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Volume 12 Issue 22 FREE February 1, 2019

2019
Southeastern
Wildlife Expo
TICKETS
AVA I L A B L E AT
KIAWAH
VISITORS
CENTER
BY STEPHANIE BRASWELL
For The Island Connection

S
top by the Kiawah Visitors Center
(4475 Betsy Kerrison Pkwy.) to get
your tickets to the Southeastern
Wildlife Exposition (SEWE). This
three-day showcase of everything we love
about wildlife and nature is an event that
is worth the trip downtown.
Through an incredible lineup of events
- from fine art exhibits, conservation
education, sporting demonstrations and
parties - SEWE invites us all to explore
our "wild" side and pay tribute to our
Josh Swindle sporting the paramobile golf cart. Photo by Gregg Bragg. naturally beautiful world. It’s the largest

Adaptive golf comes to Kiawah

event of its kind in the US and plays host
to hundreds of artists and exhibitors, plus
experts in wildlife and nature art, all eager
to share their art and insights.
R E S O R T S E T S B E N C H M A R K F O R P L AY E R A C C E S S I B I L I T Y Check out the line up at SEWE.com. For
more information call the Kiawah Visitors
BY GREGG BRAGG Center at 843.768.5116.
The Island Connection Sr. Staff Writer

K
iawah resident Deborah A. Perelmuter graduated from
Wharton with a B.Sc. in 1983, and earned her MBA
from New York University’s Stern School of Business in
1991. She is currently on leave from her position as Senior Vice
President of Research and Statistics with the Federal Reserve
Bank of New York after being diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis
in 1996. MS took its time eroding her ability to participate in
the joy of sports, effectively eliminating her golf game about six
or seven years ago. That was before the fall of 2018, when the
Kiawah Island Golf Resort acquired a Paramobile.
The device was invented by California-based golf coach
Anthony Netto. He married the idea of a standing frame to a
motorized wheelchair with the help of engineering company
ESORO, and medical device manufacturer Ottobock. The
Paramobile goes from sitting position to standing position in a
matter of seconds. Consequently, it’s not only possible, but also
practical for people like Perelmuter to do any number of things,
including a round of golf.
“You can play with other people without holding them up.
I have to learn to manage my swing [because of the device] but
this is such a great, unique vehicle, and a great accommodation
for those who don’t have any balance, or strength in their legs.
They can actually play sociable golf, in a group, at a walking or
even running pace, and participate in conversations at eye level.
It’s fantastic, so I was really excited to discover they had this
program.
Adaptive Golf continues on page 4 Photo courtesy of SEWE.

Kiawah Cares Foundation For Your Health Charleston Music Fest

Page 5 Page 7 Page 10
2 February 1, 2019
civic

Kiawah Island Town Council

MEETING JAN. 8
Lynn Pierotti
publisher
BY KATY CALLOWAY “Opening Comments” and the December is Maryanne Connelly.
The Island Connection Managing Editor 7 special meeting, during the first round Chris Widuch will liaison to the State
lynn@luckydognews.com of Citizen’s Comments. She thanked Accommodations Tax Committee.

T
he first Kiawah Town Council
Katy Calloway meeting of the New Year
managing editor
was called to order with new
katy@luckydognews.com councilmembers, Maryanne Connelly,
Dan Prickett and Klaus Said present and
accounted for. Following the Pledge of
Jennifer Tuohy
Allegiance, Mayor Weaver described an
contributing editor unusual process for approving the minutes
jennifer@luckydognews.com of the December 4 regular meeting as
those 2018 councilmembers were no
longer present, therefore only himself
Alejandro Ferreyros
and councilmember Chris Widuch were
senior graphic designer
able to make the motion and second to
alejandro@luckydognews.com
approve the prior meetings, while all
councilmembers, new and old, were
Lori McGee invited to approve, which they did.
sales manager The Mayor then took a moment
lori@luckydognews.com to declare that with three new
councilmembers, they would be
explaining some processes as today’s
meeting went along, beginning with the
Senior Staff Writer process for amending minutes ahead of
Gregg Bragg the scheduled meetings. The minutes for
the December 7 special meeting were
then approved unanimously.
Contributors
Stephanie Braswell The Mayor’s update included a welcome
Renee Dickinson to new councilmembers. He stated that
this morning (Jan. 8) he signed the
Jeannie Colson
Deputy contract with Charleston County
Alberta Barron
for supplemental law officers for the day
Barbara Radin Fox shift beginning March 1.
Martha Zink He announced that KICA has
Jacob Elsey established a committee that is going
Jennifer Richard to look at Sea Level Rise and the very
focused issues of drainage and stormwater
Nandini McCauley
management, “Which makes sense since
Kimberly Borts they own 95% of the roadways,” stated
Kimberly Keelor-Parker
Weaver. Councilmember Widuch will
John B. Nelson represent the Town on that committee.
The Mayor noted a continuing problem
with capacity at trash facility noting that
the purchase of a compactor had been
approved last Fall to maximize capacity,
and hope to keep the area cleaner. The hope
is that the new unit is installed next week.
The meeting fell into the old rhythm as
Wendy Kulick took to the podium for her
Council in advance for its intervention
regarding the Kiawah Island Utility
Rate Increase Application that was to be
discussed later in Executive Session.
There being no old business, the
agenda moved on to new business which
included Ordinance 2019-01 to amend
Article 16, Beach Management, Chapter
1 Beach Lighting. The chapter’s purpose
is to protect nesting sea turtles on Kiawah
beaches by safeguarding nesting females
and hatchlings from sources of artificial
light. The amendments define dawn
and dusk as 30 minutes prior to sunrise
and sunset respectively. It also tightens
the language preventing any source of
artificial light from being visible from the
beach, including new development. In
addition, temporary lights at construction
sites shall be turned off at 9 p.m. until
dawn from May 1 to October 31. The first
reading was approved unanimously.
Being the first meeting of 2019,
the appointments of town treasurer,
town clerk, and town attorney needed
to be approved for another calendar
year. Dorota Szubert, Petra Reynolds
and Stephanie Monroe Tillerson were
approved unanimously and without
comment and will continue to serve at
the will of Council in their positions for
another calendar year.
Council committee assignments and
appointments were then made with the
following determinations: Klaus Said was
appointed chair of the Audit Committee,
Chris Widuch will chair the Ways and
Means Committee and Maryanne
Connelly will chair the Public Safety
Committee. Said and Connelly will serve
one-year terms, however the Ways and
Means Committee chair serves the entire
length of his council term. All members
were approved without discussion.
Council liaison to the Arts and
Cultural Events Council is Dan Prickett.
Council liaison to the Visitors Bureau
The Charleston Area Transportation
Study group and the Berkeley, Charleston,
Dorchester Council of Governments will
be represented by Mayor Weaver.
The Mayor asked to delay the
appointments to the Environmental
Committee, Conservancy, the Planning
Commission and Public Works until after
the new council has attended the 2019
Council Retreat.
Town Administrator Stephanie
Tillerson then went over committee
appointments, memberships, roles
and responsibilities. A motion was
made to approve members and passed
unanimously.
Tillerson reported that the traffic
and safety study had been completed by
Kimley-Horn in the area of Beachwalker
East and should be available soon. She
then updated Council on Beachwalker
Dr. and negotiations with the County
Park in regards to easing the traffic
problems to and from the public access
park that is often filled to capacity with
visitors. This challenge will be addressed
by the Kimley-Horn report. The Town
is optimistic that traffic relief can be
completed by May of 2019.
Councilmember Widuch announced
that demolition to the condemned 122
Turnberry property should start on Jan.
21 and be completed by Feb. 1. He added
that Fire Station 6 is now scheduled for a
Mar. 5 completion.
With no further public business,
Council entered into Executive Session
to receive legal advice regarding 1. a land
use and zoning matter related to Vacation
Club Destinations; 2. the Kiawah Island
Utility rate increase application; and
3. civil action regarding T. Rucker and
former auditor Webster-Rogers.
The next regular meeting of the Kiawah
Island Town Council will be Tuesday,
Feb. 8 at 2:30 p.m.

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 Town of Seabrook Fax: 768-4764
Sullivan’s Island, SC 29482 Committee Meeting
Town Council Feb. 11, 10 a.m. Planning Commission Seabrook Island Town H all
843-886-NEWS
Meeting Kiawah Town Hall Meeting 2001 Seabrook Island Road
Feb. 5, 2 p.m. Feb. 6, 2:30 p.m. Seabrook Island, SC 29455
Future submission deadline: Public Safety
Kiawah Town Hall Seabrook Town Hall Phone: 768-9121
Wednesday 6 for the Committee Meeting
February 15 Issue Ways & Means Fax: 768-9830
Planning Commission Feb. 13, 2 p.m. Email: lmanning@townofseabrookisland.org
Committee Meeting
Meeting Kiawah Town Hall
Feb 19, 2:30 p.m.
Op-Ed articles and letters to the editor do not Feb. 6, 3 p.m. Seabrook Town Hall Johns Island Council
necessarily reflect the opinion of Kiawah Town Hall Board of Zoning Meetings are held at the Berkeley Electric
Lucky Dog News or its writers. Arts & Events Council Appeals Co-op located at 3351 Maybank Hwy, Johns
Town Council
Meeting Feb. 18, 3 p.m. Island.
Meeting
Feb. 7, 2 p.m. Kiawah Town Hall Chairman Chris Cannon: 343-5113
Feb. 26, 2:30 p.m.
The Island Kiawah Town Hall Seabrook 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
February 1, 2019
civic

Beachwalker Park closed

until April
BY RENEE DICKINSON
For The Island Connection

K
iawah Beachwalker Park is
temporarily closed to all visitors
(including pedestrians) through
early April so that the park can undergo
extensive renovations and construction.
The scope of the renovations include:
• The replacement of the boardwalk
from the parking lot to the existing
showers.
• The replacement of the showers
and changing rooms.
• The addition of new
ADA-compliant parking spaces
and paved access pathway to the
boardwalk
• The replacement of the gatehouse
and traffic improvements to the
entry of the park.
Kiawah Beachwalker Park, located
on the west end of Kiawah Island, offers
ocean frontage and a river view, along
with the only public beach access on
Kiawah Island.

arts & events

OLMCO hosts Love Your

Neighbor auction
MICKEY BAKST AWARDED
FOR CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE
NEIGHBORHOOD
BY JEANNIE COLSON
For The Island Connection

O
ur Lady of Mercy Community first in all he does,” says Ericka Plater,
Outreach will host the Love
Your Neighbor Auction from
1-4:30 p.m. on Feb. 10 at the Charleston
executive director of Our Lady of Mercy
Community Outreach. Tid e Char t
Tickets are selling quickly and can
Marriott Hotel. Guests will enjoy an be bought online at OLMOutreach.
open bar and heavy hors d'oeuvres while org. For more information, contact
bidding on luxurious items such as a Hannah Finley, development manager, Date High Tide Low Tide
guided quail hunt for two at Pinetop at 843.559.4109 x109 or hannah.finley@
Plantation, a private five to seven course olmoutreach.org. Proceeds from the event Feb 01 5:51am/5:53pm 11:55am/11:59pm
tasting menu with wine pairings at the will be used to support the mission of Our
James Beard House in New York City for Lady of Mercy Community Outreach to Feb 02 6:37am/6:39pm 12:40pm
12, or a six-night Fairmont Resort getaway encourage and support self-sufficiency
in Banff, Calgary and Lake Louise with and self-worth for people in need through Feb 03 7:19am/7:22pm 12:43am/1:22pm
airfare for two and much more during our education, wellness and outreach services. Feb 04 7:59am/8:01pm 1:24am/2:01pm
silent and live auctions.
For the second year, OLMCOS is Feb 05 8:36am/8:39pm 2:02am/2:37pm
presenting the Love Your Neighbor
Award to showcase the long-term impact
Feb 06 9:11am/9:15pm 2:39am/3:12pm
an individual, organization or company Feb 07 9:44am/9:49pm 3:14am/3:46pm
makes in our community, bringing our
mission to help those in greatest need reach Feb 08 10:15am/10:22pm 3:50am/4:19pm
Founded in 1989, Our Lady of Mercy
self-sufficiency, to life. This year’s award Feb 09 10:47am/10:59pm 4:28am/4:55pm
Community Outreach provides educational,
will be presented to Mickey Bakst. Maître
health and direct outreach services to
D, foodie, fundraiser, philanthropist,
more than 5,000 people each year in the Feb 10 11:23am/11:41pm 5:09am/5:34pm
career restaurateur, mentor and Charleston
ambassador – these are just a few titles
Lowcountry. With the support of volunteers Feb 11 12:06pm 5:58am/6:20pm
and donations, community members receive
bestowed upon Mickey Bakst. Our Lady Feb 12 12:31am/12:58pm 6:54am/7:13pm
dental and pre-natal care, emergency food,
of Mercy Community Outreach has
clothing and financial assistance, lunch five
had the privilege of seeing the impact of
days a week at Neighborhood House, and Feb 13 1:30am/2:00pm 7:59am/8:14pm
Bakst's work daily through the consistent
support he provides to our downtown
diverse educational and capacity-building Feb 14 2:36am/3:08pm 9:09am/9:19pm
opportunities such as after-school programs,
location, Neighborhood House. His latest
money management, GED and ESL
charitable effort is Dining for a Cause, Hurricanes, storms, etc., are NOT included in the predictions.
classes, workforce development, and more.
which raised over $500,000 in 2018 for Tidal current direction changes and tide time predictions can be
The two locations include Johns Island on
three area organizations. very different. Tide predictions are PREDICTIONS; they can be
Brownswood Rd, serving the needs of James,
"Mickey is an example of the impact Johns and Wadmalaw Island residents and wrong so use common sense.
one person can have on many when the Neighborhood House in Charleston that Source: saltwatertides.com
they share their blessings. He is a serves Eastside-area residents. For more
dynamic change agent in the Charleston information, visit OLMOutreach.org.
community, and we are honored to have
him as a champion of our mission and
to honor him for putting community
4 February 1, 2019
Debby Perelmuter is back on the golf course using the
paramobile cart. Photo by Jim Perelmuter.
Adaptive Golf continues on page 4
“[KIGR] has been really accommodating to allow me
to use it, and I think they want to make it accessible to
more people. So I think Kiawah being one of the first
to have a Paramobile is great. There are probably three
or four different types of this vehicle, but none are as
daily
flexible as this one. It makes the golf game as natural as
it can be. It’s a big step above the other devices I’ve tried
that haven’t really worked out. The person who invented
it really thought of everything. You can use it during
fishing, walking, going to the beach… You can stand up
and talk to people. You don’t feel like you’re part of the
conversation when people are talking above you… and
to be able to stand up and to do things like that is just
amazing,” said Perelmuter.
“I’m going to try to start a chapter up in Pennsylvania
where I live in the summertime so I can be a beneficiary,
but more importantly, so I can raise consciousness, and
get people who would ordinarily be unable to play, back
to the game.
“Kiawah and KIGR are unique and the kinds of
things that they can do for the people who live here is
great. I consider myself very fortunate to be able to be a
part of those, and to use it as a resident of the island. I’m
sure they would love to let people who are visiting use it.
I think it’ll be a real boon for this resort and make it that
much more outstanding,” Perelmuter said.
The “program” Perelmuter referred to is a product of
the Stand Up and Play foundation started by Paramobile
inventor Anthony Netto. The Foundation is working
hand-in-glove with PGA America as a part of PGA
Reach, designed to encourage diversity and inclusion.
A veteran-centric division of PGA Reach is the PGA
- HOPE program. “PGA HOPE Carolinas (Helping
Our Patriots Everywhere) is an adaptive golf program
offered by our PGA Professionals as a rehabilitation tool
to improve our veterans' quality of life by enhancing
their mental, social, physical, and emotional well-being.
We serve our veterans at eleven locations in North and
South Carolina with an emphasis on helping those with
physical and emotional disabilities that would most
benefit from our initiative,” reads the PGA HOPE
Carolinas website.
“PGA HOPE is free for all active duty military or
veteran members, and is funded by the PGA of America
under a program labeled PGA Reach. It’s an eight week
February 1, 2019 5
daily
series on Kiawah we run winter and summer. [That
schedule] kind of spells the rest of the PGA HOPE
chapters in Charleston (Wescott, Daniel’s Island and
KICA gives over $100,000
Stono Ferry), that run spring and fall. So we’ve created
a year round outlet. Most of the guys here have PTSD, FUNDS SUPPORT
and this is a way for them to reincorporate themselves
into civilian life,” said Josh Wagaman, Head Golf Pro at M U LT I P L E P R O G R A M S
Kiawah’s Cougar Point Golf Course.
“At the beginning of the program, a lot of these guys
weren’t comfortable standing here in a group or having a
conversation. They weren’t comfortable being this close
to people. By the end of the program you could see them
begin to develop friendships, and were more comfortable
being around people. It’s just awesome to see the program
work.
“There are six Kiawah Island pros that teach with us
on a weekly basis. There’s a national PGA Reach Cup
every year comprised of one team from each of 41 PGA
sections. PGA Reach Cup is held in the same city as
the PGA Championship. The qualifier was in Pinehurst
this year. We have eleven PGA HOPE chapters in the
North and South Carolina Sections. The Kiawah team
actually tied Wescott in match play but lost the scorecard
playoff… so the Wescott team will go to New York this
year,” concluded Wagaman.
Each PGA Reach team is made up of 4 veterans and
one pro. The 2018 group from Kiawah was captained
by Wagaman. Josh Swindell is one of 20 who benefit
from the program at Cougar, and he was also part of the
team to visit Pinehurst. Swindell was paralyzed in an
accident while serving as a Coast Guard first responder.
The pictures of Swindell tell their own story, but seeing
him drive a ball down the middle from the paramobile is
nothing short of inspiring.
For more information contact the Cougar Point Club Kiawah Cares is sponsoring two little league teams in 2019.
Photo courtesy of the Barrier Islands Little League.
House at 843.266.4020, visit standupandplayfoundation.
org, or Carolinas.pga.com/pga-HOPE.
BY KICA
For The Island Connection

T
he Kiawah Cares Foundation’s
first annual Humanitarian Aid
Fundraising Campaign generated
just over $100,000 in donations to fund
a variety of powerful programs addressing
hunger, housing and wellness for the
young and old on the Sea Islands in 2019.
This campaign was a comprehensive
effort to address a wide range of needs
on neighboring Johns and Wadmalaw
islands.
“Kiawah Cares has been operating
for over six years and we have gained
a thorough understanding of where
the greatest needs lie in our Sea Islands
community,” remarked Kiawah Cares’
Holly Newman. “We have relationships
with local nonprofit partners who we
trust and who are exceptionally worthy
beneficiaries. We know our Kiawah
community members are eager to support
humanitarian efforts, but we were
absolutely blown away by the immense
generosity that this campaign generated.
We are so proud of our community and
the positive local impact we will be able to
make in 2019!”
The goal was to raise $60,000 in six
weeks, between the campaign’s launch on
Giving Tuesday (Nov. 27) through the
end of 2018. The $60,000 would fund a set
of foundational Sea Islands humanitarian
efforts, as well as provide some additional
resources to mobilize quickly when
worthy needs require immediate support.
“Donations came in so rapidly in the
last week of December, that we didn’t
realize how dramatically this campaign
would surpass our goal,” exclaimed
Newman.
When the campaign concluded,
donations amounted to a total of $104,000.
KICA continues on page 6
6 February 1, 2019
arts & events
Seabrook Garden Club
shares meeting
SIGC INVITES KIGC TO
P R E S E N TAT I O N O N A N T I Q U E S I LV E R
BY ALBERTA BARRON
For The Island Connection
Photo provided.
O
n Friday, Feb. 8 please the
Seabrook Island Garden Club
and guest members of the Kiawah
Island Garden Club will welcome special
speaker Andrew Birlant Slotin.
Slotin is the co-owner of George
C. Birlant & Co. (Antiques) and third
generation to be involved with this
97-year-old business. He currently buys,
sells and manages alongside his father,
Phil H. Slotin. Their store at 191 King St.
anchors the Historic Charleston Antiques
District on Lower King Street and boasts
a Circa 1851. Birlant’s maintains a large
inventory of reproduction and antique
gift items and offers “white glove” courier
delivery services anywhere in the US.
Slotin specializes in antique English
furniture, silver, porcelain, earthenware,
crystal, brass, longcase clocks and fireside
accessories. Slotin’s presentation will
focus on antique English Georgian silver,
Sheffield and Victorian silver-plate. He will
bring a “box full of props,” to illustrate the
differences and how the British influenced
Charleston and its silver artisans.
Slotin is the past-president of the
Charleston Antiques Dealers Association
and currently a member of the Downtown
Charleston Business Council. He is also a
certified antiques appraiser.
For information on membership in the
Seabrook Island Garden Cub contact Holli
Bolte at hmbolte@yahoo.com.
daily
Kiawah Cares is partnering with Going Places to give away 135 bicycles in 2019.
Photo courtesy of Going Places.
KICA continues from page 5
Kiawah Cares will be able to continue
funding programs like Meals on Wheels
(reducing hunger and supporting seniors),
the Community Home Improvement
Project (providing home repair to those
in need), Made with Love (bringing
comfort to veterans, students and seniors),
the Barrier Islands Little League and
Going Places (promoting recreational
opportunities for youth). The foundation is
also well positioned to support new urgent
needs and emerging initiatives.
For the Barrier Islands Little League,
Kiawah Cares will sponsor two teams,
the Kiawah Bobcats. The mission of the
league is to impart the ideals of good
sportsmanship, honesty, loyalty, courage
and respect, so that children may retain
those ideals and become stronger mentally
and physically. This sponsorship will give
16 children the chance to absorb the solid
ideals that Little League conveys, which
places them on a path for future successes.
Kiawah Cares is committed to supporting
their future expansion, and will fund
the replacement of equipment that was
recently stolen.
The Community Home Improvement
Project (CHIP) coordinates critical home
repairs for Sea Islands residents in need.
CHIP works with sister organization
Next Steps, to identify those in need and
Kiawah Cares will provide substantial
funds for CHIP to purchase materials for
repairs. Often homes have been damaged
by storms, or age has created significant
livability issues.
Going Places’ mission is to provide
disadvantaged kids with their most basic
childhood right: joy! Katie Bloomquist,
founder and executive director, wishes
to provide a bicycle to children in all
Charleston area Title 1 elementary
schools. Bicycles give children a sense of
freedom and in many cases, self-worth,
as the bike may be the first item of value
a child can call their own. Kiawah Cares
has the exciting opportunity to fund a
donation of 135 bicycles to be given to
every student at Frierson Elementary
School on Wadmalaw Island. This massive
surprise giveaway is slated for May.
Kiawah Cares helps fund daily meals
for seniors through Meals on Wheels.
Meals on Wheels currently serves daily
meals to 38 seniors on the Sea Islands and
the number is climbing.
Finally, Kiawah Cares will continue to
support a special group of local crafters,
known as Made with Love. This group
works tirelessly making hundreds of
handmade goods and tied fleece blankets,
that not only provide comfort but
essential warmth, to give to students,
teachers, families, and pet rescues. Special
gifts are shared with Meals on Wheels
and Respite Care during the holidays,
and with veterans on Veterans Day to
show gratitude for their service. In the
spirit of sharing their crafts, and passing
on the act of caring and giving with the
younger generation, the group has hosted
workshops with students from both
Charleston Collegiate and Haut Gap
Middle School.
The Kiawah Cares Foundation is a
501c3, administratively supported by the
Kiawah Island Community Association.
Learn more about Kiawah Cares’ impact
and programs at KiawahCares.org.
February 1, 2019
Photo courtesy of Pixabay.com.
S
o many of us in the U.S. are “on a
diet” or, “off and on a diet.” Usually
that means we are trying to lose
weight, seemingly the ever present
problem with the majority of people here
in our country. Some of us are also trying
to be on a healthy diet, even though we
get a lot of conflicting information and
for your health
Weighing in on diet
BY BARBARA RADIN FOX
For The Island Connection
incorrect information on the packaging
on food products.
What’s the right answer when we’re
wondering about dietary issues?
Well, first of all, the word diet doesn’t
necessarily mean losing weight. The word
diet is simple: it means what food and
drink are we putting in our body. There
are low salt, low or no sugar, no lactose,
no gluten, vegetarian, vegan, no grain,
no cooked food, whole grain, plant-based
diets and many other types of diets for
losing weight, such as the grapefruit diet.
It’s enough to boggle the mind. There
are registered dieticians, nutritionists
and health and wellness coaches, and on
occasion medical doctors who dispense
dietary advice. Whom should we believe?
What we can believe is this:
1. We would be dead if we didn’t eat.
2. We would probably get sick and
maybe hasten our death if we
don’t eat the “right” food, i.e.
enough protein, dairy, fruits and
vegetables and carbohydrates
throughout the day. (Many of my
patients who have anxiety and
depression find that many if not
all of these symptoms disappear
when they eat a lot more protein
throughout the day and get rid of
most alcohol, caffeine and sugar.)
3. Each person’s diet needs to be
individualized, depending on his
or her own unique physiology.
Sometimes we can get answers
by visiting one of the professionals
mentioned. There are medical tests that
can uncover medical conditions that are
caused by a certain type of food.
7
Sometimes we can determine what foods
bother us through our experience. For
example, if a person drinking cow’s milk
or milk products, suffers from bloating,
gas or other gastrointestinal problems, then
that person may be lactose intolerant and
could switch to almond, soy or flax milk
products. If a person has gastrointestinal or
other symptoms that have proven difficult
to diagnose, he or she may be sensitive to
gluten or actually have celiac sprue disease,
which can be diagnosed by a blood test or a
biopsy of the small intestine.
Persistence to find a diagnosis will pay
off, even though you may have to consult
with a few health professionals.
Unless someone has an allergy,
sensitivity or disease, moderation usually
is the healthy approach to diet. There is a
lot of evidence, though, that the healthiest
diets are ones that emphasize plant-based,
whole grain foods and have shown that
these foods seem to prevent as well as
treat many conditions, including heart
problems, diabetes, cancer and more.
Email any general health related question
to foxb@bodyandsoultherapy.com or mail it
to 2045 Maybank Hwy, Charleston 29412.
The Seabrook Island Professionals Group
is for active or retired health professionals
who live on Seabrook Island. Please contact
Barbara Fox at foxb@bodyandsoultherapy.
com if you would like more information.
8 February 1, 2019
Floral design with Robert Gould
Robert Gould’s floral designs at the Kiawah Island
Garden Club. Photos provided.
O
n Jan. 14 the Kiawah Island Garden Club met
for an interactive flower arranging talk given by
Robert Gould, who is the floral designer for the
Kiawah Partners and does all of the arrangements for the
Kiawah Island Clubhouses and the Resort.
Following a period when all 28 of the Garden Club
members in attendance introduced themselves and
discovered that some had been on the island over 30 years
and some just a week or two, Gould explained his design
philosophy and showed some of his designs.
Gould began creating arrangements for the Beach
Club 25 years ago with a tiny budget. These “minimalist”
arrangements utilized material he gathered on the Island.
With a much more generous budget now, he is able to
design at a much larger scale but still is a master at simple,
dramatic arrangements.
Gould showed the Club several containers which
he made himself and others he’s found, including one
arts & events
KIAWAH GARDEN CLUB
BY MARTHA ZINK
For The Island Connection
creative vase covered with oyster shells made by children
with physical or mental challenges.
He reminded everyone that water must be changed often
and that he uses Quick Dip (the liquid form of the powder
included with most cut flowers purchased) to condition the
flowers and foliage for a day or two. He makes fresh cuts at
an angle so the stems do not sit flat in a vase, unable to absorb
water. He does not recommend adding bleach as it makes the
water murky and bleaches the bottom of the stems.
Robert gathers foliage where he can, including magnolia,
tall grasses and elaeagnus, using the long stems of that
shrub to spill from the arrangement. When planting flower
boxes and planters, he suggests that arrangements include
a “Thriller, Filler and Spiller”, three types of flowers and/or
foliage: something dramatic, something to fill in the spaces
and something to spill over the container. He says however,
that he is a “rule breaker.” Creativeness is his talent.
Gould gave each attendee a small vase and let members
choose from an array of flowers and foliage to create their
own arrangement. When everyone finished he asked
everyone to pass their arrangement to the person at left
and everyone went home with a “surprise” arrangement
and new friends.
On Feb. 8 the Seabrook Garden Club has invited the
KIGC to join them for a presentation by antique dealer
Andrew Birlant Slotin, of George C. Birland & Co.,
focusing on antique English Georgian silver and Sheffield
and Victorian silver plate, emphasizing how the British
influenced Charleston silver artisans in the 18th and
19th centuries. The meeting will be at the Island House,
beginning with refreshments at 9:30 a.m.
February 1, 2019
arts & events
Sea Island Habitat’s 23rd Concert to benefit HALOS
Annual Golf Benefit DUKE PITCHFORKS AND
C H A R L E S T O N P L A N TAT I O N
KIAWAH’S OCEAN COURSE SITE
OF 2019 EVENT
BY JACOB ELSEY
For The Island Connection
Photo provided.
S
ea Island Habitat for Humanity
is celebrating over 40 years of
helping hard-working families
attain homeownership. The 23rd Annual
Golf Benefit presented by Kelly Family
Foundation will take place on March 19
at the Ocean Course at Kiawah, home of
the 2012 and 2021 PGA Championships.
Registration and a putting contest will
begin at 10:30 a.m. with a shotgun start
scheduled at noon. Other contests include
closest to pin and longest drive. Mulligan
packages will also be available to make
the round a little more interesting. A
reception will follow, featuring food,
drinks, and prizes.
Entry into the field is $475 per person.
Play as an individual or afoursome.
Even if you’re not able to play, you can
still support a great cause by donating
at one of the various sponsorship levels.
All proceeds go towards building an
affordable home for a deserving family.
Registration is available online at
SeaIslandHabitat.org or contact Jacob Elsey at
843.768.0998 or jacob@seaislandhabitat.org.
Sea Island Habitat for Humanity’s goal
is to empower people with limited resources
to realize the dream of owning a home.
Since 1978, you have helped us build safe,
affordable, energy-efficient homes. There are
substantial rewards for Habitat homeowners
and their communities. Families gain an
improved quality of life and look towards
a brighter future. Children benefit from
the security and stability a home provides
and grow up in a world of possibilities.
Communities are revitalized as homeowners
take pride in their own homes.
9
arts & events
S I N G E R S O N E N I G H T O N LY
BY JENNIFER RICHARD
For The Island Connection
T
he Duke Pitchforks return to
Charleston for the ninth year
in a performance benefiting
families where grandparents are raising
grandchildren to keep them out of foster
care.
Each year, the all-male a capella
group from Duke University delights The 2019 Duke Pitchforks.
the audience with a range of songs from Photo provided.
contemporary hits to old standards. The them. HALOS is the only program in the
Pitchforks' past 2 albums have each won tri-county area that supports these kinship
the CARA award for Best Male Collegiate caregivers and their families through
Album in the nation. intensive case management, home visits,
Charleston's own Plantation Singers, support groups, and resource and referral
one of the most renowned gospel groups services.
in the southeast, are also performing.
Don't miss this incredible night of music
for people of all ages.
WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 2, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Thanks to sponsorships by the
Charleston Jewish Community Center, WHERE: Circular Congregational
Church, 150 Meeting St.
Without Walls and Page Bullington, all
proceeds from this evening will benefit MORE INFO: $25 general
admission/$20 students and seniors
children and families served by HALOS.
Tickets at CharlestonHALOS.org or
HALOS is non-profit organization
that improves outcomes for children call 843.990.9564
who are placed in the care of relatives
when their own parents cannot care for
10
arts & events
Charleston Music Fest continues
chamber music season
BY NANDINI MCCAULEY
For The Island Connection
T
he 2nd Monday Series will host
Charleston Music Fest, both part of
the College of Charleston School of
the Arts, for a night of intimate chamber
music on Monday, Feb. 11. Graduates of the
prestigious Moscow Conservatory, faculty
duo Natalia Khoma (cello) and Volodymyr
Vynnytsky (piano) will present a versatile
concert of works by J.S. Bach, Ludwig
van Beethoven, Carlo Alfredo Piatti and
Myroslav Skoryk, plus the beloved Rococo
variations for Cello by Peter Tchaikovsky.
Natalia Khoma – Volodymyr
Vynnytsky Duo is the unique team of
two virtuoso soloists from the same city
and with a similar background. Both
were born in Lviv, Ukraine, studied at the
prestigious Moscow Conservatory, and
are International Competitions winners.
Each has a distinguished career as a soloist,
recitalist and chamber musician, and has
appeared individually and as a duo with
major orchestras and premier chamber
music series throughout the United States
and Europe. With performances which
have been hailed around the world as
“most excellent,” “perfectly controlled
and beautifully expressive,” “magical…
deeply touching,” “with virtuosity and
admirable feeling,” “passion, profundity
Natalia Khoma – Volodymyr Vynnytsky
Duo. Photo provided.
and poignancy,” “cellist pianist solo
soulmates,” the Duo is a most electrifying
musical partnership.
Housed within the College of Charleston
School of the Arts, CofC Concerts includes
four extraordinary series: International
Piano Series, Magnetic South, Charleston
Music Fest and 2nd Monday Series,
featuring international, national and
regional artists. Visit CofC Concerts at
music.cofc.edu/concerts.
WHAT: Charleston Music Fest
WHERE: Simons Center for the Arts, 54
Saint Philip St.
WHEN: Monday, Feb. 11 at 7:30 p.m.
MORE INFO: Tickets $15 at the door or
online at go.cofc.edu/cmf
daily
Bishop Gadsden’s
president steps down
FOLLOWING 33 YEARS OF SERVICE
T R AW I C K R E T I R E S L AT E R T H I S Y E A R
BY KIMBERLY BORTS
For The Island Connection
A
fter more than 33 years of
dedication, love, and service,
Bill Trawick has announced his
intention to retire from Bishop Gadsden
Episcopal Retirement Community.
Trawick became CEO of Bishop
Gadsden in January 1986 and facilitated
the planning and fundraising for the
new community on James Island. Bishop
Gadsden previously served residents in
various downtown locations since its
founding in 1850.
Under Trawick’s leadership, Bishop
Gadsden has become one of the nation’s
leading senior living communities, known
for its handsome architecture, innovative
programming, commitment to service,
and philanthropic outreach.
In his 33 years, the community
has expanded from 70 assisted living
residences to a full continuum of care
serving more than 500 residents and
employing more than 400 staff members.
Bishop Gadsden is in the top 10%
of nonprofit, single-site senior living
February 1, 2019
communities to achieve the highest level
of accreditation and a Fitch investment
grade credit rating. Remaining true to
its mission, Bishop Gadsden continually
focuses on its philanthropic support of the
greater community, receiving the 2018
Organization Philanthropist of the Year
Award for the Charleston area.
“Bill is a transformative leader,
and Bishop Gadsden has benefited
significantly from his more than 33 years
as President/CEO. Bishop Gadsden is
nationally recognized in senior living
due to Bill’s exceptional vision and his
commitment to create and maintain a
culture of excellence,” states Margaret
Blackmer, Chair of Bishop Gadsden’s
Board of Trustees.
Trawick has committed to continuing
as President/CEO until a successor
is selected and to ensuring a seamless
transition.
Founded in 1850, Bishop Gadsden is
a nonprofit, life plan community serving
more than 500 residents in a variety of
residential and health care settings including
independent and assisted living, skilled
nursing, and memory support/Alzheimer’s
care.
February 1, 2019
Climate change focus of $5.7 million alliance
N I E H S - F U N D E D U N I V E R S I T Y C O L L A B O R AT I O N A I M E D AT
D I S C O V E R I N G I M PA C T S T O D R I V E P R E V E N T I O N
T
he first multi-academic institution center in
South Carolina to study the effects of ocean
health-related illness and the interactions from
climate change is initializing its operations. Funded
by a $5.7 million grant from the National Institute of
Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), more than
20 researchers from five colleges and universities are
beginning their work aimed at better protecting human
health through the new Center for Oceans and Human
Health and Climate Change Interactions.
The University of South Carolina, College of
Charleston, The Citadel, Baylor University, and the
University of Maryland Center for Environmental
Science were awarded the NIEHS grant in the fall of 2018
for the center that is headquartered at the University of
South Carolina’s (USC) Arnold School of Public Health,
in Columbia.
The Center will be led by Geoffrey I. Scott, clinical
professor and chair in the USC Department of
Environmental Health Sciences. The Center’s deputy
director is Paul A. Sandifer, director of the Center for
Coastal Environmental and Human Health at the College
of Charleston. Scott and Sandifer will work with a team
of scientists who are faculty leaders at all five institutions.
Additionally, researchers and environmental public health
practitioners from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration, the U.S. Geological Survey, the Interstate
Shellfish Sanitation Conference, and the Lowcountry
Alliance for Model Communities will participate.
daily
BY KIMBERLY KEELOR-PARKER
For The Island Connection
The intersection of climate change and urbanization
is nowhere more apparent than in the coastal zone, as
increasing global temperatures, sea level rise, and coastal
flooding meet growing population centers and economic
hubs in coastal communities in South Carolina, the
United States and the world.
Common coastal ecosystem problems include:
• Increased frequencies and severities of harmful
algal blooms;
• Antibiotic resistance in disease-causing microbes
that live in coastal waters and can cause infections
through the consumption of raw/undercooked
shellfish and wound infections;
• Contaminants such as microplastics in coastal
waters resulting from trash and tire decomposition;
• Pharmaceutical and personal care product
contamination from discharges into sewer
systems.
The Center’s main purpose will be to assess the effects
of illness and disease related to ocean health, to then
use the information to develop forecasts that prevent
human exposure to these stressors, and other prevention
strategies. In particular, the scientists aim to look at
climate change-related factors that may enhance the
presence of disease-causing Vibrio bacteria and harmful
algal blooms, and their production of toxins that are
harmful to fish, marine mammals and humans.
“Elevated levels of dangerous Vibrio bacteria and
11
harmful algal blooms toxins can adversely affect human
health by increasing human exposure in drinking water,
seafood and in surface waters used for recreation,” said
Scott. “By establishing predictive water quality and
environmental variables, we can develop models and early
warning forecasts to alert the public, prevent exposure
and thus better protect ecosystem and human health.”
The scientists will work on different portions of the
research simultaneously to maximize the results more
efficiently. The USC team will assess impacts of increased
exposure to climate stressors (rising temperatures and
changing salinities) on associated diseases and illness,
such as Vibrio bacteria in seafood and wound infections,
and on harmful algal bloom toxin effects non-alcoholic
fatty liver disease. This data will be used to better identify
vulnerable populations and help tailor community-
engagement activities for these susceptible communities.
“With coastal populations ever-increasing, the need
for science to focus its attention towards mitigating
and preventing the potential impacts of climate change
on the health of its most-vulnerable citizens, has never
been greater,” said Darin Zimmerman, Ph.D., dean and
Traubert Chair for the Swain Family School of Science
and Mathematics at The Citadel. “Tackling the complex
problems that exist at the nexus of the climate-ocean-
health environment…requires the kind of collaborative,
multi-disciplinary team of experts that will compose this
Center.”
 February 1
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.
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.
Wednesdays
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.
Island Connection Calendar
WHAT: Block-In Art Class
WHERE: Todd & Huff Art Center,
Bohicket marina
WHEN: 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
MORE INFO: Class covers line drawing,
drawing with a brush, transparent
wash, alla prima, monochrome value
underpaintings, toning a canvas,
working wet into wet, and glazing. See
PatriciaRHuff.com or ToddHuffCenter.
com for details.
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.
WHAT: Beginning Oil Painting
WHERE: Todd & Huff Art Center,
Bohicket marina
WHEN: 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
MORE INFO: Class includes drawing,
composition, color theory and painting
techniques. See PatriciaRHuff.com or
ToddHuffCenter.com for details.
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.
Third Friday of the
Month
WHAT: Homeschool History Days
WHERE: Charleston Museum, 360
Meeting St.
WHEN: 10-11 a.m.
MORE INFO: A special program for
homeschooling families. Programs feature
one of our field trip classes, a chance to
go through the Museum, and an activity.
Free with paid admission. To register visit
CharlestonMuseum.org.
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.
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.
WHAT: Betsy Kerrison Pkwy Clean-up
WHERE: Eagles Nest Room at The Lake House
WHEN: 8:30 p.m.
MORE INFO: Meet at the Lake House to
gather supplies and head out to the road. All you
will need is weather appropriate clothing and a
pair of sturdy shoes. Trash bags, pick-up sticks,
safety vests and gloves will be provided. E-mail
Rich Siegel richard.siegel2552@gmail.com or call
at 716.969.4731 with questions.
TUESDAY, FEB. 5
WHAT: Abraham the Unstoppable:
Black Hero of Colonial South Carolina
WHERE: Johns Island Regional Library
WHEN: 11 a.m.
MORE INFO: During the Anglo-Cherokee
War of 1759-1761, an enslaved man named
Abraham won his freedom from the government
of SC by performing a series of deeds that
not only displayed remarkable physical
endurance and bravery, but also saved many
lives. Join CCPL’s historian, Dr. Nic Butler,
for an introduction to the dramatic, real-life
story of Abraham, one of the many forgotten
black heroes of early South Carolina. Call
843.805.6885 or visit CCPL.org for details.
THURSDAY, FEB. 7
WHAT: Advanced Word 2016
WHERE: Johns Island Regional Library
WHEN: 1:30-3:30 p.m.
MORE INFO: Practice some of Word’s
more advanced features like inserting
photos and text boxes, working with tabs
and tables, and adding shapes and page
borders. Completion of Basic Word 2016
(or previous experience) is expected. Call
843.805.6885 to register.
WHAT: Seabrook Island Healthcare
Professionals
WHERE: 2896 Baywood Dr.
WHEN: 7 p.m.
MORE INFO: A representative from
Prime Your Body will be speaking about
the health benefits of hemp oil. All active
or retired health professionals living on
Seabrook Island are invited. RSVP to
foxb@bodyandsoultherapy.com.
FRIDAY, FEB. 8
WHAT: Luncheon with Garden
Historian Linda Holder
WHERE: Capt. James Mission House, 40
East Bay St.
WHEN: 11:30-2 p.m.
MORE INFO: White House garden
historian Linda Holden, will provide an
intimate look at Rachel “Bunny” Mellon’s
horticultural legacy. Bunny and her
husband, Paul Mellon, one of the wealthiest
men in America, maintained homes in New
York, Cape Cod, Nantucket, Antigua, and
Upperville, Virginia, and she designed the
gardens at all of them. She also designed
the Rose Garden and the East Garden
at the White House, at the request of
President Kennedy, and the gardens at
both the Paris home and the château of
couturier Hubert de Givenchy. Hosted by
the Historic Charleston Foundation. Visit
HistoricCharleston.org for tickets.
WHAT: Magnetic South
WHERE: Recital Hall, Simmons Center
for the Arts
WHEN: 7:30 p.m.
MORE INFO: A collaborative project
between the College of Charleston
Department of Music and the Charleston
Symphony. Contemporary classical music
concert featuring Stravinsky’s “A Soldier’s
Tale,” with faculty members Robert
Taylor as narrator and Evan Parry as
the devil, along with Lukas Foss’ setting
of Wallace Stevens’ “Thirteen Ways of
Looking at a Blackbird,” featuring soprano
Kayleen Sanchez. Tickets are $10 and
can be purchased at the door, by calling
843.723.7528, ext. 110, or online at
CharlestonSymphony.org.
WHAT: Seabrook Island Garden Club
WHERE: Lake House
WHEN: 9:30
MORE INFO: Short business meeting and
presentation by Guest Speaker, Andrew
B. Slotin, co-owner of George C. Birlant
& Co. For information on membership
contact Holli Bolte at hmbolte@yahoo.com.
WHAT: Valentines Cookie Decorating
WHERE: The Spice & Tea Exchange of
Charleston
WHEN: 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
MORE INFO: Join Marilyn Markel, Spice
and Tea Exchange manager and recipe
contributor to The Island Connection for
cookie decorating. Each guest receives a
free cookie canvas. Visit Facebook.com/
TSTECharleston for details.
SATURDAY, FEB. 9
WHAT: Couples’ Blends, Bubbles & Bites
WHERE: Palmetto Scent Studio &
FortyEight: A Wine Bar in Freshfields Village
WHEN: 4-6 p.m.
MORE INFO: A special event for couples
that includes making two custom-
scented candles while each of you enjoy
a complimentary glass of sparkling wine
at Palmetto Scent Studio. While candles
cool, head to FortyEight: A Wine Bar to
share a warm crab dip appetizer and explore
the 48 different wines in WineStations
or 48 different craft beers. $42/couple.
Tickets at PalmettoScentStudio.com or call
843.718.3414.
WHAT: Human Library Series
WHERE: Johns Island Regional Library
WHEN: 3 p.m.
MORE INFO: Get to know a formerly
incarcerated person. Hear from a graduate
of the Turning Leaf Project, a nonprofit
organization that helps local men at high
risk of incarceration prevent reoffending,
using intense life skills training, job
placement, and more. Hear candid stories of
what life is like in prison, the difficulties of
re-entering society and the positive impact
Turning Leaf has on its students. For info
call 843.559.1945 or visit CCPL.org.
WHAT: CATR volunteer training
WHERE: Brickhouse Equestrian Center,
2669 Hamilton Rd.
WHEN: noon-2 p.m.
MORE INFO: Charleston Area Therapeutic
Riding on Johns Island is seeking volunteers
for its spring session and will be offering a
two-hour volunteer training at its 48-acre
farm. Volunteers do not need to have any
previous experience working with horses
to serve. To learn more and obtain an
application form visit CATR-program.org.
SUNDAY, FEB. 10
WHAT: Drayton Hall Distinguished
Speaker Series
WHERE: Hill Hall at Drayton Hall
WHEN: 3-5 p.m.
February 14
MORE INFO: In partnership with South
Carolina Humanities, Drayton Hall
presents Ethan J. Kytle and Blain Roberts,
authors of Denmark Vesey’s Garden.
Lecture is free to all. The reception is $10
for members and $20 for non-member.
Tickets & reservations must be purchased
in advance at DraytonHall.org.
WEDNESDAY, FEB. 13
WHAT: Angel Oak Award Banquet
WHERE: Seabrook Island Club
WHEN: 5:30 p.m.
MORE INFO: The Kiawah-Seabrook
Exchange Club honors 2019 award
recipient, W. Allen Reed, for his dedication
to literacy and for establishing the Summer
Reading and Math Program at Angel Oak
Elementary School. The event features
dinner and dancing with complimentary
wine and beer. Tickets are $60 per person.
For questions or information contact
Roger Steele at vivrog@bellsouth.net or
843.768.7166.
THURSDAY, FEB. 14
WHAT: SINHG Meeting
WHERE: The Lake House
WHEN: Fellowship at 7 p.m., program at
7:30 p.m.
MORE INFO: Dr. Shirley McGreal
from the International Primate Protection
League in Summerville will speak on the
lifelong work she has done to save and
protect gibbons. $5 charge for non-SINHG
members. For details visit SINHG.org.
14
mystery plant
In the land of giants
BY JOHN B. NELSON
For The Island Connection
I
n the case that you ever visit central South
Carolina, and we hope that you will, you will
want to check out our Congaree National
Park, one of the most breathtaking places in
the world. It boasts an impressive diversity of
plants and wildlife, especially migratory birds.
Some of its acreage is dominated by tracts of
land never before timbered, and thus, some of
eastern North America's tallest forests are here.
My current plant taxonomy class at
USC took field trip to Congaree this
past Tuesday, and it was a delightful day,
albeit a bit nippy. I gathered my little ones
around this forest giant and we spent
some time wondering just how come such
monstrous trees occur so close by.
Being a conifer, its seeds are produced
in cones, which at maturity are about 4-5”
long, dark brown, and rather prickly. This is
a potentially tall tree, easily able to get to 140'
tall on "good" sites. It was originally at home
mostly on the coastal plain, but due to land
disturbance, has managed to find its way well
into the piedmont. These days it can be found
from Delaware south to northern Florida and
eastern Texas. This species is probably the most
common native tree species in the Southeast.
(Red maple has got to be just about as common,
if not more so.) And, it is surely one of the most
important species economically, now grown in
plantations and occupying many millions of
Answer: “Loblolly pine,” Pinus taeda
Photos courtesy Wikimedia.com.
February 1, 2019
acres. Its wood is prized for general construction,
as well as pulp. Because it has been widely
grown in extensive plantations for many years,
its natural range has considerably increased, due
to the tendency of its seeds to travel well away
from the parent tree.
The tree my class was studying is nearly
170 feet tall, and is surely one of the largest
of its kind, anywhere. Curiously, we saw no
seedlings, or young individuals. This tree’'s
canopy is quite healthy, and it is still producing
plenty of cones. So why no seedlings? It turns
out that the seedlings of this species are rather
intolerant of shade, and so they die soon after
sprouting. Therefore, no small or medium-
sized trees here, only these giants. So how did
this tree get here in the first place?
The prevailing notion is that long ago,
the bottomlands along the Congaree River
were subjected to repeated devastating wind
storms (hurricanes, you might say) that
effectively removed whatever canopy was
present. Seeds drifting in from higher ground
sites would have been the source for the forest
giants present now, which, although they are
producing seeds, are not propagating any
replacement trees. That means that when
these venerable old behemoths eventually
die and fall over, there will not be another
generation of replacements. Until after the
next series of hurricanes, of course.