the island connection - july 3, 2015
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Volume 9, Issue 6TRANSCRIPT
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Ladybugs Flying FreePage 9
Volume 9 Issue 6 July 3, 2015FREE
Since May 2007
Volunteer SpotlightPage 12
Fishing ReportPage 14
MUSC Art continues on page 11 Freshfields continues on page 13
Dueling Demos, Art Show come to Sandcastle
F R I E N D S O F M U S C C H I L D R E N ’ S H O S P I TA L H O S T F I N E A R T S H O W A N D S A L E O N K I A W A H I S L A N D
BY TRICIA CORDINAFor The Island Connection
Front: Mary Rohaley, Mary Edna Fraser, Barbara Rivers of MUSC, Tate Nation, Tricia CordinaBack: Jana Davis, Stephanie Poe, Stephanie Massey, Colleen Mooney, Karen Hewitt Hagan
PHOTO BY JACK ALTERMAN
The Friends of MUSC Children’s Hospital Fine Art Annual, a free art show and sale, will be held at the oceanfront Sandcastle Community Center on Kiawah Island, Friday,
July 10, from 3 to 8 p.m. A portion of this event’s proceeds will help build the new Children’s Hospital and Women’s Pavilion at the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston.
The one-day event features the original works of nine well known Charleston artists: Jennifer Black, Susan Colwell, Laura Lloyd Fontaine, Mary Edna Fraser, Karen Hewitt Hagan, Kevin
LePrince, Tina Mayland, Tate Nation and Karen Weihs. It will include many diverse styles including batiks on silk, oils on Venetian plaster, Expressionistic acrylics and Impressionistic and Abstract oils, some on gold leaf. Jack Alterman, photographer, will also be offering for sale his new book “My City Charleston.”
The show will kick off with a sneak peek and artist demonstrations from 3 to 5 p.m., followed by a reception from
Freshfields feeds kids
F U N D R A I S E R F E AT U R E S
J U D I T H PA I X A O , 3 2 L O C A L S T O R E S
BY JENNIFER TUOHYThe Island Connection Editor
Following the success of her fundraiser at The Resort Shop last year, Sea Glass Jewelry designer,
Judith Paixao has been invited back to help raise more funds for the Sea Islands' efforts to support the local Backpack Buddies program.
The weekend of July 17 through July 20, Paixao will help shoppers design a beautiful piece of sea glass jewelry for themselves, while donating a large percentage of each purchase to Backpack Buddies Seabrook Islands, a nonprofit group whose mission it is to supply weekend food and snacks to elementary school children attending Mt. Zion Elementary School and living below the poverty line.
This year however, The Resort Shop is not the only Freshfields VIllage store helping feed needy children.
"After last year's event, a few merchants approached me wanting to participate, and 'Freshfields Feeds Kids' was born," Joanne Threlfall of Backpack Buddies said. "This year 32 merchants have stepped up to be involved by donating either a percentage of their profits or hosting raffles and other fundraising activities in their stores that weekend."
The stores include:• Beachwalker Rentals• Coastal Footwear• Derma Medical Aesthetics• Harris Teeter• Holly & Brooks (Friday only)• Indigo Books• Island Mercantile
The IslandConnection
Lynn Pierottipublisher
Jennifer Tuohymanaging editor
Swan Richardssenior graphic designer
Lori McGeesales manager
Alejandro Ferreyrosgraphic designer
Ralph Secoystaff photographer
Staff WriterGregg Bragg
ContributorsTricia Cordin
Senator Chip CampsenWilfred D. Wiehn
Zachary HueyHerb Frazier
Geoff Bennett
Published byLucky Dog Publishingof South Carolina, LLC
P.O. Box 837 Sullivan’s Island, SC 29482
843-886-NEWS
Future deadlines: July 8for submissions for the
June 17 Issue
Op-Ed articles and letters to the editor do not necessarily reflect the opinion of Lucky Dog News or its writers.
Lucky Dog Publishing, LLC Publishers of Island Eye News,
The Island Connection, The Folly Current
Civic CalendarKiawah island Town hall
21 Beachwalker DriveKiawah Island, SC 29455Phone: 768-9166Fax: 768-4764
seabrooK island Town hall
2001 Seabrook Island RoadSeabrook Island, SC 29455Phone: 768-9121 Fax: 768-9830 Email: [email protected]
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. Charleston958-4700t
CiTy of CharlesTon
75 Calhoun St.724-3745
2 July 3, 2015
Fri, July 3Independence Day HolidaySeabrook Island
Mon, July 6Environmental Committee Meeting3 - 5 p.m. Kiawah Town Hall
Tue, July 7Kiawah Town Council Meeting2 - 4 p.m. Kiawah Town Hall
Wed, July 8Planning Commission Regular Meeting2:30 p.m.Seabrook Town Hall
Planning Commission Meeting3 - 5 p.m.Kiawah Town Hall
Public Safety Meeting3 p.m.Kiawah Town Hall
Mon, July 13Board of Zoning & Appeals Meeting4 p.m. Council Chambers, Kiawah Town Hall
Mon, July 20Seabrook Island Property Owners Association (SIPOA) Board Meeting1 - 3 p.m. Seabrook Island Lake House
Tue, July 28Seabrook Town Council Meeting2:30 p.m.Seabrook Town Hall
Wed, August 5Seabrook Planning Commission Work Session2:30 p.m.Seabrook Town Hall
civic
Seabrook Island towncouncil meeting, June 2015
BY GREGG BRAGGThe Island Connection Staff Writer
The start of Seabrook’s town council meeting was uncharacteristically delayed, if you’re concerned about
12 minutes. The room was already filled with residents perfectly content just being inside, out of the June heat. They also appreciated the chance to impact a public hearing, even if it did run longer than scheduled. Specifically, Seabrook Ordinance 2015-02. The “beach ordinance” accumulated enough requests for changes council recommended tabling the scheduled second reading. Language requested by residents will be applied before the matter is reconsidered.
The “pledge” for the June 23 council meeting happened followed quickly by the Mayor’s financial report for May. His account boasted $56,000 more in revenues than projected. The bonus puts Seabrook $140,000 ahead of revenues for the year, and $90,000 ahead of this time last year. Expenses were higher than expected because an additional $13,500 was spent on roads and landscaping (‘tis the season for pine straw). The town is still $30,000 - $40,000 under their expense budget for the year. This positive cash flow helps in the march toward the unwritten goal of contributing to the emergency fund each year. The fund balance is currently in the neighborhood of “$1.5 million,” concluded Mayor Ahearn.
Sam Miller, a representative of the Alan Fleming, Sr. Tennis Tournament spoke next during the first installment of citizens comments. He was in chambers to request up to $5,000 from Seabrook toward the tournament’s $20,000 budget and become its Premier Sponsor. He opened with a description of the tournament’s 35 year renown, which has mushroomed to national prominence. “386 people …….. from 20 states visited Seabrook
last year ….. generating $330,000 in business, most of which was spent here,” pitched Miller. As the event’s Premier Sponsor, Seabrook would be mentioned along with the tournament’s advertising, most conspicuously at the tournament’s banquet.
Promoting Seabrook is something of a cause célèbre for councilmember Ron Ciancio, who expressed immediate interest in sponsorship. However, ATAX money, the most likely bucket to draw from, “has already been allocated for the year,” lamented Ciancio. Contributions, if any, would have to come from the general fund. Spending general funds, in turn, means a different series of conversations council agreed to have as the topic closed out.
Councilmember Don Romano reported attending a Seabrook Island Property Owners Association Planning Committee meeting on June 11. The Property/Landscape Improvement Committee spoke on the issue of aging housing. Landscaping was identified as a way to address this issue. Contract landscape company The Greenery will continue to assist in finding ways to address aging property. There was also a report on Sustainable Seabrook Audubon, which focused on a range of items, said Romano. Ways to become better stewards of the environment and maintain the coveted Audubon certification include, for example;
• Greening the community• Planning for sustainability• Sustainability in actionRomano concluded his report with a
brief on strategic planning. A list of 25 issues has been developed by SIPOA’s like-named committee. The list is currently being circulated more widely among
residents to solicit input and prioritize. A distillation of 7 to ten of those items will be included in the 2016 strategic plan.
Councilmember John Gregg segued into a discussion of the club’s strategic plan as a follow up to a meeting held in mid-June. Results included a new mission statement, maintenance of existing goals, and new metrics. The group will use these new metrics in the hope of measuring success more accurately. “The plan is presently in circulation amongst the committee and the club board for approval and adoption later this summer,” said Gregg before moving on to his report on public safety.
June 2 and 3 saw Seabrook in the middle of hurricane preparedness exercises, Gregg said went well. He emphasized the effect disaster mitigation has on “community rating,” used to determine insurance rates for residents. Although Seabrook enjoys a good community rating, improvements save money and are well worth municipal attention. Scott Cave is preparing a report on the early June session and a review will be scheduled.
June 11 cast Seabrook as host of Disaster Awareness Day. Gregg spent some time in the run up to the event promoting “FREE LUNCH,” apparently to good effect. The annual event was well attended by Seabrook residents on their home turf. Councilmember Gregg said Kiawah will host next year’s installment but expressed his hope Seabrook residents will still attend, despite the par five distance. He and the rest of council concluded the topic with praise of Town Administrator Randy Pierce for his shrewd planning and handling of the event.
Councilmember Ron Ciancio reported the “Seabrook; Make It Uniquely Yours” ad campaign has ended and
July 3, 2015 3
civic
Tide Char tDate High Tide Low Tide
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.
Jul 03Jul 04Jul 05Jul 06 Jul 07Jul 08Jul 09Jul 10 Jul 11Jul 12Jul 13Jul 14Jul 15Jul 16
Source: saltwatertides.com
9:42am/10:17pm10:33am/11:06pm11:26am/11:57pm12:22pm12:50am/1:21pm1:46am/2:21pm2:44am/3:22pm3:43am/4:23pm4:43am/5:22pm5:41am/6:17pm6:37am/7:10pm7:30am/7:59pm8:21am/8:44pm9:08am/9:27pm
3:44am/3:43pm4:31am/4:35pm5:20am/5:28pm6:10am/6:25pm7:02am/7:25pm7:56am/8:29pm8:52am/9:34pm9:49am/10:38pm10:47am/11:38pm11:42am12:35am/12:36pm1:27am/1:27pm2:16am/2:15pm3:01am/3:01pm
results were coming in. Conde Nast responded with ad results exceeding the number of “exposures” promised. The original guarantee of 700,000 ended up being 711,000 incidences of traffic the campaign drove to the town’s website. Winners of the contest have been selected and informed of their good fortune. They will have the rest of the year to redeem their prizes. The remaining effort will focus on building a campaign around the experience of the winners for the rest of the year. “Strategies will continue to
evolve around these results as we move forward,” concluded Ciancio.
Mayor Ahearn reported next month’s council meeting would go forward on July 28 as originally planned. His long delayed trip to Africa has been rescheduled for the end of July and coincides with another, planned absence from council’s meeting. However, only three council members need to be present to satisfy the technical definition of a quorum. Randy Pierce offered to make the meeting available to the mayor by phone to the approving
snickers of attendees, while the mayor wondered about cell reception from atop an elephant.
Councilmember John Turner reported on beach patrol, in light of beach rules and the new signs he has worked to implement. Beach patrol, it seems, has issued over 40 warnings, mostly to residents, who seem to have the hardest time complying. “It is important to get these signs up,” said Turner. He also wants to broadcast the rules in digital and paper formats to avoid unpleasant exchanges and support the efforts of beach patrol.
The utility commission report was brief. Delivery of fresh water was running at a slight loss which was made up for by a profit from the disposal of wastewater. Jeff Bostock also informed council the Eagle Island pumping station, essential for water pressure and delivery to Cassique, was now on-line.
Ordinances for first reading included 2015-06, an amendment to the “economic interests” filing procedure for candidates interested in running for town council. It was passed unanimously. Ordinance 2015-07, an amendment making SIPOA the primary permitting agency for changes to plants in the “Beach as Trust," zone also passed unanimously.
Ordinance 2015-02, scheduled for a second reading, was tabled pending changes, as mentioned above. Ordinance 2015-03, an amendment to Seabrook’s development standards, passed unanimously with changes. Ordinance 2015-05 passed unanimously without changes but a whole lot of discussion.
Ordinance 2015-05 is a bond
authorizing debt in the amount of $5.5 million for the utility. The official description is a bit cumbersome but works like refinancing your home. Remaining debt is paid off in favor of new debt at improved rates. Although it will be ten years before any savings are realized, the hope is to stabilize rates residents pay and keep the water running.
Seabrook Fire Commissioner Sue Holloman introduced Community Risk Reduction Officer Gary Lohr. Actually, she made him introduce himself as the representative of the St. Johns Fire District. The collaboration also signaled the end of citizen's comments and the meeting was adjourned.
This flyer detailing the town of Seabrook's beach rules will be distributed by beach patrol officers when giving out warnings to offenders, as well as being distributed at rental agencies and made into signs to be posted at strategic beach locations.
4 July 3, 2015
July 3, 2015 5
opinion
Remove Confederate flagfrom statehouse grounds
BY SENATOR CHIP CAMPSENFor The Island Connection
“To be a Christian means to forgive the inexcusable because God has forgiven the inexcusable in you.”
~ C.S. Lewis
Sunday evening while participating in the Bridge to Peace event my sister witnessed an act that encapsulates Charleston’s reaction to the brutal
Emanuel AME Church murders. While 15,000 held hands in unity across the Ravenel Bridge, a man stretched his hands toward heaven and declared at the top of his lungs, “This is how we riot in Charleston!”
This man personifies why we should be proud of how Charleston has dealt with this unspeakable tragedy--as do the victims’ families with their statements of forgiveness and charity toward their loved ones’ murderer. In human terms the families’ responses are inexplicable. It is not until I reflect upon the above quote by atheist turned Christian philosopher, C.S. Lewis, that it makes any sense at all.
Their response is a Christian response. It flows from the gospel’s message of sin separating us from a holy God, Christ paying the penalty for these sins, and offering reconciliation with God. Having been forgiven of much empowers the forgiven to liberally forgive in kind.
When the debate leading up to the removal of the confederate flag from the capitol dome in 2000 erupted, I was one of only two Republican members of the General Assembly that supported its removal. I did so for one
simple reason. It did not meet the criterion flags must meet to fly over a capitol. The timeless and universal criterion for a flag to fly atop a capitol is that it be the flag of an existing government that has jurisdiction over the people. I was captive to that logic. The flag failed the test, so I argued for its removal on these grounds.
My late father, George Campsen, Jr., was in the General Assembly when the flag was placed over the dome in 1962. In 2000 he organized over 90 percent of the surviving members of the 1962 General Assembly, along with several former governors, to sign a petition he drafted. It indicated they placed the flag over the dome to commemorate the four-year centennial of the Civil War and had simply neglected to provide a take down date. Their intention was never to fly the flag indefinitely. They petitioned the General Assembly to remove the flag from the dome, which it did later that year.
Syndicated columnist George Will referred to these arguments as “the Solomonic solution” to the flag debate.
This history is relevant because it constituted common ground to remove the flag from the dome in 2000. In light of Charleston’s reaction to the Emanuel AME Church shootings, I suggest common ground likewise exists today for removal of the flag from the statehouse grounds.
The common ground of which I speak transcends and is more powerful than issues of race and heritage. It is yet another biblical principle found in Romans 14:19, “pursue what makes for peace and mutual upbuilding.”
The witness of Emanuel AME Church pursuing peace and mutual upbuilding demonstrates that love is greater than hate. Congregants at St. Michaels, St. Philips, First Baptist and other Charleston churches followed their lead when they literally encircled the church Sunday morning, bathing it in prayer as the Emanuel congregation courageously refused to permit evil to keep them from worshiping. Sunday night the Charleston community demonstrated an outpouring of unity when over 15,000 held hands across the Ravenel Bridge. The unknown man who declared, “This is how we riot in Charleston,” and many others, followed suit.
In responding to this tragedy let us not focus upon what outsiders say. Let us focus upon us, the relationships in our communities and state. Let us follow the examples set before us. If the confederate flag on our statehouse grounds upsets a significant number of citizens, let’s remove it in the name of peace and mutual upbuilding. Let’s do this as a reciprocal act of charity and grace extended to the fallen, their families, and the congregants of my friend and colleague, Senator Clementa Pinckney. They have demonstrated inimitable forgiveness, charity and grace before God and a watching world. Both in life and in death they have shown us how to love, forgive and pursue peace and mutual upbuilding. It is now our turn to follow their example.
Senator Chip Campsen represents Charleston, Beaufort and Colleton Counties in the South Carolina Senate.
July 3, 2015 7
letter to the editoropinion daily6 July 3, 2015
The truth about offshore drillingon the Carolina coast
BY WILFRED D. WIEHNFor The Island Connection
Below are the 4 most prominent arguments we have heard in support of allowing offshore drilling along
the Carolina Coast. Below them are facts that lead one to believe the arguments that support offshore drilling are inconsistent with the facts and thus simply not true.
1. We need the jobs offshore drilling will bring to our state
2. We need the tax revenue that oil will generate
3. We need to be energy independent4. Today’s technology makes an oil
spill highly improbableIn examining the above every citizen
should take into consideration the following facts.
Jobs: South Carolina already has attracted and continues to attract major industries generating thousands upon thousands of new jobs. Boeing, Mercedes Benz, Chrysler Daimler, BMW and now Volvo, have found a home here. Unlike oil, these are clean industries that pose no threat to the attractiveness of our area to new business, tourists, and as a place to raise a family and / or retire.
Tax revenues: The tax revenue generated by these industries as well as the new goods and services businesses that will spring up to support population growth will more than supplant any tax revenue from oil.
Energy Independence: We are already a net exporter of oil. In 2014 the United States became the world's largest exporter of oil, surpassing both Russia and Saudi Arabia in oil exports. And our petroleum refineries are not even operating at full capacity. And we are also the largest producer of natural gas in the world. So we are already energy independent even without development of our huge deposits of northwest oil shale. More importantly, there are other sources of renewable clean energy we should be investing in. As some of you may know, Saudi Arabia is investing billions in Solar and Wind Power as they look to generations beyond.
Today's advanced Oil Technology: If you believe the oil industry claim that today's technology makes oil spills a highly improbable possibility, you may have missed recent news showing the latest leak polluting the 8.7 miles of the
once beautiful Santa Barbara California beaches, now blackened with smelly, sticky oil sludge, dead birds and sea life. This is the result of only 22,000 gallons reaching the shore of the more than 100,000 gallons now in the ocean from a pipeline leak.
Think not only of the people who live and work there. Think also of those who flew there for a weeks vacation, to enjoy, sunbathing, swimming, surfing, fishing, dining at the fine beachfront restaurants, and breathing the the fresh crisp, salt air. They probably wonder if there is such a thing as oil spill vacation insurance. Will they ever go back? And think of the lost revenue the business owners will suffer.
If you believe it cannot happen here then you don’t believe tankers go aground and break up, onshore and offshore pipelines rupture, oil platforms catch fire, drilling accidents happen and you will never need to worry about you property values plummeting from the site and smell of a nearby oil refinery. There is no absolute guarantee it will not happen here, and if there were, scientists may be able to predict an earthquake but they can not
stop one from rupturing the long pipeline that is sunk into under-sea oil.
Our coastal shore line from Myrtle Beach, south to Kiawah & Seabrook Islands, and beyond to Hilton Head, and all the rivers and marshes in between are unquestionably at risk. So we must ask why do we really need oil rigs, pipelines and oil tankers off our coast when we don’t have to do so.
A well informed resident of Seabrook Island, tells us that the key person in the process of state participation in offshore oil exploration and subsequent leasing is the Governor of a state. The Federal government acts under the assumption the Governor of a state will act in accordance with the best interests of its People. Since our Governor has stated the State of South Carolina wants to be included for seismic testing, she is obviously ignoring the overwhelming objections of the people she represents. No matter what Big Oil puts in TV commercials, the oil business is a dirty industry that we neither want nor need along our coast.
Wilfred D. Wiehn is a resident of Johns Island.
Kudos for coverage of Kiawah Council Meetings
Dear Editor,
I am always pleased when the Island Connection arrives, filled with news about the people and events of our local communities.
As a resident of Kiawah, I particularly appreciate the paper's coverage of local governments. Over the last few years, Kiawah's Town Council, unfortunately, has gone against a nationwide move toward greater transparency. The Council has instead conducted an unusual number of "executive sessions" in violation of the Freedom of Information Act. Communities across the nation are using technology to move toward greater transparency to provide citizens with more information, finding that this not
only assists leaders in improving its ability to serve its constituency but saves money as well.
I would be remiss if I didn't congratulate you on the coverage under Gregg Bragg's byline. His approach is thorough, and he has the unique talent to make dry government business come alive. We need more information from our government entities, not less.
Our household appreciates the work of all of you at the Island Connection. Freedom of the Press is our great legacy and depends on organizations such as yours.
Fran WermuthKiawah Island
No news on forensicaudit as Kiawah prepares
to defend FOIA lawsuitBY GREGG BRAGG
The Island Connection Staff Writer
Following the resignation of Kiawah's Town Administrator, Tumiko Rucker, it has emerged that the plan
to have her return from her pre-arranged medical leave to assist in selecting her replacement has changed. In an interview with The Post & Courier newspaper, it emerged that Rucker’s status had been changed to a “suspension with pay.”
Additionally, following the subsequent resignation of the town's treasurer on May 21, the town council allocated $35,000 for an independent, forensic audit of the town's finances. The results of an executive session held on June 15 have not been made public, but the published agenda contained an item to recieve an update on the results of the forensic accountant’s findings.
According to the same agenda, the council also discussed the Freedom of Information Act lawsuit and pending FOIA requests of Kiawah resident and retired Judge, Dennis McGill. For months, McGill has taken exception to what he sees as the town’s lack of transparency regarding the purchase of land for a new municipal campus. According to McGill his attempts to get answers to his questions on this issue have all failed, and consequently, he felt he had no recourse but to file a complaint with the Circuit Court.
The complaint McGill filed includes three primary components;
1. A non-disclosure agreement TOKI signed to protect the identity of the seller and/or location of the parcel cannot be used as a foundation to hide the rest of the process from public view. Therefore, TOKI claims that “no decisions were made and no votes were taken,” after executive sessions, are false and a violation of both the letter and spirit of the Freedom of Information Act.
2. TOKI violated its own procurement ordinances by
spending over a hundred thousand dollars spread across at least 21 different occasions, all without a public vote. (TOKI’s attorney, Dennis Rhoad, defended the actions during the March town council meeting saying disclosure of individual actions would have compromised the non-disclosure agreement with the seller. “We might as well have done the whole thing in public,” said Rhoad.)
3. Salaries paid to executive staff of TOKI, are inordinately high and may be out of line with both state law and the TOKI Human Resource guide.
The town council has said publicly that it beleives the FOIA lawsuit is unfounded.
“The town will fully and properly respond with a supported denial of those allegations,” Rhoad told The Post & Courier last month.
About Letters to the EditorAll letters submitted to The Island Connection must bear a full name, address and
phone number for verification. Only the author’s name and city will be printed. Submissions are accepted via email to [email protected] or mail to
PO. Box 837, Sullivan’s Island, SC 29482.Letters may be edited for length and readability. The Island Connection reserves the right to reject letters that are libelous, unseemly, not individually addressed to The Island Connection or that have been previously published elsewhere. The Island
Connection will not publish letters endorsing political candidates.
8 July 3, 2015
July 3, 2015 9
arts & eventsbooks
Fat Hen gets publishedN E W C O O K B O O K F R O M I S L A N D
F AV O R I T E R E S TA U R A N T
STAFF REPORTFor The Island Connection
Fat Hen, a Johns Island restaurant, has published its
first cookbook. "The Fat Hen Cookbook, Celebrating French Lowcountry Cuisine," features dozens of recipes from the kitchen of Chef and Owner Fred Neuville. Recipes cover entrees, sides, soups, salads, brunch and more. The cookbook is available for purchase at the restaurant or via Fat Hen’s website at www.thefathen.com.
Fat Hen will be hosting a Birthday Bash and Cookbook release party in July at "The Coop," Fat Hen’s outdoor waiting and events area. The Coop features a rotation of 8 draft beers and 4 tap wines and will be open, weather permitting, from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Saturday and during Sunday brunch from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m.
Ladybugs flying free at Magnolia Gardens
BY HERB FRAZIERFor The Island Connection
More than 150,000 ladybugs will fly free July 25 at Magnolia Plantation and Gardens during
the Lowcountry’s largest release of the environmentally friendly insect.
A red Volkswagen beetle, resembling a gigantic ladybug, will arrive at 10 a.m. to signal the start of the ladybug release. Hundreds of children, some dressed in ladybug costumes, will scatter throughout gardens to find the perfect spot to release their share of ladybugs.
Prizes will be awarded for the best ladybug costumes. Categories will be children under two, three to six and seven and older. A face painter will attend the event. Car pooling and early arrival is encouraged. The event ends at 1 p.m.
The popular ladybug is a natural predator to harmful insects such as aphids, scale insects and other small insects.
Some of the groups that will setup nature displays are:
• Audubon Center at Beidler Forest• Cypress Gardens, butterfly display• Grice Marine Laboratory at the
College of Charleston• Keep Charleston Beautiful, an
anti-litter campaign• Keeper of the Wild, a wildlife
rescue center• Reptile Innovations• Turtle Survival CenterA $15 adult general garden admission
is required to participate. The admission for children six to 12 is $10. Children under six are free.
July 3, 2015
MUSC Art continues from cover
5 til 8 p.m., including libations (provided by Salthouse Catering and Blue Water Convenience Stores) and light appetizers (provided by CRAVE Charleston Catering).
Tate Nation and Karen Hewitt Hagan will be doing a “Dueling Demo” at 4 p.m. Although they will be painting from the same photograph, their paintings promise to be wildly different (Tate/Expressionism with acrylics and Karen/Impressionism on gold leaf). This is an excellent chance to see the works as they are being created and learn about the artists’ inspiration. These paintings will be available for sale at the show also. Other artists will be demonstrating throughout the event. More than 100 small, large and oversized original paintings also will be on display and for sale at this event.
The new MUSC Children’s Hospital
and Women’s Pavilion is set to open its doors in 2019 and requires $50 million in philanthropic funding. It will combine an advanced, future-proof design with a patient-centered environment that empowers doctors, nurses and families to create a compassionate, innovative community of care. Darius Rucker and his wife, Beth, are the honorary co-chairs of the fundraising campaign to help build the new hospital. To learn more about the campaign, please visit imagine.musckids.org.
A demonstration schedule, directions to the event, and a preview page for art pre-sales may be viewed at www.HaganFineArt-MUSC.com. Art lovers will be admitted through the main gate at Kiawah by telling the attendant that they are going to the Art Show at The Sandcastle. Please call Tricia Cordina, President of Friends, at 843.814.9430 for more information.
Tate Nation & Karen Hewitt Hagan square off for a Dueling Demo at Friends of MUSC Children's Hospital Fine Art Annual on July 10, 2015.
12 July 3, 2015
volunteer spotlight
Ralph MastrangeloG I V I N G B A C K T O H O N O R H I S
F A M I LY ’ S H I S T O R Y
BY ZACHARY HUEYFor The Island Connection
Editor’s Note: Volunteer Spotlight is a column in The Island Connection highlighting members of the community who give their time to help others. If you know of a volunteer who deserves the spotlight email [email protected].
There are many parallels between a successful volunteer and a successful father. Both require
dedication and diverse talents. Both can be difficult at times and can be thankless jobs. However neither fathers nor volunteers get involved for praise. They do their best simply to help another life flourish. On this Father’s Day, Our Lady of Mercy Community Outreach wants to thank all of our volunteers who are fathers, as well as all men who raise children and make a difference. One such father who volunteers with OLM is Ralph Mastrangelo.
Ralph was born in Brooklyn and grew up in Queens, New York. After marrying his wife Liz, they made their home in Franklin Lakes, New Jersey. Now their time is split between Franklin Lakes and Kiawah Island. They have three daughters, one residing in Boston, a second in Bend, Oegon, and the third in Hoboken, New Jersey. His professional career was spent working on Wall Street managing operations, technology and financial services businesses. It was an exciting time with market changes inducing innovation and rapid response.
Along with a busy professional life, Ralph felt the need to get involved in volunteering. As a young father he supported his daughters’ activities, but living in New York City opened his eyes to a diverse range of social and economic conditions, prompting him to give back to the larger community. He recalls:
“I was happy to try to help where help was needed . . . I particularly enjoyed my volunteer work in education and health care. I volunteered at Junior Achievement of New York. I served on local school advisory committees and a private school foundation providing support for needy students in the community. I became involved in health care at the New York Downtown hospital, serving a large immigrant population in downtown Manhattan as well as the Wall Street community. I ultimately served on the hospital board during the events of 9/11 and in subsequent years, as it was the closest hospital to the World Trade Center, and faced the many challenges of a rebuilding downtown community.”
Now as a member of the Kiawah community, Ralph volunteers for committee work at The Kiawah Island Community Association and became a mentor and business student coach at The Citadel in Charleston.
As is the case with most great ideas, Ralph got involved with Our Lady of Mercy Community Outreach Services because of his wife. They were introduced to the organization by good friends on Kiawah. They attended the annual auction, met Sister Mary Joseph, and learned about the outreach mission and programs. The values closely aligned to
their own, so Liz volunteered first and loved it.
Ralph got involved after his wife, and has stayed active in a variety of ways. He joined the Our Lady of Mercy Community Outreach board this past year, served on the Finance Committee, and has done volunteer work at Neighborhood House in downtown Charleston where lunch is served daily to people experiencing poverty. Ralph loves being out in the community serving people, especially at a special place like Neighborhood House which is celebrating 100 years of service in Charleston.
Volunteering with Our Lady of Mercy Community Outreach is a special opportunity for Ralph to combine his interests in education and health care for immigrants and people living in poverty. The work resonates on a personal level for him as well, “My grandparents were immigrants in Brooklyn and I learned of their many struggles from my father and saw first-hand the fruits of their labor. My hope is that through the work of the Outreach, others can receive the help they need to ultimately be successful and positive forces in their families and communities.”
In Ralph’s opinion an important contribution of a volunteer is to help people feel good about themselves and support their prospects for the future. “No one among us can control all of the variables all of the time. Giving people financial support is often helpful and necessary. Helping with health and educational needs is absolutely fundamental to making truly sustainable positive changes in people’s lives. Another key piece to having a positive impact is having access to positive role models and mentors. So many Our Lady of Mercy Community Outreach volunteers are doing just that every day. “
In honor of Father’s Day, Ralph shared what he would impart to his children, as well as what his father shared with him: “What should a father say to one’s children? They already know it. They already do it. Share your good fortune! For by any measure, to whom much is given, much is expected. Volunteering is a good way to share. My dad imparted to me a true sense of fairness and charity when he shared his good fortune one particular Christmas with a young immigrant family. Stuck with me, I guess!”
For more information on how to get involved with Our Lady of Mercy Community Outreach contact Zachary Huey via phone 843.559.4109 or email [email protected]. The organization is currently seeking summer camp counselors.
July 3, 2015 13
Freshfields continues from cover
arts & events
• Java Java• JMcLaughlin• Kiawah Fine Jewelry• Kiawah Spirits• Kiawah Wine• King Street Grille• Ladles• LaTela• Leggiadro• Lilly Pulitzer (Sunday only)• Palmetto Island, Featuring
Tommy Bahama• Peyton William Jewelry• Roberta Roller Rabbit• The Resort Shop, Home of the Sea
Glass Jewelry event• The Spot• The Station at Freshfields• Seacoast Sports and Outfitters• Southern Sports Presented by
Island Tide• Urban Nirvana Hair• Urban Nirvana Spa• Village Dentistry• Village Optical
• Vincents Drug Store• Wonder Works• Wyndham Resort Rentals"We want to make people aware that
not only visitors, but residents as well, should patronize these stores that so generously give to so many worthwhile, local charities and organizations," Threlfall said.
One of the reasons Threlfall is so excited to launch this new fundraising effort is that she has been approached by two additional elementary schools that would like to participate in our program.
"Between the two schools there are approximately 100 to 125 children, the majority of which are homeless. I have told them that I will have to see how our fundraising proceeds over the summer before we commit, as I do not want to accept, then get mid year and no longer have the funds to continue."
Hopefully this event will generate a substantial amount of funds to keep the program running and providing even more needy children with two breakfasts, three dinners, fruit, juice and milk as well as assorted snacks and protein to keep them going through the weekend, all year long.
14 July 3, 2015
on the water
It's summertime andthe redfish are jumping
BY GEOFF BENNETTFor The Island Connection
Though the summertime shift into high temperatures has been brutal, it certainly hasn’t slowed
the fishing down. Anglers trying to catch a bite should try fishing early in the morning, where they can find fish blitzing bait on the surface as well as calmer winds that’ll allow them to see fish upon the flats. Alternatively, the evening usually offers cooler weather as well as a chance to catch tailing redfish on big flood tides.
Fishing for redfish has yielded great results. Though the large schools of redfish have now since broken up, anglers can still find pods of up to ten to twenty fish, mostly on the flats. Placing a scent trail in the water and an easy meal in front of schools redfish is a tactic that normally results in success. Putting cracked blue crab or live mullet on the bottom with enough weight to hold it stationary is recommended. A size 3/0 combined with a heavy test line works as a great combination.
Trout fishing also continues to improve. Recently, a large number of midsize trout have been available for catching. Before this, there were only a small number of big trout that were ready to breed. Fishing mud minnows on
jigheads can be quite effective and also lets one get his or her bait in front of trout into deeper pockets. Using size 1/8 jighwads is recommended. Anglers can use heavier jigheads but should make sure their size is not significantly bigger than their bait.
Spanish mackerel are plentiful and can be best found in the morning. When finding groups of fish busting bait on the surface, be sure to throw reflective casting jigs and to reel each of them quickly through the school. Also make sure when fishing to move your boat slowly around the school; running through a pod of fish will just result in putting them down. Also, if you know fish are present but not up top near the surface, try trolling Clark Spoons at various depths and at different speeds.
The months of July and August will especially provide a significant amount of high tides towards the evening. This results in some exciting angling, as fishers can see the backs and tails of redfish as they put their noses in the mud in the hunt for crabs. These resulting tides are known as “tailing tides.”
Sight casting to redfish as well as the chance to eat them is thrilling. Though it oftentimes is a long process in stalking
July 3, 2015 15
on the water
a fish and positioning yourself for just the right cast, finally landing that hard-earned redfish is in itself a truly rewarding experience.
Capt. Geoff Bennett operates Charleston Charter Fishing providing light tackle and fly fishing charters. Clients choose from a full menu of fly rods, artificial and live bait fishing options with charters tailored to their
desires. USCG licensed and insured, Capt. Bennett is committed to providing a safe and enjoyable charter to anglers of all skill levels and ages.
For more information, call Capt. Bennett at 843.324.3332, visit his website at www.charlestoncharterfishing.com or email him at [email protected].
Island Connection Calendar July 15ONGOING EVENTSMondaysMonday Bridge Group9 a.m. at the Lake House. The Monday Bridge Group needs new players. For more information, please contact Lori Muenow at 843.768.2314 or Ilse Calcagno at 843.768.0317.
Seabrook Stitchers 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. June 1 - August 25 at the Lake House. For more information, please contact Denise Doyon at [email protected].
Farmers Market at Freshfields Village4 - 8 p.m. Pick from the freshest produce and local crafts all summer long.
Storytime at John’s Island Library10:30 a.m. Mondays, July 6, 13, 20 and 27 is Babygarten Storytime (under 24 months with adult). 10:30 a.m. Mondays, July 6, 13, 20 and 27 is Young and Restless Storytime (18 – 30 months with adult).
Mingo Point Oyster Roast & BBQ6 - 9 p.m. Continues through August 31. Enjoy an authentic Lowcountry experience at Kiawah’s most popular family outing. A riverside oyster roast, an all-you-can-eat buffet featuring Southern BBQ specialties, live entertainment, a kids “coolzone,” live gator presentations and a local artisan craft market.
Tuesdays
Mah Jongg Practice1 - 4 p.m. The 2nd, 3rd, and 4th Tuesday of the month. Located at The Lake House—Osprey 2. Open to all new players, those returning to the game, and anyone else who wants a chance to practice with others who are learning the game. If you have any questions, please contact Helen Thompson at [email protected].
Storytimes at John’s Island Library 10:30 a.m. Tuesdays: June 9, 16, 23, and 30. Time for Twos (2 – 3 years old with caregiver).
Kick it at BohicketEvery Tuesday night from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Kick It has been a HUGE HIT, featuring a jump castle, face painter, DJ, and shag dancing on the patio! Come Join us every Tuesday throughout the Summer! Special thanks to the Town of Seabrook Island, and the Bohicket Merchants’ Association for their support!
Straw Market Social6 - 9 p.m. Continues through August 11 at the Kiawah Resort. Enjoy an evening filled with live music, buckets of beer and dining specials from Southern Kitchen, an ice cream social by Inn Side Scoop, weekly wine tastings, a sidewalk sale along the boardwalk and arts & crafts for kids!
WednesdaysLake House Yoga
8:30 a.m. Join us for Rise and Shine Yoga with Patti Romano, formerly known at Gentle Flow Yoga. Rise and Shine Yoga is an all-levels practice focused around finding your day’s intention, set up yourself for success and be ready to shine.
Freshfields Village family movie nights8:30 p.m. Freshfields Village is about to get a bit more star-studded, with 15 weeks of movies under the moonlight.
Climb for a CauseEach Wednesday throughout this summer, Wild Blue Ropes on Folly Road will designate a local charity to receive $5 from every Challenge Pass ticket sold for that day. For more information, or consideration of your local cause, please contact [email protected].
Summer Wonder WorkshopsFirst class: 10 a.m. Second Class: 11 a.m. Join Wonder Works in Freshfields for their weekly Summer Wonder Workshops with various themes and activities. Call the shop at 843.768.4383 to reserve your spot today.
ThursdaysSunset Raw Bar at The Ocean Course6 - 9 p.m. through September 3 Kiawah Resort hosts live jazz guitarists at The Ocean Course raw bar. Raw oysters on the half shell, shellfish shooters, ceviche and lobster rolls are offered along with beer, wine and signature cocktails. Priced a la carte.
FridaysPreschool Zone10:30 a.m. All throughout April. 351 Maybank Highway, Johns Island Regional Library. 3 - 6 years old must be accompanied with an adult. Call 843.559.1945 for more information.
Friday Indoor Pickleball12:30 - 2:30 p.m. at St. Christopher’s Camp. For further information, please contact Mary Torello at 843.768.0056.
Photographics Art Shows4 - 8 p.m. July through August. PhotoGraphics Portrait Photography and Art Gallery in Freshfields Village will be hosting art shows. July 3 & July 10: Michael Cyra. July 17 & July 24: Sally Reynolds. July 31 & Aug 7: Sheryl Stalnaker. Aug 14 & Aug 21: Chris Rutigiano. Aug 28: Group show.
Concerts on the Village Green6 - 9 p.m. Enjoy the sweet sounds of summer every Friday at Freshfields Village during the Music on the Green concert series, which features popular acts from around the Southeast.
SaturdaysTaeBo with Elizabeth9:45 a.m. Throughout June at The Lake House. TaeBo is a program combining the best variety of different exercise disciplines to provide an overall workout.
Homegrown10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Johns Island Farmers’ Market. Every Third Saturday at 3546 Maybank Highway Johns Island. For more information, visit www.johnsislandfarmersmarket.com.
2015 Sea Island Cars and Coffee9 - 11 a.m. The third Saturday each month at Freshfields Village.
Sippin’ Saturdays at Irvin House Vineyards12 – 4 p.m., the winery and distillery will serve up a different local food vendor and musical group to entertain locals and visitors. Visit www.charlestonwine.com.
Full Moon Bonfire on Seabrook8:07 p.m. moonnrise. 8:32 sunset. Thursday, July 30; Saturday, August 29; Sunday, September 27. We’ll gather just north of Boardwalk 1. With the completion of the cut and the abundance of turtle nests near Boardwalk 6, the bonfire will return to just north of Boardwalk 1.
WEDNESDAY, JULY 1Independence Festival6 - 9:30 p.m. Fireworks take off in the park at 9:15 p.m. Night Heron Park hosts a patriotic evening filled with Food Trucks, Fireworks and lots of Festivities. Live music, southern lawn games, train rides,
face painting and more.
THURSDAY, JULY 2Seabrook Island Artist Guild Art Sale5 - 7 p.m. on Thursdays; 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. on Fridays. The sales run through Friday, July 3. The Artist Guild will host its art show and sale in the Lake House on Seabrook Island. Take a break from the heat and come see what our local artists have in store for you.
Walk and Restore9:30 - 10:20 a.m. Meets at the McLeod Plantation Historic Site. Restorative yoga professionals lead participants along short walking loops, stopping intermittently to stretch, relax, and practice restorative yoga to build strength, flexibility, balance. Register for six or more classes and receive a discount. Ages 16 & up. www.ccprc.com.
SATURDAY, JULY 418th-Century Artillery Program at the Powder Magazine1 - 4 p.m. Arm yourself… with knowledge! The Powder Magazine is offering an educational program on one of our nation’s most historic days, the Fourth of July. This program on 18th-Century Artillery, which is included with regular admission at the Powder Magazine on 79 Cumberland Street. For more information call 843.722.9350.
Independence Day at Night Heron Park6:30 - 10 p.m. Food will be served until 9:30 p.m. Fireworks in the park begin at 10 p.m. Festivities include: live music, tiedye, face painting, train rides, carnival games, and much more!
Celebrate America’s Independence at Home of Arthur Middleton!10 a.m. - 4 p.m. On July 4 and 5, Middleton Place will be celebrating Independence Day. All events are covered with General Admission. For more info, go to www.MiddletonPlace.org.
Magnolia Gardens “History Fair”10 a.m. - 3 p.m. On the nation’s birthday, Magnolia Plantation and Gardens will celebrate Lowcountry history and culture during the 3rd Annual History Fair. For more information 843.571.1266, ext. 206.
FRIDAY, JULY 10Friends of MUSC Children’s Hospital Fine Art Annual3 - 8 p.m. The public is invited to attend a free art show and sale to be held at the oceanfront Sandcastle Community Center at 1 Shipwatch Road, Kiawah Island. A portion of this event’s proceeds will help build the new Children’s Hospital and Women’s Pavilion at the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston. Please call Tricia Cordina at 843.814.9430 for more information.
SUNDAY, JULY 12The 25th Annual Charleston Sprint Triathlon Series Continues 7 a.m. at the James Island County Park. The a 600-yard freshwater swim in the lake continues with a 12-mile bike ride through the park and out and back on Riverland Drive, and finish with a flat 5K run. Participants must be comfortable swimming 600M in open water and riding a bicycle on roads open to traffic.
WEDNESDAY, JULY 15Moranz Entertainment: “Get on Your Feet” 7:30 p.m. at the East Beach Conference Center. Sponsored by the Town of Kiawah Island Arts and Cultural Events Council. Long-time Charleston entertainers Brad and Jennifer Moranz are producing an all-new summer show, “Get On Your Feet!” featuring the biggest hits of rock, pop and country. This high-energy musical revue stars a professional cast performing their version of hits from Billy Joel, Bruce Springsteen, Elvis Presley, The Beach Boys, Celine Dion, Darius Rucker and many more. Complimentary tickets will be available at Kiawah Town Hall. Call 843.768.9166 or visit online at www.kiawahisland.org/specialevents.
July 3
