfriends, and from them
was borne the BFF Fund. The idea was
to replace the trinkets and superfluous
gifts for the revolving occasions the best
friends forever celebratedbirthdays,
holiday parties, retirements, recovery
from illnesses and requisite hostess gifts
yet still honor a friendship by spreading
support to other women who were more
in need.
i drive in
and out from
charleston
constantly
and you can
pass different
levels of
poverty as
youre driving
out. theres
a need right
next door to us,
these are our
neighbors.
Ginny Larence
Were at the age and stage where we
really dont need to do this for each other
and maybe we can do something good for
somebody else, says Larence.
In practice, what would have been a
gift is replaced with a donation to the BFF
Fund to honor the recipient. Simple cards
are given with a note stating that a donation
was made, encouraging others to replicate
the process. Donation amounts are private
to ensure it doesnt become a giving
contest but remains simply a gift from the

heart. At the end of the year, the money
in the pot is given to local organizations
that assist women and children on the Sea
Islands, an idea Larence says it at the heart
of the BFF Fund.
When people take mission trips threequarters of the way around the world it
always seems odd that we could instead be
helping each other in our own backyards,
explains Larence. I drive in and out from
Charleston constantly and you can pass
different levels of poverty as youre driving
out. Theres a need right next door to us,
these are our neighbors.
Though the fund began with a small
group of friends, it was, from the start,
meant for all women of the Sea Islands.
We hoped it would catch on as a
way for all women to honor their friends
by helping other women and children
in need, says Larence. She thinks the
gal-pal-based-model is an ideal way to
honor the established friendships between
women while recognizing the similarities
and struggles of other would-be best
friends.
In 2013 the BFF Fund gave out $8,000
to local beneficiaries including the Dee
Norton Lowcountry Childrens Center,
The Rural Mission, Our Lady of Mercy,
Church of Our Savior, and the Kiawah
Cares scholarship fund. This year the
group launches its website, which will
feature profiles of recipient groups and the
projects theyve been able to assist. Theyre
also nearing 100 participants whove
donated to the BFF Fund, a number
they want to continue to grow as the idea
spreads throughout Kiawah and Seabrook
islands.
To participate in the fund, get more
information, or to order BFF Fund cars,
contact Ginny Larence at larencev@me.com
or 843-425-4250. The website will be
www.bfffund.com.
computer corner
It's time to SHOP!

BY BOB HOOPER
he holidays are here, or so you

would think if you went in a store,
watched TV, listened to the radio,
etc. Santa and the elves are hard at work
and all good children, whatever their
ages, are already "wishing" for something,
mostly electronics!
So let's do some smart shopping and get
the best bang for our hard earned bucks.
One thought about games, laptops, tablets
and TV's is to wait till just before the 25th
to buy them, and in past years its held
true. You would see that last minute drop
in price at Best Buy or Wal-Mart, take
that crazy drive at 2 a.m. to the all-night
store and grab the deep discounted item
after fighting off 20 other caffeine crazed
shoppers, only to find it cheaper still the
next day.
The on-line shopping trend may peak
this year and already deals are available,
some quite good. I think Cyber Monday
will be a great time to buy those electronic
items for all, with some of the deals
starting on Black Friday. If you have not
heard of Cyber Monday it's the name
coined for the Monday after Black Friday
because everyone is back at work and
buying stuff online. As stated many of
the online deals start on 11/28/14 but the
really good ones start at midnight on Dec.
1 with some being snapped up in the first
few minutes. Doorbuster deals start every
hour and sites like Amazon have "pop-up"
deals thru-out the day, even sites like the
Apple store seem to get caught up in the
frenzy.
Depending on the laptop you are
considering deals should range from as

low as under $300 for a Windows 8.1 OS
to as high as $2,000 for a top-end Mac.
When considering the budget for little
Jimmy or darling Sarah make sure to take
into account what it's really going to be
used for, what kind of software you will
need and the age of the person. A 9 year
old really, really does not need a $2,000
Mac, although mom might! Refurbished
iPads are available directly from the Apple
store on-line and might make the perfect
gift for the younger aged, they come with
a warranty and although they may be a
model earlier will do everything and run
the latest apps. One note about tablets, if
you buy a $69 tablet on sale what you get
is as $69 tablet. It will be clunky, run very
slow, have outdated software and will not
run a lot of apps, in fact it may not even
connect to the Play store (Google). Many
of the cheap tablets have their "own"
app store and are very limited in their
offerings.
Remember that the islands have lots
of non-electronic gifts, shop locally. I
do offer to buy, set-up and transfer from
old to new for all electronics including
computers and TV's, Blu-rays, etc.
So go forth, set your budget early,
expect to bust it and commiserate will
each other come January when the bills
come due.
As with all of my columns if you want
help or have questions don't hesitate to call
Rent A Bob at 843.822.7794 or email at
rentabob@live.com.
November 21, 2014
Daily
whats hot
Seabrook Island Artist

Guild Artist of the Month
Thanksgiving
safety tips
the sketching, drafting, scaled drawings,

blueprints, imprinted the elements of art
and creativity into the soul.
However, that's in the past and now
these years on Seabrook Island have
allowed creativity to be expressed without
the boundaries of client expectations. So
step away from your comfortable and
convenient lives and enjoy Rural America
artwork, while revisiting our culture's
collective past.
Artist Of The Month

Brenda Tilson
Some folks call it Fly-Over Country.
Others call it Middle America. It can also
be referred to as Down-On The-Farm, or
The Range.
Regardless of the name, as American's
culture becomes increasingly urbanized,
many people have never ventured out of
the city limits and set foot on a farm. And
they don't think about "where their food
comes from". To illustrate the distance
between the Good Earth and the grocery
store produce counter, I once encountered
a woman at the fresh vegetable bins who
didn't know where the green peas were
- not realizing that the peas were in the
pod and that shelling was involved. After
learning that, she huffed and headed off to
the frozen food section.
But not to worry about this clueless
lady, you may be wondering what Brenda
was doing during her career years. It's best
summed up simply by bringing to reality
other people's visions. Design work in
the architectural field. There wasn't a
day during those active years that I didn't
have a pencil in my hand. (Yes, the lowly
mechanical pencilbefore the onset
of AutoCadd, etc.) A couple of college
degrees later (Fairmont State College, Art,
1968, University of Cincinnati, College of
Design, Architecture, & Art, 1973) and
many years of professional practiceall
Photographer Of The Month

Charles Measter
Charles
Measters
interest
in
photography began at an early age. He
was the photo editor of both his high
school and college yearbooks. During his
45 years in the shipping industry and now,
as an international maritime arbitrator,
he has traveled around the world over a
hundred times, always with a camera in
hand.
Since Charles and his wife, Barbara,
moved to Seabrook, he has expanded
his hobby to whole new level. He is a
member of the Seabrook Photo Club,
the Charleston Artists Guild, and the
National Association of Professional
Photographers. He has won awards in
Charleston and New York. You can view
some of his work at www.clmphotos.com.
There will be a reception in Brenda and
Charles honor on Monday, Dec. 1 from 5-7
pm at the Lake House.
11
BY CAPTAIN CHAD KELLY

here is nothing better than family,

friends, good food, and football
to help us realize how much
we have to be thankful for during the
holidays. However, the same things listed
can cause distractions and danger while
preparing the food. We at St. Johns Fire
District and NFPA would like for you to
keep the following in mind during the
Thanksgiving Holiday.
Stay in the kitchen when you are
cooking on the stovetop so you can
keep an eye on the food.
Stay in the home when cooking
your turkey and check on it
frequently.
Make sure the turkey is completely
thawed prior to placing it into hot
oil.
Never use a gas turkey fryer
indoors.
Keep children away from the
stove. The stove will be hot and
kids should stay 3 feet away.
Make sure kids stay away from
hot food and liquids. The steam
or splash from vegetables, gravy or
coffee could cause serious burns.
Keep the floor clear so you dont
trip over kids, toys, pocketbooks
or bags.
Keep knives out of the reach of

children.
Be sure electric cords from an
electric knife, coffee maker, plate
warmer or mixer are not dangling
off the counter within easy reach
of a child.
Do not overload outlets or
extension cords. Use grounded
power strips with overcurrent
protection.
Keep matches and utility lighters
out of the reach of children up
high in a locked cabinet.
Never leave children alone in room
with a lit candle.
Make sure your smoke alarms are
working. Test them by pushing the
test button.
Have your chimney inspected
annually prior to using the fire
place.
Please follow these tips for a safe

and enjoyable Thanksgiving. Happy
Thanksgiving from St. Johns Fire District.
As always if you have any questions,
would like a fire and life safety program
or need a smoke alarm installed feel free
to contact the St. Johns Fire/Rescue, Fire
Prevention Division.
Island Connection Calendar
10
November 21, 2014
November 21
ONGOING EVENTS
Mondays
POPS Bible Study

8:30 a.m. at the Sandcastle
Monday Bridge Group
The Monday Bridge Group needs new
players. 9 a.m. at the Lake House. For
more information, please contact Lori
Muenow at 843.768.2314 or Ilse Calcagno
at 843.768.0317.
Seabrook Stitchers
The Lake House, every Monday from 11

a.m. - 1 p.m. For more information, please
contact Denise Doyon at dendoyon@gmail.
com.
Tuesdays
Mah Jongg Practice
2nd, 3rd, and 4th Tuesday of the month,
The Lake HouseOsprey 2, 1 - 4 p.m.
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.
Kick it at Bohicket
Free family fun at Bohickett Marina, 6 to 9
p.m. featuring music, face painting, balloon
artists and a jump castle.
Fridays
Preschool Zone
Fridays in April at 10:30 a.m., 351 Maybank
Highway, Johns Island Regional Library.
3-6 years old with adult. Call 843.559.1945
for more information.
County Park
Ongoing Nightly through Jan. 1.
Special events are included with festival
admission fees. For festival hours and
fees, call 843.795.4386 or visit www.
HolidayFestivalofLights.com.
Dec. 2: Storytelling, 6:30 & 7:30 p.m.
Dec. 4: Performance by Lowcountry
Power Brass, 6 8 p.m.
Dec. 5: Visit with Mrs. Claus, 5:30
p.m. Ask a Caw Caw Naturalist, 6
p.m.
Dec. 6: Stiltwalker, 6 p.m.
Dec. 7: Visit with Mrs. Claus, 5:30
p.m.
Saturdays
Homegrown
Johns Island Farmers Market. Every
Saturday at 3546 Maybank Highway
Johns Island 9 a.m. 1 p.m. www.
johnsislandfarmersmarket.com.
Holiday Craft Classes for 5 12 year olds
10 a.m. 12 p.m.
Children will be able to choose from a
variety of projects (or choose them all!).
The class will work with natural elements
to celebrate the season! Taught by mother
daughter artist duo Sally Collins and
KC Collins. $35 Members, $45 NonMembers per one day class. Register for
both days and get $5 off total. Circular
Congregational Church Wingard Room,
150 Meeting St.
Ongoing
Holiday Festival of Lights, James Island
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 27
Thanksgiving Donation to the
Lowcountry Food Bank
Kiawah will be donating $1 for every adult
meal ordered at The Sanctuarys Grand
Oaks Ballroom Thanksgiving Feast, Jasmine
Porch, The Atlantic Room, and The Ocean
Room to the Lowcountry Food Bank.
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 28
Bohicket Marina & Market Fall Festival
Free Family Fun with Jump Castle, Balloon
Artist, Face Painter, and Beach Music for all
you shaggers! Kids Fishing Tournament $5 Entry Fee, includes pole and all the bait
youll need. 2 Sessions: 11-12 Noon and 12
Noon -1 p.m. Limited poles so 1st come 1st
serve! Please bring a canned food item and
support Our Lady of Mercy Community
Outreach. You can drop of your canned

food items at Doin the Charleston
Christmas Shop. Sponsored by Bohicket
Merchants Association. (Rain date 29).
Holiday Art Fair
Seabrook artists, photographers and crafts
people exhibit their work at the Lake House,
noon 7 p.m. Presented by the Seabrook
Island Artist Guild.
Sip and Shop
10 a.m. 1 p.m. Come out to Freshfields
Village near Kiawah Island on Black
Friday and help out local school children.
J. McLaughlins annual Sip and Shop
event brings together delicious wine and
great shopping for a worthy cause. 15% of
the proceeds go to the Kiawah Womens
Foundation, a Kiawah Cares partner.
Donations benefit Johns and Wadmalaw
Island school children through the
foundations Snack Pack Buddies program.
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 3
Small Business Counseling with SCORE
10 a.m. 1 p.m. Receive free, confidential
counseling for your start-up idea or existing
business from members of the Charleston
Coastal Chapter of SCORE at the Johns
Island Regional Library.
World Affairs Council of Charleston
5:15 p.m. Dr. Christine Fair of Georgetown
University will speak beginning at 6 p.m.
Her topic will be The Role of Pakistan in
the Context of the December 31st. U.S.
withdrawal of Combat personnel from
Afghanistan. Questions and answers will

follow. The location is the Citadel Alumni
Center at 69 Hagood Avenue, right across
from the stadium. Admission is open to
members, join online at waccharleston.org
or at the meeting.
Art with a Twist: Antique Walk, a Stroll
in Search of the Perfect Treasure
6 p.m. Explore Charlestons finest antique
dealers and learn about the history of
their treasures with local experts. Wine
and cheese will be served along the tour.
Location: Meet at the Gibbes Museum
entrance, 135 Meeting Street. $20
members, $30 non members.
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 6
Celebrate the Eastern Bluebird
10 a.m. We will create a take-home
bluebird plush toy, walk Sewees bluebird
nature trail and check out last years
nesting boxes. Free Program at the Sewee
Visitor & Environmental Education
Center.
Homegrown Holiday Bazaar
2 6 p.m. Join us for an afternoon of
Holiday Shopping, Silent Auctions,
Hayrides, Games, Food Trucks, Beer &
Wine, and Live Music from The V-Tones
of Charleston! 3546 Maybank Hwy, Johns
Island. Brought to you by Johns Island
Farmers Market and Sea Islands Chamber
of Commerce.
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 11
Happy Thanksgiving!
January 25
Calling All Hoosiers
6 8 p.m. Seabrook Islanders with an
attachment to the State of Indiana are
preparing to celebrate the anniversary
of the states admittance into the Union
on December 11, 2014. See story page
9. Contact Max Willis at 768.8301 or
mwillissc@yahoo.com.
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 17
Round Table Discussion with
Councilwoman Johnson
12:30 p.m. Discuss concerns and issues

with Councilwoman Anna Johnson of
Charleston County District 8 at the Johns
Island Regional Library.
JANUARY 23-25, 2015

Kiawah Comedy Weekend
Join us for this inaugural comedy weekend
featuring two nights of nonstop laughter
with some of the nations most acclaimed
comedians. This event is located at the
Kiawah island Golf Resort.
14
islands at war
November 21, 2014
The Battle of Burden's Causeway

PA R T I - P R E L U D E
BY COLLIN CUSKLEY
y mid-1864, the last full year of the

war, the tide had turned distinctly
against the Confederacy. Sherman
had begun the campaign to take Atlanta
and march to the sea. But Charleston had
yet to be taken. And the largest battle
fought on Johns Island was about to begin.
As part the effort to take Charleston,
Union forces began an offensive that
would engage forces on James and Johns
Island as well as on the mainland up the
North Edisto River.
Strategy
The railroad between Savannah and
Charleston was the main route for supplies
and reinforcements into the city of
Charleston. Despite numerous attempts to
cut it earlier in the war, it remained intact.
The recently appointed commander of the
Unions Department of the South, Major
General John Foster, decided to launch a
major offensive against Charleston in July
1864. The objective was to capture James
Island and to engage Southern forces
to prevent them from participating in
actions in other theaters. The offensive was
planned in three parts. The main effort
was an assault on James Island including
an amphibious landing at Fort Johnson.
The second was a landing at White Point
on the North Edisto River across from
Wadmalaw Island. The third attack
was a landing on Seabrook Island and
then march up Bohicket Road on Johns
Island. Both these landings were aimed
at cutting the railroad to prevent Rebel
reinforcements from participating in the
main battle on James Island. The Johns
Island effort was aimed at the railroad
bridge on the mainland at Rantowles
Creek (1.5 miles west of Main Rd. on
todays Savanah Highway / Rt. 17).
Landing on Seabrook Island
The Union forces began landing
on Seabrook Island on the morning of
Saturday, July 2 1864 continuing into
early the next day. The troops were under
the command of Brigadier General John
P. Hatch. They consisted of the following
units:
104th
Pennsylvania
Volunteers,
Colonel William H. Davis
144th New York Volunteers, Colonel
W. J. Sidell
56th New York Infantry, Colonel
Charles H. Van Wyck,
157th New York, Colonel Philip P.
Brown, Jr.
26th New York Infantry (Colored),
Colonel William Silliman
9th US Colored Regiment, Maryland
Volunteers
3rd New York Artillery (4 guns),
Captain Wildts
4th Massachusetts Cavalry (2
companies) , Maj. D. B. Keith
Engineer Unit, Bridge Train
Altogether, there were about 5,000
Union troops.
On Saturday, July 2, the first regiment
to land, the 144th New York, marched
up Seabrook Island toward Haulover
Cut while the other troops were still
landing. They forded the Cut, drove off
the Confederate pickets and secured
the earthworks on the Johns Island side
(where the Rosebank Farm Stand was
located until recently). This opening
action was similar to what occurred earlier
in February at the Battle of Haulover Cut.
However this time, the Confederates had
fewer forces readily available and lacked
the leadership of Captain Humphreys and
Captain Jenkins who had commanded
the first Rebels in the earlier battle. Now a
Major, Jenkins still commanded the forces
on Johns Island but was off the Island.
By Sunday morning, July 3, engineers
repaired the bridge across the Cut and
the additional Union regiments had
been landed. Under the command of
Col. Davis, they marched up Bohicket
Road (todays Betsey Kerrison Pkwy) to
the Cocked Hat, at the intersection with
River Road. Confederate reinforcements
forces under the temporary command of
Captain Edward L. Parker of the Marion
Artillery had begun to gather but where
still spread out between Church Flats on
the mainland and the Episcopal Church

near the bridge to Wadmalaw. There
were also false reports of landings on
Wadmalaw, which made Capt. Parker
cautious of moving too far forward.
Change of Plans
Major Davis sent scouts up Bohicket
Road towards the Presbyterian Church
where they engaged Confederate pickets.
He was unsure of what opposition he faced
and was wary from his sides previous
defeat in February. The day was hot and
the Union forces were exhausted from the
landing and march up to the Cocked Hat.
So they entrenched and camped there for
the night. Meanwhile, the Confederates
realizing the large force they faced,
burned down the Orange Hill Plantation
house, about a mile north of the Union
camp. This had been the headquarters
of the Stono Brigade. It was said the fire
could be seen as far away as Charleston,
signaling the Union invasion.
By Monday morning, July 4, General
Hatch had taken personal command of the
Union troops. He had received reports that
some Union reinforcements, including
artillery, had landed at Legareville on the
east side of Johns Island. With the old
plantation house smoldering on his front to
the north up Bohicket Rd, and still unsure
of the opposition he faced, Gen Hatch
decided to change his plans and march
east up River Rd. instead. While unable
to attack the railroad in that direction,
he could support the landings on James
Island and threaten the Confederate flank
there. He would also have better access to
reinforcements and additional supplies as
well as an escape route from Legareville
along the Stono River. The uncontested
controlled of the navigable waterways by
the Federal Navy was a key element in all
actions in the lowcountry.
July in the Lowcountry
Despite having set off at 5 a.m., by noon
the Union troops had only gone 5 miles
up to Brickhouse Plantation at Legareville
Road (approximately where todays Bryan
Dairy Road is located). Image marching
in the still of the lowcountrys July heat in
a woolen uniform on a dirt road behind
hundreds of other pounding feet stirring
up the dust. Major Davis reported the
men suffered severely from the dust and
heat and that I do not remember a
hotter day during my service, not even
in Mexico. One soldier in the 144th
New York recorded the day was marked
by the intense heat and the stifling dust
and intolerable thirst. On the brighter
side he also wrote One compensation
was found in the ripe, juicy plums which
at our frequent stops could be had for
the reaching. While a heavy rain in the
midafternoon cooled things off a bit,
the now muddy roads made any further
progress impossible that day. The Union
forces camped there for the night, too
exhausted for much of an Independence
Day celebration.
The most notable event of the day was
the capture of Union surgeon Dr. William
T. Robinson. Doctor Robinson was with
Company G of the 104th Pennsylvania
Regiment who through some confusion

missed the turn at River Rd. and continued
up Bohicket Rd. After going a mile or
so, Captain Corcoran of Company G
realized his error and halted. The doctor,
convinced the regiment was just ahead,
insisted on continuing a bit further where
he was captured by some Confederate
pickets. After a short engagement with the
Confederates, Captain Corcorans unit
retreated back down Bohicket Rd. where
he rejoined the main force.
After his capture Surgeon Robinson
was brought to the Charleston jail
and interrogated by the Confederate
adjutant, Major Charles S. Stringfellow
(coincidently sharing the same surname
as Johns Island historian Elizabeth
Betty Stringfellow, but no relation.).
Nevertheless he reported his treatment as
universally kind and respectful. Almost
immediately Union General Foster wrote
the Confederate commander, General
Sam Jones, seeking repatriation of the
surgeon as a medical officer. In the middle
of ongoing active combat over the next
few weeks, the generals exchanged a polite
correspondence over the proprieties of
war. Eventually Doctor Robinson was
exchanged in August for a Confederate
medical officer.
Other Actions
Meanwhile, on July 2 thru 4, the
actions on James Island and up the Edisto
River had proceeded. The tricky nighttime
amphibious assault on Fort Johnson was
beset by problems. Nevertheless one
unit of the 52nd Pennsylvania reached
the parapet of the lightly defended
Fort Johnson. But in the confusion the
other scattered units had retreated, and
being unsupported, the Pennsylvanians
surrendered, not realizing that even their
small group outnumbered the opponents
within the fort.
Another Union force had attacked
James Island from Sol Legare Island on
July 2. But making little headway, they
retreated back on the 3rd. The Union
Navy repeatedly shelled the Confederate
batteries on James Island from the Stono
River but with little apparent success. The
Edisto expedition met stiff opposition on
Younges Island and also retreated without
ever reaching the railroad or causing any
significant damage.
Part Two - Three Days of Battle
By the morning of July 5, 1864, two of
the three Federal attacks in the lowcountry
had failed. But on Johns Island a strong force
was half way up the Island facing scattered,
disorganized Confederate opposition. The
Federal Navy had full control of the Stono
River to support them. The Union was in a
good position to take most of the east side of
Johns Island and flank the enemy on James
Island, threatening Charleston. Read about
the three days of battle that determined the
outcome in the next issue.
November 21, 2014
15
gardening
Learning to discern ferns

KIAWAH ISLAND GARDEN CLUB HAS MANY
F U N H O L I D AY E V E N T S P L A N N E D
BY JENNIFER TUOHY
ferns that do well here. Peacock fern is a

tough ground cover, thrives in shade and
has a beautiful blue-green iridescence.
Cotton Candy fern is a lovely compact
fern for indoors, with tiny, fluffy leaves.
Australian Tree fern can grow 10-12 feet
tall outdoors. It is not deer proof but they
dont like it. Staghorn fern is an air plant
with 18 varieties from Southeast Asia and
thrives in our rain and humidity. If its
grown under cover, misting is necessary.
One excellent deer repellent is Repellex
pellets which contain Capsaicin and
are put into the soil around plants; in
three weeks the plants take on a bitter
taste which lasts 15-18 months. Of
course deer become used to any taste, so
different repellents need to be introduced.
Milorganite is another deer repellent and
fertilizer.
If anyone wants to order a special fern,
Monrovia will take orders online and send
them directly to Hyams for pickup.
Randy Howie holding a cotton candy fern.
n November 10, the Kiawah Island

Garden Club enjoyed a program
by Randy Howie of Hyams
Garden Center, about the variety of ferns
that grow well in our area. He worked for
years at Carolina Nursery before bringing
his expertise to Hyams. He told us that
there are varieties of ferns that are deer
resistant, if only the deer would read the
directions. Royal fern is one such variety
and is a deciduous fern. Other deciduous
ferns are Japanese Painted and Ostrich
The Kiawah Island Garden Club

is planning many holiday events. On
Monday, November 24, there will be
a workshop at Rosebank Farms barn,
where members will make Thanksgiving
arrangements in pumpkins.
On Tuesday, December 9 there will
be two workshops at the Night Heron
Pavilion, at 9:30 a.m. or 11 a.m., to make
Holiday Mailbox decorations Natural
clippings will be taken from around the
fern. An evergreen fern that flourishes

here is Holly fern, which likes acidic soil
and is easily fertilized with Hollytone. A
good fertilizer for ferns is fish emulsion,
which needs to be applied every two
weeks. Osmocote releases slowly and can
last for four months. The important part
of any fertilizer is a high nitrogen level
to promote leafy growth, as ferns dont
flower and our soil is naturally high in
Phosphorus.
Howie introduced several unusual
Tid e Char t
Date
High Tide
Low Tide
Nov 21
Nov 22
Nov 23
Nov 24
Nov 25
Nov 26
Nov 27
Nov 28
Nov 29
Nov 30
Dec 1
Dec 2
Dec 3
Dec 4
6:57am/7:03pm
7:39am/7:46pm
8:21am/8:29pm
9:06am/9:15pm
9:53am/10:04pm
10:43am/10:59pm
11:39am/11:59pm
12:38pm
1:03am/1:40pm
2:09am/2:43pm
3:14am/3:44pm
4:15am/4:41pm
5:12am/5:36pm
6:05am/6:27pm
12:21am/1:05pm
1:04am/1:50pm
1:48am/2:35pm
2:33am/3:22pm
3:21am/4:10pm
4:11am/5:01pm
5:06am/5:55pm
6:07am/6:52pm
7:12am/7:51pm
8:20am/8:50pm
9:26am/9:48pm
10:29am/10:43pm
11:26am/11:35pm
12:20pm
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
A peacock fern.
island and combined with decorative

items and bows.
On Wednesday, December 10,
members will meet at 9:30 a.m. with the
KICA maintenance staff to make swags
and other natural decorations for all the
signs on Kiawah Island. It is an intense
and rewarding day of work and the
results are enjoyed by hundreds of people
throughout the Christmas season.
On Monday, December 15 the
Garden Club will gather for their annual
Christmas Tea in the beautiful Morning
Room at the Sanctuary Hotel, from 3-5
p.m. As well as tea and treats the Piano
Man, Glenn Brown, will entertain the
members with holiday and Christmas
music as they enjoy the huge Sanctuary
Christmas tree and decorations. It will be
a perfect finale for a busy and productive
year.
16
Holiday
Shopping Guide
Advertise Here
Call 866.6397
November 21, 2014
18
November 21, 2014
Seabrook Island hosts

Veterans Day golf event
PHOTOS BY RALPH SECOY
The Seabrook Island Club celebrated Veterans Day with

a charitable golf outing on Nov. 10, honoring veterans
who have served the country and raising money to
support the Wounded Warrior Project and the Ralph
Johnson Veterans Hospital.
November 21, 2014
19
seasons of the south
Green Bean and Wild Mushroom Ragout

with Crispy-Fried Onion Rings
BY MARILYN MARKEL
For the Island Connection
1 cup flour
1 tsp salt
1 tsp baking powder
1 egg
1 cups buttermilk
1 cup panko
Salt to taste
2 cups oil
You'll need a heavy bottomed saucepan
or deep fryer.
Directions
Green Bean and Wild Mushroom
Ragout
1. Preheat oven to 400. Combine
beans with olive oil, salt and pepper
and toss. Place on parchment line
sheet pan and roast for about
and hour.
2. Melt butter and heat olive oil in a
large skillet until bubbly.
3. Add mushrooms and shallots and
saut until mushroom liquid is
released and evaporated.
4. Add garlic and paprika and cook
here is nothing traditional about

this green bean casserole, or ragu.
Its full of the traditional flavors
and then some. Take your Thanksgiving
sides up a notch and try this on turkey
day.
Ingredients
Green Bean and Wild Mushroom
Ragout
1 lb haricot vert, trimmed
1 Tbsp olive oil
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 Tbsp butter
1 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
1 pound assorted wild mushrooms, sliced
1 large shallot, finely chopped
1 clove garlic, finely chopped
tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp sherry vinegar
2 Tbsp dry white wine or dry vermouth
Scant cup cream
cup chopped fresh parsley, divided
Crispy-Fried Onion Rings
1 large onion, sliced
for another minute.

5. Add vinegar and wine and cook
for a couple of minutes.
6. Add cream, parsley, and onion
rings and serve.
Crispy-Fried Onion Rings
1. Heat oil in heavy bottomed
saucepan.
2. Combine flour, salt and baking
powder. Whisk a bit.
3. Combine egg and buttermilk.
Whisk as well.
4. Dip onion slices into flour.
5. Dip onion rings into buttermilk
mixture, the panko.
6. Deep fry until crisp and tender,
about 5 minutes. Sprinkle with
salt. Keep warm.
20
tennis
November 21, 2014
Andrea Petkovic returns to Family Circle Cup

2014 CHAMPION AND WORLD NO. 13 COMMITS TO CHARLESTON
BY ARIELLE ALPINO
amilyCircle Cup champion and World No. 13

Andrea Petkovic, will return to Charleston to
defend her title at the 43rd Family Circle Cup, April
4 April 12, 2015.
South Carolina
holds a special
place in my
heart. My father
played tennis
at University of
South Carolina
and its now
the place
where I won my
first Premier
tournament
title.
Andrea Petkovic
Petkovic has made two previous appearances in
Charleston, where she holds an 8-1 record. She defeated
Jana Cepelova 75, 62 in 2014 for her third WTA title, her
first since 2011.
I am very excited to return to Charleston to play the

Family Circle Cup for the third time, said Petkovic.
South Carolina holds a special place in my heart. My
father played tennis at University of South Carolina
and its now the place where I won my first Premier
tournament title. Im already looking forward to April.
The former top-10 player made a major comeback the
2013-2014 season, following an injury resulting in time
off. After her Family Circle Cup win, Petkovic reached
her first career Grand Slam semifinal at the French Open.
She went on to reach the semifinals in Stanford, before
taking home an additional WTA title at Bad Gadstein.
Petkovic finished the tennis season with another win,
claiming the title at the Garanti Koza WTA Tournament
of Champions.
The past year has brought back the Andrea the tennis
world fell in love with in 2011, said Eleanor Adams,
Family Circle Cup Tournament Manger. We are looking
forward to Andreas return to the Family Circle Cup to
defend her title. From her vivacious personality to her
on-court presence and perseverance, she is a player the
fans have embraced.
Petkovic is well suited for the green clay of the Family
Circle Cup. The German has won 80 percent of her WTA
titles on her favorite surface, clay.
Tickets to the 2015 Family Circle Cup are on sale at
www.FamilyCircleCup.com or by calling the box office
at (800) 677-2293. Patrons can purchase single session
tickets, or choose from a variety of ticket and travel
packages.
The Family Circle Cup is the largest womens only tennis

tournament in the world, and Family Circle is the longest
running title sponsor of a sporting event in the United
States, as well as in all of professional tennis, worldwide.
With more than 21 million readers, Family Circle is one
of the most widely read monthly magazines in America
and is one of 14 leading subscription magazines owned
by Meredith Corporation, which speaks to 80 million
women nationwide. The Family Circle Cup receives
four days of live broadcast domestically on ESPN2, and
is viewed internationally in more than 143 countries,
featuring more than 200 hours of live and delayed global
broadcast time, reaching 9+ million viewers worldwide.
21
volunteer spotlight
Mariela Perez-Ralston
FA C E P R O B L E M S H E A D - O N
INTERVIEW BY MARIA GUROVICH
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.
Mariela Perez-Ralston
y name is Mariela PerezRalston. I was born and raised

in Ponce, a small town located
on the southern coast of Puerto Rico. I
am a real estate agent and consultant by
day, and avid baker and crafter by night.
I am also passionate about traveling and
photography. My husband, Jon Ralston
M.D., and I met in New York City
seven and a half years ago and moved to
Charleston in June of 2010. We absolutely
love it here and when we moved to
Charleston I immediately began looking
for somewhere to volunteer.
My passion for volunteering and
giving back began early. Growing-up, my
parents and teachers always encouraged
my siblings and me to get involved in
community service. However, it was
during my four years at Georgetown
University in Washington, D.C when I
made my first serious commitment to
volunteering.
I became a volunteer kids tutor for DC
Schools Project, a literacy organization
that has been serving Washington, D.C.'s
low-income immigrant community since
1984. At age 19 I started volunteering
for DC Schools Project and was assigned
to tutor two of six children from an
underprivileged Salvadorian immigrant
family. The children I tutored were
far behind their peers academically
and struggled to speak both Spanish
and English. Confronting the familys
deprivation of education and resources
was emotionally taxing and the odds of
making a difference overwhelmed me at
times.
The situation forced me to make a
difficult choice. I could work against the
odds, or I could give up. I decided to
face the problem head-on and focused on

helping these children learn and looked
for ways to improve the everyday lives of
the whole family. After the first year of
continuous at-home tutoring, they were
happier, healthier and doing much better
in school. Their younger siblings were also
more interested in learning and reading.
Over the years I lost track of them, but
deep down I know that at least at some
point in their lives they had a big sister
who served as a positive role model and
gave them hope for their future. The
experience left a lasting impression on me
and since then I have made it a priority to
volunteer.
When I settled down in Charleston
I heard from somebody that Our Lady
of Mercy Community Outreach always
needed volunteer English as a Second
Language teachers, so I decided to help.
It was an easy decision to get involved as a
tutor since helping Spanish speakers learn
English is something I have always been
passionate about. For my ESL students
at Our Lady of Mercy Community
Outreach I feel it is my duty to actively
support and encourage them to continue
their education. It is vital to teach them
the skills they need to become empowered
and active members of their respective
communities. The best way to fulfill my
duty and make a difference is to set a good
example, show compassion and be caring.
Our Lady of Mercy Community
Outreach has been the best place for me
to give back and help others the best way
I know how. It is such an amazing place.
There are wonderful, dedicated and highly
skilled people running the center, and
they make it a very pleasant experience to
be there. In addition, I absolutely enjoy
seeing my students make progress, become
more independent and succeed within
their families and at their jobs. Like with
the Salvadorian family in D.C., I want to
give them hope for their future.
If I had to share one thing with someone
who wants to be a volunteer I would say it
does not matter if you have 30 minutes, a
month, or three hours a week to volunteer;
every little bit counts. There are so many
organizations with so many different
needs. There is always something one can
do to support an organization within the
community. The important thing is to be
honest with yourself and find something
that you will truly enjoy doing- an activity
that will enhance your mind, lift your
spirits and fill your heart.
For more information on how to
get involved with Our Lady of Mercy
Community Outreach contact Maria
Gurovich via phone 843.559.4109 or email
maria.gurovich@olmoutreach.org.
November 21, 2014
22
November 21, 2014
fresh from the farm
The Tomato Man

H O LY C I T Y FA R M S S H AW N R A N S F O R D
BY CATHERINE GILMORE
Editors note: Fresh from the Farm is a new column

in The Island Connection highlighting a farmer and/or
craftsman that participates in Homegrown, the weekly Johns
Island Farmers Market held every Saturday.
Island Farmers Market, has individuals who buy from

him weekly, and also delivers to over 30 local restaurants.
very Saturday at the Johns Island Farmers Market

many people say the same thing: Please tell me the
man with the beautiful tomatoes is here!
The man they are referring to is Shawn Ransford of
Holy City Farms. Located on Wadmalaw Island, Shawns
hydroponically grown heirloom tomato operation has
made quite a name for itself since its inception just last
year.
Shawn grew up in Columbia, SC and moved to
Charleston in 1993 to study computer science at the
College of Charleston. He worked at Blackbaud for 13
years and around 2009 he decided to play around with
farming. Through his experimentation Shawn found that
growing in a greenhouse would be his best bet in order
to closely control every variable in the process. He left
Blackbaud and began to focus solely on his farm in 2013.
Shawn attributes his attention to detail in the greenhouse
to his technical background and likes to call himself a
tomato engineer rather than a traditional farmer.
Shawn made the decision to grow tomatoes because
of their marketability in the Charleston area. He notes
that he would rather produce something that everyone
loves, such as tomatoes, than spend time trying to market
something else such as lettuce. The dedication to tomatoes
seems to have paid off: Shawn participates in the Johns
Shawn Ransford, The Tomato Man, shows off his

hydroponic heirlooms
No synthetic products are used on the tomatoes, even

during an infestation. Shawn says that he must be able
to pick the tomato off the vine and take a bite out of
it without feeling uneasy about whats on it. Taste is
also extremely important and is the center of Holy City
Farms business model; if the fruit of one plant doesnt
taste right, Shawn will dig up the entire row and start
over.
Growing hydroponically doesnt mean there are no
challenges in production, however. The greenhouse
must be kept humid and relatively warm, a perfect
environment for pests. Though the greenhouse is an
enclosed environment, it only takes one bug to make a
home and begin producing offspring. For instance, this
summer Shawn experienced a white fly infestation that
wiped his whole crop out and ultimately set him back four
months. Since then he has gotten back on his feet and is
continuing with full force, now a little more informed
about pests and ready to take on the next challenge.
As for the future, Shawn has a vision of Holy City
Farms becoming more of a family business. He intends to
move his wife and kids on location in order to integrate
the farm more in their everyday lives and teach them
what it means to run a business. When asked about his
motivation, Shawn responded:
When you start something, you want to finish it. I
started with a vision and want to see it come to fruition.
With Holy City Farms fast growing clientele, it seems
that fruition is not too far away.
Experience the fruit of Shawn's labor at the Johns Island
Farmers Market every Saturday. Holy City Farms website:
www.holycityfarms.com, www.facebook.com/holycityfarms

The Island Connection - November 21, 2014

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