PRESORT STANDARD

US POSTAGE PAID
CHARLESTON SC
PERMIT NO 437 Volume 2 Issue 24 FREE March 20, 2009

Sea Island Savory Herbs:

Andrew Maier explains the
differences in types of basil. the name says it all
By Kristin Hackler

I
f one were to close their eyes and walk into Sea Island
Savory Herbs, their first impression would be that they
had walked into a French kitchen. The hot, fecund smell
of kitchen herb seedlings sprouting happily in hundreds
of small plastic containers fills the air around the small
business; inviting guests through the bamboo-shaded
entrance and into a welcoming patio area surrounded
by low green houses and dozens upon dozens of potted
plants.
Although Pete’s Herbs has been around for several
years, owners Pete and Caroline Madsen have decided to
step back from the day to day operations in order to spend
more time with their growing family; and as of the New
Year, have handed over the management of the business to
long-time employee Kirk Young and Julie Hart.
Julie, a Charleston native, has spent most
of the past 19 years in Massachusetts.
However, when she heard
about the opportunity to
help run Pete’s
Herbs,
she hopped the first plane back to the sunny south. “It’s
been a thought, a dream, a vision of mine for years,” Julie
smiled. However, when she arrived on Johns Island in
November and saw the state of the small herb business, she
knew she had her work cut out for her.
Although Pete’s Herbs, now known as Sea Island Savory
Herbs, has been quite a successful local business, the
Madsens had started to let the grounds go in late summer
and Kirk and Julie have been working hard to get the
plants and facilities back to their former glory. “It’s been a
long process getting the plants back to health,” said Julie,”
but there’s great stock here and we’ve been doing a lot of
propagating.”
The Pete’s Herbs trifecta – tomatoes, peppers and
eggplants – will still be available in the same abundant
varieties under the care of Kirk and Julie, but they plan
to expand on the selection with the addition of lettuces,
cucumbers, squash and other garden vegetables. And they
will keep growing, selling and expanding on their herb
selection as well. Already, hundreds of little basils, from
chocolate to lemon to thai to Genovese, are sprouting in
the spacious greenhouses. Several types of lavender bloom
nearby and seedlings of rosemary, savory, mint, thyme,
marjoram and several dozen others are scattered about,
ready for the kitchen window garden.
Although it’s a little early to start planting, it’s never too
early to start planning and already, some of the heartier
greeneries can be planted without fear of frostbite: such
as rosemary and any of the leafy greens. “A good rule
of thumb is to start planting after the first full moon of
April,” said Julie. “That’s apparently when the last frost
will have passed.”
Landscaping plants will also be available this year, as
well as a wide variety of native plants from the gardens
at Mepkin Abbey. Andrew Maier, a horticulturist at Sea
Island Savory Herbs and student of acclaimed native
plant expert Dr. Gene Everett, is a wealth of knowledge
on native plants and will be happy to regale you with the
homeopathic properties of each species, as well as their
care and placement in the garden. New native species at
Savory Herbs include Cardinal flowers, Lobelia, Horsetail
grass (used by settlers for cleaning because of their high
silica content), dotted mint, also known as horsemint
(often used to soothe colds and the flu), and pitcher plants,
Herbs continued on page 6

I n s id e t h e I sl a nd Con nection. . .

page 8 Freshfields page 9 catr page 12 choraliers

2 March 20, 2009
Kiawah Island Council – March 3, 2009
March is Red Cross Month been meeting on a bi-weekly basis with
Mayor Wert opened the meeting by Thomas & Hutton Engineering about
moving that a proclamation declaring the the new Kiawah Island Parkway and
month of March as Red Cross Month be bikepath and “things are moving along
approved by Council. Council approved well”. As for the project schedule, Orban
the proclamation unanimously. stated that they are still trying to work
out some details with Berkeley Electric,
Kiawah Island Parkway which will need to lay underground lines
Councilman Orban reported that he has before the parkway project begins, but
work on the parkway is still set to begin
in June.
The Island Saving funding in State ATAX
Mayor Wert reported that revenues for
Connection the Town are down and will continue
to be down. “This year, because of the
Lynn Pierotti downturn, our first quarter dues were
Publisher down 5% and 25% by the third quarter,”
lynn@luckydognews.com the Mayor stated. “We expect to be down
about 30% this year all together.” He also
Kristin Hackler pointed out that Kiawah only has two
Managing Editor sources of income: the State and County
kristin@luckydognews.com Accomodations taxes and the business
license tax. The Ways and Means
Swan Richards Committee has recommended cutting
Graphic Designer approximately $118,000 out of the
swan@luckydognews.com SATAX unused budget to insure funds
are available for next year. Recommended
Ali Akhyari areas for budget cuts include: equipment
Assistant Editor for beach maintenance ($23,546 with
ali@luckydognews.com $10,000 remaining in unused funds
for the year), deputies ($85,187 with
Brittany Urbach $56,427 remaining) and the KICA
Reporter visitors booklets ($10,000 with $28,300
brittany@lukcydognews.com remaining). Council approved the Ways
and Means recommended revision
Chelsea Langan unanimously.
Advertising
chelsea@luckydognews.com Kiawah Investment Policy
Mayor Wert motioned to pass Resolution
Interns 2009-01, which makes two changes to
Jennifer Millar the Kiawah Island Investment Policy. The
Bridget Hinkebein lines in bold were removed from section
Bri Horahan XIII. Maximum Maturities:
Ashley Anderson To protect public funds from market
Evans Craddock yield losses resulting from rising interest
rates, the Town will limit the maximum
Contributors term of maturity. To the extent possible,
Jennifer Barbour the Town will attempt to match its
Dr. Charles Bensonhaver investments with anticipated cash flow
Wayne Billian requirements. In order to maintain
Helen Bosshart
Chris Brooks
Jerry Cummin
David Farrow
Civic Calendar Committee
Becca Finley Tuesday, March 24
Linda Fox Seabrook Island Town Council
Mary Girault All Town Council meetings will be held
Dwight S. Ives at 2:30pm at the Town Hall unless noted
Tom Prevost
otherwise on the Town bulletin board.
Published by Wednesday, April 1
Lucky Dog Publishing Seabrook Island Planning
of South Carolina, LLC Commission – work session
P.O. Box 837 All Planning Commission meetings will
Sullivan’s Island, SC 29482 be held at 2:30pm at the Town Hall unless
843-886-NEWS
noted otherwise on the Town bulletin
board.
Future deadlines:
March 25 for
submissions. Thursday, April 2
Johns Island Council Meeting
7pm – 8pm
Berkeley Electric Co-Op on Maybank Rd.
Kiawah Island Arts Council
3pm - 5pm
Town Hall - 2nd Floor Conference Room
Lucky Dog Publishing, LLC
Publishers of Island Eye News,
Monday, April 6
The Island Connection and
Kiawah Island Environmental
The Folly Current.
www.islandconnection.com
liquidity, no more than 70 percent of the
portfolio will have a maturity in excess of
(1) year. Unless matched to a specific cash
flow, the Town will not directly invest
in securities maturing more than (5) five
years average from the date of purchase.
Arts Council
Councilman Lipuma reported that the
recent Arts Council events have been
seeing bumper crowds at their last four
performances, and they seem to be
attracting more and more residents from
Johns Island and even James Island. At
the big band concert, a reported 25% of
the audience was from Seabrook. “It’s
great!” said Lipuma. He also noted that the
next performance will be the College of
Charleston Orchestra at the Church of Our
Saviour at 4pm on Sunday, March 22.
Ocean Course parking
Councilman Lipuma also reported that
Thomas and Hutton Engineering was
in the process of preparing an exhibit to
show the parking lot at the Ocean Course
which will show areas for available
parking and the 12 foot wide access path
to the beach.
Financial
“Our revenues and business licenses
are down, but not dramatically,”
Councilman Orban reported. However,
he noted that he has the entire Town staff
looking into ways they can cut down in
all areas and other ways in which they
can off-set costs. Finally, he stated that
the ATAX Committee will be meeting on
March 26 at 2pm at the Town Hall.
Environmental Committee
April 19 is the Kiawah Island Golf
Resort’s Earth Day Celebration, reported
Councilman McHugh. “It sounds
great and looks like it has a lot of fun
activities,” he remarked. He also reported
that there had been some reports of
excessive algae in the lakes, but pointed
out that this was fairly normal. In the
spring, he said, the Tilapia will come
3pm - 5pm
Town Hall - 2nd Floor Conference Room
Tuesday, April 7
Kiawah Island Town Council
2pm - 4pm
Town Hall Council Chambers
Kiawah Island Ways and Means
Committee meeting
8am
Kiawah Island Municipal Center’s 2nd
Floor Conference Room
Wednesday, April 8
Kiawah Island Planning Commission
3pm - 5pm
Town Hall Council Chambers
Seabrook Island Planning
Commission
All Planning Commission meetings will
be held at 2:30pm at the Town Hall unless
noted otherwise on the Town bulletin
board.
around and eat all of the extra algae.
McHugh also noted that the Bobcat
research is successfully underway with
nine bobcats captured, seven collared
and only four or five collars remaining to
attach.
Finally, McHugh commented on the
recent Kiawah Comprehensive Beach
Study written by Dr. Kana, and said
that the reported stated that Kiawah
beach sand has become fairly compact, a
fact which might deter sea turtles from
nesting on the island. “We might have to
run a trawl to loosen the sand,” smiled
McHugh, “but stay tuned. We wouldn’t
want a turtle to break a nail.”
External Affairs
Councilman Burnaford said that he had
attended the last Johns Island Council
meeting, but it was fairly short and there
wasn’t much to report. As for the Johns
Island roads, he reported that he and
Dr. Paul Roberts had met with a good
amount of people throughout Johns
Island and Charleston City and County
to speak with them about the Cross
Island Parkway. He also reported on the
Urban Land Institute’s findings on the
Maybank highway widening situation,
stating that the ULI had found that
three lane-ing Maybank from the Stono
Bridge to River would be an adequate
solution to the congestion problem,
and they had also recommended a road
off the Stono Bridge that would run
roughly along the current power line
easement and would help to reduce
the traffic on Maybank on it’s way
to the southern parts of the island.
Councilman Burnaford also met with
Mayor Riley to discuss ways in which
they could work closer with Johns Island
landowners, which went favorably,
and talked with Dickie Schweers, the
County representative for East Cooper,
Councilman McKeown and others to
discuss their most recent ideas for the
potential Cross Island Parkway.
KI Council continued on page 4
Kiawah Island Town Hall
21 Beachwalker Drive
Kiawah Island, SC 29455
Phone: 768-9166
Fax: 768-4764
Email: cwilson@kiawahisland.org
Seabrook Island Town Hall
2001 Seabrook Island Road
Seabrook Island, SC 29455
Phone: 768-9121
Fax: 768-9830
Email:
lmanning@townofseabrookisland.org
Johns Island Council
Meetings are held at the Berkeley
Electric Co-op located at 3351
Maybank Hwy, John’s Island.
Chairman Chris Cannon: 343-5113
Charleston County Council
4045 Bridge View Drive, North
Charleston
(843) 958-4700
City of Charleston
75 Calhoun St.
(843) 724-3745
March 20, 2009
Johns Island Council meeting – March 5, 2009
Sea Island Habitat for Humanity
Secretary John Kozma introduced Nikki
Seibert and Jilllian Cain from Sea Island
Habitat for Humanity as the speakers for
the night’s meeting. Seibert is the Green
Building Coordinator for Sea Island
Habitat and Cain is the Deconstruction
Manager. Seibert thanked Kozma for the
introduction and began by explaining
some of what Habitat for Humanity
is all about. “We are an international
ecumenical Christian ministry,” said
Seibert. “and we believe that every person
on earth deserves decent housing.” Of
the 1700 Habitat affiliates in the United
States, the Johns Island location is the
third oldest. Founded in 1978, Sea Island
Habitat for Humanity has built over 250
homes in their coverage area of Johns
Island, James Island, Hollywood, Edisto
and Wadmalaw Island. “As far as the
amount of homes constructed, we are
number 14 out of the top 100 in the US,”
said Seibert.
Since it is becoming harder and harder
for people to purchase their first home
nowadays, Habitat is doing their best to
help people become homeowners. What
kinds of people are homeowners? Mainly
people in the service industry, such as
firemen and nurses with a family of four,
an income of around $30,000 a year and
a credit score of 580 or above. “We’re
more stringent on our qualifications
because we need to know that the family
can keep up with their payments,” Seibert
explained. “We don’t just give houses
away. This is a hand up, not a hand out.
Each family is required to put in 500
sweat equity hours and to attend home
ownership training classes.” Payment for
the home consists of a 30 year mortgage
with no interest, and the cost is only the
cost of construction: between $60, 000
and $80,000 per house.
A new approach that Sea Island Habitat
is taking with their home building under
recently appointed Executive Director
Andrew Beck is that of green building
and Earth Craft certification. “No more
clear-cut fields full of houses,” said
Seibert, in reference to the recent upset
over the Brownswood Place development.
“We’re limiting our footprint.” She noted
that Earth Craft certification covers
water usage, education, landscaping,
material sources and interior air quality,
among other points. “It’s a very in
depth process,” she remarked. The
benefits, however, are substantial. Green
building not only allows the housing to
be affordable as well as healthy, it also
increases the value of the home. Roofs
are built with 30 year lifespans and
products are used that are able to last a
long time in order to reduce waste. The
homes also include low flow fixtures and
energy efficient appliances, as well as a
tight home “envelope” in order to cut
down on heating and air conditioning
bills. Future homeowners are taught
how to live a less wasteful lifestyle with
the use of green cleaning products and
recycling. McCloud Place in Wadmalaw
Island features a few of these new house
plans, which are more green and more
aesthetically pleasing, including site
plans with better connectivity, walkways,
playgrounds and green spaces.
Seibert then handed the floor to Jillian
Cain, who described the Habitat’s latest
program: Deconstruction. “Our two
greatest costs are land acquisition and
development,” said Cain. “Our sources
are usually private donations, gifts in
kind (materials such as couches, tools,
construction material, etc.) fundraisers,
corporate sponsorships and mortgage
repayments.” One of the ways Sea Island
Habitat raises funding is through their
ReStore outlets, where new and used
furniture and building materials are
resold to the public. “All money from
the ReStore goes toward building new
homes,” Cain noted. Since the ReStore
opened on Johns Island, they have
diverted over 665 tons of material from
the landfill.
Although this program is working
well, Cain and the Habitat team
soon realized that there is a need for
people to go into homes that are in
the process of remodeling and remove
all the old fixtures. “We saw this as an
opportunity where we could go into
homes, remove the old fixtures and resell
them in the store,” said Cain. “This is
the Deconstruction project. We take
windows, doors, toilets, vanities, sinks,
tubs, all appliances, water heaters, HVAC
units, washers, dryers, light fixtures
and other items and resell them in the
ReStores.”
Cain remarked that their teams had
taken apart everything from a master
bath to an entire house. However, she
noted that they can not take a house
down to its frame; they can only do
what’s known as a “soft strip” wherein
the last layer of items in a building, those
that are more or less easy to remove,
are stripped from the remodeling area.
However, the services are free of charge
and help the homeowner avoid the cost
of paying their contractor for removal,
as well as the cost of dumping the items.
Sea Island Habitat is also fully insured,
so if a water line is nicked and it damages
the carpet, it’s taken care of. “That’s only
happened once,” smiled Cain.
In the past six months, the
Deconstruction project has already
diverted over 40 tons of material from the
landfill.
Chairman Chris Cannon asked Seibert
what developments Habitat is currently
working on and if they have any plans for
the future. Seibert replied that the only
project on Johns Island right now is the
third phase of the Brownswood Place
development. “As far as projects down
the road,” said Seibert, “We’re just trying
to buy property. We have land in Edisto,
Hollywood and Ravenel. If we don’t get
any more land out here on Johns Island,
we’ll start working on these fringe areas.”
www.islandconnection.com
Seibert also noted that Sea Island Habitat
will be holding design charettes for
future developments in order to avoid
unsightly site plans such as the clear
cutting at Brownswood Place.
Council member Henry Chavis asked
Seibert why Habitat has sold homes
to illegal immigrants in the past, and
Seibert replied that their previous Family
Services Coordinator had been let go for
that reason. “It’s hard to go back on past
issues,” said Seibert, “but our new family
services coordinator is very strict on our
new homeowners’ qualifications.”
Council member and Treasurer Sam
Brownlee remarked that he commended
both of them for all their hard work.
“Thank you for what you do,” he said.
Treasury
Treasurer Sam Brownlee reported that
the Council has $746.31, and as there
were no expenses this month, the account
balance remains the same.
CHATS report
Brownlee reported that the SC DOT has
listed the bridge at Brickyard Road as
number 18 in their list of 402 projects in
the state, as per a request from CHATS.
“There have been a lot of complaints
about the highway department,” said
Brownlee, “but I have to commend
Limehouse. He started working on
projects for that stimulus money before it
even arrived.”
Johns Island developments
Chairman Cannon reported that
the only meeting this past month on
developments on Johns Island had been
3
during the County Council meeting,
and that was simply to ask questions
about the PUD requests at Chisolm
Road and Bryans Dairy Road. “They
were kind of asking for the same thing
at these properties,” said Cannon. “Both
are trying to get the Comprehensive
Plan changed so that they can turn their
property into Agricultural Residential
Future Land Use with higher density
zoning.” Bryans Dairy would double the
density from eight houses to 16 on 58
acres, and Chisolm would have roughly
one house per acre and a half. “The
Council seems to be split,” said Cannon.
“Some were in favor, some were not. It
will be interesting to find out what will
happen.” He did note that there was
virtually no opposition from nearby
residents to either development.
Cannon noted that there was nothing
really coming up concerning Johns
Island on either the City or the County
agendas for the rest of March.
Johns Island Airport extension
Resident Rich Thomas commented on
the expansion of the Charleston Regional
Airport on Johns Island, noting that the
runway is going to be extended 350 feet
closer to River Road. “I don’t know how
much room there is between the fence
and runway,” said Thomas, “but it got
me wondering if there is some scheme to
reroute River Road to bring it more to
the west/northwest: it kind of set off a
warning bell for me.”
Alan Burnaford of Kiawah Town
JI Council continued on page 13
 4 March 20, 2009
Island EditorialsA long road to haul
At a previous meeting of the City Council, it was mentioned
that the City would need to start reclaiming the public right-of-
ways in order to enforce the law and appease a State agency which
is responsible for gifting money for beach nourishment projects.
Already, high tide is back to the dunes despite the $10 million dollar
project , the completion of which is still in its infancy.
Parking has become a volatile issue during the summer, especially
on Arctic and Ashley Avenues, where cars struggle to find places
to park. To keep cars out of their yards, many homeowners install
posts, hedges, and even buildings. They’ve done it for at least 30
years with little to no consequence. However, it’s illegal and the City
may start enforcing it.
It’s unfortunate that residents have been led to believe that it is
inconsequential to take their yards to the street because of a lack of
enforcement from the City and State. However, there is no time like
the present to set things right. It will be a hard road to haul (pun
intended), but the ditches should have been dug at the first signs of
encroachment. The City should effectively and efficiently reclaim
public property from private hands. State funding could be on the
line. But more importantly, the logic that allows our government to
choose what laws to enforce is the same logic that gives people the
right to choose which ones to obey. Anarchy only looks good on
t-shirts.
Kiawah and
Seabrook:
a spit in the wind
When it comes to barrier islands, there’s a basic understanding
between developers and landowners that the islands themselves are
impermanent structures. Some, such as the established towns of
Kiawah Island, Folly Beach and Sullivan’s Island, are more secure in
their knowledge that, although their land is fleeting in the long range,
it’s sure to be a fairly permanent structure for at least the next hundred
or so years. Other strips of sand, such as Captain Sam’s Spit, are far
more fleeting; barely rising above the surface before sinking back into
the ocean several decades later.
It would be silly to think that the owners of Captain Sam’s Spit
didn’t understand this. Since the land belongs to them and is zoned
for development, there is really nothing stopping them from building
out the island. Sure, the homeowners would have to pay out the rear
for wind and hail and flood insurance, but it’s a risk they would have
to be willing to take; and if the developers can find enough people to
take that risk, then they have no reason not to build on the Spit. The
same, however, goes the other way. Who really would be willing to
pay upwards of $40,000 a year just in insurance to live on a piece of
land that was not even there less than 60 years ago? The decision is in
the developers hand and hopefully, common sense will prevail.
What’s the I.D.eal?
Why is this so tough? Whose rights are being trampled?
Give us one legitimate reason why one should not have to show a picture ID when
one votes. By “legitimate reason” I mean one not colored by emotion, one persuaded by
common sense.
Doesn’t one have to present a picture ID to buy beer or cigarettes? When you cash a
check, don’t you have to present two forms of identification, one of them state issued?
Okay fine. What is so terribly egregious about presenting a picture ID when
voting?
“Oh, it harkens back to Jim Crow!”
It does not. To my knowledge, the bill currently before the S.C. state legislature
requires everyone - white, black, brown and red - to fork out a picture identification that
proves you are who you say you are.
What bothers us is the assumption that poor people do not have the life skills to
function on such a level. We think it is breathtakingly patronizing. We thought perhaps
with all the hope and change bubbling up from the floorboards, we could put aside the
thought that poor people were numb as a pounded thumb.
Nope. Now, poor people are victims and there is a mighty roar for retribution, a way
to attack those wrongdoers – not for the sake of righting wrongs, but to make people
pay for the misfortunes, real and perceived. Are we the only one who thinks this is just
nuts?
Let us know.
New Green Space
directors
Provided by Jerry Cummin
(left to right) Dick Hughes, President; Sally Schenck, Pat Greubel and Jim Crispyn. The directors are
standing in front of the Equestrian Center pasture where almost six acres of pasture were preserved as a
result of the generosity of Seabrook Island residents responding to the Save The Pasture Campaign.
KI Council continued from page 2 and workshops to find people that can be
Town Adminstrator’s report helped through the Fellowship. “We’re
very proud of our Town Administrator,”
Town Administrator Tumiko Rucker
reported to Council that they were said the Mayor.
working to increase their public outreach
and that Stephanie Braswell, Town
Council comments
Councilman Lipuma acknowledged the
Administrative Assistant, had complied
passing of former Kiawah resident Paul
a list of churches where they could speak
“Put” Putman on February 26, noting
and share information about the Town’s
that his memorial services was held at
public activities. She noted that the Staff
Bishop Gadsden on February 28, 2009.
was also heavily monitoring expenditures
“Quite a gentleman,” said Lipuma of Mr.
and looking for ways to cut costs. An
Putman, “and quite a golf player”.
upcoming Town event, she reminded
the Council, is the mobile shredding
and ewaste collection at the Town Hall
St. Johns High School presentation
Students Elijah Smith, Carlton Coten,
on April 22. Finally, Rucker stated that
Leroy McGill and Elizabeth Robinson
Code Enforcement Officers will be
spoke to Council and the residents
cracking down on the collections for
in attendance about their trip to
business licenses and new equipment at
Washington, DC for the presidential
the department will allow the officers to
inauguration. They presented a slideshow
retrieve up to the minute information and
of their activities and commented on
facilitate ticket writing.
all of the new and exciting experiences
Mayor’s report gathered during the trip. They closed by
Mayor Wert was glad to announce that profusely thanking the Kiawah Council
Town Administrator Tumiko Rucker and residents, saying that they would
has been nominated for the Palmetto never have had the opportunity if not
Fellowship – a very prestigious award. for their generosity and that the trip had
The Fellowship is a two year program, truly inspired them to become more
requiring participants to meet in forums involved in their own community.
March 20, 2009 5

Seabrook Town Council Candidates

Vote on March 31, 2009 elections
Tom Prevost, candidate for Town Council Wayne Billian, candidate for Town Council

Why do you want to run for the Seabrook Town Council? Why do you want to run for the Seabrook Town Council?
My wife and I first experienced the beauty and wonderful lifestyle of Seabrook Island Civic pride requires civic responsibility.
when we honeymooned here in 1985. Since that time, we have not only grown in
our love of the Island, but have made this community the foundation of our life. What do you believe is the most important issue facing Seabrook Island today?
Because the Island has given us so much, we have very actively tried to give something Seabrook Island has to face the economics of the world today. Fiscal reality is
back by investing not only our money, but also untold hours of hard work through the key to keeping what we have in repair, while we evaluate what we can afford
the application of our talents to help the Island continue to prosper and to improve to add.
the quality of life of its constituents. Since becoming a full-time resident in 2001, I
have held many positions with the S.I.P.O.A., The Seabrook Island Club, and in the What is one change you would make as a Council member and why?
community. By serving on the Seabrook Town Council, I believe that I can greatly Change can be good, if things are not running well. What we have is great, so
enhance the communication and integration of the Town with the other governing why look to change a good thing?
organizations on the Island because of my experience and detailed knowledge of these
organizations, thereby helping each one to more effectively and efficiently meet the What jobs and/or positions have you held
needs of all Seabrook Island property owners and visitors. in the past that you believe will help you
in your position as a Council member?
What do you believe is the most important issue facing Seabrook Island today? Working as a self-employed
I believe there are many critical issues where the Town needs to take an even commission sales agent in the
more proactive role in finding solutions. They include the high and increasing domestic textile industry all my life
cost of property insurance, especially wind and hail, the increasing cost of living has taught me that recognizing needs,
on the Island, the proper allocation of services between all of the Seabrook Island finding solutions and staying flexible
organizations providing amenities and services, the “deer” problem, the “road” will produce the best results. Since
problem, zoning issues and land conservation, just to mention a few. But, in my arriving on the island four years ago,
opinion, the most critical issue that must be addressed is the process by which I have been fortunate to have been
damaged facilities, infrastructure, and homes/villas can be repaired and rebuilt after a on the Club Recreation Committee,
major storm or other disaster! I was greatly taken aback by Joe Hall’s recent statement the POA Finance Committee and
at the Town Council meeting of February 24, 2009, when he was asked about what the Greenspace Board. The diverse
would happen to the Town’s water, sewer and electrical distribution systems in the experiences that these assignments
event of a disaster. Joe, who I highly respect for his candor, knowledge, and his have required allowed me to gain
contributions to Seabrook Island over many years, stated that “while all systems could an understanding of how the island
potentially be back on line in roughly three weeks after a full tidal surge, his best guess functions. Working together, without
was that it would be about three months before people would be allowed back on the duplication, is the ideal we can all hope
Island.” If that is true, in my opinion, there would not be much left to return to after to achieve.
three months! I believe that this is not an acceptable time frame for the “start” of the
repair and rebuilding of personal property!
Jerry Cummin, candidate for Town Council
What is one change you would make as a Council member and why?
I would like to see the Town become much more proactive, less reactive, in dealing Why do you want to run for the Seabrook Town Council?
with the major issues that need to be addressed, and much more active in working My wife, Hutchie, and I have lived on Seabrook Island since 2000. I am a
with neighboring communities and governing bodies in developing the solutions to candidate for Seabrook Island Town Council in the special municipal election
these issues. We need to realize that solutions for many of these issues require the scheduled for March 31, 2009, because of my desire to continue to serve our
help and effort of a much broader constituency than just Seabrook Islanders and take Town. I served the Town as Commissioner of the External Affairs Commission
the necessary steps to involve and integrate with all those who need to play a role to (2004-2008), Chairman (2007-2008) and on the Planning Commission (2009-
address the issue. present). From 2005-2007, I led the successful effort to pass an Ordinance
allowing dogs on a portion of North Beach under certain conditions.
What jobs and/or positions have you held in the past that you believe will help you in your
position as a Council member? What do you believe is the most important issue facing Seabrook Island today?
As I indicated earlier in this interview, I have been involved with a number of the
Two important safety concerns to citizens are weather and roads. An automatic
Governing organizations on Seabrook Island. I have been a member of the S.I.P.O.A.
telephone weather warning system, generally know as Code Red, currently
Long Range Planning Committee, the joint Club/POA Community Coordination
and Relations Committee, The Club Long Range Planning, Strategic Planning and alerts citizens of severe weather. Voluntary sign-up still needs encouragement
Operations Committee, The Club Board of Governors as Chairman of the Operations from the Town.
and Long Range Planning Committees, Vice president of the Club and I served as
president of the Club for two years. What is one change you would make as a Council member and why?
My education includes a Bachelor of Electrical Engineering Degree from Cleveland Bohicket and River Roads are two of the most dangerous in the state and the
State University, an MBA from Case Western Reserve University, and I have Town must continue to support all reasonable efforts at a solution. However, I
completed all of my course work for a Doctor of Science in Business Systems at the have attended most Town Council meetings for nearly five years and feel that
University of New Haven. the Council has done an excellent job. I would not make any changes.
My professional career included 24 years in various technical and management
positions with GE, eight years heading up my own international consulting firm What jobs and/or positions have you held in the past that you believe will help you
which I spun out of GE, during which time I restructured over 200 well-known in your position as a Council member?
Fortune 500 corporations to improve I graduated from the University of
their operating effectiveness and quality of Pennsylvania, was President of a
service. Before retiring in 2004, I worked commercial and financial printer in
another nine years consulting to the senior Philadelphia and served for 10 years
officers of major corporations and state and as an officer in the Pennsylvania Army
municipal government entities through a National Guard. I have also served on
large international consulting firm regarding the Seabrook Island Club’s Membership
employee benefits and pension plans. Committee, am President of the
My other community service includes serving Seabrook Island Dog Owners’ Group
on the Vestry of Church of Our Savior,
and Director of the Seabrook Island
teaching adult Sunday School at St. Johns
Green Space Conservancy.
Episcopal Church, and teaching as an adjunct
professor at the College of Charleston.
Please vote for me on March 31st.

Candidates are listed in no particular order, all content is placed soley due to layout accommodations. For more information on the candidates go to www.southofthestono.sc
6 March 20, 2009

A green road solution Popular road arguments

By Kristin Hackler
There has been plenty of discussion over
the past twenty plus years over whether or
not the southern and central sections of
Johns Island need another road. The main
roads in place have been there since the Civil
War; some since the Revolutionary War, so
it’s little surprise that change does not come
easily for a few residents of the island. But
the fact is that change is already happening.
Johns Island, an area roughly the size of
Manhattan, is growing by leaps and bounds
and even though the economy is currently
in a slump, the zoning and building sites are
already set to incorporate another 12,000
homes, minimum. This growth may not be
what many long time island residents would
like to see, but as residents, developers and
local government have put forward their
individual solutions to solve these problems,
the combined results are proving to be a
more balanced plan, and one that is more
acceptable to everyone involved.
Arguments have been made for and
against a new road down the middle of the
island. An interstate-type road was rejected
in the mid-90s and public reactions to a
toll road produced an outcry from residents
last year, but a new proposal born out of
the desire for preservation and green space,
as well as the need for safer traffic flow and
better connectivity, has been suggested and
is quickly working its way to the public
discussion table. Let’s call this new concept
the Johns Island Greenway.
The Johns Island Greenway would follow
the same general path down the middle of
Johns Island as other proposed alignments,
but would use an entirely different approach.
As opposed to an out-of-scale four lane
expressway, the Johns Island Greenway would
be a typical grade level Johns Island road
placed within a ten mile long conservation
easement. The conservation area would be
substantially wider than needed for a two lane
road, with room to accommodate a bike way,
walking paths and maybe even an equestrian
trail, as well as picnic tables, and manmade
lakes for water fowl and wildlife. The land
not used for the road would be placed in a
conservation trust and landowners with
property backing up to the road would be
shielded from the road by native plants and
trees, but they would have easy access to paths
that would run alongside it.
The conservation area would be a benefit
to drivers as well, since the Greenway would
be in keeping with the character of other
Johns Island roads. Since the majority of the
area through which the Greenway would pass
are farmland or woodlots, the road alignment
could easily avoid historical locations, grand
trees and the occasional wetland area. An
additional benefit is the dramatically lower
cost of this type of road: An conservative
estimate puts the land conservation purchases
and the building of the limited access at-grade
Greenway to a total cost in the neighborhood
of $38 million.
Although the Johns Island Greenway is
only a part of the greater Johns Island road
problem, it’s only the first step in the greater
solution that takes into account the public’s
desire for Johns Island to remain rural, but
also gives the island the infrastructure that it
currently needs. In our next couple of issues,
we will discuss the other road improvements
that need to be made on the island, as well as
the improvements to Maybank Highway.
Statement: If there are other road improvements that need to be made, why not address
them first?
A: Analysis of the traffic counts from 2007, the latest available, shows that traffic on
both Maybank and Bohicket Roads would have been reduced to about one-third the
number of trips on these roads currently because of diversion to the Greenway. This
demonstrates the extent to which relief for these roads is needed right now.
Statement: the Greenway would adversely affect hundreds of properties, farms and
houses.
A: The Greenway would actually be the least invasive of the Johns Island road
improvement plans examined to date. It would affect only 50 to 60 properties and a
handful of buildings, as opposed to the widening of River Road and Bohicket Roads,
which the Roadwise studies showed would affect 363 properties and 77 homes/
buildings.
Statement: If additional infrastructure is needed, why would a limited access road be the
solution?
A: Building the Greenway within parkland protected by conservation easements would
prevent strip commercial development, and other unattractive land uses along the new
road. It is this type of development which is feared by many of the people opposing
any new road. And, it would preserve the beautiful tree-canopied roads that are so
important to the rural character of Johns Island.
Statement: More congestion on the road equals greater safety as drivers are forced to slow
down.
A: This is untrue! Congestion produces more accidents, not fewer. Also, in an emergency,
a delay of just one minute due to congestion on narrow and congested roads can mean
the difference between life and death.
Statement: The Post and Courier reported that at the June 19, hearing of the Transystems
study of possible alternative plans for solving Johns Island’s transportation problems that
most of the residents of Johns Island did not want a new road down the middle of the
island.
A: That report was based on an incorrect reading of the broader public sentiment. In
all, 1274 individuals voted in this tabulation in which each individual was allowed
to register their opinions only once. Most of the participants were concerned with
solving the congestion and safety problems on Johns Island roads, but were also
concerned with a possible increase in development attracted by the road. Tabulation of
the results revealed that 63% of those participating in the survey favored a new road
down the middle of Johns Island from the Stono Bridge to Betsy Kerrison Parkway
versus widening Bohicket or River Roads. Even for the 306 Johns Island residents who
participated in the study, more were for for this solution than against it (166 for and
140 against).

Herbs continued from front cover
a fanciful jug-shaped plant often found
in native bogs.
Finally, if you need a break from the
potted plants, the entrance to a startlingly
diverse camellia forest can be found right
across from the Savory Herb’s parking
lot. Pete Madsen’s father “Skip” has been
propagating camellias for years and now
boasts over 600 varieties blossoming
along the forest path.
Although Kirk and Julie anticipate
a special Grand Opening this spring,
the garden is already open for business.
Located on Chisolm road about a mile
and half behind St. Johns High School
(5920 Chisolm Rd.), Sea Island Savory
Herbs is open Monday – Saturday from
9am – 5pm. For more information, call
the shop at 559-1446 or visit their website
at www.seaislandsavoryherbs.com. Herbs
from Sea Island Savory Herbs will also
be available through Legare Farms this
year, both at their nursery and as part of
their home garden box program.

Julie Hart and Kirk Young.

March 20, 2009 7
Put your best food forward

The Bistro at Bohicket

By Becca Finley

T
ucked in a own restaurant. The result: a charming Italian bistro that that few know about this bistro is that it is the only
rear corner of also features authentic German dishes, paying homage to restaurant in the Charleston area that features authentic
the Bohicket his rich heritage. German cuisine. Hours of operation are:
Marina lays an Start with the Torta Capresa. The vine ripe local lunch: Tuesday-Friday 11am-2pm
unassuming Italian tomatoes are piled with buffalo mozzarella cheese and dinner: Monday-Saturday 5-9pm.
bistro. However, once drizzled with balsamic vinaigrette. The addition of a pesto For more information, call 843-768-2424.
inside the quaint eatery, over baby greens gives this standard classic a very special
any diner will quickly secret twist. Delicioso! With such a variety of options, Becca Finley is a freelance writer and marketing/branding
discover this place is one must decide between chicken or fish. If you choose to specialist (www.bayoulogic.com) who recently moved to
anything but ordinary. go with the fowl, try the Scallopini served with sun dried Sullivan’s Island from Dallas, Texas.
The Bistro at Bohicket tomatoes and lemon caper butter. Oven roasted red pepper
imparts elegance and linguini with a hint of cumin jazzes this dish up. The Torta Capresa
time honored traditional chicken breading for the chicken boasts perfection…
dining, while reflecting light enough to float. Feel like a fish dish? Then
local, beachy themes in you can not go wrong with the Pan Roasted
its cuisine and art. Pepper Salmon. This pan roasted Atlantic
Chef/owner Jan salmon steak tops a cracked tricolored
Gerhard Rabe began pepper corn and a spectacular lentil
his culinary adventure ragout and shallots. The pepper
in Germany as an seeps in to the salmon, relaying
Chef Jan Gerhard Rabe.
apprentice, honing his a flavor that is savory, spicy and
skills as a Saucier and Gar d’ manger. His dedication to downright special.
his craft paid off, as his superiors consistently lauded his Ready for dessert? One can
work, ethics and ability. In the 80s and 90s, Jan traveled only get such tasty delicacies from
the world, working with some of the finest restaurants/ someone who truly cares about
restaurant groups such as The Hawaiian Regent flavors that pop. Wrap your lips
(Honolulu, HI), Trump’s Taj Mahal Casino and Resort around the fried oreos or my favorite, the
(Atlantic City, NJ), and the San Juan Caribe Hilton (San coconut Crème Brulee served in a coconut
Juan, Puerto Rico). After three decades of working for shell. Delicious and delightful.
others, Jan harnessed his passion and expertise to open his Don’t forget to taste a pizza; and yet another treat

www.islandconnection.com
8 March 20, 2009 March 20, 2009 9

Rosebank reopens
of the cart is able to fold down into a comfortably
large, sturdy table that could also easily support
a beach umbrella. The tables are also available
in any pattern or color you desire: since Paul
simply glues a fabric of choice onto the table’s
wooden top and coats it with several layers of
polyurethane. The cart can even support a dog
basket, child seat or a barbeque grill attachment.
“In fact, the more you put on it, the easier it is
to move around,” smiled Covert. Paul’s other
inventions include a compact, attractive dog
barrier that, when stored, takes up less space than
a golf club, a beach picnic party bicycle which
he frequently pedals to Freshfields Village, and
an underwater sightseeing device. “I often get
up at 2am and just start planning,” said Covert,
a former engineering student,” at 7am, the saws
start buzzing!”

Rosebank celebrated their spring re-opening with a Taste of Rosebank
festival on March 7, complete with food from the farm and local waters.
All the old farm friends were there, including quite a few more chickens
that will be helping with egg production as well as fertilizing the
Rosebank fields, and a new donkey named Jack Frost.
Rosebank Farms will be open for the rest of the season during normal
hours: seven days a week from 9am – 6pm. Their next big event will be
their Easter Egg-stravaganza on Saturday, April 11, with the official egg
hunt starting at 2pm.
Seabrook resident Paul Covert (above with his wife) participated in the
grand re-opening by sharing some of his most recent inventions, including a
brilliant little beach buggy that can carry everything you need for a serious
beach party and glides as light as a feather over almost any surface. With two
chairs, beach lotions, bath towels and a full cooler, Covert demonstrated the
buggy’s ease of mobility by pushing it around Rosebank’s gravel parking lot
with one finger. Covert calls it a “beach picnic party cart”, as the front section
In the company of horses
Charleston Area Therapeutic Riding’s Open House “Funraising”!
Sunday, April 5, 2009 4:30-7:30pm.

Helping youth
Take a Sunday afternoon drive to CATR Farms, located at 2669 Hamilton
Road on John’s Island, and join us for lowcountry fare, beer, wine and the
footstompin’, bootyshakin’ “newgrass” of Triple Lindy. The Open House will

help the islands

also feature an inspiring Art Show in the Barn and rousing Silent Auction to
support CATR’s scholarship fund.

Tickets are $25 in advance; $30 at the gate. Please call 843 559-6040 for
By Chris Brooks information and reservations. Thanks to our sponsor: Newton Farms, An

F
or 40 years, the Rural Mission has their mission trips through car washes, cutting extraordinary market.
opened its doors and welcomed young grass, part time jobs and numerous other
volunteers who want to come to Johns ways, saving up for months prior to coming
Island and help needy families. The changes to Johns Island. These young volunteers are
that they have brought to these rural, low also unselfishly giving of their time. They give
income families have been wonderful and up holidays with family and friends to serve,
heartwarming. The changes that they have they forego time at home or on vacation to
instilled in their own lives will be a blessing to work for others who have so much less and
themselves and to they give up breaks from
others for years to school and classes to work
come. Missions, hard from dawn to dusk
Christian outreach on repairing and building
and community low income homes.
service makes The severe economic A CATR participant learns how to hold his horses reigns.
a tremendous conditions of 2009 will
difference to all unfortunately cause some
involved. not to come at all or to Over 6o soup choices range
Right now, some come without having the
from healthy, hearty, light,
hot or cold, we’ve got
of our volunteer Young volunteers come to Johns Island and help needy needed funding support. the soup for you!
youth groups families. This will mean that fewer
scheduled to come will experience the faith
to the Rural Mission from now through and maturity that missions provide. Fewer
September need your help. These young people families can be helped. Please contribute to
pay their own way for a week’s work in caring the Rural Mission to support youth volunteers All
and giving. They pay for transportation, this spring and summer. They need your help. soups are
food and lodging and for a large percentage Sea Island families need your help. Please go made with FRESH
of their building materials and supplies. Their to www.ruralmission.org to learn more about ingredients daily
travel costs are significant, with only two or this need. Donations can be made, payable to
three of the 70 workteams we have scheduled “volunteer youth funding” and mailed to Rural
originating from South Carolina. Many come Mission, Inc. PO Box 235, Johns Island, SC
from as far as the Midwest or New England. 29457. Call 768-1720 or visit the Mission at
These high school and college age young people 3429 Camp Care Road, Johns Island: turn at 190 Gardners Circle (Fresh Fields Village) ● 243●9881
and their adult trip leaders raise money for Church of Our Saviour. w w w.ladl e ssoups.co m

www.islandconnection.com www.islandconnection.com
10
Daily discoveries: Starfish
by Jennifer Barbour
I
t was a beautiful spring day in early March. Blue
skies and bright sunshine beckoned me outdoors. A
steady cool breeze created wispy cirrus clouds high in
the sky, keeping the sun from over heating the day. This
would be my son Dylan’s first day at the beach. Being
only two months, he was about to discover his mom’s
most favorite place to be. As we strolled along Kiawah’s
beach, I instinctively began singing Dylan the song my
grandmother would sing as we walked together along
the beach: “Blue skies, smiling at me…”  between the tube feet creates a perfect habitat for this
It just so happens that strollers are miserable to push
through the soft sand. While I usually enjoy walking
along the upper reaches of the beach to check out what
the high tide brought in, I was obliged to journey along
the more barren edge of the sea. To my delight, I soon
found a perfect starfish partially buried in the wet sand.
I could tell it was alive by the tiny moving feet lining the
underside of the star. I had to hold it upside down for
a good minute before the stunned creature felt that it
was safe again to resume movement. Poking my sleeping
son awake, I held the starfish in his gaze only a moment
before he fell back asleep. I placed it back in the water
and watched as it slowly buried itself in the sand once
more, awaiting the rising tide. We walked another hour
or so, finding that our first starfish was not alone on the
exposed beach. Hundreds of starfish had washed ashore
and I found that I had to know more about this beautiful
creature:
Gray or Netted Sea Stars (Luidia clathrata) are most
commonly found on shallow sandy bottoms in the
Atlantic Ocean from Virginia to Brazil, and all along
the Gulf of Mexico’s coastline. The surface of this five-
armed creature is covered in plates. One field guide said
that when you look at these plates with a magnifier, the
pattern resembles a field of daisies. It really does!
If you come across this creature while you’re on the
beach, pick it up and examine the underside. Along
March 20, 2009
each arm, thousands of tube feet line either side
of a deep groove in the center. Unlike their
relatives, this starfish species lacks suckers on
their tube feet and instead has pointed tips,
enabling them to move ‘quickly’ through the
sand. Speeds up to 30 inches per minute have been
recorded! The groove running along the center of simple
each of the five arms is kept free of sand with a constant
– they’re
flow of salt water. This small, clean environment in
s o c i a l
creatures, living
swift-footed worm.
together in large numbers, and like the rest of
Many of the arms of the starfish that had washed us, they enjoy our beaches. Get out and discover this
ashore had been broken off, but the stumps now displayed beautiful animal and please remember to leave the living
a new ‘bud’ of an arm. This regeneration of an exposed creatures behind! To get an up-close look at the Gray
end begins by sealing the area immediately after damage Sea Star using its tub feet to maneuver around a marine
occurs. In approximately one week, a new tip will appear environment, check out the salt-water aquarium at the
and then grow about 3.7 mm per month. The most Heron Park Nature Center. Everyone is welcome.
common cause of losing an arm is predation; and while I
didn’t look up all the animals that eat starfish, I did find About the Author: Jennifer is a Naturalist with the
out what they eat, and how. Feeding on snails, clams, Kiawah Island Nature Program. She has recently come back
crustaceans, sediment, and detritus, there are two ways from time away after her son Dylan was born and is excited
the Gray Sea Star obtains its food. As it travels along the to share her discoveries in writing.
surface of the sandy bottom,
it will ingest the sediment Kiawah Island Golf Resort Recreation
or an entire clam whole and Monday, March 23
strain the material through Pick Up Games: Volleyball Tuesday, March 30
oral spines. When buried, it 6:00pm – 7:00pm NHVC Kamp Kiawah: Soaring High (3-11yr
will invert its stomach to feed. olds) 8:30am – 12:30pm Res.
Naturalists in the field have Tuesday, March 24 Family Craft: Tye Dye
reportedly seen it overeat. Kamp Kiawah: Soaring High (3-11yr 1:30pm – 2:30pm $12
How do they know it’s olds) 8:30am – 12:30pm Res. Pick Up Games: Basketball
overeating? The disk in the Family Craft: Tye Dye 6:00pm – 7:00pm NHBC
center of its body noticeably 1:30pm – 2:30pm $12
bulges and sometimes even Wednesday, April 1
ruptures! Wednesday, March 25 Kamp Kiawah: Goin’ On a Gator
The reasons we’re seeing so Family Craft: Postcard Making Hunt (3-11yr. olds)
many starfish wash ashore is 1:30pm – 2:30pm $10 8:30am – 12:30pm Res.
Pick Up Games: Soccer Pick Up Games: Soccer
6:00pm – 7:00pm NHSF 6:00pm – 7:00pm NHSF
Thursday, March 26 Thursday, April 2
Kamp Kiawah: Yippie-Hippie- Family Craft: Birdhouse Decorating
Skippie 8:30am – 12:30pm Res. 1:30pm – 2:30pm $12
Family Craft: Birdhouse Decorating Pick Up Games: Basketball
1:30pm – 2:30pm $12 6:00pm – 7:00pm NHBC
Friday, March 27 Friday, April 3
Kamp Kiawah: Kampers’ Choice Kamp Kiawah: Kampers’ Choice
8:30am – 12:30pm Res. 8:30am – 12:30pm Res.
Family Craft: Stepping Stones Family Craft: Stepping Stones
1:30pm – 2:30pm $10 1:30pm – 2:30pm $10
Pick Up Games: Volleyball Kamp Kiawah: KNO – Sanctuary
6:00pm – 7:00pm NHVC Splash Bash 5:00pm – 8:00pm Res.
Saturday, March 28 Call for a full list of activities. All
Kamp Kiawah: Sunken Treasure Recreation activities are held at the
(3-11yr. olds) 8:30am – 12:30pm Res. Night Heron Park Pavilion unless
Family Craft: Organic Beach Bag otherwise noted and are open to the
Coloring 1:30pm – 2:30pm $12 public. Heron Park Nature Center -
Wickets & Wine - Sanctuary Lawn 768-6001, ext. 86001. For more info,
2:00pm – 4:00pm Res. visit www.kiawahresort.com/recreation.
www.islandconnection.com
March 20, 2009
Cultural calendar
Sunday, March 22
College of Charleston Chamber
Orchestra
4pm at Episcopal Church of Our
Saviour.  The College of Charleston
Orchestra is open by audition to all
students on campus, both majors
and non-majors. Maestro Lorenzo
Ricci Muti, born in Spoleto, Italy, has
conducted for both the Italian and the
Charleston Spoleto Festivals, in major
European and several American opera
companies.   This event is free and open
to the public. Tickets are at Kiawah
Town Hall, 768-9166.   6 to 9pm on April 3, 10, and 17. Most
Friday, March 27
Choraliers spring concert
The Choraliers presents their spring
concert this year at the Church of Our
Saviour on Betsy Kerison Blvd at 7 pm.
The program will feature traditional
music for a men’s chorus including
Sea Chanty’s, Spirituals, and love
songs. Pianist Elsie Easterbrook will be
featured. This performance is free and
open to the public.
Friday, April 3
Freshfields Spring Concert series:
The Sneakers
Well known for playing jazz, beach, top
40, and country music. 6 – 9pm at the
Freshfields Village Green. Free and open
to the public. For more information,
call 768-6491.
11
The music of springtime
Friday, April 10
at Freshfields
Freshfields Spring Concert series:
By Mary Girault
T
Shrimp City Slim he weather’s divine, the flowers are the 1930’s to today’s hits.
Lowcountry Blues, a combination of stunning, and the Freshfields Village Then on Friday, April 10, enjoy the
post-modern blues and various musical
Spring Concert Series line-up is better sounds of Shrimp City Slim. Creator of
flavors heard on the Carolina coast. 6
than ever. As the mercury rises, so does the Lowcountry Blues, a combination of post-
– 9pm at the Freshfields Village Green.
chance to spend time with family, share a modern blues and various musical flavors
Free and open to the public. For more
info, call 768-6491. picnic, and join in the sweet melodies of heard on the Carolina coast, songwriter
fine music and Mother Nature. and musician Gary Erwin and his band
Friday, April 17 While an easy listening singer or band play original music that is earning them a
performs on stage, couples and families reputation worldwide.
Freshfields Spring Concert series:
will congregate on the Village Green from The Series finale wraps up with
Congdon & Company
Congdon & Company. Led by John
Led by John Congdon, the band
performs a variety of tunes from pop, come outfitted with a blanket and plan Congdon, the band performs a variety of
rock and roll, rhythm & blues, jazz, and to pick up dinner at one of the Village tunes from pop, rock and roll, rhythm &
beach music. 6 – 9pm at the Freshfields eateries for an impromptu picnic while blues, jazz, and beach music.
Village Green. Free and open to the watching the show. The best part about the concerts we’ve
public. For more info, call 768-6491. The Spring Concert Series kicks off mentioned is that they are all free. So
on Friday, April 3, with the perennially there’s no excuse for not making music
Sunday, April 26 popular band The Sneakers, well known part of your spring celebration. Enjoy!
for playing jazz, beach, top 40, and country
Piccolo Preview
music. Their play list includes music from
Starting at 4pm at Holy Spirit Catholic
Church. Tickets available beginning
April 13. This event is free and open to
the public. Tickets are at Kiawah Town
Hall, 768-9166.  
Sunday, June 14
Blues in the Night
Starting at 4pm at the River Course.
Tickets available beginning June 1. This
event is free and open to the public.
Tickets are at Kiawah Town Hall, 768-
9166.  
Saturday, June 27
Beach Music
Starting at 7:30pm at the Sandcastle-
Poolside. Tickets available beginning
June 12. This event is free and open to
the public. Tickets are at Kiawah Town
Hall, 768-9166.
www.islandconnection.com
12 March 20, 2009

The tale of a fateful trip Choraliers to rollick

By Dr. Charles Bensonhaver

S
pring is upon us, and the Island Choraliers are in a mood to celebrate. For their
next concert, they have prepared an assortment of show tunes, drinking songs,
sea chanties, spirituals, and thrilling love songs. Pianist Easter Easterbrook will
be featured.
Adjectives to describe this surfeit of men’s music are, joyous, hearty, exuberant, devil-
may-care, playful, swashbuckling, passionate and rollicking. Attendee’s will hear and
see men letting it all hang out, having fun.
Come, bring your friends and family and savor spring with the Choraliers!

Choraliers Spring Concert

When: Friday evening, March 27 at 7pm.
Where: The Church of Our Saviour on Betsy Kerrison Blvd.
Beach Patrol Chief Supervisor Jay VanGorden, Beach Patrol “Man of the Year” 2008, inspects the Admission is free and tickets are not needed. There will be a free-will collection.
wreckage.

D
uring the last week of February, Kiawah Town Hall got some pretty irate
complaints about trash floating along the island’s otherwise pristine shorelines.
Beach Patrol Chief Supervisor Jay VanGorden immediately rushed to the scene
and spent the next couple of days toting truckloads of insulating foam off the beach - 14
loads in total - but no one knew why or where it was coming from. The answer washed
ashore a few days later.
The shrimp trawler “Daddy’s Little Girl”, which had left the Shem Creek Marina
around February 22 on its way to Georgia, fell apart just 25 miles offshore. The owner,
John Vendel, had made repairs to the boat and was taking it under its own power to
Georgia to show a potential buyer when the trawler suddenly began taking on water.
Luckily, Vendel had a motorboat tied off the trawler and he was able to hop into it before
the ship sank entirely.
The lone survivor of the wreck was a 20 x 10 foot slice of stern with the name
emblazoned across the top, which washed ashore on Kiawah Island in the early hours of
March 2. VanGorden was there again with a small crew of workers, chopping the stern
into moveable bits so that he could remove the wreckage from the beach. The owner was
notified as well as the Coast Guard, but nothing more could be done as the flotsam of The Island Choraliers goofing around before a performance.
the trawler has more or less finished washing ashore.

www.islandconnection.com
March 20, 2009 13

SINHG springs into spring

by Lynda Fox and Helen Bosshart
The spring semester of trips is underway He provided a five course dinner with
at Seabrook Island Natural History wine pairings, including potted local
Group. shrimp, traditional she crab soup, South

You gotta have heart Participants of “Savor the Flavors”

walked, talked, and tasted their way
through Charleston. They sampled grits,
okra and tomatoes, collards, cornbread, and
By  Dwight S. Ives, MA, MA, LUTCF
“Charleston Chews” at the Dixie Supply
Carolina roasted quail with cornbread
stuffing and collard greens, crabmeat
stuffed local flounder with pepperjack
grits, benne haricot  verts,  a lemon chive
buerre blanc sauce, and a  roasted pecan

B
rad and Jennifer Moranz, the dynamic duo of music and mania, are at it and Bakery, and also tasted  chocolates, and peach cobbler with oat crumble and
again. Known throughout the Lowcountry for their performances, they have benne wafers, and pralines.  They learned vanilla bean ice cream.
now presented a totally new show especially designed for Valentine’s Day and about the  influence of our ancestors “American College of the Building
appropriately billed as, “I’ll Take Romance –The Valentine Show!” on Lowcountry cuisine, as well as the Arts” trip participants toured the three
growing influence of the young new chefs campuses. They enjoyed watching the
As seasoned veterans of the stage, Brad and Jennifer introduce themselves as
all along East Bay.  The tour culminated at students learn the crafts of stonework,
Jenny, a former “Rockette” and the vivacious but ditzy wife of Brad; and Brad as
the kitchen of the Heyward Washington timber framing, masonry, cabinetry,
an equally talented dancer/singer and Groucho Marx impersonator, acting as her
House, the only fully preserved plaster work, and iron work. Some
humble but somewhat confused husband. Together they create a family atmosphere kitchen  from colonial days intact in thought it would be fun to be students
of fun and memorable moments. This is the first time the pair has branched out to Charleston.  there themselves.
include Valentine’s Day, and the new show proved to be just as successful as their
“Lowcountry Cuisine at Blend” was a “Sewee Center & Red Wolves” trip
seasonal favorite, the “Christmas Show”, which is usually preformed during the first special gourmet evening for 30 SINHG focused on the South Carolina Red Wolf
two full weeks of December. members. Chef Matthew Niessner, who Recovery Program. Participants got to
The Valentine’s Day performances included songs and skits designed to touch was previously the Executive Chef for meet the critters face to face. They then
the mind and hearts of audience.  The music was both serious and whimsical under all the restaurants at The Sanctuary, is a took a guided nature walk in the Frances
the direction of  Tommy Gill.  The show was eclipsed by the recurring role of Elvis, co-owner of this restaurant near MUSC. Marion Forest. photo by Helen Bosshart
played with perfection by Johnny Fortuno who not only nailed Elvis’ sound and
style, but also his off-the-cuff humor. Not to be outdone, Crystal Garrett also sang,
“I Will Always Love You”, which was a show-stopper in itself. The extraordinary
talents of the show’s participants made for a truly extraordinary show. 
Years ago, though, all was not so rosy.  Brad announced to a stunned matinee
audience of school children, their parents and teachers that the performance they
had just seen would be one of the last in the Serenade Show series forever. Many
hearts sank as each of the adults privately exclaimed, “Say it aint so!”  But Brad
assured all present that it was.  From there, a motivated group of devoted fans began
a letter writing campaign to area editors, followed by intense volunteer service to
ensure a continuation of some of the best family entertainment in the country. 
Their efforts were richly rewarded as, eleven years later, Brad and Jennifer are still
around to bring you memorable moments.
Charleston is very fortunate to have kept Brad and Jennifer around, but as Brad
SINHG members at the Heyward-Washington House.
once said, “We’ll keep doing this as long as you keep coming.”  Luckily, there are
more great shows just around the corner: May 8 -10 come listened to the sweet,
soulful sounds of “Amazing Grace – a Gospel Celebration”; July 17 – 26, share
in the summer spirit of “Let the Good Times Roll”; and the their staple - “The
Charleston Christmas Special”, will be held December 5-20.  See you at the show
– all of them!
Dwight is an original member of the first archaeological team at Charles Towne
Landing and returned later to work with the USC team under the direction of Dr.
Stanley South of National Geographic fame.  He followed this by working with Jim
Fowler of TV’s Wild Kingdom at the Landing.  In College, Dwight served as a USGS
Seismic Tech and geology lab assistant while earning dual majors in Developmental
Psychology and History with minors in English and Marine Sciences.  He graduated
from the National College Republican Fieldman School to become a political instructor/
consultant.  Returning from Washington, DC, he earned dual Masters in Business
Administration and Management.  He has done PR work for Crystal Gayle, Frank
Abagenal of the movie “Catch Me If You Can”, and the “Christmas Show” produced by
Brad and Jennifer Moranz.  Dwight works Security at Kiawah Island for KICA.
in the creek,” he laughed. “The funny
JI Council continued from page 3 thing is,” Marino remarked, “Lewis Hay,
Council pointed out that if you fly into who lives right across the bridge, can see
LAX, you fly right over a major roadway, four cell towers from his house, yet he has
so the extension shouldn’t really be a no service. Mine only works if I go in the
problem. backyard next to the creek.”
Council member Thomas Legare said
that the extension didn’t make much Rich Thomas nominated to Council
sense to him from a safety point of view. Resident Rich Thomas was nominated
“It’s certainly something the people on to join the Johns Island Council. All
Johns Island need to keep an eye on,” he Council members voted in favor and his
said. membership will become official after
a final vote at next month’s meeting.
Wadmalaw report Chairman Cannon also noted that
Wadmalaw resident Gary Marino nominations for officers need to be in
reported that the Wadmalaw Council by the April Council meeting for May
had approved the distilling of Firefly elections. Johns Island Council meets the
Vodka at Irvin House Vineyards. The first Thursday of every month at 7pm at
Council has also defeated the building Berkeley Electric Co-Op, located at 3351
of cell towers on the island. “When you Maybank Highway, Johns Island.
cross that bridge, throw your cell phone
 Island Connection Calendar
Friday, March 20
First day of Spring!
Free tax preparation
Sea Island Habitat for Humanity is
offering FREE tax preparation through
April 11. To make an appointment, call
Amy Sanchez at the Sea Island Habitat
office: 768-0998.
Saturday March 21
Freshfields Boat Show
Saturday, March 21 and Sunday, March
22, join some of the top names in boat
suppliers and builders, as well as the
Charleston Dragon Boat team. For more
info., please call 843-768-6491 or visit
www.freshfieldsvillage.com.
CSO Family Concert: Youth
Orchestra of the Lowcountry
Celebrate the musical talents of
Lowcountry youth as the Youth
Orchestra of the Lowcountry takes the
stage with the CSO. Tickets are $15
adults, $5 students and can be purchased
through Ticketmaster at 554-6060, at
all Ticketmaster Outlets and at www.
charlestonsymphony.com.
Sunday, March 22
College of Charleston Chamber
Orchestra
4pm at Episcopal Church of Our
Saviour. This event is free and open to
the public. Tickets are available starting
March 9 at Kiawah Town Hall, 768-
9166.   Auditorium, 77 Calhoun St, Downtown.
Pet Helpers 8th annual Oyster Roast
& Silent Auction
Join us for a day of fun at the Eight
Annual All-You-Can-Eat Oyster Roast
and Silent Auction hosted by Rosebank
Farms Café and Bowens Island.  Tickets
are $25 in advance, $30 day of. Kids age
6 – 12 are $10 and kids under 6 get in
free. Tickets are available at 795-1110.
Visit www.pethelpers.org for more info.
12- 5pm. Bowens Island Restaurant is
located at 1870 Bowens Island RD, Folly
Beach.
March 20 - April 5
Monday, March 23
Respite Care Ministries 5th Annual
Golf Tournament
The Respite Care Golf Tournament will
be held this year at Seabrook Island.
Golfers can register as a team or as
individuals, and for more information
call Laura Stefanelli at 723-1611, ext. 15
or email her at respitecare@comcast.net.
Tuesday, March 24
3rd Annual Charleston Fashion Week
Tuesday, March 24 - Sunday, March 28,
www.charlestonfashionweek.com.
Wednesday, March 25
8th Annual Plantasia 2009
This ever-popular plant sale spectacular
is held on the front lawn of the Gaillard
Auditorium. Also featuring “The Real
Yard Sale,” consisting of previously loved
garden items offered at bargain prices!
Call 579-9922 or visit our website at
www.charlestonhorticulturalsociety.org.
St. Johns Rotary Club
The St Johns Rotary Club meets regularly
at 7:30am each Wednesday morning
in the multipurpose room at Berkeley
Electric Cooperative located at 3351
Maybank Highway, Johns Island.  For
more information please contact Martha
Harris at 559-6955.
Thursday, March 26
Sail aboard the Spirit of South
Carolina Tall Ship
This Adult Education sail departs from
the Charleston Maritime Center. 5:30-
8:30pm. $75 per person. To enroll in
a program, please contact the South
Carolina Maritime Foundation at
722.1030 ext 11 or 19, or email marine@
scmaritime.org.   Tuesday, March 31
Boys & Girls Club Annual Benefit
and Auction
From 6 to 10pm at 28 Bridgeside in the
old Zinc restaurant building. Tickets
are $125 and all proceeds go to the Boys
and Girls Clubs of America. call Neesha
Patel at 937-6523 or visit www.bgclubta.
org.
www.islandconnection.com
Seabrook Island Camera Club
Tina Schell: “How to Publish Your Own
Coffee Table Book with Your Photos”.
The Seabrook Island Camera Club meets
on the fourth Thursday of every month at
7pm at the SIPOA Community Center.
For more info, please call Judy Bailey at
768-4142.
Friday, March 27
Twisted Tango
Twisted Tango will prove why its been
called one of Charleston Ballet Theatre’s
new masterworks! Tickets on sale now:
734-7334 or Charlestonballet.org. $30
Adults $15 Student w/ i.d.
Choraliers spring concert
The Choraliers presents their spring
concert this year at the Church of Our
Saviour on Betsy Kerison Blvd at 7pm.
The program will feature sea chanty’s,
spirituals, and love songs. Pianist Elsie
Easterbrook will be featured. The
performance is free and open to the
public.
The Garden Club of Charleston’s
74th Annual Walking Tour of Private
Houses & Gardens
Friday, March 27 and Saturday
March 28 from 2 - 5pm.  www.
thegardenclubofcharleston.com.
Saturday, March 28
CSO presents Merrill Lynch
Masterworks: Charles Messersmith
Show starts at 8pm at the Gaillard
Tickets are $20 - $60; $5 students and
can be purchased through Ticketmaster
at 554-6060, at all Ticketmaster Outlets
and at www.charlestonsymphony.com.
Seabrook Island special election
Election for a new Seabrook Town
Council member. Polls will open at 7am
to 7pm at the Town Hall, 2001 Seabrook
Island Road, Seabrook Island.
Wednesday, April 1
St. Johns Rotary Club
The St Johns Rotary Club meets regularly
at 7:30am each Wednesday morning
in the multipurpose room at Berkeley
Electric Cooperative, 3351 Maybank
Highway, Johns Island. For more
information, contact Martha Harris at
559-6955.
Friday, April 3
CSO Backstage Pass: Yuriy Bekker 
Close the Backstage Pass season with
a stirring program including Sarasate’s
“Fantasy on Bizet’s Carmen” featuring
Charleston’s own Yuriy Bekker. The
show starts at 7pm at Memminger
Auditorium, 56 Beaufain Street,
Downtown. Tickets are $25 (general
admission); $5 students (with ID) and
can be purchased through Ticketmaster
at 554-6060, at all Ticketmaster Outlets
and at www.charlestonsymphony.com.
Saturday, April 4
Folly Beach editor and Lucky Dog
News assistant editor Ali Akhyari
gets married!
Charleston Jazz Orchestra
Charleston’s best big band performs
selections from Count Basie at
Charleston City Music Hall. Upcoming
shows include “Latin Night” on
September 4 and “A Suite Holiday” on
November 25. For more information or
to purchase season tickets, call 564-5154
or email jac@jazzartistsofcharleston.org.
For tickets, call Charleston Music Hall at
853-2252.
Sunday, April 5
CATR presents: In the Company of
Horses
From 4:30-7:30pm, join Charleston Area
Therapeutic Riding (CATR) at their
facilities (2669 Hamilton Road, John’s
Island) for Lowcountry food, beer, wine
and music by “newgrass” band, Triple
Lindy. Check out the Art Show in the
Barn and Silent Auction for the CATR
scholarship fund. Tickets are $25 in
advance, $30 at the gate. 559-6040 for
reservations.
March 20, 2009
How many Charlestonians does it take to change a light bulb?
W
e’ll go straight to the mail this
trip. Jill Stevenson of Folly
Beach writes, “The old customs
and mores mentioned in your article are
not indigenous to Charleston - they are
the manners of the South, sadly lost to
another generation. All over the South we
sat on our front porches and waved to our
neighbors. We still lift a hand in greeting
when driving down a country road or
passing a car in our neighborhoods.
Seldom do we receive a return courtesy
wave and certainly not a smile. We are
cocooned in our own environment of
technological ease, imagining that we do
not need the human companionship of
the past. How wrong we are!”
Jill, there’s an old joke that Yankees
wouldn’t be here were it not for bug spray
and air-conditioning. There’s a lot of truth
to that. I would add the media and the
popular culture are just as responsible.
We no longer sit on the front porch
during the late evening. We no longer
see friends and neighbors as we rock;
the summer breeze wafting the smells of
charcoal and the laughter of children over
us as we discover more about one another.
We don’t care to listen to Uncle Harry go
on about his life lessons.
We have traded that for the antiseptic
desperate glow of the television screen, the
sound of clicks on a computer. Instead of
hearing the tinkle of ice and chuckles in
Ta k e a p a g e
Johns Island Regional Library
3531 Maybank Highway
559-1945
Hours:
Monday – Thursday: 10 – 8
Friday & Saturday: 10 – 6
Sunday: 2 – 5
Wee Reads (under 24 months with adult)
Mondays, March 23 and 30 at 10:30am
Family Story time (6 months – Preschool
with adult)
Saturdays, March 21 & 28 at 11:00am sterling silver jewelry. Each piece is
*Excel Basics (adults/young adults)
Tuesday, March 24 from 10am – 12 Noon gemstones.
*Excel: Beyond the Basics (adults/young
adults)
Tuesday, March 31 from 10am – 12 Noon Art Guild, and Seabrook Island Camera
*All computer classes are free. For more
information please call 559-1945 and ask
for the Reference Department. Class space is
available for 8 participants per session.
Oh Baby! (24 months and younger with an
adult)
Thursday, March 26 at 4pm
Baby-time at the library! Join us for all the
fun!
AARP Free Income Tax Assistance
Saturdays, March 21 and 28, from 10am –
2pm
First come, first served with the last person
accepted at 1:30pm. Assistance in Spanish/
Español will be available.
Do you know your Charleston?
By David Farrow
the dusk, we hear a muffled
laugh track through the
din of the air conditioning
compressors. We don’t
know our neighbors. The
majority couldn’t care
less about their families
lounging in Rochester or
Modesto.
Mary Rhett implores,
“Do keep up the efforts to
maintain a quasi - status
quo to transplants. As a
‘air plant’ - person raised David Farrow.
outside of Charleston but
has long roots in the community - I think
the days of walking into anyone’s home
on Christmas Eve is gone. I, too, am
saddened to think that the current tourist
considers the East Side park as part of old
City. The East Side park only makes a very
expensive water barrier.”
Actually, MR, I think if you just walked
into someone’s house unannounced these
days, you would be shot. This goes back to
knowing your neighbor. Before Hugo, we
knew very few people around us. A year
later, hardened by disaster, anyone who
went through it was joined at the hip with
the rest of the community. Things went
down not long after, though, when “I
Survived Hurricane Hugo” shirts showed
up in the Market.
I have never had the urge to engage in
Free Legal Clinic: Wills, Estates &
Probate
Tuesday, March 24 at 6pm
An attorney from the South Carolina Bar Pro
Bono Program will provide a 30-45 minute
lecture on wills, estates, and probate followed
by an open question and answer session. For
more information, call 1-800-395-3425, ext.
158, or log on to www.scbar.org/clinics.
Displays
Jewelry Display
Deanne Pace will display her handcrafted
individually created using traditional
silversmith techniques, often incorporating
Photography Exhibit
Barbara Radin Fox, a member of the
Seabrook Island Art Guild, Folly Beach
Club, will exhibit her photographs. Her
work has appeared in The Washington Post,
Philadelphia Magazine, and many other
publications.
In recognition of the annual Earth Day in April, fiber
artist Elsie Eubanks will be April’s featured artist at
Charleston County Public Library’s Saul Alexander
Gallery, 68 Calhoun Street.
www.islandconnection.com
15
fisticuffs more than when I “When I came here in 1969 as an Air
saw two overweight people Force Brat I thought Charleston to be so
from Dubuque wearing very rude. If I was out to eat, and there
those shirts. I wonder if were few places - but they were great
there were any “I Survived places - the entire room looked to see who
Katrina” shirts? was coming in the door! I soon realized it
For those that was locals making sure one did not miss a
don’t know, the “East chance to say hello to a friend. Everyone
Side park” that the lass was family, I never felt so at home in my
is referring to is the area life.”
where the projects were Dana, I wonder how much of this
to the east of East Bay. is age and how much is the change. I
The city of Charleston remember sitting in the Holly House on
bulldozed them after Savannah Highway with the jukeboxes in
the hurricane (for the every booth. Those places had a different
resident’s sake). Now there is going to be smell. I don’t know what it was (anyone?).
a slavery museum and (surprise!) condos. I Indeed were one in the Piccadilly Cafe,
should note that it still floods. every head would shoot up as though we
A more positive thrust was given by were dogs hearing a whistle. I’m sure there
Ben Moise who pens, “I enjoyed your are dozens of places in the City where elite
perspectives on the changing times. meet to greet. We are just more settled in
There are still some enclaves of civility our ways.
to be found around our old burg. I try Finally a cheery note from David Grant,
to enjoy it where I find it and ignore the a fine lad transplanted from California.
rest. I am reminded of the story of how Says he, “Change is with us; inevitable,
many Charlestonians it takes to change a unconcerned, unfeeling. Nothing is
light bulb. Five: two to hold the ladder, exempt. Get over it.”
one to mix the Martinis, one to summon As is history, David. I can’t argue
the servant to climb the ladder and one that you’re wrong. I can point out that
to discourse on how light bulbs ain’t what change seems to be overwhelming us at a
they used to be. Oh, fiddle-dee-dee!” rate we can’t comprehend. I contend that
Yes, Ben, and if you tell anyone where by getting over it, we accept the current
those enclaves are, expect a bushel of okra status quo. I reject the concept that we
at your door. I’ve been to many light bulb are powerless in the face of change. Part
changings (remember, this was of that is bemoaning the aforementioned
a small town. We had to have light bulb.
something to do). People have
accused me of making martinis. martinis?
That only happened once 35
That’s my job. Where are those
years ago on Wentworth Street. David Farrow is a local author of
ancient, royal Charlestonian blood. His
As this is a family paper, we’ll
leave it there. writings and observations can be found at
http://davidfarrow.wordpress.com. Drop by
Dana Iselin informs us,
and leave a comment!
Free legal clinics
The South Carolina Bar Pro Bono Program will sponsor four free
legal clinics at the John’s Island Regional Library this March through
May, 2009.  All clinics will be from 6pm to 7:30pm:
 
Tuesday, March 24
Wills, Estates & Probate
Robin Grossman Poliakoff, Esq.
 
Tuesday, April 7
Family Law Issues
Stacey R. Tunstill, Esq.
 
Tuesday, April 21
Consumer Law Issues
C. Steven Moskos, Esq.
Tuesday, May 5
Bankruptcy Law Issues
Charles S. Bernstein, Esq.
The seminars/clinics usually consist of a 30-45 minute lecture,
followed by 30-45 minutes of open questions and answers.  The
seminars/clinics are free and open to all who wish to attend. The Johns
Island Regional Library is located at 3531 Maybank Highway, Johns
Island. For more information, contact the South Carolina Bar Pro Bono
Program at 1-800-395-3425, ext. 158 or go to www.scbar.org/clinics.