Since May 2007

PRESORT STANDARD
US POSTAGE PAID
CHARLESTON SC
POSTAL PATRON
PERMIT NO 437
Volume 12 Issue 19 FREE December 21, 2018

2018 Indiana
Day at
Seabrook
H O O S I E R S G AT H E R
FOR ANNUAL
C E L E B R AT I O N
BY VALERIE DOANE
For The Island Connection

T
he 8th Annual Seabrook Island
Indiana Day celebrated the 202nd
anniversary of Indiana’s admission
to the Union. On Dec. 11, 1816 Indiana
was admitted to the Union and 25
local Hoosiers gathered on Dec.11 to
commemorate the event.
The Hoosier festivities were celebrated
at the Oyster Catcher Community Center
with heavy hors d'oeuvres, drinks, Indiana
Trivia, Indoor Corn Hole Toss, auction,
singing and much Hoosier camaraderie.
Various Indiana college fight songs
Tom Steyer spoke to a crowd of more than 120 in Charleston. Photo by Gregg Bragg. were sung and the evening concluded

Tom Steyer visits Charleston

with the usual singing of “Back Home
Again in Indiana.”
The Organizing Committee is
FIVE RIGHTS FOR THE 21ST CENTURY composed of Sam Reed, Pat Greubel,
Cindy Willis, Max Willis, Alan
Armstrong, Susan Meloy and Valerie
BY GREGG BRAGG Doane.
The Island Connection Sr. Staff Writer

T
om Steyer paid a visit to the Lowcountry on Dec. 4 and
spent a few minutes with the Island Connection in the
Mills House’ Best Friend Lounge.
The billionaire philanthropist got his start managing mergers
and acquisitions for Morgan Stanley in 1979. He followed that
career path until he was the one doing the acquiring, forming
what would become Beneficial State Bank in 2007. Steyer formed
at least a half dozen self-sustaining charities during that time. His
most recent effort is the Need to Impeach petition drive, which
has amassed 6,467,110 signatures.
“He has called me names,” said Steyer, when asked if he was
afraid the escalating feud with Trump would fuel the president’s
ire. “I love it. Every time he has insulted me it’s with things that
have absolutely nothing to do with me, but are absolutely accurate
about him. There are three things to think about Donald Trump;
real estate, The Apprentice, and licensing his name.
“Owning real estate: He [Trump] is a totally failed real estate
entrepreneur without exception.
“The Apprentice: He’s a very good reality TV star, and he’s still
doing it. He proves it every day.
“Licensing his name: I don’t know [why] people are willing to pay
for his name, but he clearly makes money [from this]. Whether that’s
to launder money [from] people overseas, hopefully that’s something
Mr. Mueller will find out,” Steyer mused. “In terms of being a
business person with sensible thoughts, that’s ridiculous. He’s burned
through hundreds of millions of other people’s money. What he is, is
a snake-oil salesman, and he’s very good at it,” stated Steyer.
Steyer said he chose bright red SC to begin a tour promoting ‘The
right to an equal vote,’ the first of five ‘Rights for the 21st century,’
because of the state’s history. Yes, he said he wants to call out and
eliminate all forms of voter suppression; voter purges, polling site
closures, voter intimidation, as well as corporate ownership of
elections. However, SC’s position among the first primaries also The winning Indiana trivia team, l-r: Joan
loomed large in Steyer’s choice. Reed, Mike Gorsage, Max Willis, Cindy
Willis, and Pam Matzko.
Tom Steyer continues on page 4 Photos by Valerie Doane.

Art Workshop Citadel Top College in SC Project Moves Forward

Page 7 Page 9 Page 15
2 December 21, 2018
civic

Kiawah Island Town Council

MEETING DEC.4
Lynn Pierotti
publisher BY KATY CALLOWAY reviewed and recommended for approval to demolish 122 Turnberry Ct. The order
The Island Connection Managing Editor from the Ways & Means Committee should be carried out sometime in early
lynn@luckydognews.com followed. January.

T
Katy Calloway he last meeting of 2018 was brief
and to the point. Mayor Weaver
managing editor called the meeting to order, led the
katy@luckydognews.com
pledge of allegiance and the November
meeting minutes were approved
Jennifer Tuohy unanimously.
contributing editor The Mayor’s update was brief, noting
jennifer@luckydognews.com that the election was taking place in the
room next door. He requested that his
comments, regarding the last meeting
Alejandro Ferreyros for the majority of Councilmembers
senior graphic designer present, be moved to the closing of the
alejandro@luckydognews.com meeting, and moved ahead with citizen’s
comments.
Lori McGee Wendy Kulick took to the podium to
sales manager
reiterate comments she made at the Ways
and Means Committee meeting. “We
lori@luckydognews.com have a number of people who have served
on this council who are not standing for
re-election and the fact that they have
Senior Staff Writer been willing to put in all the time that has
been required is something that should be
Gregg Bragg
appreciated. I think it’s pitiful the turnout
we’ve had for the election today. People
Contributors
don’t participate, they have no right to
Valerie Doane complain.”
Norm Powers Judge McGill took his turn inquiring
Alberta Barron about the item on the day’s agenda to
Betsy Turner re-approve the contract with Town
Attorney, Dwayne Green.
Charlotte Park
On Oct. 1 McGill submitted a FOIA
Marilyn Markel
request for amended or new agreements
Kimberly Keelor made with the town attorney since Feb.
Dimi Matouchev 2015. Calling into question monthly
Kelly Ryan billings, he recognized Green was
previously contracted at $6,666.66. That
figure increased to $7083.32 in July of
2018. McGill questioned whether or
not the re-negotiation had been made in
writing, noting his objection wasn’t to the
increase in payment, but rather to the lack
of transparency in the decision to increase
the rate.
Without response, Mayor Weaver
moved on to New Business.
Three agenda items, previously
A motion was made to approve the The Public Works Committee is
Deputy Coverage Contract with the putting together a RFP for redesign
Charleston County Sheriff’s Office. The of the Kiawah Island Parkway. Mayor
contract will staff the first shift, (7 a.m.-7 Weaver inquired about the current bridge
p.m.) with permanent deputies. Additional construction/reinforcement project.
shifts will continue to be staffed with Stephanie Tillerson answered that it
“off-duty” deputies. Councilmember should be finished in a couple weeks.
Widuch revised the motion to allow the Diane Mezzanotte had several items
Mayor and Town Attorney to revise the out of the Environmental Committee.
contract and work out any “last minute A student from College of Charleston
details.” The motion was approved is working with the Sea Level Rise
unanimously. Committee to produce detailed flooding
The second item, to renew the contract maps to assess vulnerable areas, identify
with Town Attorney Dwayne Green, flood zones and allow for better storm
was approved unanimously without preparation. A project of the Grow Native
discussion. program, a native plant database will be
The third agenda item, to approve available to the public be early January.
a contract with Sanders Brother for At the meeting’s conclusion, Mayor
Cleaning and inspecting Parkway storm Weaver gave a heartfelt thank you to
drainage was also approved unanimously Councilmembers Diane Mezzanotte, Jack
without discussion. Koach, John Wilson and Chris Widuch
(who ran for re-election) for their service
Moving right along, the Town
Administrator’s report highlighted the on behalf of the community and himself.
“Each of you has made a huge impact… I
Feb. 12-13 annual meeting of the South
Carolina Beach Advocates. Kiawah can’t thank you enough.”
Wildlife Biologist Jim Jordan will be
joining the panel in the discussion of
sea level rise. The conference will center
around hurricane impact as well.
Councilmember Jack Koach noted
the Planning Commission meeting
tomorrow, (Dec. 5) and asked Mayor
Weaver to elaborate on the agenda.
The one subject of interest at the
PC meeting will be the proposal to
reconfigure parcel 13, which allows
access off of Duneside Rd. rather than
Beachwalker Dr. Weaver noted that, “The
public can feel assured that the Planning
Commission has a clear understanding
of the diversity of opinion on that issue.”
He added that the responsibility for this
decision lies solely with the Planning
Commission.
Councilmember Widuch reported
that on Friday the official hearing was
conducted and the order was submitted

Civic Calendar
K iawah Island Town H all
Published by 21 Beachwalker Drive
Lucky Dog Publishing Kiawah Island, SC 29455
of South Carolina, LLC Phone: 768-9166
P.O. Box 837 Town of Kiawah Public Works Ways & Means Fax: 768-4764
Sullivan’s Island, SC 29482 Committee Meeting Committee Meeting
Arts & Cultural Jan. 14, 10 a.m. Jan. 22, 2 p.m. Seabrook Island Town H all
843-886-NEWS
Events Council Kiawah Town Hall Kiawah Town Hall 2001 Seabrook Island Road
Jan. 3, 2 p.m. Seabrook Island, SC 29455
Future submission deadline: Environmental Board of Zoning
Kiawah Town Hall Phone: 768-9121
December 26 for the Committee Meeting Appeals
January 4 Issue Fax: 768-9830
Town Council Jan. 15, 2 p.m. Jan. 28, 3 p.m. Email: lmanning@townofseabrookisland.org
Meeting Kiawah Town Hall
Op-Ed articles and letters to the editor do not Jan. 8, 2 p.m. Johns Island Council
necessarily reflect the opinion of Kiawah Town Hall Public Safety Town of Seabrook Meetings are held at the Berkeley Electric
Lucky Dog News or its writers. Committee Meeting Co-op located at 3351 Maybank Hwy, Johns
Planning Commission Jan. 16, 2 p.m. Offices Closed Island.
Meeting Kiawah Town Hall Dec. 24 - Dec. 26 Chairman Chris Cannon: 343-5113
The Island Jan. 9, 3 p.m.
Kiawah Town Hall Charleston County Council
Connection 4045 Bridge View Dr, N. Charleston
958-4700
Lucky Dog Publishing, LLC News Updates
Publishers of Island Eye News, Online at City of Charleston
The Island Connection facebook.com/ 75 Calhoun St.
islandconnectionnews 724-3745
December 21, 2018 3
civic

Dunside Dr. debate

returns
PLANNING COMMISSION DEFERS
DECISION TO JAN. 24
BY GREGG BRAGG
The Island Connection Sr. Staff Writer

K
iawah Partners’ intention to alter family-friendly walking community.
Duneside Dr. into a throughway The developers and their mercenaries
to new development along want you to believe the impact will be
Beachwalker resulted in a very public inconsequential. Those of us who have
defeat last April. A phalanx of residents called this area home for many years know
opposed the change on the grounds of it will be devastating. As they degrade
both safety, and security considerations. our environment, it will impact our well-
They garnered emphatic support from being… the safety of our families – spouses,
elected officials at all levels, as well as the children, grandchildren. The developer
Kiawah Island Community Association. elects to dismiss these concerns by offering
KICA said affected properties were to throw some money at resolving safety
“encumbered by recorded convents and issues when we don’t even have a clear
restrictions” which precluded the idea, picture of what needs to be done.
in a letter sent to Planning Commission
(PC) Chair Fred Peterson.
KP subsequently withdrew their i understand
request before any of several re-scheduled
Planning Commission confrontations that compromise
could be held. Their formal withdrawal is necessary,
insisted the decision did not concede
precedent, preserving the option to make but what is on
similar requests in the future. Apparently, the table today
KP has since been working with KICA to is absolute
make similar requests - in the exact same
location. overreach and
Duneside residents were surprised to unsupported by
hear KICA executed a memorandum facts
of understanding (MOU) with KP
on Nov. 20. Pitched as a victory, the
MOU could be read two ways; KICA is
“We need TOKI-PC to request
Tid e Char t
going to build infrastructure mitigating
safety concerns to facilitate the change/ an Environmental Assessment of this
future development in the area with KP proposal. We also need a professional
contributing up to $100,000 or KP does Traffic Study, done independently from
the building and KICA will contribute up the developer, KICA, and even my own
to $100,000. community, to offer an unbiased opinion
on the number of vehicles we can expect Date High Tide Low Tide
Spending KICA/resident’s funds this
way is unprecedented, especially while on this winding, limited sight-line road.
“special assessments” continue, and The developer is obviously bothered by Dec 21 8:01am/8:06pm 1:27am/2:09pm
the fact that pedestrians will be in the
seemed to reaffirm the issue as an island-
way. They probably would like a study as Dec 22 8:42am/8:47pm 2:08am/2:51pm
wide concern.
No less than 60 residents showed up
to how to make people disappear… But, Dec 23 9:21am/9:27pm 2:47am/3:32pm
why should we be concerned? After all,
on short notice to the resulting Planning Dec 24 10:00am/10:07pm 3:25am/4:12pm
it’s only families and children that will be
Commission meeting held on Dec. 5.
put at risk. It’s far better to maximize the
The request that took months to unfold
Return on Investment for the developer’s Dec 25 10:40am/10:48pm 4:03am/4:52pm
earlier in the year, made it all the way
to the floor of the PC in 2 weeks time,
investors. Dec 26 11:20am/11:32pm 4:42am/5:32pm
despite a holiday. PC Chair Fred Peterson “I understand that compromise is
necessary, but what is on the table today Dec 27 12:04pm 5:25am/6:15pm
set the stage by establishing a 2-minute
time limit on citizen’s comments, and is absolute overreach and unsupported Dec 28 12:20am/12:50pm 6:14am/7:01pm
insisted presentations not include repeated by facts,” Connolly concluded. His
information. comments echoed the concerns of others. Dec 29 1:12am/1:41pm 7:09am/7:51pm
KP representatives didn’t speak during
A dozen or more people spoke to
the comment period, but did respond
Dec 30 2:07am/2:34pm 8:10am/8:42pm
committee members including Tip
Jennings, Greg Kazinski, Ross Appel directly to a question from committee Dec 31 3:02am/3:29pm 9:13am/9:34pm
(attorney for Duneside I & II), Marilyn member Andy Capelli. He wanted to
Larach, Rhonnie Newton, Shari Daldo, know the “whys” and “why nows” of the Jan 01 3:57am/4:23pm 10:13am/10:26pm
request.
Andrew Greenspan, Wendy Kulick, Jan 02 4:50am/5:15pm 11:10am/11:17pm
Diane Lehder, Dave DeStefano, and Mark Permar, architect of the Duneside
Ginny Abbot. However, Kiawah Fire plan, and KP spokesman said they filed Jan 03 5:42am/6:07pm 12:03pm
Commissioner and former KICA Board when they did because of a better idea of
Chair John Connolly read a prepared West Beach and Resort improvements. Hurricanes, storms, etc., are NOT included in the predictions.
statement. The reason for the request is “it [the Tidal current direction changes and tide time predictions can be
“I think we all understand how additional units planned] has greater very different. Tide predictions are PREDICTIONS; they can be
challenging it can be dealing with an value if it’s inside the gate,” said Permar. wrong so use common sense.
entity that doesn’t really care about The room eventually quieted, and the
Kiawah but exists to serve a group of PC decided to defer a decision until Jan. Source: saltwatertides.com
indifferent investors who have no long- 24, 2019.
term vested interest in our island. The Island Connection has since
“Opening Duneside Rd. will absolutely learned a traffic study will be undertaken
have a negative impact on our long-valued, during the time between meetings.
4 December 21, 2018
Tom Steyer continues from cover
“It’s a fact, the American political
conversation happens in the presidential
election, and it happens disproportionately
in the early primary states. That’s where
people go to talk about ideas, the future,
and what we can be. So actually SC is
the perfect place to begin a conversation
about the right to an equal vote for every
American citizen.”
Asked if Nancy Pelosi’s draft ‘HB-1’
(automatic voter registration, increased
early voting, mechanisms for on-line
voting, and etc.) for the next session of
congress was the agenda for 2020, Steyer
remained on message.
“We’re talking about five rights, a
framework for American citizens to be
protected, and therefore free to pursue
their lives,” he said.
Steyer respects the constitution but
thinks it needs an upgrade. For example,
he doesn’t feel freedom from garrisoning
troops in peacetime is as germane today
as the right to vote.
“What Nancy’s doing has two parts.
One of them is Republicans have
decided the way they can stay in power
is by cheating; putting the polls in places
people can’t get to, striking people off
the rolls, changing the rules so young
people can’t vote, [instituting] voter ID
laws, gerrymandering… cheating, the
thing up in NC - straight up cheating,
but that’s a partisan issue. The other
part of this is the corporate purchase
of our democracy.” Steyer went on to
confirm his support of public funding
for elections, emphasizing that his
daily
‘framework’ addressed both components.
“Take healthcare, for example. We pay
more for it than anywhere in the world,
and have poorer outcomes than those
paying less. And drugs, you can’t get
them any cheaper because there’s a law in
place that prevents you from getting the
same thing outside the U.S. cheaper. It’s
that way because somebody wants it that
way,” Steyer said to emphasize the need for
change in the way campaigns are funded.
Steyer thinks grass-root actions yield
more success than funding large think
tanks like the Heritage Foundation.
“My old roommate used to be the head
of research at the Heritage Foundation.
He said ‘we don’t do research. We’re a
political organization.’ They’re a lobbying
organization,” Steyer insisted. However,
he says the other half of success is ideas.
“America is begging, in my humble
opinion, for some direction. A common
understanding of what we’re trying to do
as a society, that gets us moving forward
again, looking to the future, and creating
again… instead of destroying and moving
backwards,” he added.
It didn’t take long for Steyer to respond
when asked if there was something in
particular that ‘set him off’ about Trump.
“I watched Trump in the private sector for
decades. I held 40 Town Halls this year,
and I would say the vast majority of the
people I was talking to were passionately
trying to defend the American system, as
they believe it. He is just an absolute threat
to basic American values.”
Steyer then invoked a line reminiscent of
the movie The American President, ‘he just
wants to make you afraid of it, and tell you
who’s to blame for it.’ “No one ever creates
anything great in a fist fight. You break
stuff. It’s expensive. You have to pay for
lawyers. When you cooperate with people,
you both do better, but Trump doesn’t do
that. He starts by punching somebody.”
Steyer wrapped up the interview by
saying he is not a fan of charter schools
and thinks it further dilutes the public
coffers. He applauded the Lowcountry’s
efforts to ban plastics, but isn’t sure bans
can continue to spread. “That’s a pretty
big lobby. There’s a struggle in the United
States… between logic/human interest,
and straight up [financial] interest. Does
money get its way, or do we do the right
thing,” posited Steyer.
Responding to the real question he
artfully ducked so far, would have to wait
for his Town Hall later in the evening.
Steyer booked The Schoolhouse at 720
Middleton Rd. for a 7 p.m. Town Hall
meeting. Attendance was estimated at 120,
and eclipsed the 25-50 Steyer anticipated.
He invited local leaders including Derrick
Johnson, NAACP President and CEO;
Dot Scott, President of the NAACP
Charleston Branch; Susan Smith, resident
of the SC Democratic Women's Council
and Chairwoman of SC Working Families
Party; Abe Jenkins Jr., former Political
Director of the South Carolina Democratic
Party to join him for a panel style
discussion, in another interesting move.
“People vote against something in a
midterm, but they’re voting for something
in a presidential election,” he said, invoking
former President Barack Obama. That
‘something’ is his Five Rights for the 21st
century.
1. The Right to an Equal Vote -
So everyone has an equal voice
to demand justice from our
government and can vote with no
discrimination and no barriers.
2. The Right to Clean Air & Clean
Water - So everyone can breathe
fresh air and drink clean water, free
from industrial poisons.
3. The Right to Learn - So everyone
has the right to a free, quality,
public education from preschool
through college.
4. The Right to a Living Wage - So no
one needs to work more than one
full-time job.
5. The Right to Health - So everyone
has a chance to live a healthy life,
with universal healthcare.
The panel discussion and the purpose
of visiting the Lowcountry was to
discuss the first ‘right,’ and they did for
a while. However, attendees seemed more
interested in what Steyer had to say, and
eventually said so, and still no answer to
the real question, whether or not he is
considering a run in the 2020 presidential
election.
Steyer told Vice News he was “willing”
to run for president, and told Reuters he
wanted to do whatever would make the
“most impact,” during the press gaggle
following the meeting. To summarize,
Steyer is definitely not committed to not
running for president in 2020, though it
sure looks like SC has witnessed the first
battle of the next presidential election.
For more information visit TomSteyer.
com/5-rights.
December 21, 2018
Seabrook community garden rule faces scrutiny
MEMBERS PETITION FOR EXEMPTION
BY GREGG BRAGG
The Island Connection Sr. Staff Writer
O
ne of the Beatles happier songs involves a garden
by the sea, and none of them would be surprised
to find one on idyllic Seabrook Island. Yet not
just one, but technically over 50 gardens apportioned
from a single tract near the maintenance shed beside the
stables. The garden has been there for close to 20 years,
and getting a plot was as easy as filling out a form. Token
applications typically received rubber-stamp approval/
renewal from the Seabrook Island Property Owners
Association (SIPOA), until a rule change last August left
Mary Johnson landless.
The Septuagenarian “has two joys in life; her
gardening, and her grandkids,” according to a Seabrook
resident who asked their name not be used. Johnson
has been renting [and gardening] on Seabrook for the
past 14 years, and a ‘property owners only’ rule has her
garden rights in question. Certain SIPOA and its board
of directors didn’t realize the ramifications of the rule,
several residents explained the effects of the change, and
are seeking an exception.
Alison Standard grew frustrated after a couple of
months of inaction, and launched a Care2 petition
begging for an exception. She got 73 signatures, including
over 30 from other gardeners. Standard thought she
prevailed on the board when an amendment that would
have allowed Johnson to keep her plot was placed on
the agenda for a vote during SIPOA’s board meeting on
Dec. 10. Board Chair Julie McCulloch sponsored and
championed the amendment, which failed 7-4 including
a ‘no’ vote from McCulloch herself.
“If the action taken by the SIPOA Board during
daily
its Dec. 10 board meeting concerning the community
gardens is a reflection of today’s Seabrook Island
community, I want no part of it.
“The proposal was simple. It was a small modification
to the recently accepted rules for the community garden
plots. The motion was to grandfather in a long-time
gardener who no longer qualified to have a garden plot
because of the new rules. This would correct an oversight
by those who drafted them.
“Board members were aware that this individual was
a 78-year-old Black lady who had enjoyed her garden for
14 years. At one point, the wording of the amendment was
changed to make it absolutely clear this would grandfather
only this one individual and have no other impact on the new
rules. How could what appeared to be a simple motion warrant
taking up nearly half of the December Board meeting?
“On the day following the Board meeting, the
Environmental Committee voted unanimously to
send this motion back to the SIPOA Board again for
consideration and approval during their January meeting.
This should allow time for any remaining questions to be
investigated as well as a full understanding of the motion
and hopefully will be a true reflection of the Seabrook
Island community,” read parts of an email reaction from
Seabrook resident Charles Moore. The email was used by
the Island Connection with permission.
Asked what precipitated establishing rules in the first
place, SIPOA COO Heather Paton told the IC in an email;
“In the past there had been no formal documentation of the
SIPOA garden plot rules and requirements…The goal was
to create a document that addresses garden practices, and
establishes equitable and appropriate processes to address
problems/concerns, and also includes a financial component
to compensate SIPOA for some operating expenses.”
5
Asked if the board president proposed the amendment,
Paton said, “Yes. The wording of the original motion was
vague and as written would have allowed anyone who is
currently a gardener to continue to use the gardens even
if they no longer reside or own property on Seabrook
Island in the future.
“The revised motion was an effort to make the original
motion more consistent with the guidelines/rules. ‘Plot
holders who were not property owners on Aug. 20,
2018 are allowed to continue to tend their plot under
the conditions set forth herein. This exemption is valid
only if said persons’ Property Owner(s) remains in good
standing, and shall expire upon termination of said
persons’ renter status within the SID as of that date.’ The
motion was defeated by a vote of 7/4.”
Paton also said, “The Board is trying to resolve this
while also abiding by the guidelines/rules requirement that
the garden group, Environmental Committee and Board
approved. There are currently 21 property owners on the
waiting list for garden plots. The Board is actively working to
try to develop a method to accommodate this non-owner in
a way other than an individual exception to the Guidelines.
An exception would accommodate one individual at the
present time, but it doesn’t solve the ultimate issue because
another exception request could arise again in the future.
The Board plans to discuss this again.”
Johnson’s garden, meanwhile, has gone fallow. “I
was afraid to do anything to it. I didn’t want to make
trouble, but I’ve been so upset and Lynn Kennedy told
me; ‘just go work in your garden’. That garden means
everything to me. I love gardening, being around people,
and sharing what I know,” says Johnson, who was raised
on a farm in North Carolina. “When you see somebody
that needs help, you help! That’s how I was raised.”
6 December 21, 2018
arts & events
Lowcountry
Revolutionary history
SINHG EVENING PROGRAMS IN 2019
BY NORM POWERS
For The Island Connection
T
he 2019 SINHG Evening Program
schedule begins on Thursday
evening, Jan. 10 at 7:30 p.m.,
with “The American Revolution In The
Lowcountry,” presented by author and
historian Joe Epley.
A key component of the War of
Independence in the Carolinas was
controlling access to Charleston, with
Seabrook, Kiawah and Edisto islands all
playing a role. At least one important
confrontation between British and
American forces took place at what is now
the intersection of Bohicket and River
Roads.
Joe Epley retired from a long career
in public relations 14 years ago to
Tryon, North Carolina, where he began
researching and writing about the
American Revolution. He is the author
of the historical novel “A Passel of Hate”,
which was awarded a Silver Medal by the
Military Writers Society of America and
was named as an Editor’s Choice by the
Historical Novel Society. His latest novel,
“A Passel Of Trouble”, centers on the
activities a British Loyalist during the war
in North and South Carolina.
Joe Epley. Photo provided.
Seabrook Island residents and their
guests are welcome at SINHG Evening
Programs at the Lake House. There is a
$5 charge for non-SINHG members.
Evening Programs will continue in
February with “Living With Primates”,
presented by Dr. Shirley McGreal of the
International Primate Protection League.
For a complete schedule of Evening
Programs, visit sinhg.org.
arts & events
SI Garden Club
welcomes Pat Harpell
GROWING, COOKING WITH HERBS
Pat Harpell. Photo courtesy of Moore Farms Botanical Garden.
BY ALBERTA BARRON
For The Island Connection
O
n Friday, Jan. 11, at 9:30 a.m.
the Seabrook Island Garden
Club welcomes guest speaker Pat
Harpell. The club meets at the Seabrook
Island Lake House.
Pat Harpell, is the founder and chief
executive weeder of the South Carolina
Herbal Society. Her presentation on
“Growing and Cooking with Herbs” is
sure to inspire and entertain.
In addition to being the fuel behind
the SCHS, Harpell teaches an Herbal
Apprenticeship program in Charleston, is a
guest teacher and speaker, and leads Yoga and
Gardening vacations in the U.S. and Europe.
Harpell has had the great honor of
taking herbal and medicinal studies with
Sarita Shrestha, MD, among many other
sages, and her greatest teacher, Mother
Nature. Harpell maintains a sustainable,
organic garden in her hometown of
Charleston and is happiest when there is
dirt under her fingernails and between her
toes.
The Seabrook Island Garden Club
cordially invites all members and guests to
its monthly meetings. Light refreshments
will be served. New on the island? This is
a great venue to meet your neighbors.
For information on membership please
contact Holli Bolte, email: hmbolte@yahoo.com.
December 21, 2018 7
arts & events arts & events

SI Artist Guild SI Artist Guild

WORKSHOP IN LIEU OF MEETING ARTIST OF THE MONTH,
FRANK CASSARA
BY BETSY TURNER
For The Island Connection

Headin' South, 20x24, oil on canvas
BY BETSY TURNER
For The Island Connection
Painting from photos can be difficult
since not only can you not rearrange
nature, but the camera darkens shadow
T
he artist guild’s Artist of the
Month for January, Frank Cassara,
has recently returned from a stint
as 2018 Artist in Residence for SC State
Parks at Table Rock State Park in Pickens,
SC.
Cassara has been interested in drawing
and art since early childhood. He took
art classes through high school and
considered majoring in art in college.
While in college, he took a course in
painting with acrylics. Although he
enjoyed expressing himself through paint
media, other interests, raising a family

B
ased on numerous requests from
members, instead of having the
usual visiting artist demonstration
at our January meeting, we will be
holding an interactive workshop led by
Bob LeFevre on two subjects of interest:
1. Photographing Your Finished
Artwork
This will include proper camera
settings, lighting and reworking/
enhancing the photograph.
2. Improving Compositional Elements
and Manipulating the Photos You Paint
From
areas and enhances lit areas. Especially for
inexperienced artists who might tend to
literally copy the photo, this results in not
only inaccurate depictions, but also does
little to express the true beauty we see with
our eyes. We will explore the many options
available to both improve the accurate
depiction of scenes and create different or
even greater effects using an iPhone, iPad
or computer before printing the photo.
This workshop is open to members and
non-members.
To learn more about the Seabrook Island
Artist Guild and upcoming events, please go to
the website at SeabrookIslandArtistGuild.com.
and career distractions kept him from
pursuing this passion until he retired from
his career with a major pharmaceutical
company.
Cassara was reawakened to his love of
art and started to paint in oil several years
ago. Oil painting has allowed him to use
color to capture the beauty of nature in
all its many forms. The marshes, ocean
and sun at his home on Seabrook provide
ample subject matter; however, he has
also captured the colors of mountains,
winter, wildlife and flowers. Painting has
become a lifelong learning experience for
Cassara and he looks forward to sharing
Frank Cassara. Photo provided.
his experiences and his work with others.
In addition to this exhibition in the
Lake House, Cassara’s paintings can also
be seen at Perspective Gallery in Mount
Pleasant.
Join Frank Cassara and Seabrook Island
Artist Guild members for an opening
reception on Thursday, Jan. 3 from 5–7
p.m. in the front hall of the Lake House.
To learn more about the artist guild and
upcoming events, please visit the website at
SeabrookIslandArtistGuild.com.
8 December 21, 2018
arts & events

36th Annual Lowcountry Oyster Festival

TICKETS ON SALE FOR THE JAN. 27 EVENT
BY CHARLOTTE PARK
For The Island Connection

O
n Jan. 27 the Charleston Restaurant Foundation
invites guests to head to Boone Hall Plantation for
the world’s largest oyster festival, the 36th Annual
Lowcountry Oyster Festival. Tickets are now available
for purchase online at CharlestonRestaurantAssociation.
com.
A tribute to the mighty mollusk, the Lowcountry
Oyster Festival will feature over 80,000 pounds of
oysters, in addition to a variety of food options from local
restaurants and food trucks. Event highlights include
the legendary “Oyster Shucking” and “Oyster Eating”
contests, live music on the main stage, local wine and
beer, and the Pluff-a-Pallooza Children’s Area.
“We can’t wait to welcome the world’s largest oyster
festival back to Boone Hall Plantation on January 27,”
shares Charleston Restaurant Foundation President
Jonathan Kish. “One of the most highly anticipated
culinary events of the year, the Oyster Festival is always a
memorable experience for both visitors and locals alike.”
The Lowcountry Oyster Festival runs from 10 a.m.-5
p.m. General admission is $17.50 in advance online and
$25 the day of the event. Children ten and under are free
with paying adult. VIP tickets are $100 through Dec. 31
and $125 starting Jan. 1, which include admission to the
VIP tent for unlimited oysters, food and beverages. There The Lowcountry Oyster Festival at Boone Hall Plantation. Photo courtesy of GCRA.
is no charge for general parking.
The festival is a rain or shine event. No pets, coolers Mount Pleasant, SC, 29464. There are two entrances For more information and to join the
or outside food and beverages will be allowed. Oyster into the event: the main Boone Hall entrance off Long #LowcountryOysterFest conversation, follow on Instagram,
knives and gloves will be available for purchase. Boone Point Road and the entrance off Highway 17. Twitter and Facebook.
Hall Plantation is located at 1235 Long Point Road, The Lowcountry Oyster Festival is a charity fundraiser.
December 21, 2018
Citadel top public college in South
EIGHTH YEAR AS #1 BY U.S. NEWS & WORLD REPORT
Photo courtesy of Wikipedia.
BY KIMBERLY KEELOR
For The Island Connection
F
or the eighth consecutive year, U.S. News & World
Report ranks The Citadel as the #1 public college
in the South offering up to a master’s degree. The
Citadel ranks #3 Best College in the South, when private
and public schools are combined, up from #4 last year.
The Citadel moved up to #1 for Best College for
Veterans in the South, from the #2 position last fall.
Additionally, The Citadel is in the top ten for Most
Innovative Schools in the South for the first time. At
#9, The Citadel leads South Carolina institutions along
with the College of Charleston, which tied for the spot.
According to U.S. News & World Report, the innovative
schools rankings come from input from the colleges and
nominations from peers ”for those making the most
innovative improvements in terms of curriculum, faculty,
students, campus life, technology or facilities.”
Another first for The Citadel is being ranked in the top
ten for Best Undergraduate Teaching, at #8. The college
ranks #3 Best Undergraduate Teaching in the South.
“We do not take the U.S. News & World Report ranking
of best public college in the South for granted. It affirms the
effectiveness of dedicated faculty, staff, alumni and donors
who are committed to our mission to educate and develop
principled leaders,” said Gen. John B. Sams Jr., USAF (Ret.),
interim president of The Citadel. “A Citadel education is
based on the values of honor, duty and respect which clearly
resonate with many families across America.”
The 2019 Best Colleges rankings were released in the
fall by the news outlet that was one of the first American
publishers to produce a college rankings list based on
a complex formula of publically reported data to help
prospective students select colleges.
The Citadel earned notable rankings in the following
areas:
#1 Best public college in the South offering up to a
master’s degree
#1 Best College for Veterans in the South
#3 Regional Universities South
#8 Best Undergraduate Teaching in the South
#9 Most Innovative Schools in the South; tied with
College of Charleston for top in state
#11 Best Value in the South
#23 Best Engineering Programs offering up to a
master’s degree nationally
“For members of the South Carolina Corps of Cadets,
the U.S. News and World Report top ranking is a
source of pride,” said Cadet Logan Miller, Regimental
Public Affairs Officer. “This achievement underscores
the effectiveness of our 24/7 military structure, cadet
leadership and our shared commitment to always strive
for excellence.”
9
The Citadel is also at the top of its peer group when
it comes to alumni giving, according to U.S. News &
World Report, which ranks The Citadel at 25%, followed
by Elon University at 22%, with the average giving level
at 7.37%, according to the chart.
“Alumni giving demonstrates the passionate
commitment our graduates have for their alma mater,”
said Jay Dowd, Ph.D., chief executive officer of The
Citadel Foundation. “Our current 25% alumni
participation rate represents a strong vote of confidence
in the college’s strategic vision and the experience we
provide for future leaders.”
Additionally, the 2019 findings show the student
faculty ratio at 12:1, with 41 percent of the college’s
undergraduate classes having fewer than 20 students.
According to U.S. News & World Report, it ranks
only regionally accredited institutions with four-year
undergraduate-degree-seeking students.
“The rankings are formulated based on data from and
about each school in up to 15 areas related to academic
excellence. Each indicator is assigned a weight (expressed
as a percentage) based on U.S. News’ judgments about
which measures of quality matter most,” according to the
website.
A detailed breakdown of the methodology can be found
on the Best Colleges 2019 Methodology webpage.
10 December 21, 2018

Holiday Shopping Guide

December 21, 2018
daily
Property management is
just what you need
COURTESY OF ESPM PROPERTY
M A N A G E M E N T & R E N TA L S U P P O R T
BY HILLARY HARLING
For The Island Connection
I
f you are new to the Sea Islands of
the Lowcountry or even if you are a
seasoned pro, a property manager is a
necessity.
At the basic level, a property manager
will oversee your property and ensure
everything is in good condition. They
perform routine inspections, contact you
with any issues that arise, can coordinate
repairs, winterize or storm prep your
home, handle deliveries to your home,
supervise renovation projects, assist with
guests or renters that use your home, and
that’s just the start.
It is important to have on-site property
management services available whether
you rent your home or not. Besides being
a contact for your guests, your manager
can schedule repairs and housekeeping,
provide routine maintenance, check for
damages between guests, and stage the
property for incoming guests. However,
even if you do not rent your home, having
a property manager check on it regularly
can prevent small problems, such as leaks
and electrical issues, from becoming much
bigger issues. Your home will be properly
prepared for an incoming weather event
and your manager will report to you once
the storm passes to coordinate any needed
repairs and clean up.
Your property manager can take the
headache and worry from your visits and
allow you to relax and enjoy your home as
it was meant to be: a vacation home. They
can handle detailed tasks such as deliver
groceries, ensure your cable/internet and
appliances are working properly, outdoor
areas are free of debris, and even turn your
thermostat up or down according to your
preferences and leave some lights on for
you.
Are you in the market for manager? To
find the right one for you, ask yourself: do
I want to rent my property? Am I looking
to do renovations at the house and need
guidance or someone to supervise? How
involved do I want to be in the care of
my home? The most important service
your property manager can provide you is
peace of mind.
seasons of the south
Seasoned Pecans
BY MARILYN MARKEL
For The Island Connection
T
hese are addictive. Great with a
glass of wine or bubbly and some
delicious cheese before a romantic
dinner. They can be made several days in
advance and are easily transportable. They
also make great gifts if stored in food
ready gift bags with a big bow.
Ingredients:
3 cups pecan halves
½ stick butter (4 Tbsp)
Dash Worcestershire sauce
¼ tsp (or more) of Kahuna Garlic Salt or
your favorite garlic salt
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Melt
butter in a small saucepan over
medium heat or in a glass bowl
(large enough to accommodate
pecans) in the microwave.
2. Stir in pecans and Worcestershire in
the melted butter until evenly coated.
Spread in one layer in a 9x13 baking
pan. Sprinkle evenly with salt.
11
3. Bake for 10 – 15 minutes until
lightly browned. When you can
smell pecans they are ready. Be
careful not to over brown.
4. Remove from the oven and let
cool completely in pan. Store in an
airtight container. These will keep
for a week or longer.
One of the top culinary instructors in
the South, Marilyn has pursued her passion
for teaching in Atlanta, Georgia; Dallas,
Texas; Chapel Hill, North Carolina; and
the Charleston, South Carolina, area
where she now resides. She is the author
of Southern Breads cookbook by Arcadia
Publishing. Her work has appeared in
the Charleston Post and Courier, Island
Eye News among other newspapers, and
the magazine Edible Piedmont, and she
was featured in the documentary Pimento
Cheese, Please, produced by the Southern
Foodways Alliance.
 December 21
ONGOING
WHAT: Southbound: Photographs of and
about the New South
WHERE: Halsey Institute of
Contemporary Art
WHEN: Oct. 19 - March 2
MORE INFO: An unprecedented
exhibition co-curated by Mark Sloan,
director and chief curator of the Halsey
Institute of Contemporary Art, and
Mark Long, professor of political science,
both of whom are on the faculty of the
College of Charleston. For info visit
SouthboundProject.org.
Mondays
WHAT: Family Trees
WHERE: Walton Hall at St. John’s Parish,
3673 Maybank Hwy.
WHEN: 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
MORE INFO: Begin exploring the
process of clearing title for heirs’ property
by defining the family tree. For more
information or to make an appointment
for an initial assessment call 843.810.1036
WHAT: Farmer’s Market
WHERE: Freshfields Village
WHEN: 4 - 8 p.m.
MORE INFO: Shop locally grown organic
produce along with specialty food products,
delicious treats, fresh seafood and Lowcountry
crafts. Or come hungry and enjoy BBQ, take-
away dinners, sweets and more.
WHAT: Charleston Coastal Choir
WHERE: Church of Our Savior
WHEN: 1 p.m.
MORE INFO: Local, mixed community
chorus, open for membership. Season runs
October through March. For information
contact Director of Music, Van McCollum at
404.401.0678 or vanmccollum@bellsouth.net.
Tuesdays
WHAT: Family Oriented Tours and
Activities
WHERE: Nathaniel Russell House
WHEN: 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
MORE INFO: Family tours start on the half-
hour between 10:30 am and 12:30 pm. Docent-
led scavenger hunt tours, historic games and
toys in the garden. HistoricCharleston.org for
information and to purchase tickets for the date
and museum house you would like to attend.
WHAT: Kick-it at Bohicket
WHERE: Bohicket Marina
WHEN: 6:30 p.m.
MORE INFO: Face painting, a balloon artist,
DJ and sand art bracelets. Co-sponsored by
The Town of Seabrook Island & Bohicket
Merchants Association. For questions call Todd
at 248.719.0076.
First and Third
Tuesdays
WHAT: The Charleston County Public
Library Bookmobile
WHERE: Parking lot behind Hege’s
WHEN: 10-11 a.m.
MORE INFO: Bookmobile is back the
first and third Tuesdays of the month. The
schedule for the summer is June 19, July 3
& 17, August 7 & 21.
Island Connection Calendar
Wednesdays
WHAT: Timbers Kiawah Concerts in the
Courtyard
WHERE: The Courtyard between Hege’s
and Java Java (Freshfields Village)
WHEN: 6-8 p.m.
MORE INFO: Join Timbers Kiawah in
The Courtyard every Wednesday for live
music with Chris Dodson, outdoor kids
games, local art and beverages provided
by Timbers Kiawah. The series will run
through Wed., Aug. 29.
WHAT: English Conversation Club
WHERE: John’s Island Regional Library
WHEN: 2 p.m.
MORE INFO: Practice speaking English
with a small group. Beginners to advanced
learners welcome. A children’s program
and/or craft will be provided during the
club meeting. Registration is not required;
call 843.559.1945 for more information.
WHAT: Kids Fish
WHERE: Bohicket Marina
WHEN: Check-in at 8:30 a.m., Fishing
from 9-10 a.m. and 10-11 a.m.
MORE INFO: For ages 4-14. Cost is
$7.00- includes bait, tackle, rod and reel.
Check-in 8:30- Fishing 9-10 a.m. and
10-11 a.m. Co-sponsored by The Town of
Seabrook Island & Bohicket Merchants
Association. For questions call Todd at
248.719.0076.
Thursdays
WHAT: Family Oriented Tours and
Activities
WHERE: Aiken-Rhett House
WHEN: 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
MORE INFO: Family tours start on the half-
hour between 10:30 am and 12:30 pm. Docent-
led scavenger hunt tours, historic games and
toys in the garden. HistoricCharleston.org for
information and to purchase tickets for the date
and museum house you would like to attend.
WHAT: Live Music at The Andell Inn
WHERE: The Andell Inn Hotel,
Freshfields Village
WHEN: 6-8 p.m.
MORE INFO: Relax with cool jazz
every Thursday evening in the lounge of
the Andell Inn Hotel. Drinks and food
available. No cover charge. 843.793.6050.
AndellInn.com.
Thursdays & Sundays
WHAT: Live Music
WHERE: 48 A Wine Bar
WHEN: 6:30-8:30 p.m.
MORE INFO: Featuring 48 wines
by the glass every day. For details visit
FortyEightWineBar.com.
Saturday
WHAT: Johns Island Farmers Market
WHERE: Charleston Collegiate SChool,
2024 Academy Rd.
WHEN: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
MORE INFO: Charleston’s only year-
round farmers market, highlighting
produce and locally produced goods
and foods. Live music, kids activities.
JohnsIslandFarmersMarket.com for details.
Third Saturday of
the Month
WHAT: Sea Islands Cars & Coffee
WHERE: Freshfields Village, Kiawah
WHEN: 9-11 a.m.
MORE INFO: This free event will feature
antiques, classics, exotics, concepts and any
other cool cars. Coffee and other refreshments
available for purchase by Java Java Coffee
House. If you have any specific questions
about the event, please contact Bruce
Stemerman at bstemerman@gmail.com.
FRIDAY, DEC. 21
WHAT: Half Day Movie Matinee (children)
WHERE: Johns Island Regional Library
WHEN: 11 a.m.
MORE INFO: Start winter break right
with a movie and a snack. For details visit
CCPL.org or call 843.559.1945.
FRIDAY, DEC. 21-JAN. 1
WHAT: Holiday Light Show
WHERE: College of Charleston, Cistern
Yard
WHEN: 6-9 p.m.
MORE INFO: 2nd annual Cougar Night
Lights holiday spectacular transforms
historic Cistern Yard and Randolph Hall
with a specially designed light and sound
show. Hot chocolate stand on weekends.
Each night, the show plays on the hour.
CharlestonCVB.com for details.
FRIDAY, DEC. 28
WHAT: Fairy House Day
WHERE: Caw Caw Interpretive Center
WHEN: 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
MORE INFO: All ages. Check in at
registration and receive a building permit and
materials, then start creating your own little
dwelling. An on-site chaperone for children
is required. Call 843.795.4386 or visit
CharlestonCountyParks.com for details.
SATURDAY, DEC. 29
WHAT: New Year’s Eve Bash! (ages 11
and younger)
WHERE: Johns Island Regional Library
WHEN: 2-3 p.m.
MORE INFO: Who says New Year’s Eve
parties are only for grown-ups? Children
can enjoy their own fun-filled party and
bring in the new year in their own way. For
details visit CCPL.org or call 843.559.1945.
MONDAY, DEC. 31
WHAT: NOON Year’s Eve
WHERE: Children’s Museum of the
Lowcountry
WHEN: 9 a.m.-2 p.m.
MORE INFO: Celebrate the start of
2019 with sparkling art projects, glitzy
countdown and ball drop at noon. This
event is included with CML membership or
admission. No pre-registration is required.
For details visit ExploreCML.org.
TUESDAY, JAN. 1-30
WHAT: Museum Month
WHERE: Various locations
WHEN: Various times
MORE INFO: Pass grants access to
local museums. Check individual sites
for scheduled hours of operation. 12
participating sites including Aiken-
Rhett House, The Charleston Museum,
Edmondston-Alston House, Gibbes
Museum of Art and others. Adult tickets
$25, children $10. Purchases can be made
in advance online, making these passes a
great holiday gift. Ticket purchases must
be made in person at a Charleston Visitor
Center downtown, in North Charleston, or
in Mount Pleasant.
FRIDAY, JAN. 4 & 5
WHAT: Beethoven’s 5th
WHERE: Gaillard Center
WHEN: 7:30 p.m.
MORE INFO: Charleston Symphony
Orchestra featuring Zachary Hammond
on oboe and Ken Lam, Conductor.
For tickets and information visit
GaillardCenter.org.
WEDNESDAY, JAN. 9
WHAT: Genealogy Fair
WHERE: The Lake House
WHEN: 1:30-3:30 p.m.
MORE INFO: Hosted by the Seabrook
Island Genealogy Club, Digging Into
Roots Together, free event features
experts from Charleston Public Library,
Charleston Chapter of the South Carolina
Genealogy Society, and the Daughters
of the Revolution. Open to all Seabrook
Island, Kiawah Island and Kiawah
River Estates owners. For more info visit
DiggingTogether.blogspot.com.
WEDNESDAY, JAN. 9-JAN. 20
WHAT: Charleston Restaurant Week
WHERE: Locations throughout
Charleston
WHEN: various times
MORE INFO: Deals from
Charleston’s most renowned chefs.
For a list of participating restaurants,
menus and reservations visit
CharlestonRestaurantAssociation.com.
FRIDAY, JAN. 11
WHAT: Frank Vignola’s Hot Jazz Guitar Trio
WHERE: Turtle Point Clubhouse
WHEN: 7:30 p.m.
MORE INFO: Tickets complimentary
and available to residents 12/18 and the
general public 12/22. Pick up tickets
at the Municipal Center or online at
KiawahIsland.org/events. Sponsored by the
Kiawah Arts & Cultural Events Council.
WHAT: Seabrook Island Garden Club
WHERE: Lake House
WHEN: 9:30 a.m.
MORE INFO: “Growing and Cooking
with Herbs,” presented by Pat Harpell. For
information on membership please contact
Holli Bolte at hmbolte@yahoo.com.
SATURDAY, JAN. 12
WHAT: Shuckin’ on the Cooper
WHERE: Mount Pleasant Pier
WHEN: 1-4 p.m.
MORE INFO: Steamed oysters, live
music by Joshua Jarman. Food and drinks
available for sale. Buckets of oysters from
Charleston Bay Gourmet will be $10
each, and Dave ‘N’ Dubs variety of hot
dogs. Sponsored by CCPRC, tickets $8 in
advance, $10 on-site, if available, advance
purchase recommended. Children age 3 and
under are free. CharlestonCountyParks.com
or by calling 843.795.4386.
SUNDAY, JAN. 13
WHAT: Joe Gransden Quartet
WHERE: Turtle Point Clubhouse, Kiawah
WHEN: 5:30 p.m.
MORE INFO: Quentin Baxter presents
a 2019 three-part jazz series, sponsored
by the Town of Kiawah Island Cultural
Events Fund. First concert of the series
features trumpeter/vocalist Joe Gransden.
Tickets are $25, available at BaxterMusic.
org or call 843.766.8814.
TUESDAY, JAN. 15
WHAT: Seabrook Island Artist Guild
WHERE: The Lake House
WHEN: 1-3:30 p.m.
MORE INFO: Interactive workshop led
by Bob LeFevre. Open to non-members.
To learn more about the Seabrook
Island Artist Guild and upcoming
events, please go to the website at
SeabrookIslandArtistGuild.com.
THURSDAY, JAN. 24-27
WHAT: Charleston Jazz Festival
January 29
WHERE: throughout Charleston
WHEN: various times
MORE INFO: 5th Annual Charleston
Jazz Festival will feature jazz legends
and emerging artists. Artists perform a
wide range of styles including Swing,
Salsa, Blues, Brazilian, the American
Songbook and more. For full lineup visit
CharlestonJazz.com.
TUESDAY, JAN. 29
WHAT: SEADogs Annual Meeting
WHERE: TBD
WHEN: TBD
MORE INFO: Speaker from Pilots N Paws
will address the group. Pilots N Paws runs
an online meeting place where volunteers
can come together and arrange or schedule
rescue flights, overnight foster care or
shelter, and all other related animal rescue
activities. For info about the Seabrook Dog
Owners Group visit SIDogs.org.
SATURDAY, FEB. 2
WHAT: Save the Light Half Marathon & 5K
WHERE: Folly Beach Pier
WHEN: 8:30 a.m.
MORE INFO: Save the Light, Inc.
partners with CCPRC for second annual
race benefitting Morris Island Lighthouse.
Both USATF-certified races begin and
end near the Folly Beach Pier. Half
marathon is a run-only event; the 5K is
open to runners and walkers. To register
visit CharlestonCountyParks.com or call
843.795.4386.
14
financial focus
Consider some New Year’s
financial resolutions
BY DIMI MATOUCHEV
For The Island Connection
A
s the year winds down, you may
want to look ahead to see which
areas of your life you can improve
in 2019. Perhaps you’ll decide to exercise
more, eat healthier foods, reconnect with
old friends or volunteer at a school or
charitable organization. All these goals are
certainly worthwhile, but you also may
want to add some New Year’s financial
resolutions to your list.
Here are a few ideas to consider:
Boost contributions to your employer-
sponsored retirement plan. Good news,
contribution limits will be increasing for
many employer-sponsored retirement plans.
For 2019, you can contribute up to
$19,000 (up from $18,500 in 2018), or
$25,000 (up from $24,500 in 2018) if
you’re 50 or older to your 401(k) or similar
employer-sponsored retirement plan.
It’s usually a good idea to contribute as
much as you can afford to your employer’s
plan, as your contributions may lower
your taxable income, while any earnings
growth is tax-deferred. (Keep in mind
that taxes are due upon withdrawal, and
withdrawals prior to age 59½ may be
subject to a 10% IRS penalty.)
At a minimum, put in enough to earn
your employer’s matching contribution, if
one is offered.
Try to “max out” on your IRA. Even
if you have a 401(k) or similar plan, you
can probably still invest in an IRA. For
2019, you can put in up to $6,000 in a
traditional or Roth IRA (up from $5,500
in 2018), or $7,000 (up from $6,500) if
you’re 50 or older. (Income restrictions
December 21, 2018
apply to Roth IRAs.) Contributions to a
traditional IRA may be tax-deductible,
depending on your income, and any
earnings growth is tax-deferred. Roth
IRA contributions are not deductible,
but earnings growth can be withdrawn
tax-free, provided you don’t start taking
withdrawals until you are 59 ½ and you’ve
had your account at least five years. You
can put most types of investments –
stocks, bonds, mutual funds, government
securities and so on – into an IRA, so it
can expand your options beyond those
offered in your 401(k) or similar plan.
Build an emergency fund. Try to build
an emergency fund containing three to six
months’ worth of living expenses, with the
money held in a low-risk, liquid account.
This fund can help you avoid dipping in
to your long-term investments to pay for
unexpected costs, such as a major car repair.
Control your debts. Do what you
can to keep your debts under control.
Ultimately, the less you have to spend on
debt payments, the more you can invest
for your future.
Don’t overreact to financial market
volatility. In 2018, especially the last few
months of the year, we saw considerable
market volatility, with huge drops and big
gains in rapid succession. What will 2019
bring? It’s always difficult, and usually
futile, trying to forecast the market’s
performance over the course of an entire
year. But, in any case, try not to overreact
to whatever ups and downs we may
experience. Instead, continue pursuing an
investment strategy that’s appropriate for
your goals, risk tolerance and time horizon.
Following these suggestions can help you
become a better investor in 2019, and beyond.
December 21, 2018
Archaeological dig breaks ground
HOTEL DEVELOPMENT PROJECT MOVES FORWARD
BY KELLY RYAN
For The Island Connection
O
ne of the South’s most important
historic sites, The Pinckney
Mansion, is about to be the subject
of a nationally relevant archeological
dig. The Pinckney Mansion, among the
first grand homes in Charleston, was an
early inhabitant on Charleston’s colonial
waterfront.
“[The Pinckney Mansion] is arguably
the most important site in colonial
Charleston,” according to architectural
historian and preservationist, Ralph
Harvard. The site could contain remnants
and artifacts from the grand mansion,
as well as valuable evidence from slave
quarters.
Charles Pinckney built a sprawling
mansion in Charleston, South Carolina
around 1746 at 235 East Bay St. The
Pinckney Mansion burned down in
1861, and the site has since been home
to a coffee shop, a pub and in the future,
Hotel Eliza. Findings from this historic
dig will be incorporated into the lobby of
the new hotel, as a nod to the site’s past.
Hotel Eliza’s name was chosen to honor
the home’s historic owner and American
business pioneer, Eliza Lucas Pinckney.
Eliza Lucas Pinckney single-handedly
changed agriculture in colonial South
Carolina and developed indigo as one of
15
daily
its most important cash crops. In 1753,
President George Washington served as
a pallbearer at Pinckney’s funeral. And
in the 20th century, Pinckney was the
first woman to be inducted into South
Carolina’s Business Hall of Fame for
her contributions to South Carolina’s
agriculture. The Pinckney descendants
have been some of South Carolina’s finest
statesmen and politicians.
“Part of the allure of this site was the
significance of it in our city and our nation’s
history. We, along with many historians,
have always wanted to unearth any of the
hidden pieces of the story it has to tell and
to include those in our hotel to give it a
true and tangible tie to its beginnings,”
said Dean Pearce, of Pearce Development,
the owner of the property on 235 East Bay
St. In spite of no architectural ordinance,
Pearce Development initiated this pivotal
dig out of commitment and respect for
the city’s rich history.
“The Pinckney Mansion was one of Ruins of the Pinckney Mansion, Charleston, South Carolina, 1865, George N. Barnard.
Charleston’s grandest homes in the 1700’s
Lowcountry. Recent projects have involved Pearce Development is a commercial real
and we are looking forward to what data recovery excavations at the 1710s- estate developer, based in the Lowcountry.
the findings could unearth about early
1920s Combahee Ferry site in Beaufort/ The company develops and owns commercial
Charleston history,” said Pearce. Colleton Counties (South Carolina), the properties throughout the southeast. Hotel
Eric Poplin, Senior Archaeologist 1790s-1850s Barnett Plantation on Royal Eliza is the firm’s first hotel project and
& Vice President of Brockington and Island (The Bahamas) and more. honoring The Pinckney Mansion site and
Associates, will lead this project and break The team is also considering its significance to the history of Charleston
ground on the historic dig this fall. Poplin collaborating the possibility of remains a commitment.
has worked on many similar projects in
collaborating on a documentary about the
the area throughout his long tenure in the historic site.