Since May 2007
PRESORT STANDARD
Volume 11 Issue 14
Marjorie Stephenson, Jennifer Hartig, Helen Bosshart receive a check for Respite Care Charleston.
National champions compete at
Alan Fleming Senior Open
L O C A L S E A B R O O K E R S TA K E W I N S
BY GREGG BRAGG
The Island Connection Staff Writer
S
eabrook Racquet Club professional Mike Kiser drew the
honor of introducing the 34th Alan Fleming Senior Open
Clay Court State Championships. The tournament for ages
35-80 (grouped in five year increments) was held Oct. 4 8.
He addressed a meeting of tournament participants saying, We
have 223 players from 16 states [50-60 of which are from either
Kiawah or Seabrook]. There are 127 men, and our womens
draw is very strong with almost 100 players turning out. This
is our fourth year hosting the Mixed Doubles National Gold
Charitable Golf Event
Page 4
FREE
PHOTOS BY MARY BETH JOYCE
Ball events and the competition in all of our draws is stronger
than ever. We have national Gold Ball champions, members of
US national teams, world champions, former Davis Cup Players,
and former professional tour players, including a Wimbledon
Mens 35 Doubles Champion [T. J. Middleton].
Asked if he was going to win this years Fleming, Middleton
grinned and said, I sure hope so. You know, Peter Fleming [son
Fleming Open continues on page 3
#MakeItUniquelyYours
Page 9
US POSTAGE PAID
CHARLESTON SC
POSTAL PATRON
PERMIT NO 437
October 13, 2017
Johns Island
Farmers
Market starts
cooler hours
YEAR ROUND MARKET
FALLS BACK TO
SEASONAL SCHEDULE
BY FRASIER BLOCK
For The Island Connection
S
tarting Saturday, Oct. 7, the Johns
Island Farmers Market will operate
from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. through the
fall, winter, and spring so everyone can
enjoy more of the beautiful, cooler days
outside. The market runs all year long
on the campus of Charleston Collegiate
School, 2024 Academy Dr., Johns Island.
With over 50 local farmers, food
artisans, and unique craft vendors every
week, the market is a one-stop shop for
all things local. Fall is off to a strong start
at JIFM with the first showings of cooler
weather fruits, vegetables, and seasonal
flavors.
The market is proud to offer a
grassroots, peaceful vibe complete with
local live musicians and a variety of food
trucks every week. We want this to be
a joyful place to enjoy every Saturday
shopping for fresh local foods, listening
to live music, and mingling with amazing
people and local businesses," says founders
Frasier Block and Blue Laughters.
For more information regarding Johns
Island Farmers Market, please visit
johnsislandfarmersmarket.com.
Roadtrips Charleston
Page 10
2 October 13, 2017
civic

Town of Kiawah Island begins

Lynn Pierotti
publisher
beach renourishment project
lynn@luckydognews.com BEACH ASSESSMENT IDENTIFIED NEED
Katy Calloway
F O R D U N E R E S T O R AT I O N
katy@luckydognews.com
managing editor BY STEPHANIE BRASWELL
For The Island Connection

Jennifer Tuohy

T
jennifer@luckydognews.com he Town of Kiawah Island plans to complete a beach The dune restoration project will consist of building a new dune
renourishment project involving two phases of dune measuring 6 feet high and 20 feet wide through a technique called
contributing editor
restoration along six sections of the Kiawah beachfront sand scraping. Sand will be scraped from the low tide beach and
beginning the week of Oct. 9. The project is intended to help relocated to the current dune escarpment.
Alejandro Ferreyros re-establish and preserve areas of the beach that suffered extensive In phase one, the Town has emergency authorization from the
senior graphic designer erosion during Tropical Storm Irma. Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource Management to perform
alejandro@luckydognews.com Town Biologist Jim Jordan stated Kiawahs dune field had sand scraping in areas where homes or other infrastructure are
grown significantly since Hurricane Matthew and typically within 20 feet of the active beach. This situation occurs along three
Lori McGee extended 30-40 feet seaward of the post-Matthew dune line. Along sections of the beach:
portions of Captain Sams Spit and the Ocean Course, these new Turtle Point Golf Course, Holes 15-16 in front of Turtle
sales manager dunes extended as much as 120 feet seaward. All of these new Beach Ln. and Atlantic Beach Ct.
lori@luckydognews.com dunes were flattened during Hurricane Irma. In addition, the beach Ocean Course Golf Course, Holes 15-16
eroded an additional 10-20 feet in most of the residential sections of
Ocean Course Clubhouse and Driving Range
Carla Foxworth the island.
Phase one is expected to begin the week of October 9 and last
sales executive for approximately two weeks. The Town expects to close a 200 yard
carla@luckydognews.com wide section of beach each day to allow the work to take place.
In phase two, the Town has applied for an individual permit with
Senior Staff Writer OCRM to perform sand scraping in areas that are currently at risk
Gregg Bragg but do not meet the 20-foot requirement of the current Emergency
Order. The active beach in these areas is generally between 20-50
feet away from homes or infrastructure. This situation occurs along
Staff Writer three sections of the beach:
Meredith Poston Eugenia Avenue to Mariners Watch
The Sanctuary Hotel
Contributors The Beach Club
Frasier Block Phase two will begin when and if permits are received by OCRM
Stephanie Braswell with an anticipated start date in mid-November. This phase would
Alan Armstrong take approximately three weeks to complete.
Lori Leary Mayor Craig Weaver stated, The beach is one of Kiawahs
Sarah Reynolds most valuable and appreciated assets so we are not taking the beach
Marty Cline assessment lightly. Not only are we going to take advantage of the
Emergency Order granted to coastal communities but we feel that
Hannah Finley moving forward with our own efforts will create the best preservation
Kristina Skalak scenario for our community.
Jennifer Meshanko At the Oct. 3 Town Council meeting, Council approved the
Carol Antman project in the amount of $275,000.
Matt Johnson Additional details can be found in the Towns beach erosion report
and in an online map illustrating the project area and erosion rates.
Visit kiawahisland.org/latest-news to find this information.

Civic Calendar
K iawah Island Town H all
Published by 21 Beachwalker Drive
Lucky Dog Publishing Kiawah Island, SC 29455
of South Carolina, LLC Phone: 768-9166
P.O. Box 837 Town of Kiawah Town Council Town of Seabrook Fax: 768-4764
Sullivans Island, SC 29482 Meeting
Board of Zoning November 7, 2 p.m. Ways and Means Seabrook Island Town H all
843-886-NEWS
Appeals Kiawah Town Hall Committe 2001 Seabrook Island Road
October 16, 4 p.m. October 17, 2:30 p.m. Seabrook Island, SC 29455
Future submission deadline: Planning Commission
Kiawah Town Hall Seabrook Town Hall Phone: 768-9121
October 18 for the Meeting
October 27 Issue Fax: 768-9830
Ways and Means November 8, 3 p.m. Town Council Email: lmanning@townofseabrookisland.org
Committee Kiawah Town hall Meeting
Op-Ed articles and letters to the editor do not October 24, 2 p.m. October 24, 2:30 p.m. Johns Island Council
necessarily reflect the opinion of Kiawah Town Hall Environmental Seabrook Town Hall Meetings are held at the Berkeley Electric
Lucky Dog News or its writers. Committee Meeting Co-op located at 3351 Maybank Hwy, Johns
Arts Council Meeting November 14, 2 p.m. Planning Island.
November 2, 2 p.m. Kiawah Town Hall Commission Meeting Chairman Chris Cannon: 343-5113
The Island Kiawah Town Hall November 1, 2:30 p.m.
Seabrook Town Hall Charleston County Council
Connection 4045 Bridge View Dr, N. Charleston
958-4700
Lucky Dog Publishing, LLC News Updates
Publishers of Island Eye News, Online at City of Charleston
The Island Connection, facebook.com/ 75 Calhoun St.
islandconnectionnews 724-3745
October 13, 2017
daily
Tim Kent receives the serve.
Fleming Open continues from cover
of tournament founder Alan Fleming] was
the announcer for one of my Wimbledon
appearances. He insisted I wasnt as tall as
I said I was while calling the match. The
two have been friends ever since. Their
reunion during this years Fleming was
graced by good weather.
The 2016 iteration was plagued by
hurricane related delays. Weather in the
run-up to the rescheduled 2016 event was
idyllic, but the final day was an assault
on bare skin with temperatures in the
40s accompanied by drizzly rain. The
pendulum swung the other direction this
year, with temps in the 90s, along with
heavy doses of coastal humidity, but
without last years delays. Enthusiasm
ran high with locals making standout
showings. According to Sally Kimball,
Director of Communications for the
Fleming, Seabrook residents leveraged
their home court advantage claiming
four titles; Harvey Hines-Mens 55s
Singles, Andrea Hines-Womens 45s
Singles, Maureen OBerg-Womens 65s
Singles, and Rick McDaniel-Mens 80s
Doubles. They werent the only winners
last weekend.
Seabrook contributed $41,000 in
proceeds to Respite Care of Charleston.
RCoC is dedicated to improving the
lives of those coping with Alzheimers
disease. Their menu of care includes social
day programs, early stage Alzheimers
disease support groups and caregiver
support groups for all affected by memory
disorders. RCoC services are available
on Johns Island, James Island and West
Ashley and details are available by visiting
RespiteCareCharleston.org or calling
843.647.7405. The contribution comes
from the generosity led by the Town of
Seabrook Island and supplemented by the
entire Seabrook community.
Seabrook residents take a lot of pride
in the Fleming, and contribute to the
tournament in the form of sponsorships
similar to the town. The Towns
Presenter level status is followed by
Diamond level contributions from
Coastal Getaways of South Carolina, the
Seabrook Island Club and Seabrook Island
Real Estate. Rounding out the list are no
less than 29 more business and individual
contributors, along with player entry fees.
Fundraising held in conjunction with the
tournament, and any sponsorship money
remaining after tournament expenses goes
to RCoC. Residents attended tournament
events whenever possible for another
reason.
This year the Fleming Committee
honored the late Tom Kent. He was a
tennis aficionado and Seabrook resident,
who played a vital role in creating the
tournament, and supporting it since its
inception in 1981. Alan Fleming was the
first property owner chair and for the
next 8 years he and Kent were co-chairs
of the tournament. Over the next decade,
Kent was either chair or co-chair of the
tournament and avidly promoted it to
national prominence.
Kents memories and humor were
featured in the tournaments Saturday
night dinner extravaganza. Excerpts from
a history of the tournament Kent wrote
include such observations as; I am pretty
sure the first tournament was played
in October 1981, and the events were
just for the 45, 55, and 65 age groups.
The event was all played on the 7 courts
adjacent to the old Island House down
by the ocean. The current center had not
as yet been built. Alan Fleming was the
first property owner tournament chair
and every subsequent year through 89
he and I were co-chairs. However, since
I was already in my 50s (and had lost the
first year to a highly ranked youngster of
47), we made it 5-year intervals starting
the next year. In about 87, or possibly 88,
we added a 70 category, in part because
Alan was approaching that status. Later,
as Chairman, I added the 75 age group at
least two years before Alan hit that bracket
and several years later as a co-chair, I think
with Stu Miller, we added the mens 80s
since Alan was heading in that direction.
More information on the Fleming is
available by visiting Discoverseabrook.com/
alan-fleming-tournament.php or by calling
the clubhouse 843.768.7543. You can even
start planning to participate in 2018s Alan
Fleming Senior Open Clay Court State
Championships. Complete, official results
have been posted to tennislink.usta.com.
4 October 13, 2017 October 13, 2017 5
arts & events arts & events arts & events

Kiawah-Seabrook Golf, dinner and baseball at McLeod Plantation hosts Sea Island Cotton Day
Exchange Club hosts 6th Kiawah-Seabrook Exchange R A R E C O T T O N P L A N T E D F O R T H E F I R S T T I M E I N N E A R LY A C E N T U R Y

annual Veterans Day BY SARAH REYNOLDS

For The Island Connection

Charitable Golf Event
BY ALAN ARMSTRONG
For The Island Connection
9:30 a.m. shotgun start. Teams will be
flighted for awards based on total team
handicap. There will be pizza and drinks
in the club house after play is completed.
Will Senn and Kiawah-Seabrook Exchange Club President Bob Leggett.
All Lowcountry residents are invited
Photo provided.
to participate. Team and individual
registrations are welcomed. Wounded
Warriors will be participating.
The entry fee for Seabrook Island Club
On Oct. 21, the historic site will host a variety of
educational and hands-on activities in honor of the
growing crop. At 11 a.m., a special talk will take place
with Dr. Richard Porcher, author of The Story of Sea
Island Cotton, and Bill McLean, who acquired the seed
planted. A second talk with Dr. Porcher will be held at 1
p.m. Site and cotton field tours will take place throughout
the day, at 9:30 a.m., 11 a.m., 12 p.m., 1 p.m. and 2:30
p.m.
Ongoing from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sea Island Cotton
Day will be several educational activities. Visitors will be
able to pick a boll of cotton from the field, de-seed it
using a hand-cranked cotton gin or by hand, and dye
BY LORI LEARY to his present position and highlighted the it with Indigo dye. Gullah-Geechee artist Sonja Griffin-
For The Island Connection stadiums new Riley Park Club indoor Evans will be on hand to discuss her Sea Island cotton
facility available to individuals, small and paintings and their inspiration.
Growing cotton has been remarkable because of
the conversations it ignites, said Shawn Halifax, site
historian and cultural history interpretation coordinator
for CCPRC. Some question growing a plant drenched
in violent oppression in 2017, because plantations during
the 20th and 21st centuries often romanticize this
history. However, digging deeper, one learns about the
opportunity it presented to freed landowners on James
Island like Pompey Dawson who in 1870 harvested 2 1/3
more cotton than McLeod using slave labor in 1860.
Open now as a historic site, the 37-acre property
on James Island was originally purchased by William
Wallace McLeod in 1851 as a Sea Island cotton
plantation. The last time Sea Island cotton was grown
at McLeod was in the 1920s, ending with the arrival of
the boll weevil, a beetle that feeds on cotton buds and

members is $70 plus cart fee. For non-club
members, the fee is $120. $50 of the entry fee
2016 Veterans Day Charitable Golf Event.
will be set aside as a charitable contribution
to the Ralph Johnson Veterans Hospital
Photo provided.
W
ednesday afternoon, October 4,
2017, forty exchange members,
spouses and guests participated
a fun round of golf at the Seabrook Island
large groups, as well as a venue for private Prior to the event, at 7 p.m. on Oct. 18, The Friends flowers. The Sea Island Cotton Project is a partnership
events. This large air-conditioned space between CCPRC, the Friends of McLeod, Dr. Richard
of McLeod non-profit organization will host a lecture
offers panoramic views of the baseball featuring Dr. Richard Porcher and Bill McLean on Sea Porcher, and longtime local attorney and James Island
field and marsh views of the Ashley River. resident Bill McLean.
Island cottons past, at Fort Johnson Marine Laboratory.

T
he Seabrook Island Club and the
Kiawah-Seabrook Exchange Club
and Fisher House. You may register for the
event by calling the Seabrook Island Golf
Shop at 843.768.2529 or sending an email
Club organized by Ken Kavanaugh
and Coby VanDeGraaf. Following the
Captains Scramble, the golfers met back
Comfortable leather seating is available The one-quarter acre Sea Island cotton crop planted Inspired by Porcher's book and the mystery of what
inside and out. Free food, wine and beer
May 22 at McLeod Plantation Historic Site will continue happened to the local varieties of the cotton, McLean
around out the package offered at our embarked upon a search for Sea Island cotton seed from
to grow and be harvested throughout the fall. The public

will be holding its sixth annual
Veterans Day charitable golf outing on
Monday, Nov. 6 to honor veterans who
have served the country and raise money
to support the Ralph Johnson Veterans
Hospital and Fisher House.
The event will be a captains choice
scramble format beginning with a
to golf@discoverseabrook.com.
If you cannot play in the event but would
like to make a contribution, you can send a
check to Alan Armstrong, 2427 Golf Oak
Park, Seabrook Island SC 29455. Checks
should be made payable to the Fisher House
or the Ralph H. Johnson Veterans Hospital.
in the Atlantic Room for cocktails, awards
and dinner with fellow members.
Will Senn, Riverdogs Sales
Representative, was guest speaker for the
evening. Will, a 2014 cum laude graduate
of The Citadel, candidly shared many
upcoming meeting at The Joe in 2018 to
personal experiences at The Citadel that led
M
favorite minor league ballpark in South
cLeod Plantation Historic Site, owned by
Carolina. the Charleston County Park and Recreation
Wills entertaining remarks rounded Commission, will host a Sea Island Cotton
out a perfect evening following a beautiful,
Day to educate the public on the rare crop that will
sunny afternoon. The Kiawah-Seabrook be harvested at the property this fall. Planted in May
Exchange Club just might schedule an
at McLeod Plantation Historic Site for the first time
in nearly a century, the Sea Island cotton (Gossypium
watch a baseball game in style. barbadense) variety that made the Lowcountry famous.
may return to the site throughout the rest of the year to see
the cotton bolls as they continue to form. For history and
agricultural enthusiasts, the Sea Island cotton harvesting
is an exciting event; however, the plant also symbolizes
generations of oppression for many people who worked
on cotton plantations such as McLeod. These themes will
be a major part of the conversation and tours during Sea
Island Cotton Day.
the Lowcountry. He successfully located and acquired
Bleak Hall seed originating from Edisto Island at a
USDA seed repository. Looking for a location to plant,
he approached CCPRC about growing the cotton at
McLeod Plantation Historic Site.
Sea Island cotton, along with rice, had a very
Cotton Day continues on page 6

Tid e Char t
Date High Tide Low Tide
Oct 13 3:07am/3:38pm 9:05am/9:56pm
Oct 14 4:14am/4:41pm 10:11am/10:56pm
Oct 15 5:15am/5:39pm 11:13am/11:51pm
Oct 16 6:12am/6:31pm 12:10pm
Oct 17 7:04am/7:19pm 12:41am/1:03pm
Oct 18 7:51am/8:03pm 1:28am/1:52pm
Oct 19 8:35am/8:45pm 2:11am/2:38pm
Oct 20 9:17am/9:24pm 2:51am/3:21pm
Oct 21 9:56am/10:03pm 3:29am/4:03pm
Oct 22 10:35am/10:41pm 4:06am/4:44pm
Oct 23 11:14am/11:21pm 4:42am/5:25pm
Oct 24 11:55am 5:18am/6:07pm
Oct 25 12:02am/12:38pm 5:57am/6:51pm
Oct 26 12:47am/1:26pm 6:41am/7:39pm

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
6 October 13, 2017
arts & events arts & events

Seabrook Island
Photography Club
PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE MONTH
DIETER LANTIN
BY MARTY CLINE
For The Island Connection

Sea island cotton, Gossypium barbadense, also known as extra-long staple cotton, is a
species of cotton plant that has been cultivated to have extra-long staple fibers.
Photos courtesy of wikimedia.com.
Cotton Day continues from page 6
important influence on the development
of the Lowcountry and Charleston, said
McLean. Locally produced Sea Island
cotton was the finest and most valuable
cotton fiber ever produced anywhere and
provided the desired genetic traits of the
finest cottons grown in the world today.
In addition to its importance as a
Sea Island cotton plantation, the site is
locally significant to the history of James
Island African Americans. In 1860,
enslaved families like the Dawsons,
Forrests and Gathers harvested 90 tons
of Sea Island cotton, making it the most
productive plantation on James Island.
Today, McLeod Plantation is important
Gullah-Geechee heritage and is carefully
preserved in recognition of its cultural
and historical significance. The sites
buildings include homes that make up
Transition Row, where enslaved families
and their free descendants lived during
the 19th and 20th centuries.
CCPRC acquired McLeod Plantation
from the Historic Charleston Foundation
in 2011 and opened it as a public county
park and historic site in 2015. McLeod
Plantation Historic Site is open for regular
visitation every Tuesday through Sunday
from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information,
visit CharlestonCountyParks.com/McLeod
or call 843.762.9514.
B
orn at the end of World War II in
Germany, Dieter Lantin grew up in
rural northern Germany. Following
completion of High School, he left his
home town to live and work in Cologne,
Zuerich and Lugano, prior to emigrating
to Canada at age 21.
Thanks to his command of German,
English, French and Italian, the
completion of his Commerce Degree,
and studies in International Management
at Columbia University, he enjoyed a
productive career with Air Canada. There
he developed, as Director of Customer
Environment in Marketing, the first
true Business Class in Airline History.
Subsequent appointments took him to
Winston Salem, NC. In 1994 he founded
an international marketing company for
aircraft interior components servicing the
newly opened market of Russia and all the
states of the former Soviet Union, which
he is still running today.
Through his engagement with the
Jaguar Club of NC, Dieter and his wife
Heidis hobby, they were introduced to
Seabrook Island in 1998 and decided to
settle here. They moved into their newly
build home in July 2000.
While I have not studied photography
formally, I attempt to express my
creativity and passion for those personal
and environmental elements I feel
strongly about, explains Lantin. I also
appreciate a good amount of support and
encouragement from various members of
the Photo Club.
For my second monthly assignment,
I focused on motives I encountered in
the modern Moscow City and the
surrounding area, with its rich historical
background.
A reception for Dieter Lantin will be
held on Nov. 21, from 5-7 p.m. at the
Lake House.
October 13, 2017
arts & events
Kate Silvia lectures for
Seabrook Photo Club
G E T C R E AT I V E W I T H
PHOTOGRAPHIC TEXTURES
STAFF REPORT
The Island Connection
W
orking with photographic textures
has become all the rage in the
photo editing world. Kate Silva
will walk the audience through the process
of choosing the images to try textures on,
where to find textures on-line, how to
make them, and finally, how to process
the images. She will be demonstrating
these techniques in Photoshop CC, Topaz
Texture Effects, and the new program by
MacPhun called Luminar. You can even use
textures in Lightroom. Links to Topaz and
Macphun can be found on Kates website
katesilviaphotography.com.
Kate Silvia is a professional landscape
photographer based in Charleston, South
Carolina. Her intense passion for the natural
world is matched only by the desire to share
that passion with her students. Kate is a
natural teacher and is often requested to speak
at camera clubs and photo organizations in
the Southeastern U.S.
Silvias images and articles can be seen in
PHOTO BY DOUG ELLINSON
numerous publications including Landscape
Photographer, Nature Photographers
Network, Aquarium Fish, Nature
Photographer, Camera In the Wild, and
NANPAs Expressions.
Silvia maintains an educational blog
with tips for aspiring photographers as
well as a YouTube Channel with photo
editing tutorials. She is the author of the
E-Book, "Composition for the Landscape
Photographer" and has downloadable video
workshops for NIK Software. She leads
field and classroom workshops throughout
the year and is also available for individual
tutoring in the Charleston area. Soon to be
added, educational webinars you can watch
from home.
Kate Silva
Get creative with photographic textures
Oct. 19 at 6:30 p.m.
Lake House- Live Oak Hall
arts & events
OLMCO celebrates
growing community
K I D S A C T I V I T I E S A N D M O R E AT
2 0 1 7 FA L L F E S T
BY HANNAH FINLEY
For The Island Connection
O
ur Lady of Mercy Community
Outreach will host Fall Fest 2017
Saturday, Oct. 21, from 10 a.m. to 2
p.m. The community is invited to come out
and celebrate the season at this free event,
complete with hot apple cider, pumpkin
treats, caramel corn, as well as fall festivities
- including a kids zone with a bounce house.
As the Charleston area continues to
grow, Our Lady of Mercy Community
Outreach welcomes all to the area.
OLMCO has been a part of the Sea Island
community for 28 years and has seen
many changes to the Sea Islands.
Community comes first. Our Lady of
Mercy Community Outreach was founded
to serve our community by meeting
the needs identified by our neighbors.
said Ericka Pater, Executive Director,
This remains true to this day. As this
community changes, we evolve too - our
goal is to continue to be a hub and meet the
community where theyre at.
7
Come out and say hello - whether youre a
long time resident or newer to the community
Our Lady of Mercy Community Outreach
would love to meet you.
For questions and additional details,
contact Hannah Finley, development
coordinator at hannah.finley@olmoutreach.
org or 843.559.4109 x109.
Founded in 1989, Our Lady of Mercy
Community Outreach provides educational,
health and direct outreach services to more than
5,000 families each year in the Lowcountry.
The two locations include Johns Island which
serves the needs of James, Johns and Wadmalaw
Island residents and the Neighborhood House in
Charleston that serves downtown-area residents.
Our Lady of Mercy Community Outreach,
sponsored by the Sister of Charity of Our Lady
of Mercy, provides basic human needs while
encouraging self-sufficiency and self-esteem
through various programs including food and
clothing services, dental and prenatal womens
healthcare, English as a Second Language (ESL)
and GED instruction, life skills classes, after-
school tutoring and a summer enrichment camp.
For more information, visit olmoutreach.org.
8 October 13, 2017
Rockin Jason D. Williams is coming to town
K I AWA H A R T S & C U LT U R A L E V E N T S C O U N C I L S P O N S O R S
A N O T H E R S P E C TA C U L A R S H O W
Rockin Jason D. Williams. Photo provided.
T
he Seabrook Island Lake House is the chosen venue
for another stellar act scheduled for Thursday,
Oct. 19 starting at 7:30 p.m. Rockin Jason D.
Williams is coming to town. Hes bringing Rodney Polk
[drums], Jimmy Davis [bass], and guests which could
include such names as James Irving [guitar/drums], and
Steve Clark [horn].
arts & events
BY GREGG BRAGG
The Island Connection Staff Writer
Williams says Memphis is the bands home, and
responds to the question like its something you should
already know because, its where all the best piano
players are from.
Williams is cut from the same bolt as Jerry Lee Lewis.
Theres nothing like Jerry Lee before or since except
me, says Williams. His genre is a multiple choice of
descriptions which includes; Boogie Woogie, Rockabilly,
and Root Music (e.g. the genesis of American music).
He plays with a type of left hand movement. I have a
strong left hand, and I run a lot. My style demands I
be in shape, says Williams. The style he mentions is
nothing short of astonishing.
Williams accosts the keyboard with sledgehammer-
like key strikes using his hands, feet, elbows, etc., while
upside right, upside down and everything in between.
Williams verve is contagious, infecting audiences with
an enthusiasm which has to be seen to be appreciated,
and certifies every event is unique.
Im a combination of Jackson Pollock, Vladimir
Horowitz, and Joe Namath. If you have a picture of that, you
get an idea of what I am, says Williams of the spontaneity,
precision and confidence his brand requires. Im hearing
it for the first time. That leaves the band lost at times, but
weve been playing together long enough to know how to
play with mental telepathy. Were always in the same book,
sometimes on the same paragraph, a few times on the same
sentence, but never on the same word, he explains.
Williams says his musical inclinations are genetic,
starting when he was an embryo. He started playing
piano at the age of three, though he says he never did
learn to read music, and while most parents have to force
kids to practice, Williams parents had to use force to
stop his sessions. I was keeping the neighbors awake, he
confesses. He does play versions of songs written by other
artists, but prefers making his own music.
Visiting iTunes reveals a slew of songs pegged at the
very top of the popularity scale. You Look Like I Could
Use a Drink, Pianimal, and Fingernails, have a
giddy-up cadence, and he only slows it down occasionally
for songs like the gravelly voiced Crippled Down.
We play what it used to be like; when music was real,
and music was great, and music was entertaining. I love
to play. You can use all the words you want, but you just
need to see it, concludes Williams.
Members of the Town of Kiawah Arts & Cultural
Events Council are in full agreement. The show is
sponsored by the Arts Council, and tickets are free
though limited in number. You can call 843.768.9166 or
visit kiawahisland.org/events/ and follow the links.
The Arts Council sponsors dozens of events every year in an
effort to enhance community appreciation and involvement
in the visual and performing arts with the Town of Kiawah
Island and its environs by providing a diversity of planned
programs.
October 13, 2017 9

Winner Zack Bradley Sunset on Seabrook Island.

#MakeItUniquelyYours
photo contest
winner announced
BY KRISTINA SKALAK
For The Island Connection

C
ongratulations Summer 2017
#MakeItUniquelyYours Photo
Contest Winner Zack Bradley
with "Sunset on Seabrook Island," and
Runner Ups Jill White with "Crabbing
by the Marsh" and Shelley Vasilj with
"Pathway to Paradise."
Next photo contest starts Oct. 1 and
runs through Dec.31.
This is your chance to show how you
make Seabrook Island uniquely yours.
To enter, upload your photo to one of the
following sites.
Discover Seabrook
discoverseabrook.com/photo-contests.php
Facebook
facebook.com/DiscoverSeabrookIsland
Instagram
instagram.com/seabrook_sc
Twitter Left to Right: Runner up Shelley Vasilj Pathway to Paradise.
twitter.com/seabrook_sc Runner up Jill White Crabbing by the Marsh.
10
BY CAROL ANTMAN
For The Island Connection
I
t was a surreal image: our pontoon boat floating 76 feet
above the Tail Race Canal on a wall of water held in
place by the Pinopolis Dams massive metal doors. In
the next 20 minutes, six million gallons of water drained
to lower us from Lake Moultries height. What a marvel
of engineering. My sister and I couldnt believe we were
having such an adventure just an hour from Charleston.
The day began as all good outings should: with a nice
meal. Gilligans Seafood is conveniently located at the
docks in Moncks Corner where the excursion departs. The
al fresco seafood lunch set the tone for our Lowcountry
experience. Fisheagle Tours only offers the lock trips
Wednesdays through Saturdays in October, departing at
10 a.m. and 2 p.m. They last about 2 hours. Since were
both prone to sea-sickness, we were concerned but the wide
pontoon boat navigated the calm water smoothly. Theres
also a cover for sun and rain. Besides the technological
wonders, there was plenty to see. The captain kept us
peering through binoculars as he pointed out migrating
birds and nests and explained the history of the area.
When the dam began construction in the 1940s, only 3%
of the states residents had electricity. The Great Depression
had decimated the countrys economy. Roosevelts New
Deal included several initiatives to bring electricity
to populous areas of the country and South Carolinas
leaders, including Strom Thurmond and Charleston mayor
Burnet Maybank, saw that as an opportunity for economic
development for our state also. Building the lakes, dams and
dikes would also provide a navigation route from Columbia
to Charleston, a plan that had been abandoned when the
depression began. Nearly 13,000 workers (many taken
from relief rolls) used raw muscle, mules and machines to
roadtrips charleston
Lock it up
Fisheagle Tours pontoon boat.
Photo provided by Fisheagle tours.
clear swamps and woods to begin building the dikes, dams
and lakes. Entire communities were relocated, forced by
eminent domain and enticed by new homes with screened
porches (a big incentive in this mosquito infested area),
$12 per acre and 100 chickens per family. Francis Marion,
the Revolutionary War hero, was in one of the displaced
families. Thousands of graves were relocated but some eerily
remain below the murky water. Two million board feet of
timber was harvested but branches of nearly indestructible
cypress trees still pock mark the surface.
It took only 27 months to turn 161,000 acres into
Lakes Marion and Moultrie and install the Pinopolis
Power Plants five hydroelectric units. Spillways with
62 gates were constructed to control the overflow of
and walls of the dam as they closed around us, and the
water. The project required over 3 million cubic yards of
concrete. It was the largest land-clearing project in U.S.
history and the highest single lift lock in the world when
it was completed. Using the new route for navigation
never panned out. The Tail Race Canal proved unsuitable
for larger ships, railroads improved, but the power plant
began generating electricity in 1942 and ultimately
served cooperatives in 46 counties. The lock now serves
pleasure crafts all year.
October 13, 2017
Fisheagle Tours new owner, Kathie Livingston has
worked in outdoor education for over 20 years. Her
company also includes a kayak and canoe outfit at Santee
State Park and a Nature Adventure Center in Awendaw.
After buying Fisheagle Tours in 2015, she completely
renovated the boats and searched for qualified captains.
The lock tour takes place on a modernized 30 passenger
quad-pontoon boat with a bathroom and handicap access.
After a few interviews, she found Captain Rick who
really knows his history. Beyond the sensation of being
lifted and lowered between the Tail Race Canal and Lake
Moultrie, the tours are popular because of their hands-on
educational appeal for school groups and visitors. Images of
the dams history, bird and Indian relics are passed around
and a huge alligator head is a popular artifact. Reviewers
rave about the species of birds they see and the historic
knowledge shared by Captain Rick. They even have a
Spanish speaking guide who comes along as needed.
It was a wonderful way for my sister and me to see a
distinctly different aspect of South Carolina, away from
the beach and tourist areas. As we drifted along, we
admired the scattered family vacation houses, waved at
fishermen and spotted majestic osprey.
But what has remained with me until now is the
incredible sensation of a flood of water sending our boat
aloft and then draining out again, the massive doors
impressive history and engineering that made it all possible.
Roadtrips Charleston highlights interesting destinations
within a few hours drive of Charleston, S.C. as well as more
far flung locales. Carol Antmans wanderlust is driven by a
passion for outdoor adventure, artistic experiences, cultural
insights and challenging travel. For hot links, photographs
and previous columns or to make comments please see
peaksandpotholes.blogspot.com.
October 13, 2017
Native Plant Week celebrated across the state
Mockingbird on a winterberry bush. Photo by Will Stuart.
P
lants, birds, and other wildlife will get a big boost
starting this fall. The third week of October this year
has officially been designated Native Plant Week
in South Carolina, and conservation organizations have
festivities planned across the state.
This will be a fun week in celebration of our native
plants, says Matt Johnson, Director of Bird Conservation
and Engagement with Audubon South Carolina. Native
plants are those that historically occurred in South
Carolina and are adapted to the states climate. In turn,
wildlife
BY MATT JOHNSON
For The Island Connection
native plants are important for South Carolinas wildlife,
namely birds, insects, and more.
At Audubons urging, the South Carolina Legislature
passed a joint resolution last May designating October
16-20, 2017 as South Carolina Native Plant Week. A
companion bill, which Audubon helped draft, is set to
pass the General Assembly in 2018 and will make this
designation permanent.
Passing this resolution is a big first step in highlighting
the importance of native plants to the wildlife we all
love, adds Johnson.
To celebrate, Audubon South Carolina is partnering
with the South Carolina Native Plant Society and other
conservation organizations to offer events throughout
the state, including speaking engagements, guided
walks, native plant sales, and more. Events will kick off
on Saturday, October 14 and run through October 21.
Details can be found on the websites listed below.
Native plants, in addition to providing food and cover
for wildlife, are often easier to grow and more suitable
for backyards and community spaces. Much of what
we plant today did not originate in the southeast. These
plants may be pretty, but they arent good food sources
for wildlife, and they often require more water, fertilizers,
and pesticides to maintain, says Lisa Lord, President of
the South Carolina Native Plant Society.
Native plants have other benefits too. Many are
part of our culture, history, and art namely Southern
Magnolias, Sweetgrass and Palmetto trees. For Audubon,
native plants are all about the birds. October is a time
that bird lovers associate with migration, says Jennifer
Tyrrell, Bird-friendly Communities Coordinator with
11
Audubon South Carolina. Millions of birds are in
the midst of migrating through South Carolina, often
stopping over in our yards for a short time to rest and
refuel. By adding a native plant to your yard, balcony,
container garden, or public space, anyone, anywhere can
not only attract more birds but give them the best chance
of survival on their long journeys.
Audubon South Carolina and other organizations
hope that this inaugural native plant week will
jumpstart a push for more gardening with native species.
As habitat loss and fragmentation continue to
threaten natural areas, now more than ever we need to
make our backyards and community spaces into wildlife
sanctuaries, Sharon Richardson, Executive Director of
Audubon South Carolina says. Choosing to garden with
native plants is an easy first step towards doing that.
Audubon South Carolina
Serving as the state program of the National Audubon
Society, Audubon South Carolinas mission is to protect
birds and the places they need, right here in South Carolina.
Native plant week details and more can be found at
sc.audubon.org and follow on Facebook (@AudubonSC),
Instagram (@Audubon_SC), and MeetUp (Audubon South
Carolina Friends).
The South Carolina Native Plant Society
The South Carolina Native Plant Society is a 501(c)3
non-profit organization working to preserve, protect and
restore native plant communities in South Carolina. Learn
more at scnps.org/ or on facebook.com/SCNPS.
 October 13
ONGOING
Mondays
WHAT: Seabrook Island Bridge Group
WHERE: The Lake House
WHEN: 9 a.m.
MORE INFO: The Monday Bridge
Group needs new players. For more
information, please contact Ilse Calcagno
at 843.768.0317.
WHAT: Hermit Crab Races
WHERE: Bohicket Marina
WHEN: 6:30 p.m.
WHAT: Community Yoga Class
WHERE: Studio 33
WHEN: noon - 1 p.m.
MORE INFO:Guests are encouraged to
make a $10 donation which will benefit
non-profits to be announced.
Tuesdays
WHAT: Bookmobile
WHERE: Freshfields Village
WHEN: The first Tuesday of every month
from 10 - 11:30 a.m.
MORE INFO: The Charleston County
Bookmobile will be parked in the lot
behind Heges and Java Java.
WHAT: Kick It at Bohicket
WHERE: Bohicket Marina
WHEN: 6:30 9 p.m.
MORE INFO: Take in the beautiful views
of Bohicket Marina along with live music
and fun! From one end of the marina to
the other there are fun activities for the
kids to enjoy Included: free entry and valet
parking every night through the summer,
face painting, balloon artist, photo booth,
sand art bracelets and corn hole.
Wednesdays
WHAT: Lake House Yoga
WHERE: The Lake House
WHEN: 8:30 a.m.
MORE INFO: Rise and Shine Yoga with
Patti Romano, formerly known at Gentle
Flow Yoga. Rise and Shine Yoga is an all
levels practice focused around finding your
days intention, set up yourself for success
and be ready to shine.
WHAT: Kids Art Classes, Acrylic on Canvas
WHERE: 3280 Loft at Bohicket Marina,
1897 Andell Bluff Way, Seabrook Island
WHEN: 10-11 a.m.
MORE INFO: ages 3-12, $15,
843.494.8784, 3280loft.com
WHAT: Kids Fishing Tournament
WHERE: Bohicket Marina
WHEN: 9 a.m. and 10 a.m.
MORE INFO: A Fishing Tournament just for
kids ages 4-14. Two rounds of fishing. Arrive at
least 15 minutes before your desired round. Its
only $7 per participant which includes all bait
and fishing rods. Every tournament produces 3
winners which will receive a tournament shirt,
bait, bucket and bragging rights. Questions call
248.719.0076.
WHAT: Sea Islands Book Club
WHERE: Johns Island Regional Library,
Island Connection Calendar
3531 Maybank Highway
WHEN: 2 p.m.
MORE INFO: Adult discussion of Dead Wake:
The Last Crossing of the Lusitania by Erik Larson.
WHAT: Starlight Cinema
WHERE: Freshfields Village
WHEN: 8:30 p.m.
MORE INFO: Free family movie under
the stars. Guests are encouraged to bring
chairs or a blanket.
Thursday
WHAT: Live Music at FortyEight by
Chris Dodson
WHERE: FortyEight - A Wine Bar
WHEN: 6 - 8:30 p.m.
MORE INFO: Enjoy 48 wines for tasting
and a selection of 48 beers while you listen
to light and classic rock inside or on the
patio. No cover.
WHAT: Opera Lite
WHERE: The Lake House
WHEN: 3:30 - 5:00 p.m.
MORE INFO: Thursday afternoons bring
a different opera featuring distinguished
current and vintage performers. English
subtitles permit understanding of the text
of the dialogue and solo numbers.
Fridays
WHAT: Adult art classes, multimedia
WHERE: 3280 Loft at Bohicket Marina,
1897 Andell Bluff Way, Seabrook Island
WHEN: 10 a.m. - noon
WHAT: Music on the Green
WHERE: Fresh Fields Village, Kiawah
Island
WHEN: 6 9 p.m.
MORE INFO: Each Friday evening
this summer from 6:00 to 9:00 pm for
a complimentary concert on the Village
Green. Guests are encouraged to bring
a beach chair or blanket for the event.
Freshfieldsvillage.com
Saturday
WHAT: Johns Island Farmers Market
WHERE: Charleston Collegiate SChool,
2024 Academy Rd.
WHEN: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
MORE INFO: Charlestons only year-
round farmers market, highlighting
produce and locally produced goods
and foods. Live music, kids activities.
JohnsIslandFarmersMarket.com for details.
Sunday
WHAT: Live Music at FortyEight
WHERE: FortyEight - A Wine Bar
WHEN: 5 - 7:30 p.m.
MORE INFO: A fun rotation of
musicians. Enjoy 48 wines for tasting and
a selection of 48 beers while you listen to
light and classic rock inside or on the patio.
No cover.
WHAT: Live Music
WHERE: 48 A Wine Bar
WHEN: 6 8:30 p.m.
MORE INFO: Enjoy 48 wines for tasting
and a selection of 48 beers while you listen
to live music every Thursday & Sunday
from 6:00 to 8:30 pm.
FRIDAY, OCT. 13
WHAT: CATRs Pony Up Movie Night
WHERE: Under the Roof at Brickhouse
Equestrian Center
WHEN: 5:30 - 9:30 p.m.
MORE INFO: Food trucks, family-
friendly activities and more. Bring a
blanket or chair for a screening of National
Velvet. All proceeds benefit CATRs
therapy horses. For tickets visit CATR.
ejoinme.org/movienight.
SATURDAY, OCT. 14
WHAT: Beethovens Ninth Symphony
WHERE: Gaillard Center
WHEN: 7:30 p.m.
MORE INFO: Opening Night
performance features Ode to Joy and
Strauss Metamorphosen. For tickets visit
CharlestonSymphony.org.
WHAT: Charity Golf Tournament
WHERE: Oak Point Kiawah Island Golf
Resort
WHEN: Registration 8 - 10 a.m., shotgun
start at 10:30 a.m.
MORE INFO: Charleston Elks Lodge 242
is sponsoring their annual Charity Golf
Tournament with all proceeds going to the
SC Alzheimers Chapter. The 9th Annual
Buddy Sirisky Memorial Tournament
raises money for the Alzheimers Charity.
One hundred percent of all proceeds
go to the SC Alzheimers Chapter. The
Benevolent & Protective Order of the Elk
is the largest Fraternal Organization in
the United States. For more info email
CoastalGolfSolutions@yahoo.com.
WHAT: Lowcountry Trail Half
Marathon and 5k
WHERE: Mullet Hall Equestrian Center
WHEN: 8:30 a.m.
MORE INFO: Online registration for the
Lowcountry Trail Half Marathon and 5K
is available at CharlestonCountyParks.com
and will end at 3 p.m. on Oct. 13. Walk-
up registration will be accepted on race
morning from 7 8 a.m. Registration for
the Half Marathon is $40, and registration
for the 5K is $28.
SUNDAY, OCT. 15
WHAT: Introduction to Climbing
WHERE: James Island County Park
WHEN: 2 4 p.m.
MORE INFO: Clinic is tailored for first
time climbers and people wanting to learn
more about getting started with rock
climbing. Ages 14 and up. $25/$20 Move IT!
Pass Holder. To register visit CCPRC.com.
WEDNESDAY, OCT. 18
WHAT: Presentation: Sea Islands
Cotton Past
WHERE: Ft. Johnson Marine Laboratory,
James Island
WHEN: 7 p.m.
MORE INFO: The Friends of McLeod, a
non-profit organization, will host a lecture
featuring Dr. Richard Porcher, author of
The Story of Sea Island Cotton and Bill
McLean who acquired the Sea Island cotton
(Gossypium barbadense) variety. Contact
info@mcleodplantation.org with questions.
MORE INFO: Join a meeting sponsored
WHAT: 5th Annual Colour of Music
Festival
WHERE: various venues in Charleston
WHEN: Oct. 18 22
MORE INFO: Event showcases the
impact and historical significance of black
classical composers and performers on
American and world culture. For detailed
schedule, venues and ticket information
visit ColourofMusic.org.
FRIDAY, OCT. 20
WHAT: Emanuel: Love Is The Answer
WHERE: Charleston Music Hall
WHEN: 8 p.m.
MORE INFO: Columbia City Ballet
presents this multi-media, full-length
ballet for one night only. The ballet
honors the victims and survivors of the
2015 Emanuel AME Church shooting.
Tickets can be purchased by calling the
box office at 843.853.2252 or online at
CharlestonMusicHall.com.
SATURDAY, OCT. 21
WHAT: OLMCO Fall Fest
WHERE: Our Lady of Mercy, 1684 State
Rd S-10-1442, Johns Island
WHEN: 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
MORE INFO: free event with hot apple
cider, pumpkin treats, caramel corn, as
well as fall festivities, including a kids zone
with a bounce house. Visit olmoutreach.
org for event details.
WHAT: Sea Island Cotton Day
WHERE: McLeod Plantation, James
Island
WHEN: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
MORE INFO: Event to educate the public
on the rare crop that will be harvested at
the property this fall. 11 a.m. program with
Dr. Richard Porcher, author of The Story
of Sea Island Cotton, and Bill McLean,
who acquired the seed planted. A second
talk with Dr. Porcher at 1 p.m. Site and
cotton field tours will take place throughout
the day, at 9:30 a.m., 11 a.m., 12 p.m., 1
p.m. and 2:30 p.m. Ongoing educational
activities from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For details
visit CharlestonCountyParks.com/McLeod
or call 843.762.9514.
WHAT: Jane Austen Society
WHERE: Johns Island Regional Library
WHEN: 11 a.m.
by the Jane Austen Society of North
America (S.C. Region). Refreshments
provided. Call 843.559.1945 for details.
TUESDAY, OCT. 24
WHAT: DHEC Public hearing on
beachfront jurisdictional lines
WHERE: North Charleston Council
Chambers
WHEN: 6-8 p.m.
MORE INFO: DHEC will hold a public
hearing in Charleston to afford the
opportunity for the general public to view
the proposed state beachfront jurisdictional
lines and associated Line Reports during the
public comment period, which runs from
Oct. 6 to Nov. 6. For information contact
Barbara Neale at nealeb@dhec.sc.gov or visit
scdhec.gov/beach/BeachfrontJurisdiction/
WHAT: Monarch Migration
WHERE: Folly Beach County Park
WHEN: 1 -3 p.m.
MORE INFO: Join a naturalist to search for
and potentially tag Monarchs while learning
about their amazing annual migration. Ages
9 and up. Registered chaperone required for
ages 15 and under. Pre-registration required.
To register visit CCPRC.com.
WEDNESDAY, OCT. 25
WHAT: Round Table Discussion with
Councilwoman Anna Johnson
WHERE: Johns Island Regional Library
WHEN: 12:30 p.m.
MORE INFO: Discuss concerns and
issues with Councilwoman Anna Johnson
of Charleston County District 8.
WHAT: Aqu Estamos: Preserving and
Telling the History of Latinos in the
Lowcountry
WHERE: Johns Island Regional Library
WHEN: 6 p.m.
MORE INFO: Join a community
conversation facilitated by Nancy Aguirre,
Marina Lpez and Kerry Taylor. This
program is organized in partnership with
The Citadel and supported by the National
Endowment for the Humanities. Call
843.559.1945 for details.
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 1
WHAT: Hospice 101
WHERE: Johns Island Regional Library
November 4
WHEN:11 a.m.
MORE INFO: Hospice is not a place, but a
philosophy of compassionate, person-centered
care for people with life-limited illnesses.
Lutheran Hospice representatives will discuss
the meaning of hospice, who meets eligibility,
and the benefits of the interdisciplinary team.
Call 843.559.1945 for details.
SATURDAY, NOV. 4
WHAT: Lowcountry Walk for ALS
WHERE: James Island County Park
WHEN: Check in 9 a.m., walk starts at 10
a.m.
MORE INFO: 1 mile and 3 mile
options. The Walk to Defeat ALS is an
opportunity to bring hope to people living
with ALS, to raise money for a cure, and
to come together for something you care
about. Contact Special Events Manager
for info, lcarroll@scalsa.org or call
803.851.3216.
WHAT: Harvest Festival
WHERE: Johns Island County Park
WHEN: 11 a.m. 5 p.m.
MORE INFO: The 16th annual Harvest
Festival features a craft market, childrens
activities including an archery competition,
and live foot-stomping bluegrass music.
Beverages and food for sale. No outside
food or beverages permitted. Admission is
$8, or free for kids 12 and under and Gold
Pass holders. For a band schedule, visit
CharlestonCountyParks.com.
14
volunteer spotlight
Thelma Buggs
Thelma Buggs volunteers as the front desk receptionist at Our Lady of Mercy
Community Outreach. Photo provided.
BY JENNIFER MESHANKO
For The Island Connection
L
owcountry native, Thelma Buggs,
moved to New York to start her
career shortly after graduating from
Haut Gap High School. However, she
never forgot her roots and is now giving
back to the community where she grew up.
After graduation, Thelma relocated to
upstate New York where a part-time job
awaited her at IBM. She then gained a
full-time position at the Castle Point VA
Hospital, which allowed Thelma to attend
secretary training school at night. After
obtaining her secretarial certification, she
worked for a funeral home for over 30
years, serving as the Executive Assistant
to the owner. When the owner passed
away, Thelma decided to work part-time
as a bank teller. Within one year she
was promoted to Operations Supervisor.
Thelma retired in 2008 and enjoys going
to church, gardening and spending time
with her family. She also enjoys helping
other people.
I have always enjoyed volunteer work,
says Thelma. She volunteers at her church
by helping in the food pantry and feeding
the homeless, mothers and children.
Thelma was first introduced to Our
October 13, 2017
Lady of Mercy Community Outreach
when she attended a yoga class and
expressed an interest in volunteering.
With Thelmas past experience and skills,
she learned various volunteer positions
very quickly. Her primary volunteer role
is a front desk receptionist, but she also
volunteers in the food pantry, clothing
room and during the senior food box
distribution.
I enjoy every moment, says Thelma.
I jump to help out, because the staff and
other volunteers are pleasant to work with.
You cant find a friendlier place.
Thelma shared a memory about a day
she was volunteering in the food pantry. A
young lady and her children had come to
OLMCO to receive assistance. The client
just stood in the doorway and started to
cry, Thelma recalls. I just held her hand,
and she started to compose herself. She
told me that she had no food in her house
for her children, and when she saw the
food pantry she was overwhelmed. After
she finished making her food selections,
she couldnt stop thanking me. Right
then, I knew this is the place God wanted
me to be to help out.
October 13, 2017 15