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Volume 9 Issue 26

April 8, 2016

FREE

Kiawah Island
Motoring
Retreat returns
to the island
CLASSIC CAR
SHOW BENEFITS
LOCAL CHARITIES
BY CRISTY JAMISON
For The Island Connection

Shared experiences, connections

lead to greater support
Floyd De Andrade was diagnosed with Parkinsons disease last year.

FLOYD DEANDRADE AND BILL WERT FORM FIRST

S E A I S L A N D S PA R K I N S O N S S U P P O R T G R O U P

hile walking his dog last year, Seabrook Island resident

Floyd DeAndrade noticed his foot dragging. The
endurance-sport athlete, who at 77 looks closer to 60,
thought it might be a back issue, but heeded his wife Susans
advice to see his doctor, which led to a referral to a neurologist
specializing in movement disorders.
After a detailed exam in which he performed simple tasks to
assess the agility of arms, legs, muscle tone, gait and balance,

Top Chef Comes to Kiawah

Page 4

Floyd learned that he had Parkinsons Disease.

PD is a progressive disorder of the nervous system that can
affect movement and cognitive function. Dying neurons cause a
loss of dopamine which sends messages to the part of the brain
that controls movement and coordination. It can often come with
alterations in memory, attention and thinkingnot dementia,

Parkinsons Group continues on page 6

Tennis

Page 7

he Kiawah Island Motoring

Retreat rolls onto Kiawah Island
next weekend, Friday, April 15
through Sunday, April 17, bringing with
it an entire weekend celebrating stunning
cars and the beautiful scenery and culture
of the South Carolina Lowcountry.
Destined to become one of the
Southeasts most distinctive Concours
events, the retreat will feature worldclass concours cars in a judged event
and several other activities designed to
thrill car enthusiasts and celebrate the
Lowcountry. The main event takes place
at the entrance to the Ocean Course,
where collectors and enthusiasts will
witness world-class domestic, foreign
classic and antique automobiles. One
hundred unique and rare cars will
compete for the coveted Best in Show
trophy at Sundays Concours along with
additional awards.
Other events include a reception at the
Ocean Course, seminars led by respected
experts, a motoring tour through South
Carolinas coastal Lowcountry, an Open
House Tour of select spectacular Kiawah
homes and a Taste of Charleston event
featuring the creations of several local
celebrity chefs.
KIMR is a non-profit organization and
net proceeds will benefit three worthwhile
local charities: Barrier Islands Free Medical
Clinic, Charleston Area Therapeutic
Riding Program at Brickhouse Equestrian
Center and the Kiawah Conservancy.

Motor Tour continues on page 10

On An Epic Mission

Page 11

April 8, 2016

civic

Lynn Pierotti
publisher
lynn@luckydognews.com
Jennifer Tuohy
managing editor
jennifer@luckydognews.com
Swan Richards
senior graphic designer
swan@luckydognews.com
Lori McGee
sales manager
lori@luckydognews.com
Alejandro Ferreyros
graphic designer
alejandro@luckydognews.com
Ralph Secoy
contributing photographer
Staff Writers
Gregg Bragg
Contributors
Cristy Jamison
Stephen Harris
Ashley Jolly
Daniel Head
Arielle Alpino
Jessie Hazard
Gary Lohr
Geoff Bennett

Published by
Lucky Dog Publishing
of South Carolina, LLC
P.O. Box 837
Sullivans Island, SC 29482
843-886-NEWS
Future deadlines: April 13
for submissions for the
April 22 Issue
Op-Ed articles and letters to the editor do not
necessarily reflect the opinion of
Lucky Dog News or its writers.

The Island
Connection

Lucky Dog Publishing, LLC

Publishers of Island Eye News,
The Island Connection,
The Folly Current

Seabrook Island March, 2016

Town Council report
BY GREGG BRAGG

The Island Connection Staff Writer

ager silence filled Seabrook Island

town council chambers as the
mayor toed the starting line, one
eye on the clocks sweep hand. Opening
procedures were given the go ahead
by clerk Faye Allbritton and three sets of
minutes were ratified as quickly as they
were mentioned. Anticipation continued
to mount in the run up to the financial
report for February, however, since the
January report had lacked its customary
luster.
Mayor Ciancio didnt have to say I
told you so, in part because he already
had. True to last months prediction, a lag
in anticipated business license applications
had corrected itself and come through
in spades. Januarys revenue shortfall of
$18,000 had transformed into a $57,000
thrashing of February projections, putting
SITC back in front of its annual income
budget. The town also spent $18,000 less
than anticipated in February for a net
savings of $50k to date. The Seabrook
Island Utility followed suit with financials
which displayed similar improvements.
Scheduled meter readings leveled off
for SIU and dovetailed with the February
reporting period. Leap Year may get some
of the credit, but revenues were back in
line with expectations after Januarys
technical shortfall. Jeff Bostock said it was
a quiet month for SIU which he further
characterized as abnormally normal,
despite more water being pumped for
irrigation purposes in February.
The mayor reported on behalf of
councilmember Gregg for the public safety
committee. The committee has embraced
results of emergency preparedness drills
conducted last June (2015) and again in
January (2016). Resulting discussions
have produced several updates to
the Comprehensive Emergency Plan
including;

1. Public Safety will collect and

disseminate
information
on
conditions (flooding/storms).
2. Eliminating
references
to
OPCON-3 as a [e.g. 72 hour]
warning status, opting instead to
mirror the vernacular which will
soon be deployed by Charleston
County authorities.
3. Reserve the option to advise
action independently of state/local
government as warranted
4. Procedures for Code Red have
been revised.
5. SITC Executive Official will
decide to attend state/local disaster
response meetings or delegate
participation to a liaison.
6. Instructions
for
conducting
damage assessment changed to
include calling 911, if searchers
find anyone in need of help.
Searchers are also instructed and
to stay on the scene until that help
arrives.
Councilmember Crane stressed the
importance of early evacuations before
the updates were passed unanimously.
Full details are available at town hall.
Councilmember John Turner gave
his report on the communications
committee. Tests of SITCs emergency
communications
system
(radios,
connected with first responders) had
resulted in some frustration. Residents
could hear, but not talk to first responders
on designated channels as hoped. Errant
settings were discovered and corrected
and the discussion bled into the role
of the Seabrook Island Community
Emergency Response Team. SICERT
Captain John Reynolds notion of block
captains tending an assigned area has
gained traction. SITC is looking for as

Civic Calendar
Town of Kiawah
Communication
Committee Meeting
Tuesday, April 12, 3
p.m.
Kiawah Town Hall
Public Safety
Committee Meeting
Wednesday, April 13,
2 p.m.
Kiawah Town Hall
SATAX Committee
Meeting
Thursday, April 14, 1
p.m.
Kiawah Town Hall
Board of Zoning and
Appeals
Monday, April 18, 4

p.m.
Kiawah Town Hall
Ways and Means
Committee Meeting
Tuesday, April 26, 2
p.m.
Kiawah Town Hall
Town Council
Meeting
Tuesday, May 3, 2 p.m.
Kiawah Town Hall

Town of Seabrook
Ways & Means
April 19, 2:30 p.m.
Seabrook Town Hall

Town Council
April 26, 2:30 p.m.
Seabrook Town Hall

many as ten hearty SICERT members

to assist SITC; 1. Observe conditions 2.
Identify and assist residents in need and 3.
Disseminate information after a disaster.
Turner, with community association
support, has also been trying to schedule
a debate on offshore drilling on April 20.
The plan was to educate both Seabrook
and Kiawah residents on the full breadth
of the issue. Representatives from the
Bureau of Ocean Energy Management ,
Charleston County Council and College
of Charleston had been lined up as well as
the Energy Alliance, a pro drilling group.
However, there has been a sea change in
the subject. Recent federal rulings have
freed mid/southern Atlantic communities
from the threat of drilling and the planned
debate may be on hold.
Mayor Ciancio also reported for
councilmember John Wells beginning
with the drainage system from town hall
to the traffic circle. Three drainage systems
on the left side of the road revealed 50
percent blockage and of the 6 flood control
valves in the system, 5 are shot and one
is missing entirely. The right (bike path)
side of the road utilizes a french drain
system currently considered bad. Action
was essential, said the mayor as he began
a discussion of the costs of the big ticket
project.
Resolving the issue of drainage means
hiring engineers, establishing a budget and
planning for the potential inconveniences
associated with a three year project.
Money from the general fund will pay for
some of the work as well as any budget
surpluses. Historically, SITC deposits
unallocated money to an emergency fund,
which now stands at around $1.5 million.
Future contributions will be diverted to
drainage repair for the duration of the
job. This makes last years un-deposited
budget windfall all the more welcome.

K iawah Island Town H all

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

Seabrook Island Town H all

2001 Seabrook Island Road
Planning Commission Seabrook Island, SC 29455
May 4, 2:30 p.m.
Phone: 768-9121
Seabrook Town Hall
Fax: 768-9830
Email: lmanning@townofseabrookisland.org
Ways & Means
May 17, 2:30 p.m.
Johns Island Council
Seabrook Town Hall
Meetings are held at the Berkeley Electric
Town Council
May 24, 2:30 p.m.
Seabrook Town Hall

Co-op located at 3351 Maybank Hwy, Johns

Island.
Chairman Chris Cannon: 343-5113

Charleston County Council

Planning Commission 4045 Bridge View Dr, N. Charleston
June 1, 2:30 p.m.
958-4700
Seabrook Town Hall
City of Charleston
75 Calhoun St.
724-3745

April 8, 2016

civic

Councilmember Skip Crane took

the reins with brief reports on meetings
with the community association, the first
under a newly elected board, and Camp
St. Christopher.
Sue Ingram, Chair of SITCs
accommodations tax committee (ATAX),
recommended support for several local
advertising projects. The now familiar list
includes $16,500 for Kick it at Bohicket,
$5,000 for the Alan Fleming Senior
Tennis Tournament and $3,500 for the
Billfish Tournament. The mayor chimed
in to say the recommended amounts
had been addressed in the budget and
agreement to proceed with the planned
sponsorships was approved unanimously.
Mayor Ciancio opened his remarks
by revisiting the subject of consolidating
Seabrooks advertising. Many of the several
entities on the island with advertising
budgets have gone their own way in
the past. The question of improving the
effect of such efforts through combining
and sharpening their focus, is being
considered. The rest of his report doubled
as a laundry list of new business.
1. SITC unanimously agreed to solicit
bids to address drainage issues
and to form a review committee.
Members of the committee will
include John Wells, John Turner,
Randy Pierce, Jeff Bostick and
possibly others.
2. The property at Ocean Forrest
has been moved the court systems
consent calendar, said the mayor.
Claimants in the case have all
agreed to foreclose on the parcel.

civic

The final phase of the case will

begin mid-April and be resolved
60 days later.
3. SITC voted unanimously to use
the same advertising agency as
their counterparts.
4. Unanimous agreement on a
balanced budget was achieved and
included the option of a mayoral
override, which will be limited to
the budgets ceiling
5. Municipal Judge ONeill was
unanimously approved for another
four year term on the bench
6. SITC unanimously approved
changes to the Comprehensive
Emergency Plan, described earlier
in the meeting
There were no citizens comments and
mayor Ciancio adjourned the meeting in
35 minutes, breaking the record set the
previous month, except, hold on, wait for
it. There were two more items not listed on
the agenda, the mayor wanted to mention.
1. He and the mayor of Kiawah had
collaborated on a letter sent to the
South Carolina Department of
Transportation. The three page
letter to Robert Clark formally
requests SCDOT conduct another
safety audit of Main/Bohicket
road.
2. The mayor officially acknowledged
the BOEM announcement there
would be no oil exploration in the
mid/south Atlantic.
The meeting re-adjourned.

Tid e Char t
Date

High Tide

Low Tide

Apr 08
Apr 09
Apr 10
Apr 11
Apr 12
Apr 13
Apr 14
Apr 15
Apr 16
Apr 17
Apr 18
Apr 19
Apr 20
Apr 21

9:43am/10:02pm
10:34am/10:54pm
11:27am/11:48pm
12:23pm
12:44am/1:21pm
1:43am/2:22pm
2:44am/3:24pm
3:44am/4:24pm
4:42am/5:20pm
5:35am/6:11pm
6:23am/6:57pm
7:08am/7:40pm
7:49am/8:20pm
8:28am/8:58pm

43:27am/3:41pm
4:20am/4:31pm
5:13am/5:22pm
6:07am/6:16pm
7:04am/7:13pm
8:03am/8:14pm
9:04am/9:17pm
10:03am/10:19pm
10:58am/11:17pm
11:48am
12:10am/12:34pm
12:58am/1:15pm
1:42am/1:53pm
2:24am/2:29pm

Hurricanes, storms, etc., are NOT included in the predictions.

Tidal current direction changes and tide time predictions can be
very different. Tide predictions are PREDICTIONS; they can be
wrong so use common sense.
Source: saltwatertides.com

Johns Island Community

Association forms
to address growth,
quality of life
BY STEPHEN HARRIS
For The Island Connection

he Johns Island Community

Association is forming to help
local residents and business owners
shape the future of the Island. The group
plans to address several specific issues:
development, traffic, rural preservation,
and local schools.
The group aims to address the concern
that development is greatly outpacing
infrastructure improvements in the
Charleston area, which is threatening the
quality of life for John's Island residents in
particular. As more people move to Johns
Island, the group feels it is important the
City of Charleston allow a vibrant town to
develop on the island--thereby reducing
off-island trips for shopping, schooling,
recreation and work.
Led by John's Island residents, the
Johns Island Community Associations
mission is to protect the rural aspects of the
island by encouraging responsible growth
within the urban growth boundary-approximately 20 percent of island.

The Association says it supports

carefully growing suburban and urban
spaces on the island, but also plans to
demand the infrastructure needed to
support this growth.
Residents on Johns Island understand
their infrastructure is stressed for many
reasons. One reason is that many families
send their children to schools off the
Island. This clogs narrow roads with
unnecessary car trips every day. The
Johns Island Community Association
will address this by working with CCSD,
exploring charter school options and
helping local homeschool families connect
with one another.
The Associations steering committee
expects to begin hosting meetings, workshops,
and town hall events this spring. For
more information visit the Johns Island
Community Associations website: www.
johnsislanders.org.

April 8, 2016

arts & events

Top Chef comes to Kiawah

TOM COLICCHIO, "TOP CHEF" HEAD JUDGE AND KIAWAH ISLAND
C L U B S C O N S U L T I N G C H E F, R E T U R N S T H I S S P R I N G

PHOTO BY STEVEN BLACKMON COURTESY OF CHARLESTON WINE + FOOD

Tom Colocchio will film an episode of Top Chef on Kiawah.

ravo Medias award-winning culinary series "Top

Chef" will head south to Charleston for season
fourteen and will film one episode on Kiawah
Island. Top Chef" head judge Tom Colicchio, has been
the consulting chef at the Kiawah Island Club for more
than a decade.
Im very excited that 'Top Chef' will be coming to
the Lowcountry, an area that I am no stranger to having
been involved at the Kiawah Island Club as a consultant
for the last 15 years, said Colicchio.
Chris Randolph, Partner with Kiawah Partners, adds,
Chef Tom Colicchio has been making trips to Kiawah

BY ASHLEY JOLLY

For The Island Connection

Island for many years. As consulting chef for our signature

clubhouse restaurant, Voyseys, he visits regularly to
design seasonal menus and collaborate with our culinary
team. Were excited to have him back in town for the
filming of Top Chef and for the opportunity to show
viewers the incredible beauty of Kiawah Island and
Charleston.
Voyseys is a private restaurant and pub located in the
Cassique Clubhouse, situated on the acclaimed Cassique
Golf Course, which runs behind the picturesque marshes
where the Kiawah River meets the Atlantic Ocean.
We think that Kiawah Island will provide the

perfect Lowcountry backdrop for one of the 'Top Chef'

episodes, says Randolph.
The dates for "Top Chef" season fourteen have not
been announced, but filming will begin this spring in
Charleston, with plans to air later this year.
Helen T. Hill, Chief Executive Officer of Explore
Charleston adds, We are thrilled that 'Top Chef' has
chosen Charleston, South Carolina, as the site for season
fourteen. As the southeasts premier dining destination,
we look forward to sharing our 300-year culinary heritage
with the passionate and devoted 'Top Chef' viewers.

April 8, 2016

daily

arts & events

Kiawah Golf Pro wins Hilton Head

St. Johns High School
instructor named Computer Island PGA Individual Stableford
BY ARIELLE ALPINO
Science Teacher of the Year
For The Island Connection

BY DANIEL HEAD

For The Island Connection

computer
science
instructor
at St. Johns High School was
recently named the Computer
Science Teacher of the Year by a national
non-profit. Project Lead the Way selected
Darwin Shorters out of more than 100
teachers from across the country to receive
their highest honor given to computer
science teachers. He was recognized in
front of more than 1,800 attendees during
the PLTW national summit on Monday.
Shorters is a PLTW Computer Science
Master Teacher and is described as a
champion of PLTW who has put his
schools program on the map. He is known
for his commitment to his students, his
devotion to teaching, and his far-reaching
leadership. His passion for and knowledge
of computer science has had a sprawling

impact from engaging each student in

his PLTW classroom, to empowering
fellow teachers across his state through his
role as a Master Teacher.
United by the desire to help people
learn, achieve, and get the best possible
start in life, Mr. Shorters plays a crucial
role at St. John's High School and not one
day should go by without acknowledging
his selfless work, said Andre Dukes, St.
Johns High School Principal. We are
extremely proud of Mr. Shorters and his
commitment to PLTW and St. John's
High.
PLTW President and Chief Executive
Officer Dr. Vince Bertram and Senior
Vice President and Chief Programs
Officer Dr. Anne Jones presented the
award to Shorters.
We are grateful to our teachers for
their commitment to inspiring students,
said Anne Jones, Chief Program Officer
and Senior Vice President for Programs
for PLTW. The PLTW Teachers of
the Year are leaders in their classrooms
and are inspiring the next generation of
innovators.

ee Stroever, the PGA Head

Professional at Kiawah Island Club's
The River Course, won the 2016
Hilton Head Island PGA (HHIPGA)
Individual Stableford held at Oldfield
Golf Club in Hilton Head Island, SC.
Stroever had 37 points in the Stableford
Format to win this PGA Carolinas Section
event. The field featured 27 HHIPGA
chapter members, PGA Members and
Apprentices in the Carolinas Section.
"I'm very excited to be a part of the
Carolinas Section PGA and the Hilton
Head Chapter," said Stroever. "It was
great to play in my first Chapter event and
I enjoyed meeting a number of the other
local PGA Professionals. I feel extremely
fortunate to have won this event and
I'm looking forward to competing with
my fellow PGA Professionals in other
tournaments this season."
Stroever joined the Kiawah Island
Club in January 2016. A Florida native,
he attended Rollins College in Winter
Park, where he was a Member of its
Division II National Championship
golf team and was named a three-time
Division II All-American. He spent the
last year as an Assistant Golf Professional
at McArthur Golf Club in Hobe Sound,

FL working under the tutelage of General

Manager Kevin Murphey. While there,
Stroever was awarded the South Florida
Section PGA Assistant Professional of
the Year award. Prior to McArthur, he
worked for five years at the North Palm
Beach Country Club, holding numerous
titles including Director of Golf and Head
Golf Professional. Stroever won the South
Florida PGA Southeast Chapter Junior
Golf Leader in 2013.
He spent seven years playing golf
professionally, qualifying for the 2012
PGA Professional National Championship
and 2010 PGA National Assistants
Championship, and becoming a five-time
tournament winner while playing on the
Golden Bear, Gateway and Tarheel Tours.

April 8, 2016

arts & events

Parkinsons Group continues from cover

but easily mistaken for it. An estimated
10 million people worldwide live with PD,
one million in the United States. It strikes
50 percent more men than women, and
the average age of onset is 60.
Floyds reaction to his diagnosis was
immediate action. PD comes with a
curtain, the perception that we must hide
from our disease, or that others are afraid
of it. Im open about it to set an example
that you can take control to slow the
diseases progression and enjoy a better
quality of life.
Through this openness, Floyd has
connected with other members of the
Kiawah and Seabrook communities who
share his diagnosis, as well as their care
partners. One of those members is Former
Kiawah Mayor Bill Wert. Bills PD
manifested in balance issues, a stiffening
of facial muscles, softening of voice, and
motor impairment primarily on one side
of his body. While initially dismissing
early symptoms as part of the natural
aging process, with the encouragement
of wife Pat, Bill too sought an assessment
which led to his diagnosis. Like Floyd, he
took action, working with both physical,
occupational and speech therapists to halt
the symptoms and even restore abilities.
Partners in Care
Parkinsons is a family disease; those
with PD are challenged by changes to
life as they knew it, isolation, depression
and anxiety. Their care partnersin
many cases their spouse, adult child or
grandchildface their own challenges.
They, too, experience loss of control,
helplessness and fear for the future. They
are also juggling:
Helping maintain their loved ones
quality of life.
Educating themselves about symptoms,
treatments, and the progression of the
disease.

Keeping track of appointments,

medication schedules, exercise and diet.
Providing the love and support
necessary to meet the challenges of living
with PD.
Care PartnersI prefer that term
over caregiver because we truly are
partners in managing this disease
have unique responsibilities, Pat says.
It helps to talk with others, to share
lessons learned, victories, challenges and
resources. There is a wealth of information
available from resources like the National
Parkinsons Foundation, the Michael
J. Fox Foundation, the Davis Phinney
Foundation, locally at MUSC, seminars,
books and websitesmuch of it free
which those managing on their own may
not realize.
The Werts and DeAndrades connected
through openness and self-education.
Over time they met other Kiawah and
Seabrook islanders living with PD. Those
connections have led to the formation
of the Sea Islands Parkinsons Support
Group, associated with the Charleston
Chapter of the National Parkinsons
Foundation. Having a group nearby will
make support more accessible so that
more can take advantage of help.
Floyd says, You shouldnt feel guilt
or shame about your diagnosis. You can
have a good life. In this peer group, youll
have a place to be open, to learn, or to just
listen. There will never be pressure to share
information. Your privacy will be respected.
The Sea Islands Parkinsons Support
Group (SIPS) will meet monthly, with the
first session scheduled for Thursday, April
28, at 2 p.m. at Church of Our Saviour,
4416 Betsy Kerrison Parkway, Johns Island.
Future meeting dates will be added to the
KICA online event calendar (kica.us/events)
as they become available. To learn more
about PD, view a more detailed version
of this article kica.us/pdsupport/ or contact
Floyd at deandrsj@comcast.net.

arts & events

Support local artists at

Lowcountry Art &
Artisans Showcase
STAFF REPORT

For The Island Connection

ocal artists, crafters and creators will

exhibit their wares on Kiawah Island
this spring at the Lowcountry Art
and Artisans Showcase. KICA will host
this semiannual event at the Sandcastle
Community Center on Friday, April 29
from 4 to 7 p.m. and Saturday, April 30
from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The Lowcountry is home to some
amazingly talented artistic individuals,
Amy Cook, event organizer and KICA
Assistant Director of Recreation, said.
The showcase is a great opportunity to
support many of these local artists and
artisans all in one place.
The showcase and sale will feature
a wide selection of original paintings
and photographs, as well as handcrafted
pottery, jewelry and home decorations. The
first day of the event will include a beer and
wine bar along with light hors doeuvres.
The event is free and open to the
public, Cook said. So whether you live
on Kiawah or elsewhere, we hope youll
come out and support our local artists.
Kiawah
Island
Landscape
Symposium, Plant Sale and Lunch
Friday, April 29 from 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.,
KICA Maintenance (22 Kestrel Ct.)
This is truly a one-stop shop! Listen to
a series of informative speakers offering
expert advice for your home landscaping and
maintenance, or explore a vast selection of
annuals, perennials, native plants and tropicals

for sale (complimentary home delivery for

Kiawah Island property owners). Complete
the day with lunch or a snack under the trees
with local food truck Korki's Kafe.
Celebrate Kiawah
Saturday, April 30 from 4 - 7 p.m.,
Sandcastle Community Center
All Kiawah property owners are invited
to KICA's annual poolside party! The
Headliners, a six-piece band that plays all
throughout the southeast, will entertain
the crowd with a unique blend of great
vocal harmonies with strong musical
abilities. Charleston Choo Catering will
provide a delicious selection of heavy hors
d'oeuvres, and your very own KICA staff
members will be pouring wine and beer.
Celebrate Kiawah is complimentary
for all association members. Invited guests
are welcome to attend at a cost of $25 per
person. Please RSVP to sandcastle@kica.us or
843-768-3875 as soon as possible to ensure that
catering and seating needs are met. Donations
benefiting the Kiawah Cares Foundation will
be accepted at the event. For more information
on Kiawah Cares, visit kiawahcares.org.
*Note Celebrate Kiawah is for
Kiawah Island property owners and their
guests only.
The Sandcastle Community Center is
located at 1 Shipwatch Road on Kiawah Island.
For more information contact the Sandcastle at
843.768.3875 or sandcastle@kica.us.

April 8, 2016

Everyone for tennis

V O LV O C A R O P E N B R I N G S T H E S P O R T S B E S T A N D
BRIGHTEST TO CHARLESTON

PHOTOS BY JENNIFER TUOHY

BY JENNIFER TUOHY

The Island Connection Editor

he premier sporting event in the Charleston calendar kicked off last weekend with
a fun-filled Family Festival. The newly christened Volvo Car Open, formerly the
Family Circle Cup, is the largest womens-only tennis tournament in the world.
It takes place each April on Daniel Island, and this year features a new title sponsor in
conjunction with Volvo Cars first American plant in Berkeley County.
Not much had changed on the grounds as the doors to the stadium opened Saturday
morning, welcoming fans and players for a weekend of family friendly activities
alongside qualifying rounds for the tournament. A preponderance of shiny new Volvos
appeared next to the courts, announcing the new sponsor, but demonstrating that the
tournament still retains its small-town, intimate feel.
While the qualifiers competed for a spot in the main draw, the tournament's top
seeds took a break from practice sessions to sign autographs for fans and participate
in clinics with Lowcountry Junior Team Tennis players. Australian star and former

winner in Charleston, Sam Stosur joined local girl Shelby Rogers in front of the stadium
on Saturday to help with the draw for the main event, which began Monday, April 4.
Throughout the week the players, including last years champion Angelique Kerber,
Americans Venus Williams, Sloane Stephens and Madison Keys, 2014 champ Andrea
Petkovic and returning fan favorites Eugenie Bouchard and Belinda Bencic, battled it
out on the green clay.
The quarterfinals of the WTA event are scheduled for Friday, April 8, semifinals
Saturday, April 9 and the finals Sunday, April 10. All singles matches on Billie Jean
King Stadium Court and Althea Gibson Club Court are streamed via ESPN3, and
select matches are broadcast live on ESPN2. Tickets start at $35 for each event, and kids
under 15 are free. Buy your tickets at the stadium box office or call 800.677.2293. Visit
volvocaropen.com for more details.

Island Connection Calendar

April 8
Mondays

Intermediate Oil Classes

At the Todd & Huff Art Center located
at Bohicket Marina, Wednesdays and
Fridays, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. Topics include
value work, applying composition elements
to your paintings, edge work, brush and
palette knife use. Painting from still life
and photos. Email toddhuffcenter@gmail.
com for information.
Monday Bridge Group
9 a.m. at the Lake House. The Monday
Bridge Group needs new players. For more
information, please contact Ilse Calcagno
at 843.768.0317.

Tuesdays

Mah Jongg Practice

1 - 4 p.m. The 2nd, 3rd, and 4th Tuesday
of the month. Located at The Lake
HouseOsprey 2. Open to all new
players, those returning to the game, and
anyone else who wants a chance to practice
with others who are learning the game.
If you have any questions, please contact
Helen Thompson at hmtsbsc@gmail.com.
Bookmobile
The Charleston County Bookmobile comes
to Freshfields Village on the first Tuesday
of every month from 10 11:30 a.m.
The Bookmobile will be parked in the lot
behind Heges and Java Java.

Wednesdays

Lake House Yoga

8:30 a.m. Join us for Rise and Shine Yoga
with Patti Romano, formerly known at
Gentle Flow Yoga. Rise and Shine Yoga
is an all-levels practice focused around
finding your days intention, set up yourself
for success and be ready to shine.

Fridays

Friday Indoor Pickleball

12:30 - 2:30 p.m. at St. Christophers
Camp. For further information, please
contact Mary Torello at 843.768.0056.

Saturdays

Homegrown
10 a.m. 2 p.m. Johns Island Farmers
Market. Every Third Saturday at 3546
Maybank Highway Johns Island.
For more information, visit www.
johnsislandfarmersmarket.com.
2015 Sea Island Cars and Coffee
9 - 11 a.m. The third Saturday each month
at Freshfields Village (not April).

Ongoing

Wine Tastings FortyEight - A Wine Bar

475 Freshfields Drive, 6 p.m.
complimentary
Tuesday, April 5 Hourglass of Napa Valley
Complimentary Wine Tasting
Thursday, April 7 Elk Cove Vineyards of
Oregon Complimentary Wine Tasting
Saturday, April 9 Wonderment, Napa

Valley
Thursday, April 14 Hartford Court
Russian River Valley Complimentary
Wine Tasting
Wednesday, April 20 Oyster Bay Wines of
New Zealand Complimentary Tasting
Thursday, April 21 Mccarus Beverage Co.
Portfolio Complimentary Wine Tasting
Wednesday, April 27 Hall Winery of Napa
Complimentary Wine Tasting
Thursday, April 28 Spindrift Winery of
Oregon Complimentary Wine Tasting

In The Company of Horses

4 to 7 p.m. Charleston Area Therapeutic
Riding host its eighth annual fundraising
event at Brickhouse Equestrian Center,
home of Charleston Area Therapeutic
Riding, 2669 Hamilton Road, Johns
Island, SC 29455. For tickets visit https://
catr.ejoinme.org/inthecompanyofhorses or
call CATRs office at 843.559.6040.

FRIDAY, APRIL 8

MONDAY, APRIL 11

16th annual Kiawah Island Art and

House Tour
Sponsored by Arts, etc, this event
takes place from 1-5 p.m. This year five
spectacular homes in the private gated
community will be open for public
viewing.Proceeds from the event benefit
the Art to Go Program at the Gibbes
Museum of Art and Engaging Creative
Minds. Tickets are $55 at Kiawahartsetc.
org, the Kiawah Freshfields Real Estate
office, The Kiawah Main Gate Real Estate
office, and the Real Estate office at the
Sanctuary.

Oil painting workshop

Artist Mark Horton presents a two day
workshop at the Oyster Catcher.

Seabrook Island Garden Club meeting

9.30 a.m. at The Lake House, featuring
Kimberly Ambrose of Leadenwah
Landscapes.

THURSDAY, APRIL 14

Volvo Car Open

Catch the closing weekend of the Volvo
Car Open tennis tournament on Daniel
Island, play continues Friday through
Sunday. Tickets are $35 and up for the
quarters, semis and finals in singles
and doubles at this WTA event. www.
volvocaropen.com

SUNDAY, APRIL 10
12th Annual Blues by the Sea
Sunday, April 10, 2016, 2:30 - 7 p.m.,
Freshfields Village, no tickets required.
The Cultural Arts Council of Kiawah is
hosting the 12th Annual Blues by the Sea,
a free outdoor concert featuring a variety
of blues musicians. The event is tented and
will take place rain or shine. Bring a beach
chair or blanket, but no outside coolers,
please. Food and beverage will be available
for purchase.

Art Show at Freshfields

2-7 p.m.

TUESDAY, APRIL 12
South Carolina History Series: Gullah
Storytelling
11:15 a.m. Carolyn Jabulile White will
share Gullah stories she gathered while
growing up on James Island. From her
clothing to her wit and wisdom, Carolyn is
an important folk-life historian. At Johns
Island Regional Library.

Magnolia Gardens Photo Shoot

Seabrook Island Photography Club
hosts an all day photo shoot at Magnolia
Gardens, led by a well-known local
professional photographer, Kenny
McKeithan.
SINHG presents Kristen Austin
7:30 p.m. the program begins with
refreshments at 7 p.m. at The Lake House.
All Seabrook Island residents and guests
are welcome. There is a $5 donation
collected which is waived for SINHG
members.
5th Annual Charleston Beer Garden
The areas largest pop-up beer festival
welcomes 20 breweries from the
Charleston area and beyond. Noon to
7 p.m. at The Grove at Patriots Point.
All proceeds benefit local nonprofit
Lowcountry AIDS Services. Ticket prices
are $25 for general admission and $50 for
VIP www.charlestonbeergarden.com.

Conservation Matters: Dolphins and

Right Whales
2 p.m. Come to the Sandcastle and
learn all you ever wanted to know about
dolphins and right whales from Wayne
McFee, research wildlife biologist
at the NOAA Center for Coastal
Environmental Health and Bimolecular
Research. To attend, register at www.
kiawahconservancy.org.

FRIDAY, APRIL 15,

Pop-up Tasting Dinner by visiting Chef
David Miller of Chicago
6:48 p.m. $48.48 per person plus tax
and gratuities, reservations at info@
fortyeightwinebar.com. FortyEight Wine
Bar welcomes renowned Chicago chef
David Miller for a tasting
menu accompanied by a champagne toast
and some extraordinary wines in large
format.
Charleston Outdoor Festival
Runs through April 17, the event celebrates
the paddlesports and outdoor recreation
community at James Island County Park.
Park admission starts at $2 per person.
To try out activities, get the Try It pass
for $10. Or, register for the weekend for
classes, demos, competitions and much
more. For a full event schedule and to
register, visit CharlestonCountyParks.com
or call 843.795.4386.
Kiawah Island Motoring Retreat
This event runs all weekend. See story page
10 for details.

SATURDAY, APRIL 16
College Fair
10 a.m. - 1 p.m. Johns Island Regional
Library. Talk to representatives about
undergraduate and graduate programs
from Trident Technical College, College of
Charleston, Southern Wesleyan University,
Springfield College, The Citadel
Graduate College, Charleston Southern
and Limestone College. Sponsored by
the Lowcountry Education Admissions
Representative Network (L.E.A.R.N.).
LEARN members represent regionally
accredited institutions of higher education
offering Associate, Bachelor, Master,
and Doctorate degrees, and Professional
Certificates.

Bird Songs
A Nashville Songwriters in the Round
fundraiser for the Avian Conservation
Center 5:30-9 p.m., The Center for
Birds of Prey, 4719 North Highway 17,
Awendaw. $125 per person; includes beer,
wine, Firefly spirits and a Lowcountry
buffet supper. The program will feature
songwriters performing in the spirit of
the famous Bluebird Caf, sharing their
songs and the stories behind them while
celebrating good company with a fine
Lowcountry meal and lively bar all
accented with beautiful birds of prey as
your hosts. Featured artists are Ruthie
Collins, Casey Beathard, Johnny Mulford,
and Phillip Lammonds. www.zerve.com/
BirdsofPrey/BirdSong

TUESDAY, APRIL 19
Seabrook Island Art Guild April
meeting
The Lake House, demo by artist Laurie
Meyer.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 20
Seabrook Island Photography Club
meeting
Monthly meeting, 6:30 p.m. in the Live
Oak Hall at The Lake House. Members
will participate in a group Q & A and
discussion session about their photographic
interests and experiences and to help
prioritize and define upcoming workshops.

MONDAY, APRIL 25
BIFMC Golf Invitational Fundraiser
The Barrier Islands Free Medical Clinic
hosts its ninth annual golf invitational
fundraiser. The tournament is the largest
fundraiser of the year.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 27
OLMC Golf Tournament
Our Lady of Mercy Community Outreach
host its 23rd Annual Golf Tournament at
The Golf Club at Briars Creek on Johns
Island. The golf tournament begins with
registration and lunch at 11:30 a.m. and
a shotgun start at 1 p.m. Dinner and an
awards ceremony follows. To register or
learn more, visit olmoutreach.org or call
(843) 559-4109.

June 8
FRIDAY, APRIL 29
Kiawah Island Landscape Symposium,
Plant Sale and Lunch
9 a.m. - 1 p.m. KICA Maintenance (22
Kestrel Ct.) This is truly a one-stop shop!
Listen to a series of informative speakers
offering expert advice for your home
landscaping and maintenance, or explore a
vast selection of annuals, perennials, native
plants and tropicals for sale. For more
information, contact sandcastle@kica.us or
843-768-3875.
Lowcoutry Art and Artisans Showcase
Local artists, crafters and creators will
exhibit their wares on Kiawah Island this
spring at the semiannual event at the
Sandcastle Community Center on Friday,
April 29 from 4 - 7 p.m. and and Saturday
April 30 from 10 a.m. 4 p.m.

SATURDAY, APRIL 30
Celebrate Kiawah
4 - 7 p.m. Sandcastle Community
Center. All Kiawah property owners
are invited to KICAs annual poolside
party.Complimentary for all association
members. Invited guests are
welcome to attend at a cost of $25 per
person. Please RSVP to sandcastle@kica.
us or
843-768-3875.

SUNDAY, MAY 1

Piccolo Preview
4 p.m. The City of Charleston Office
of Cultural Affairs and the Town of
Kiawah Island Arts & Cultural Events
Council present a sampling of some
favorite musical elements as harbingers
of the 2016 Piccolo Spoleto Festival. The
program will include performances from
several of the events chosen for this years
festival. Admission-free and open to the
public. Holy Spirit Catholic Church,Ticket
Release: 4/15. Complimentary Tickets
Available at Kiawah Town Hall 843-7689166 or online at www.kiawahisland.org/
specialevents

WEDNESDAY, MAY 11
Mark Gingerich Workshop
At the Todd & Huff Art Center, May 11
and 12 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.The class will
be held at the Bohicket Marina studio and
the cost is $290. For more information
email toddhuffcenter@gmail.com.

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 8
Piccolo Comes to KITTIWAH
Mingo Point, Oyster Roast 5:306:30 p.m., Dinner Buffet 5:30-7 p.m.,
Performance begins at 6:30 p.m. Adults:
$47, Children ages 4 12: $25. Children
under 4: free. Casual seating. Attendance
is limited to 300, so dont delay! Tickets
available beginning 5/25 at Kiawah Town
Hall 843-768-9166 or online at www.
kiawahisland.org/specialevents

10

April 8, 2016

arts & events

arts & events

16th annual
Women Build week
begins Saturday

abitat For Humanitys annual

Women Build week takes place
April 9 through April 16. The
event brings local women together to build
a home for a family in need. This year the
crew, which includes many Kiawah and
Seabrook women, are building a home
on Riverland in James Island for a single
mother and her daughter.
The annual event helps build not only

PHOTOS COURTESY KIMR

a home, but also dignity and hope in the

Charleston community. Each volunteer
picks a day or half day to volunteer and do
their part in the actual construction of the
home. Volunteers are still being sought,
with a special need on April 15 and 16,
call 843.768.0998 or tridenthabitat.com/
sea-island-women-build, no experience
necessary.

Motor Tour continues from cover

Schedule
Friday, April 15
10 a.m.-1 p.m.: The Kiawah Motoring
Tour, explore scenic Johns, Wadmalaw,
and Kiawah Islands and enjoy local
refreshments.
2:30 p.m.-4:30 p.m.: Automotive
Seminars, featuring classic car valuation
trends and the art of detailing your
favorite car.
6 p.m.-9 p.m.: Lowcountry Oyster
Roast and Craft Beer Tasting, watch
the sun set over the river while enjoying
fresh local cuisine. Charlestons Palmetto
Brewery will guide guests through a
tasting of six beers and Honey Smoke will
provide music.
6:30 p.m.-9 p.m.: Golf Club at Briars
Creek wine reception with passed hors
d'oeuvres followed by a five course
gourmet meal coupled with upscale wine
pairings. This experience will benefit
Barrier Island Free Medical Clinic

Saturday, April 16
10 a.m.-3 p.m.: Cars On Kiawah, This
free event takes place at the Ocean Park
Concours site and features more than 200
cars from local and regional car clubs and
individual collectors.
7 a.m.-10 p.m.: BBQ and Bourbon,
Experience a true Southern BBQ with all
the fixins. Sip bourbon cocktails, beer,
wine, and taste bourbon with top experts.
Sunday, April 17
10 a.m.-3 p.m.: Judged Concourse at
Ocean Park
10 a.m.-1 p.m.: Gullah Brunch in
Patrons Tent
11 a.m. - 1 p.m.: Kiawah Island Open
House Tours
2 p.m.: Awards Ceremony at Ocean
Park
Event parking is located next to
Freshfields Village, 165 Village Green
Lane, Kiawah. Shuttles will run every 15
minutes from 9:45 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. from
event parking to Ocean Park.

April 8, 2016

feature

11

Seabrook paddleboarder joins epic trek

BY JESSIE HAZARD

For The Island Connection

hen Ryan Kennedy met

LouAnne
Harris
and
Julieta
Jules
Gismondi
of the Manhattan Kayak Company
last September and heard about their
upcoming epic mission to paddleboard
from Manhattan to Key West while
fundraising for charities, he was impressed.
Kennedy, a Seabrook native and owner/
operator of Water Dog Paddle Company,
was quick to offer the girls a place to stay
when they came to the Charleston leg of
their journey.
Then Kennedy started thinking more
about itand thinking about how much
he wanted to join them.
It was a lot to consider. After all, the female
duo, christened the Atlantic SUPergirls
(SUP being an industrial acronym for
stand up paddleboarding) were doing
something pretty groundbreaking. They
planned to leave during the off-season, in
Octoberno mean feat in New Yorkand
head for Florida, paddleboarding 15 to 30
miles a day whenever conditions allowed.
By the time they crossed the finish line, they
hoped to have raised $30,000, two thirds of
which theyd donate to two separate charities.
First Descents is a non-profit organization
that gives free outdoor adventure trips to
young adults who are fighting cancer, and
Mission Blue educates the public about the
ocean through protected Hope Spots. To
top it all off, the girls were taking samples
of phosphate and nitrate levels in the water
in collaboration with cutting edge biological
studies and promoting a renewed love affair
between the general public and the wild
beyond.
All of these were completely rational
reasons that might have made Kennedy
eager to jump on board. He weighed
them all, he says, but none of them were
the definitive factor.
For these girls, when it all comes down
to it, this is personal, Kennedy says. Its
more than a fundraiser or environmental
trip. The spirit that drives this thing is a
desire to break down barriers, to get out
and do the unexpected. I know because I
have that spirit in me too. So when I was
able to see that kind of kinship in them,
I was excited to get in on what they were
doing.

Kennedy joined the girls in

Wrightsville, GA and paddled with them
all the way to the Florida border. Several
years ago, he left a decade-long career in
corporate marketing in favor of starting
Water Dog to regain a piece of what he
calls the meat of life. Nonetheless, a
bit of that marketing edge shows itself in
the way he swiftly breaks down his leg
of the tripwith a numbers game: 350
plus miles, 5 weeks, 4 states, and 2 girls I
didnt even know.
The time and geography might not
seem as disconcerting as the thought
of spending all of it with two virtual
strangers of the opposite sex, but Kennedy
says they handled things remarkably.
Yes, they got into fights, tweaked each
others nerves, got pushed to the brink.
They ate lukewarm oatmeal while grimly
looking at the ice crusted on their tents
and gear, knowing that in minutes theyd
be standing on water infinitely colder.
They watched time slip away, inclement
conditions a constant red-penned reviser
of their plans. But the truest test for
Kennedy came to him right here in the

water where he grew up.

When the threesome returned to
Charleston, it was two days before
Christmas. The girls spent the holiday
with Kennedy and his girlfriend, and
everyone felt cozy looking toward the
New Year. It lasted all the way until they
hit the Charleston Harbor, where fog had
all but eliminated visibility. The three
huddled in the freezing coldtied to a
buoyfor the better part of a day before
a boat came along to help them get safely
across to Fort Sumter.
But they also shared innumerable
positive emotions and experiences.
Kennedy says that Harris and Gismondi
were incredibly focused on the mission at
handso focused, in fact, that they may
have missed the impact their trip was having
on onlookers. Kennedy saw it. People
followed us online and would sometimes
be waiting for us on the beach, in absolute
awe of what we were accomplishing, he
says. But thats the beauty of the whole
thing. We want to break down that sense
of bewilderment so that peopleespecially
the young women these girls hope to
empowersee that yes, the unthinkable
can happen. It just takes the desire and
willpower to make it happen.
Kennedys company regularly takes
novice paddleboardersoften visiting
from afaron two hour forays into
Bohicket Creek ($55 per person), where
theyre treated to discourses on the
ecology of salt marsh and educated about

local aquatic wildlife. The groups almost

always encounter dolphins, but Kennedy
says the most wondrous thing for most of
his guests is the realization that they, too,
can paddleboard. He doesnt want people
to come in for an experience, shrug, and
return to their comfort zones. Kennedy
wants to turn them on to the sport, or
at least on to the realization that theyre
capable of more than they knew. People
need teammates, he says. We need to be
given confidence in what we dream to do.
Ultimately, the SUPergirls crossed
a revised finish line on February 12 in
Miamithe journey, now at the fourmonth mark, took longer than expected
and they were forced to shorten their
original aim. Harris and Gismondi have
raised over $16,000 in funds but are
still hoping to reach their financial goal.
They will return to Miami in November
to complete the leg to Key West. At this
point, reaching the Keys seems arbitrary,
considering the mystical quality this
whole affair has undertaken. For his part,
Kennedy says there were some soulful
connections between the trio that could
never be put into words.
Youd just have to be there, he says
earnestly, in a voice thats suddenly gone
very far away. You wouldnt get it unless
you were there.
To support the SUPergirls, head over
to www.gofundme.com/nyctomiabysup to
donate to two very worthy causes.

April 8, 2016

Music for the soul

12

Blues by the Sea: Kiawah Arts Council presents the 12th Annual Blues by the Sea concert, April 10, 2016 from
2:30p.m. to 7 p.m. This free outdoor concert features a variety of blues musicians, under the big tent at Freshfields
Village. Bring a beach chair or blanket, but no outside coolers, please. Food and beverage will be available for purchase.

COURTESY PHOTO

13

April 8, 2016

Between the
raindrops

Freshfields Village Spring Festival weekend enjoyed some sunshine amidst the
rain drops, allowing for children to enjoy face painting and their parents to take in
the delights of local food vendors and artwork from the Seabrook Artists Guild.

PHOTOS BY RALPH SECOY

14

whats hot

April 8, 2016

Be safe when
taking that selfie
BY GARY LOHR

For The Island Connection

few weeks ago, during a lazy Sunday

morning, I saw an interesting report
on television about the growing
selfie trend. What caught my attention
was the statement that there have been more
people killed by tragedies involving the
taking of selfies, than there were people
killed by sharks. The situation has caught
the attention of Russian officials, prompting
them to take a more proactive approach and
developed a SAFE SELFIE program that is
gaining worldwide attention. The program
was developed after there were a number of
deaths and even more injuries reported that
was a result of someone taking a selfie. Now
I know, the taking of a selfie is more of
a contributing factor to the tragedy than
the cause, but if this article makes someone
think about taking safe selfies, then it was
time well spent. First, lets look at some
of the more prevalent events that lead to a
tragedy involving the taking of a selfie:
1. Driving There are numerous
injuries and deaths that were
related to the taking of a selfie
while driving or operating a
moving vehicle. The taking of
selfies in cars, motorcycles, and
boats has led to the several deaths
and numerous injuries.
2. High Altitudes This is probably
the most reported instance in which
there is a case involving individuals
who have been injured or killed
after falling off of something.
Individuals have fallen off of
bridges, mountains, cliffs, rooftops,
even the Taj Mahal, trying to get
that perfect shot.
3. Animals This is another potentially
bad situation that can present itself
when it comes to taking that selfie.
They actually outlawed the taking
of selfies during the Running of the
Bulls. There have been numerous
instances where people have been
injured or killed by something
that didnt want to have its picture
taken.
4. Firearms - Although not as
prevalent as some other reasons,

there have been instances where

taking a selfie with your favorite
pistol has led to disastrous
consequences. A self-inflicted
gunshot wound because the
firearm accidentally went off
is mentioned in several of the
reported deaths.
5. Daredevils/Thrill seekers This is
another common factor that doesnt
fall into any real category. Several of
the deaths that involved the taking
of selfies dealt with people who were
killed taking selfies on the tracks
with the train in the background or
riding on top of one.
As you can see there are surprisingly
a lot of incidents that could have been
avoided by following a few simple rules
when trying to get that perfect shot.
1. Check your surroundings
Chances are, safety barriers are
put in place for a reason. Get a
good look around and make sure
its a safe area. Also ensure that
you keep your feet on solid ground
and dont lean out or hang off of
something while taking the selfie.
2. Be responsible If youre in a
situation where you need to be alert
and pay attention then its probably
not an opportune time to take that
selfie. This would include taking
selfie while driving, or operating
some other type of moving vehicle
or heavy machinery.
3. Animal Safety - Stay away from
wild animals and be cautious
around trained ones. Unless that
animal that you're cuddling up to
is a trusted family member, its a
good idea to steer clear.
I hope this article shed some light on
the dangerous situations involved when
taking that selfie and remember that
getting a million views on Facebook isnt
worth your life.
Battalion Chief Gary Lohr is the
Community Risk Reduction Officer for St.
Johns Fire District.

April 8, 2016

15

on the water

Fish are springing for spring

BY GEOFF BENNETT
For The Island Connection

pring has arrived! With days full of sun and temperatures holding
in the 70s, our fishery is rapidly changing with many new signs of
life. Trout and flounder are entering the mix and anglers now have
several species to target instead of just spooky redfish. Bait is filling our
waters and the fish are hungry.
Redfish are no longer focused simply on preservation but are
becoming predators again. Anglers should consider using artificial
plastic lures that mimic bait fish. One good choice would be jerk
shad lures that have become very popular and are available in a wide
variety of colors. Ive been finding that silver hues have been working
best although Ill occasionally throw a darker color when water clarity
is poor.
Having woken from their winter slumber, the trout are active
again. Fishermen should focus on grassy banks and oyster beds when
targeting these fish. Its time to break out the popping corks again. Try
fishing a 3 D.O.A. plastic shrimp lure suspended two feet underneath
a popping cork. The D.O.A. shrimp come in several weights but I prefer
their 1/4 oz. model. The Glow/Gold color is a great choice.
Often considered our tastiest fish, flounder are a frequent target.
Weve been catching them mostly when fishing with mud minnows
on the bottom or mud minnows under popping corks. Youll need to
focus on structures when targeting flounder. Old pilings and docks are
good places to prospect. Remember that flounder will hug the bottom
in hopes of ambushing their prey, so youll need to keep that bait down
on or close to the bottom.
See you on the water!
Capt. Geoff Bennett operates Charleston Charter Fishing providing light
tackle and fly fishing charters. For more information, call Capt. Bennett at
843.324.3332, visit www.charlestoncharterfishing.com or email captain@
charlestoncharterfishing.com.