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Volume 8 Issue 25

March 27, 2015

FREE

Look what
the Tide
brought in
KIAWAHS LOREN
BEADLE OPENS
SOUTHERN TIDE
IN FRESHFIELDS
BY MARGARET PILARSKI
For The Island Connection

outhern Tide, a lifestyle apparel

brand known for its quality pieces
that reflect youthful styles and
Southern prep, is the newest addition to
Kiawah Islands Freshfields Village. Its
first product, the Skipjack polo, was a
runaway success when the Greenvillebased company launched in 2006, and the
Freshfields store will be Southern Tides
first stand-alone store, setting the stage
for the companys expanding line, which
includes casual sportswear, outerwear,

Turtle team gets

a giant treat
YAW K E Y T H E L E AT H E R B A C K H I G H L I G H T S
A Q U A R I U M S N E E D F O R E X PA N S I O N
BY GREGG BRAGG

The Island Connection Staff Writer

ifteen years ago, the South Carolina Aquarium admitted

the first turtle into a hospital that didnt really exist. Since
then, 155 turtles have been released back into the wild after
being rehabilitated in the makeshift but evolving, basement
accommodations. During that time, small, very personal tours
of the Sea Turtle Hospital were conducted and considered a
rare delicacy, a cake that needed no icing. All of that is about to
change forever, when the new Sea Turtle Hospital is built and
opened to the public, an event scheduled for 2016.
Any chance to tour the turtle hospital is its own reward, a
mere breath away from the patients. Local Turtle Patrol leaders

Humor Humidity & Humus

Page 9

were invited to the South Carolina Aquarium on Sunday, March

8, 2015 to do just that. The cake drew turtle patrol volunteers
from Folly Beach, DeBordieu, Litchfield, Isle of Palms, Kiawah,
Dewees Island, Seabrook, Edisto, Fripp Island, Hunting Island,
Hilton Head, Garden City and Myrtle Beach. Over 50 people
in all were mesmerized as Kelly Thorvalson, Sea Turtle Rescue
Program Manager, kicked off the proceedings.
We found a space in our basement that we hoped would work,
Thorvalson said as she began an overview of the program. Starting

Giant Turtle continues on page 4

Honey Bee Guys

Page 13

What started it all: The Skipjack Logo

was dreamed up by Allen Stephenson, a
23-year-old entrepreneur from Greenville.

Southern Tide continues on page 5

Family Circle Cup time

Page 17

March 27, 2015

civic

Kiawah Town council

meeting, March 2015

Lynn Pierotti
publisher
lynn@luckydognews.com
Jennifer Tuohy
managing editor
jennifer@luckydognews.com
Swan Richards
senior graphic designer
swan@luckydognews.com
Lori McGee
sales manager
lori@luckydognews.com
Alejandro Ferreyros
graphic designer
alejandro@luckydognews.com
Ralph Secoy
staff photographer
Staff Writer
Gregg Bragg
Contributors
Margaret Pilarski
Stephanie Braswell
Kerry Welch
Gary Fansler
Martha Zink
Catherine Gilmore
Maria Gurovich
Kate Dittloff
Arielle Alpino

Published by
Lucky Dog Publishing
of South Carolina, LLC
P.O. Box 837
Sullivans Island, SC 29482
843-886-NEWS
Future deadlines: April 1
for submissions for the
April 10 Issue
Op-Ed articles and letters to the editor do not
necessarily reflect the opinion of
Lucky Dog News or its writers.

The Island
Connection

Lucky Dog Publishing, LLC

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

BY GREGG BRAGG

The Island Connection Staff Writer

own Hall was nearly full of

attendees for the March 10,
2016 meeting of Kiawah Town
Council. Formalities, including three
sets of meeting minutes were dispatched
as efficiently as possible. With the path
to Citizens Comments cleared, resident
Wendy Kulick had some new questions
and brought up the question of answers
to old ones.
The revisions to the Towns Municipal
Code which will receive a second reading
today include the following wording
to Section 2-308(2)(d) Appearance of
Citizens: The Town will make a good faith
effort to respond to such question(s) at the
meeting when the question(s) is presented
if the question(s) can be accurately and
readily answered. If not, the Town will
make a good faith effort to respond to
such question(s) in writing within two
weeks of the public presentation of the
questions.
As recently as the Dec. 2, 2014 meeting,
the Mayors response to a question posed
was, We will get back to you within
30 days. Thirty days has now passed
since the last Town Council meeting
Feb. 10, at which I asked the following
question: Section 4-412, Sole Source
Procurement, of the Towns Municipal
Code states A contract may be awarded
for a supply, service or construction item
without competition when the mayor
determines in writing that there is only
one source for the required supply,
service, or construction item. What are
the dates of the written determinations
of the mayor that the appointments of
a real estate agent, an engineering firm,
an architectural firm, and a surveying
company needed to be sole sourced and
not put out for competitive bid regarding
their work relating to the new municipal
complex planned for 4475 Betsy Kerrison

Parkway? Please provide copies of these to

me and the public.
As of today, I have received no
response to my request for these copies to
be provided to the public and me. Does
such written determination by the Mayor
exist? Will I receive a written response to
my request from last month? What is the
penalty if the Mayor and Town Council
violate a part or parts of the Towns
Municipal Code?
Kulick continued with a question
regarding proposed exploration for oil
and gas off the coast of South Carolina,
asking what steps the Mayor and Town
Council have taken to prevent off-shore
drilling off Kiawah? If none, why not? She
pointed out that the decrease in tourism
would have a significant negative impact
on Kiawah environmentally, as well as the
Towns revenue.
Kulick also wanted to know what,
if any, information was available in the
Kiawah Partners request to borrow as
much as $3 million from the Kiawah
Island Utility that would ultimately
be passed along to rate payers. Mayor
Lipuma provided an immediate answer to
the last question, stating, The filing has
since been withdrawn.
Kiawah resident and retired Presiding
Municipal Judge of Hudson County,
N.J. Dennis McGill was next with his
comments. McGill had also spoken during
last falls public hearings on the purchase
of the Betsy Kerrison property. His
comments at this meeting were driven by
some exhaustive, very detailed research,
complete with a timeline, which fell into
three categories: (1) a long list of Freedom
Of Information Act violations, (2)
violations of municipal procurement codes
and (3) pay for town council [volunteers]
versus paid executive staff.

Civic Calendar
Wednesday,
April 1
Seabrook Town
Planning Commission
Work Session
2:30 - 4:30 p.m.
Seabrook Island

Thursday,
April 2
Kiawah Arts &
Cultural Events
3 - 5 p.m.
Kiawah Town Hall

Wednesday,
April 8
Kiawah Planning
Commision
3 - 5 p.m.
Kiawah Town Hall

Seabrook Planning
Commission
2:30 p.m.
Seabrook Town Hall

Wednesday,
April 9
Seabrook Island
Planning Commission
2:30 p.m.
Seabrook Town Hall
Kiawah Cert Team
Meeting
10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
3 - 5 p.m.
Kiawah Town Hall

Tuesday, April 14
Kiawah Town Council
2 - 4 p.m.
Kiawah Town Hall

Wednesday,
April 15
Kiawah Public Safety
Committee
2 - 4 p.m.
Kiawah Town Hall

Tuesday,
April 17
Kiawah Town Council
Meeting
2 - 4 p.m.
Kiawah Town Hall

What started out as Citizens

Comments quickly turned into a very
contentious dialogue, which was difficult
to follow and featured the town attorney.
The debate was eventually deemed
inappropriate and gaveled out of order.
The Island Connection followed-up with
Judge McGill after the council meeting to
clarify his comments.
To the first point and similar to the
objections made by him last fall, McGill
said, On eight or nine separate occasions,
last year [2014] council claimed no votes
were taken and no decisions were made
during Executive Session. However
payments ranging from $150 to $42,800
were made on [approximately 21] different
occasions to a variety of vendors by a
combination of council and staff [before
the first public hearings]. That means
decisions were made and these expenses
should have gone before the public.
That they were paid (to vendors like
LS3P Architects, $42,800 on July 18,
2014) without going through a public bid
process could mean our own municipal
codes were violated, said McGill.
Finally, Judge McGill got as far in
council chambers as saying how much he
appreciated the efforts of the all-volunteer
council. However he said Maybe it
would be better if you were paid. Maybe
you would be more circumspect.
After the Judges comments, the council
meeting continued with councilmember
Labriola noting the same questions
had been coming up despite good faith
attempts to respond. He suggested that
either the town attorney or the Town
Administrator develop and post a white
paper that would account for town
activities in the run up to purchasing
4475 Betsy Kerrison.
Kiawah resident and retired attorney

K iawah Island Town H all

21 Beachwalker Drive
Kiawah Island, SC 29455
Phone: 768-9166
Fax: 768-4764
Seabrook Island Town H all
2001 Seabrook Island Road
Seabrook Island, SC 29455
Phone: 768-9121
Fax: 768-9830
Email: lmanning@townofseabrookisland.org
Johns Island Council
Meetings are held at the Berkeley Electric
Co-op located at 3351 Maybank Hwy, Johns
Island.
Chairman Chris Cannon: 343-5113

Tuesday, April 28 Charleston County Council

Seabrook Town
Council Meeting
2:30 - 4:30 p.m.
Seabrook Town Hall

4045 Bridge View Dr, N. Charleston

958-4700t

City of Charleston
75 Calhoun St.
724-3745

March 27, 2015

David Destefano asked if an official

survey had ever been produced for 4475
Betsy Kerrison adding, There isnt a
bank in the world that would approve
a loan without one. Mayor Lipuma
responded with details of a completed
survey. Destefano concluded his remarks
by saying he wanted to make sure the
details were in place as seemingly minor
procurement violations could result in
major downstream delays.
There were three items of Old Business
on the agenda. A second reading of
Ordinance 2015-02 (meetings of council
and rules of procedure) was approved,
seconded, discussed and ultimately passed
unanimously. Likewise with Ordnance
2015-3 (flood measure). A revised [from
previous meetings] version of Ordinance
2015-04 (lot coverage and setbacks)
resulted in a second go at a first reading,
which was also passed unanimously.
The list of New Business began with
a first reading of Ordinance 2015-05
to amend the fiscal year budget, which
passed unanimously. This was followed by
a brief update on the committee members
for the Municipal Center.
The third item, officially ending
negotiations for the purchase of Kiawah
Island Utility, took a bit longer to
dispatch. Council seemed reluctant to end
negotiations, however, given the priorities
of the Municipal Campus, dire erosion
at the Ocean Course and a staff already
stretched, council decided it would be
prudent to make the official move to end
negotiations for the time being.

civic
Franchise agreements for both Island
Beach Services and Night Heron were
adjusted to expire at the same time
including determining and assessing
interim fees to close the gap in their
current contracts. Members of the State
Accommodations Tax Committee were
then confirmed and included the addition
of Don Semmler as a non-voting observer
and possible replacement should Dan
Hubbard decide to roll off the committee
next year.
New business wrapped up with
agreement for urgent and immediate
action to combat severe erosion at the
east end of the Kiawah, adoption of
guidelines for radios to be used by the
Community
Emergency
Response
Team and acknowledgement of Marilyn
Blizards annual Diamond Back Terrapin
Proclamation.
There were two highlights among the
Committee Reports section of the agenda.
Councilmember Weaver, reporting for the
Communications Committee, reminded
attendees that changes in the distribution
of Town Notes (the TOKI newsletter) had
reduced distribution to once a quarter.
Weaver seemed to think this could put
TOKI at a disadvantage. Expressing his
deference for the presence of press at
the meeting, Weaver also thought more
frequent E-Blasts might do a better,
quicker job of getting information to
residents.
Next, it was Andrew J. Capellis turn,
speaking on behalf of the Planning
Commission, which was promoting its

plan to reduce government associated costs

and obstacles to home repairs. Currently,
any repair over $200 requires a permit
and the Planning Commission had voted
to change the amount to anything over
$1,500. This move will effectively reduce
fees being passed along to residents.
Councilmember Johnson cautioned this
would cost the town $26,000 in annual
revenue while the cost to the average
resident was only (an estimated) $30.
Bruce Spicher, Building Official, and
Tumiko Rucker, Town Administrator,
also objected on the grounds this would
eliminate inspections, which could be
dangerous and hurt area businesses.
Councilmember Labriola used the
opportunity to suggest the town hire
a process management firm to make
recommendations
for
simplifying
current processes and procedures such as
permitting. He continued, saying he was
unimpressed with the effectiveness of the
existing process. We should be making
things better for people who live here or
provide services here, he said. Debate was
thorough, and a compromise of $1,000
was agreed to.
The Town Administrator reported
that the town was planning for Disaster
Preparedness Day. Seabrook usually
works with Kiawah on this project, and
it is usually held on Kiawah. However, at
Seabrooks urging, it may be held at the
Island House this year. She also reported
working with new committee members
and scheduling committee meetings,
developing an RFP for the new Municipal

Center, and updating the Comprehensive

Plan with a target completion date of
March 31.
The Mayor reported meeting with the
parties who had just acquired the property
between Freshfields and the Marina.
Among other things, they discussed plans
to build a 60 room boutique inn. While
the group had talked to Seabrook about
the possibility, they expressed a preference
for being annexed by Kiawah, according
to the Mayor.
Wendy Kulick expressed her support
for the time and efforts of the Planning
Commission, during the final round
of Citizens comments. The Planning
Commission is a real jewel in the towns
crown and [they] put in an incredible
amount of time and effort, she said.
Judge McGill also returned to the
podium to disseminate information he
received in answer to his FOIA requests
about compensation of executive staff.
He specifically questioned a discrepancy
in the total amount of the two annual
retainers paid to the Town Attorney
(the first for his services, the second for
provision of office space, equipment and
staff), and the need for the second.
The Town Attorney declined to respond
in session, instead briefly approaching the
Judge after council broke for an executive
session to discuss lawsuits relating to The
Freedom of Information Act and the
docks lawsuit. Council returned and
adjourned without having voted or bound
the town to any course of action.

Giant Turtle continues from cover

with the first turtle, the Sea Turtle Hospital
grew in stature and steadily admitted more
and more patients, boasting a total of 37 in
2014. Grants from two oil spills (2004 and
2006) benefited the hospital in the early
days. During 2007 the hospital hired its first
full time vet, then its first biologist in 2009,
followed by a second in 2011, which was the
same year they got a real medical lab.
A grassroots fundraiser started by
DeBordieu Beach in 2009 for example,
provided an x-ray machine that makes
examinations possible without taking
patients offsite. On site equipment is
critical since moving patients means
magnifying the level of stress they must
endure. Betting an x-rays in the past meant
patients would have to be carried and often
turned sideways to get through doors etc.
Cutting edge medical equipment is
essential and all of what we have has been
donated said Thorvalson. She then added
a digital radiograph is great but a CT
scanner would really set us apart, before
turning things over to Kevin Mills.
With your help, we can make sure

daily

these turtles are around for another million

years, opined Mills, President and CEO
of the South Carolina Aquarium. He
introduced plans for the turtle hospital
expansion. When complete, the cutting
edge facility will put the SC Aquarium
in the front row of marine animal rescue
and conservation efforts, not just in
South Carolina but in the country. For a
description on how to get there, Samantha
Mills [no relation], Major Gifts Officer,
took the lead.
The Watershed Fund/Society began in
April of 2014 as a six-year campaign. It is
slated for conclusion in April of 2020 with
the goal of raising $25 million.
This is not just an institutional priority
but also a personal mission, Mills said.
When concluded, the Aquarium will have
secured an endowment to fund on-going
operations of the aquarium (such as
$50,000 electric bills), be perfectly
positioned to become a fresh voice for
conservation and continue its mission
of education. Meanwhile, construction
of the new Sea Turtle Hospital is well
into the planning stages, thanks to early
contributors.

The Zucker family took the lead by

contributing $3 million to the Watershed
Fund, with over 80 percent being
earmarked for the Sea Turtle Hospital.
Determined to kick off construction and
be a part of the best turtle hospital in the
country, the Zuckers also hope to inspire
others to contribute. Kelly Thorvalson
has no trouble helping you imagine what
the completed facility will be like and she
stepped back up to help paint the picture.
The new hospital will be big enough
to accommodate the growing number
of patients already being referred. The
existing facility is so small it has been able
to accommodate just 15,000 visitors a year.
The new hospital will feature strategically
located one way glass, allowing 450,000
annual aquarium visitors to see patients
without the associated stress for the
turtles that much attention would bring.
Thorvalson seemed most enthusiastic
about the endless tank, which will
function as a sort of tread mill for
recovering turtles. Then, right then,
attendees of the meeting were informed
there was to be icing after all.
Yawkey, the first leatherback sea turtle
ever admitted to the South Carolina
Aquarium Sea Turtle Hospital, had
come in just the night before and would
be a part of the tour. The new patient
weighed in at a robust 475 pounds, which
is only about a third the size of an adult
leatherback. For the sake of comparison,
you probably havent seen the private hot
tub big enough to hold it.
Having no signs of trauma and a
relatively good body score and blood
work, Aquarium staff could only speculate
why the juvenile leatherback had stranded

March 27, 2015

[near Georgetown] in the first place.

However, stranding doesnt happen absent
medical issues. Consequently, a proactive
course of supportive care including fluids,
antibiotics and vitamins was administered
and seemed to produce positive results.
Since leatherbacks do not do well for long
periods in captive care, a much improved
Yawkey was released just a few days later.
Although a huge victory, working on
such a large turtle underscored the need
for more medical equipment and better
facilities.
While Yawkey has held center stage
recently, the good work of the South
Carolina Aquarium has other champions.
The tale of Mama Pritchard is a tissue
alert story recounted by Samantha
Mills and Kelly Thorvalson. Originally
stranded on Pritchards Island (south west
of Fripp Island and north east of Hilton
Head), she was brought to the Aquarium
in desperate straits. She spent two yearsin
rehabilitation before being released.
Three years later, an unrelated DNA
study (undertaken to map nesting patterns
along the south east coast) found her.
The years of care and rehab in the South
Carolina Aquarium had paid off. Mama
Pritchard was back and digging nests,
on Pritchards Island, no less. Apparently,
theres no place like home.
Guests of all ages, volunteers of every
stripe and, of course, donors of any size
are always welcome at the South Carolina
Aquarium. Staff greets everyone with
a personal, almost magical touch that
should be bottled. Imagine visiting or
even being a part of the best Aquarium in
the country. As John Lennon might say;
Its easy if you try.

March 27, 2015

arts & events

arts & events

Easter at Freshfields
village equals three days
of family-friendly events
L I V E C O N C E R T, F E S T I V A L
AND EASTER SERVICE PROVIDE
E N D L E S S E N T E R TA I N M E N T
BY KERRY WELCH

For The Island Connection

elebrate Easter weekend at

Freshfields Village and enjoy three,
free events perfect for all ages.
The weekend will include a Friday night
concert on the Village Green, a variety
of activities for all ages and a special visit
from the Easter Bunny, plus, an Easter
service on the Lawn.
Kick off the weekend Friday, April 3
with a free concert on the Village Green
from 6 to 9 p.m. The concert features
Rubberband, an energetic variety band
who will have you dancing to the sounds of
rock, funk, R&B, soul, reggae and more.
Guests are encouraged to bring a beach
chair or blanket. Food and beverages will
be available for purchase.
Celebrations for the whole family
continue on Saturday during the Easter
Festival from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. with free
childrens activities like a jump castle, an
inflatable obstacle course, a mechanical

bull, face painting and spring crafts.

Bring your camera to capture your little
one with the Easter Bunny, who will be
hopping by for photos. Unleash your
inner rock star with John Cusatis, who
will perform live music throughout the
afternoon with a band formed by audience
members. Enjoy artwork from the Kiawah
& Seabrook Artists Guilds and participate
in Sea Island Habitats Beam-A-Thon
event. With a donation of $20, guests can
paint an inspiring message on a beam to
be used in constructing the Women Build
home. Food and beverage will be available
for purchase.
On
Sunday,
a
casual,
non-denominational Easter Service will
be led by Cavalry of the Sea Islands
Church on the Village Green at 9:30 a.m.
Guests are encouraged to bring a beach
chair or blanket.

CORRECTION
A story in the March 13, 2015 edition of The Island Connection misstated
the date of the 15th annual Kiawah Island Art and House Tour. The
event takes place on Friday, April 10, 2015, from 1-5 p.m. Tickets are
$55 and can be purchased at Kiawahartsetc.org, the Kiawah Freshfields
Real Estate Office, the Kiawah Main Gate Real Estate office, and the
Sanctuary. Tickets will also be sold at Freshfields the day of the tour.

daily

Southern Tides manager prepares the store for its

grand opening.

Southern Tide continues from cover

swimwear, classic sweaters and the iconic
polos in more than 30 shades.
The new stores owner, Loren Beadle,
is well-versed in Southern Tide, having
been one of the first retailers to carry
the brand. Beadle, a resident of Kiawah
Island, opened his first store in Freshfields
Village in 2005.
We were the second retail store
opened in Freshfields Village, and are one
of three retail stores who opened that first
year who are still in business under the
same ownership, Beadle said.
That store, SeaCoast Sports and
Outfitters, has become the second-most-

PHOTO BY JENNIFER TUOHY

visited destination on the islands, Beadle

said. Since then, Beadle and his wife
Amy have opened six additional stores
in Freshfields VillageCoastal Palms,
Coastal Footwear, Palmetto Island
featuring Tommy Bahama, Kiawah
Spirits, Kiawah Wines, and now Southern
Tide.
The company that represents his retail
holdings, Island Sport, has grown to a
$5.5 million business in the last decade,
employing 20-50 people, depending on
the season. Beadles retail enthusiasm
and expertise were honed from his 23
years with Accenture, the worlds largest
professional services firm. In his role he led
the retail industry consulting practice and
worked with some of the largest retailers

across the country. After Accentures IPO

in 2001, Beadle decided to retire from
corporate life in 2003.
Settling in Kiawah wasnt a hard sell
for the Beadles, who have been visiting
the island for nearly 30 years.
Initially Seabrook Island and then to
Kiawah Island, says Beadle. About 12
years ago, we got serious about real estate,
and bought our first lot on Kiawah Island.
We built a house on that lot in 2005, and
moved into it in 2006. We live in the
Preserve, one of the most natural areas of
Kiawah Island.
And island life is quite the draw for the
pair who split their time between here and
Chicagothough South Carolina claims
closer to two-thirds of their year. Their three
daughters, Cassidy, Meaghan and Delanie,
grew up visiting the islands and still make the
trip back multiple times a year. The Beadles
may be settling in for longer stretches but
theyre not slowing downtheyre big fans
of the active, outdoor lifestyle that Kiawah
affords and take advantage by bike riding,
strolling the beach and kayaking and
paddleboarding Cinder Creek. After-hours
theyre into fine wines and often attend the
areas wine dinners and host wine tastings.
(One reason that adding Kiawah Spirits
and Kiawah Wines to the apparel and
sportswear empire was both a good fit and
an easy decision.)
Southern Tide presented by Island
Sport will complement existing apparel
brands sold in Beadles other shops,
namely Vineyard Vines, Tommy Bahama,
Nike, Patagonia, Sperry Topsider, Adidas,
The North Face, QuikSilver, Roxy,
Billabong, Reef, Olukai, and more.

We think Southern Tide is a great

South Carolina story, Beadle said. We
were one of the first retail stores that carried
the brand eight years ago, and have helped
it grow from a new brand in 2006, to a $50
million plus business now featured in over
1,000 stores around the country.
It was that successful long-time
partnership that brought the two
companies together to launch the first
Southern Tide signature store.
Our guests fell in love with the
Southern Tide brand over seven years
ago and continue to buy the apparel. Our
new store will feature all of the men's and
women's apparel and accessories produced
by Southern Tide, as well as several other
women's apparel brands, Sail to Sable,
Escapada, Lauren Gold, and others,
Beadle said.
Christopher Heyn, CEO of Southern
Tide, is also optimistic about the Freshfields
Village customers shopping experience,
thanks to the brands reputation in the region.
This is a great moment for Southern
Tide, Heyn said. People in the South have
long enjoyed the Southern Tide brand that
is classic, authentic and built with purpose.
Opening our first signature store gives our
consumer more options to connect with our
energy, lifestyle and great products.
The store is currently open in soft
operations and will celebrate its grand
opening the weekend of March 27 with a
soiree that will draw the brands founder,
Allen Stephenson, as well as the entire
Southern Tide executive team. The official
opening party is scheduled for 4-8 p.m. and
is part of the weekend-long celebration and
sale from March 27-29.

arts & events

March 27, 2015

Cinderella, Blues and Rock n Roll come to Kiawah

UPCOMING ARTS COUNCIL EVENTS FOR MARCH AND APRIL
BY STEPHANIE BRASWELL
For The Island Connection

ll the events listed are sponsored by the Town of

Kiawah Island Arts and Cultural Events Council.
Complimentary tickets are available at Kiawah
Town Hall 843.768.9166 or online at www.kiawahisland.
org/specialevents
Columbia City Ballet performing Cinderella
Saturday, March 28 at East Beach Conference Center.
Two same day performances 3:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
Fairy tales can come true, it can happen to you
especially if you are in the audience at Columbia City
Ballets production of Cinderella. Having presented the
beloved classic Cinderella nine times over the companys
50-year history, this new production choreographed by
Executive & Artistic Director William Starrett promises
to live up to its past reputation of being an absolute
favorite. Based on the French fairy tale as told by Charles
Perrault, Cinderella centers around the theme of a
young girls honesty and modesty triumphing over her
stepsisters and stepmothers greed and arrogance. The
sheer artistry of the dancing, the comic brilliance of the
stepsisters and the magical, clearly-portrayed story make
the production the perfect family outing.

11th annual Blues by the Sea

Sunday, April 12, 2015, 3 to 7 p.m. Freshfields Village,
Kiawah Island, SC. No Tickets Required
Family-friendly free event, bring your own lawn chair/
blanket. There will be food & drinks for sale but you can
bring your own coolers. Rain or shine (we are tented).
Featuring the Legendary Eddie Shaw & The Wolf Gang
www.eddieshawsax.com, bandleader/saxophonist for the
great Howlin' Wolf...probably the last classic blues band
left in Chicago!
Opening act Vanessa Collier Blues Band, www.
vanessacollier.com.
Enchanting
new
jazz/blues
saxophonist and her bandhailing from Philadelphia
jazzy blues & more.
For more information contact Gary Erwin at
843.762.9125 emusic@mindspring.com

Shake, Rattle and Roll

Wednesday, April 1 - 7:30 p.m., East Beach Conference
Center
Long-time Charleston entertainers Brad and Jennifer
Moranz are setting a teenage love story to beloved rock
and roll hits from the 1950s and early 1960s. Shake
Rattle and Roll! is a brand new show performing at the
East Beach Conference Center Wed. April 1 at 7:30 p.m.
In this show, Its a Wonderful Life meets Happy Days
as an angel works to get his wings by doing a good deed
of helping four hopelessly mismatched teenage couples
fall in love. The somewhat bumbling angel is assisted by
two seasoned angels played by Brad and Jennifer Moranz.
Whether the 1950s was your generation or your
grandparents era, everyone will recognize these rock n
roll classics: "Johnny B. Goode," "This Magic Moment,"
"It's My Party," "Great Balls of Fire," "Can't Help Falling
in Love and many more.

March 27, 2015

daily

SINHG presents ACE Basin

National Wildlife Refuge
BY GARY FANSLER

For The Island Connection

wildlife and unique cultural heritage

of the area through long-term research,
water-quality monitoring, education and
coastal stewardship. Please join us April 9
at 7 p.m. in the Lake House to learn more
about this amazing Lowcountry area.

he Seabrook Island Natural

History group presents an evening
program, ACE Basin National
Wildlife Refuge by Dr. Al Segars.
Dr. Segars has been with the Marine
Resources Division at the South Carolina
DNR since 1998 focusing on marine
animal health. He has a veterinary degree
from the University of Georgia and a BS
in Forestry Recreation from Clemson
University.
The ACE Basin consists of about
140,000 acres and is dedicated to
protecting the natural beauty, abundant

All Seabrook Island residents and guests

are welcome. There is a $5 donation for
non SINHG members. Information about
future programs and SINHG membership
can be found at the SINHG web site, sinhg.
org.

March 27, 2015

March 27, 2015

Arts & Events

Humor amid the humidity and humus

he Kiawah Island Garden Club
enjoyed a humorous, entertaining
and fact-filled presentation by Ryan
Watkins of Brownswood Nursery. Ryan
is the third generation of his family in the
business started by his grandparents, and
now his younger brother has joined the
firm. The topic of his talk was Principles of
Southern Landscape Design and he began
by suggesting five plants that do well on
Kiawah, and are not immediately eaten by
deer. But he also delved into the fertilizing,
feeding and pruning of our plants.
Viburnum Suspensum is a wonderful
evergreen which must be fertilized. Espoma
makes many forms of artificial fertilizer,
such as Holytone, Rosetone, and Biotone
Starter Plus for new plantings. But Ryan
touted the benefits of organic fertilizers
such as Millorganite which can be used on
flowers, turf, shrubs, etc. and which has a
slight odor unappealing to deer. Synthetic
fertilizers need to be applied much less often
but salt is a main carrier of the fertilizing
agents, which sterilizes and neutralizes soil,
and makes the soil basically addicted to the
continued use of fertilizer. Organic fertilizers
have micro bacteria, which actually build up
the soil. If Viburnum or other shrubs get too
leggy, they can be cut down to 6-8 from
the ground and left to grow back naturally.
Then selective pruning can be applied,
where individual branches are cut back,
some 12, some 24 for a much more natural
looking result.
European Fan Palms do really
well here, and an important thing to
remember is that palms are a form of
grass, or monocot, so post-emergent
weed killers should not be used around
them. The lower fronds actually feed the
upper fronds so should not be pruned off
when they are still at all green. To feed
palms, Epson salts should be added to any
fertilizer, to add magnesium and sulfer.
Lagerstroemia indica, or Crape
Myrtle, comes in all sizes and colors
to fit any landscape need. A rule that
everyone should keep in mind, to prevent
the unfortunate look of Crape Murder,
is to never cut any branch smaller than
your finger. Cutting back large branches
or trunks results in unattractive knobs

GARDENING IN THE SOUTH

BY MARTHA ZINK

For The Island Connection

and spindly growth above. A solution is

to choose plants which wont grow taller
or wider than you wish in any spot.
Of course we all love Mulenbergia
capillaris, Sweet Grass. To do its best,
sweet grass needs sun and good drainage.
It can be pruned anytime except right
before pluming, and should be cut about
4 above ground, by taking a handful and
cutting it with scissors.

Danielle Spies of Sea Island Savory

Herbs.

Ryan introduced us to a beautiful

new form of Loropetalum called Purple
Diamond, with rich purple foliage and
dark fuchsia flowers. It is semi-dwarf, only
growing 4-5 feet high and wide, and the
best thing is that deer dont like the feel of
the fuzzy foliage.
The Four Ts of Southern Landscape
Design are tier, texture, time and tone.
Plants should be different in height from
short in front to tall in back; they should
vary in texture from soft to sharp or spiky;
something should be planted for various
seasons; and variations of color and
brightness are important.
Ryan then gave us examples of three
tiers for sun. A beautiful small tier is
Lantana Chapel Hill which blooms for
many months and another is Creeping
Rosemary. Medium tier plants are Abelia
or Dwarf Yaupon Holly. And a large tier
could be the larger Loropetalum such as

Red Diamond, or Jack Frost Ligustrum.

For shade a small tier in front could
be Flax Lily, backed up by a medium tier
of Mahonia Soft Caress, a new wispy
evergreen which is a slow grower and only
grows to about 3x3 feet. A tall shade tier
could be Beauty Berry.
Though the garden club members learned
a great deal, Ryan drew a lot of laughs in his
presentation. He had the entire club reciting,
like obedient and happy school students,
what the numbers on a fertilizer bag stand
for, such as 30-0-30. The first is Nitrogen (for
top, leafy growth), the second is Phosphorus
(for flowers and fruit) and the third is
Potassium (for root growth). He showed us
photos of some wonderful new plants, such
as a hanging mandevilla and a beautiful new
hydrangea called LA Dreaming, neither
of which are available yet. He laughingly
said that presenting plants he could not yet
sell was not something he learned in his
marketing degree. Everyone left eager to visit
Brownswood Nursery and have another fun
learning experience with Ryan Watkins.
On March 9, at the Sandcastle, the
Garden Club met to learn all about
succulents from Danielle Spies, from Sea
Island Savory Herbs on Chisolm Road,
Johns Island. She enthusiastically showed
the members how easy it is to propagate
succulents by rooting cuttings in sphagnum

moss or water. Succulents store water in their

leaves so only need water every two weeks,
and should not be drowned. They like dry
conditions and light, full sun except in July
and August. Sedums are similar but are low
growing ground cover, and can take more
rain and cold. She also told us about herbs
which can be propagated by cuttings, from
the woody part of the plant, not the soft
parts. They need to be watered like crazy.
Dill, fennel and cilantro should be planted
in winter by seed, not in summer. There
are many new herbs, especially medicinal
ones, such as sage and arnica. One of the
most beautiful plants the Club saw was a
chartreuse Wandering Jew, which grows
like a weed and is super hardy. Its even
edible, tasting like spinach, unfortunately
deer like it also. We were advised that to
make a wreath, tightly bind sphagnum moss
to a form, make small holes and tuck the
succulents or herbs in tightly. There was a
workshop after the meeting where members
made their own wreaths and other creations.
Every Garden Club meeting is at 10 a.m.
with coffee and refreshments at 9:30 a.m.
But on April 13 there will be a very special
trip to Hobcaw Barony, near Georgetown,
to tour the gardens there and enjoy a special
behind-the-scenes tour of the home and
educational buildings.

Island Connection Calendar

March 27
ONGOING EVENTS

(2 3 years old with caregiver)

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.

Wednesdays

Storytimes at Johns Island Regional

Library
May 4 10:30 a.m. - Babygarten (birth to
18 months w/ caregiver)
May 4 and 11 10:30 a.m. Young and the
Restless (18 to 30 months with caregiver)

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.

Mondays

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.
Storytimes at Johns Island Regional
Library
May 5 and 12 10:30 a.m. Time for Twos

Storytimes at Johns Island Regional

Library
May 6 and 13 at 10:30 a.m. Preschool
Storytime (3 5 years old with caregiver)

Fridays

Friday Indoor Pickleball

12:30-2:30 every Friday at St.
Christophers Camp. For further
information, please contact Mary Torello
at 843.768.0056

Saturdays

Homegrown
Johns Island Farmers Market. Every Third
Saturday at 3546 Maybank Highway
Johns Island 10 a.m. 2 p.m. www.
johnsislandfarmersmarket.com.
2015 Sea Island Cars and Coffee
Third Saturday of every month from 8
to 10 a.m., Freshfields Village March 21,
April 18.
Sippin Saturdays at Irvin House
Vineyards
Every Saturday from 12 4 p.m., the

winery and distillery will serve up a

different local food vendor and musical
group to entertain locals and visitors.
There is no admission fee but patrons are
encouraged to bring their cash and credit
for a wide variety of libations and food
options. Bring lawn chairs and blankets
to picnic under the oaks and relish in
the Lowcountry beauty. For more about
Irvin~House Vineyards Sippin Saturdays,
visit www.charlestonwine.com

Ongoing

Kiawah Island Photography Club

Display
Throughout March. The Kiawah Island
Photography Club members will exhibit
some of their work at the Johns Island
Regional Library. The subject will be varied
with everything from native wildlife,
scenes of the Lowcountry to pictures taken
when traveling.
Weeki Wachee Mermaids
March 27 - April 5. This spring break the
World Famous Weeki Wachee Mermaids
come to the South Carolina Aquarium.
The shows take place at 11 a.m., 1 p.m.,
and 3 p.m. daily and are included with
general admission to the Aquarium.

FRIDAY, MARCH 27
Live Music at The Coop
4 - 10 p.m. Fat Hen features live music
from Jazz Nasty on Friday, March 27, from

6 p.m. to 10 p.m.

SATURDAY, MARCH 28
The Cooper River Bridge Run
This 10k races, one of the largest in the
Southeast, attracts tens of thousands of
runners and walkers and begin in Mount
Pleasant, spans the Ravenel Bridge and
ends downtown with post-race festivities in
Marion Square. For more information go
to bridgerun.com.

SUNDAY, MARCH 29
Lowcountry Cajun Festival
12 - 6 p.m. James Island County Park.
Bringing Louisiana to the Lowcountry,
Cajun Fest is a full-day of foot-stompin
tunes, hot and spicy foods, childrens
activities and all around ragin Cajun
entertainment. Throughout the day, enjoy
live music performed on stage by Roux du
Bayou Cajun Band and Jeffrey Broussard
& the Creole Cowboys. No coolers,
outside beverages, or pets permitted.
Festival admission: $15 for adults (13 and
up); free for children 12 and under and
Gold Pass holders.
Live Music at The Coop
4 - 10 p.m. Fat Hen features live music
from Jazz Nasty on Sunday, March 29,
from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 1

U.S. Relations with Russia and Eurasia

6 p.m. The World Affairs Council
of Charleston will present its fifth
speaker of the season at the Citadel
Alumni Center. (Social Reception
begins at 5:15.) The speaker is former
U.S. Ambassador to Russia, James F.
Collins. More information can be found
at www.wacharleston.org or by calling
843.729.6743.

Kick off the weekend with a free concert

on the Village Green from 6 - 9 p.m. The
concert features Rubberband, an energetic
variety band who will have you dancing
to the sounds of Rock, Funk, R&B, Soul,
Reggae, and more. Guests are encouraged
to bring a beach chair or blanket. Food
and beverage will be available for purchase.

THURSDAY, APRIL 2

Freshfields Easter Festival

11 a.m. to 3 p.m. with free childrens
activities. John Cusatis will perform live
music throughout the afternoon with a
band formed by audience members. Enjoy
artwork from the Kiawah & Seabrook
Artists Guilds and participate in Sea
Island Habitats Beam-A-Thon event. With
a donation of $20, guests can paint an
inspiring message on a beam to be used
in constructing the Women Build home.
Food and beverage will be available for
purchase.

SBI Turtle Patrol 2015 Organizational

Meeting
6 p.m. Live Oak Hall at the Lake House.
All current members of the patrol and
anybody interested in joining the patrol are
invited to attend. Walking schedules will
be established and season T-shirts can be
ordered at the meeting.
Easter Mingo Point Oyster Roast & BBQ
6 - 9 p.m. Come out and enjoy an
authentic Lowcountry experience! Join us
for fresh roasted oysters and dancing with
the music of The Island Trio. In addition
to oysters, you will enjoy a number of
Southern BBQ specialties; ribs, pulled
pork, smoked chicken, along with a bounty
of side dishes and desserts. Adults, $44.95;
Children, 5-12yrs., $24.95. Reservations:
843.768.2790

FRIDAY, APRIL 3
Easter Concert at Freshfields Village

SATURDAY, APRIL 4

SUNDAY, APRIL 5
Freshfields East Service
9:30 a.m., casual, non-denominational
Easter Service led by Cavalry of the Sea
Islands Church on the Village Green.
Guests are encouraged to bring a beach
chair or blanket.
Easter Sunrise Service at Magnolia
Gardens
Old St. Andrews Parish Church and St.

April 11
Andrews Mission Church will gather for
an Easter Sunrise Service at Magnolia
Plantation and Gardens on the banks of
the Ashley River. The 6:30 a.m. service
will be held on the lawn outside The
Carriage House. Parking is free. Following
the service, attendees will be offered free
admission to the gardens. The Peacock
Caf will open at 8:30 a.m. For additional
details, follow #easteratmagnolia on
Twitter.

wildlife and unique cultural heritage

of the area through long-term research,
water-quality monitoring, education and
coastal stewardship. Please join at the Lake
House us to learn more about this amazing
low country area. All Seabrook Island
residents and guests are welcome. There is
a $5 donation for non SINHG members.
Information about future programs and
SINHG membership can be found at the
SINHG web site, sinhg.org.

SATURDAY, APRIL 6

FRIDAY, APRIL 10

Easter Mingo Point Oyster Roast & BBQ

6 - 9 p.m. Come out and enjoy an
authentic Lowcountry experience! Join us
for fresh roasted oysters and dancing with
the music of The Island Trio. In addition
to oysters, you will enjoy a number of
Southern BBQ specialties; ribs, pulled
pork, smoked chicken, along with a bounty
of side dishes and desserts. Adults, $44.95;
Children, 5-12yrs., $24.95. Reservations:
843.768.2790

Live Music at The Coop

6 - 10 p.m. Fat Hen restaurant features live
music from Jazz Nasty.

Chamber Music Charleston Presents

Pianist Andrew Armstrong
Through April 8. See story on page 15.

THURSDAY, APRIL 9
ACE Basin National Wildlife Refuge
7 p.m. The ACE Basin consists of
about 140,000 acres and is dedicated to
protecting the natural beauty, abundant

SATURDAY, APRIL 11
5KRunDead
Runners will endure a 5K run through a
zombie-infested course. Test your speed,
endurance, and strength while trying to
avoid ravenous zombies. With 100 percent
of proceeds to benefit scientific research
on cancer and Alzheimers disease, the
event organizers say this should be a
no-brainer for those wanting to make a
contribution to the cause. Register your
team online or learn more about how your
business can be a part of this years event
at: www.5KRunDead.com, Legare Farms,
Johns Island, SC.

12

March 27, 2015

March 27, 2015

13

daily

Farmer Focus: The Honey Bee Guys

BY CATHERINE GILMORE
For The Island Connection

hether its for cooking, sweetening, or even

health properties, many regulars come to the
Johns Island Farmers Market for their weekly
fix of honey from Larry Sexton and Bob Harvey with

Charleston Bees and Honey. Locally operated, Charleston

Bees and Honey participate in the Farmers Market every
Saturday in order to meet their regulars needs, and the
demand is growing every day.
Sexton, original founder of Charleston Bees and
Honey, has been keeping bees since he was seven years
old. Growing up in Massachusetts, Sexton was first
exposed to bee keeping through his grandfather who
had hives in a town outside of Boston. As he grew older,
Sexton became more of a helper to his grandfather,
learning valuable skills that would eventually enable
him to start his own operation. After retiring from the
Navy and realizing that he wouldnt be moving around
as much anymore, Sexton settled in Charleston and
began acquiring his own hives. Today, Charleston Bees
and Honey have over forty beehives. They even offer a
service in which people call them for beehive removal;
they extract the bees from the yard safely and incorporate
them into their own hives.
One cannot speak about Charleston Bees and Honey
without mentioning Bob Harvey, Sextons helper. As bee
keeping and honey extracting can be strenuous work,
especially if there are many hives, Sexton realized early
on that he would need a partner. Harvey, a Charleston
native, has always been in love with nature and fully
understands the power and importance of bees. Sexton
believed that Harvey, who lived in the neighborhood,
would be an excellent and dependable helper; since their
partnership, Harvey has proven to be just that, helping
with the hives as well as managing their stand at the
market every Saturday.
Both Sexton and Harvey sing the Johns Island
Farmers Markets praises, claiming that it has benefitted

them enormously both in their business and personal

lives. Sexton mused about all of the connections and new
clients made at the market, which have helped to give the
company a hefty boost in business. And both of them say
the market has opened up their social circles and they
have met close friends through the networking that takes
place there.
Raw, local honey is in high demand around Charleston
as people are catching wind of its health properties. The
regular customers stress the importance of trust; they
know that Sexton and Harvey simply extract the honey
and bottle it up without any tampering. Some regulars
of Charleston Bees and Honey have claimed that it has
changed their lives, curing them of their allergies and
various other ailments. Whether theyre buying the
honey for its health properties or simply because of taste,
it is clear that Charleston Bees and Honey is the only
choice for the local honey lover every Saturday at the
Johns Island Farmers Market.

daily

March 27, 2015

Fat Hen gets fatter

STAFF REPORT

For The Island Connection

he Fat Hen on Johns Island is

celebrating the opening of "The
Coop," a new outdoor waiting and
events area at the restaurant. The Coop
will feature a rotation of eight draft beers
and four tap wines and will be open,
weather permitting, from 4 to 10 p.m.
Monday through Saturday and during
Sunday brunch from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m.
The Coop will allow patrons an

alternate place to enjoy a cold drink and

Johns Island's fantastic weather while
waiting for their table. The Coop will
also serve as an outdoor venue for live
music and special events. To start things
off, Fat Hen will feature live music from
Jazz Nasty on Friday, March 27, from 6 to
10 p.m., and Sunday, March 29, from 10
a.m. to 3 p.m.

March 27, 2015

arts & events

Intimate music in an intimate setting

CHAMBER MUSIC CHARLESTON PRESENTS PIANIST ANDREW
ARMSTRONG CONCERT SERIES ON SEABROOK AND KIAWAH
STAFF REPORT

For The Island Connection

hamber
Music
Charleston
welcomes renowned pianist Andrew
Armstrong for the April series of
Kiawah Island and Seabrook Island House
Concerts. Armstrong will perform at the
King Residence on Seabrook Island on
Monday, April 6 at 7 p.m. and the Early
Residence on Kiawah Island on Tuesday
and Wednesday, April 7 and 8 at 7 p.m.
Praised by critics for his passionate
expression and dazzling technique, pianist
Andrew Armstrong has delighted audiences
around the world and has become a
favorite to Charleston audiences. He
has performed solo recitals and appeared
with orchestras in Asia, Europe, Latin
America, and the United States, including
performances at Alice Tully Hall, Carnegie
Hall, the Kennedy Center, the Grand Hall
of the Moscow Conservatory, and Warsaws
National Philharmonic.
Having performed over 35 concertos,
Armstrong has impressed his international
audiences with a large repertoire ranging
from Bach to Babbit and beyond. Before
beginning his career as a concert pianist,
Armstrong received over 25 national and
international First Prizes. In 1996, he was
named Gilmore Young Artist. At the 1993
Van Cliburn Competition, where he was

the youngest pianist entered, he received

the Jury Discretionary Award. Andrew
Armstrong is devoted to outreach programs
and playing for children. In addition to his
many concerts, his performances are heard
regularly on National Public Radio and
WQXR, New York Citys premier classical
music station.
Chamber Music Charleston Artistic
Director and bassoonist Sandra Nikolajevs
will join Armstrong for Saint-Saens Sonata
for Bassoon and Piano, with the remainder
of the evening dedicated to music for solo
piano.
Chamber Music Charleston House
Concerts are intimate evenings of classical
music presented in the grand homes
of Kiawah and Seabrook Island. Each
evening is centered around an hour long
performance with entertaining, educational
commentary. A reception follows the
performance, allowing the audience the
opportunity to meet the performing
musicians and fellow audience members.
Tickets are $50 each and advance purchase
is required. Tickets may be purchased
online at www.chambermusiccharleston.
org or by calling 843.763.4941.

Tid e Char t
Date

High Tide

Low Tide

Mar 27
Mar 28
Mar 29
Mar 30
Mar 31
Apr 01
Apr 02
Apr 03
Apr 04
Apr 05
Apr 06
Apr 07
Apr 08
Apr 09

2:33am/3:09pm
3:32am/4:08pm
4:30am/5:04pm
5:24am/5:57pm
6:14am/6:44pm
6:59am/7:29pm
7:41am/8:10pm
8:20am/8:48pm
8:57am/9:24pm
9:32am/9:58pm
10:06am/10:30pm
10:40am/11:03pm
11:16am/11:41pm
11:58am

8:55am/9:04pm
9:54am/10:05pm
10:50am/11:02pm
11:41am/11:55pm
12:26pm
12:43am/1:07pm
1:28am/1:45pm
2:09am/2:21pm
2:49am/2:55pm
3:27am/3:29pm
4:04am/4:03pm
4:43am/4:39pm
5:24am/5:18pm
6:08am/6:04pm

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

Andrew Armstong

15

16

arts & events

volunteer spotlight

March 27, 2015

More fins, more fun! The Bakers help raise

children in need
Mermaids return
to Aquarium
BY MARIA GUROVICH
For The Island Connection

W O R L D FA M O U S W E E K I WA C H E E
MERMAIDS TO PERFORM NEXT WEEK

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.

BY KATE DITTLOFF

For The Island Connection

his spring break be sure to include

the World Famous Weeki Wachee
Mermaids in your plans. A total
of four mermaids will entertain guests
at the South Carolina Aquarium March
27 through April 5, 2015. The mermaids
come from Weeki Wachee Springs State
Park in Spring Hill, Florida. During
their time at the Aquarium, they will

swim among hundreds of animals,

including 8-foot sharks, during three
daily performances in the Aquariums
largest exhibit, the Great Ocean Tank.
During each show, the mermaids will
delight guests with a highly technical
and choreographed routine to a musical
number inspiring visitors of all ages. The
shows take place at 11 a.m., 1 p.m., and 3
p.m. daily and are included with general
admission to the Aquarium.
Guests may also participate in a photo
opportunity with a mermaid and explore
interactive areas focused on conservation
efforts to sustain the beauty of the ocean.
The World famous mermaids of Weeki
Wachee Springs State Park in Florida have
been a commercial success since the smalltown park opened in 1947. Over the years,
they have continued to delight visitors
from all over the world. The performances
at the South Carolina Aquarium are
included with general admission.

Bill and Ruth Baker of Kiawah island.

estchester, New York native,

Bill Baker and a Pittsburgh
native, Ruth, met on Kiawah
Island, his vacation and her permanent
residence, and married in 1999. Bill is
a real estate businessman. Ruth, on the
other hand, has a background in teaching,
but did a variety of things, including real
estate, managing a clothing store, and
being involved with a local school.
Bill has always been a philanthropist,
Ruth said.
He first got involved with the Outreach
around 2008, when his significant gift
contributed to the capital campaign
through which OLMCOS Wellness
Center was built.
I have never lived in a community that
had such an apparent income disparity,
says Ruth. Fortunately there are many
organizations such as the Outreach who
are here to provide support to those in
need.
Throughout the years, the married
couple has been involved with the
Outreach in many ways; they supported
the OLM Sisters NAILS Program
(home repair) and the Outreachs Annual
Christmas Toy Drive. Bill also served on
the board and Ruth is a current board
member. They also make sure to spread
the word about the Outreach and its
important mission in the communities
of Johns, James, and Wadmalaw Islands,
and downtown Charleston and have even
gotten some of their friends involved.

We have always been passionate about

children and education, says Ruth.
They make sure to give back by being
closely involved with a local school,
Charleston Collegiate. Ruth also sponsors
two children. Thanks to her, one of them
attends the Charleston Collegiate and the
other one is able to go to college. Ruth
believes that there is so much one can
do to help the community in addition to
monetary contributions.
If everyone got involved and every
child in need had a mentor, a positive
role-model in their life, we could really
change the world, Ruth said. I believe
that helping our community is our social
responsibility, especially if you have been
fortunate yourself.
For more information on how to
get involved with Our Lady of Mercy
Community Outreach contact Maria
Gurovich at 843.559.4109 or email maria.
gurovich@olmoutreach.org.

A Lucky Dog Favorite

March 27, 2015

17

tennis

Family Circle Cup player field announced

EIGHT OF THE TOP 20 IN THE WORLD
F E AT U R E D ; F I V E W I L D C A R D S L E F T
BY ARIELLE ALPINO
For The Island Connection

he preliminary main player draw for the Family

Circle Cup is officially complete for the 43rd
tournament, April 4 12. The world-class player
field forming for the Family Circle Cup on Daniel Island
is headed up by eight of the top 20 players in the world.
Five additional players will join the field via wild card
entry, to be announced at a later date.
The Family Circle Cups 56-player draw is made up of
43 direct entries into the tournament, five wild cards and
eight qualifiers.
The depth in our player field is what we strive for
each year, said Eleanor Adams, Tournament Manager
for the Family Circle Cup. From top-ranked players
like Ekaterina Makarova and our champion Andrea
Petkovic, to the next generation of talent, we are certain
the diversity of players within the field this year will bring
fierce and entertaining competition on the courts.
Highlights from the Main Draw include:
20 countries represented in the international
player field
Eight players in the top 20 in the world: Ekaterina
Makarova, Andrea Petkovic, Lucie Safarova, Sara
Errani, Anqelique Kerber, Madison Keys, Shuai
Peng, Barbora Zahlavova Strycova
Four past Family Circle Cup Champions: Andrea
Petkovic (2014), Samantha Stosur (2011), Sabine
Lisicki (2009) and Jelena Jankovic (2007)

Nine Americans in the field

Local Charleston player Shelby Rogers qualifies
for the 2015 Family Circle Cup main draw
Madison Keys, top ranked American player in the
field, currently World No. 18 after reaching the
Australian Open semifinals
At the top of the Family Circle Cup player field is
Ekaterina Makarova. 2015 will mark her first time playing
Charleston in five years. She broke into the WTA singles
top 10 for the first time in her career in January 2015,
stemming from a standout 2014 season that included a
singles quarterfinals appearance at Wimbledon, and her
first Grand Slam singles semifinal at the US Open.

Current Family Circle Cup champion Andrea Petkvoic

had a major comeback during the 2013-2014 season.
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 started the 2015 season with a win in Antwerp
in February 2015.
Safarova will play Charleston for her fifth time in
2015. After making the finals in both singles and doubles
in 2012, losing to Serena in singles before taking the
doubles win, she has gone on to make the Family Circle
Cups quarterfinals the last two years. Safarova reached an
additional four quarterfinals following the 2014 Family
Circle Cup, as well as the semifinals at Wimbledon and
Moscow. Most recently, she won the title in Doha in
February 2015.
Rounding out the top-four in Charlestons player field
is Sara Errani. This years tournament will be her third
time playing the Family Circle Cup. Errani reached the
quarterfinals at two Grand Slams in 2014, the French
and US Open, as well as the finals in Rome and Paris.
Errani won her first title of 2015 in Rio de Janeiro.
The Family Circle Cup takes place April 4 - 12, 2015 on
Daniel Island. Tickets for the event can be purchased via the
Family Circle Cup website. For more information on the
event, visit: www.familycirclecup.com.

18

arts & events

March 27, 2015

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