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Volume 8 Issue 15

November 7, 2014

FREE

TOKI
responds to
Town Hall
questions
BY GREGG BRAGG

The Island Connection Staff Writer

Festival raises funds for

miracles on Maybank

PHOTO BY RALPH SECOY

STAFF REPORT

For The Island Connection

he 8th annual Lowcountry Wine & Beer festival took

place Oct. 12 at Freshfields Village. Generous sponsors,
kind donors and enthusiastic guests helped raise muchneeded funds to provide for over a thousand patient visits at the
Miracle on Maybank non-profit medical clinic.
A stunning festival tent, an array of foods and beverages,
the sensational sounds of Ann Caldwell, a grand silent auction,
Citadel Cadets and tireless volunteers created an inviting autumn
afternoon enjoyed by families, friends and resort guests.

coming home
Page 3

On behalf of the more than 3,400 patients served, The

Barrier Islands Free Medical Clinic thanked the Lowcountry
communities:
Your support over the past eight years turned the vision of
Dr. Arthur Booth and Dr. Charlton Davis to provide residents
on our islands with medical care regardless of their ability to pay
into reality.
We look forward to your continued support and partnerships
in the future. Blessings to all! event organizer Lori Leary said.

top tennis
Page 13

his month the Town of Kiawah

Island held two public hearings
to discuss its plans to build a new
municipal campus on property off Betsy
Kerrison Parkway, outside the gates of the
Kiawah. The first meeting was scheduled
for Tuesday, Oct. 28 and the second for
Oct. 30. In neither instance were there
enough chairs and hardly standing room
with better than 100 attendees at each.
Questions and comments were rampant,
with at least 20 attendees taking the
opportunity to communicate with their
councilmembers. Approximately 80
percent voiced objections or concerns
while six people voiced support for TOKIs
proposed building initiative.
The councilmembers that are returning
for a second term were there, meeting,
greeting and passing out store bought
cookies, coffee and water bottles. By 6:42
p.m. at the Oct. 28 meeting, all the seats
were full for the 7 p.m. start. By 6:52 p.m.
there was hardly room to stand and at 6:59
p.m. the most emphatic, longest ever gavel
had everyone wondering if construction
on the new town hall had just begun.
Mayor Lipuma welcomed everyone and
quickly said there would be some ground
rules.
He would give a presentation to be
followed by a Q&A session.
Well stay until all your questions are
answered, he said.
The full presentation is available on the
TOKI web site, but some of the key points
TOKI made included:
The property on Betsy Kerrison
has not been purchased

TOKI Responds continues on page 7

riding to heal
Page 16

November 7, 2014

civic

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 Writers
Gregg Bragg
Contributors
Stephanie Braswell
Julia Hammer
Gerry Le
Colleen Kimener
Sarah Reynolds
Maria Gurovich

Published by
Lucky Dog Publishing
of South Carolina, LLC
P.O. Box 837
Sullivans Island, SC 29482
843-886-NEWS
Future deadlines: November 12
for submissions for the
November 21 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

Seabrook Town Council meeting

October 28, 2014
BY GREGG BRAGG

The Island Connection Staff Writer

eabrook Town hall was already busy

on Oct. 28, 2014 when council
groupies began arriving for this
months Town Council meeting. An
instructor-guided lecture was underway
on how to use your iPad for better
governance. There was shrink-wrap
on the floor, and freshly opened Apple
trademarked boxes on the table. Is it safe
to expect social media-based updates from
newly tech-savvy town fathers?
Mayor Pro Tem Ron Ciancio called the
meeting to order in a timely fashion but
somberly hopscotched through the usual
menu of opening formalities. Following
the Pledge and in place of attendance,
for example, was the announcement that
Mayor Terrence Ahern was back in the
hospital.
Ciancio said the Mayors condition was
serious but stable, seemingly in an effort
to raise concern without creating alarm.
He went on to say this was the almost to
be expected result of immune deficiencies
encountered following pancreatic surgery.
Intermittent infections can result in
lengthy stays in the hospital for long
courses of antibiotics. The prognosis is
good and he concluded in very dignified,
halting tones, asking everyone to keep
the mayor in your thoughts.
Ciancio continued with a financial
report that is still on track for the year
despite revenues being under budget by
$42,000 for the month of September. He
was quick to explain a check for $40,000
of sales tax money, originally expected in
September was known to be in the mail
this month. Details not withstanding, the
running summary for Seabrook reflects
revenues ahead of budget for the year,
expenses under budget for the year with
total revenues over expenses of $156,000
so far, for the 2014.

Molly Waring, Assistant Director of

Media Relations, and Jerry Cummins,
former Seabrook councilmember, stepped
up for Citizens Comments. Both were
attending as representatives of the
Charleston Visitors Bureau. Cummins
opened the discussion with an anecdote
about how he had once described himself
as having a big nose, grey hair and a bow
tie as though he was invisible. Amidst the
resulting smiles, he mentioned needing an
additional share of Accommodations Tax
money for the CVB before moving on
with the rest of his presentation.
In case you missed it, recent news has
included mention that readers of Cond
Nast Traveler have voted Charleston the
No. 1 city in the United States for the
fourth year in a row. The CVB, intending
to capitalize on the news, has developed
a promotional video titled A Love Letter
From Charleston to the World. To
demonstrate money invested in the CVB
was well spent, Council and attendees
were treated to a preview. The video is also
available on the web at www.charlestonly.
com with the hope the top shelf video will
go viral. If only Councils shiny new iPads
had been up and running.
Don Romano said the Seabrook
Island Property Owners Association
had identified seven strategic initiatives
and reported on updates. The Beach
Management Plan is all but finished. The
remaining six plans, Climate Change
Effects, Disaster Recovery, Benchmarks
for Cost of Living [on Seabrook],
Education on Aging Housing, Street
Signs and the Gateway Committee are all
moving forward, but in various sates of
completion.
John Gregg, liaison to the Club, said
they had Focus Groups that were focused
on the same seven plans as SIPOA.

Civic Calendar
Tue, November 11

Tue, November 18

Tue, December 2

Kiawah Town Hall

closed for Veterans
Day

Communications
Committee Meeting
3 5 p.m.
Kiawah Town Hall

Town Council
Meeting
2 4 p.m.
Kiawah Town Hall

Wed, November 12
Public Safety
Committee Meeting
2 4 p.m.
Kiawah Town Hall
Town Planning
Commission Meeting
2:30 4:30 p.m.
Seabrook Town Hall

Mon, November 17
Board of Zoning
Appeals
4 5 p.m.
Kiawah Town Hall

Tue, November 25
Ways and Means
Committee Meeting
2 4 p.m.
Kiawah Town Hall
Town Council
Meeting
2:30 4:30 p.m.
Seabrook Town Hall

Thu, November 27
Kiawah Town
Hall closed for
Thanksgiving

Gregg also reported on Public Safety,

and raised the issue of citations on the
beach. Citations can be issued by State/
County law enforcement for violations of
State/County laws. After consulting with
the Towns attorney, it is also believed
those same law enforcement personnel can
enforce town ordinances if commissioned
to do so by the town. So with the question
of Can we? seemingly resolved, the
wrestling match is now a matter of
Should we?
Communications
liaison
councilmember John Turner reported the
towns web site was moving forward and
so was the issue of the temporary debris
site. The property owner of the waste site
was currently reviewing the language to
be used in the agreement.
Gregg went on to note a concern about
the recent revelation the Town and SIPOA
were on different emergency systems. He
had spoken to Heather Payton (SIPOA)
and the stopgap solution is to share
SIPOA radios in a crises. While licensing
additional radios will be necessary, it
is not required in an emergency. It was
also noted the Seabrook Community
Emergency Response Team has their own
communications equipment that can be
leveraged in a crisis and that CERT tested
their equipment on a monthly basis.
Planning and Development
Ron Ciancio, now wearing a different
hat, reported the Make Seabrook
Uniquely Yours campaign and web site
is still below budget. It has yielded 4,400
hits on the web site in the last month,
which is down, but as expected for the
season. However it does have one million
positive impressions in the last quarter.

Kiawah TC continues on page 8

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
Wed, December 3 Fax: 768-9830
Email:
Town Planning
lmanning@townofseabrookisland.org
Commission Work
Session
Johns Island Council
2:30 4:30 p.m.
Meetings are held at the Berkeley Electric Co-op
Seabrook Town Hall
located at 3351 Maybank Hwy, Johns Island.
Planning Commission Chairman Chris Cannon: 343-5113
Meeting
Charleston County Council
3 5 p.m.
4045 Bridge View Dr, N. Charleston
Kiawah Town Hall
958-4700t

Thu, December 4 City of Charleston

Arts Council Meeting
3 5 p.m.
Kiawah Town Hall

75 Calhoun St.
724-3745

November 7, 2014

arts & events

St. Johns High School

Homecoming Parade
PHOTOS BY RALPH SECOY

Friday Oct. 21, Main Road was close for the annual St. Johns High
School Homecoming parade. The fun started at Haut Gap Middle
school and ended at the high school for some tailgating before the
7:30 p.m. kick off of the Homecoming football game.

arts & events

November 7, 2014

Upcoming Arts
Council events

BY STEPHANIE BRASWELL
For The Island Connection

tienne Charles Creole SoulJazz

with a Caribbean Twist
Friday, November 14 at 7:30
p.m., Seabrook Island House
Etienne Charles exhibits both an
authentic preservation of the music of his
native culture of Trinidad as a composer
and bandleader, while broadening our
scope of understanding through the
collaborative sound of American jazz
as it meets new colors, new textures,
and new motifs across the world. It will
certainly bring more of our public into
the jazz audience, Marcus Roberts

says. An amazing Trumpet player, and

Steel Drum player, and Cuatro player...
young Trinidadian who has held onto
his heritage, says Monty Alexander. A
daring improviser, Charles also delivers
with heart-wrenching lyricism, Jazz
Times. had strength and a clear, almost
classical sense of thematic organization,
New York Times.
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.

November 7, 2014

arts & events

Charleston Dance Institute presents

The Little Match Girl
Sunday, December 7, 3:30 p.m. and
7:30 p.m., East Beach Conference Center
Ticket Release: Kiawah 11/18 Public
11/21
The story is a timeless tale of the
resilience of the human spirit. A young girl
is selling matches, barefoot in the snow on
the last day of the year. Alone, freezing,
and unable to sell a single match, the little

match girl huddles into a corner to stay

warm. She lights a single match, holding
its tiny flame cupped in her palms, and
there, in the flickering of the flame, she
is able to escape her reality for a fleeting
moment, Charleston City Paper.
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.

November 7, 2014

November 7, 2014

TOKI Responds continues from cover

Final actions to be taken after full

public disclosure (e.g. the reason
for and timing of the meetings):
-- Vote to purchase property will be
Nov. 4
-- Property closing is scheduled for
Nov. 7
-- Property Annexation will happen
on Dec. 2
-- Town will take possession of
property in January
In regard to questions of violations
of the Freedom of Information Act, the
Mayors presentation made these points
[and the sellers preference] to explain
using FOIAs option not to disclose:
The Act also recognizes that
certain matters, to be properly
handled, resolved or negotiated,
are exempt from disclosure and
may be discussed in executive
sessions.
Council utilized these exemptions
to negotiate and resolve matters
related to the pending contract to
acquire real property.
Documents of, and incidental to,
proposed contractual arrangements
and incidental to proposed sales or
purchases of property are exempt
from disclosure until a contract is
entered into or the property is sold
or purchased
Contract for the sale or purchase
of real estate remains exempt
from disclosure until the deed is
executed.
Lipuma closed his remarks by
reminding everyone that Cond Nast
readers had recently voted Kiawah Island
the best island in America, beating out the
Hawaiian islands of Maui and Kauai, and
that Kiawah is also one of the two best
islands in the world. We must be doing
something right, said Lipuma.
Lipuma then turned the meeting over
to Charlie Moore, the agent who brokered
the deal for the sellers to provide some
factual information. Moore spoke
without the burden of a time limit as only
a salesman can, about how he had been
friends with Sidi for forty years. Perhaps
most significantly, Sidi was never told
to move any earlier than the December

civic
30 time frame, but was offered cash to
help with the move if he [Sidi] agreed to
move by the end of November, Moore
concluded, clearing the way for questions
from residents.
Attendees at the meeting with speaking
roles fell into two categories, those with
questions and those expressing support for
the TOKI initiative. During this portion
there was a lot of back and forth, below
is a sample of questions and comments
made.
Ari Dezanger spoke saying he approved
of the towns decisions and supported its
efforts.
Art Morgenstern asked whether a vote
was taken on the confidentiality agreement
with the seller. [e.g. that prevented TOKI
from discussing this with residents
sooner]. Mayor Lipuma answered with a
definite no. Morgenstern then asked if the
Mayor has the authority to sign such an
agreement?

I am ashamed
of what Kiawah
has become.
Randall Horres
Yes, I signed the agreement, Lipuma
said.
Was any earnest money paid?
Morgenstern asked.
Yes, a modest amount was paid,
$25,000, by me, Lipuma said.
So, decisions were made and votes
were taken? Morgenstern said. At this
point Mayor Lipuma said Morgenstern
was taking too much time, to which
he responded that the mayor had said
he would stay until all questions were
answered.
No, no decisions were made and no
votes were taken, Lipuma said.
Do you have the authority to spend
that much [without votes or decisions]?
Yes, Lipuma said
Will there be a public referendum?
No, there will be no referendum,
Lipuma said.
Were alternative locations like
Freshfields considered? Morgenstern
continued.

Yes, Freshfields was too expensive,

Lipuma said.
Blas Keegel then spoke saying he
approved of the towns decisions and
supported its efforts. And asked why are
we so worried about Sidi. He has no value
to us anyway, he said.
Marilyn Larach spoke next asking
Can we drop the Island part of our
name since we have crossed the river onto
Johns Island? And, yes, incidentally, he
[Sidi] does have value to us.
I am ashamed of what Kiawah has
become, Randall Horres said.
Next, Thomas Legare spoke.
Back in 1988 when Kiawah first
became a town, Kiawah, Seabrook and
Johns Island all stood together to prevent
being annexed by Joe Riley. Now you are
doing the same thing.
Then Judy OBrien asked about cash
reserves following the purchase and
construction expenses.
Our budget is about $7.5 million
and reserves should run about 2.5 times
budget, Lipuma said. Which leaves
us in pretty good shape. Im a fiscal
conservative.
Giovanni Richardson stood and said
I have been watching the Lowcountry all
my life, like my family before me. I dont
agree with what you are doing and I am
shocked to see the discord created by the
lack of transparency and I hope you will
work that out.
Kathy Parks started to ask what the
maximum amount the mayor can sign off
on was. Lipuma responded $25,000.
I thought it was five or maybe ten
depending on the circumstance, Parks
said.
Well maybe I did ten twice, Lipuma
said.
Parks continued to ask whether any
property price comparisons were done on
the property.
Yes. This was much cheaper than
anything on Kiawah, responded Lipuma.
Parks then said fair comparison would
be something else on Betsy Kerrison not
something on Kiawah. She went on to
explain her familys experience buying
land on Betsy Kerrison at 20 percent or
less per acre than TOKI was about to pay.
Quentin Jackson spoke supporting
the actions and initiatives of TOKI and

thanking them for tirelessly volunteering

their time to make Kiawah better.
Becky Hilstad said she supports the
actions and initiatives of TOKI Town
Council.
These are friends and neighbors that
volunteer their time and skills and who
want nothing but the best for Kiawah and
its residents, she said.
Wendy Kulick stepped up to ask what
the pressure was to move so quickly on this
when Sidis lease currently runs through
March 2015.
If we are to believe what youve said
at these meetings, the Town will not
be breaking ground January 1 or even
February 1. Surely it will be many months
before our new Council can even finalize
architectural plans for construction on
this property. Time will also be needed for
permitting, annexation, zoning changes,
etc. Whats the rush to force the closure
of Sidis by the end of November and
put these people and their employees out
of work right before the holidays? Sidi,
Louise and their employees are people, not
pawns in the Towns property acquisition
chess game, she said.
This project has been presented as a
chiseled-in-stone set of actions, Kulick
continued. However, if the Town of
Kiawah Island wants to do the right
thing, I ask you take a deep breath and
not rush into this. I know I sound like
a broken recordI asked for the Town
to slow down in executing the 2005 and
2010 Development Agreements with
the Developer and Resort respectively,
and were still living with issues from
them which could probably have been
resolved had the Town not forced them to
conclusion so rapidly.
I implore this Council to slow down
the process, provide the information so
many of us have asked you to provide, and
do the right thing for Kiawah, for Johns
Island and for generations to come, she
said.
With the adjournment of the second
and final meeting TOKI Town Council
has now informed residents of their plans,
satisfying the minimum legal requirements
on the way to a new municipal campus.
One concrete outcome of the meetings is
the official word that TOKI has decided
to let Sidi stay at his current location
through the end of the year.

Seabrook TC continues from page 2

The site offers a golf, tennis, or beach
getaway as a prize if you blog about your
experiences on Seabrook. Work on the
web site is on-going and the next meeting
of the related committee is scheduled for
November 6.
Planning Commission
The Beach Management plan was front
and center again this month. Many kudos
were expressed to Bill Nelson for his
determination, patience and hard work.
Currently, updates from Seabrook Town
Council are all but complete with updates
expected from only two more council
members. This leaves plenty of time for
public input and readings, reported Bill,
who is the version control manager of the
very large document.
The South Carolina Ocean and
Resource Management office, members
of the Seabrook Island Property Owners
Association, and a cast of thousands have
reviewed, contributed to, and approved

civic
the document and the direction it has
taken. Necessary permits are already lined
up. The document will be ready in a matter
of days [from the date of this meeting] for
public input. This should leave plenty of
time for a first public reading on Nov. 18
and both a second reading and final vote
on Dec. 16.
ATAX
Ron Ciancio, now with his third hat
on, reported that an Ad Hoc committee
for ATAX distribution had met on
October 1. Ron clarified that because
Seabrook takes in over $50,000 a year in
ATAX money (closer to $100,000) they
are legally required to have a committee
charged with deciding how to spend it.
The 7-member group had two items on its
agenda.
1. First for consideration by the
ATAX committee was sponsoring Kick
It at Bohicket. This event is scheduled
for Tuesday evenings at Bohicket Marina
between the hours of 6 and 9 p.m. every
week between Memorial Day and Labor

Day. Last summer it boasted six thousand

attendees. Kick It at Bohicket organizers
usually ask Seabrook for $12.5,000 a
year but are now requesting a raise to
$16,500. The increase was approved by
the committee and is included in the 2015
budget.
2. Remaining funds will be allocated
to Ad View and promotional ideas that
include such items as the previously
mentioned Make Seabrook Uniquely
Yours campaign. The next meeting of
the ATAX committee has been tentatively
scheduled for the spring of 2015.
Mayors Report
Ciancio continued with the Mayors
report with a plea for public support. It
seems the Sequester is to blame for plans to
reduce the number of rescue helicopters in
the Lowcountry from five down to three.
One of the two being lost is currently
stationed on Johns Island. Its all fun and
games until someone loses a helicopter
and the Mayor Pro Tem was asking for
public action to inveigh on Senators Scott
and Graham to keep the Johns Island
helicopter flying.
Utility Report
Jeff Bostock thinks September was a
good month for water, too, but he always
says that. He also said the inside of the
elevated tank had been re-coated and
the curing process would be done by the
end of October. The outside of the tank
will then be painted, a week after that,
followed by a cleaning and re-activation.
Work on the ten-inch line is almost
complete and the line with a new pump
is active and using less electricity than the
tired old pump. All that remains is for the
area to be fenced and landscaped.
Town administrator Randy Pierce
reported that drainage on Seabrook had

November 7, 2014

been deemed good enough to earn a 20

percent discount off flood insurance for
residents. Also, improvements to the web
site could result in still greater savings.
He also shared news that repaving of
Bohicket Road would start in the spring
of 2015.
First reading, Town of Seabrook
Island, SC Ordinance No. 2014-03
This measure would allow a Council
member to attend a meeting by telephone.
Motion to accept was made. Once
Randy Pierce assured council, Seabrook
has all the right stuff in all the right places,
the motion was seconded and passed.
Second reading of Town of Seabrook
Island, SC Ordinance No. 2014-02
This measure would adopt the 2015
budget with an estimated one million
dollars in revenues and approximately
$755,000 in expenses. The motion
to adopt the measure was made and
seconded. Romano asked if this was the
same as previous readings. Ciancio said
No, theres fireworks in here, as well as
funds for the sweepstakes and Kick It at
Bohicket but otherwise its the same. The
motion passed without further discussion
or dissent.
Citizen Comments included some
questions about ATAX. Why are we
spending $150K if we are only taking in
$100k? Where is the other money coming
from? Romano answered that the money
was coming from the general fund.
The follow up questions was well,
isnt that [Kick It at Bohicket] public
money being spent for private profit?
Romano replied it was money well spent
promoting Seabrook.
There being no further business, the
meeting was adjourned without any
executive sessions.

November 7, 2014

fundraising

Shellabrate with Sea Island

Habitat for Humanity
BY JULIA HAMMER

For The Island Connection

hellabration, Sea Island Habitats live, silent and wine auction event
will be held Nov. 9 at the River Course on Kiawah Island. This fun
evening starts at 4 p.m. with a silent auction and oyster roast. Live
music is provided by local favorites, the Port Authority Band.
There will be a separate live wine auction plus several buy-it-now wine
selections. This year guests have the option of purchasing a ticket to dig
in our Oyster Table of Treasure. The Oyster Table of Treasure, built by
Habitat construction staff, will be stocked with wonderful items such as gift
cards to local restaurants, fun gifts, lottery tickets and even pearl jewelry
for one lucky digger.
The evening ramps up for the main event as Tom Crawford returns as
auctioneer, with fabulous parties, lovely original artworks and unique trips
for the highest bidders. A delicious Lowcountry buffet dinner will be held
in the ballroom. Seating is open so get there early to grab a table with your
friends.
Shellabration is a casual dress and open-bar event sure to be the talk of
the Sea Islands. Tickets are $100 per person and can be purchased online at
http://tinyurl.com/Habitat-Shellabration.
Buy now as this event always sells out. For more information about tickets
and sponsorships please call 843.768.0998 or visit www.seaislandhabitat.
org.
All proceeds benefit Sea Island Habitat for Humanity. Last years auction
raised over $109,000 enough to fund the construction materials for an entire
home ($65,000) and part of another at our Laurel Oak Grove neighborhood
on James Island. Our Laurel Oak Grove neighborhood will be the future
home to 22 families. This unique development is centrally located with LEED
certified homes and built as a cluster development with parking on the outside
around the neighborhood instead of individual driveways. This allows more
shared green space and fosters a sense of community among homeowners.

Island Connection Calendar

10

November 7, 2014

November 7

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.

Kick it at Bohicket
Free family fun at Bohickett Marina, 6 to 9
p.m. featuring music, face painting, balloon
artists and a jump castle.

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.

Saturdays

Homegrown
Johns Island Farmers Market. Every
Saturday at 3546 Maybank Highway
Johns Island 9 a.m. 1 p.m. www.
johnsislandfarmersmarket.com.
Charleston Farmers Market
8 a.m. to 2 p.m. rain or shine in Marion
Square, 329 Meeting Street. A variety of
local produce, plants, herbs and cut flowers
as well as breakfast and lunch vendors, live
entertainment and an assortment of juried
arts and crafts from local artisans for visitors
to experience.

Ongoing

Holiday Festival of Lights, James Island

County Park
Nov. 12 through Dec. 23, see story page 17

Childrens/Young
Adult/Adult
Programming at Johns
Island Regional
Library

Small Business Counseling with SCORE

(adults)
Wednesday, November 5 from 10 a.m.-1
p.m. Receive free, confidential counseling
for your start-up idea or existing business
from members of the Charleston Coastal
Chapter of SCORE.
PLAY: Native American Heritage Month
Series (ages 6-12)
Tuesdays, November, 18 and 25 at 5:30
p.m. Through stories, crafts and food,
children will celebrate these rich and diverse
cultures, traditions, and histories and
acknowledge the important contributions of
Native people.
Sea Islands Book Club (adults)

Tuesday, November 18 at 2 p.m. Discuss

Blood and Beauty by Sarah Dunant. A
tale inspired by the lives of Borgia siblings
Lucretia and Cesare traces the familys rise
in the aftermath of Rodrigo Borgias rise to
the papacy, during which war, a terrifying
sexual plague, and the familys notorious
reputation forge an intimate bond between
brother and sister.
Round Table Discussion with
Councilwoman Johnson (adults)
Wednesday, November 19 at 12:30
p.m. Discuss concerns and issues with
Councilwoman Anna Johnson of
Charleston County District 8.

SATURDAY NOVEMBER 8
Lets Talk About It Fall Series
10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Watch Mansfield Park,
followed by a lecture and discussion with
Dr. Kathleen B. Rogers from College
of Charleston, at Johns Island Regional
Library. For more information, call
559.1945. This program is funded in part by
the Humanities Council SC.
Whale of a Sale
8 a.m. 2 p.m. The Junior League of
Charleston, Inc. presents the Lowcountrys
largest annual garage sale to end hunger and
homelessness in local communities at the
Omar Shrine Temple in Mt. Pleasant.
Shellabration
Sea Island Habitat for Humanity will hold
its Shellabration live, wine and silent auction
at the River Course on Kiawah Island. In
addition to the auctions, a low country
buffet will be provided, accompanied by
live entertainment. Tickets are $100 per
person and can be purchased online. This
event always sells out, so buy tickets early.
All proceeds benefit Sea Island Habitat for
Humanity.
2nd Annual Save The Rhino Event
1 6 p.m. at Trophy Lakes, Johns Island,
featuring top local musician Graham
Whorley, a live auction, food trucks, kids
activities, a South African wine village
and a South African potjieko cooking
competition. Potjieko is a traditional South
African dish that involves slow cooking in
an iron pot over an open flame for hours.
Event goers will receive tasting samples
of all recipes as a part of their general

admission ticket. Tickets are $15 at the

door.

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 10
Wounded Warrior Golf Outing
9:30 a.m. The Seabrook Island Club hosts
a Veterans Day charitable golf outing to
honor veterans and raise money to support
the Wounded Warrior Project and the
Ralph Johnson Veterans Hospital.
Entry fee is $70. Register by calling
843.768.2529.

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 11
Painting Class
1 to 3 p.m. Painting skies and clouds
workshop, Lake House Eagles Nest room.
This is a hands-on class so bring paints
and canvasses. To sign up contact Walter
Czander at 768.9086 or e-mail ccczander@
bellsouth.net.

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 12
Holiday Festival of Lights Fun Run/Walk
Wednesday, Nov. 12 and Thursday, Nov.
13, 6:30-8:30 p.m. at James Island County
Park. Race fee: $12 before Nov. 12/$15 on
Nov. 12 (if tickets still available).
American Red Cross Blood Drive at
Bohicket Marina
11 a.m. 4 p.m. Information about
scheduling a blood donation can be found
at www.redcrossblood.org by using the
sponsor code Bohicket or by calling our
office at 843.768.1280
Seabrook Genealogy Club Digs D.I.R.T
1:30 p.m. If you are interested in finding
the patriots and prisoners lurking in your
familys past, you will enjoy Digging Into
Roots Together (D.I.R.T.). For further
information contact Linda Mecchi at
gmecchi@aol.com.

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 13
The Innovative College of Building
Arts
7 p.m. SINHG talk. Presenter, Colby
Broadwater, is the President of the American
College of the Building Arts based in
Charleston. Located at the Lake House. All
Seabrook Island residents and guests are
welcome. There is a $5 donation for non

SINHG members. Information about future

programs and SINHG membership can be
found at the SINHG web site, sinhg.org.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 14
The Seabrook Island Garden Club
Meeting
How The Local Food Movement Enriches
Our Lives Coffee and conversation begin at
9:30 a.m. Come and join us for friendship
and fun.

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 15
Sea Island Cars and Coffee at Freshfields
Village
8 10 a.m. A new monthly event for
all lovers of great cars, we welcome all
interesting cars, antiques, classics, muscle
cars, modified cars and unique modern
cars. This is a great way to celebrate the
beauty of cools cars and to meet their
interesting owners.
Holiday Open House
10 a.m. 4 p.m. Join the Cottage Aroma
Bella Luxury Day Spa in Freshfields for our
Holiday Open House and get 30 percent
off gift certificates, up to 50 percent off
most boutique items, discounts on Deep
Steep and Aroma Bella, and enter a
drawing for a complimentary manicure and
pedicure.

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 18
Artist Guild Meeting
3 p.m. Monthly Artist Guild meeting
featuring contemporary impressionist artist
Rick Reinert Lake House. Presented by
the Seabrook Island Artist Guild.

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 27
Thanksgiving Donation to the
Lowcountry Food Bank
Kiawah will be donating $1 for every adult
meal ordered at The Sanctuarys Grand
Oaks Ballroom Thanksgiving Feast, Jasmine
Porch, The Atlantic Room, and The Ocean
Room to the Lowcountry Food Bank.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 28
Bohicket Marina & Market Fall Festival
Free Family Fun with Jump Castle, Balloon
Artist, Face Painter, and Beach Music for all

December 3
you shaggers! Kids Fishing Tournament $5 Entry Fee, includes pole and all the bait
youll need. 2 Sessions: 11-12 Noon and 12
Noon -1 p.m. Limited poles so 1st come 1st
serve! Please bring a canned food item and
support Our Lady of Mercy Community
Outreach. You can drop of your canned
food items at Doin the Charleston
Christmas Shop. Sponsored by Bohicket
Merchants Association. (Rain date 29).
Holiday Art Fair
Seabrook artists, photographers and crafts
people exhibit their work at the Lake House,

noon 7 p.m. Presented by the Seabrook

Island Artist Guild.

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 3
Small Business Counseling with SCORE
10 a.m. 1 p.m. Receive free, confidential
counseling for your start-up idea or existing
business from members of the Charleston
Coastal Chapter of SCORE at the Johns
Island Regional Library.

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daily

High School students

create new Vision
E D U C AT O R S S U P P O R T M U R A L
I N S TA L L AT I O N T H R O U G H G I F T F U N D S

Mark Epstein with students on the day of the mural dedication.

Game, set
& match!

13

The 31st Alan Fleming Senior Open Clay Court State Championships took place
October 1 through 5 at the Seabrook Island Racquet Club. The tournament raises
money for the Hospice of Charleston Foundation, a non-profit organization that makes
compassionate end of life care possible by assisting families who turn to Hospice for
help. Last year, $53,000 was presented to the HOC at the buffet dinner, bringing the
total gift over past years to over $350,00

Womens 70's doubles winners, Hutchinson D. Cummin, Seabrook Island and Jane L.
Fluet, Mt. Pleasant.

STAFF REPORT

The Island Connection

t. Johns students, under the

leadership of Principal Andre Dukes,
have created a new vision statement
for the Mighty Islanders. Scholars of the
Island, Citizens of the World reflects
the schools charge to utilize personalized
learning to prepare students for the global,
21st century workforce.
Our student scholars are learning to
think globally and act locally, and the new
vision embodies that spirit and sentiment,
said Principal Dukes.
Located in the schools main corridor,
the new art and vision statement will have
an impact for years to come on all who

visit the Johns Island school.

Longtime CCSD educator Mark
Epstein and his wife, Barbara, gifted the
funds to St. Johns for the installation of
the mural.
What wonderful students and a
greatcommunity. It was an honor for us
tomake this presentation, said Epstein.I
was blessed to have spent the lastthree
years serving the students of JohnsIsland.
This is a gift on behalf of the 26years I
have spent working as a teacher, counselor
and basketball coach in the Charleston
County School District.

Mixed 40's doubles Bronze Ball Winners, Charlotte Hartsock, Charleston and Garth
W. Thomson, Florence.

Tid e Char t
Date

High Tide

Low Tide

Nov 7
Nov 8
Nov 9
Nov 10
Nov 11
Nov 12
Nov 13
Nov 14
Nov 15
Nov 16
Nov 17
Nov 18
Nov 19
Nov 20

7:58am/8:23pm
8:44am/9:09pm
9:29am/9:55pm
10:14am/10:41pm
10:59am/11:29pm
11:45am
12:20am/12:34pm
1:13am/1:25pm
2:08am/2:18pm
3:02am/3:10pm
3:54am/4:00pm
4:44am/4:49pm
5:30am/5:35pm
6:14am/6:20pm

1:33am/2:15pm
2:20am/3:02pm
3:05am/3:48pm
3:49am/4:34pm
4:34am/5:19pm
5:21am/6:06pm
6:10am/6:54pm
7:04am/7:44pm
8:00am/8:34pm
8:58am/9:23pm
9:53am/10:10pm
10:45am/10:55pm
11:33am/11:38pm
12:20pm/6:20pm

Mixed 50's Finals Match: Lisa Gnann and Todd S. Hall, Daniel Island, played Mark
Mogul, Mount Pleasant and Laurie Yarbrough, Johns Island.

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

Al Mack, winner Men's 55 Doubles.

14

November 7, 2014

daily

arts & events

SINHG Visits Center

for Birds of Prey

Seabrook Artist Guild

Artist and Photographer
of the Month

BY PAULA OSBORN

For The Island Connection

n a clear, warm, October morning,

members of the Seabrook Island
Natural History Group visited the
Center for Birds of Prey in Awendaw, SC.
Our guide provided us with a concise
history of the non-profit group and an
overview of its mission. The center began
as The Charleston Raptor Center in 1991,
but was renamed The South Carolina
Center for Birds of Prey in 1995 to
better reflect its wider role. In 2004 the
additional title, The Avian Conservation
Center, designated the expanding work
of the organization with its Center for
Birds of Prey, the Avian Medical Center,
and The Oil Spill Treatment Facility.
In 2002, Joseph F. Rice, a Charleston
attorney committed to protection of the
environment, donated the 152 acres that
serve as home to the Center today.
Our guide introduced us to a number
of the rescued birds who serve to educate
groups such as ours about the variety
of those requiring attention from the
Center: a pair of eagles, a Mississippi kite,
a black vulture, and a red-shouldered
hawk, among others. These birds have
sustained injuries that have rendered them
unsuitable for return to the wild, yet they
possess temperaments that enable them to
tolerate flocks of people passing by their
enclosures.
The next phase of our visit found us
seated in a natural outdoor amphitheater
where we were able to watch some of the
avian residents demonstrate their flying
talents. The vulture soared overhead, the
falcon swooped in to capture its prey on
a lure, and the Mississippi kite dazzled
us with its maneuvers. Perhaps one of
the most exciting moments came when
the Asian horned owl flew right over our

heads to perch on a tree behind us. One

could sense the air passing through the
feathers!
Before we left, we were given a special
behind-the-scenes tour of the Medical
Center. A pelican had just arrived and was
in the examining room. Individual crates
sheltered injured birds in the continuous
care unit, and a juvenile barn owl had
gone missing momentarily. As staff
members searched for him, he popped out
of a nearby cabinet as if pleased with his
surprise entry.
The visit to the Avian Conservation
Center provided us with a rare
opportunity to learn more about these
remarkable birds, many of whom pass
through our Lowcountry area on their
annual migrations. One cannot help but
take pride in the fact that our region has
such an organization with staff members
and volunteers committed to giving
injured birds the attention that they need,
to collecting data that provides a snapshot
of what is going on in our environment as
it affects birds, and to educating members
of the public about the roles we can play.
Another
terrific
SINHG
trip.
To learn more about the Center for
Avian Preservation or plan a visit of
your own, go to their website: www.
thecenterforbirdsofprey.org.
The Seabrook Island Natural History
Group is devoted to disseminating natural
and cultural history information about
Seabrook Island, Charleston and the South
Carolina Low Country to its members
through field trips and lectures. More
information about SINHG programs and
activities may be found by visiting SINHGs
website at sinhg.org.

Photographer Of The Month

Valerie Doanes enthusiasm for
photography began way back when she
received her first brownie box camera as a
kid. She went through many rolls of film
documenting family vacations and events
and their much loved family pets.
Over the years her love of photography
has evolved from taking snapshots
to an appreciation of composition and
technique.
She considers herself an
amateur photographer who is in constant
learning mode.
Valerie enjoys shooting landscapes,
wild flowers and wildlife as well as her two
Bombay cats when they will cooperate!
She and her husband Mark travel frequently
with the National Parks being one of their
favorite destinations and Valeries favorite
subject to photograph.
During a visit to Seabrook Island in
2005 they fell in love with the island
and purchased a lot. Several years later
they designed and custom built a home
which lead them to becoming permanent
residents upon retirement in May 2013.
The beauty of Seabrook Island, coupled
with the abundance of wildlife has
provided Valerie with new photographic
opportunities and challenges both of
which she fully embraces and enjoys.
Artist of the Month
Tina Mayland is a native Charlestonian for whom the Lowcountry of South Carolina
is as close to paradise as any place on earth. Returning home after 30 years of a hightech career in marketing, she began her encore career as a full-time artist. Tina
explains her motivation to become a painter. My grandparents owned a plantation
on Wadmalaw Island, just outside of Charleston. As a child, I built tree forts in live
oak trees, played in the pluff mud of the marshes, and galloped my horse through
Lowcountry forests. Capturing the essence of that landscape in my art is a way of
recapturing the joys of my youth.
Tina serves on the Board of Directors of the Charleston Artist Guild and is a member
of the Seabrook Island Artist Guild. She has studied oils and pastels domestically and
in France, England, Italy and the Caribbean under numerous regionally and nationally
known artists.
Her artwork is represented locally
by the Wells Gallery at The Sanctuary
on Kiawah Island and by Spencer Art
Gallery. Tina is the exclusive teacher of
oil painting lessons for Kiawah Island
Golf Resort, and the author of The Six
Commandments of Painting: The ShaltNots That Will Save Your Artwork.

November 7, 2014

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daily

Annoucing winners of
#MakeItUniquelyYours
C O N T E S T T O C O N T I N U E Q U A R T E R LY
BY GERRY LE

For The Island Connection

eabrook Islands #MakeItUniquelyYours photo

contest had a remarkable response. A total of 143
photos were submitted using a variety of online
platforms, including DiscoverSeabrook.com, Facebook,
Twitter, and Instagram. We would like to thank all of
you for the amazing photos that were submitted.
The photo contest was created to promote the new
branding campaign developed by Seabrooks Branding
Coalition team. Make It Uniquely Yours was designed
to illustrate to the outside world that Seabrook Island
is unique and there is something here for everyone.
So what better way to show how Seabrookers make it
uniquely theirs than through their own photos?
Since there was such an overwhelming response to
our first photo contest, we decided to feature a winner
and two runner-ups. The Seabrook Island gift bag filled
with goodies was won by Hank and Laurel Greer for
their Seabrook wildlife photo of a bobcat mom and
cub. The two runners-up were Scott Poovey and Jen
Ellefsen.
Due to the success we have decided to continue
running quarterly photo contests. The next photo
contest will start December 1. Stay tuned for details. If
you havent had a chance to see all of the photos, check
out the contest photo album on our Facebook page at
www.facebook.com/DiscoverSeabrookIsland.

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daily

November 7, 2014

CATR presents
Riding My Way Back
for Veterans Day
BY COLLEEN KIMENER
For The Island Connection

iding My Way Back is a short

documentary that chronicles one
soldiers journey back from the
brink of suicide. In 2010, Staff Sergeant
Aaron Heliker returned from multiple
deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan
with traumatic brain injury (TBI) and
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD),
in addition to third-degree burns and
nerve damage from a roadside bomb.
At his most desperate and isolated, on
42 medications and suicidal, Aaron is
introduced to the unlikeliest of saviors:

a horse named Fred. Through caring for

Fred and building mutual trust, Aaron
begins the difficult process of reconnecting
to the world around him and healing the
terrible, invisible wounds of war that had
nearly defeated him.
Disabled veterans have been benefiting
from therapeutic horsemanship and riding
at CATR for over five years. Disabled
veterans interested in learning more
should contact Colleen Kimener at (843)
559-6040, ckimener@catrfarms.org.

CATR Veterans Program

CATR is hosting the film Riding My Way Back on Veterans Day. The movie is on
November 11th at 6:00pm at the Terrace Theater on Maybank Highway. Tickets are
$20/person, which includes the movie, a drink and popcorn. Bring a veteran for 2
tickets for the price of 1! Tickets can be purchased by calling CATR (843) 559-6040
or online at: http://www.etix.com/ticket/online/performanceSearch.jsp?performance_
id=1853017. All proceeds will benefit CATRs Veterans Program.

November 7, 2014

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daily

The 25th Annual Holiday Festival

of Lights opens Nov. 14
BY SARAH REYNOLDS
For The Island Connection

ake spirits bright this year at the 25th anniversary

of the beloved Holiday Festival of Lights. With
an estimated two million shimmering lights,
Charlestons most popular holiday event returns Nov. 14,
2014 Jan. 1, 2015 to James Island County Park.
More than four million people have toured the Holiday
Festival of Lights, which is hosted by the Charleston
County Park and Recreation Commission at the agencys
James Island County Park. The event has received many
awards and mentions in publications throughout the
country, and the three-mile driving tour delivers more
every year. Join us as we kick off the 25th season at the
Grand Opening Celebration at 6:30 p.m. on Nov. 14,
featuring live entertainment, awards presentations, and
fireworks at 9 p.m.

Much More than a Driving Tour

The Holiday Festival of Lights is much more than
just a driving tour! Park the car and experience exciting
attractions custom-designed for holiday cheer. There are
many celebrated attractions to see and activities to do,
including:
Marshmallow Roasting
Festival Train Rides
Lakeside Lights Interactive Activity
The Amazing Dancing Light Display
Enchanted Walking Trail
Old-Fashioned Carousel
Unique Gift Shops and the Reindeer Workshop
Santas Sweet Shoppe
The Festival Fun Run on Nov. 12 & 13
Special Family Events on select evenings,
including photos with Santa, live music and more
(see November events below).
A Sneak Peek of whats new at this years Festival

Whats amazing about one of this years new light

displays? It was inspired by a young local artist. The
winner of the annual childrens Light Display Design
Contest for the 25th anniversary is 9-year-old Jenna,
a Sullivans Island Elementary School student. Jenna
submitted a photo of a cute seal pup, which inspired a
new light display on site this year. Creative kids are
encouraged to pick up an entry form to submit their idea
for a new display at next years event.
Guests to this years festival may win of one of our silver
anniversary celebration surprises! One lucky guest each
evening of the festival will receive a special gift valued
at $25 as they drive through the park gates. Charleston
County Parks will also give away a 5-night cruise as part
of this years celebration. No purchase is necessary for
the cruise sweepstakes; all entrants can enter to win at
CharlestonCountyParks.com/Sweepstakes between Nov.
1 and Dec. 31.
Also new this year, in an effort to increase environmental
stewardship efforts, composting bins will be available on
site select nights to collect waste for compost collection.
History of the Light Displays
Light Show Supervisor Rich Raab has created and
animated the festivals light displays on site at James
Island County Park since 1990. Current designs range
from holiday themes to dinosaurs, trains, space ships,
aquatic themes, iconic Charleston imagery and hundreds
more. Raab creates each design first on paper then
develops his designs into a light sculpture based off his
drawing. Today, there are over 700 light displays on site
at the Holiday Festival of Lights.
There is so much to see at the festival every night! See
our nightly calendar of events below for a list of special
events taking place on select nights, and join us in 2014
as we celebrate 25 years of making spirits bright. For
more information, including event hours and fees, call
843.795.4386 or visit www.holidayfestivaloflights.com.
This event is presented by Boeing and Your Charleston
County Parks.
November Holiday Festival of Lights Special
Events Calendar
Visit www.holidayfestivaloflights.com for more
information.
Nov. 12 & 13: Get a Sneak Peek of the festival at the
Fun Run! 6:30 p.m.; advance registration is required.
Nov. 14: Opening Night Join us for the grand
celebration of our 25th anniversary. Live entertainment,
fireworks at 9 p.m., and the awards presentation for the
winners of the Gingerbread House competition, the
Giant Greeting Card contest, and the Light Display

Design Contest. Ceremony starts at 6:30 p.m. Ask a Caw

Caw Naturalist Visit with a naturalist from Caw Caw
Interpretive Center! Discover what local animals do when
temperatures drop and days grow shorter. 6 p.m.

Nov. 17: First night to save $5 on admission when you

bring a non-perishable canned food item for donation
to the Lowcountry Food Bank. Canned dog or cat food
also accepted. Discount offered every Monday through
Thursday.
Nov. 20: Performance by Lowcountry Power Brass, 6
8 p.m.
Nov. 21: Outdoor Movie Night - Bring a chair and
a blanket and kick back to watch a family holiday film!
Continuous shows starting at 6 p.m. in Santas Village.
Ask a Caw Caw Naturalist, 6 p.m.
Nov. 22: Outdoor Movie Night - Continuous shows
starting at 6 p.m. in Santas Village.
Nov. 26 - Dec. 23: Santa Claus is at the festival nightly
in Santas Village! Families as well as dogs are invited to
have pictures taken.
Nov. 28: Visit with Mrs. Claus, 5:30 p.m. Ask a Caw
Caw Naturalist, 6 p.m.
Nov. 30: Visit with Mrs. Claus, 5:30 p.m.

18

November 7, 2014

November 7, 2014

19

volunteer spotlight

Seeking a stronger community

LEAH DONALDSON
INTERVIEW BY MARIA GUROVICH
For The Island Connection

Editors Note: Volunteer Spotlight is a column 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.

moved from Brooklyn, NY to Johns Island two and

a half years ago with my partner Jerod, in search of a
better cost of living and quality of life. From the city
of Charleston, to the natural areas and the people weve
met, we love it here and know we made the right decision
in moving.
I started working in non-profits as a college intern
and am looking to continue a career in that field. In the
meantime, I have been volunteering and networking in
the area and have become really excited about all of the
interesting initiatives and great people who are working
for positive change here in Charleston.

Volunteer work has always been important to me. I

went to Fordham University (Bronx, NY) where great
importance was placed on community service and
volunteering; I guess you could say thats where I caught
the bug.
While I have done a variety of types of volunteer work,
I have always found working directly with people to be the
most rewarding. I am very grateful to Our Lady of Mercy
Community Outreach for creating opportunities for
people to get involved in the Johns Island and downtown
(Neighborhood House) communities.
I researched volunteer opportunities on Johns Island
online and found the Outreach. I went to their location
to ask about opportunities and within a week I had
my first shift at the front desk. I started at reception
and then moved to social service intake. I am now also
volunteering at Neighborhood House where I serve as an
intake person for individuals seeking food and clothing
assistance.
I love volunteering at OLMCO and I am very grateful
to the Outreach staff and clients for making me feel
welcome and for all they have taught me. The staff there
is incredibly friendly and supportivethey are a great
group of people who appreciate all their volunteers. As a
new person in Charleston I have met all kinds of people
in the Johns Island community. Through their stories and
conversations I have had the opportunity to learn more
about this community and the people who live here.
I know that the purpose of OLMCO is to offer
emergency financial assistance, food, clothing, and
educational classes. But what I think really makes

OLMCO stand out is the fact that the staff really cares
about their clients, and it shows. The Outreach not
only offers the above mentioned assistance, but also
provides staff who listens to the clients, asks about their
lives, celebrates their successes, and shows sympathy to
individuals in difficult life situations. Any organization
can offer basic assistance, but I feel that OLMCO offers
community support that most clients dont get on a
regular basis.
Can I think of a situation where I had an impact on
someones life? I dont know if I have made an impact on
a client, but one client definitely made one on me. I was
doing social service intake and was speaking with a client
about some difficulties in her life. I felt distraught because
there was little I could do for her besides listen. After the
intake process was finished and I was walking her out
she took my hand and said Thank you for listening.
This made me realize you dont have to have the answers
and solve all the problems; simply listening to people and
giving them a chance to be heard can make a difference.
What would I say to those who would like to get
involved? Do it! Even by doing something at OLMCO
once a month or donating food or clothing, you can help
the Johns Island community. We are all in this together
and really we arent that different. Its important that we,
as a community, support each otherit will only make
us stronger.
For more information on how to get involved with
Our Lady of Mercy Community Outreach contact Maria
Gurovich via phone 843.559.4109 or email maria.
gurovich@olmoutreach.org.