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Volume 9 Issue 24

March 11, 2016

FREE

Chili, children and celebrity judges

Rucker,
Gunnells
received
$81,400 more
in excess pay,
report finds

B A C K PA C K B U D D I E S C H I L I C O O K O F F
RETURNS MARCH 19

BY GREGG BRAGG

The Island Connection Staff Writer

PHOTO BY TERESA ZACHRY HILL

Heather Heath, owner of The Beach Dog, Mike Gorski, owner of Island Transportation and Todd Gerhart, owner of The Ice Cream
Boat have teamed up to host the second annual Bohicket Backpack Buddies Chili Cook Off.

BY JENNIFER TUOHY

The Island Connection Editor

he second annual Bohicket Backpack Buddies Chili Cook

Off comes to town Saturday, March 19, 2016 from 1-4
p.m. The event, which is the brainchild of Todd Gerhart,
owner of The Ice Cream Boat, raised over $15,000 last year for the
children of Frierson, Angel Oak and Mount Zion elementaries,
and Haut Gap middle school.
This year, with the need for supplemental food growing at the
schools on Johns and Wadmalaw islands, Gerhart is hoping to
raise $28,000.
The need has grown, there are now 370 children getting a
backpack, theres also a food pantry at St. Johns High School,
where kids can go and get food if they need it. So this money is
going into that too, Gerhart said.
The Backpack Buddies program provides healthy food for
children to take home from school on Fridays, to ensure they
have adequate nutrition over the weekend. It costs $195 a year to

Kiawah's Contributions

Page 6

fund a child to receive a backpack of food, Gerhart and his wife

sponsor the Chili Cook Off so 100 percent of all money raised
will go directly to the program.
The event itself features 40 teams, each cooking up their best
chili. Celebrity judges from 1055 The Bridge will decide on the
winning batch and there will be prizes for the Peoples Choice
award and the Best Decorated Booth as well. Mike Gorski of
Island Transportation service, donated all the prizes for the those
winners.
Local businesses participating include Ace Hardware, Urban
Nirvana, Lokal Restaurant, St. Johns FD, GDC Home Goods.
Reds Ice House will set up a bar and a 6 piece band provides live
entertainment.
Purchase your tickets in advance at the Ice Cream Boat in
Bohicket Marina, 7.30 a.m. to - 7:30 p.m., 7 days a week, or call
Todd Gerhart at 248.719.0076.

David Holt & More

Page 10

he Town of Kiawah Island held

a special meeting March 4, 2016
to present the findings of the
second financial audit of the towns
finances, following allegations of financial
improprieties against its former treasurer
and administrator. The meeting began in
short order with Mayor Lipuma setting the
stage.
As you are aware, last year the town
conducted a forensic audit of its financial
records.
That audit concluded that
two former town employeesTumiko
Rucker and Kenneth Gunnellswere
paid compensation over and above their
authorized salaries during the period 2013
through 2015 [totalling $125,000]. It was
also found that the towns payroll system and
W-2 tax documents were manipulated in an
effort to cover up those excess payments.
Given the span of time and magnitude
of the towns financial loss in 2013 through
2015, town council instructed the same
forensic accountant to conduct a second
review focused on payroll records for the
two prior years2011 and 2012. This
second review was restricted only to those
years because payroll records before 2011
are not deemed to be sufficiently available in
order to draw reliable conclusions.
The summarized findings include:
1. More salary overpayments occurred
between 2011 and 2012;
2. Further manipulation of the towns
payroll system and certain W-2 tax
documents occurred;
3. The reports identified an additional
$81,400 in excess payments to

TOKI Audit continues on page 5

The ARK Awareness

Page 12

March 11, 2016

civic

Lynn Pierotti
publisher
lynn@luckydognews.com
Jennifer Tuohy
managing editor
jennifer@luckydognews.com
Swan Richards
senior graphic designer
swan@luckydognews.com
Lori McGee
sales manager
lori@luckydognews.com
Alejandro Ferreyros
graphic designer
alejandro@luckydognews.com
Ralph Secoy
contributing photographer
Staff Writers
Gregg Bragg
Contributors
Stephanie Braswell
Jerry Farber
Roberta Boatti
Holly Fisher
Maria Gurovich
Shannan Wilson
Gary Lohr
Carroll Dunn

Published by
Lucky Dog Publishing
of South Carolina, LLC
P.O. Box 837
Sullivans Island, SC 29482
843-886-NEWS
Future deadlines: March 16
for submissions for the
March 25 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

Kiawah Town Council meeting

March 2016
TOWN AGREES TO SELL TOWN HALL FOR $1.575
MILLION, BUDGETS $9.25 MILLION FOR NEW BUILDING
BY GREGG BRAGG

The Island Connection Staff Writer

he gavel tapped for order at exactly

2 p.m. to start the March 1
meeting of Kiawahs town council.
There were two sets of meeting minutes.
Ratification of the first was deferred
while the second set was approved with
changes opening the door to the first
round citizens comments. This months
installment came with the new feature of
being limited to discussion of items on the
agenda. Wendy Kulick was first to test the
water.
Kulick had a slew of questions for
council, including those pertaining to
overpayment of town employees (see
story on page 1). Previously, the Town
has reported that one employee who was
overpaid has not yet signed an agreement
to repay monies which were not earned.
Has that agreement been signed and has
that employee begun repaying the Town?
If the answer to this question is no, how is
this anything other than insubordination?
And if it is insubordination, why has
this employee not been disciplined, up
to and including termination? Council
responded saying that an agreement was
still being worked on.
In the past, questions have been raised
whether Mr. Rhoad has been overpaid as
the Towns Attorney, Kulick said. If so,
how much was the overpayment? Has all
or part of it been repaid by Mr. Rhoad, as
he announced he would do if that turned
out to be the case? Council responded
that Dennis Rhoad has repaid the town
the $26,000 he owed.
Kulick would conclude her time at the
podium by requesting some land [at the
new municipal site] for a farmer.
Fred Peterson, Kiawah resident and

chair of the towns Planning Commission,

was next with a couple of questions. He
was concerned with the speed limit
coming off the traffic circle. The entrance
to the new municipal center is very close to
where the circle enters Betsy Kerrison Rd.
and was an accident waiting to happen.
Councilmember Labriola assured him
the issue was known and solutions were
under review. Peterson also questioned
the wisdom of driving under the large
tree located on the property saying he had
never been accused of being a tree hugger.
Representatives of architectural firm
LS3P explained away the issue, saying the
driveway and parking lot carefully skirted
the trees drip line.
SAFEbuilt Regional Manager Roni
Abdella made the final contribution to
citizens comments. SAFEbuilt had drawn
unfriendly fire during the towns January
retreat and a vote to continue the contract
was on the agenda. The company has been
providing building inspection services as
well as post disaster assessments of the
islands infrastructure for some time.
Abdella argued SAFEbuilt prices were
fair, consistent with the profit margins
of any other vendor and therefore, their
contract should be extended.
New Business
Ordinance 2016-02, a measure to
rezone the site of the new municipal
complex and facilitate development of the
plot was given a first reading. Materials
also included a letter from Kiawah Island
Community Association chair Dave
Schoenholz, making an official offer of
$1.575 million on the existing town hall.
Councilmember Labriola provided
some details of the negotiations, starting

with the comment that the town had

received appraisals as high as $3.4 million.
The value of appraisals reflected lease
income from KICA however, and when
the lease amount was removed, KICAs
offer was more compelling. Enhancing
the offer is the consideration of KICAs
solvency. KICA has the money on hand
and therefore is not obliged to solicit
the approval of its membership, adding
to the certainty of the deal. Although
KICAs final offer was $25,000 less than
a previously rejected offer, the motion
to accept the $1.575 million figure was
unanimous.
The municipal center was the next item
of new business. Quite a bit of wrangling
and debate resulted in general agreement
on a cap of $9.25 million for the project
(including furniture etc.). Dates of
execution are still to be negotiated so the
town doesnt find itself homeless for any
period of time. The motion passed in a 4-1
vote with councilmember Weaver voting
against the measure. The accompanying
motion to proceed in selecting a general
contractor, however, passed unanimously.
New business concluded with a
unanimous vote to renew the contract with
The Greenery (landscape maintenance)
however, the contract with SAFEbuilt
was not. Stephanie Tillerson made the
staff recommendation that the town had,
and/or could get the expertise to conduct
inspections in-house, rendering the
agreement with SAFEbuilt unnecessary.
The contract will end on June 30.
Committee Reports
Committee reports of particular
note included councilmember Weavers
comments on the St. Johns Fire District.

K iawah Island Town H all

21 Beachwalker Drive
Kiawah Island, SC 29455
Phone: 768-9166
Planning Commission Fax: 768-4764
Meeting
April 6, 3:00 p.m.
Seabrook Island Town H all
Kiawah Town Hall
2001 Seabrook Island Road

Civic Calendar
Town of
Seabrook

Ways & Means

March 15, 2:30 p.m.
Seabrook Town Hall
Town Council
March 22, 2:30 p.m.
Seabrook Town Hall

Planning Commission
Regular Meeting
May 4, 2:30 p.m.
Seabrook Town Hall
Ways & Means
May 17, 2:30 p.m.
Seabrook Town Hall

Town of Kiawah

Planning Commission
Regular Meeting
April 6, 2:30 p.m.
Seabrook Town Hall

Board of Zoning and

Appeals
March 21, 4:00 p.m.
Kiawah Town Hall

Ways & Means

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

Ways & Means

March 22, 2:00 p.m.
Kiawah Town Hall

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

Town Council
Meeting
April 5, 2 p.m.
Kiawah Town Hall

Arts & Cultural

Events Council
Meeting
April 7, 3:00 p.m.
Kiawah Town Hall
Communications
Committee Meeting
April 12, 3:00 p.m.
Kiawah Town Hall
Public Safety
Committee Meeting
April 13, 2:00 p.m.
Kiawah Town Hall

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
Charleston County Council
4045 Bridge View Dr, N. Charleston
958-4700
City of Charleston
75 Calhoun St.
724-3745

March 11, 2016

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Recent meetings of SJFD revealed the need

for a review of capital assets. The review
resulted in the decision to replace many
of their fire stations including stations
four and six (the Kiawah locations).
Weaver was all about the upgrades, saying
expanded facilities would allow for an
additional person on each apparatus,
which will benefit Kiawah residents.
Citizens Comments
Kiawah resident Diane Lehder led off
the second round of citizens comments.
She said some time ago, the town started
paying employees an added commuting
allowance because of high gas prices.
Lehder wanted to know if the additional
allowance was still being paid. Lehder
also wanted to know if the town knew
anything about survey-like flags on the
beach down to the water just east of
Beachwalker Park. Do you have any idea
who placed them or what they are for?
Dennis McGill was next and reminded
council he had sent them a number of
letters and was perplexed they had not

been read into the record as part of the

correspondence section of the agendas.
He went on to say the description the
town used to describe executive sessions
was too vague and not consistent with case
law regarding the matter. He also recalled
the town hiring two communications
consultants. Paying them should have
required a vote of council he never
witnessed. He wanted to know if and how
they had been paid, since no votes were
taken on the matter.
Wendy Kulick opened her comments
by praising councilmember Labriola, who
chairs the municipal center committee.
Kulick applauded its open nature and
again expressed her hope it would become
a model for all of the towns activities.
Council went into executive session.
They returned without taking any votes
or making any decisions that would
bind the town to a course of action. The
meeting would then adjourn.

Tid e Char t
Date

High Tide

Low Tide

Mar 11
Mar 12
Mar 13
Mar 14
Mar 15
Mar 16
Mar 17
Mar 18
Mar 19
Mar 20
Mar 21
Mar 22
Mar 23
Mar 24

9:53am/10:11pm
10:44am/11:05pm
12:38pm
1:02am/1:36pm
2:03am/2:38pm
3:08am/3:43pm
4:13am/4:46pm
5:14am/5:45pm
6:10am/6:38pm
6:59am/7:25pm
7:42am/8:08pm
8:22am/8:48pm
9:00am/9:26pm
9:36am/10:02pm

3:34am/3:53pm
4:27am/4:44pm
6:22am/6:37pm
7:21am/7:34pm
8:23am/8:35pm
9:27am/9:39pm
10:30am/10:42pm
11:29am/11:41pm
12:21pm
12:34am/1:07pm
1:23am/1:50pm
2:07am/2:28pm
2:48am/3:04pm
3:28am/3:38pm

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

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March 11, 2016

Seabrook Island Town Council February

2016 meeting report

eabrook Islands Town Council

got an early start which proved
uneventful. There was a public
hearing scheduled on four ordinances
slated for a second reading during the
ensuing meeting, though it was hard to
tell from participation. Each ordinance
reflected a parcel of land to be protected
from development and preserved as
greenspace. There was little opposition
to preserving open space and the lack of
debate cleared the way for an on-time
start to proceedings.
Mayor Ron Ciancio began the
meeting promptly with mixed news on
financials. January revenues had fallen
short of projections by $18,000, the result
of a lag in anticipated business license
applications. However, the scent of roses
still permeated, as the town had also spent
$32,000 less than projected for a net gain
on the month.
The Seabrook Island Utility also had an
unusual report. Scheduled meter readings
produced a gap in revenue much like the
towns account. The timing meant SIU
appeared to have come short of revenue
projections by $16,000. Jeff Bostock
continued with more upbeat evidence the
disparity was of no concern. SIU sold 3

BY GREGG BRAGG

The Island Connection Staff Writer

million gallons more in January than

it purchased, and 5 inches of rain, the
previous month, meant no water had been
pumped to support irrigation. Bostock
assured the town that the fluctuation
would vaporize with the next round of
meter readings.
Councilmember Gregg said the clubs
long range planning committee had
not met in January. More information
from the group will be available, he
said, when results of a Seabrook Island
Property Owners Association survey was
completed and digested. The Public Safety
Committee however, did meet in January.
The committee has embraced a
plan which fell out of an emergency
preparedness drill from last June and was
augmented by a follow up exercise this past
January. The Seabrook Island Community
Emergency Response Team (captained
by John Reynolds) has instituted and
promoted the notion of block captains.
The idea is for SICERT members to gather
and report on conditions in their assigned
areas. The plan has several components;
1. Collect information on conditions in
each area, 2. Identify and assist residents
in need 3. Establish a triage center to
disseminate information to both full time

and remote residents.

Councilmember John Turner gave his
report on the communications committee.
He had attended a seminar sponsored by
Charleston County titled Sea Level Rise
Strategy Report. The very long report
included recommendations he felt could
be brought to bear on Seabrooks own
beach management plan and will be made
available at town hall. Turner also said
SIPOA is planning a debate on offshore
drilling, currently scheduled for April 20.
Representatives from the Bureau of Ocean
Energy Management, Charleston County
Council and College of Charleston will
be there, as well as the Energy Alliance,
a pro drilling group. Turner concluded
by saying he hopes to be able to include
Kiawah residents in the event.
Councilmember John Wells reported
on special projects beginning with the
drainage system from town hall to the
traffic circle. Examination of storm
drains revealed 50 percent blockage and
of the six flood control valves in the
system, five were shot and one is missing
entirely. Wells recommended professional
help and made a motion to fund hiring
an engineering firm to rectify system
degradation. Complicating matters is the
need for surveys, determining easements,
the interplay of the bike path and actually
fixing the drains. Wells motion to
solicit six to eight bids for repairs, was
unanimously approved before he turned
to the subject of how SITC will apply
Accommodations Tax monies.
Wells echoed support for several local
advertising projects; $16,500 for Kick it
at Bohicket, $5,000 for The Alan Fleming
Senior Tennis Tournament and $3,500
for the Billfish Tournament. The mayor
chimed in to say the recommended
amounts had been addressed in the
budget and agreement to proceed with
the planned sponsorships was approved.
Things took a turn to the lighter side, as
Wells stepped on some toes.
Councilmember John Turner was
absent last month, with permission
added Wells to chuckles, for a scheduled
tour of Seabrooks Piping Plover habitat

by the Department of Natural Resources.

Accompanying DNR would normally
have fallen to Turner, who confirmed he
did have permission (more laughter)
to miss the tour and appreciated Wells
stepping up. Wells enjoyed the exercise
but was surprised by the plovers disdain
for their assigned area. The chubby
little birds with a black neck ring and
uni-brow seemed to prefer feeding
where the food was at the changing tides.
The birds cant read the signs so we have
to practice avoidance, and get the word
out, concluded Wells.
Councilmember Skip Crane took the
reins to announce a strategic planning
session has been scheduled for March
29 at Camp St. Christopher. He lauded
praise on the facility and their assistance
with the event. We cant have too
many ideas, said Crane, in an effort to
encourage resident participation.
Mayor Ciancio said efforts were being
examined to consolidate Seabrooks
advertising. Many of the several entities
on the island with advertising budgets
have gone their own way in the past. The
question of improving the effect of such
efforts through combining and sharpening
their focus, is being considered. The mayors
final topic was a solicitation for input from
council and the community on fishing.
Last summer, SITC passed an
ordinance which forbids chumming
within 200 yards of the beach. Fishing
from the beach is still an issue, however,
and the mayor is interested in striking a
better balance between the interests of
anglers and swimmers.
The four ordinances conveying land
to Seabrooks Greenspace Conservancy
(mentioned above) passed unanimously
without a hitch or debate and were hailed
as being in the best interests of the town.
The only Citizens Comment came
from Cherie Squire. She wanted to validate
media reports Seabrook would participate
in funding a Johns Island roads study to
be headed by former SC House Speaker
Bobby Harrell. No, said the mayor. The
meeting would ended there in a record
tying 37 minutes.

March 11, 2016

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TOKI Audit continues from cover

former employees Rucker and
Gunnells. Excess payments to
Rucker of $23,222 in 2011 and
$33,449 in 2012. Excess payments
to Gunnells were $11,753 in 2011
and $12,976 in 2012.
4. The aggregate overpayment to
both employees reported brings the
total for Rucker and Gunnells to
$206,425.
5. This follow-up audit also found that
salary overpayments to three current
salaried employees [and one hourly
employee] also predated 2013 and
occurred in both 2011 and 2012.
I want to again express my regret that
the Town experienced these improprieties
by two employees who were in positions
of considerable trust and responsibility,
Lipuma said. I want to emphasize that we
have taken action and will continue to do
so to recover as much of the lost funds as
possible.
The mayor then cited a number of
corrective actions the town has taken to
prevent this occurring again. The town has
replaced its auditor, created a new audit
committee, changed its payroll system
and replaced Rucker and Gunnells. Mayor
Lipuma also said this information will be
available to appropriate law enforcement
(including US Attorney Rhett DeHart,
Special agent Bob Derr of the FBI and Joe
Albayalde of SLED). Lipuma added that
any criminal action resulting from these
findings is solely at the discretion of federal
law enforcement. The town is not privy to
those considerations or the status of any
investigation.
The mayor continued his account by
saying the town is actively working with
the three additional employees to extend
those repayment agreements to cover 2011
and 2012, and is working with the fourth
employee for overpayments found from
2011 to 2015.
The Town believes these employees
were victims of fraudulent supervisors,
the mayor said before opening the floor to
questions.
The first question came from Kiawah
resident Dennis McGill.
What was the overpayments to [Jim]
Jordan, [Rusty] Lamaeo and [Aaron]
Given? McGill asked
The Mayor responded saying Jordan
was almost $40,000, Given was $22,000,
Lameo was almost $33,000 ... for all of the
years.
Diana Mezzanotte asked if there were

any losses associated with credit cards or

evidence of contracts which benefitted the
two former employees. Lipuma responded
saying all contracts were pretty sound."
Wendy Kulick asked if the $26,000
overpayment to the towns attorney was
included in $81,400. No, that overpayment
had nothing to do with this situation,
Lipuma said
Dave Power asked if the town has
embezzlement insurance. Lipuma said
the town has insurance to a maximum
of $50,000 per event, and the insurance
company considered 2011 to 2015 a single
event. The town was allowed almost
$40,000 against the policy. The towns
attorney added that an additional claim for
$5,500 has been filed, which he believes the
town has a pretty good chance of collecting.
Wendy Kulick spoke up to say she
remembered Lipuma previously saying
the town had $100,000 insurance, not
$50,000. Lipuma said the town had
thought it could claim one amount for
what Rucker took and one claim for
Gunnells, but the insurance company saw
this as a single event, limiting the amount
of the claim.
Dennis McGill asked if the town
intended to amend repayment agreements
for the three salaried employees, and would
repayment include interest? Lipuma said the
town would extend the period to repay by
one year. McGill followed up to ask if those
agreements would be presented for approval
to council at a public meeting, but Lipuma
didn't think that was necessary.
Russ Crane noted the mayors use of the
term "victims" was curious. He asked if
the town had received legal advice on that,
and if the town is comfortable this kind
of behavior would not result in firing, if
repeated in the future.
I cant predict what future councils
will do. This system was so dysfunctional
... maybe victims is not the correct term.
When you expect to be paid the first of the
month and don't get paid until the 15th or
20th ... when people breach the trust [of
council], said the mayor.
Diana Mezzanote asked if the four
additional, overpaid staff members had
received correct W-2s. Lipuma responded
they had [received accurate W-2s].
Kulick followed up on Cranes comments
asking, How could salaried employees not
have known they were being overpaid?
Lipuma referred again to the dysfunctional
system and attributed problems to a lack of
management by Rucker and Gunnells the
council had trusted them to achieve.
Fred Peterson said he was really distressed

Golf Carts

civic
by all of this.
We have a local solicitor. Why hasn't
this been turned over to her? he asked.
Every few weeks we read of some school
secretary being arrested for stealing a few
thousand dollars. Why isn't Scarlett Wilson
[of the 9th circuit court] involved?
Lipuma said there were IRS issues which
placed this in the federal realm.
That's why we are trying to get some
more information to them [legal entities],
Lipuma said. If we were to do it over again,
we would have gone to the solicitor.
Councilmember John Wilson added that
SLED was involved. Councilmember Craig
Weaver said council was equally perplexed
why nothing had been done.
Your constituents would like to see
something that makes them understand
that you feel this way. Peterson rejoined.
Art Zackrison asked if anything was
being done to recover money from Rucker
and Gunnells. The towns attorney said
attempts were being made. Lipuma said he
was led to believe US Attorney DeHart had
asked if the town was interested in repayment
of money or the full penalty under the law
and was told all of the above.
Russ Crane asked what the town
would do if no agreement were reached in
negotiations with four overpaid employees
as the final question of the day. Lipuma
responded saying he Wasnt going to
speculate, adding that the town is in the
process of reaching an agreement with [the
hourly employee]. When it happens, it
happens, said the mayor before adjourning
the meeting a little over 30 minutes after it
had begun.

Islands pick
Clinton in
Democratic
Primary
STAFF REPORT

For The Island Connection

he islands democrats turned out for

nominee Hillary Clinton during
the Feb. 27 2016 presidential
primary. While Clinton took the state
as whole by over 75 percent, Kiawah
handed her an 83 percent victory. Over on
Seabrook, contender Bernie Sanders had
a slightly stronger showing, but Clinton
still won with just under 70 percent.

Kiawah Island

Hillary Clinton (DEM) 83.22% 119

Martin O'Malley (DEM) 0.00% 0
Bernie Sanders (DEM) 16.78% 24
Willie Wilson (DEM) 0.00% 0
Total 143

Town of Seabrook

Hillary Clinton (DEM) 69.92% 165

Martin O'Malley (DEM) 0.42% 1
Bernie Sanders (DEM) 29.66% 70
Willie Wilson (DEM) 0.00% 0
Total 236

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Town of Kiawahs charitable

contributions announced
STAFF REPORT

For The Island Connection

Children enjoy the Gibbers Art Access program, which has benefited from a Kiawah
donation of $20,000.

March 11, 2016

very year the Town of Kiawah donates to worthy organizations through its
charitable contribution application process. Applications are reviewed by the
Ways and Means committee and amounts are recommended to Town Council,

who approved this years contributions at its February meeting.

Many of the benefiting charities focus on helping Kiawahs neighbors on Johns
and Wadmalaw islands. For example, The Gibbes Museum of Art received $20,000
in funding to support the Gibbes Art Access program for Title I students. This grant
will allow 645 PreK to 12th grade students from Johns Island and Wadmalaw schools
to take part in museum-educator led tours at the Gibbes, which reopens May 28 after
nearly two years of extensive renovations.
2016 Charitable Contributions
Kiawah Women's Foundation
$7,000
Sweetgrass Garden Co-op. Inc.
$1,000
Backpack Buddies Seabrook Island
$1,500
Lowcountry Food Bank $5,000
Barrier Islands Free Medical Clinic, Inc.
$20,000
Teacher's Supply Closet $10,000
Charleston Symphony Orchestra $30,000
Full Faith Ministries $7,500
Our Lady of Mercy Community Outreach Services, Inc.
$20,000
Engaging Creative Minds $10,000
Sea Island Habitat for Humanity
$12,000
Sea Islands Hunger Awareness Foundation
$1,000
South Carolina Aquarium $5,000
Catesby Commemorative Trust, Inc.
$2,500
Respite Care Charleston $2,500
Gibbes Museum of Art $20,000
Kiawah Island Conservancy $45,000

March 11, 2016

daily

Seabrook Island announces continued

positive financials for 2015

BY JERRY FARBER

For The Island Connection

he Seabrook Island Club and

Seabrook Island Property Owners
Association held its annual
meetings Saturday, Feb. 13, 2016, at the
Club Island House with approximately
350 people in attendance. Both
organizations reported positive financial
results for 2015.
Seabrook Island Club
The Club Treasurer reported the fifth
straight year of beating budget, while
meeting funding targets for the reserve
plan with a reserve fund balance at the end
of the year of over $3 million. The Seabrook
Island Real Estate Company reported the
sixth straight year of increased property
sales since the Great Recession, with 2015
being the best year since 2006, realizing a
30 percent increase in sales volume over
2014. The Club General Manager and
Chief Operating Officer reported on
investments for the future including: golf
course master plan renovation of driving
range, Island House renovations, and
Beach Club oceanfront grill installation.
SIPOA
SIPOA held its 29th Annual Meeting
and reported that the Association is in
excellent financial condition. During
2015, SIPOA undertook several initiatives
that significantly reduced expenditures,
which has made it possible to fund a
robust capital investment program in
2016. Outgoing SIPOA Board President
Chuck Fox reported that:
The relocation of Captain Sams inlet
earlier this year already has achieved

positive impacts. The 2015 beach

renourishment has already increased the
critical habitat area for threatened species
and started the process of dune creation
and restoration. The successful relocation
project also was instrumental in limiting
the beach erosion that occurred during
the October flooding associated with the
heavy rain and astronomical tides.
Incoming SIPOA Board President
Janet Gorski announced that In 2016,
SIPOA will continue to build upon its
successes in governance, volunteerism,
fiduciary responsibility, and environmental
stewardship, and will continue to build on
its collaborative strategic interests with the
Town and Club, as well as on responding to
the rapid changes in technology to enhance
property owners ability to communicate
and access desired information.
Both
organizations
recognized
outgoing board members and introduced
new board members. During the interlude
between the meetings, a video was
presented that highlighted 2015 results
and key events on Seabrook Island.
The video can be seen on either www.
discoverseabrook.com or www.sipoa.org.
Seabrook Island Attributes
The Club and SIPOA highlighted
successes in governance, volunteerism,
fiduciary
responsibility,
and
environmental stewardship that together
enhance the lives of residents at and
visitors to Seabrook Islands beautiful
oceanfront community.
In respect to governance, Seabrook

Island is one of only a handful of

communities on the East Coast that
governs its own affairs through property
owner volunteers for SIPOA, the Town
of Seabrook Island, and the Club. These
entities work collaboratively on strategy
and to support paid management to
achieve strategic objectives.
Seabrook Island property owners also
volunteer substantial time and financial
resources to improving quality of life on
Johns Island and in the greater Charleston
community by creating, managing, and
participating in a variety of philanthropic
endeavors, most notably, Barrier Island
Free Medical Clinic, Sea Islands Habitat
for Humanity (including its WomenBuild
program), Backpack Buddies, NextSteps,
Kiawah-Seabrook Exchange Club, Our Lady
of Mercy programs, Respite Care, and the
Seabrook Island Greenspace Conservancy.
In addition to philanthropic endeavors,
property owner volunteers create, design,
and manage informative and recreational
activities and forums that enhance
quality of life at Seabrook Island for
property owners and visitors. Over 150
Seabrook Island volunteers participated
in the record 2015 Turtle Season with 75
oceanfront turtle nests producing 6,095
hatchlings. Perhaps the fastest growing
new volunteer endeavor in 2015 has been
the daily electronic post of activities of
interest to Seabrookers, the Tidelines
blog, with 12 volunteer editors and over
1,100 daily subscribers. During the
October-November 2015 weather and

king tide emergencies, Tidelines was

the preeminent real-time, crowdsourced
information application for Seabrook
Island and Johns Island road condition
and flooding alerts.
With respect to fiduciary responsibility,
SIPOA and the Club initiated in 20072009 its $31 million Horizon Plan so that
today property owners and visitors enjoy
world class, state-of-the-art facilities at the
Lake House, Island House, Beach Club and
Racquet Club. These facilities now rank
among the newest and best infrastructure
assets on the East Coast. Seabrook Island
has become a significant engine of growth
for the greater Charleston community.
With regard to environmental
stewardship, success occurs only when a
community cares to protect its natural
resources. As an oceanfront community,
the beach is a critical environmental asset
for recreation and habitat. Seabrook
Island property owners have devoted
significant reserve funds each year to
conserve beach resources that not only
meet regulatory requirements through
best coastal management practices, but
also that continue to have a positive
impact on wildlife and flora. Seabrook
Island has earned recognition as a Green
Community in the Audubon International
Sustainable Communities Program.
For further information, contact:
Caleb Elledge, Club GM/COO, celledge@
discoverseabrook.com or 843.768.2500.
Heather Paton, SIPOA Executive Director,
hpaton@sipoa.org or 843.725.1557

what's hot

Help firefighters help children

CAROLINA CHILDRENS CHARITY FUNDRAISING KICKS OFF

n Thursday, March 17, 2016, WCBD News 2

will broadcast the Carolina Childrens Charity
29th Annual Mini Telethon from 11 a.m 6:30
p.m. during their midday and evening broadcasts. Help
support CCC and our local firefighters in Berkeley,
Charleston, Colleton and Dorchester counties by
donating to this years Boot Drive Campaign.
Firefighters are the heart of Carolina Childrens
Charity and their ongoing support for the past 29
years has allowed the charity to carry out our mission
to help Lowcountry children diagnosed with a birth
defect or childhood disease. The mission is a tender and
compassionate one as CCC is the answer for families
when there is no one else to help. This unique local charity
provides grants for items or services that are medically
beneficial or medically necessary to the special children
in our community. Each item or service requested
requires the support of a medical doctor. With rising
healthcare costs and a decrease in healthcare benefits,
families request the charitys help to assure the needs of
their children can be met.
Local firefighters have already started to collect, but
will be out in full force on the streets and in the parking
lots of local businesses in all four counties served by

BY SHANNAN WILSON & GARY LOHR

For The Island Connection

the charity for the annual boot drive, Friday, March 11

through Sunday, March 20. Please give your change to
support a good cause. Every penny, nickel, dime, quarter
and dollar counts as all the money raised here stays
here and every dollar makes a difference in the life of a
Lowcountry child! There is no donation too small or too
large as it all adds up. (Quick Tip from Chief Lohr: Go
to the bank and ask for a $10 roll of quarters to keep in
your vehicle. That way you can drop a few in each boot
you pass at the store or on the street.)
The firefighter's dedication to Carolina Childrens
Charity is an inspiring testament to their sense of
commitment to our community and our children.
Our wonderful community has always supported the
firefighters efforts as the charity is about local people
helping local children. This is what makes our mission
possible.
This years Mini Telethon will showcase local fire
departments at remote locations and some of the families
that we serve will share stories that will inspire you. We
will have a live phone bank during the March 17 midday
and evening broadcasts staffed by CCC Board members,
volunteers and sponsors to take your donations. The phone
bank number is 843.849.5420. Help make a difference in

the life of a child right here in our community. Dont pass

by a local firefighter without showing some support.
Remember, All Money Raised Here Stays Here and
every dollar makes a difference in the life of a Lowcountry
child!
Carolina Childrens Charity was organized in 1987
and has given more than 4.1 million back to the LOCAL
special needs community. For more information,
call Shannan Wilson at 843. 769.7555 or visit www.
carolinachildren.org.
The St. Johns Fire District has been a proud supporter
of the charity for many years. This year we will be out
around the district collecting money for this wonderful
charity. In addition to the boot drive, the district holds
a charity dinner at the Sunrise Bistro located at 1797
Main Rd. on Johns Island. This years dinner will be
held on Friday, March 11, from 6 to 9 p.m. and feature
select items from the Bistros menu. Firefighters will be
serving and all of the profits and tips go directly to the
charity. Check the St. Johns Fire Districts Facebook
page or contact Chief Lohr at g.lohr@stjfd.org for more
information.

Island Connection Calendar

March 11
Mondays

Intermediate Oil Classes

At the Todd & Huff Art Center located
at Bohicket Marina, Wednesdays and
Fridays, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. Topics include
value work, applying composition elements
to your paintings, edge work, brush and
palette knife use. Painting from still life
and photos. Email toddhuffcenter@gmail.
com for information.
Monday Bridge Group
9 a.m. at the Lake House. The Monday
Bridge Group needs new players. For more
information, please contact Ilse Calcagno
at 843.768.0317.

Tuesdays

Mah Jongg Practice

1 - 4 p.m. The 2nd, 3rd, and 4th Tuesday
of the month. Located at The Lake
HouseOsprey 2. Open to all new
players, those returning to the game, and
anyone else who wants a chance to practice
with others who are learning the game.
If you have any questions, please contact
Helen Thompson at hmtsbsc@gmail.com.
Bookmobile
The Charleston County Bookmobile comes
to Freshfields Village on the first Tuesday
of every month from 10 11:30 a.m.
The Bookmobile will be parked in the lot
behind Heges and Java Java.

Wednesdays

Lake House Yoga

8:30 a.m. Join us for Rise and Shine Yoga
with Patti Romano, formerly known at
Gentle Flow Yoga. Rise and Shine Yoga
is an all-levels practice focused around
finding your day's intention, set up yourself
for success and be ready to shine.

Arts and Cultural Events Council.

Friday Indoor Pickleball

12:30 - 2:30 p.m. at St. Christopher's
Camp. For further information, please
contact Mary Torello at 843.768.0056.

Johns Island Regional Library

Storytimes
Babygarten (0 to 18 months with adult),
Monday, March 7 at 10:30 a.m. Young
and Restless (18 to 30 months with adult),
Mondays, March 14, 21 and 28 at 10:30
a.m. Time for Twos (24-36 months with
adult), Tuesdays, March 15, 22 and 29
at 10:30 a.m. Preschool Storytime (3 6
years with adult), Wednesdays, March 16,
23 and 30 at 10:30 a.m.

Saturdays

FRIDAY, MARCH 11

Fridays

Homegrown
10 a.m. 2 p.m. Johns Island Farmers
Market. Every Third Saturday at 3546
Maybank Highway Johns Island.
For more information, visit www.
johnsislandfarmersmarket.com.
2015 Sea Island Cars and Coffee
9 - 11 a.m. The third Saturday each month
at Freshfields Village (not April).

Ongoing

Seabrook Artist of the Month

Tina Mayland is the Artist of the Month
for March, view her work at the Lake
House Hall Gallery all month.
Piano Bar Series
Wed. March 16 and 30, 5-7 p.m.,
Sandcastle. No Tickets Required.
Sponsored by the Town of Kiawah Island

Seabrook Island Garden Club presents

Ryan Watkins
9:30 a.m. at the Seabrook Island Lake
House.

SATURDAY, MARCH 12

shindig with friends and neighbors near

its soon-to-open new downtown location
from 12 to 4 p.m. at 1071 Morrison
Drive, Charleston. Restaurants coming
together for the event include The Atlantic
Room Restaurant at Kiawah Island Golf
Resort, Craftsmen Kitchen & Tap House,
Home Team BBQ, Edmunds Oast, and
Lewis Barbecue. Cocktails will be made
featuring Cathead Vodka and Sailor Jerry
Spiced Rum and Revelry Brewing Co. and
Coast Brewing Co. will be serving beer.
There will be live music by Guilt Ridden
Troubadour. Tickets are $30 per person
plus tax for a food pass. There will be drink
tickets sold for cocktails and beer. All of
the food, beverages and entertainment has
been donated to this event to raise funds
for Hogs for the Cause. Kids under 12 are
free. To purchase tickets, visit http://bit.
ly/1UDxRJY.

Building Bots Program: Snap Circuits

11 a.m. Discover, inquire and create to
become tomorrow's innovators. Building
Bots is an introduction to hands-on
STEM-themed programming for children
7-11 years old with their caregivers. A
different technology will be featured each
month to help children strengthen their
interest and knowledge of STEM-related
topics. Building Bots is offered at Main,
John's Island, and Otranto libraries.

St. Paddys Pawlooza

This dog-friendly special event will give
people and their pets the chance to
celebrate St. Patricks Day together at
North Charleston Wannamaker County
Park from noon to 4 p.m. Attendees will
enjoy live music, beverages, and food.
St. Patricks Day attire is encouraged for
all, especially for the four-legged friends.
For more information or to register, visit
CharlestonCountyParks.com or call
843.795.4386.

Hogs for the Cause Block Party

Home Team BBQ is organizing this

Saturday Movie

3 p.m. Pan. Living a bleak existence at

a London orphanage, 12-year-old Peter
(Levi Miller) finds himself whisked away
to the fantastical world of Neverland.
Adventure awaits as he meets new friend
James Hook (Garrett Hedlund) and the
warrior Tiger Lily (Rooney Mara). They
must band together to save Neverland
from the ruthless pirate Blackbeard (Hugh
Jackman). Along the way, the rebellious
and mischievous boy discovers his true
destiny, becoming the hero forever known
as Peter Pan. Rated PG; 111 minutes.
Sponsored by The UPS Store, 3575
Maybank Hwy, Johns Island.

SUNDAY, MARCH 13
Joshua Roman, Cellist
4 p.m., Church of Our Saviour.
Complimentary Tickets Available at
Kiawah Town Hall 843.768. 9166
or online at www.kiawahisland.org/
specialevents. Sponsored by the Town of
Kiawah Island Arts and Cultural Events
Council.
Green Space Gala and Auction
Enjoy a sumptuous three course dinner,
complimentary wine, games of chance, and
treasure-filled silent and live auctions for
only $75 per person. Over 100 of the 300
reservations available are already taken.
You can pick up a reservation form at the
Lake House or else download one from
www.sigsc.org.

April 3

TUESDAY, MARCH 15

SATURDAY, MARCH 19

Island Regional Library.

Seabrook Island Artist Guild monthly

meeting
3 p.m. Live Oak room, Lakehouse,
featuring Artist Sergio Roffo.

David Holt & the Lightning Bolts

7:30 p.m. Turtle Point Clubhouse,
Complimentary Tickets Available at
Kiawah Town Hall 843. 768.9166
or online at www.kiawahisland.org/
specialevents. Sponsored by the Town of
Kiawah Island Arts and Cultural Events
Council.

FRIDAY, MARCH 25

10th Annual Baker Motor Company

Fashion Show
Through March 19 in Downtown
Charleston, features emerging designers
and model talent from across the East
Coast. Since its founding in 2007, the
Baker Motor Company Fashion Show
has become one of the premier fashion
week shows in North America. The bridal
showcase, March 19, will display the latest
bridal fashions and trends. To purchase
tickets and for more information visit:
charlestonfashionweek.com
Sea Islands Book Club (adults)
2 p.m. Orphan Train by Christina Baker
Kline. Johns Island Regional Library.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 16
Sergio Roffo marine art workshop
A 2 day workshop through March 17.
Contact Bob LeFevre at rodory@gmail.
com or call 843.768.3284 for registration
and information.

THURSDAY, MARCH 17
St. Patricks Day

The Black Pupil: Educated Against All

Odds
5 p.m., Charleston Gospel Choir. St.
Matthews Lutheran Church, 405 King
Street, Charleston. General Admission
tickets: $20 adults, $10 children or
students with ID. Tickets: www.
charlestongospelchoir.org; 866.811.4111 or
at door (cash or check only) up to one half
hour before event.

TUESDAY, MARCH 22
Artist Pat Van De Graaf Workshop
1-3 p.m. Lake House Eagles Nest room
contact Gary Kunkelman at garyk1@
comcast.net or call 484.400.4390 to
register.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 23
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

Spring Music on the Green

6 to 9 p.m. at Freshfields Village. Celebrate
the arrival of warmer weather with a spring
edition of Music on the Green with live music
by Louie D. Project. This energetic four piece
band features funk, jazz, rock, and hip-hop
music. The concert is free and guests are
encouraged to bring a blanket or beach chair.

SATURDAY, MARCH 26
Spring Festival Art Show
9:30 a.m. 3 p.m. Freshfields Village at
the intersection of Seabrook and Kiawah
islands.

SUNDAY, MARCH 27
Easter Service on the Green
Freshfields Village

SUNDAY, APRIL 3
New York Polyphony Siglo de Oro (The
Golden Century)
4 p.m. Holy Spirit Catholic Church.
Ticket Release: Kiawah March 15, public
March 18. Complimentary Tickets
Available at Kiawah Town Hall 843 - 768
- 9166 or online at www.kiawahisland.org/
specialevents. Sponsored by the Town of
Kiawah Island Arts and Cultural Events
Council.

10

March 11, 2016

arts & events

Kiawah Arts Council

brings Joshua Roman
and David Holt to town
BY STEPHANIE BRASWELL
For The Island Connection

among many others. An active chamber

musician, Roman has collaborated with
established artists such as Yo-Yo Ma, and
the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln
Center among others in the vibrant New
York music world.
A native of Oklahoma City, Roman
began playing the cello at the age of three,
and gave his first public recital at age ten.
He pursued his musical studies at the
Cleveland Institute of Music with Richard
Aaron, and received his Bachelors Degree
in Cello Performance in 2004, and his
Masters in 2005, as a student of Desmond
Hoebig, former principal cellist of the
Cleveland Orchestra.

Joshua Roman, Cellist

Sunday, March 13, 2016, 4 p.m.,

Church of Our Saviour, complimentary
tickets available at Kiawah Town
Hall, 843.768.9166 or online at www.
kiawahisland.org/specialevents. Sponsored
by the Town of Kiawah Island Arts and
Cultural Events Council.
Joshua Roman, one of the most
outstanding cellist of his generation,
has earned an international reputation
for his wide-ranging repertoire, a
commitment to communicating the
essence of music in visionary ways,
artistic leadership and versatility. As
well as being a celebrated performer,
he is recognized as an accomplished
composer, curator, and programmer. In a
multifaceted 2015-16 season, Roman will
premiere his own Cello Concerto with
the Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra. In
April 2016, he begins a residency with
the Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra.
Roman premiered this work with Seattle
Symphony in 2014, and will perform it
with various orchestras throughout the
2015-16 season. He will pursue his artistic
vision as Artistic Director of TownMusic
at Town Hall Seattle. He also continues
to perform classics of the repertoire, and
in February makes his debut with the
Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra playing
Dvorks beloved Cello Concerto.
Highlights of recent seasons have
included appearances with the Fort
Worth Symphony Orchestra, New
World Symphony, Seattle Symphony,
Tucson Symphony, Moscow State
Symphony Orchestra and BBC Scottish
Symphony Orchestra. His outreach
endeavors have taken him to Uganda
with his violin-playing siblings, where
they played chamber music in schools,
HIV/AIDS centers, and displacement
camps, communicating a message of
hope through music. Roman spent two
seasons as principal cellist of the Seattle
Symphony, a position he won in 2006
at the age of 22. Since that time he has
appeared as a soloist with the San Francisco
Symphony, Los Angeles Philharmonic,
BBC Scottish Symphony, Mariinsky
Orchestra, Alabama Symphony, and
Orquesta Sinfnica Nacional del Ecuador,

David Holt & the Lightning Bolts

Saturday, March 19, 2016, 7:30 p.m.,

Turtle Point Clubhouse, complimentary
tickets available at Kiawah Town
Hall 843.768.9166 or online at www.
kiawahisland.org/specialevents. Sponsored
by the Town of Kiawah Island Arts and
Cultural Events Council.
David Holt and the Lightning
Bolts are electrifying. With amazing
musicianship and wonderful variety, they
entertain everyone. Four-time Grammy
Award winner David Holt is a musician,
storyteller, historian, television host and
entertainer, dedicated to performing
and preserving traditional American
music and stories. Holt plays ten acoustic
instruments and has released numerous
recordings of traditional mountain music
and southern folktales. Holt is well known
for his television and radio series. He is host
of public televisions Folkways, a North
Carolina program that takes the viewer
through the Southern Mountains visiting
traditional craftsmen and musicians. He
served as host of The Nashville Networks
Fire on the Mountain, Celebration
Express and American Music Shop. He
has been a frequent guest on Hee Haw,
Nashville Now and The Grand Ole Opry.
David can also be seen as a musician in
the popular film, O Brother Where Art
Thou.

New York Polyphony Siglo de Oro

(The Golden Century)

March 11, 2016

11

arts & events

Sunday, April 3, 2016, 4 p.m., Holy

Spirit Catholic Church. Ticket Release:
Kiawah March 15, public March 18.
Complimentary tickets available at Kiawah
Town Hall 843.768.9166 or online at
www.kiawahisland .org/specialevents.
Sponsored by the Town of Kiawah Island
Arts and Cultural Events Council.
Geoffrey Williams, countertenor,
Steven
Caldicott
Wilson,
tenor,
Christopher Dylan Herbert, baritone,
Craig Phillips, bass
Praised for a rich, natural sound thats
larger and more complex than the sum
of its parts, (National Public Radio)
New York Polyphony is regarded as one
of the finest vocal chamber ensembles
in the world. The four men, singers of
superb musicianship and vocal allure,
(The New Yorker) apply a modern
touch to repertoire that ranges from

austere medieval melodies to cuttingedge contemporary compositions. Their

dedication to innovative programming, as
well as a focus on rare and rediscovered
Renaissance and medieval works, has not
only earned New York Polyphony critical
acclaim, but also helped to move early
music into the classical mainstream.
The ensembles growing discography
includes two Grammy-nominated releases
and albums that have topped the best of
lists of The New Yorker, Gramophone,
and BBC Music Magazine. Called a
spacious, radiant retreat by The New
York Times, their current release, Sing
thee Nowell, scored New York Polyphony
its second Grammy nomination in the
Best Chamber Music/ Small Ensemble
Performance category.
With the 2013 release of Times go by
Turns, the ensembles fourth album, New
York Polyphony continued to claim a
spot as one of the finest small vocal groups
performing today. (Audiophile Audition)
Commended as a complex, clear-eyed
yet still painfully beautiful tapestry,
(Gramophone) Times go by Turns
amassed substantial critical acclaim. In
addition to being named one of iTunes 10
Best Classical Releases of 2013, the album
garnered a Grammy nomination.
This performance features liturgical
music from the Golden Age of Imperial
Spain, and delves into the inspired output
of Spanish Renaissance masters Guerrero,
Penalosa and Victoria.
New York
Polyphonys style is perfectly suited to the
cathedral like surroundings and acoustic
afforded by the Holy Spirit sanctuary.

arts & events

Artist Guild Invites you to

Talk About Values
BY ROBERTA BOATTI
For The Island Connection

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

the Seabrook Island Artist Guild
invites you to Talk About
Values. No, not what one usually thinks
about when you mention values, but
values in the world of art. Pat Van de
Graff, artist, long-time Seabrooker and
recently elected guild board member, will
teach the third in a free workshop series;
this one will focus on values.
This workshop will cover all there
is to know about values, from light to
dark, bright and subdued, brilliant and
pale, from the sketch, to the painting, to
the frame. Bring a photo or something
inspirational that you would like to work
on, along with your canvas and paints.
You will begin by sketching with pencil
and then move toward painting. The
workshop is open to all who are interested.
Pat Van de Graaf is a watercolorist
and printmaker, an Exhibiting Member
of The Charleston Artists Guild and the
Center for Contemporary Printmaking in
Norwalk, CT.
She has been printing for over 25 years
and studied at the Art Students League in
New York City and Syracuse University.
She graduated from The University of
Bridgeport with a degree in Printmaking/

Art History. Pats prints have won

numerous awards in local and regional
shows and are part of many private and
corporate collections.
Pat began painting in watercolors
again after living in the Lowcountry of
South Carolina. Surrounded by marshes
and the sea in both South Carolina and
Connecticut, she enjoys capturing their
beauty with the unique qualities that
watercolor brings to painting. She is
represented by The Spencer Art Gallery
and the Charleston Artists Guild Gallery
in downtown Charleston.
To register for the class call Gary Kunkelman
at 484.400.4390 or e-mail him at garyk1@
comcast.net Visit the guilds website a www.
seabrookislandartistguild.com to learn more
about the organization and upcoming events.

12

March 11, 2016

fundraising

Kiawahs Mary Early takes to the dance floor

to raise awareness for The ARK
BY HOLLY FISHER

For The Island Connection

Kiawahs Mary Early partners with dancer

Cesar Lozada in Dancing With The ARKs
Stars, Saturday.

Art & Wine continued from cover

ocal celebrities participating in the

sixth annual Dancing with The
ARKs Stars on March 12, 2016
are learning new dance steps and raising
money for a good cause. But for some
of the dancers, this event is much more
personal.
Greer Reagin of Reagin Orthodontics
in Summerville, is dancing for her
grandfather who suffered from dementia.
He made such an impact in my life that
it influenced my education and career
goals, said Reagin, who has a master's
degree in public health with a certificate
in gerontology from the University of
South Carolina.
Nancy Deitch, a teacher at Rollings
Middle School of the Arts, is putting
on her dancing shoes for her father, who
passed away in August after eight years
of vascular dementia and Parkinson's
disease.
It impacted everyone who loved him
and watched him lose so much of who
he was and what he could do, she said.
Because of this very sad and personal
experience, I dance. I dance for my daddy
and all like him.
Proceeds from this premier fundraiser

support the many programs of The

ARK as it provides essential services for
families dealing with Alzheimers disease
or other dementia. Serving five counties,
The ARK offers respite care, support
groups, caregiver consultation, education,
resource referrals, community learning
programs and rural services development.
The 2016 celebrity dancers are:
Michael Bateman, Summerville
Police Department
Gary Brewer, Banks Construction
Nancy Deitch, Rollings Middle
School of the Arts
Mary Early, Early Family
Foundation
Wakesha Evans, Hope Clinic
Matthew Orosz, Hearing Care of
Summerville
Greer
Reagin,
Reagin
Orthodontics
Pren Woods, Alston Middle
School
Each dancer is paired with a
professional dance partner from Elite
Dance International Studio in Mount
Pleasant. Couples will perform at the
event for a chance to win one of two titles:

the Judges Award or the Peoples Choice

Award voted on by the audience.
Similar to the hit TV show Dancing
with the Stars, four couples will dance in
each round, with the two couples receiving
the most judges votes competing in a
dance off to win the Mirror Ball trophy.
The couple receiving the most votes by
dollars wins the Peoples Choice trophy.
Votes are $10 each, and can be cast in
advance at TheARKofSC.org or at the
event. By mid-February, the dancers have
raised more than $11,000.
This years judges are Rodney Profit,
2015 winner of the Judges Award; Kenny
Walker, 2015 Peoples Choice Award
winner; and professional performers
Brad and Jennifer Moranz of Moranz
Entertainment.
Dancing with The ARKs Stars, sponsored
by Dorchester County Probate Judge Mary
Blunt, is at 7 p.m. Saturday, March
12 at in the Eidson Gym at Pinewood
Preparatory School, 1114 Orangeburg Road
in Summerville. Tickets are $50 in advance
and $60 at the door. Purchase tickets online
at TheARKofSC.org or call 843.832.2357
for information.

March 11, 2016

arts & events

Recipients of 2016 Kiawah Island

Art & House Tour identified

Vanderhorst Plantation

Rhetts Bluff

13

he Kiawah Art and House Tour

is Arts, etc.s major fundraiser.
The tour, which encompasses
5 beautiful homes on Kiawah Island
(pictured), is being held on Friday, April
8, 2016 from 1-5 p.m. This year the
proceeds from the house tour will help
foster art appreciation for many young
students on Johns and Wadamalaw
islands. The following organizations have
been selected as recipients of proceeds
from the 2016 Art and House Tour:
Engaging Creative Minds
The purpose of Engaging Creative
Minds (ECM) is to provide creative
learning opportunities that encourage
imagination and innovation to help
students achieve academically, stay
engaged in school and succeed in life.
ECM has several programs and this
year we will focus on Eye Opener, an
interactive format based on looking at
and responding to art in different ways
through literature, math, science and
social studies. ECM will partner with the
Gibbes Museum to provide its Eye Opener
program to Angel Oak Elementary and
Haut Gap Middle School.
In addition, ECM sponsors STEAM,
a summer institute designed to keep
students in grades 3-8 engaged over the
summer months so that they dont lose the
skills taught the previous year. STEAM
(Science, Technology, Engineering, Art
and Math) provides the opportunity for
students to work with artists from a variety
of mediums as well as professionals such
as architects, accountants and computer
programmers.
Chamber
Music
Charlestons
Classical Kids
This organization conducts 45-minute
concerts that introduce younger audiences
(target age 5-10 years) to live classical music

BY CARROLL DUNN

For The Island Connection

The Preserve

Historic District

in an engaging, educational format. Each

performance opens with an introduction
to the musicians and their instruments.
This is followed by a selection of sing-along
songs and activities where the audience is
encouraged to participate in the music
making. The program concludes with a
dramatic reading of a childrens story set
to chamber music, with images from the
story projected on large screen.
College of Charleston Childrens
Opera Program
Each spring, the College of Charleston
Department of Music presents a
childrens opera at schools throughout
the Charleston County School District.
College of Charleston opera students
perform the opera. Many of the schools
visited are classified as Title 1 schools
as high percentages of their students
are from low-income families. With
additional funding it is hoped that the
schools on Johns and Wadamalaw islands
will benefit from this exposure to opera
and the College of Charleston.
Tickets for the House Tour: Advance
tickets are $55 each and can be purchased
at Kiawahartsetc.org., the Kiawah
Freshfields Real Estate Office, the Kiawah
Main Gate Real Estate office and the
real estate office located in the Sanctuary
Hotel. Advance tickets purchased must
be exchanged for a tour brochure at the
Square in Freshfields Village the day of
the tour. Freshfields Village is located at
the corner of Betsy Kerrison and Kiawah
Island Parkway. Come early and enjoy
shopping and dining discounts at the
Village and/or The Sanctuary on the
island.
To read more about each home visit
islandconnectionnews.com/five-kiawahhomes-open-their-doors-for-arts-etc

Cassique

14

March 11, 2016

arts & events

Artist, Photographer of the Month for March

Artist of the Month: Tina Mayland

Tina Mayland is a native Charlestonian
for whom the Lowcountry of South
Carolina is as close to paradise as any
place on earth. Returning home after 30
years of a high-tech career in marketing,
she began her encore career as a fulltime artist. Tina explains her motivation
to become a painter. My grandparents
owned a plantation on Wadmalaw Island,
just outside of Charleston. As a child, I
built tree forts in live oak trees, played in
the pluff mud of the marshes, and galloped
my horse through Lowcountry forests.
Capturing the essence of that landscape
in my art is a way of recapturing the joys
of my youth.

Tina serves on the Board of Directors

of the Charleston Artist Guild and is a
member of the Seabrook Island Artist
Guild. She has studied oils and pastels
domestically and in France, England,
Italy and the Caribbean under numerous
regionally and nationally known artists.
Her artwork is represented locally
by the Wells Gallery at The Sanctuary
on Kiawah Island and by Spencer Art
Gallery. Tina is the exclusive teacher of
oil painting lessons for Kiawah Island
Golf Resort, and the author of The Six
Commandments of Painting: The ShaltNots That Will Save Your Artwork.
To learn more about the Seabrook
Island Artist Guild, events, workshops
and membership visit the website at www.
seabrookislandartistguild.com
Photographer of the Month: Valerie
Doane
Last October we attended the annual
Albuquerque
International
Balloon
Fiesta. My husband had wanted to attend
this event for years and for me, well how
could I pass on such a thrilling photo
opportunity? I couldnt.
The Fiesta has more than 950,000
visitors a.k.a. balunatics and more than
550 registered balloon teams, including
105 special shape balloons. The Fiesta is
the largest in the world of its kind and
is the most photographed event in the
world or so Im told.

One of the most popular events is the

Mass Ascension where balloons launch
in two waves between 7-9am. Its the most
spectacular display of sound and color in
aviation that Ive ever seen. So much is
happening on the inflation field and in the
sky that it is hard to decide where to watch
from and what to begin watching and/or
photographing. Nothing is off limits to
the crowds. We were able to walk right
up to the balloonist to talk, interact and
watch as they rolled out their balloons on
the ground, as they set up their gondolas,
as they blew cold air, using large fans, into
the envelop to stabilize and finally as they
ignited their burners to fire the flame into
the envelop gently lifting the balloon,
gondola and passengers into the sky.
The field is crowded with thousands of
people and hundreds upon hundreds of
balloons. Everywhere you turn you either
hear or see something on the ground or
in the sky. Whether it be the hissing of
the burners, or the sound coming from
the fan motors, or the cheering crowds, or
the music, or the announcer. And visually,
watching the balloon setup on the ground,
or walking amongst the colorful giants as
they literally rise up from the ground and
finally viewing the hundreds of balloons
in flight in the sky above.
Its all a bit overwhelming to the senses
and emotions. Crazy, fast-paced, lots of
action, fascinating, thrilling, exhilarating,
exciting. I can remember trying to take it
all in and finally I just stood there in shear

amazement of how spectacular and grand

it all was.
My photographs are an attempt to
capture all that I experienced during those
two days on the event field. Please stop
by the Lake House during the month of
March to take a look and hopefully youll
catch a tiny bit of my excitement.

March 11, 2016

15

volunteer spotlight

Johnny Mae Benjamin

BY MARIA GUROVICH
For The Island Connection

ohnny Mae Benjamin spends her days singing the

Gospel of the Lord. Whether she is in her church
or volunteering at The Neighborhood House, she
lives her life singing Gods praises. Johnny Mae is an
Evangelist and a missionary at Grace Cathedral on
Rutledge Avenue, and when called upon, she helps the
pastor prepare the lessons for Sunday service. About
three years ago, Johnny Mae received another calling
to volunteer at The Neighborhood House. She says, I
felt that I wanted to give back to the community because
God has blessed me.
Born and raised in the Eastside of Charleston,
Johnny Mae went to the local schools and graduated
from Charles Albert Brown High School in 1967, now
the Trident Technical College downtown campus.
Johnny Mae has three sons who all live in the area and
three grandchildren. Her eldest granddaughter attends
university in St. Augustine.
Johnny Maes service to her community is built on a
solid history of compassion. She worked in the dietary
department at MUSC for over eleven years. She also
spent many years working in various daycares in the area.
Her favorite thing to do is to cook in the kitchen all by
myself, she says. She also loves sewing and reading.
In addition to volunteering with The Neighborhood
House, Johnny Mae also volunteers at Riverside Health
and Rehab. She enjoys reading to the seniors there. Im
compelled by God to give back, she says when asked
why she enjoys volunteering. I am 67 years old and have
lived in Charleston my whole life and I have never seen
so much homelessness in this area. Growing up on the

Eastside near the Neighborhood House lets me give back

to people I grew up around. Some people acknowledge
me, and some dont but thats okay. If I can give just one
kind word to someone that could lift them up for a few
days and it might just make a small difference.
Johnny Mae volunteers in the kitchen of The
Neighborhood House with Vonceil on Tuesdays and in
the clothing room on Thursdays. Her advice to someone
thinking about volunteering is to Just try it and that
Its important to find the right fit for you so you may
have to try a few different jobs before finding the right
place.
Johnny Mae feels that she can give back by helping
people who just need a small lift up. People want to
reach higher she says, but they need a hand to grasp
onto.
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. If you d like to
get involved with Our Lady of Mercy Community Outreach
and make a positive change in someones life contact Maria
Gurovich via phone 843.559.4109 or email mariad@
olmoutreach.org.

A Lucky
Dog Favorite