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Volume 8 Issue 18

December 19, 2014

FREE

Lipuma
re-elected
Mayor
of Kiawah

BY GREGG BRAGG

The Island Connection Staff Writer

Spreading Christmas Cheer

S

PHOTOS BY RALPH SECOY

anta has been visiting the Sea Islands in preparation for his big
trip later this month, and getting some help from the military
in his efforts to bring good cheer to all this Holiday Season!

Buttermilk pie
Page 17

More photos on page 7

Arts Council
Page 6

ayor Charles Lipuma has been

elected to a second term as
Mayor of Kiawah Island. The
voter turnout was just over 24 percent
with 403 of the 1,646 registered voters
on the island casting their vote. The
previous months election saw a turnout
of 55 percent. The results of the mayoral
election are as follows:
Charles Lipuma (mayor) 253 (64%)
Fran Wermuth (mayor)
139 (35%)
Write-in
4 (1%)
The four candidates for Town Council
ran unopposed and the results, with each
voter casting 4 votes, are as follows;
John Wilson
297 (24%)
John Labriola (incumbent) 296 (24%)
Craig Weaver
290 (24%)
Mary Johnson (incumbent) 274 (22%)
66 votes were cast for write-in
candidates with some characters more real
than others.
The new Town Council was sworn in
at a ceremony on Dec. 5. The first meeting
of the council will be held in January.

Slavo Serves
Page 15

December 19, 2014

civic

Town of Kiawah Island

Council Meeting,
December 2, 2014

Lynn Pierotti
publisher
lynn@luckydognews.com
Jennifer Tuohy
managing editor
jennifer@luckydognews.com
Swan Richards
senior graphic designer
swan@luckydognews.com
Lori McGee
sales manager
lori@luckydognews.com
Sandy England
ad sales
sandy@luckydognews.com
Alejandro Ferreyros
graphic designer
alejandro@luckydognews.com
Ralph Secoy
staff photographer
Staff Writer
Gregg Bragg
Contributors
Stephanie Braswell
Joanne Threlfall
Bob Hooper
Chad A. Kelly
Marylynn Markel
Roberta Boatti
Marilyn Markel

Published by
Lucky Dog Publishing
of South Carolina, LLC
P.O. Box 837
Sullivans Island, SC 29482
843-886-NEWS
Future deadlines: December 24
for submissions for the
January 2 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

he December Town Council

meeting for the Town of Kiawah
Island started fast enough to
qualify for the inside lane at Darlington
earlier this month. The gavel fell at 2:01
and by 2:02 it dawned that there were
no Citizens Comments to be made. The
crowd, small by recent standards buckled
in for a record pace as discussion of
Old Business was announced. Within
moments, however, the yellow caution
flag came out and the pace slowed to a
crawl.
Old Business was a second reading of
Ordinance 2014-11, to annex the land
recently purchased by TOKI at 4475
Betsy Kerrison. As the reading concluded,
Councilmember Patch raised an issue.
Starting from the first reading and as
recently as the last Ways and Means
committee meeting, it had been agreed
to designate the property as Community
Support, for zoning purposes. Now at the
second reading, the requested language
was still not reflected in the ordinance,
Patch observed.
The Towns legal council initially
seemed to think it was an inconsequential
technicality that could be changed at any
time. As the debate wore on, everyone
realized the language could also be
changed right then and there. So they did.
When legal council returned sometime
later from the copier with the correct
iteration of the ordinance, it was passed
without opposition or further discussion.
The first item of New Business was

scheduled to be a Presentation by Public

Safety Solutions inc. on its review of
emergency service to the island. It was
canceled however, due to timing. Mayor
Lipuma stated the council had not
received the report in sufficient time to
allow a review prior to the Town Council
meeting.
PSSi was originally engaged to
conduct a review of current emergency
services on Kiawah, a project scheduled
for completion by October 2014. Since
then, PSSi was granted a 33 percent
increase in funds, from $44,000 to nearly
$59,000 and more time to complete
the contracted work. The St. Johns Fire
District is conducting a similar review
at the same time. It was originally hoped
the two studies could go forward without
encumbering each other or perhaps could
even augment each other, but that does
not seem to be the case.
Remaining items of New Business
went quickly and included;
1. Approval of the 2015 Town
Council Meetings Schedule,
2. Approval of the 2015 Holiday
Schedule,
3. Approval of an extension of the
contract with Atkins Inc. to handle
post-emergency debris removal
through November of next year,
4. Approval of the review of the
Charleston
Visitors
Bureau
Annual Audit,
5. Approval of the draft plan for
new signage [seven new signs

Civic Calendar
Tue, December 23

Wed, January 7

Wed, February 4

Ways and Means

Committee Meeting
2 4 p.m.
Kiawah Town Hall
Town Council Meeting
2:30 4:30 p.m.
Seabrook Town Hall

Town Planning
Commission Work
Session
2:30 4:30 p.m.
Seabrook Town Hall

Town Planning
Commission Work
Session
2:30 4:30 p.m.
Seabrook Town Hall

Thu, December 25
Kiawah Town Hall
Closed for Christmas
Day

Thu, January 1
Kiawah Town Hall
Closed for New Years
Day

Wed, January 14
Town Planning
Commission Meeting
2:30 4:30 p.m.
Seabrook Town Hall

Tue, January 27
Town Council Meeting
2:30 4:30 p.m.
Seabrook Town Hall

plus additional indicators painted

on the street] along the Parkway,
all of which are approved by all
concerned parties. The signs will
be metal with reflective paint on
wood backing. Charleston County
contributed $10,000 to offset
nearly all associated costs,
6. Approval of changes to the
Charitable Giving Policy and
Application process. This took
a bit longer because there were a
couple of changes. Historically,
people/groups requesting funds
from TOKI had to specify if
they were requesting charitable
donation or a grant. The requested
funds would then be pulled from
one of two $100,000 buckets.
The funds were combined and the
application has been streamlined.
The deadline for applications is
January 12, 2015.
Committee reports were also a bit
shorter than normal. Although only
two members of Town Council ran
for re-election, anything that remains
will be carried over to the new council.
Councilmember Murphy, one of the
outgoing members, made note of this as he
reported on the Public Safety Committee.
An unfinished item was the idea that
sprinkler systems be required in all new
constructions on Kiawah. There is not yet
a consensus on the committee but this
item could make a measurable difference
in an emergency. Murphy encouraged
the next Town Council to continue

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
Wed, February 11 Email:
lmanning@townofseabrookisland.org
Town Planning
Commission Meeting
Johns Island Council
2:30 4:30 p.m.
Meetings are held at the Berkeley Electric
Seabrook Town Hall
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

December 19, 2014

civic

investigating the proposed changes. He

has also been a key figure in the review of
emergency services and will be included
in the re-scheduled meeting for the review
of PSSis report.
Returning Councilmember Labriola,
reporting for the Environmental
Committee, said that erosion around the
East Beach area is accelerating and the
committee wants to move ahead with
mitigation on an as-needed basis.
Returning Councilmember Johnson
said that January, February and March are
the busiest times for Arts Council events.
Outgoing Councilmember Patch
announced; 1 that the definition of
Lot Coverage is still being debated and
will need attention from the next Town
Council and 2 The Board of Zoning
Appeals training is being conducted as a
matter of continuing education.
The Town Administrator reported that
progress is being made on a project to
construct a second waterline to Kiawah
being managed by the Kiawah Island
Utility. By way of an announcement,
she said it will come before the Planning
Commission when all permits are in hand.
As a second item, service for radios
recently purchased for the Kiawah Island
Community Emergency Response Team
would be provided by the vendor without
recurring costs being charged.
Mayor Lipuma reminded everyone
that today [the same day as the meeting]
was election day so get out and vote. The
swearing in ceremony was scheduled for
three days later, Lipuma continued, and
that the first Meeting of the new TOKI
Town Council is scheduled for Tuesday
January 6 at 2 p.m.

There were several items of

correspondence. Most notably, amidst
plans to proceed with a new municipal
campus, was a letter from the Kiawah
Island Community Association. The letter
documented the intent to renew their
lease on the part of the existing Town
Hall currently in use by KICA. The letter
read in part:
We recognize that the end of the
initial term [when they would be required
to notify TOKI] does not expire until
February 2017. However, as the Town
is engaged in long term planning of its
facility needs, we felt it appropriate to
confirm our own plans. I understand that
Dave Schoenholz discussed this course of
action during your lunch on November
fourth. The letter was signed by KICA
Chief operating Officer, Jimmy Bailey.
Citizens Comments featured Kiawah
resident Wendy Kulick. Wendy reminded
Town Council that she had filed a FOIA
request that should have been answered
no later than November 30. Although
she had been informed at the time that
answering some of her questions would
be contingent on closing on the property
at 4475 Betsy Kerrison, she should have
had the answers to a raft of questions and
was following up. Town legal council said
he would get back to her immediately
and that while he wasnt very technical,
by immediately he meant tomorrow.
According to Kulick, as of December 10,
2014, she has received no response.
There being no Executive Session, each
Councilmember spent a moment thanking
each other, the staff and residents for their
time in office.

civic

December 19, 2014

Seabrook Island Town Council,

November 18, 2014
STAFF REPORT

For The Island Connection

fter the pledge of allegiance, Mayor

Ahearn called the Nov. 18, 2014,
Town Council meeting to order at
2:30 p.m. Councilmen Ciancio, Gregg,
Romano and Turner, Town Administrator
Pierce, Town Clerk Allbritton and several
guests attended the meeting.
Mayor Ahearn abstained from the
vote on the October Town Council
minutes since he was not present at
the meeting. The minutes of the Town
Council meeting of Oct. 28, 2014, were
unanimously approved by the remaining
Councilmembers.
Financials
Mayor Ahearn reported that revenues
for the month of October exceeded budget
by approximately $55,000 due to checks
for Local Option Sales Tax and State
Accommodations Tax being deposited
in October rather than September. For
the year to date, revenues exceeded
budget by approximately $109,000.
Expenditures were under budget for
October by about $13,000 and year to
date expenditures were under budget by
approximately $52,000. For the month of

October, revenues exceeded expenditures

by $109,000, which is about $ 68,000
more than budget; and, for the year to
date, revenues exceeded expenditures by
$266,000, which is about $161,000 more
than budget. For the same period in 2013,
revenues exceeded expenditures by about
$346,000.
Community Relations
Councilman Romano reported that
the Property Owners Associations
Planning Committee met on November
12 and solutions to the aging housing
issue on Seabrook Island was the main
topic of discussion. The Sustainability/
Audubon subcommittee is working with
a contractor to develop a budget for
uniform signage for Seabrook Island. The
Gateway Committee met on November
7 and their focus is to continue to work
on improving the flow of traffic through
the security gate. Security employees are
currently conducting a traffic study to
determine if the bar code system should
be revamped.
Community Relations
Councilman Gregg reported that the

Clubs Long Range Planning Committee

met on November 13 and recommended
that the revised 2015 Clubs Strategic Plan
be presented to the Board of Governors
at their next meeting for adoption. They
also recommended that a representative
from the Clubs Long Range Planning
Committee participate on a new POA
subcommittee that will be addressing
issues on aging housing.
Public Safety
Councilman Gregg reported that the
Seabrook Island Public Safety Committee
met on November 10 and reviewed action
items that had been identified in Scott
Caves report of the October meeting of
the Disaster Recovery Council. They also
discussed areas of the Seabrook Island
Comprehensive Emergency Plan that will
need attention during the annual review
of the document.
Councilman Gregg stated that a
lease agreement between the Town and
Haulover Creek Development Company,
regarding property that the Town will be
able to use for temporary debris storage
and reduction, is included in Council
packets. Councilman Ciancio stated that
the lease requires the Town to maintain
insurance with reasonable limits but it
also requires that the insurance be on an
occurrence basis and questioned whether
the Towns insurance coverage satisfied
that requirement. Councilman Gregg
suggested that approval of the lease
agreement be put on hold until Town
Administrator Pierce determines if the
Town maintains the appropriate type of
insurance coverage.
Communications/Planning
Commission
Councilman Turner reported that
the Planning Commission is turning
their attention to updating Seabrook
Islands Comprehensive Plan now that
the Beach Management Plan is about
to be completed. Dave Mitchell, a
property owner, spoke to the Planning
Commission recently about the possibility
of cutting wax myrtles to a height of four

feet, rather than six feet as allowed by

the Town and the POA. Councilman
Turner also reported that a Department of
Natural Resources representative comes to
Seabrook Island between mid-December
and mid- February to observe Piping
Plovers. Councilman Turner volunteered
to contact Jerry Cummin, a SEADOGS
representative, and ask Mr. Cummin to
reinforce regulations regarding dogs on
the beach to members of that organization.
Planning & Development
Councilman Ciancio reported that
the Town will secure the services of a
media partner by mid-January for the
sweepstakes that has been approved as
part of the Towns advertising efforts
and the sweepstakes will begin in early
spring. Winners will be announced in
May and prizes redeemed in June through
December. Once the Town has a media
partner, we will know more about how
many people will be reached through the
sweepstakes. The tentative date for the
next website meeting will be December 2
at 9:30 a.m.
Ways & Means
Mayor Ahearn reported that a Ways &
Means meeting was held on November
11. Beach Ordinances were discussed
but there is still work to do before first
reading on the ordinance. The Haulover
Creek Land Development Company land
lease was discussed and action has been
postponed, earlier in this meeting, until
the December Council meeting. Since
revenue is not increasing at the same rate
as expenditures, an increase in business
license fees was also discussed. These fees
have not been increased since 1999. The
business license rates of most neighboring
towns are much higher than Seabrook
Island, especially since they double the fees
of companies who come from out of town
to work in their municipality. If the Town
moves forward with the increase to be
effective on January 1, 2015, first reading
of the ordinance will have to be at this
meeting and second reading would have
to take place in December. Permit fees

December 19, 2014

civic

can be increased by resolution and would

not require two readings. Councilman
Ciancio stated that he would like to see a
comparison of the Towns business license
fees compared to other municipalities and
would also like to look at expenditures to
see if those could be tightened as well.
Planning Commission
Bill Nelson reported that he has only
had one comment so far from residents
concerning the Comprehensive Beach
Management Plan and that was on
the issue of cutting wax myrtles. Mr.
Nelson stated that he will request official
documentation from OCRM and
determine what needs to be changed in
the Comprehensive Beach Management
Plan in regard to the wax myrtles. The
Public Hearing for the Plan will be held
on December 3 at 2:30 p.m.
Town Administrator
Town Administrator Pierce reported
that the Town needs an updated system
for recording Town meetings. VC3 has
recommended a company that has a
system that is digital and the total cost for
the equipment and wiring that would be
necessary is about $4,000. Councilman
Ciancio questioned whether the Town
would be required to obtain competitive
bids if the equipment is $3,000 or more;
noting that, if there are no other qualified
bidders for this type service, competing
bids would not be required. Town
Administrator Pierce will look into the
amount of the project and if there are any
other qualified bidders.
Utility Commission
Chairman Jeff Bostock stated that
the Utility Commission has its monthly
meeting on Wednesday, November 19.
Chairman Bostock reported that SIUC
had a deficit of $25,000 in September and
$4,000 in October. SIUC did receive a
check for $74,000 in November for impact
fees from Cassique. Chairman Bostock

reported that the Pelican Watch water

meters should be completely installed by
the end of the year and that the elevated
water tank project should be completed
within the next two weeks.
Ordinances for First Reading:
Ordinance 2014-04: An Ordinance
to Rezone Certain Property Located on
Old Oak Walk
This is property that Greenspace will
be transferring to the Property Owners
Association when it has been rezoned.
Councilman Ciancio moved to accept
Ordinance 2014-04 on first reading.
Councilman Turner seconded the motion
and the vote to approve was unanimous.
Ordinance 2014-05: An Ordinance
to Adopt an Updated Comprehensive
Beach Management Plan for the Town of
Seabrook Island.
Councilman Turner moved to accept
Ordinance 2014-05 on first reading.
Councilman Gregg seconded the motion
and the vote to approve was unanimous.
Ordinance 2014-06: An Ordinance
to Amend the Town of Seabrook Islands
Business License Ordinance.
Councilman Ciancio moved to accept
Ordinance 2014-06 on first reading.
Councilman Gregg seconded the motion
and the vote to approve was unanimous.
Ordinances for Second Reading:
Ordinance 2014-03: An Ordinance
to allow a Councilmember to Attend a
Meeting by Telephone.
Councilman Ciancio moved to approve
Ordinance 2014-03 on second reading.
Councilman Gregg seconded the motion
and the vote to approve was unanimous.
The meeting was adjourned at 3:45
p.m.

Happy Holidays!

December 19, 2014

letter to the editor

arts & events

Dont pave our paradise

Kiawah Arts Council

offers January programs

Dear Editor,
I do not understand how 387 people can decide the fate of an island that is not their
own. Over 1,000 supporters on Facebook. Hundreds and hundreds of paper petitions
and hundreds of online petition signatures. We have talked to so many people that are
appalled at what Kiawah is doing. Rampant destruction of fertile farmland, loss of local
jobs, disrespect for a way of life that has existed long before Kiawah came along.
They paved paradise and put up a parking lot, Joni Mitchell, Big Yellow Taxi.
This classic song may have well been written for the town of Kiawah and the fate of
the Rosebank Farm produce stand. What will be gone is not just a vegetable stand by
the side of the road. The stand represents a way of life that is vanishing all too quickly.
It represents responsible stewardship of the land, an example that we could leave for
future generations to follow. It is a farm that provides real jobs and real food for the
people of the Lowcountry, grown by the people of the Lowcountry. It is waking up in
the dark, long days, demanding work, sweat, disappointments and the hard-earned
fruits of ones labor.
We need to understand the real value of our agricultural land and what it will
providefresh, healthy produce. It wasnt that long ago that Daniel Island was almost
all farmland, and look at it now. Is that Johns Island in five years?
If we eliminate all of the treasures that make this the most wonderful place to live,
who will want to come? As you take the beautiful drive to Rosebank, the changes along
the way can be seen. The development seems fast-paced and without the infrastructure
to support it.
Rosebank owner Sidi Limehouse has been a voice of reason, conservation, preservation
and common sense. He has not been shy about his opposition to developing the fragile
area on Kiawah Island, known as Capt. Sams Spit.
It seems mean-spirited to rush the closing of a business to suit the political wishes of
a town government.
Very few people are aware of the generosity of Sidi Limehouse. There are more
healthy people today because of him. His philanthropy extends beyond writing checks
to organizations.
His kindness extends to the forgotten members of our societythose living in
poverty, the hungry and the underserved in our community. Sidi has always responded
to the needs of the less fortunate.
The produce he donates to these groups has kept them alive, healthy and out of the
public support system. To cut off this priceless source of healthy food in order to build a
municipal complex for Kiawah on Johns Island seems unnecessary. Is there not another
place available? It is another example of overdevelopment at a huge cost to all of us.
It will cost us a way of life that is a part of our culture and the history of our islands
farming the land and generosity of the spirit. We will look at that building complex,
shake our heads and remember a sweet pastfresh fruits and vegetables, beautiful
wildflowers and the simple pleasures once provided. We know you cant stop progress,
or what some people think is progress, but it will be a sad day for all of us when that big
white tent comes down.
Yes, Kiawah let Rosebank stay on the property till Dec.31, even though they
had a lease that extend until April 2015. How kind of them to try and protect their
reputations after the public outcry regarding closing the stand before Christmas. We
dont understand the actions of the town council of Kiawah Island but I do know that
they are highly resented in the rest of the surrounding areas. We are writing to let the
people on Kiawah Island know how the rest of us feel. Kiawah cares.... About Kiawah.
Thank you for your consideration,
Jill Levy,
Charleston
Jacki Baer,
Mount Pleasant

BY STEPHANIE BRASWELL
For The Island Connection

All events sponsored by the Town of

Kiawah Island Arts Council. Complimentary
Tickets are available at the Visitors Center
at Kiawah Island Town Hall. For more
information call 843.768.9166.

illy Novick Quintet featuring

Donna Byrne
Saturday, January 10, 7:30 p.m.,
Seabrook Island House
Ticket Release: Kiawah 12/23 Public
12/26. This concert will offer online ticketing
beginning 12/26. Visit www.kiawahisland.
org/special-events.
You may remember Billy Novick
playing the role of Paul Desmond in last
years Kiawah Island Tribute to Dave
Brubeck concert. Billy returns with his
full quintet, featuring vocalist Donna
Byrne. The quintet will be performing
music from the great American Songbook
the music of the Gershwin, Cole Porter,
Richard Rogers, and the other great
composers of that era. Billy Novicks has
performed at countless clubs, festivals
and concerts all over North America and
Europe. As a studio musician, his sax and
clarinet playing have been featured on
over 250 recordings and more than 100
feature films and television shows. He is a
very active as a composer and arranger. He

recently premiered his second full-length

ballet score for the Washington Ballets
version of The Sun Also Rises to seven
sold-out shows at the Kennedy Center.
The Boston Globe wrote: "Billy
Novick on clarinet, had he lived in the
1930's, would be a legend." Downbeat
magazine described Novicks music:
"sincerity...elegance a lovely celebration
of tunefulness..."
With her deep, sultry soulful singer
and a true artists feel for interpretation,
Donna Byrne is one of New Englands
most admired and acclaimed vocalists.
She has released eight recordings and
has developed a dedicated following
throughout the Northeast. Tony Bennet
has called Donna one of the best young
jazz singers in the country today. She's the
Real McCoy.
Rebellious Leaders in Classical
Music Performed by the Charleston
Symphony Orchestra
Sunday, January 18, 4 p.m., Holy Spirit
Catholic Church. Ticket Release: Kiawah
12/29 Public 1/2. This concert will offer
online ticketing beginning 1/2. Visit www.
kiawahisland.org/special-events.
Not only has this program been
designed by CSO Concertmaster Yuriy
Bekker, but were delighted to announce
that Mr. Bekker will also be on the
podium conducting. The concert will
feature works by Wolfgang Amadeus
Mozart, Sergei Prokofiev and Dmitri
Shostakovich. Not only were the three
composers rebellious in terms of their
compositional form and style, but they
rebelled against religious/governmental
politics through their music.
Leading off the concert will be
Mozarts iconic Jupiter Symphony
(No.41), often viewed as the finest
example of the classical symphonic form.
Second on the program is Prokofievs
Classical Symphony (No.1), which even
today confounds musical scholars as to
why the enfant terrible and modernist
rogue would use this classical form for
one of his first major compositions. The
concert will conclude with Shostakovichs
Piano Concerto No.1, which he debuted
at the piano in 1933. Two years later
Shostakovich began a long period of hiding
or modifying his brand of neo-classical/
post-romantic style in order to survive
under the Stalinist regime. Imagine
having two highly regarded symphonies
on the same concert program, along with
the excitement of hosting concert pianist
Volodymyr Vynnytsky as he performs
the Shostakovich Piano Concert No.1.
Its worth mentioning that the trumpet
solo work in the Concerto is so extensive
and demanding, that the work could be
viewed as a double concerto for piano and
trumpet. Antonio Marti, Acting Principal
Trumpet for the CSO, will be featured
along with Mr. Vynnytsky.

December 19, 2014

daily

Christmas Cheer continued from cover

A Lucky Dog Favorite

PHOTOS BY RALPH SECOY

December 19, 2014

fundraising

Backpack Buddies benefits

from Seabrook bracelets
BY JOANNE THRELFALL
For The Island Connection

Bill Henzy, of Kiawah Fine Jewelers, hands Joanne Threlfall, and Elaine Davis, cochairs of Backpack Buddies of Seabrook Island a check for $524.70.

iawah Fine Jewelers generously Island bracelet sold. Since the beginning
hosted a fundraising event for of the school year the program has
Backpack Buddies Seabrook Island, been sending home nutritious food and
whose mission is to ensure that needy snacks on the weekends for between 39
children, identified by
and 43 children. The
school officials, from
cost is approximately
Mt. Zion Elementary
$4.50 to $5.00 per
the event at
School, Johns Island
child
per
week.
are
fed
on
the
This is an ongoing
kiawah fine
weekends. During the
fundraising
effort
jewelers
week these children are
for this all-volunteer
fed breakfast and lunch
raised over $500 group; 100 percent of
in school, but on the
donations benefit the
through the
weekends their families
children. The program
donations of a
don't have the resources
is a 501c3 non-profit,
to feed their children
so all donations are tax
portion of the
properly, resulting in
deductible as permitted
hungry children. To proceeds of each by law. If you would like
be exact, 88.9 percent
seabrook island additional information
of students qualify for
or to volunteer, please
bracelet sold.
free or reduced lunch.
contact one of the
Children are eligible
co-chairs
Joanne
for this when their
Threlfall 203.417.8518
familys income is at, or
or
Elaine
Davis
below the poverty level.
843.297.8788 or email
The event at Kiawah Fine Jewelers Backpackbuddiesseabrookisland@gmail.
raised over $500 through the donation of com
a portion of the proceeds of each Seabrook

Island Connection Calendar

10

December 19, 2014

December 19

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

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. If you have any
questions, please contact Helen Thompson
at hmtsbsc@gmail.com.

Fridays

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.

Friday Indoor Pickleball
12:30-2:30 every Friday at St.
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.
Holiday Craft Classes for 5 12 year
olds
10 a.m. 12 p.m. Children will be able
to choose from a variety of projects (or
choose them all!). The class will work with
natural elements to celebrate the season!
Taught by mother daughter artist duo Sally
Collins and KC Collins. $35 Members,
$45 Non-Members per one day class.
Register for both days and get $5 off total.
Circular Congregational Church Wingard
Room, 150 Meeting St.

Ongoing

Holiday Festival of Lights, James Island

County Park
Ongoing Nightly through Jan. 1.
Special events are included with festival
admission fees. For festival hours and
fees, call 843.795.4386 or visit www.

HolidayFestivalofLights.com.
Dec. 19: Visit with Mrs. Claus, 5:30 p.m.
Ask a Caw Caw Naturalist, 6 p.m.
Dec. 20: Visit with Mrs. Claus, 5:30 p.m.
Holiday Carolers, 6 8 p.m.
Dec. 21: Visit with Mrs. Claus, 5:30 p.m.
Dec. 23: Storytelling, 6:30 & 7:30 p.m.
Dec. 31: Stiltwalker, 6 p.m. and Fireworks,
9 p.m.
Beginners Oil Painting Class at Kiawah
s Sandcastle Community Center
10 a.m. 1 p.m. Nine weeks beginning
on Friday, January 2 and continuing each
Friday for nine weeks to end on February
27 we will explore essential skills for
painting in oils. To sign up or for more
information contact Cathy Fieberg,
Community Program Coordinator,
Sandcastle Community Center.
866.226.1770 ext. 280.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 19
The Nutcracker comes to the Sottile
Theatre
10 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. To help put us
in the holiday spirit, the Coastal Ballet
Theatre will be performing the Nutcracker
on Dec. 19 at the Sottile Theatre. There
will be two performances: 10 a.m.
and 7:30 p.m. Tickets are available at
adobeformscentral.com/?f=6n1FRT60fP0JHXPmB072w#.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 20

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 25

Holiday Smores
5 7 p.m. $15/kit. Available for purchase
at the Lobby Bar and the Sanctuary. Join
us on the Grand Lawn at the Sanctuary
for holiday fireside smores and hot
cocoa while sitting under the stars! Mrs.
Clause will make a special appearance for
Christmas stories beginning at 5:30 p.m.

Merry Christmas!

Santa at the Aquarium

A very welcome guest from the North Pole
will make special weekend appearances in
the Great Ocean Tank at South Carolina
Aquarium. December 20 and 21, dont
miss this opportunity to see SCUBA Claus
swim with the fish during select Aquarium
dive shows!

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 24
Tomasso Feast of the Seven Fishes
5 8 p.m. The feast of seven fishes
also known as the vigil and celebrated
on Christmas Eve, is believed to have
originated in Sotuern Italy The long
tradition of eating seafood on Christmas
Eve dates from medieval Italian times,
where meat Chef markets were closed on
specific holy days. We at Tomasso are
carrying on the tradition with our own
feast! 5 courses for $65, or $90 with wine
pairings. Please call 843.226.4070 for
reservations.

Kiawahs Grand Christmas Day Buffet

Jasmine Porch, breakfast from 6:30
10:15 a.m. Grand Buffet from 12 8 p.m.
Celebrate this special day with us and
allow our chefs to overwhelm your palate
with holiday specialties. $72/adult $25/
child (4-12). Call 843.768.6253.

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 31
New Years Dinner at Jasmine Porch
5:30 10 p.m. Ring in the New Year
with a warm atmosphere accompanied
with live music, your favorite champagne,
and regionally inspired cuisine. Jasmine
Porch will be offering their Tour of the
Lowcountry with a holiday spin, plus a
limited a la carte menu. For reservations,
please call 843. 768.6253.
New Years Dinner at The Ocean Room
Dinner, 5:30 10 p.m. Celebrate a new
beginning at the Ocean Room this
New Years Eve while enjoying their
seasonal steakhouse menu! Join us prior
to your dinner reservation for spirited
libations in the Ocean Room Lounge.
The Sushi Lounge will be available for
southern style sushi and small plates.
Reservations required 843.768.6253.
Call the Sommelier to pre-select wine at
843.768.6308.

January 2
The Lobby Lounge
Live Music and After Party, 8 p.m. 1
a.m. Join us in the Lobby Bar before and
after your dining plans. Enjoy specialty
cocktails and spectacular live music as you
count down to the New Year. All guests are
welcome to dance the night away on the
dance floor and raise a glass of champagne
to the New Year under the stars of the
Grand Lawn. There will be a stunning
firework display at midnight.
New Years Family Celebration
5:30 10 p.m., Night Heron Park.
Ring in 2015 with friends and family,

featuring live entertainment and fireworks.

Full a la carte dinner menu including
Kiawahs favorites, such as roasted oysters,
barbecued chicken & ribs, collard greens
and hoppin johns, delicious desserts, and
kettle corn. Food will be served until 9:30
p.m. Fireworks finale begins at 10 p.m.

FRIDAY, JANUARY 2
Seabrook Island Artist Guild Artists and
Photographer of the Month
Reception at The Lake House. See story on
page 16.

Holiday
Shopping Guide

14

December 19, 2014

arts & events

computer corner

Beginners oil painting class

at Kiawah's Sandcastle
Community Center

A smorgasboard of
advice for the season

BY BOB HOOPER
For Island Eye News

STAFF REPORT

For The Island Connection

ave you always wanted to paint,

but did not know how to begin?
This class is for you. For nine weeks
beginning Friday, Jan. 2 and continuing
each Friday for nine weeks, ending Feb.
27, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., the class will
explore essential skills for painting in oils.
It will include drawing skills, color theory
and mixing, and composition. Students
will work from four still life stations and
will have individualized instruction and

written critiques.
The class will be taught by Patricia Huff,
experienced artist and teacher. Patricia's
multi-faceted approach and unique aids
will help in your creative artist adventure.
To sign up or for more information contact
Cathy Fieberg, Community Program
Coordinator, Sandcastle Community
Center 843.768.3875, cathy.fieberg@kica.
us.

new email scam, purporting to be

either from Costco, Sam's, Amazon
or any other big name warehouse
or online wholesaler, is circulating. The
email starts out Our online store (insert
name here) received an order and
continues with instructions that seem to
confirm either an order or an order being
sent to you. It provides a link where you
can see the order detail. This is a fake link
and will send you to fake website where
your information may be compromised.
Laptop prices are down, just be aware
of what you are buying. Cheap can do the
job but might not last long. Make sure you
are comparing Apples to Appleseven if
its a Windows based computer!
The calls from Microsoft or a Microsoft
partner have ramped up again and will
be in full force through the holidays.
Those, along with email scams are just
that, scams. No one is going to call
you from Microsoft and tell you your
computer is infected, damaged, whatever.
It's all aimed at parting you from some
hard-earned cash and truly infect your
computer.
Apple computers cannot get a virus
but all sorts of other malware can
infect them. Bad guys have decided that

although the pool of Apple users is small

compared to Windows users they have a
lot of disposable income and want some
of it. If not using any sort of protection
consider using Sophos at sophos.com. The
price is perfect as its free.
Staying with Apple, if you have installed
or have considered installing MacKeeper
do yourself a favor and steer clear of it.
There is a lot of negative feedback about
the program online, mainly focused on
the aggressive advertising they use.
Windows has released a Beta test of
the new Windows 10 operating software.
Most likely sometime next year we will
see computers being sold with the new
OS and 8 will be history. Anyone who
has bought a computer with 8 or 8.1 on
it should be offered a reduced upgrade,
probably the same for Windows 7. If you
have 8 or 8.1 I would consider upgrading
when offered but would wait with 7.
Have a very Merry Christmas and
if celebrating another holiday have a
wonderful one!
As with all of my columns if you want
help or have questions don't hesitate to call
Rent A Bob at 843.822.7794 or email at
rentabob@live.com.

December 19, 2014

15

volunteer spotlight

Serving the Sea Islands

S H I R L E Y S A LV O S P R E A D S H E R TA L E N T S
ACROSS HER COMMUNITY
BY MARYLYNN MARKEL
For The Island Connection

Editors 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
jennifer@luckydognews.com.

hirley Salvo is one busy lady. And

thats just the way she likes it.
The former middle school science
teacher doesnt let much grass grow under
her feet. Indeed, its hard to keep up with
her.
I just have a passion for helping
people, she says. And that passion extends
to numerous organizations, committees
and causes that benefit from her talent
and skills.
From Sea Island Hunger Awareness
to ConKerr Cancer, to Noahs Ark, to
her church, to the Kiawah Island Singles
Group, Salvo gets right in there to make
a difference. And it pretty much started
as soon as she got to Kiawah twelve years
ago.
I did a lot with Habitat for Humanity
when I first moved to the island, she
says. Salvo also did volunteer work for
the Barrier Island Medical Clinic and was
captain of the tennis team. But that was
just the beginning.

Tid e Char t
Date

High Tide

Low Tide

Dec 19
Dec 20
Dec 21
Dec 22
Dec 23
Dec 24
Dec 25
Dec 26
Dec 27
Dec 28
Dec 29
Dec 30
Dec 31
Jan 1

5:41am/5:46pm
6:29am/6:35pm
7:17am/7:24pm
8:04am/8:12pm
8:52am/9:02pm
9:41am/9:54pm
10:32am/10:49pm
11:25am/11:47pm
12:21pm
12:49am/1:20pm
1:53am/2:21pm
2:57am/3:22pm
3:58am/4:21pm
4:56am/5:18pm

11:51am/11:50pm
12:40pm
12:39am/1:28pm
1:28am/2:16pm
2:18am/3:04pm
3:08am/3:52pm
4:00am/4:43pm
4:56am/5:35pm
5:55am/6:29pm
6:58am/7:27pm
8:04am/8:25pm
9:10am/9:24pm
10:12am/10:21pm
11:11am/11:16pm

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

Dear to her heart right now is the

Sea Islands Hunger Awareness group
organized just this past spring, which
is part of Fight Island Hunger. The
organization provides food throughout
the year to provide a consistent and
dependable source of food for people in
need.
The committee was organized in May,
says Salvo, to solidify and strengthen the
efforts organizations on Johns Island and
Wadmalaw Island that make up Fight
Island Hunger.
Everyone was doing their own thing,
but no one was working together. Now
were doing a better job of working
together, she adds. In fact, the first
fundraiser was held this past May, and
yielded over $11,000, exceeding the target
number of $10,000.
But the need is great. There are
so many on our neighboring islands,
particularly seniors and children, who are
hungry, says Salvo.
It made me realize that $11,000 is a
drop in the bucket, she adds
The committee, which meets once a
month is planning another fundraiser
for May 2015. A Gullah Celebration to
Fight Island Hunger and will be held
at Freshfields Village on May 2. The
committee is looking for auction items,
sponsorships and donations.
ConnKerr Cancer is another cause that
Salvo has been actively involved in since
2009. ConKerr Cancer, with volunteers
in over 120 cities, dedicate themselves
to brightening the day to day lives of
seriously ill children. The group meets the
first and thirds Wednesday of the month.

Salvo, who is a skilled sewer, says, I do

have a passion for sewing. God gave me so
many talents I feel I should share them.
Twice a month, she and other volunteers
sew and supply approximately one
hundred pillowcases monthly to seriously
ill children at MUSC Childrens Hospital.
You dont have to sew to be part of
this, says Salvo. Theres a lot ironing,
pinning and cutting and we are always
looking for new volunteers.
Weve gotten some of the sweetest
letters, she continues One child signed
her letter, your new best friend. It just
makes me feel really good for the group.
Its all about the group. They are such
faithful workers.
All of which brings Shirley to Noahs
Ark.
Salvo credits Tumiko Rucker, Kiawah
Island town administrator and Julie
Koenig for being instrumental in getting
Noahs Ark started in 2011.
Salvo and her friend Carol Bly have
sewn at least 50 dresses for little girls who
have never had a special dress. There are
four Easter parties and two back-to-school
events for children ages 4 to 9. So far, 125
children have been recipients
We actually include a few boys, but
its the girls who love to get dressed up,
she says.
Each dress, which takes about ten
hours to make, is beautifully made and
come as an ensemble with a handmade
necklace and purse. A party is held for
the children at the Church of Their Savior
two weeks before Easter so the children
have their finery in time for Easter.
Some of these children have never had
a special dress, says Salvo. It is wonderful
to see their faces light up.
As if that werent enough, Salvo sews,
greets and ushers for her church, the
Church of Our Savior. I do anything
they ask me to do, she laughs. And, Salvo
has also organized a singles group.
Its a friendship group with 45
members. I organize activities and send
email about events in the area, like harbor
cruises, theater, music, on the green and
art council events. There are also house
parties and dancing.
Salvo is adamant that everything is
a group effort. I just like doing lots of
things. Its fun.
If all of us do a little, things will be
better.
Shirley Salvo encourages all to volunteer.
Volunteers are especially needed for Fight
Island Hunger and ConKerr Cancer.
Shirley can be reached at greenwave21@
bellsouth.net.

16

arts & events

December 19, 2014

Seabrook Artists Guild January

Artists of the Month
HORTON WORKSHOP STUDENTS EXHIBIT WORK

BY ROBERTA BOATTI
For The Island Connection

es, there are eight Artists of the Month for January. To kick off the New Year, and
in a slight departure from its regularly monthly AOM hangings, the Seabrook
Island Artist Guild will celebrate the work of eight of the artists who participated
in a two day, oil painting workshop with Mark Kelvin Horton, the well-known
Charleston artist and co-owner of Horton Hayes Fine Art gallery.
The hanging and reception event, on Jan. 2 will not only showcase the artwork
created by Ann Billeter, Jean Conyers, Jane Hall, Jennifier Koach, Bob LeFevre, Susan
Leggett, Tina Mayland and Sandy Scott, under the tutelage of Mark Kelvin Horton,
but also provide an opportunity for the guild to recognize Mark, who will attend the
opening, for his many years of friendship and commitment to the organization. He
has taught many workshops and contributed as a guest artist at numerous monthly
meetings.
In early November, 16 Seabrook Island artists converged on the Oyster Catcher
community center to participate in a course that Mark designed for oil painters of all
levels. The course focused on ways to improve as a painter by emphasizing composition,
design, values and color temperature. The group learned how to utilize those basic
elements to best express and complete a successful painting. Horton, who is particularly
fascinated with the effects of light and weather upon the landscape and paints beyond a
literal interpretation of a scene to portray nature in a way that reflects his own ideas and

sensibilities, addressed all aspects of painting in this workshop and placed emphasis on
helping students discover their own personal style and process in creating their work.
The January Artists of the Month represent all skill levels and depth of experience.
Dont miss this exhibit, opening Friday evening, Jan. 2 from 5 7 p.m. at the Lake
House gallery. It should be an inspiration for folks who have never painted or drawn
before, but always wanted to and for those who are skilled but want to learn new
techniques.
The artists guild offers free workshops covering numerous art fields, run by our
experienced members and designed to ease you into a new world of creativity.
In January, artist Tina Mayland will run a workshop entitled Step up your Painting
Results: Composition, Edges, and Values. Coming up in February, Colleen Wiessmann
will introduce you to the wonderful world of abstract art, and Gary Kunkelman will
teach classes for beginners in oils and pastels.
To register for a workshop, or get an off-island pass to attend, contact Walter Czander
at 768-9086 or e-mail him at ccczander@bellsouth.net . Visit our website at www.
seabrookislandartistguild.com to learn about all of the exciting opportunities the artist guild
has to offer.

December 19, 2014

Wine Pairing

17

seasons of the south

Southern Buttermilk Pie

BY MARILYN MARKEL
For The Island Connection

SantEvasio Brachetto dAcqui

This northern Italian sparkling dessert wine offers a fresh perspective on afterdinner beverages. Without being cloying or rich, this wine has serious character
encompassing violet, raspberry, and cherry, and is a perfect pairing with an array of
pies, cakes, and chocolate!

uttermilk or chess pies have been

a staple of the South for decades.
This pie is simple and delicious and
a bit of cornmeal in the crust gives it a
nice chewy texture to the flaky pastry.
Of course feel free to buy a crust if that is
your preference.
Serves 8
Ingredients
Pie Filling:
4 Tbsp butter, softened
1 1/2 cups sugar
4 large eggs
3 Tbsp fine white cornmeal
Small pinch salt
3/4 cup buttermilk
Juice of 1 large lemon
Slightly sweetened whipped cream
Sour cherries in syrup
9" Cornmeal Pie Crust:
3/4 cup flour
1/4 cup yellow cornmeal
Dash salt
1 stick cold butter, cut into cubes
2 Tbsp cold buttermilk
Directions
Pie Crust:

1. Preheat oven to 375.

2. Pulse the flour, cornmeal and salt
in a food processor. Add butter
and pulse to a coarse meal.
3. Add the buttermilk and pulse
until a ball forms. Chill the dough
for 15 minutes.
4. Roll out and place in a 9-inch pie
pan. Chill.
5. Add foil and weights and bake
about 20 minutes until partially
baked. Cool and add filling.
Pie Filling:
1. After the pie shell is partially
baked, adjust the oven temperature
to 375.
2. In a mixing bowl, cream the butter
and sugar until light and fluffy.
Beat in the eggs one at a time then
the cornmeal, and salt. Stir in the
buttermilk and lemon juice.
3. Pour the custard into the prepared
crust and bake it in the center
of the oven for 10 minutes, then
reduce the heat to 325. Bake
until the pie is set, about 40 to 50
minutes. Cool it on a wire rack.
Store in the refrigerator.
4. Serve with whipped cream and
cherries.

18

December 19, 2014

arts & events

Whats hot

Pat Conroy headlines

Wild Dunes Authors Event

How to have a
safe new year

BY JENNIFER TUOHY

BY CAPTAIN CHAD A. KELLY

Island Connection Editor

he 2015 Wild Dunes Club Authors

Event will feature Pat Conroy and
Cassandra King and takes place
Saturday, Jan. 10 from 4 to 7 p.m. The
event will be moderated by Isle of Palms
resident and bestselling author, Mary
Alice Monroe.
This annual event is the Wild Dunes
Clubs largest charitable effort and
supports literacy and education in the
Lowcountry, specifically Charleston
Volunteers for Literacy and the sponsoring
of a scholarship at the College of
Charleston School of Education, Health
and Human Performance.
Previous years panels have included
regional and national New York Times
bestselling authors including Kathy
Reichs, Dorothea Benton Frank, Mary
Kay Andrews, Jack Bass, Nathalie
Dupree, Diane Chamberlain, Jackie K.
Cooper, Katie Crouch, Mark Ethridge,
Lisa Genova, John Hart, Patti Callahan
Henry, Ann Herlong-Bodman, Jeffrey
Stepakoff, Brendan and Kerry Reichs, and
Marjorie Wentworth.
Due to the popularity of Pat Conroy,
who penned bestselling books including

South of Broad, The Prince of Tides,

The Great Santini and Beach Music,
this years event will be an evening
cocktail do and feature hors d'oeuvres, a
carving station and a cash bar in addition
to the book discussion and signing.
Tickets are $50. The 2015 panel boasts
Mary Alice Monroe as the moderator; Pat
Conroy and his wife, Cassandra King, as
the panelists and Alex Sanders serving as
the guest speaker.
A two-night, Pat Conroy Charleston
Package is available at Wild Dunes
Resort for $259 a night, based on double
occupancy (January 9-11, 2015).
The package includes two-night
accommodations in the AAA Four
Diamond Boardwalk Inn, two tickets
to the Historic Pat Conroy Charleston
Walking Tour for Two: Guests will discover
the classic beauty, hidden treasures and
majestic grounds of Charleston that are
captured in Pat Conroys bestselling
novel, "South of Broad."
For more information visit www.
wilddunes.com or call 843.886.2159.

For The Island Connection

ts that time of year where we start

making resolutions for the New Year.
A resolution that should be at the top
of everyones list is a safe home. Here are
some tips to make your home safer:
Are the counters and stove top
clean and uncluttered?
Is there a "play free" zone around
the stove? (3 feet)
Are towels and hot pads kept away
the cooking area?
Are extension cords used safely
(not frayed)
Are extension cords under rugs?
Are electrical outlets overloaded?
Are combustibles kept away from
heating sources?
Does your fire place have a screen?
Are matches/lighters kept out
reach of children?
Can your address been seen clearly
from the street?
Is there a working smoke alarm on
every floor?
Is there a working smoke alarm in
each sleeping area?

Are smoke alarms tested once a

month?
Does your family have a home
escape plan?
Does your family practice your
home escape plan?
Where is your family meeting
place?
St. Johns Fire District has a program
called Citizen SAFE, as part of the
program a representative of the fire
department will come to your home and
assist you in making your home safer by
pointing out hazards. There is no cost or
fines with this program. Please contact St
Johns Fire District Headquarters or email
f.inspections@stjfd.org to schedule a time.
As always if you have any questions,
would like a fire and life safety program
or need a smoke alarm installed feel free
to contact the St. Johns Fire/Rescue, Fire
Prevention Division.
Merry Christmas and Happy New
Year from St. Johns Fire District.