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Volume 8 Issue 24

March 13, 2015

FREE

Coastal towns
galvanize against
offshore drilling
BY JENNIFER TUOHY

The Island Connection Editor

Todd Gerhart, Ice Cream Boat owner, April Goriski, of Island Transportation Services, Emery
MacPherson, of Seabrook Island Real Estate, and Neil Heath, owner of Beach Dog, stir the pot
in preparation for the big bash on March 21.

PHOTO BY NANCY SECOY

Bohickett throws Backpack Buddies Bash

COME TO THE CHILI COOK OFF TO
SUPPORT ISLANDS NEEDY CHILDREN

aturday March 21 is the debut of the inaugural Bohickett

Backpack Buddies Bash Chili Cook Off at Bohickett
Marina. Dozens of island-based business and residents will
come together to create what organizers hope will become an
annual event.

CERT CARES
Page 4

So far 37 organizations have committed to enter the chili cook

off contest, which will raise money for the Backpack Buddies

Buddies Bash continues on page 9

Tour kiawah
Page 9

he City of Isle of Palms is leading

a chorus of disapproval from
area coastal towns against the
governments proposal to lease waters
offshore of South Carolina for oil and gas
development. The draft proposal includes
a plan for a five-year lease starting in 2017,
ending a 30-year ban in the area. IOP
passed a resolution opposing the proposal
at its February council meeting.
Patrick ONeil, the mayor of
neighboring Sullivans Island, told this
newspaper that the towns council had also
discussed the issue.
We will have a resolution on the
agenda for our regular meeting on March
17 to express our opposition to that project,
assuming we have a majority vote on
council in support of the resolution, which
Im pretty sure we will, he said.
The mayor grew up in south Louisiana
and says he has seen the good, the bad and
the ugly with oil drilling and exploration.
I can tell you theres just no way that
kind of an enterprise will fit in with what
we have here in terms of the development
we have and the environmental protections
we think are so important, he said.
The barrier island towns of Kiawah and
Seabrook have not yet considered their
positions on the matter publicly, however
discussion of the potential impacts of the
proposal will likely be on the agenda for
Seabrook shortly.
At [our last] meeting I brought up
the topic of offshore drilling Mayor
Terry Ahearn told The Island Connection
newspaper. Although it would be an easy
decision to say that we were against it, it
would not be a considered decision.
What are the local, regional, state and
national interests? How many (number
and percent per year) accidents have there
been when oil reached the shore? What are
the short term and long term effects of such
accidents? Where are the leased areas to be
in relation to our shores? We need answers

Drilling continues on page 8

women build
Page 13

March 13, 2015

civic

Lynn Pierotti
publisher
lynn@luckydognews.com

Seabrook put $300,000 into emergency

funds, signs deal with Conde Nast
SEABROOK ISLAND TOWN COUNCIL
MEETING, FEB. 24, 2014

Jennifer Tuohy
managing editor
jennifer@luckydognews.com
Swan Richards
senior graphic designer
swan@luckydognews.com
Lori McGee
sales manager
lori@luckydognews.com
Alejandro Ferreyros
graphic designer
alejandro@luckydognews.com
Ralph Secoy
staff photographer
Staff Writer
Gregg Bragg
Contributors
Jerry Farber
Bertha Smalls Middleton
Jennifer Woody
Susan Stallings
Tina Mayland
Julia Hammer
Barbara Burgess
Marilyn Markel
Roberta Boatti
Chad Kelly
Geoff Bennett

Published by
Lucky Dog Publishing
of South Carolina, LLC
P.O. Box 837
Sullivans Island, SC 29482
843-886-NEWS
Future deadlines: March 18
for submissions for the
March 27 Issue
Op-Ed articles and letters to the editor do not
necessarily reflect the opinion of
Lucky Dog News or its writers.

The Island
Connection

Lucky Dog Publishing, LLC

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

BY GREGG BRAGG

The Island Connection Staff Writer

ebruarys Seabrook Town Council

kicked off with Mayor Ahearns
report, which reflected a particularly
good month, financially speaking. A
comparison of revenues to expenses
suggested a significant savings for the
previous month. The Mayor provided
the explanation that several normal bills
had not been received at the time of his
report, though he still expressed a level of
guarded optimism. The real surprise was
yet to come, however.
Seabrooks
previously
reported
$290,000 for 2014 had grown since the
telling to something closer to $400,000.
Finding treasure is always fun but what
to do with all the extra cash prompted
a discussion. The debate summed to
transferring all or only some of the excess
to the emergency fund. Its not like its
going to Greece, quipped councilmember
John Turner. The argument [it is easier to
transfer money into the fund than take
it out] won in the end. Consequently,
the motion to transfer $300,000 to the
emergency fund, while leaving $100,000
in the general fund for the time being, was
made, seconded and passed unanimously.
The mayor, making the case for
continued contributions to the emergency
fund, went on to explain that current
reserves of approximately $2 million
would be adequate to protect the island
from a category one or two level storm.
Building reserves, he explained to the
large audience, was vital. Although
Federal Emergency Management Agency
money is available to help in such a crisis,
no funds would be available from the
agency to help with costs behind the gate.
Councilmember Romano reported

there would soon be a new board for the

Seabrook Island Property Owners Group.
He also reported Bohicket Marina had
come into enough grant money to expand
its operations. A five year program will add
slips around the gas dock, reduce the size
of existing slips making room for more
transient craft, and add an additional
42 dry slips in the first phase. All of this
can be accomplished without the need
for additional parking or increasing the
footprint of the marina. Seabrook and its
Planning Commission will be reviewing
the details as the plan progresses.
Councilmember John Gregg said
there had been no meeting of the club
[for this months reporting period] but
the Public Safety Committee had met.
His presentation continued with the
reminder that the issue of debris storage
and reduction still had some loose ends
in need of attention. Haulover Creek
Development Company had agreed to
provide space for debris but had insisted
Seabrook carry liability insurance.
Although an insurer had been found,
the question of when to start paying the
$1,000 a year premiums remained.
Eventually, a motion to delay
purchasing liability insurance until it was
needed gave way to securing coverage
immediately. The arguments in favor of
the unanimous decision included; known
rates, questions about availability and the
advantage of having a solution in place in
advance of a crisis.
Councilmember John Turner reported
that more and better beach signs were
already going up, starting with Boardwalk
#1. Both ends of many boardwalks will
soon have signs explaining what your

Civic Calendar
Monday, March
16
Kiawah Board of
Zoning and Appeals
4 - 5 p.m.
CANCELED
Kiawah Town Hall

Tuesday, March
17
Kiawah
Communications
Committee
3 - 5 p.m.
Kiawah Town Hall

Tuesday,
March 24
Seabrook Town
Council Meeting
2:30 - 4:30 p.m.

Seabrook Town Hall

Kiawah Ways and
Means Committee
2 - 4 p.m.
Kiawah Town Hall

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

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

Wednesday,
April 9
Seabrook Island
Planning Commission
2:30 p.m.
Seabrook Town Hall

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

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

responsibilities are on a beach that boasts

being a critical habitat for the endangered
Loggerhead Sea Turtle, Piping Plover, and
possibly Least Turns and others.
Councilmember Ron Ciancio reported
the deal with Conde Nast had been
signed. Seabrook recently issued a Request
for Proposal for partners to assist with
the Seabrook; Make It Uniquely Yours
sweepstakes. Conde Nast was selected
because of their 17 on-line formats and
4.5 million exposures, Ciancio said
previously.
The Seabrook; Make It Uniquely
Yours campaign has begun. It runs
through the end of March, with a
launch date for the sweepstakes of April
1. Contestants will write about their
experiences on Seabrook. A winner will
be drawn in May, who will be awarded a
golf, tennis, or beach getaway as a prize.
Ciancio concluded his report by
announcing the website committee had
met Feb. 10. The primary objective was to
make the town website compatible and
consistent with those of Seabrooks other
organizations. Although they werent
the cheapest, VC3 was selected to host
the site because of their added capability
to provide security and continuity. An
iterative development process should wrap
up around the first of April.
Mayor Ahern then broached the topic
of Off-Shore Drilling, which was not on
the agenda. General agreement on drilling
being a bad thing for Seabrook was easily
reached but less was decided on how to
proceed.
Jeff Bostock reported that the Seabrook
Island Utility showed a slight profit for

K iawah Island Town H all

21 Beachwalker Drive
Kiawah Island, SC 29455
Phone: 768-9166
Fax: 768-4764
Seabrook Island Town H all
2001 Seabrook Island Road
Seabrook Island, SC 29455
Phone: 768-9121
Fax: 768-9830
Email: lmanning@townofseabrookisland.org
Johns Island Council
Meetings are held at the Berkeley Electric
Co-op located at 3351 Maybank Hwy, Johns
Island.
Chairman Chris Cannon: 343-5113
Charleston County Council
4045 Bridge View Dr, N. Charleston
958-4700t
City of Charleston
75 Calhoun St.
724-3745

March 13, 2015

civic

delivering fresh water in January. Waste

water removal had produced the usual
fiscal surplus. Of particular note, January
was so wet it hadnt been necessary to
draw from the deep well, concluded
Bostock.
Ordinance 2015-01, the islands
comprehensive plan, was unanimously
accepted for first reading. By statute,
the ten year plan requires updates every
five years. Current updates are all but
complete, and a draft will soon be
available.
Ordinance 2015-02, a measure to
protect the beach and sand dunes, was also
approved unanimously for first reading.
Seabrook resident Jerry Evans,
speaking as a representative of the
Charleston Visitors Bureau, suggested
inviting both county and state elected
officials to Seabrook. The well-made point
was that they would not be strangers to
[Seabrook] if and when the time came
to speak to them on matters of mutual
concern to residents.
Part-time resident Cindy Robertson
said that it was easy to pass tax and
fee increases when the people who
are directly affected are nameless and
faceless. Speaking of the recent 30 percent
increase to business licenses, Robertson
protested the amount being so high, as
well as the late notice. She also pointed

out that the Town of Seabrook already

receives 1 percent of her gross income
from accommodations taxes (ATAX).
She also felt that using that money for a
sweepstakes puts Seabrook in competition
with those trying to run a business of
renting properties.
She also protested stating that if all
rental units paid the appropriate amount
of ATAX, the increase would not be
necessary. Finally, Robertson said she
felt this was a case of taxation without
representation because my husband and
I cant even vote for the members of Town
Council, while we can vote for Seabrook
Island Property Owners Group and
Seabrook Island Club leaders.
The response from council was as
unanimous as the original votes had been
and much the same. Councilmembers
took turns reiterating the arguments that
it had been 15 years since the last increase,
the percentage sounded high (30 percent)
but the actual dollar amounts ($20) were
not, and increases were near or below those
charged by similar municipalities. One
big difference, however, was offered by
councilmember Romano, who said they
would continue to review the ordinance.
There being no further business, the
meeting adjourned.

civic

Kiawah offers Rosebank

Farms $15,000 to
relocate by March 31

BY GREGG BRAGG

Island Connection Staff Writer

uring the Feb. 9 Town Council

meeting of the Town of Kiawah
Island, council discussed solutions
for the relocation of Sidi Limehouse and
his Rosebank Farm Stand, which are on
the property the town bought to build its
municipal campus. TOKI announced it
had denied requests that Limehouse and
the stand be allowed to stay for another
season and had begun the required
machinations to have him evicted from
4475 Betsy Kerrison Road.
On Feb. 19, notice of a special meeting
was posted on the TOKI website with
Proposed Settlement Agreement with
Rosebank Farms being the single topic
on the agenda for the meeting to be held
Feb. 24.
At the meeting, councilmember
Labriola took the lead, saying he had
been in touch with and visited Limehouse
following
the
somewhat
heated
council meeting the week before. Both
councilmember Labriola and Limehouse
agreed neither of them wanted anything
to do with eviction proceedings. However,
noted Labriola, TOKI couldnt carry the
liability of construction traffic mixing
with the sort of retail traffic common to
the farm stand.
Mr. Limehouse took me on a tour of
the part of his farm under cultivation. He
expressed just how important the farm
stand is to his operations. And he thought

he had worked out an agreement to move

to the Freemans Farm and share the site
[near the corner of Betsy Kerrison and
River Road] recounted Labriola. He also
told me the seller [of the current site] had
once offered him $15,000 to help defray
the expenses of moving.
Labriola concluded with a motion that
TOKI make the same offer. The resulting
debate took some time to resolve. Both
councilmembers Weaver and Wilson
wanted assurances; for example, asking if
there was any proof Limehouse could offer
that he had a place to move to. Both also
wondered what would prevent another
hiccup and discussed what recourse TOKI
would have or need. Councilmember
Labriola shrugged and said We shook
hands, indicating he had understood this
would resolve the matter with Limehouse.
Several decisions were reached:
1. Eviction proceedings could be put
on hold but would be exercised as
needed
2. The town would not pay $15,000,
but would reimburse Limehouse
up to that amount to assist with
his move.
3. Limehouse would be off the
property at 4475 Betsy Kerrison
not later than March 31.
4. The food truck currently sharing
the site must be gone by Feb. 28.

March 13, 2015

daily

Saving lives in 30 seconds

CERT VOLUNTEERS ON KIAWAH AND SEABROOK
TRAIN TO HELP NEIGHBORS IN TIMES OF DISASTER

he Sandcastle on Kiawah Island was busy

on Jan. 23, 24, and again on Jan. 30, training
new Community Emergency Response Team
volunteers. John Reynolds, team lead of CERT for
Seabrook, and Jack Regan, team lead of CERT for
Kiawah, collaborated to leverage Kiawah resident Fran
Wermuths freshly minted status as an instructor. Nearly
30 volunteers from Johns Island, Seabrook, Kiawah and
West Ashley were trained with the help of Charleston
County EMS and tested and certified to assist in a crisis.
The people on this team volunteer their time to learn
how to help their community during a fire, disaster,
terrorist attack or a hazardous materials incident. CERT
is already in the neighborhood when disaster strikes with
their equipment to begin helping their neighbors until
emergency services and public safety personnel arrive.
Although the CERT chapter on Kiawah is still among
the youngest on the islands, it has quickly leapt from
the organizational neo-natal ward into making a real
difference. CERT has organized, established funding,
equipment and have assisted with a variety of public
events like the Convoy of Hope, several house tours and
staffed relief units for the St. Johns Fire District all in
its first couple of years. The Seabrook chapter recently
earned praise for establishing a perimeter at a very large
fire incident there, involving a multi-family home which
required 56 firefighters. Both organizations also make
valuable contributions to strategic and disaster planning
to their respective municipalities as well.
Teams like CERT saw their genesis in Los Angeles
around 1985. The Los Angeles Fire Department worried

BY GREGG BRAGG

The Island Connection Staff Writer

first responders would be overwhelmed by an incident

of any magnitude, which would contribute to higher
casualty rates. Since only the most cursory attention
can be given initially in a large-scale disaster, a solution
was developed to make that time count. Although
natural disasters cannot be prevented, the LAFD have
learned to prepare for the aftermath of such events and
consequently, volunteer training programs like CERT
have found traction.
CERT training has two required components: 40
hours of online training provides an overview of a
disaster response and organization, while 32 hours in
the classroom prepares you to save lives. CERT training
underscores the value of the first 30 seconds of treatment.
The attention given in that 30 seconds, which could
include basic treatment for troubled breathing, bleeding
and shock, has proven to reduce mortality rates by 40
percent. Simply clearing an airway, applying a bandage
or a warm blanket can save a neighbor or friend.
The realization that all it takes is a little training to
impact lives so dramatically has resulted in a growing
number of emergency response volunteers. CERT teams
all over the Lowcountry have added newly certified
members to existing rosters of people who have also been
trained and certified by Charleston County to assist in
an emergency.

for a more interesting, more productive use of time, and

by teaming certified and non-certified volunteers, more
teams can be dispatched to an incident.
More volunteers is always better and means more
of your friends and neighbors get that 30 seconds of
attention sooner, also a larger area can be covered.
Kiawah residents are encouraged to get in touch with
Jack Regan. John Reynolds is the man to talk with if you
are a Seabrook resident. James Island residents should get
in touch with Mark Johnson and Johns Island residents
can contact Stephen Haynesworth.
For more information on Lowcountry CERT go to www.
lcert.org.

Teen CERT

Kiawah, for example, was the tenth such program in

the Lowcountry. Although many prospective volunteers
dread the thought of meetings, CERT organizations
typically dont meet for the sake of meeting but add
training and planning facets to their agenda, such as using
a chainsaw or organizing medical supplies. This makes

Teen Cert Explorer Post 911 falls under the

Lowcountry CERT umbrella as well as the Boy
Scouts of America. Comprised of youths ages 1221, Teen CERT volunteers go through the same
training as the adults in CERT. In addition to
the CERT training these youth also learn about
careers such as firefighting, law enforcement,
EMS, and Emergency Management. Teen
CERT has 3 branches located in Charleston,
Hanahan, and James Island.

March 13, 2015

daily

Wadmalaw Island Community Center helps

stabilize a devastated community
stages, the community suffered another
tragedy, on Feb. 8, 39 year-old Tremaine
Frasier, his girlfriend Kennietha LaBoard
and her mother were killed in a double
murder and suicide on Wadmalaw Island.
The Stop The Violence event on
Saturday, Feb. 21 saw the community
come together with representatives from
the County and City Sheriff Depts., The
League of Womens Voters, Health Care
Screening by Agape Senior, Lachondria
Legare, Danielle A. Richardson and
Darshan Nicole. Dee Cass was the emcee
and local DJ Johnny Buncomb provided
music. More than 15 pastors and spiritual
leaders from the Sea Islands supported the
community at this event. Members of the
Board of Directors for the Community
Center registered over 260 attendees.
Those assembled heard from members
of the LaBoard, Peterson-Goss Family
as well as members of Dwayne Blake's
family. Relatives of Melinda Ford, who
was shot and killed on Johns Island just
Members of Johns and Wadmalaw islands community gathered together with law
enforcement officials and other community leaders to address recent violent events in
the community.

BY BERTHA SMALLS MIDDLETON

For The Island Connection

fter the shooting on Johns Island

that resulted in the death of
Dwayne Blake on Jan. 17, 2015,
concerned Wadmalaw Island Community
Center members, including Demetri
Wright and Phillip Mack came together
and decided that something must be done

to stop the violence in the community.

With the support of Representative
Wendell Gilliard, Pastor Thomas Dixon
and Christopher Poppa Cass, the team
planned a Feb. 21 Stop The Violence
community event.
While the team was in the planning

two years ago were in attendance, but

emotions did not allow them to speak.
I am proud of my community and I
especially thank Rep. Wendell Gilliard,
Pastor Thomas Dixon Poppa Smurf, Sea
Islands Chambers of Commerce, and the
Johns Island Rotary Club for supporting
the Wadmalaw and Johns Island
Community.
On March 21 the team is organizing
an event to allow Youth To Speak Out.
This outreach event will allow our youth
to speak to us about these issues, then we
will share solutions. The event will focus
on domestic violence, job training, GED
classes, criminal record expungement and
outreach resources for violence. Youth To
Speak Out will take place March 21, 2-4
p.m. at the Wadmalaw Island Community
Center, 5605 Katy Hill Rd.

civic

wildlife

March 13, 2015

Important bobcat
SIPOA and Seabrook Island
Club hold annual meetings habitat on Kiawah gains

greater protection

BY JERRY FARBER

For The Island Connection

he Seabrook Island Club and

Seabrook Island Property Owners
Association held their annual
meetings Saturday, Feb. 14 at the Club
Island House with approximately 350
people in attendance. Both organizations
reported positive results for 2014.
The Club Treasurer reported positive
financials that beat budget for the fourth
consecutive year; funding targets for the
reserve plan were met; and plans have been
put in place to accelerate repayment of the
mortgage loan on the new Club facilities.
The Seabrook Island Real Estate
Company reported the fifth straight year
of increased property sales since the Great
Recession and the highest ever market
share of Island transactions. Further
confidence in the market is being shown
with the announcement of a second phase
of an upscale town home community,
new custom homes and a smattering of
spec homes. The Club General Manager
and Chief Operating Officer reported on
investments for the future including a master
plan for the two championship golf courses,

construction of two pickle ball courts and a

new shade system at the Beach Club.
SIPOA reported similar positive
financial results for 2014 including
funding the capital reserve, renegotiating
its debt and credit lines and maintaining
the annual assessment to property
owners at the present level. The President
highlighted significant accomplishments
despite staff changes. Major revisions
were made to the Architectural Review
Committee policies and procedures.
Tidelines, a community blog, was
successfully launched. Rejuvenation of all
streets and roads was completed. The new
Executive Director was introduced and
highlighted direction for 2015.
Both organizations recognized outgoing
board members and introduced new board
members. During the interlude between
the meetings, a video was presented that
summarized 2014 results, highlighted
events on the Island and reviewed news
coverage of Seabrook Island. The video can
be seen on either www.discoverseabrook.
com or www.sipoa.org.

SIPOA Board of Directors, 2015: Front row L-R: Chuck Fox (President), Lynn Crane,
Tina Mayland, Janet Gorski (Vice President). Back row L-R: Dan Kortvelesy, Brad
Reynolds, John Feldman (Treasurer), Ed Jones, Heather Paton (Executive Director),
Dennis Nagy (Secretary), Michael Orris, Greg Henry, Guy Gimson.

C O N S TA B L E FA M I LY G I F T S 1 3 2
H A L O N A T O C O N S E R VA N C Y

The mature maritime forest on the property recently donated to the Conservancy has
great ecological value.

BY JENNIFER WOODY
For The Island Connection

n Feb. 23, 2015, the Kiawah

Conservancy accepted donation
of 132 Halona Lane. This is
a 0.23 acre property is located in the
southeastern portion of the Indigo Park
subdivision. It is bounded by similar
undeveloped parcels, including 128 and
130 Halona Lane, which were added to
the Kiawah Conservancy's collection of
preserved areas in 2014. The combined
footprint of 128, 130 and 132 Halona
Lane provides 0.63 acres of additional
contiguous habitat now protected.
This gift of land, made by the
Constable family, is mature maritime
forest, understory layer and early
successional habitat, all of which has
great ecological value. In addition, this
property is associated with a newly
delineated Important Bobcat Area, based
on ongoing Bobcat GPS Research funded
by the Kiawah Conservancy and the
Town of Kiawah Island. GPS data reflects

the use of this area by Bobcat 700 and her

kittens in the spring of 2013 as a den site.
With the addition of this property, the
Kiawah Conservancy now protects 29
properties totaling more than 345 acres at
Kiawah Island.
Natural habitat, where it exists across
the island, is extremely important to
wildlife. Even small pockets are frequently
used as resting cover or in conjunction
with movement corridors by a variety of
species. If you own undeveloped land on
Kiawah and are interested in learning
more about making a donation of property
to the Kiawah Conservancy, contact the
Land Preservation Coordinator, Justin
Core, at justin.core@kiawahconservancy.
org or 843.768.2029. A perpetual gift
of land greatly supports the Kiawah
Conservancy's mission. To learn more
about the Kiawah Conservancy visit
www.kiawahconservancy.org.

March 13, 2015

arts & events

Bid on majestic art at

Green Space Conservancy Gala

Two's Company by Jennifer Black

very year, the Green Space Conservancy Gala

features an amazing variety of wonderful
auction items. This year, art enthusiasts will be
particularly excited by the selection. Over 30 works by
photographers and painters will be available at the silent
auction, and the live auction will include a wonderful
oil painting by featured artist, the ever-popular Jennifer
Black.
Jennifer is one of Charlestons most collectible
artists, renowned for her luxurious Lowcountry oil

BY TINA MAYLAND

For The Island Connection

paintings. If youve ever passed her display window at

265 King Street, you cant help but stop. The painting
she has donated, entitled Twos Company, is a lush
painting of the Lowcountry marsh with shore birds.
Jennifer has won several awards in the Piccolo Spoleto
Outdoor Art Exhibition including top honors with the
prestigious Mayors Award. Other principal competition
awards include top places in the North Charleston Arts
Festival, Folly Beach Festival of Arts, the Charleston
Artists Guild Signature Show, and the First Federal
Charleston Arts Show. Paint America also selected
Jennifers painting as a finalist in the Paint the Parks
national competition.
Seabrook Island artist Bob LeFevre has donated
the majestic painting Marshland Solitude to the live
auction and a serene painting by Boston artist Sergio
Roffo entitled Red Sails rounds out this years art
selection at the live auction. Sergio holds the honor
of being one of the youngest artists to be designated a
Copley Master by the Copley Society of Boston. An
elected Fellows member of the American Society of
Marine Artists and an elected member of the Guild of
Boston Artists, Sergio's work is included in many private
and publicly owned collections. He has also been selected
for inclusion in numerous publications, such as Cape
Cod Life, Down East Magazine and has been featured
several times in American Art Collector Magazine. In
2007 Sergio was selected "Artist of The Year" for "Pops
By The Sea" by the Arts Foundation of Cape Cod.

Marshland Solitude by Bob LeFevre

The Green Space Conservancy is grateful to Jennifer,

Bob and Sergio for their donations to help such a worthy
cause, as well as all the talented Seabrook artists and
photographers who have made donations for the silent
auction. The Gala will be held at the Seabrook Island
Club on March 15. The Green Space Conservancys
mission is to preserve the natural environment on
Seabrook Island through acquisition of land and land
easements.

daily

Drilling continues from cover

to these questions and more to make a
considered decision, Mayor Ahearn said.
Therefore, we decided to talk to our
neighbors at Kiawah Island and see if they
were interested in both of us sponsoring
some sort of seminar/debate conducted by
knowledgable people on both sides of the
issue in order to know more before we took
any action. Ahearn said he has scheduled
a meeting with Kiawahs mayor for March
23.
Charles Lipuma, mayor of Kiawah told
The Island Connection that his council has
also not discussed the matter yet.
In formulating a position, Town
Council would want to discuss this matter
with Community Association and other
major Kiawah organization and our
neighbors on Seabrook Island, he said in
an email.
Other coastal South Carolina towns
including Edisto, Beaufort and Port Royal
have already passed resolutions similar
to that of the Isle of Palms, which was
brought forward by IOP councilmember
Jimmy Ward. The resolutions all oppose
the concept of offshore drilling and the use
of seismic air guns to explore for oil and
natural gas and are in direct response to the
draft proposal from the Bureau of Ocean
and Energy Management.
The proposal includes 14 potential lease
sales in eight areas, 10 in the Gulf of Mexico,
three off the coast of Alaska and one in a
portion of the mid and south Atlantic.
The safe and responsible development
of our nations domestic energy resources
is a key part of the Presidents efforts to
support American jobs and reduce our
dependence on foreign oil, Secretary of
the Interior Sally Jewell said in a press
release. This is a balanced proposal that
would make available nearly 80 percent of
the undiscovered technically recoverable
resources, while protecting areas that are
simply too special to develop.
The proposal for lease sale off the shore
of the Carolinas would require a 50-mile
coastal buffer to minimize multiple use
conflicts, such as those from Department
of Defense and NASA activities, renewable
energy
activities,
commercial
and
recreational fishing, critical habitat needs for
wildlife and other environmental concerns.
Before the program is finalized
the BOEM is seeking public input,

March 13, 2015

and
representatives
and
organizations
across
the
Charleston area have been
expressing their opinions.
Governor Haley supports
the plan because of perceived
economic benefits.
Governor Haley has always
been a strong supporter of
offshore exploration of oil and
gasits good for jobsin a
way that preserves our local
environment, our ports, and
our tourism industry, Haley
spokeswoman Chaney Adams
told The Post and Courier.
Representative Mike Sottile
is concerned however that there
is not enough economic benefit
to outweigh the environmental
risks.
The environmental issues
are big, he told The Island
Eye News. Weve got some of
the most pristine beaches and
marshes and estuaries up and
down the Carolina coast. The
last thing I want to do is disturb that.
I think there needs to be more studies
done. I think the revenues are exaggerated
as to what we would get from off shore
drilling. Theres not enough benefit that I
know of compared to what could happen
if something went wrong, he said. If
we had a disaster it would knock out the
tourist industry for years. You saw what
happened in the Gulf Coast. As a former
mayor of Isle of Palms I know how heavily
it depends on its tourist industry.
Environmental organizations including
the Coastal Conservation League and
Oceana are also concerned about the
environmental risks and the potential
adverse effects on the local economy.
Seismic blasting can displace fish
stocks putting fisheries at risk, and can be
very bad for marine mammals, Oceana
South Carolina representative Samantha
Siegel told Isle of Palms City Council.
Without citizens and elected officials like
you standing up for our coast we could
see offshore oil rigs very soon. The small
amount of oil and gas located off the coast
of South Carolina is not worth the amount
of disruption it will cause.
Public input has historically been very
effective in influencing decisions regarding
offshore drilling, Seabook Island resident
Richard Wildermann wrote in a blog post
last week. Wildermann worked for over
25 years an environmental specialist and
program manager for the U.S. Department
of the Interiors Offshore Oil and Gas
Program.
For example, public opposition to oil
and gas development offshore California
galvanized after the 1969 Santa Barbara oil
spill. That opposition was well organized,
well informed, articulate, tenacious,
and successful. Although development
continued from existing platforms offshore
southern California, no new leases were
issued after 1981, and no new exploration
has occurred, he wrote.
Additionally, areas off the Pacific
coast have not been included in this draft
proposal because of the long-standing
opposition Pacific coast states have held to
oil and gas development off their coast.
BOEM is holding a public meeting on
March 11, 3-7 p.m. at the Wyndham Garden,
1330 Stuart Engals Boulevard. Public
comment can be made at BOEMOceanInfo.
com, BOEMs comment docket at regulations.
gov.

March 13, 2015

arts & events

Five Kiawah
homes on show
ART AND HOUSE TOUR
SET FOR APRIL 15
BY SUSAN STALLINGS
For The Island Connection

he 15th annual Kiawah Island

Art and House Tour, sponsored
by Arts, etc., will take place on
Friday, April 10, 2015, from 1-5 p.m. This
year five spectacular homes in the private
gated community will be open for public
viewing. Proceeds from the event benefit
the Art to Go Program at the Gibbes
Museum of Art. The Arts, etc. organization
has supported the Gibbes Museum of Art
for over a decade. This year an additional
organization, Engaging Creative Minds,
will benefit from the home tour proceeds.
Engaging Creative Minds is a program
designed to inspire students grades 3-8
through arts integration programs.
Featured Tour Homes
Vanderhorst Plantation Ocean Front
This modern Tuscan-inspired five
bedroom villa and guest house are perched
on the dunes with sweeping ocean views.
The vistas of sea, sand, and grass coupled
with the Tuscan theme, inspire a beachy
palette throughout. Be sure to visit
the guest house, which is a small scale
evocation of the main house.
Vanderhorst Plantation Surfsong
This handsome American shingle
style house reflects the owners love of
19th century Aesthetic and Eastlake
Movements. The foyer, with its attention
to beamed ceilings and beautiful paneling
reflect these looks. Twin fireplaces anchor
the living and dining rooms. The 4th floor
master suite and porch look toward sun
and star filled vistas. Anchoring the house
below is an extraordinarily handsome
loggia adjacent to the pool area.
Rhetts Bluff
This lovely Charleston-style home
evokes a wondrous sense of being on the
water. The homes entry level comfortably
and efficiently incorporates the living,
dining, and honey colored limestone
kitchen as well as a generous master suite.
The owners refined collection of primarily

local artists work acts as the jewelry for

each room. The third floor includes lovely
guest rooms, spectacular river views, and
Leroy Neiman sporting art work.
Ocean Course
Panoramic views across Ibis Pond, the
Ocean Course, and the Atlantic Ocean
richly enhance this striking home that
reflects this familys love of Art, the
Adirondacks, the American West, and the
Far East. One is drawn up the stairs by the
two story stair tower displaying two life
size terracotta warriors from Xian China
and the bronze Buddhist Prayer Flag
mobile cascading down the stairwell. The
third floor incorporates a master suite,
sitting room, and mahogany paneled
library.
The Preserve
This home is discreetly tucked away
in the Preserve at marsh edge. It captures
sweeping river views as far as the Ravenel
Bridge. A copper roofed porch shades and
extends the living space and provides views
to a tiled reflective pool and the Kiawah
River beyond. Woodwork throughout
the house features many cozy nooks,
window seats, bookcases, and bead board
paneling. The double exposure master
suite features a screened porch. The third
floor features three bedroom suites with a
stunning marsh outlooks.
Tickets are $55 and can be purchased at
Kiawahartsetc.org, the Kiawah Freshfields
Real Estate Office, the Kiawah Main Gate
Real Estate office, and the Sanctuary.
Tickets will also be sold at Freshfields the
day of the tour. Tickets purchased must
be exchanged for a tour brochure at the
Square in Freshfields Village the day of
the tour. Freshfields Village is located at
the corner of Betsy Kerrison and Kiawah
Island Parkway. Come early and enjoy
shopping and dining discounts at the
Village and/or The Sanctuary on the
island.

daily
Buddies Bash continues from cover
programs at Mt. Zion, Angel Oak and
Frierson elementary schools, and Haut
Gap middle school. Each team will make
five gallons of chili and compete for three
prizes: Best Decorated Booth, Peoples
Choice Chili and the grand prize of Best
Chili, which will be judged by the four
principals of the benefiting schools.

Were hoping to
raise between
$12,000 and
$15,000.
Todd Gerhart
The Backpack Buddies program
provides healthy food for children to
take home from school on Fridays, to
ensure they have adequate nutrition over
the weekend. Almost 200 women from
Kiawah and Seabrook islands pack the
bags full of nutritious foods, such as
apple sauce, granola bars, mac and cheese
and ramen noodles, every Thursday
for children to take home on Friday.
Currently the program costs just shy of
$44,000 a year, and the need has gone
up substantially. The monies raised at this
event will go towards supporting next
years 2015/2016 program.
It costs $195 a year to support one
child, $5 a week per backpack and there
are 39 Fridays in a school year.
Up until this event, all the funding

for the program was done privately,

through individuals, Todd Gerhart, Ice
Cream Boat owner, said. Gerhart is one
of the organizers of the event, and has
been involved with helping local schools
through donations of books and ice-cream
for honor role students since he opened
his shop here.
Were hoping to raise between
$12,000 and $15,000. A lot of different
companies wanted to get involved;
Harris Teeter, Wells Fargo, Java Java,
Lucianos Pizza, LoKal, Reliable Property
Management Co., Ace Hardware, Prime
Cuts, Fipps Auto Care and The Beach
Dog have already signed up for booths,
and other local business owners who
cant attend have contributed money to
the program, including Island Bike and
Storage, he said.
Theres still time to sign up for a booth,
or just come along on Saturday March 21
and enjoy music, chili and good company.
The entry fee is $5.
We hope to do this the third Saturday
in March every year, Gerhart said.

The Bohickett Backpack Buddies Bash

Chili Cook Off takes place 1 to 4 p.m.,
March 21 at Bohickett Marina. Contact
Todd at 248.719.0076 for more details or
to enter a team (deadline is March 14).

Island Connection Calendar

March 13
ONGOING EVENTS

Mondays

POPS Bible Study

8:30 a.m. at the Sandcastle
Monday Bridge Group
The Monday Bridge Group needs new
players. 9 a.m. at the Lake House. For
more information, please contact Lori
Muenow at 843.768.2314 or Ilse Calcagno
at 843.768.0317.
Seabrook Stitchers
The Lake House, every Monday from 11
a.m. - 1 p.m. For more information, please
contact Denise Doyon at dendoyon@
gmail.com.

Tuesdays

Christophers Camp. For further

information, please contact Mary Torello
at 843.768.0056

Saturdays

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

FRIDAY, MARCH 13

Fridays

Our Lady of Mercy Community

Outreach Open House
An Open House will also be hosted at the
downtown location, The Neighborhood
House, located at 77 America Street, on
Friday, March 13th, from 10 a.m. until
12 p.m. If you would like to attend call
Deborah LaRoche at 843.559.4109 or
email Deborah.LaRoche@olmoutreach.
org.

Friday Indoor Pickleball

12:30-2:30 every Friday at St.

Art of Design Spring Luncheon

Featuring Hamish Bowles
11 a.m. As the International Editor at
Large for Vogue, Hamish Bowles is
recognized as one of the most respected
authorities on the worlds of fashion and
interior design. With one of the largest

Mah Jongg Practice

2nd, 3rd, and 4th Tuesday of the month,
The Lake HouseOsprey 2, 1 - 4 p.m.
Open to all new players, those returning
to the game, and anyone else who wants
a chance to practice with others who are
learning the game.
Preschool Zone
Fridays in April at 10:30 a.m., 351
Maybank Highway, Johns Island Regional
Library. 3-6 years old with adult. Call
843.559.1945 for more information.

private collections of vintage clothing in

the world, this dapper, globetrotting style
icon has made a name for himself as a
fashion historian. $125 Individual Tickets,
$500 Premium Ticket, $1,250 Tables of
Ten. Location: Charleston Marriott, 170
Lockwood Blvd. To learn more about
this event, please visit gibbesmuseum.org/
artofdesign.

and Recreation Com-mission invites

people throughout the Lowcountry to
celebrate the holiday with mans best
friend. The event will be hosted at the
North Charleston Wannamaker County
Park. Admission to St. Paddys Pawlooza
is $5 per person. Gold Pass Holders and
kids 12 and under are free of charge.
CharlestonCountyParks.com.

Seabrook Island Garden Club

9:30 a.m., The Lakehouse. Speaker
this month is Joan McDonald who is
the Gardening Editor for Charleston
Magazine. Her topic will be Containers
101- Cocktails, Mocktails and Tea.

Sea Turtle Documentary

See page 21 for details. Saturday, March 14
12:30 p.m., Sunday, March 15 4:30 p.m.
at the Ter-race Theater, 1956D Maybank
Highway, Charleston, SC 29412.

Charleston Tells Storytelling Festival

March 13 through 14. Whether its
folk tales, tall tales or ghost tales, the
Charleston Tells Storytelling Festival is
making a name for itself and attracting
visitors from as far away as Canada
and New York State. Dont miss this
opportunity to celebrate the art of
storytelling and the rich heritage of
Charlestons Lowcountry. To learn more
about the Festival, the tellers and purchase
tickets, visit the Charleston Tells website or
check out the Festivals Facebook page.

SATURDAY, MARCH 14
St. Paddys Pawooza
12 - 4 p.m. This St. Patricks Day
weekend, the Charleston County Park

SUNDAY, MARCH 15
Green Space Conservancy Gala
Seabrookers are invited to See Green for
the evening. A live auction, silent auction,
dinner and entertainment are all a part of
the fun. Reservations may be made with
a check for $75 per person made out to
SIGSC. Reservations may be made directly
with any Conservancy board member as
listed on the web site at www.sigsc.org.
County Parks Customer Appreciation
Day
Charleston County Park and Recreation
Commission says thank you by offering
free gate ad-mission to all its parks. Visit
charlestoncountyparks.com for details on
events and giveaways at each park.

MONDAY, MARCH 16

TUESDAY, MARCH 17

Harvard Glee Club Performance

7:30 p.m. As part of its southeastern
U.S. tour, the Harvard Glee Club will
perform in Charleston at the Unitarian
Church, 4 Archdale Street. The concert
is sponsored jointly by the Charleston
Mens Chorus and the Harvard Club
of South Carolina. Tickets are $10;
admission is free for students with ID and
senior citizens. All ticket proceeds go to
benefit the Community Outreach Fund
of the Unitarian Church in Charleston.
Tickets are available online at www.
CharlestonHGC.brownpapertickets.com
or at the door.

Monthly Seabrook Island Artist Guild

Meeting
3 p.m., Lake House Live Oak Room.
Guest artist is oil painter Laurie Meyer.

11th Annual Betty Cannon Golf

Tournament
12 p.m. benefiting Respite Care
Charleston, held at Crooked Oaks. Respite
Care Charleston is a local non-profit that
provides services and support for families
affected by Alzheimers disease and other
related dementias. The tournament is a
scramble format, with a putting contest at
noon and a shotgun start at 1 pm. Entry
fee is $150 per golfer. Visit www.eventbrite.
com/e/respite-care-charlestons-11thannual-betty-cannon-golf-tournamenttickets-15223084656 or call 843.408.5243.

THURSDAY, MARCH 19
Bob Lefevre Drawing Class
From 1-3p.m. in the Lake House Eagles
Nest room. Hands-on workshop, bring
your pencils and pads. Contact Walter
Czander at 768-9086 or by e-mail at
ccczander@bellsouth.net
Make Sierra Leone Ebola Free
5 p.m. Sierra Leones Refugee All Stars
will give a benefit concert at Magnolia
Plantation and Gardens to raise money for
Doctors Without Borders. The concert will
be held at the Pavilion. Tickets are $15.
They will go on sale the day of the event at
a temporary ticket booth on the en-trance
road to Magnolia. For more information
about Doctors Without Borderss efforts
to con-tain the Ebola virus, go to bit.
ly/1oSVLVz.
Seabrook Photography Club Meeting
7 p.m. Guest Speaker is Kenny
McKeithan, and award-winning
Charleston photographer will be speaking
on using available resources to create and
compose unique images.

FRIDAY, MARCH 27

April 2
Plein-aire workshop
Art Guild Workshop three day series with
Master coastal landscape painter Sergio
Ruffo. Please bring your oil painting
materials. The workshop fee will be $350
for guild members and $375 for nonmembers. To register contact Bob Lefevre
at 768-3284 or e-mail him at rodo-ry@
gmail.com

Kerry Rissetto and Jennifer Au from

Charleston Veterinary Referral Center
will educate at-tendees on the topics of
Cancer and Your Pet, and Common
Orthopedic Diseases and Physical
Rehabilitation. Contact the Sandcastle
Community Center on Kiawah Island at
843.768.3875 or sandcastle@kica.us for
more information.

SATURDAY, MARCH 28

THURSDAY, APRIL 2

The Cooper River Bridge Run

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

Easter Mingo Point Oyster Roast &

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

SUNDAY, MARCH 29
Lowcountry Cajun Festival
12 - 6 p.m. James Island County Park.
Bringing Louisiana to the Lowcountry,
Cajun Fest is a full-day of foot-stompin
tunes, hot and spicy foods, childrens
activities and all around ragin Cajun
entertainment! $15 for adults (13 and up);
free for children 12 and under and Gold
Pass holders.

TUESDAY, MARCH 31
Keeping Fido and Feline Fit: Healthy
Pet Talk

Seabrook Island Turtle Patrol 2015

Organizational Meeting
6 p.m. Live Oak Hall at the Lake House.
All current members of the patrol and
anybody interested in joining the patrol are
invited to attend. Walking schedules will
be established and season T-shirts can be
ordered at the meeting. The Turtle Patrol
season runs from May to October.

12

March 13, 2015

Island Photo
Sunbathing bobcat

arts & events

Save the date

to save a life
GOLF BENEFIT FOR BIFMC
SET FOR MARCH 30
BY BARBARA BURGESS
For The Island Connection

Michael McDowell captured this charming shot of a sunbathing bobcat last

month. The feline was lounging on Seabrook Island Road, just outside their
Spinnaker villa.

If you photograph an interesting wildlife sighting or other beautiful scene on the

islands, please send them to The Island Connection and we ll feature them in our
Island Photography section. Email to jennifer@luckydognews.com.

he Eighth Annual Celebrity Golf

Invitational to benefit the Barrier
Islands Free Medical Clinic is
scheduled for March 30, 2015 at The Ocean
Course on Kiawah Island. The Ocean
Course was the site of the 1991 Ryder
Cup and the 2012 PGA Championship.
In 2010 it was named the toughest course
in America by Golf Digest. The Celebrity
Golf Invitational has the reputation of
being the premier charity golf tournament
in the Lowcountry. This year our lead
celebrity is The Citadel Head Football
Coach, Mike Houston.
The Barrier Islands Free Medical
Clinic is a non-profit organization whose
mission is to provide a medical home
and continuing primary health care
to uninsured adults low income adults
living or working on Johns, Wadmalaw
and James Islands. The Clinic provides
primary health care just like any family
practitioner or internist treating chronic
diseases such as diabetes, hypertension,
coronary disease and depression. The

Clinic provides free physical exams, lab

tests, x-rays and some specialty care.
The golf tournament starts with lunch
at noon followed by a shotgun start at
12:30 p.m. The four-player teams will
play a scramble format. Each player will
receive a special golfer gift bag. There
will be a "Beat Burger" contest, putting
contest and a foursome group picture
during play. When play is complete there
will be a cocktail hour, silent auction,
buffet dinner and awards ceremony. The
entry fee is $500 per player.
If you don't play golf, consider making
a donation to the Barrier Islands Free
Medical Clinic so that the clinic can
continue to serve the uninsured adults on
these barrier islands. The address is 3226
Maybank Highway, Suite A-1, Johns
Island, SC 29455.
To make a financial donation by credit
card visit www.bifmc.org. For questions
or to register for the golf tournament call
843.266.9800.

March 13, 2015

arts & events

arts & events

Island women
build a difference

Bob Lefevre offers

drawing workshop

A N N U A L S E A I S L A N D H A B I TAT
FOR HUMANITYS WOMEN
B U I L D H E L D A P R I L 11 T O 1 8

For The Island Connection

BY JULIA HAMMER

For The Island Connection

13

oin Sea Island Habitat for their 15th

Annual Women Build, April 11 to
18, 2015 at its Laurel Oak Grove
Neighborhood on James Island. Women
Build brings together women from all
walks of life to build a safe, decent and
affordable home for a family in need of a
hand up, not a hand out. This empowering
event creates a we can do it bond among
Women Builders. They are personally
rewarded by helping a family live with
dignity in a safe, stable environment
and take pride in their community.
Registration is $35 and includes a Women
Build t-shirt, snacks and lunch. Groups

are welcome. Half day shifts are available.

No experience is necessary.
Cant fit the actual Women Build
into your schedule? There are plenty
of supporting events to participate in.
The Sea Island Habitat ReStore at 3304
Maybank Highway is hosting a special
Women Build Pop Up Shop in March.
This exclusive boutique will feature
gently used purses, scarves and gloves.
Donations of items are being collected at
the SIHH administrative office at 2545
Bohicket Road. All proceeds will go
towards the construction materials for the
2015 Women Build home.
Be a part of this years Women Build
by decorating a beam to be used in the
construction of the Women Build home.
Previous Habitat homeowners and
volunteer builders have been touched
when reading the positive and inspiring
messages painted on these beams, which
become a permanent part of the home.
Beams are available for purchase for $20
by calling the Sea Island Habitat office at
843.768.0998 ext. 112. Special Beam-AThon events for decorating beams onsite
will be held March 14 at the Sea Island
Habitat ReStore and April 4 at the Easter
Festival at Freshfields Village, Kiawah
Island.
Sea Island Habitat for Humanity is
an independent, nonprofit, ecumenical
Christian housing ministry that partners
with people of all beliefs. Sea Island
Habitat for Humanity has served its
community as an affiliate of Habitat for
Humanity International since 1978 and
has provided housing solutions for over
300 local families.
Sign up for the womens build at www.
seaislandhabitat.org.

STAFF REPORT

rtist and Seabrook Island Art

Guild president, Bob Lefevre,
will teach a drawing workshop on
March 19 at the Lake House Eagles Nest
room from 1-3 p.m. This workshop is
targeted to all who want to learn to draw
or improve their drawing abilities. It will
be a hands-on class so bring your drawing
pad and pencils.
Too many artists are trying to paint
without first nailing down an accurate
drawing. By improving your drawing
skills you will automatically improve the
outcome of your painting.The drawing
workshop is free to all so dont miss this
opportunity.
To register for the class call Walter
Czander, 768.9086 or e-mail him at
ccczander@bellsouth.net.
If you wish to join the Seabrook Island
Artist Guild, contact Susan Legett at
ssleggett@comcast.net. Visit the guild
website at www.seabrookislandartistguild.
com to learn more about the guild.

14

seasons of the south

Cannellini Bean Burgers

BY MARILYN MARKEL
For The Island Connection

Ingredients
2 15.5 oz. cans cannellini beans,
drained and rinsed
cup minced pickled carrot
1 stalk celery, minced
2 piquillo peppers, minced and
drained (drying on paper towels helps)
1 clove garlic, minced
4 green onions, thinly sliced
2 tablespoons minced parsley
2 pickled Thai chilies (or to taste)
1 large egg, lightly beaten
Rice bran or other neutral oil as needed
Sweet or hot pepper relish or spicy
seasoned mayonnaise, for service
Serve with lettuce and assorted pickles

Wine Pairing

such as pickled green tomato and

pickled jalapeno
Directions
1. Roughly mash beans in a large
bowl with a potato masher or a
fork.
2. Add celery, peppers, garlic, onion,
parsley, chilies, and egg. Combine
thoroughly.
3. Form into patties.
4. Heat oil in a medium large skillet.
Sear patties on both sides until
nicely browned. Keep in a warm
oven and continue cooking in
batches. Serve with assorted
pickles and sauce.

Lieu-dit Beauregard Bourgeuil - $16.99

This wine, from the Frances Loire Valley, is produced from 100% Cabernet Franc by the
requirements of the region Bourgeuil. Cabernet Franc is known for producing wines of
great finesse and complexity, and this bottling certainly does not disappoint. Flavors of juicy
blackberry mingle with hints of coffee and violet, and the finish is surprisingly refreshing for
a wine of this weight. This pairing focuses on balancing the more delicate texture of the bean
burger with a wine that is not too heavy, but also highlighting the complex flavors of the
vegetables with an equally flavor-rich wine.

March 13, 2015

March 13, 2015

15

arts & events

Master coastal landscape painter

holds plein aire workshops
BY ROBERTA BOATTI
For The Island Connection

he Seabrook Island Artist Guild

will offer a three day plein aire
workshop series taught by Sergio
Roffo one of the countrys premier coastal
landscape painters. The workshops will be
held on March 27, 28 and 29 and presents
a rare opportunity to paint Seabrooks
stunning vistas with an American Society
of Marine Artists Fellow.
Roffo will focus on the techniques
and principles of plein aire painting of
coastal marine landscapes. The objective
of this three day course is to sensitize the
class to the aspects of outdoor painting,
including, learning how to see natures
details, understanding the interplay of
light and shadow, knowing how to mix
the right colors and eliminating the fear
of outdoor painting. The series will be a
combination of initial in-house studio
instruction to fully prepare students for
the "ala prima" plein aire experience.
Sergio's goal is to ensure that students
are prepared ahead of time to properly
observe, evaluate and then create art, in
one sitting, from what they observe before
them and gain the maximum experience
and benefit from painting outdoors. The
studio instruction will be followed by

Tid e Char t
Date

High Tide

Low Tide

Mar 13
Mar 14
Mar 15
Mar 16
Mar 17
Mar 18
Mar 19
Mar 20
Mar 21
Mar 22
Mar 23
Mar 24
Mar 25
Mar 26

1:44am/2:04pm
2:50am/3:10pm
4:00am/4:19pm
5:09am/5:26pm
6:13am/6:29pm
7:11am/7:27pm
8:05am/8:22pm
8:57am/9:14pm
9:48am/10:06pm
10:38am/10:57pm
11:28am/11:48pm
12:20pm
12:41am/1:13pm
1:36am/2:10pm

8:15am/8:17pm
9:19am/9:25pm
10:24am/10:35pm
11:26am/11:41pm
12:23pm
12:43am/1:17pm
1:40am/2:08pm
2:35am/2:58pm
3:28am/3:46pm
4:20am/4:35pm
5:11am/5:24pm
6:04am/6:14pm
6:59am/7:07pm
7:56am/8:04pm

Hurricanes, storms, etc., are NOT included in the predictions.

Tidal current direction changes and tide time predictions can be
very different. Tide predictions are PREDICTIONS; they can be
wrong so use common sense.
Source: saltwatertides.com

painting outdoors, on the second day. The

third day will be devoted either to indoor
or outside work, depending on the needs
and progress of the students toward these
goals. Students will receive individual
personal instruction and encouragement
while completing their paintings.
Roffo continually strives to capture the
elusive essence that is Nature. He describes
his mission as trying to convey to the
viewer the spirituality and sacredness
of my work, indicating the harmony of
nature through color and light. Upon
viewing his art, you will discover a precise
sense of value and atmospheric perspective
that conveys a relaxed sense of calmness; a
characteristic that defines and informs all
of his works.
In addition to being elected as a
Fellow of the American Society of
Marine Artists, he is a member of the
Guild of Boston artists', and a Copley

Master at the Copley Society of Boston.

Roffo has won countless national awards
and is widely collected. His captivating
depictions of the New England landscape
have been included in a variety of museum
exhibitions and have earned him many
awards. He has also been selected for
inclusion in numerous publications and
featured several times in American Art
Collector Magazine.
The workshop fee will be $350 for Art
Guild members and $375 for non-members.
The workshop series is open to artists of all
levels in oils only and a material list will be
available. Register by contacting Bob Lefevre
at 768.3284 or e-mail him at rodory@
gmail.com. To learn more about the artist
guild, its events and membership visit the
website at www.seabrookislandartistguild.
com.

16

March 13, 2015

whats hot

on the water

Grill safety

Warmer waters will

herald the coming
of fishing season

BY CHAD KELLY

For The Island Connection

he weather is warming up so it
is time to start enjoying time
outdoors with family. One of the
most popular things to do is a cookout.
On average there are 8,300 home fires
each year caused by grills, of those 7,100
were started by gas grills. Here are some
tips to follow when using grills:
Gas
Check the tubes that lead into
the burner for any blockage from
insects, spiders, or food grease.
Check grill hoses for cracking,
brittleness, holes, and leaks. Make
sure there are no sharp bends in
the hose or tubing.
Move gas hoses as far away as
possible from hot surfaces and
dripping hot grease. If you can't
move the hoses, install a heat
shield to protect them.
If you detect a leak, immediately
turn off the gas and don't attempt to
light the grill until the leak is fixed.
If you are unable to ignite the
grill after 2 attempts turn the grill
off and allow the gas to dissipate
before trying again.
Never use a grill indoors.
Use the grill at least 10 feet away
from your house or any building.
Do not attempt to repair the tank
valve or the appliance yourself.

Always follow the manufacturer's

instructions that accompany the grill.
Always keep gas containers upright
and secured.
Never store a spare gas container
under or near the grill or indoors.
Never store or use flammable
liquids, like gasoline, near the grill.
Charcoal
Charcoal
produces
carbon
monoxide (CO) when it is burned.
Never burn charcoal inside of
homes, vehicles, tents, or campers.
Do not store your grill inside of
your home.
Use the grill at least 10 feet away
from your house or building
Do not dump charcoal into your
trash can.
Place charcoal into a metal container
until completely extinguished
Never add lighter fluid after the
charcoal is lit.
When using either type of grill keep a
fire extinguisher nearby, and never leave
the grill unattended. We all enjoy the
time with family and a good steak from
the grill but we still have to be safe.
As always if you have any questions or
need a smoke detector installed feel free
to contact the St. Johns Fire District, Fire
Prevention Division.

BY GEOFF BENNETT
For The Island Connection

emperatures have been all over

the place this winter with a string
of nice days followed by days in
the 30s. Throughout it all though, it
was possible to catch redfish especially
on the sunny days. Expect the fishing to
markedly improve as the arrival of spring
brings warmer water temperatures as well
as the emergence of bait fish.
Having laid low the last few months
to avoid dolphins, redfish will transform
from simply surviving to becoming
predators. With schools containing up
to hundreds of redfish, the best fishing
will be at low tide when they are exposed.
These fish will still be spooky so stealth is
of upmost importance when approaching
them. It pays to anchor up when you find
a school and wait for them to return to
you instead of chasing them down.
During this time of year sometimes
these big schools of redfish don't want
anything to do with artificial lures. When
this happens, it's time to soak some cut
bait. I'll put chunks of frozen mullet on
size 3/0 circle hooks and wait until the
schools of redfish swim over it. Put your
rod in the rod holder and leave the rod
alone when you see a fish begin to eat. The
circle hook will do all the work for you
and when your reel starts to sing you are
in business.
With the end of February being quite

cold, well have to see if the trout bite will

start in March. Working artificial lures
slowly across the bottom will be your
best bet. Plastic lures that imitate small
minnows are a good choice. For color,
stick with grey and silver hues that most
resemble bait. Paired with a 1/8oz. or
1/4oz. jighead, the combination should
work well when the trout return.
It's hard to be stealthier than with a
flyrod. This is one of the times of year
when fly fishing can be a very effective
way to target redfish. When a fly is
cast well, it will make only the slightest
splash. Right now, we are using smaller
flies especially the tried and true white/
chartreuse clouser minnow pattern. Cast
to the edges of the schools and bring the
fly slowly across their noses. The redfish
may be somewhat sluggish but youll still
elicit some dramatic strikes!
See you on the water!
Capt. Geoff Bennett operates Charleston
Charter Fishing providing fly fishing and
light tackle charters. Clients choose from a
full menu of fly rods, artificial and live bait
fishing options with charters tailored to their
desires. For more information, call Capt.
Bennett at 843.324.3332, visit his website at
www.charlestoncharterfishing.com or email
him at captain@charlestoncharterfishing.
com.

March 13, 2015

whats hot

Sea turtle documentary

has world premiere at
Charleston Film Festival

STAFF REPORT

For The Island Connection

he long awaited documentary,

Call of the Ancient Mariner,
chronicling man's longstanding
love affair with sea turtles, will have its
world premiere at the Charleston Film
Festival on March 14 and 15 at the Terrace
Theater on James Island in Charleston.

Mariner, a film by award-winning

director David Weintraub, was filmed
throughout the Southeast. Weintraub
will discuss the results of his fascinating
journey during a discussion period after
each film screening. Much of the film
production occurred on the islands
surrounding the Charleston area as well
as on a sea turtle expedition run under
the auspices of the South Carolina
Department of Natural Resources.
The film will screen at the Charleston
Film Festival on Saturday, March 14 at
12:30 p.m. and Sunday, March 15 at 4:30
p.m.
Both screenings are at the Terrace
Theater located at 1956 Maybank
Highway, Charleston, SC 29412. For
more information about Call of the
Ancient Mariner, contact the Center for
Cultural Preservation at 828.692.8062
or www.saveculture.org.
For more
information about the Charleston Film
Festival or to order tickets, contact them
at 843.762.4247 or www.terracetheater.
com.

17

18

arts & events

March 13, 2015

Whats hot