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Volume 13 Issue 4 FREE May 24, 2019

Deninufay African dancers and drummers at the 2019 Gullah Celebration. Photo by Marlisa Bannister.

Gullah Celebration reaches new heights

BY JIM BANNISTER “Over 800 people visited this year’s gala event, literally beverages, managed the popular silent auction, handled
For The Island Connection shattering all previous attendance marks. Not only that, set-up and tear-down, operated the AV equipment, and
but the Celebration raised an all-time high of well over did everything needed to make the event run smoothly.

S
aturday, May 4 started out with ominous dark grey
clouds looming just across the Kiawah River, but
the threatening rain stayed away for what turned
out to be near perfect weather for the 5th Annual Gullah
Celebration held on the Freshfields Village Green.
$125,000 to help feed the hungry and provide water for
the thirsty families on Johns and Wadmalaw Islands,”
reports Shirley Salvo, President of the Sea Islands Hunger
Awareness Foundation.
The Celebration was staffed by nearly 100 brightly
tee-shirted volunteers who sold tickets, served food and
“Our volunteers are the heart and soul of the
Celebration and we cannot thank them enough for their
time and talent,” said Volunteer Coordinator, Louise
Baucom.
Gullah Celebration continues on page 4

Student Report STEM at Mt. Zion Roadtrips Charleston

Page 7 Page 9 Page 10
2 May 24, 2019
daily

Former Mayor in memorium

BILL WERT’S KIAWAH LEGACY
Lynn Pierotti
publisher
BY GREGG BRAGG
The Island Connection Sr. Staff Writer
lynn@luckydognews.com

sometime after his retirement and move 10. Serving as a board member of
Katy Calloway
to Kiawah in 1999. Our Lady of Mercy Community
managing editor Wert apparently didn’t believe in Outreach.
katy@luckydognews.com retiring though, and began volunteering Wert was clearly busy and public
immediately. He was elected to a three-year service is often thankless work, but his
Jennifer Tuohy stint on the Kiawah Island Community determination never flagged. There were
contributing editor Association’s (KICA) board the very some contentious meetings observed by
jennifer@luckydognews.com
next year. He served as board president this reporter over the years, and Wert
during his third year and simultaneously navigated them with a singular aplomb.
managed to be elected to the first of four He took the same sense of dignity with
Alejandro Ferreyros terms as the mayor of Kiawah Island. him to Hospice of Charleston.
senior graphic designer Wert focused on improving the quality Wert and his family are still serving
alejandro@luckydognews.com of life for the property owners. Some of the public by promoting; Respite Care
the many victories he cited in materials Charleston RespiteCareCharleston.
Lori McGee produced during a bid for re-election org, Our Lady of Mercy Community
included; Outreach OLMOutreach.org, and
sales manager CurePSP CurePSP.org.
1. Fathering the original KICA
lori@luckydognews.com listserv to facilitate communication For more information on the life and
between hundreds of residents times of Bill Wert visit his online guestbook at
with a single email. Legacy.com/obituaries/charleston/obituary.
Senior Staff Writer 2. Implementing a groundbreaking The comments of friends and family are
Gregg Bragg Development Agreement with the available, and visitors are encouraged to add
William G. Wert. Photo courtesy Post & Kiawah Island Golf Resort. their own comments in honor of his memory.
Contributors Courier. 3. Constructing the parkway bike
civic
F
ormer Town of Kiawah Island Mayor path from the front gate to
Jim Bannister
William “Bill” Wert passed quietly Freshfields.
David Lucas 4. Orchestrating the largest
on Monday, April 29, 2019. Despite The Kiawah Island Town Council
Carroll Dunn non-federally funded beach
a long and pitched battle with health report from May 7 will be available
Joy Millar issues, he was often seen making public restoration project on the east online at IslandConnectionNews.com.
Cassell Presnell appearances with wife Patricia “Pat” Wert, coast of the United States.
Carlie Joye and always seemed ready with a welcoming 5. Increasing Kiawah’s bird
Dale Leibach smile and clever retort. His social graces population through environmental
were the product of a lifetime spent in stewardship.
Carol Antman
public service that began in college. 6. Implementing the recycling
Bill Wolford
A Bachelor’s degree from State program currently utilized by
Greg Lucas University of New York Maritime College, residents.
and a Masters in Mechanical Engineering 7. Fostering a sense of community
from Union College in Schenectady set among Kiawah residents as well as
Wert on the path to four years of service in with Seabrook and Johns Island.
the United States Navy. His commission 8. Leading efforts to make Kiawah’s
gave way to the private sector in 1966, and voice heard in the state legislature
Wert spent the next 33 years working for and reducing property taxes.
General Electric. He achieved the rank 9. Chairing the board of the Medical
of vice president by 1993, and somehow University of South Carolina’s
had time for a son, two daughters, six Storm Eye Institute.
grandchildren, and a great grandchild

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 Arts & Cultural Town of Seabrook Fax: 768-4764
Sullivan’s Island, SC 29482 Events Council
Ways & Means June 6, 2 p.m. Town Council Seabrook Island Town H all
843-886-NEWS
Committee Meeting Kiawah Town Hall Meeting 2001 Seabrook Island Road
May 28, 2 p.m. May 28, 2:30 p.m. Seabrook Island, SC 29455
Future submission deadline: Public Works
Kiawah Town Hall Seabrook Town Hall Phone: 768-9121
May 29 for the Committee Meeting
June 7 Issue Fax: 768-9830
Town Council June 10, 10 a.m. Planning Commission Email: lmanning@townofseabrookisland.org
Meeting Kiawah Town Hall Meeting
Op-Ed articles and letters to the editor do not June 4, 2 p.m. June 5, 1:30 p.m. Johns Island Council
necessarily reflect the opinion of Kiawah Town Hall Public Safety 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
Ways & Means
Planning Commission June 12, 2 p.m. Island.
Committee Meeting
Meeting Kiawah Town Hall Chairman Chris Cannon: 343-5113
June 18, 2:30 p.m.
The Island June 5, 3 p.m.
Kiawah Town Hall
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
May 24, 2019 3

Congratulations

Congratulations to Ms. Anna Elizabeth Wechter, a freshman from Seabrook

Island, for making the Presbyterian College Dean’s List during the Spring 2019
semester. The Dean’s List is composed of students who have earned between
a 3.3 and a 3.9 grade point average. Photo provided.

Tid e Char t

Date High Tide Low Tide

May 24 12:47am/1:05pm 7:02am/6:56pm
May 25 1:34am/1:56pm 7:49am/7:48pm
May 26 2:24am/2:50pm 8:37am/8:45pm
May 27 3:15am/3:43pm 9:25am/9:44pm
May 28 4:07am/4:35pm 10:13am/10:42pm
May 29 4:57am/5:25pm 11:00am/11:36pm
May 30 5:46am/6:12pm 11:45am
May 31 6:34am/6:58pm 12:27am/12:30pm
Jun 01 7:20am/7:42pm 1:15am/1:14pm
Jun 02 8:05am/8:25pm 2:02am/1:59pm
Jun 03 8:51am/9:10pm 2:48am/2:44pm
Jun 04 9:37am/9:56pm 3:35am/3:31pm
Jun 05 10:26am/10:44pm 4:22am/4:20pm
Jun 06 11:17am/11:36pm 5:11am/5:11pm

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
4 May 24, 2019
daily
Local artist Mary Whyte and “both” Sweet
Margarets. Photo by Marlisa Bannister.
Gullah Celebration continues from cover
So, what is a celebration without festive
music and dance? There was plenty of
that provided by the colorfully dressed
and multi-talented Deninufay African
Dance and Drum Production group.
On the spiritual side, the beautiful and
soul-stirring songs presented by Ann
Caldwell and the Magnolia Singers kept
the audience clapping along in the tented
theater during both of their scheduled
stage appearances.
Other on-stage presentations included
the announcement of the 2019 Gullah
Art Project Winners from Angel Oak
and Frierson Elementary schools, Haut
Gap Middle School, and St. Johns High
School, plus a special guest appearance of
‘Sweet Margaret’ and noted artist, Mary
Whyte. Fr. Karl Burns, Rector of the
Church of Our Saviour, kept the program
running smoothly as the emcee.
What is a celebration without food
and drink? It was plentiful! The crowd
enjoyed a delicious selection of favorite
Lowcountry dishes including shrimp &
grits, pulled pork sliders, chicken wings,
tomato pie, mac ‘n cheese, peach cobbler,
and banana pudding catered by the Stono
Market and Tomato Shed Café. The
beer stand kept busy serving two craft
selections donated by Low Tide Brewing
and Dale Snyder, and the also popular
wine table offered selections of white and
red varietals provided by FortyEight Wine
Bar & Kitchen.
What is a celebration without a silent
auction? Actually, this year’s edition was
the ‘mother of all silent auctions’ with
268 or more items offered to a seemingly
endless stream of folks looking for
whatever struck their fancy or piqued
their interest, ranging from Art to a
Zimbabwe safari . . . and everything in
between. Cape Cod getaway, anyone?
Had that, too.
Artists, crafters and authors appearing
at this year’s Festival were Joann G.
Brown with her sweetgrass baskets and
Ausar Vandross with his all-natural shea
butter African black soap and handmade
scented soaps.
Finally, what is a celebration without
sponsors? Well, space simply doesn’t
allow mentioning all the generous people
whose financial support not only helps
the Gullah Celebration continue, but also
provides major funding for the Sea Islands
Hunger Awareness Foundation, Sea
Islands Water Wellness Mission and the
Sea Islands Blessing Basket throughout
the year.
For more information about the Sea Islands
Hunger Awareness Foundation and its many
partners and affiliates, visit the organization’s
website at FightIslandHunger.org.
May 24, 2019
S M A L L E R A L L I G AT O R S M AY N O T N E C E S S I TAT E A N U I S A N C E C A L L
BY DAVID LUCAS, SCDNR
For The Island Connection
A
s the weather warms up, alligators
all over the state are coming out
of their winter hiding places and
basking in the sun, especially in the
coastal plain. If you have never seen one of
these impressive reptiles before, you might
be surprised, or even intimidated, to see
such an animal lying on the bank of your
neighborhood pond, but there’s probably
no reason to panic, according to the
South Carolina Department of Natural
Resources (SCDNR) wildlife biologists
who manage this iconic species.
Many of the gators that inhabit the
ponds of golf courses, resorts, communities
and other areas with common greenspace
that include prime alligator habitat are
relatively small. It can take as long as
a decade for an alligator hatchling to
reach the six-foot length that is generally
considered “adult” size. When left alone,
smaller gators pose very little threat to
people, according to SCDNR biologist
and Alligator Program Coordinator
Morgan Hart.
That may be true, but for many of
the out-of-state visitors who flock to the
Carolina coast in the summertime, and
even for some native South Carolinians
unused to seeing them, any alligator
sighting may be a frightening event. Of
wildlife
Leave them be
the hundreds of alligator complaints
reported to the SCDNR each season,
more than half involve alligators less
than 5 feet in length – animals that pose
little, if any, threat to humans. Alligators
of this size feed on crawfish, aquatic
insects, small snakes, frogs, and turtles.
The average body weight of alligators 3
feet in length is not quite 4 pounds. Four-
foot alligators average about 11 pounds,
while gators measuring 5 feet average
only about 22 pounds. Just like any wild
animal, even small alligators can bite, but
as the old saying goes, “they are probably
more afraid of you than you are of them.”
Alligators are cold-blooded (also called
ectothermic), which means that they can’t
produce their own body heat. When an
alligator lies on grass or mud, fully out of
the water, its primary goal is to soak up
the heat from the sun. Alligators almost
exclusively hunt from the water, so an
alligator on land is most likely just trying
to get warm and will retreat into the water
if surprised or threatened. In the spring
months, alligators roaming in search of
new territories can result in animals that
find themselves “stuck” away from their
regular habitat. As the sun goes down, a
piece of sun-warmed pavement such as
a roadway, parking lot or driveway may
seem like an attractive resting spot to the
gator, which can cause traffic hazards or
other public safety concerns.
In that situation, the best thing to do is to
Alligator sunning itself on the banks of the
Oak Point Golf Course at Kiawah River
Estates. Photo provided.
notify either the appropriate Public Safety
department for the town or county you are
in, or the security staff if visiting a private
resort or “plantation.” Most resorts and
other private communities along the coast
have signs advising who to call to report
an out-of-place or potentially dangerous
gator. The SCDNR may be called upon in
such cases – typically to assist with gators
that pose an immediate safety hazard.
First responders will normally contact
the SCDNR if that step is necessary, but
citizens having questions or concerns about
any alligator may also contact the SCDNR
directly by calling 1.800.922.5431.
5
SCDNR conservation officers and
biologists urge the public to be especially
cautious around large alligators. While
typically shy and inclined to avoid
confrontations with people, alligators can
be dangerous, especially if they have been
fed in the past by humans, and people
should always maintain a safe distance
from ANY gator, regardless of size. Staying
on marked paths and avoiding the edges
of ponds or waterways – especially while
walking pets – is a good safety practice,
and never throw food or other objects into
the water where gators live.
While keeping those safety guidelines
and information firmly in mind,
understand that it isn’t necessary to call
and report small gators that are simply
basking near their normal habitat. By
observing these simple safety rules, both
citizens and visitors should be able to
co-exist with gators.
“American alligators are native
animals, and they deserve our respect,
as they have an important role to play
in South Carolina's ecosystems,” said
Hart. “While we definitely don’t want
to discourage people from calling-in any
situation they feel could be dangerous,
just be aware that smaller gators that are
in their normal habitat do not typically
pose a problem, so long as people keep a
safe distance from them.”
6 May 24, 2019
daily daily

Art and House Tour Doors to Freedom

celebrates banner year SI’S WOMEN INSPIRED
THROUGH STORIES
OVER $94,000 RAISED FOR
BY JOY MILLAR
LOCAL PROGRAMS For The Island Connection

S
BY CARROLL DUNN event with publicity and security. haron Rikard returned to the I’On
For The Island Connection “Together we were able to achieve our Meetinghouse on April 8 to deliver a
common goal: raising funds which support presentation to the Women Inspired

A
t its year-end luncheon, it was
announced that the 2019 Art and
House Tour was the most financially
successful tour to date, raising over $94,000.
This is outstanding news as this support
allowed the organization to distribute funds
for eight art programs that are integrated
into the curriculum and presented during
the school year and the summer recess.
Each of these eight programs enhances
the lives of the children and youth on Johns
and Wadmalaw Islands who participate in
them as well as their families. Ginny Brush,
President of Arts, etc., indicated that the
tremendous support from the business
and member sponsors was particularly
significant this year stating, “Our members
are an amazing group of talented women.”
The chairpersons of this year’s tour were
Patty Wolford and Molly Macauley. Both
of these ladies expressed gratitude to the
homeowners whose homes were featured on
the tour. They also credit the chairpersons
and the many, many volunteers who worked
for months in advance of the tour, as well
as the community who rallied behind the
art programs for schools on Johns and
Wadmalaw Islands,” explained Wolford.
The programs selected to receive funds
this year are:
• Gibbes Museum of Art – “It Stats
With a Dot”
• Chamber Music Charleston –
Classical Kids Concerts
• Engaging Creative Minds – Summer
STEAM Program
• Ballet Evolution – School
Performances and Demonstrations
• College of Charleston – Children’s
Opera
• Halsey Institute of Contemporary Art
• College of Charleston – Project Inspire
• Pure Theatre- Life Skills Workshops
Arts, etc. is a charitable 501(c)(3)
organization of women residing on Kiawah
and Cassique. Its purpose is to raise funds,
through donations and events to support
the arts in our greater community and to
provide educational and social opportunities
for its membership. Distribution of funds is
at the discretion of the organization.
Through Stories group on her project,
Doors to Freedom. Started in 2011 to lobby
our state senate to pass anti sex trafficking
laws for SC, Rickard’s greater goal was to
provide a safe home for survivors of sex
trafficking and the services needed to help
them regain the life stolen from them.
Rikard started by helping with the basics
of survival: providing transportation,
advocacy and case management. Now,
education, life skills training, health,
nutrition, and personal growth are taught
with individualized plans. Many of us do
not realize the upward climb these girls
and women have in front of them. Often,
they do not know what to do with feelings
of peace or loving interaction. Creating
a safe, loving and nurturing space for
victims is the vital first step to rebuilding
their lives.
In 2016, Women Inspired Through
Stories held their first fundraiser for
Doors to Freedom. With these funds,
grants and generous support from many
others, Rikard was able to obtain a house
for her mission. Future plans include
Seabrook Island’s Women Inspired
Through Stories group. Photo provided.
partnering with Habitat for Humanity to
convert “out” buildings on the property
to provide the additional classroom and
office space needed as the number of
residents increases.
Today the house, which has been
purchased, restored and lovingly
decorated, is home to eight young women
and on April 9, celebrated its one-year
anniversary. It is the only such place in
South Carolina.
Women Inspired Through Stories
mission is to support groups that empower
women and children through self-
sufficiency and education. It is happy to
support Doors to Freedom with its fourth
fundraiser, raising over $16,000.
For information on Sharon Rikard’s
project, Doors to Freedom, visit
DoorsToFreedom.com.
May 24, 2019
Johns Island Farmers Market,
truth & transparency
BY CASSELL PRESNELL AND CARLIE JOYE
Vertical Roots is a locally owned and operated
hydroponic, living lettuce company. Each head of lettuce
can be traced back to the seed, which supports the JIFM
promise of truth & transparency. Photo provided.
T
he Johns Island Farmers Market was started on
January 11, 2014 by Frasier Block and Blue Headrick.
The shopping center, open every Saturday for the
people of Charleston, originally started for and still upkeeps
a very important and unique goal: truth and transparency.
student report
Special to The Island Connection
This objective was based on the fact that not all markets
in South Carolina were being honest about where their
products came from and how they were made or grown.
Block and Headrick wanted to fix that and provide a safe,
happy environment for people to shop for groceries.
The Market started out as a small business with a few
venders off of Maybank Highway. As it grew, so did its
vendors, customers, and message.
Currently situated on the grounds of Charleston
Collegiate School for a more friendly and welcoming
atmosphere, the Market always has two food trucks on
site, switched every week, and occasionally, live music.
The Market is set up in an o-shape to encourage visitor
traffic to all the booths. The shape works much like a
roundabout, situated so that shoppers don’t need to cut
across or in front of one another in order to get where they
want to go. It also allows customers to get around more
quickly and smoothly. Outside of the circle, there is a play
area with toys set up for the children so that they are safely
occupied and within view while their caretakers shop.
The Farmers Market allows farmers, artisans, and
entrepreneurs to display and sell local goods. These
items range from foods: fruits, vegetables, meats, dairy
products, jams, spices, and even coffee, to goods: herbs,
body products, candles, pet products, woven fabrics, and
wooden utensils. All of these products are double and
triple checked to make sure that the sellers are truthful
about their origin so that nobody who visits the Market
has to worry about where the food and/or products come
from.
7
When asked what their favorite part of the Market
was, Longtime shoppers, Nancy and Jim Gouse said,
“The people, whether the vendors or the clients.”
Another loyal customer, John Redant, said that his
favorite part of the Market is, “the outdoors, honestly,
just being outside and not being in a building.” He added,
“For me, it’s like a nice, outdoor, open atmosphere; it
feels more personal. You have people serving you goods
they’ve made or have grown with their own two hands.”
Local Chef Maya Morrill explains that her favorite part
of the Market is that it stays open all year. She is able to
get food from the Market whenever she wants and that
makes it easy to come up with delicious new recipes. When
asked, customers described the Market as, “truthful”,
“welcoming,” wonderful,” and even “a dream.”
The Market is open to anyone and everyone, so next
time you find yourself without something to do on a
sunny Saturday, challenge yourself to find your groceries
at the Market or just visit to say hello!
The Student Report project is a collaborative program
between the Charleston Collegiate School, The Johns Island
Farmers Market and the Island Connection.
The Johns Island Farmers Market is open Every
Saturday, Year Round from 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. on the
campus of Charleston Collegiate School which is pet-friendly
with ample free parking. JIFM is the only market in town
to guarantee Truth & Transparency in all products sold,
hosting 50+ farmers & vendors, food trucks, music, and a
play area.
8 May 24, 2019
daily

2019 Fleming Senior Open set for October

S E A I S L A N D S B L E S S I N G B A S K E T D E S I G N AT E D C H A R I T Y
BY DALE LEIBACH Ball events. This competition is worth amateur champions. The tournament
For The Island Connection 1,000 points to those players. Included is also a draw for tennis players from
in the draws are former professional tour Seabrook and Kiawah Islands.

T
players, National Gold Ball champions, While a premier tennis tournament,
he Seabrook Island Racquet Club
Former Davis Cup players, Collegiate the Fleming has also been devoted to
has announced the 36th annual
Alan Fleming Senior Open Clay benefiting a local charitable organization.
State Championship will be held on Over the past few years, the Fleming
has raised nearly $300,000 for local,
Seabrook Island from October 2-6, 2019. Because of the worthwhile and important causes.
The United States Tennis Association
(USTA) sanctioned tournament was most importance in Last year, the charitable beneficiary
recently named South Carolina’s Adult fighting hunger was The Sea Islands Blessing Basket, a Sea
Tournament of the year, the third time it Islands Hunger Awareness Foundation,
has received that award.
on Johns and nonprofit organization mission. SIHAF
Mike Kiser, Seabrook Racquet Club Wadmalaw supports charitable food-related programs
Director, said the popular tournament Islands we have that feed the hungry and provide
is the highest USTA amateur level drinkable well water to those in need on
competition, drawing players from the
selected the Wadmalaw and Johns Islands.
southeast and beyond. Sea Islands SIHAF is 100% volunteer operated
The Fleming is a South Carolina Level Blessing Basket and distributes 98% of the money raised
1 State Championship and Southern Level to families in need. Once a month the Sea
200 Point Tournament. For amateur
for a second Islands Blessing Basket distributes food to
players the mixed doubles division year. They do an approximately 510 residents of Johns and
represents the tennis association’s highest Wadmalaw Islands whose income is below
extraordinary the poverty level. The food provided is Seabrook residents leveraged their home
amateur level competition.
The tournament offers 44 events job of enough for seven meals each month. court advantage claiming four titles in
including singles, doubles and mixed- providing food “Because of the importance in fighting 2017 including Harvey Hines-Men’s 55’s
doubles for women and men ages 35-80. hunger on Johns and Wadmalaw Islands Singles and Andrea Hines-Women’s 45’s
to those in need we have selected the Sea Islands Blessing Singles (pictured above).
Registration begins Monday, August
Basket for a second year. They do an only extra shelf-stable food, but for the
5. To register or receive additional
extraordinary job of providing food to
information on this year’s tournament Cat Russo those in need,” Cat Russo, tournament
first time the opportunity for recipients to
visit USTA.com. The tournament ID is receive fresh produce and proteins.
Division 1 standouts, South Carolina and chair said.
700053619.
Southern Hall of Fame players and the Russo noted that the tournament in For more information on Sea Islands Hunger
This will be the Fleming’s 6th year Awareness visit FightIslandHunger.org.
highest ranked national and international 2018 raised $35,000 and provided not
hosting the Mixed Doubles National Gold
May 24, 2019 9

Mt. Zion raises funds for STEM

L E A R N I N G T H AT I S F U N , E N G A G I N G A N D R E L E VA N T

An elementary school STEM based SmartLab uses technology and manipulatives to promote creative thinking. Photo provided.

BY MT. ZION STUDENT IMPROVEMENT COUNCIL

For The Island Connection

I
t’s no surprise that students have more fun and retain
information better when they are connecting circuits
to build a robot, mixing vinegar and baking soda to
explode a model volcano, and calculating the distance to
catapult a ball. Hands-on learning is at the core of the
STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math)
program, and the concepts taught spur interest in the
nation’s fastest growing and most lucrative career sectors.
This environment of real-world problem solving,
collaboration, creativity and innovation is something
Mt. Zion Elementary School hopes to implement for the
benefit of all 280 students in the 2019-2020 school year.
School leadership, the School Improvement Council
(SIC) and the Parent Teacher Association (PTA) are
working together to raise funds to build an interactive
STEM SmartLab and implement the powerful STEM
curriculum and activities.
To show the community, students and teachers how
fun and effective STEM learning can be, the school is
hosting a STEM Festival on Saturday, June 1 from 10
a.m. to 2 p.m. This fair is loaded with action. Kids will
get to enjoy three different STEM-related activities like
a laser maze, coding challenge and a robot challenge.
Several students will present results of recently completed
STEM experiments and prizes will be awarded. There will
be a bounce house, performance by Soulfully Creative
Kids and a DJ. The PTA plans to sell hot dogs, lemonade,
popcorn, take-home chicken dinners and more. Special
guests Sandy Tecklenburg and Sonya Stephens of ABC
News 4 will be in attendance.
All community members are invited to attend the festival
to learn more about Mt. Zion and see the impact a STEM
program could have on the education of our students.
Implementing the STEM SmartLab and curriculum at the
school is a roughly $160,000 start-up investment, yet the
lessons will fuel student learning for years to come.
A hands-on STEM education is not only proven to
boost test scores and learning retention, but it also sets the
foundation for future success in a STEM career. STEM-
related jobs, like computer programming, informatics
and engineering generate wages that average 93% above
the national average wage, and roughly double the
income of non-STEM occupations. Our students deserve
these incredible opportunities.
Kiawah Cares is currently fundraising on behalf of
the Mt. Zion Elementary School, and acting as a fiscal
agent, to fund the $160,000 STEM program. To join
this incredible education effort, visit KiawahCares.org/
stem to learn more or donate.
WHAT: STEM Festival
WHERE: Mt. Zion Elementary School
WHEN: Saturday, June 1, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
MORE INFO: STEM related kids activities,
experiments and awards. Live performances and
music. PTA sponsored food and drinks, including
carry-out chicken dinners, for purchase.
10
BY CAROL ANTMAN
For The Island Connection
T
he pay is low and the hours are
long but apprentices at Spoleto
love the experience. They rave
about seeing their first opera, getting to
personally know the performers, watching
the festival ignite the city and being part
of that magic. Meanwhile, they’re getting
a reality check on their career paths.
Gabriella Plyler is an arts management
major at the College of Charleston and
an apprentice this year in media relations
where she hopes to get, “insight into a
world renowned arts festival beyond the
classroom and online,” and “to learn more
about how a festival is curated, what it is
like behind the scenes of a performance.”
The Apprenticeship Program is a
big part of what makes the festival run
so smoothly. It offers short, hands-on
experiences under the guidance of
professional arts administrators and
technicians in the areas of artist services,
box office, development, accounting,
media relations, orchestra management,
production or operations. For college
students, it’s a clarifying experience.
Olivia Anderson apprenticed at
Spoleto a few years ago. At the time she
was a music education major and learned
that, “I wanted to be more involved in the
performing arts/arts administration world
versus the music education/teaching
roadtrips charleston
Getting in on the act
world.” She went on to complete three
more apprenticeships and is now the
festival’s assistant box office manager.
Apprenticeships also provide skills
for the real work world. Nick Bragin
apprenticed in 2013 in Box Office
Operations while a grad student.
“Spoleto utilizes Tessitura software
that is designed for ticketing, customer
relationship management, development
and marketing. Tessitura is an industry
standard and my time at Spoleto afforded
me the opportunity to learn the ropes,”
said Bragin.
Working under impressive leadership,
he also acquired a perspective on effective
management, lessons he brought to his
current job as the fulltime guest services
manager at a large venue in Indiana where
he manages 40 people.
As it did for Nick, working at Spoleto
enhances resumes and often leads to
permanent jobs. When Allison Ross-
Spang applied to be an apprentice she was
graduating from the College of Charleston
and, “wondering what my next step would
be.” Selling tickets, working will-call and
troubleshooting occasional problems
taught her a great deal about customer
service. “I think working in the box office
helped make me a better employee and
pushed me to work harder,” she said.
Ross-Spang is now a department manager
in Artist Services.
Rubbing shoulders with dedicated
professionals teaches work habits too.
Caroline Hagood was an apprentice
in 2013 in Artists Services. “I learned a
lot about organization skills and time
management… especially how to be
open-minded to adapting to changes in
plans and how to have a flexible schedule,”
said Hagood. She has found these skills
invaluable as she continues college.
Applicants are forewarned that the long
hours include evenings and weekends and
that the pay is minimal. Depending on
the department assignment, duties range
from hospitality and transportation for
artists to moving orchestra equipment
and instruments. Production assistants
may build sets or assist electrical work.
Accounting personnel help with payroll
and purchase orders. Photo shoots and
press releases often keep Media Relations
apprentices busy. Most positions
take place during the festival except
production assistants who begin in April.
Compensation includes a small living
allowance and housing plus $50 in travel
expenses for out of town applicants. If
they’re lucky and not too exhausted, they
get to see some shows.
The applications, available each winter,
ask applicants for their experience in
a wide range of capacities including
carpentry, craft work, sewing, tailoring,
stage management, audio mixing,
lighting and running shows. Telephone
interviews are required as well as letters
of recommendation. Media relations
applicants have to submit writing samples.
May 24, 2019
It’s a very competitive process that
requires ambition and passion, the kind
that Gabriella Plyler displayed when
she said, “I promised myself that I will
always try my best to work in a place that
represents the arts in any form…and have
always wanted to work within this type
of environment and organization.” But
those who have completed the experience
encourage others to apply.
Allison Ross-Spang says, “…seeing the
festival come together and being able to
say I helped gave me a lot of confidence
that I was in the right field.”
Carolina Hagood echoes that sentiment
saying, “I would definitely recommend
this apprenticeship opportunity to
applicants. It is a phenomenal cultural
experience and a window into how large
scale, professional arts festivals function.”
Roadtrips Charleston highlights
interesting destinations within a few hour’s
drive of Charleston, SC as well as more far
flung locales. Carol Antman’s 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.
For More information: Spoletousa.org/
get-involved/apprenticeships
May 24, 2019
daily
New men’s ministry on
Johns Island
BY BILL WOLFORD
For The Island Connection
T
he Church of Our Saviour, located
at 4416 Betsy Kerrison Pkwy., is
pleased to announce the launch
of a new life application men’s ministry
called TEAM, Teaching, Equipping,
Affirming Men for Spiritual Leadership.
As men, participants may feel the
responsibilities and pressures of work,
marriage, parenting, grandparenting,
community service, etc. As these issues
arise, the attention to spiritual life can
begin to fall on the list of priorities. The
Church of Our Saviour heard this calling
and started the TEAM ministry.
11
Using a Bible-based curriculum that
focuses on issues important to men,
TEAM will provide a place where men
can engage in a small group conversation
and true spiritual friendship. Weekly
studies will focus on biblical truth, address
specific issues facing men today, and help
equip participants to lead in their homes
and community.
The ministry will meet in the
Fellowship Hall of the Church of Our
Saviour every Thursday morning from
7:30-8:30 a.m. TEAM ministry is not
just for the men of Our Saviour; group
members are encouraged to invite a
neighbor, friend, golf buddy or tennis
teammate to join TEAM.
 May 24
ONGOING
May 19 through Aug. 11
WHAT: 2019 Charleston Sprint
Triathlon Series
WHERE: James Island County Park
WHEN: races start at 7:15 a.m.
MORE INFO: The Charleston Sprint
Triathlon is a five-race series spanning
May through August and is hosted by the
Charleston County Park and Recreation
Commission. Athletes may compete in
one race, multiple races, or sign up for the
entire five-race series. The 2019 races will
be held on May 19, June 16, July 7 and July
28, with the Championship Race set for
Aug. 11. 600-yard freshwater swim in the
park’s lake, continues with a 12-mile bike
ride through the park and out and back on
Riverland Dr., and finish with a flat 5K run.
Participants must be comfortable swimming
the distance in open water and riding a
bicycle on roads open to traffic. Registration
at CharlestonCountyParks.com. Winners
awarded each individual race as well as the
entire series.
WHAT: Beachfront Lights Out
WHERE: all seaward, beachfront
properties
WHEN: 9 p.m.- 8 a.m.
MORE INFO: US Fish and Wildlife
Service discourages the use of outdoor
lights when not required, in order to
protect nesting sea turtles. When on the
beach at dark, use red filters on flashlights.
Artificial light such as flashlights without
filters are prohibited on the beach at night.
This includes flashlights on phones as well.
WHAT: Black Refractions: Highlights
from The Studio Museum in Harlem
WHERE: Gibbes Museum of Art
WHEN: May 24-Aug. 18
MORE INFO: The only Southern
venue selected to host the first traveling
exhibition highlighting the full breadth
of The Studio Museum in Harlem’s
permanent collection. Exhibition includes
works by Jacob Lawrence, Romare
Bearden, David Hammons, Fred Wilson,
Kerry James Marshall, Titus Kaphar,
Kehinde Wiley and Lorna Simpson.
Black Refractions is a once-in-a-lifetime
opportunity to share these incredible works
of art with the Charleston community. For
information visit GibbesMuseum.org.
WHAT: Seabrook Island Photography
Club exhibit
WHERE: Seabrook Island Real Estate
office, 1002 Landfall Way
WHEN: Through June
MORE INFO: Member’s works will be
on display in the lobby of the real estate
office. Rotating exhibit includes works
for sale. This display is in addition to the
display currently hanging at the Lake
house. For further information visit
SeabrookIslandPhotoClub.com.
Mondays
WHAT: Family Trees
WHERE: Walton Hall at St. John’s Parish,
3673 Maybank Hwy.
WHEN: 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. (beginning
August 13)
MORE INFO: Begin exploring the
Island Connection Calendar
process of clearing title for heirs’ property
by defining the family tree. For more
information or to make an appointment for
an initial assessment call 843.810.1036
WHAT: Charleston Coastal Choir
WHERE: Church of Our Savior
WHEN: 1 p.m.
MORE INFO: Local, mixed community
chorus, open for membership. Season runs
October through March. For information
contact Director of Music, Van McCollum at
404.401.0678 or vanmccollum@bellsouth.net.
Tuesdays
WHAT: Family Oriented Tours and
Activities
WHERE: Nathaniel Russell House
WHEN: 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
MORE INFO: Family tours start on the
half-hour between 10:30 am and 12:30
pm. Docent-led scavenger hunt tours,
historic games and toys in the garden.
HistoricCharleston.org for information and
to purchase tickets for the date and museum
house you would like to attend.
First and Third
Tuesdays
WHAT: The Charleston County Public
Library Bookmobile
WHERE: Parking lot behind Hege’s
WHEN: 10-11 a.m.
MORE INFO: Bookmobile is back the
first and third Tuesdays of the month. The
schedule for the summer is June 19, July 3 &
17, August 7 & 21.
Wednesdays
WHAT: Block-In Art Class
WHERE: Todd & Huff Art Center,
Bohicket marina
WHEN: 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
MORE INFO: Class covers line drawing,
drawing with a brush, transparent
wash, alla prima, monochrome value
underpaintings, toning a canvas,
working wet into wet, and glazing. See
PatriciaRHuff.com or ToddHuffCenter.
com for details.
WHAT: English Conversation Club
WHERE: John’s Island Regional Library
WHEN: 2 p.m.
MORE INFO: Practice speaking English
with a small group. Beginners to advanced
learners welcome. A children’s program and/
or craft will be provided during the club
meeting. Registration is not required; call
843.559.1945 for more information.
Thursdays
WHAT: Beginning Oil Painting
WHERE: Todd & Huff Art Center,
Bohicket marina
WHEN: 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
MORE INFO: Class includes drawing,
composition, color theory and painting
techniques. See PatriciaRHuff.com or
ToddHuffCenter.com for details.
WHAT: Family Oriented Tours and
Activities
WHERE: Aiken-Rhett House
WHEN: 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
MORE INFO: Family tours start on the
half-hour between 10:30 am and 12:30
pm. Docent-led scavenger hunt tours,
historic games and toys in the garden.
HistoricCharleston.org for information and
to purchase tickets for the date and museum
house you would like to attend.
WHAT: Live Music at The Andell Inn
WHERE: The Andell Inn Hotel, Freshfields
Village
WHEN: 6-8 p.m.
MORE INFO: Relax with cool jazz every
Thursday evening in the lounge of the Andell
Inn Hotel. Drinks and food available. No
cover charge. 843.793.6050. AndellInn.com.
Third Thursday of the
Month
WHAT: Spring Sip & Stroll
WHERE: Freshfields Village
WHEN: 4-7 p.m.
MORE INFO: Visit participating stores
and restaurants during the monthly Sip &
Stroll for special in-store events, sales and
promotions along with sips and light snacks.
Thursdays & Sundays
WHAT: Live Music
WHERE: Forty-Eight - Wine Bar & Kitchen
WHEN: 6:30-8:30 p.m.
MORE INFO: Featuring 48 wines
by the glass every day. For details visit
FortyEightWineBar.com.
WHAT: Acrylic Painting and Pottery
WHERE: The Frog Gallery
WHEN: 10-noon
MORE INFO: Beginner to intermediate
classes include individual instruction in
drawing, composition and color. Students
can work in clay on the wheel or use the slab
method to create. Techniques on glazing will
be taught and projects will be fired off site.
$40 per person and includes all materials.
Contact Donna Horack 843.343.4170 to
reserve space.
Saturdays
WHAT: Johns Island Farmers Market
WHERE: Charleston Collegiate campus,
2024 Academy Rd.
WHEN: 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
MORE INFO: Local farmers, vendors
and artisans, live music, food trucks.
Charleston’s only year-round market.
JohnsIslandFarmersMarket.com.
Third Saturday of the
Month
WHAT: Sea Islands Cars & Coffee
WHERE: Freshfields Village, Kiawah
WHEN: 9-11 a.m.
MORE INFO: This free event will feature
antiques, classics, exotics, concepts and any
other cool cars. Coffee and other refreshments
available for purchase by Java Java Coffee
House. If you have any specific questions
about the event, please contact Bruce
Stemerman at bstemerman@gmail.com.
FRIDAY, MAY 24
WHAT: Moonlight Mixer
WHERE: Folly Beach Pier
WHEN: 7-11 p.m.
MORE INFO: Dance the night away as
DJ Jim Bowers plays all of the hottest oldies
and beach music classics. Food and drinks
available for purchase, no outside coolers.
$8 in advance; $10 at event. For info and
advanced tickets call 843.795.4386 or visit
CharlestonCountyParks.com.
FRIDAY, MAY 24-25
WHAT: Memorial Day Weekend Concerts
WHERE: Freshfields Village
WHEN: 6-9 p.m.
MORE INFO: Friday performance by Java,
Saturday by The Coppertones. Bring a chair
or blanket for this free, family friendly event.
Food and beverages available for purchase.
For info visit FreshfieldsVillage.com.
FRIDAY, MAY 24-JUNE 9
WHAT: Piccolo Spoleto Outdoor Art
Exhibition
WHERE: Marion Square
WHEN: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Mon.-Thurs., 10
a.m.-6 p.m. Fri.-Sun.
MORE INFO: Event showcases the work
of more than 80 premier artists in a free,
open-air venue the entire family can enjoy.
Enjoy daily painting demonstrations and
to personally connect with the artists who
are on site for the exhibition’s duration. For
details visit PiccoloSpoleto.com.
WEDNESDAY, MAY 29
WHAT: Seabrook Island Birders
WHERE: Live Oak Hall
WHEN: 7 p.m. social, 7:30 program
MORE INFO: Evening program featuring
Dr. James Rotenberg, Associate Professor,
Department of Environmental Sciences,
at UNCW speaks on “The Conservation
Status of the Atlantic Coast population
of Painted Bunting.” Wine and coffee
provided. RSVP before May 27. Visit
SeabrookIslandBirders.org or send an email to
SeabrookIslandBirders@gmail.com to register.
THURSDAY, MAY 30-JUNE 2
WHAT: 2019 US Women’s Open
WHERE: Country Club of Charleston
WHEN: daily
MORE INFO: 74th U.S. Women’s Open
golf championship that will be played
May 30-June 2. Ariya Jutanugarn will be
defending her 2018 title. For details and
schedule visit USGA.org.
SATURDAY, JUNE 1
WHAT: STEM Festival
WHERE: Mt. Zion Elementary School
WHEN: 10 a.m.-2 pm.
MORE INFO: Hosted by Kiawah Cares,
STEM related kids activities, experiments
and awards. Live performances and
music. PTA sponsored food and drinks,
including carry-out chicken dinners, for
purchase. For details visit Facebook.com/
events/804717079901466.
MONDAY, JUNE 3
WHAT: Lunch with Dottie Frank
WHERE: Hall’s Chophouse
WHEN: 11:30 a.m.
MORE INFO: Enjoy three courses by Hall’s
executive chef Matthew Greene, excellent
company and a copy of Dorothea Benton
Frank’s newest book, Queen Bee. Limited
seating provides an intimate experience with
the author. Cash bar will feature specialty
cocktails and wines, including Dottie’s own
Queen Bee Cocktail. Tickets are $64 and
include lunch, a signed hardcover first edition
of Queen Bee, and a priceless opportunity to
meet and chat with Dottie. Tickets online at
BrownPaperTickets.com/event/4092888.
WHAT: Mayor’s Night In
WHERE: Charleston City Hall
WHEN: 5-6:30 p.m.
MORE INFO: Held the first Monday of
each month, a chance for citizens to meet
with Mayor Tecklenburg one-on-one for five
minutes about any topic. Meetings are held on a
first come, first served basis. Registration begins
at 4:30 p.m. Meetings begin at 5 p.m. For info
visit Charleston-SC.gov.
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 5
WHAT: PechaKucha 34
WHERE: Charleston Music Hall
WHEN: 6 p.m. doors, 7 p.m. show
MORE INFO: PechaKucha, Japanese for
“chit chat,” is a presentation style in which 20
slides are shown for 20 seconds each keeping
presentation concise, fast-paced, and powerful.
Sponsored by the Music Hall, numerous
collaborators and artist liaison Terry Fox,
8 presentations are interesting and diverse,
from an array of different artistic, creative,
and entrepreneurial disciplines and encourage
collaboration, communication, and support in
Charleston’s creative community. Tickets $12
advance, $14 day of show available online at
CharlestonMusicHall.com.
June 7
FRIDAY, JUNE 7
WHAT: Reggae Nights Summer Concert
WHERE: James Island County Park
WHEN: Gates 7:30 p.m., Show 8 p.m.
MORE INFO: Signal Fire open the summer
concert series. Bring a chair or blanket. Food
available on-site. Tickets $10 at the gate. For
details visit CharlestonCountyParks.com.
WHAT: Jazz on the Harbor
WHERE: SC Aquarium
WHEN: 7-10 p.m.
MORE INFO: Jazz up your Friday night
plans with an open-air concert overlooking the
Charleston Harbor as you stroll through the
Aquarium’s galleries. Sustainably sourced small
plates from our Good Catch partners and a beer
and wine bar provided with ticket purchase. Event
is 21+. For more information and to purchase
tickets visit SCAquarium.org/afterhours.
WHAT: SIB Beyond our Backyard - Bears
Bluff Fish Hatchery
WHERE: Meet at SIRE parking lot
WHEN: 7:30 a.m.–noon
MORE INFO: Located on Wadmalaw
Island, the Bears Bluff NFH has a self-
guided tour around the perimeter of the
31-acre facility. Participants cross a previously
impounded estuarine area, which is naturally
reverting back into coastal marshland as
well as a freshwater pond where birds,
turtles and alligators are often visible. Visit
SeabrookIslandBirders.org or send an email
to SeabrookIslandBirders@gmail.com to
attend or with questions.
14
wildlife
SC reports largest number
of wintering orioles
5TH YEAR IN A ROW FOR
R E C O R D TA L LY
BY GREG LUCAS, SCDNR
For The Island Connection
S
outh Carolina’s 2019 Baltimore
Oriole Winter Survey reported the
largest number of orioles wintering
in the United States for the fifth year in
a row.
Those results were recorded during
the 5th Annual Baltimore Oriole Winter
Survey, conducted by the South Carolina
Department of Natural Resources Feb.
15-18. SCDNR’s survey was held in
conjunction with the Great Backyard
Bird Count (GBBC). Tapping into this
longstanding citizen-scientist project
allowed SCDNR to get a better picture of
the status and distribution of this beautiful
songbird wintering in the Palmetto State.
Survey participants in South Carolina
submitted 84 reports and recorded 460
orioles. The number of reports was our
highest number to date and the number
of orioles recorded was just a few short of
our all-time high count of 463, reported
in 2016. The number of participants
this year was a little less than half of our
total number of participants and almost
half of the participants this year were
new contributors to the survey. Milder
weather was in place again this year, and
many survey participants commented
they had larger numbers of orioles earlier
in the winter, when the weather was
more seasonal. Unseasonal mild weather
likely reduces the need for these birds to
frequent feeders, while they forage for
natural foods.
Participants counted and reported the
largest number of orioles they could see
at one time, on one, two, three or all four
days of the survey period. When possible,
the age and sex of the orioles were recorded
as well.
Participants were also encouraged to
report the absence of orioles, when they
have had them in past winters and the
largest number they have seen at one
time so far, during the winter months,
(December, January and February). Six
sites that had previously report orioles in
the past reported no orioles during the
survey. Reporting the absence of orioles
is just as important to the survey as the
number of orioles seen.
This year, orioles were reported from
14 of the 20 South Carolina counties that
have been reported to date. York County
had a report for the first time during the
survey. Orioles ranged from the Midlands
and throughout the coastal plain, from
North Myrtle Beach to Hilton Head.
Charleston County had the most reports
and recorded the largest number of
orioles, reporting 38 percent of the total
number of orioles in the state. Dorchester
and Berkeley counties reported good
numbers as well.
According to the GBBC and the
SCDNR survey, there were a total of 270
reports and 926 orioles recorded this year
in the United States. These numbers are
above the last five-year average. South
Carolina had the largest number of
May 24, 2019
reports and orioles reported, 31 percent
of the reports and 50 percent of the
orioles reported. Orioles were noted from
Connecticut to Florida and along the
Gulf coast to Mississippi.
Baltimore Orioles are neotropical
migrants, normally wintering in South
and Central America and migrating
to North America to nest. During the
last few decades, however, this species
has begun wintering annually in the
Southeast. Though scientists are not sure
why these birds have begun overwintering
in growing numbers, the birds respond
well to the popularity of backyard bird
feeding. Orioles by nature have a “sweet
tooth” and will eat nectar from flowers,
wild fruits and insects. Their favorite bird-
feeding food by far is grape jelly. Orange
halves can be offered, but most orioles
tend not to eat them much. People often
put oranges out to attract the orioles to
the feeding area. Other items orioles will
eat are suet products (homemade, cakes,
bark butter, logs, etc.), sugar water (they
will drink from hummingbird or oriole
nectar feeders), seed mixes (seem to prefer
nut and fruit mixes), sliced grapes and
mealworms (live or freeze-dried).
“We would like to thank everyone that
participated in the survey,” said Lex Glover,
wildlife technician with the SCDNR Bird
Conservation Program. “Your time and
efforts are greatly appreciated.”
Next year’s survey and Great Backyard
Bird Count will be Feb. 14-17, 2020. If
you have orioles frequenting your feeders
during the winter months, (December,
January and February), or know someone
who does, SCDNR would like for you to
participate in the survey.
The male Baltimore Oriole is hard to miss,
with his bright orange coloring.
Photo by Larry Page.
For more information on this survey or
to receive this year’s survey results, contact
Lex Glover at gloverl@dnr.sc.gov. For more
information on the Great Backyard Bird
Count, check out its web page at gbbc.
BirdCount.org.
May 24, 2019 15