the island connection - february 12, 2016

8/20/2019 The Island Connection - February 12, 2016

1/15


2/15

The IslandConnection

Lynn Pierotti

publisher

[email protected]

Jennifer Tuohy

managing editor [email protected]

Swan Richards

senior graphic designer

[email protected]

Lori McGee

sales manager

[email protected]

Alejandro Ferreyros

graphic designer

[email protected]

Ralph Secoy

contributing photographer

Staff Writers

Gregg Bragg

Contributors

Carroll Dunn

Lisa Darrow

Meagan Labriola

Erin Billmayer

Roberta Boatti

Maria Gurovich

Sarah Reynolds

Arielle Alpino

Carol Antman

Marilyn Markel

Leigh Ann Garrett

Published by

Lucky Dog Publishing

of South Carolina, LLC

P.O. Box 837

Sullivan’s Island, SC 29482

843-886-NEWS

uture deadlines: February 17

for submissions for the

February 26 Issue

Ed articles and letters to the editor do not

necessarily reflect the opinion of

Lucky Dog News or its writers.

cky Dog Publishing, LLC

blishers of Island Eye News,

The Island Connection,

The Folly Current

Civic CalendarK IAWAH ISLAND T OWN H ALL21 Beachwalker Drive

Kiawah Island, SC 29455Phone: 768-9166Fax: 768-4764

SEABROOK ISLAND T OWN H ALL2001 Seabrook Island RoadSeabrook Island, SC 29455Phone: 768-9121Fax: 768-9830Email: [email protected]

JOHNS ISLAND COUNCILMeetings are held at the Berkeley ElectricCo-op located at 3351 Maybank Hwy, JohnsIsland.

Chairman Chris Cannon: 343-5113

CHARLESTON COUNTY COUNCIL4045 Bridge View Dr, N. Charleston958-4700

CITY OF CHARLESTON75 Calhoun St.724-3745

February 12, 2016

Town ofSeabrook

Ways & MeansFeb. 16, 2:30p.m.Seabrook own Hall

Town CouncilFeb. 23, 2:30 p.m.Seabrook own Hall

Planning CommissionRegular MeetingMarch 2, 2:30 p.m.Seabrook own Hall

Ways & MeansMarch 15, 2:30 p.m.Seabrook own Hall

Town CouncilMarch 22, 2:30 p.m.Seabrook own Hall

Planning CommissionRegular Meeting

April 6, 2:30 p.m.Seabrook own Hall

Town of Kiawah

CommunicationsCommittee MeetingFeb. 16, 3 p.m.

Kiawah own Hall

Municipal CenterCommitteeFeb. 18, 1 p.m.Kiawah own Hall

Ways and MeansCommittee MeetingFeb. 23, 2 p.m.Kiawah own Hall

Planning CommissionMeetingFeb. 24, 3 p.m.Kiawah own Hall

Town Council PublicHearingMarch 1, 1:30 p.m.Kiawah own Hall

Town CouncilMeetingMarch 1, 2 p.m.Kiawah own Hall

civic

Seabrook Island Town Council,January 2016

BY GREGG BRAGGThe Island Connection Staff Writer

he agenda for Seabrook’s Jan. 26,2016 own Council meeting wasvery busy looking. Te font size

used seemed smaller somehow, and marginsthinner than for past meetings. Te list ofitems for consideration or discussion fit ona single page, sure, but only just. Plenty ofresidents were in attendance and braced forimpact, anticipating a long meeting.

However, Mayor Ron Ciancio, recentlypromoted from mayor pro tem by anoverwhelming election win, runs a tightship. Te entire meeting wrapped up in 50minutes or so. He scurried into his financialreport for both last December and theprevious year.

December’s accounting witnessed similarfluctuations to past reports. Expenses camein above expectations (the result of somelegal fees) but were more than offset byrevenues, which did the same. Tere was atotal gain of $95,000 for the month. 2015revenues, in turn, showed a net aboveplans of $308,000 the result of increasesin permitting/licensing and franchise fees.Ciancio broke with the past tradition oftransferring the excess to the EmergencyFund during the first January meetingin favor of waiting for the final results ofSeabrook’s audited financials. Te mayorsaid official transfer of the funds should takeplace in the next few months.

Seabrook resident Don Day was equallyquick to contribute during the first roundof citizens comments. Day has been livingon Seabrook for 16 years and has been alicensed residential contractor for the lastten. He focuses on jobs larger firms won’tbid on. “My average invoice is around $100.If you want a new roof, they’ll be lining uparound the block but fixing a leaky skylightis another matter,” Day would later tellTe Island Connection. Day’s concern was

with permitting. He asked if small jobs,especially those inside a home were subject

to permitting, if they should be and whythey were recently being pursued with whathe felt was renewed vigor.

Seabrook staff didn’t hesitate to saypermitting rules had been on the booksfor quite some time. own Clerk Faye

Albritton noted there was no fee associated with small projects. own AdministratorRandy Pierce chimed in saying permittinghad been enforced all along and althoughSeabrook may not have doggedly pursuedevery instance of home repairs, permits

were a requirement. Day’s quiet dissentcontinued by pointing out even free permitscost him time, which could find its way[unnecessarily] into the bills of residents. He

then wondered, aloud, if this was the propervenue for the discussion. Mayor Ciancioagreed, at least about the choice of forum,and invited Day to schedule a meeting

with him and the own Administrator tofollow up on the topic. Te town has sinceadvised Te Island Connection of its intentto formally review this issue in the comingmonths.

Mayor pro tem John Gregg proceededby saying the club’s long range planningcommittee had not met in January and were

waiting for completion of a Seabrook IslandProperty Owners Association (SIPOA)survey. Te public safety committeehad met earlier in the month, however,

and was continuing work to update thecomprehensive emergency plan. ConsultantScott Cave had issued a report based onhurricane exercises held last earlier. Tese

will have a bearing on the plan and areview of his findings is scheduled for earlyFebruary. Gregg concluded [the town]

was still waiting for information on debrisremoval from Charleston County, whichmay result in a new contract.

Councilmember John urner opened hisremarks with breaking news. “I acted [on atip] that the Burden Creek Bridge project

has been delayed. I checked with SCDOand Friday afternoon talked with RobertClark, SCDO District 6 Engineering

Administrator and Brent Rewis, SCDOLow Country Program Manager. TeBurden Creek Bridge and the HoopstickBridge on Bohicket near Plowground [rd.]

were put up for bid. Both bids were rejectedas too high. Hoopstick Bridge will be put upfor re-bid soon. Tis project will not requireclosing Bohicket. Burden Creek will not beput up for re-bid until 2017 at the earliest,so it is delayed at least one year. However,the project timing parameters will probablynot change; construction will be timedto start at the end of the school year and

be completed before the next school yearbegins. River Road will be closed for thattime.” urner also had some exciting newsafter contact with the Bureau of OceanEnergy Management.

BOEM’s website describes the news likethis; “Te Outer Continental Shelf Lands

Act requires BOEM to award renewableenergy leases competitively, unless BOEMdetermines there is no competitive interest.So, on Nov. 23, 2015, BOEM publisheda Call for Information and Nominations(Call) in the Federal Register (under DocketID: BOEM-2015-0134) for a 60-day publiccomment period to gauge the offshore windindustry's interest in acquiring commercial

wind leases in four areas offshore SouthCarolina and to request comments regardingsite conditions, resources and other uses

within the Call areas.” urner’s summary was more succinct.

Te project (a wind farm off the SCcoast) would be invisible to residents(located 20 miles to the southeast), wasdetermined to be feasible, clear of shippinglanes, military operations and Right Whalemigration routes according to urner. Hesaid “It looks good and we would support itif we had to commit right now. Te SIPOA


3/15

uary 12, 2016

3

civic arts & events

Tide Chart

Date High Tide Low Tide

Hurricanes, storms, etc., are NO included in the predictions.idal current direction changes and tide time predictions can bevery different. ide predictions are PREDICIONS; they can bewrong so use common sense.

Feb 12

Feb 13

Feb 14

Feb 15

Feb 16

Feb 17

Feb 18

Feb 19

Feb 20

Feb 21

Feb 22

Feb 23

Feb 24

Feb 25

Source: saltwatertides.com

10:59am/11:21pm

11:52am

12:19am/12:50pm

1:22am/1:53pm

2:28am/2:58pm

3:34am/4:03pm

4:37am/5:03pm

5:34am/5:58pm

6:25am/6:47pm

7:10am/7:32pm

7:51am/8:14pm

8:29am/8:53pm

9:05am/9:30pm

9:40am/10:06pm

4:39am/5:05pm

5:35am/5:58pm

6:35am/6:55pm

7:40am/7:56pm

8:47am/8:59pm

9:52am/10:01pm

10:52am/11:00pm

11:46am/11:54pm

12:34pm

12:43am/1:19pm

1:28am/1:59pm

2:11am/2:37pm

2:51am/3:12pm

3:30am/3:45pm

nmental committee is looking intomuch education would be required andsidering a forum to present both sides

issue to residents of Seabrook andly Kiawah residents as well.”uncilmember John Wells wasred with a maintenance/repairsal of drainage pipes from theook gatehouse to the traffic circle.t flooding in the area prompted ast for Proposal. Te resulting study

mined the need for approximately 10,ur days and a cost of $48,000 (pluspercent contingency) to video inspectean the drains. His request for moniesthe general fund included acceptancedies Constructions response to theand received unanimous approval.request for funds (a combination of

mmodations tax and General funds)ntinue promoting Seabrook throughouslee Marketing and events liket at Bohicket and the Fourth of Julyation were also approved.uncilmember Skip Crane’s report on

munity relations included an effusivent of a meeting with representatives

mp St. Christopher. “Tey welcoments to use their nature trails and reallya lot to offer,” said Crane before hison January’s SIPOA board meeting.SIPOA has arranged for monthlypickup of both “brown” and“white” trashProvided an easement for Comcastto effect repairs which includedComcast’s obligations to

a. Fix what they break.b. 24 hour phone supportc. A dedicated representative

Voted against development of a dogpark

e mayor’s report also consisted ofrly formatted announcements.

Te “super street,” once profferedas a low cost, low tech solution to

congestion at the intersection ofMain/17 has been taken off thetable by County Council

2. Work planned for thecontroversial intersection will belimited to research on the morecomprehensive “flyover” solution,

which would address both floodingand congestion

3. Te state Department ofransportation (SC-DO) is

planning a safety survey of MainRd. the scope/purpose of which hasyet to be determined

4. A hearing has been scheduled forMarch 14 about the house locatedat 1126 Forrest Lane and the mayorhopes for two pieces of information:

a. A time frame for foreclosureproceedings

b. A time frame for the town toeffect repairs/condemnation

Tere were four ordinances on the agendafor first reading which were dealt with as agroup. Te measures were a joint effort bythe town, SIPOA and the Seabrook IslandGreenspace Conservancy to rezone four parcels

from “Single Family Residential District” to“Agricultural-Conservation District.” Temeasures were passed unanimously andapproved by a room full of contented smiles.

Ordinance 2015-10 was scheduled fora second hearing. Te measure effectivelyremoves the town from final site planningand streamlines a process already vetted bythe Planning Commission and SIPOA. Temeasure passed unanimously.

Ordinance 2015-11 was also scheduledfor a second hearing. Te amendment to thetown’s Development Standards Ordinancemakes changes to section 7.90.20 altering themaximum height of a single family residence.Te act passed unanimously.

Te lengthy agenda had been addressed ina short space of time. Tere being no furtherbusiness, the meeting was adjourned.

Vendors wanted for new

Farmers’ Market

BY LISA DARROWFor The Island Connection

he own of Sullivan’s Island isnow accepting vendor applicationsfor its inaugural farmers’ market

slated to begin Tursday, April 7, 2016.Te market will be located on the groundsof 1921 I’On Avenue, in front of Battery

Gadsden and Edgar Allen Poe Library. It will be held on Tursdays from 2:30 p.m.– 7 p.m. for 13 weeks, from April 7 to

June 30.Te own seeks to offer a diverse

market opportunity for its patrons. Temarket will include a balance of vendorsincluding farmers, nursery growers,artisans, prepared food vendors/foodtrucks, craftsmen/artisans, non-profitor educational services, business orcorporation information and a juniorvendor.

Te cost to rent a one-day space:• $10/space – Farmer, nursery

grower, junior vendor, artisan,craftsman

• $25/space – Prepared/specialtyfood vendor

• $50/space – Corporate/business• No fee – Non-profit/educational

services All vendors must provide proper

licenses and permits, including a Sullivan’sIsland business license.

For more information or to completean application, visit the Town’swebsite or (Click Here http://bit.ly/SI_FARMERSMARKET_VENDORS). Youmay also contact Market Manager LisaDarrow at 843.883.5744 or ldarrow@ sullivansisland-sc.com


4/15

February 12, 2016

arts & events

Get set for SEWE this weekendW I L D L I F E E X P O S I T I O N E D U C AT E S A N D E N T E R TA I N S A L L A G E S

BY JENNIFER TUOHYThe Island Connection Editor

ancy riding a camel or watching ared-tailed hawk swoop down on itsdinner? How about witnessing ang dog leap through the air or gettingose and personal with a Easternondback Rattlesnake? All this and

more is possible as Te Southeastern Wildlife Exposition rolls into town this weekend, beginning Friday, Feb. 12 andrunning through Sunday, Feb. 14.

SEWE is a three-day celebrationof wildlife and nature through fine

art, conservation education, sporting

demonstrations, food, drink and thepeople who honor them all. Te largestevent of its kind in the country, SEWEbegan in 1983 as a small event duringthe slow season has become a kick off to Charleston's “high” season. Te eventplays host to hundreds of artists andexhibitors, plus experts in wildlife andnature art – all eager to share their art andinsights with more than 40,000 attendees.

Featuring events, presentations,demonstrations, exhibits andcompetitions across multiple venues indowntown Charleston, and beyond,SEWE's common theme celebrates a lovefor wildlife and nature and helps provide

the public with easy and affordable accessto wildlife and nature conservationprograms. With events for all ages andinterests, SEWE ably completes itsmission of increasing awareness about theneed to protect our natural environment.

Tis year's highlights includeexhibitions from over 100 wildlifeartists in the Charleston Place Hotel, ofparticular interest is a special exhibit of Yellowstone National Park portraits by Jackson Hole photographer aylor Glenn.Te newly renovated Gaillard Center willhost local and regional artisans as well asshows by Te Busch Wildlife Sanctuaryand television personality Jack Hanna.

Alongside a host of VIP events andspecial exhibitions tied into SEWE at

venues such as the Charleston Museum,Omar Shrine emple, Caw CawInterpretive Center and CharlestonCounty Public Library, Marion Squaresees the return of flight demonstrations with the Center for Birds of Prey and theever-popular chef's demonstrations. Tesporting village, petting zoo and DockDogs competition will once again set upshop at Brittlebank Park.

With something for everyone, andevery species, a good time is sure to be hadat SEWE this year, rain, snow or shine!

For a full schedule of events and to purchase tickets starting at $15 visit sewe.com


5/15

uary 12, 2016

5

dailyfundraising

awah Biker Babes believe“Strong is Beautiful”

BY MEAGAN LABRIOLAFor The Island Connection

he Kiawah Biker Babes hosts“Strong is Beautiful” Wednesday,Feb. 24 from 3:30 to 6 p.m. at

Sandcastle. Tis fundraising eventes a screening of award-winningAwaken the Dragon, as well as

y demonstrations by Bobbi Brown,alone, Benefit and La Mer.ey are raising money to supporton Boat Charleston’s Paddles &

breast cancer survivor team'sey to Australia for the Dragon Boatd Championships, where they willent USA breast cancer survivors.ere will be a silent auction with

such a jewelry from Croghans;vintage items; a night out at Bober’s, In Te Kitchen; a trip to Newns and much more. ickets are $20door.

We have had the wonderfultunity to paddle with these amazingn. Tey are such an inspiration thattivated us to help them reach their

said Cindy Feldman, one of theorganizers of the event.cal cancer survivor organizationon Boat Charleston is sending 24

breast cancer survivor athletes to ClubCrew World Championships in Adelaide,

Australia in March, 2016 to competeagainst the best dragon boat teams in the

world.Paddles & Pearls is a team made up

of 26 courageous female athletes whohave all battled breast cancer. Tey havebeen training together all year long forthis important race, which is laden withmeaning for each one of the survivors.

“Experiencing cancer can prompt aninward, tunneled focus on yourself," saidteam member, Deb Philips. "Being partof this team of able athletes has changedthat focus and made me realize we allhave so much we can conquer as well ascontribute.”

Dragon Boat Charleston, a non-profitcancer survivor program, promotesphysical and mental wellness amongcancer survivors and their communitythrough the sport of dragon boating. Tistrip is made possible by donations raisedat the Charleston Dragon Boat Festival.

More information is available at www.dragonboatcharleston.org

St Johns High graduate wins2016 Unsung Heroes AwardPRECIOUS OLIVER ALEXANDER RECEIVES

NATIONAL RECOGNITION FROM

COMMUNITIES IN SCHOOLS PROGRAM

BY ERIN BILLMAYERFor The Island Connection

Communities In Schools of theCharleston Area announced thatPrecious Oliver Alexander has

been named a 2016 Unsung Heroes Awards winner. Alexander is one of threeCIS alumni honored by the nationalCommunities In Schools’ network as bestin class for their hard work and dedicationin overcoming barriers and achievingacademic success.

“I am truly honored to receive this

award,” said Alexander. “CIS has had atremendous impact on my life and I amthankful for my site coordinator whobelieved in me and helped me realize mypotential.”

Alexander was first identified forCIS case management in 6th grade andcontinued with the program until shegraduated from St. John’s High Schoolin 2009. During this period, she receivedgroup and individual counseling as wellas academic assistance. Additionally, she

was able to form a one-on-one caringrelationship with the CIS Site Coordinatorat St. John’s High School. After servingtwo tours of duty in Afghanistan,

Alexander, now married, is currentlypursuing a degree in Cyber Security.“Our CIS alumni heroes are the

epitome of grit and determination. Teyare resilient leaders who have demonstratedgreat strength in overcoming personal andeducational challenges in their pursuitof a high school diploma, said GaryChapman, national network executivevice president. “We are thrilled to honorthese amazing individuals for their hard

work and dedication.”Te Unsung Heroes Awards were

created in 2007 to give nationalrecognition to local schools, communitiesand Communities In Schools’ site

coordinators for changing the pictureof education in America. Tis year, thealumni category was added to highlightthe outstanding accomplishments of

students who have overcome incredibleodds to graduate from high school.

Te 2016 honorees were recognized atthe Communities In Schools’ Leadershipown Hall, held in Fort Worth, X onTursday, Jan. 21.

Communities In Schools of the Charleston Area is part of the national Communities InSchools’ network, which operates in morethan 2,200 schools in the most challengedcommunities of 25 states and the Districtof Columbia. Working closely with schooldistricts and partner organizations,Communities In Schools serves nearly 1.5million young people and their families each year. Partnering with both the CharlestonCounty School District and the BerkeleyCounty School District, CIS of Charlestonserves nearly 12,000 students in twenty-fivearea schools. During the 2014-2015 school year, 96% of CIS case-managed studentswere promoted to the next grade level and98% of CIS case-managed seniors graduated

from high school. Learn more aboutCommunities In Schools of the Charleston Area, visit www.cischarleston.org.

U N D R A I S E R F O R D R A G O N B O A T

C H A R L E S T O N H E L D F E B . 2 4

Precious Alexander, right, receiving her

award in Texas last month.


6/15

r our continues from cover

February 12, 2016

arts & events

e counters as well as a generous Master Suite. Ter’s collection of art is primarily from local artisansrchased at the Southeastern Wildlife Exposition.miss the signed print by Sam Snead and the Bobbyputter located in the second floor game room.nderhorst Plantationis elegant home was designed to accommodate largey gatherings and this has been accomplished bycent addition of a unique guesthouse, terrace andTe main house boasts two-story screened porches,e game room, a large custom kitchen with fossiland walnut countertops, a richly paneled study and

wormy mahogany floors.

Te PreserveTis handsome American shingle style home reflectsthe owners wish to “bring the outdoors in.” Tis isaccomplished beautifully through soft neutral palettesthat accent the artwork. As you ascend the staircase to thesecond floor, there are two very large 110-year old wine jugs in niches at the turn. Te most interesting art is thatdone by the wife’s great-grandfather, George DeForestBrush and her grandfather. Brush is well known for hisportraits as well as paintings of American Indians.

CassiqueTis English inspired traditional home has beautiful

lagoon views. Te house boasts a clean, sleek and

contemporary interior. All of the light fixtures arecustom and noteworthy. Te kitchen island is uniqueand comprised of sliced petrified wood from Brazil. Tefloors throughout are African Celtis.

ickets are $55 and can be purchased at Kiawahartsetc.org, the Kiawah Freshfields Real Estate office, Te Kiawah Main Gate Real Estate office, and the Real Estate office atthe Sanctuary. ickets purchased must be exchanged for atour brochure at the Square in Freshfields Village the day othe tour. Freshfields Village is located at the corner of BetsyKerrison and Kiawah Island Parkway. Come early andenjoy shopping and dining discounts at the Village and/orSanctuary on the island.


7/15

uary 12, 2016

7

volunteer spotlight arts & events

Mayland teaches Paintingfrom Photography class

BY ROBERTA BOATTIFor The Island Connection

On Tursday, Feb. 16, ina

Mayland will teach a free artsession for the Seabrook Island

Artist Guild entitled “Improving Your Artwork.” Te lesson will be from 1-3p.m. in the Eagles’ Nest at the LakeHouse. ina will highlight how to moreeffectively paint from photographs. She

will also demonstrate these principalslive, creating value studies that she willmodify to progressively improve eachcomposition. Attendees should bring onephoto they have considered painting forgroup discussion.

ina Mayland served for four years onthe Board of Directors of the Charleston

Artist Guild and is a member of the

Seabrook Island Artist Guild. Her artworkis represented locally by the Wells Galleryat Te Sanctuary on Kiawah Island andby Spencer Art Gallery, 57 Broad Streetin downtown Charleston. ina is theexclusive teacher of oil painting lessonsfor Kiawah Island Golf Resort, and moreinformation on her sessions can be foundat www.inaMaylandArt.com under the

Workshops tab. ina is author of “Te SixCommandments of Painting: Te Shalt-Nots Tat Will Save Your Artwork.” Tisbook may be ordered from her website.

o register for the class call GaryKunkelman at 484.400.4390 or e-mail himat [email protected]. Visit the guild’swebsite a www.seabrookislandartistguild.com to learn more about the organizationand upcoming events.

Tina Mayland

One of four siblings, 48 year-oldChuck Jackson was raised bya single parent in Charleston’s

de public housing located onon Street.rowing up in the ‘projects’ was remembers Chuck. Early in his

here was a sense of community in theborhood. However, by the late 80s,illegal drugs became available, thesituation got rough.

eople (living in the projects) alwaysot, but now (in the late 80s on) they

hot for different reasons and withguns,” remarks Chuck.ne of the siblings finished highl. Although Chuck talks aboutg a rough life, he stresses that he“the streets” over doing something

Not everybody ended up like him.of his best friends was able to getf projects and now owns a successfulg a cooling company in Boston,

uck was never homeless, which heutes to his mother, who passed awayin 2012.

My mom came to the Neighborhoode to receive help. She dug throughash to put clothes on our backs.”

Although Chuck doesn’t like to blameanyone for the way his life turned out,he admits to not having a positive malerole-model or real direction in his life andfollowing the footsteps of guys who madequick money on the streets.

Troughout his life, Chuck struggled with substance abuse, but stresses that henever used crack cocaine or heroin. Hedecided to change the direction of his life,after some troubling events. For the last

nine months, Chuck has been workingas a cook at Jake’s Café on GeorgeStreet. Chuck has a 19-year-old daughter,Destiny, whom he sees once a month.Now he tries to stay healthy by keepingbusy, working, staying physically active-riding his bike, and volunteering withthe Our Lady of Mercy NeighborhoodHouse’s clothing room.

“I volunteer to help others, of course,but also help myself keep busy and stayout of trouble,” said Chuck with a smile.

Editor’s Note: Volunteer Spotlightis a column in Te Island Connectionhighlighting members of the community who give their time to help others . If you know ofa volunteer who deserves the spotlight email [email protected].

BY MARIA GUROVICHFor The Island Connection

Chuck Jackson


8/15

Island Connection Calendar March 4ays

e Oil Classes& Huff Art C enter located

Marina, Wednesdays and.m. - 1 p.m. opics include

applying composition elementstings, edge work, brush anduse. Painting from still life

Email [email protected].

dge GroupLa ke House. Te Mondayp needs new players. For more please contact Lori Muenow314 or Ilse Calcagno at7.

aysPracticee 2nd, 3rd, and 4th uesday

h. Located at Te Lakeprey 2. Open to all newe returning to the game, andwho wants a chance to practicewho are learning the ga me.ny questions, please contactpson at [email protected].

eon County Bookmobile comess Village on the first and thirdvery month from 10 – 11:30okmobile will be parked in the

Hege’s and Java Java.

WednesdaysLake House Yoga 8:30 a.m. Join us for Rise and Shine Yoga with Patti Romano, formerly known atGentle Flow Yoga. Rise and Shine Yogais an all-levels practice focused aroundfinding your day's intention, set up yourselffor success and be ready to shine.

FridaysFriday Indoor Pickleball12:30 - 2:30 p.m. at St. Chris topher'sCamp. For further information, pleasecontact Mary orello at 843.768.0056.

SaturdaysHomegrown10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Johns Isl and Farmers’Market. Every Tird Saturday at 3546Maybank Highway Johns Island.For more information, visit www. johnsislandfarmersmarket.com.

2015 Sea Island Cars and Coffee9 - 11 a.m. Te third Saturday each monthat Freshfields Village.

Ongoing Artist of the MonthTe month of February Colleen Wiessmann will display her work atthe Lake House Gallery. Te openingreception will be held at the g allery onMonday, Feb. 1 from 5 – 7 p.m.

Te Seat of JusticeFeb. 19 - Mar. 6, 2016 at the Dock StreetTeatre. ickets at ww w.charlestonstage.com. Julian Wiles's acclaimed playchronicles the courageous journey of thehistoric Briggs v. Elliott desegregationcase from rural Clarendon County, SouthCarolina to the halls of the United StatesSupreme Court.

Early Morning Bird Walks at Caw Caw Saturday, January 30. Tis C harlestonCounty Parks and Recreation bird walktreks through many distinct to allowparticipants to view and discuss a variety ofbirds, butterflies, and other organisms. Apaid chaperone is required for participantsages 15 and under. Preregistration is notrequired. 8:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m., CawCaw Interpretive Center 5200 SavannahHighway, Ravenel. Contact 843-795-4386or email cus [email protected]. $10or free for Gold Pass Members

Southeastern Wildlife ExpositionSEWE returns the weekend of Feb 12.13 & 14, bringing with it an annualcelebration of wildlife and nature throughfine art, conservation education, sportingdemonstrations, food and drink. For a fullschedule visit sewe.com.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 12

Freshfields Art & Wine Walk:4 to 7 p.m. Te Art & Wine Walk is back

for its eleventh year, with a celebrationthat marries wine, art, music, and more.Participating stores will feature a varietyof wines, as well as hors d'oeuvres. Te Williams Duo, a two-piece jazz group, willprovide musical accompaniment for theevening.

29th Annual Arts & Crafts Show, SaleTrough Feb. 14 at Te Lake House, LiveOak room. Friday 2 – 5 p.m., “Meet the Artists” reception 7– 9 p.m., Saturday 10:30a.m. – 5 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 14

Valentine's Day

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 15

President's Day

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 16

Seabrook Island Artist Guild Artist Shannon Runquist presents at theGuild's monthly meeting, 3 p.m. Live Oakroom, Lakehouse.

Coastal Navigation: Level 16-8 p.m. Tis course introduces you to allaspects of coastal navigation. Te basicsof maps and charts, compasses, aids tonavigation, declination/variation, andrules of the nautical road will be covered.Pre-registration required.Course # 42996.Meets at: CCPRC Headquarters. $18/$15CCR Discount. For more i nformation orto register, call 843.795.4386 or visit www.charlestoncountyparks.com.

Sea Islands Book Club (adults)2 p.m. 'Te Measure of Our Success' byMarian Wright Edelman. Te founder ofthe Children's Defense Fund looks at thestate of the national soul, arguing thatsuccess should be defined by characterrather than by consumption and offeringtwenty-five lessons by which to live. John'sIsland Regional Library.

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 18

gg20168th Annual Gourmet & Grapes at TeSanctuary, showcases the very best oflocal and regional cuisine paired withoutstanding wines from around the world,

this event raises money for research at theHollings Cancer Center at the MedicalUniversity of South Carolina. Purchasetickets at w ww.kiawahresort.com/gourmet-grapes or contact the Hollings CancerCenter Office of Development at 843-792-9335 or [email protected].

"Passion.Power.Purpose"Center for Women's Annual Conference.Feb 18-19 in Charleston, visit www.c4women.org/2016conference/ for moredetails.

Art Class with ina Mayland1 – 3 p.m. Ea gle’s Nest room Lake House,put on by the Seabrook Island ArtistsGuild.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 19

SINHG Soup SupperBeginning at 5:30 p.m. Te event willagain be held in the Atlantic Room at theIsland House. As usual, the Soup Supper will featuregreat soups, chili, breads and desserts as well as the traditional Soup Trowdown

where a prize of incalculable value will beawarded to the chef with the best soup.Most importantly it is an evening of funand camaraderie. Reserved tables will beavailable, the sign-up form is available onthe SINHG website at www.sinhg.org.

Paddling Clinics: Local PaddlingDestinations6- 8 p.m. Te Lowcountry is well knownfor its salt marshes, cypress swamps, andinland waterways. Learn about many ofour great paddling destinations and howto gain access to them. Pre-registrationrequired. Course # 43003 Meets at:CCPRC Headquarters Fee: $18/$15 CCRDiscount.For more information or toregister, call 843.795.4386 or visit www.charlestoncountyparks.com.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 20

Cars & Coffee9 a.m to 11 a.m. at Freshfields Villa ge. Arrive in your favorite ride for our monthlyCars & Coffee featuring antique, unique,classic and other cool cars. Visit withfellow car enthusiasts while enjoy coffeeand breakfast f rom Java Java. Te event will be held the third Saturday each

month. Due to Te Kiawah MotoringRetreat, the event will not be held in April.

Adopt-a-Highway pickupDo your part by bringing yourself,friends and family to pick up litter onBetsy Kerrison Parkway. It's a fun way tokeep our highway beautiful for residentsand visitors. Meet at the Eag le's NestRoom in the Lake House at 9:30 am forrefreshments, instructions and equipment.Call Mary orello at 843-768-0056 tovolunteer.

Black History Month Celebration4 p.m. Honoring the legacies from Wadmalaw and Johns Island, past. presentand future. At the Wadmalaw IslandCommunity Center, 5605 Katy Hill Road.Guest speaker Te Honorable Lewis H.Nelson, Jr. $20 cost includes programand dinner. All proceeds support theCommunity Center. call 843.557.8408 [email protected] for tickets.

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 22

“Changing What’s Possible in Eye Care”

5 - 7 p.m. Te Beach Club, Kiawah Island.Storm Eye Institute of MUSC presents:acomplimentary seminar di scussing eyehealth, followed by a wine & cheesereception. o register, contact Ashton Finleyat [email protected] or (843) 792-3040.

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 24

Pack and Go Like a ProBernadette Brogan presents a seminar forSeabrookers who are interested learninghow to plan your next big trip, from whatto put in your suitcase to how to plan avisit to a foreign destination. Tere will betrivia questions with small prizes duringthe presentation. 1 p.m., Te Lake House. All are welcome, free.

“Strong is Beautiful”3:30 to 6 p.m. at t he Sandcastle. Te event will feature a screening of award-winningfilm, Awaken the Dragon, as well as beautydemonstrations by Bobbi Brown, JoeMalone, Benefit and La Mer. Tere will bea silent auction with items such a jewelryfrom Croghans; rare vintage items; a nightout at Bob Wagner’s, In Te Kitchen; a tripto New Orleans and much more. icketsare $20 at the door. More information isavailable at www.dragonboatcharleston.org

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 27

"Te Chocolate Affair"

6:30 p.m.Te Chocolate Affair galaand auction supports Communities InSchools (CIS) of the Charleston Area,Inc. Held at 6:30 p.m. at t he Memminger Auditorium, live entertainment and over200 auction items are a featured part ofthis event and include jewelry, vacationpackages, restaurant, ticket packages,and original art from talented Charleston

artists. In addition to these wonderfulauction items, dozens of Charlestonbakeries and restaurants will vie for the6th annual competitive title of “Most Artistic” or “Most Delicious” dessert.Creations will be judged by Chocolate Affair attendees. ickets may be purchasedby calling 843.740.6793 or at www.thechocolateaffair.net.

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 28

4th Annual 'South Atlantic Bank'Oyster Roast & Chili Cook-Off 2 p.m. - 5 p.m. at Hobcaw Yacht Club in Mt.Pleasant. Tis family-friendly event will haveall you can eat oysters provided by StickyFingers, hot dogs and fixins, a deliciouschili cook-off and live music. Adults 21 $35,Under 21 $15. ickets can be purchased byvisiting www.FlorenceCrittentonSC.org.

FRIDAY, MARCH 4

Mullet Hall Annual Oyster Roast &rail RideFriday - Sunday, March 4 - 6, Mullet HallEquestrian Center, 2662 Mullet Hall Road,

Johns Island. Join Mullet Hall EquestrianCenter, Dream Wranglers Ranch, CoolerHorsmanship, Mitch Lowery, and theLowcountry Horse Preservation for a f un weekend of trail riding, a Cowboy Coursecompetition, guided trail rides (musthave your own horse), music and food.Register at online.activecommunities.com/charleston/Activities/ActivitiesDetails.asp

bruary 12


9/15

February 12, 2016

MC continues from cover

al Operations Manager at BIFMCne of Booth’s biggest fans.oth began working on the idea ofcility in 2006 with the help of Dr.ton “Charlie” Davis. Teir dreamto fruition when BIFMC officiallyd in 2008. Te clinic has sincered over 29,000 office visits andded care to thousands on Johns,

and Wadmalaw Islands who are atn below 200% of the federal poverty

you eat in local restaurants, have akeeper or lawn service, play golf orcal produce, you probably have been by Johns, Wadmalaw and James

Islanders who have no health insuranceand are patients [here],” asserts BIFMCinformational materials. Te notion of“free care,” however, begged questionsabout the depth/breadth of services.

“We can provide anything you wouldever need … we have the full support ofRoper St. Francis,” said Booth, on his wayto cataloging diagnostic tests available toBIFMC patients. Te uninsured are oftenrelegated to emergency rooms (ER) forcare, where they are never turned away.Te cost of receiving primary care throughan ER is astronomical, comparativelyspeaking. For example, BIFMC materialsclaim primary care from an ER averages$2,100 per visit versus free [to the patient]

care from the cl inic which averages $59.36per visit. Charges incurred in an ER areabsorbed by hospitals. Tis is a burden toinstitutions in a competitive environmentand these expenses can find their way intothe fees charged to those who do haveinsurance.

Te economic advantages of “freecare” resonate with David Dunlap,President and CEO of Roper St. FrancisHealthcare. Booth credits him with

providing desperately needed diagnosticsupport, and advanced treatment whennecessary. He says it isn’t just about themoney for the CEO. Diagnostics are stillexpensive and Dunlap’s organization eatsmany of the costs associated with Roper’sservices in apparent embrace of theBIFMC notion; “Healthy residents makefor a healthy community.” However, itstill takes people to do the heavy lifting.

BIFMC utilizes 37 volunteerphysicians, has 25 volunteer registerednurses, 17 volunteer interpreters and anadditional 40 volunteers comprise theoffice staff. Impressive as they are, thosenumbers don’t adequately describe clinic

staff. BIFMC Co-founder Dr. CharlieDavis, to illustrate, is a member of theevangelical organization; Fishers of Men.Te group, led by Te Honorable LeroyLinen, is an interesting composite of theSea Islands community and providesa window into the clinic’s stable ofvolunteers.

Te Bible’s Mark 1:17, "Come, followme and I will make you fishers of men,"is the inspiration for the name. Telocal chapter’s members come fromthe intersection of no less than ten

congregations constituting the bulk ofthose staffing October’s fundraiser. JosephMack is a member of New Jerusalem

A.M.E., Craig Robinson attends WebsterV.M. on Wadmalaw, Steve Brantleybelongs to St. Johns Parish on JohnsIsland and Winston Moultrie drove allthe way from Mount Pleasant, just toname a few. Tey are open and engagingto a man and while saving souls may betheir first priority, saving lives comes in a

close second.

Donations, even if they fit in a napkin,are always welcome and needed. You can

volunteer, donate or get more informationby visiting BIFMC at 3226 MaybankHighway, Suite 1-A Johns Island, SC 29455, or call them at (843) 266-9800.You can also contact them through email:[email protected] and if youwish to donate online, visit bifmc.org.

Te organization's next fundraiserwill be held April 25, 2016. Te 9th Annual Celebrity Golf Invitational, atTe River Course Kiawah Island, SouthCarolina. Entries are due by April 10, call843.266.9800 to register.

daily

PHOTOS BY GARY WEART


10/15

uary 12, 2016 11

sports tennis

New youth Lacrosseclinics set for March

CHARLESTON COUNTY PARKS

NTRODUCES FI RST OF ITS KIND

HNS ISLAND LACROSSE PROGRAM

BY SARAH REYNOLDSFor The Island Connection

he Charleston County Parkand Recreation Commission isintroducing a new youth lacrosse

am as part of its communitytion programming on Johns Island!four-week sessions will take place

ect dates for boys and girls ages 9 -rting the week of March 2.e clinics will take place at Haut

Middle School’s recreation complex,d on Bohicket Road on Johns Island.rogram will kick off with a JohnsLacrosse Fun Night on Feb. 24 at 6

Tis informational session will provideround and registration opportunitiese clinic. Boys’ clinics will take placeednesdays at 6 p.m. and on Saturdays30 a.m. from March 2 – 26. Girls’

will be held on Saturdays at 10from March 5 – 26. Registration isble at CharlestonCountyParks.comcalling 843-795-4386.

CPRC is able to offer the programollaborating with its nonprofitonent, Te Parklands Foundation,he foundation’s Pass It Forwardam, which assists with equipmentolunteer coaching for the clinics.aches for the Johns Island programnclude Anne Bennett and MichaelBianco. Bennett also serves on the

for Te Parklands Foundation anded the Pass It Forward Program.as coached girls’ lacrosse since 2007,ding high school, middle school andtion teams. Del Bianco coachesthe Charleston-based Chargerslacrosse team. He was a four-

tarter on the University of Southina’s lacrosse team and was alsosive coordinator for the SCISA State

mpion Heathwood Hall Highlanders.ut Gap Middle School and itsunity recreation facility is at 1861ket Rd. Features at the facility include

multi-use fields, a full-size outdoor basketballcourt, a softball/baseball field, tenniscourts, volleyball court, a disc golf course, a

walking trail, a picnic shelter and children’splayground. CCPRC manages variousnon-school related activities at the recreationcomplex at Haut Gap Middle School.

Te Parklands Foundation’s vision is toidentify, develop and sustain projects thatactively encourage people to experience theCharleston County park system’s facilities,

programs and services for the benefit of livinga healthier and safer lifestyle. In 2015, thePass It Forward program was adopted by TeParklands Foundation. With donations tothe Pass It Forward program, the foundation

will identify members of the community whoencounter barriers to having access to parkfacilities, programs and services, encourageand promote the giving of donationsand goods, and pass on those resourcesto members of the community in need.For more information on Te ParklandsFoundation or to support the Pass It Forwardprogram, visit TeParklandsFoundation.orgor call 843-640-5451.

For more information on the JohnsIsland Lacrosse program or to register,visit CharlestonCountyParks.com or call843-795-4386.

Agassi, Roddick, Blake,Fish come to Charleston

he 2016 PowerShares Series

tour, a competitive tennis circuitfeaturing legendary icons and

world-renowned champions, will makea stop in Charleston at the Volvo CarsStadium during the Volvo Cars Open onSaturday, April 9.

Te series, which consists of a 12-cityNorth American tour, will bring anexciting addition to the Volvo Cars Openline-up.

Te Charleston PowerShares Seriestournament will showcase:

• Andre Agassi, former World No.1 and eight-time Grand Slam

winner• Andy Roddick, former World No.

1 and US Open winner• James Blake, former World No. 4

and Davis Cup winner• Mardy Fish, former World No. 7

and six-time AP title winnerTe event features the four champions

playing two semifinals, with the winnersmeeting in a championship match.

“Bringing the PowerShares Series toour stadium expands our reach withfans and explores a new opportunity

to showcase amazing tennis,” said Bob

Moran, ournament Director andGeneral Manager of the Volvo Cars Open.“Te four players who have committed toour Charleston tournament are all tennislegends. For everyone in attendance thisnight will be the first, and potentiallyonly, chance to watch these icons playlive.”

“We are thrilled to be bringing thePowerShares Series to Charleston. Tecity has a phenomenal reputation and BobMoran and his team have been producinga world-class event for many years that weare honored to now be a part of,” said JonVenison, President of InsideOut Sports &Entertainment, which owns and operates

the PowerShares Series.ickets are $30 for terrace seating

and $75 for box seating. Te CharlestonPowerShares Series will play at the VolvoCars Stadium at 7 p.m. on Saturday, April9. Doors open at 6 p.m.

For more information on ticketsor the 2016 PowerShares Series, call800.677.2293 or visit www.volvocarsopen.com.

BY ARIELLE ALPINOFor The Island Connection


11/15

February 12, 2016

roadtrips charleston

Swimming with manateesBY CAROL ANTMANFor The Island Connection

or a wildlife adventure that you’ll remember forever,head to western Florida. Swimming with themanatees is one of the Southeast’s greatest outdoor

ences. During the winter, over 400 of these docileres migrate to the headwaters of Crystal Riverthey enjoy the constant 72 degree water. Unlikedolphin encounters where nearly domesticated

als are corralled into an enclosure to engage withmers, these manatees are really wild. Tey’re freeproach people or swim away. Amazingly thougheem to want interaction and routinely come up tomers. Crystal R iver is one of only a few places wherean legally engage with manatees in their natural

at.anatees have no known predators. Most fatalitiesused by run-ins with boats or loss of habitat. Te

Fish and Wildlife Service regulates swimming withtees and the establishment of sanctuaries for them.a began passing laws to protect manatees in 1893.

ve been on the endangered species list since 1967.erned guests on our tour asked questions about there’s welfare and environment. Guides explainedgulations that make it a safe activity for both the

mers and sea life. We were instructed to not chasecrowd them or make loud disturbances in theTey are gentle and curious, our guides said.

y husband and I began our tour ea rly in the morninghe winter temperature hovering around 45 degrees.ming seemed like the last thing I wanted to do.e seemed like the first thing. Fortunately Riverures had it waiting along with hot chocolate whenecked in to get oriented and fitted for wetsuits andels. At the dock, a blanket of steam laid ethereallythe warmer river. We mustered our courage, pulledr masks and slipped into the clear water. I consider

f a good swimmer and not fearful but when I putasked face underwater and saw SUV-sized creaturesg nearby, I gasped. Tese West Indian manateestween 1,000 and 3,000 pounds and 10 to 13 feetTeir wrinkled, whiskered heads are massive. Teir

blubbery bodies are huge. Despite being told that theyare gentle, I was intimidated at first. I had expected tosee just a few if we were lucky but they were plentiful and

easy to see. Te underwater world of dappled light andgraceful movements soon calmed me though. It was easyto glide along with just a flick of my flippers and moseybehind one as it slowly searched for aquatic plants to eat.I drifted alongside as it surfaced to breathe: an explosiveexhale and then a languid dive down again. One rolledover and looked down at me expectantly. I rubbed itsrough belly lightly. Floating was easy. I wasn’t cold. Tere was no wake, no discernible tide, no waves. We swam forhours in amazement.

Te nearby town of Cedar Key smells like seafoodand still resembles an old Florida fishing village. On thebeach we stopped to speak to a man who was fixing abrick wall that had been damaged in a close call witha hurricane. Just this morning, he told us, he’d pickedup his dinner on this beach. He’d dug Quahog clams at

low tide and hung a large conch upside down to removethe meat which he beat to tenderized before cooking.He also regaled us with stories about his fascinatingprofession as a bee pollinator, taking his hives across thestate to pollinate orange groves. At the popular Island

Hotel Restaurant we ordered their specialties: succulentcrab bisque and palm salad. Te hotel takes special pridein having invented that salad, which was unexpectedly

sweet with fruit and dates along with the fresh hearts ofpalm.

Te town also prides itself on its slow pace. Tis is theold Florida “before the traffic, deadlines and demandsoccupied your life and swallowed your lifestyle” their website touts. People are unhurried and friendly. At themarina, a local sailor invited us for a sunset cruise andtold us about his life living at the marina. He was soproud of his new cedar and mahogany sailboat. Until thetourist season, he planned to cruise around and fish. As we sailed towards the setting sun, he waved at anothermarina family coming back into port. Tey held up astring of fresh catch for him to admire. “Looks liketonight’s dinner,” he said hopefully. “People are so laidback here,” I observed. “Maybe they’re just bored,” hequipped. If so, it’s a welcome boredom away from the

hustle and bustle of the Disney-esque Florida wherepeople rush madly to stand in long lines. Here, the paceis leisurely, like a manatee ambling through the warm water and rolling onto its back for a gentle scratch.

Roadtrips Charleston presents adventurous and interestingdestinations within a few hours drive of Charleston, S.C.Carol Antman’s passion for outdoor and artistic experiences feeds her wanderlust for exotic and nearby adventures .For hot links, photographs, previous columns or to makecomments please see www.peaksandpotholes.blogspot.com

If You Go:Te manatee tour: www.riverventures.comTe town of Crystal River: www.crystalriverfl.org


12/15

uary 12, 2016

seasons of the south

ustic Camembert Tarts

with Wilted Greens

BY MARILYN MARKELFor The Island Connection

Makes 2 tarts, serves 12 as a first course

Ingredients 2 cups flour ⅛ tsp salt 2 sticks butter, cut into 16 pieces 2-4 Tbsp ice water 2 cups peppery baby arugula, rough chopped

¼ cup thinly sliced red onion8 oz Camembert, cubed ¼ cup pine nuts ¼ cup cream fleur de sel , to taste

Directions1. Combine flour and salt in a food processor and pulse a few

times. Add butter and pulse until mixture is a coarse meal. Add water 1 Tbsp at a time until mixture starts to form a ball. Forminto 2 discs and wrap in plastic wrap. Chill.

2. On a lightly floured surface roll out each dough disk to about12 inches.

3. Scatter arugula and red onions up to 1 inch of the edge of thetart. Dot with Camembert and sprinkle with pine nuts.

4. Fold remaining dough over filling and brush with cream.Sprinkle tart with fleur de sel, or your favorite salt.

5. Bake for 30 – 40 minutes until dough is cooked through. Coolslightly slice into wedges and serve.


13/15

February 12, 2016

arts & events

'Passion. Power.Purpose.'

C E N T E R F O R W O M E N A N N U A L

C O N F E R E N C E B E G I N S F E B . 1 8

BY LEIGH ANN GARRETTFor The Island Connection

Center for Women will host its

Annual Conference over two days,Tursday, Feb. 18 to Friday, Feb.

19, 2016 titled “Passion. Power. Purpose.”Tis event is geared towards professional

women, focusing on both personal andprofessional development, attracting over200 attendees and with the full day eventtaking place at rident echnical Collegein North Charleston.

Friday’s main event will have ninebreakout sessions and a keynote addressby NY imes best-selling author of Shiftfor Good and Good Morning Americacontributor, ory Johnson. Speakers arespanning from across the globe includingCanada & Switzerland and are: Lisa Beth

Adams, Jenn Ash, Cokie Berenyi, KateBerrio, Angie Byrd, Chelsea Demarest,Mofoluwaso Ilevare, Amy Kilpatrick,Gervase Kolmos, Idowu Koyenikan,Suzanne Letourneau, Shauna Mackenzie,

Kathie Scott, Kittie Watson, yece Wilkins and John Zinsser.

Tis two-day event is geared towardsa variety of women including SmallBusiness Owners/Entrepreneurs, ‘CareerClimbers’ for those changing careers ormoving forward with a current positionand also work/life topics that focus onpersonal development. rue to Center for

Women programming, the conference

appeals to the diverse interests of women.Tursday February 18, the evening

before the all-day conference, will be aNetworking Event and Kickoff Receptionfeaturing keynote speaker, Jane Perdue

of Braithwaite Innovation Group. Inaddition to hearing Perdue’s inspired talkabout “Five Life, Love and LeadershipLessons”, attendees will enjoy drinks, horsd'oeuvres & structured networking.

ickets are on sale now for boththe all-day Conference and eveningNetworking Event. Businesses will havethe opportunity to be an exhibitor orsponsor, as well as be included in swagbags for every attendee.

“Our annual women’s conference issomething that so many people lookforward to and this year is no exception.

We are excited to kick off 2016 withanother great event with a record numberof attendees and a nationally-knownkeynote speaker,” said Amy Brennan,Executive Director. “In keeping with ourConnect for Success focus, we are offeringtracks that will help people connect wherethey seek it most.”

To purchase tickets, exhibitortables or learn more about sponsorshipopportunities, please visit www.c4women.org/2016conference or call (843) 763-7333.


14/15

uary 12, 2016 15

Use Valentine’s

Day as an

opportunity to

determine how

you can make

gifts with long-

lasting impact

to your circle of

loved ones.

financial focus

Think about sending financial“Valentines” to loved ones this year

BY DIMI MATOUCHEVFor The Island Connection

mericans spent nearly $19 billion in Valentine’sDay gifts last year, according to the NationalRetail Federation. Much of this money went for

with short shelf lives, such as candy, flowers andrant meals (and about $700 million was spentfts for pets). Tere’s certainly nothing wrong withg chocolates or roses. But this year, think about

beyond the classic gifts. Instead, use Valentine’ss an opportunity to determine how you can make

with long-lasting impact to your circle of loved ones.re are some suggestions:For your spouse or significant other … As longas your spouse or significant other has earnedincome, he or she may be able to contribute toa traditional or Roth IRA. So, consider giving acheck to be used for that purpose. A traditionalIRA can grow tax deferred, while contributionsare usually tax-deductible. (axes are due upon

withdrawal, and withdrawals prior to 59½ may besubject to a 10% IRS penalty.) While Roth IRAcontributions are not deductible, any earningsgrowth can be distributed tax free, provided theaccount owner doesn’t take withdrawals until age59½ and has had the account at least five years.For 2015 and 2016, the IRA contribution limit is$5,500, or $6,500 for those 50 or older.For your children … You don’t have to be rich togive your children a gift worth $1 million – you

just have to help them through school. Collegegraduates earn about $1 million more over theirlifetimes than those without a degree, accordingto research from the Federal Reserve Bank of New

York. Still, college isn’t cheap: Te average annualcost – tuition, fees, room and board – for a privatefour-year college is more than $42,000, accordingto the College Board, while the comparablefigure for a public four-year school is about$19,000. Of course, if financial aid is available,you could get some help. Nonetheless, you may

want to start putting away money for college.One popular college savings vehicle is a 529 plan.

Your 529 plan contributions may be deductible

from your state taxes, and any earnings growthcan be withdrawn tax-free, provided it is used forqualified higher education expenses. (However, ifyou take withdrawals from your 529 plan, and youdon’t use the money for these higher educationexpenses, you may be subject to both income taxand a 10% penalty on the earnings.)

• For your parents … If you have elderly parents,you may want to find out if they’ve got theirretirement and estate plans in place. If they’vealready taken care of everything, you may notneed to get involved – but if they’ve left some“loose ends,” your help could be a valuable gift.So, ask them if they have drawn up the necessarylegal documents. Do they each have a will? Havethey created a durable power of attorney, which

allows them to name someone to make financialand health care decisions on their behalf if theybecome incapacitated? If it appears they havemuch work to do in these areas, you may wantto offer to arrange a consultation for them with alegal advisor and a financial professional.

None of these ideas are “traditional” Valentine’s Daygifts – but all of them can prove of great value to yourloved ones.

Tis article was written by Edward Jones for use by yourlocal Edward Jones Financial Advisor.


15/15

the island connection - february 12, 2016

Documents