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BOGO Christmas TreePage 4

Volume 9 Issue 18 December 18, 2015FREE

Since May 2007

Snowbird MountainPage 10

Groundbreaking NewsPage 13

Believe In continues on page 9

Kiawah Marathon attracts 3,800 runners

3 8 T H A N N U A L E V E N T T O O K P L A C ES U N D AY, D E C . 1 2 , 2 0 1 5

The start of the 38th Annual Kiawah Island Marathon. PHOTOS BY JAMIE CATHCART

BY JANA CHANTHANBANEFor The Island Connection

The 38th Annual Kiawah Island Marathon kicked off with just over 3,800 runners on a beautiful December day. New this year, was the addition of a High Performance

Corral at the start and an expanded finish line experience to aid in the recovery and enjoyment of the runners.

Bryant Jensen, of Fruit Heights, UT won the marathon for the men with a time of 2:26:17. The women’s full marathon winner, Caitlin Jensen of North Charleston, SC set a PR with a time of 2:49:03 and clinched her third win in a row here. Male

half marathon winner was Mike Mitchell of Mint Hill, SC, with a time of 1:12:38 and the female half marathon winner, with a time of 1:16:41, was Erin Osment of Charlotte, NC. Locally, Lindsay Hodge of Kiawah Island, placed second overall for women in the half with a time of 1:19:56.

The outstanding volunteers, and amazing athletes and spectators makes this a special Kiawah tradition.

For photos of the winners turn to Page 7.

SJHS artist wins first prize in Festival of

Lights competitionBY JENNIFER TUOHYThe Island Connection Editor

The Holiday Festival of Lights kicked off its 26th season Nov. 13 and during the grand opening

celebration, the Charleston County Park and Recreation Commission presented awards for the festival’s annual Giant Greeting Card competition. The winning entries are on display during the event, which runs nightly through Jan. 3 at James Island County Park.

This year, there were 38 entries from Charleston County student groups in elementary, middle and high school divisions. The winning top three schools in each division, and four honorable mention winners, received a trophy and cash award to apply to their school arts program. The winner of the High School Division was St Johns High school student Zuri Zepke with her affecting design depicting two hands, one black, one white, emerging from the Emanuel AME church and entwining together behind the word Charleston. The words “Believe in” hover over the scene.

“She's just an exceptional art student,” Dona Dowling, St Johns Highs' art teacher, said. “This was just an incredibly eventful year for Charleston and it was just

The IslandConnection

Lynn Pierottipublisher

lynn@luckydognews.com

Jennifer Tuohymanaging editor

jennifer@luckydognews.com

Swan Richardssenior graphic designer

swan@luckydognews.com

Lori McGeesales manager

lori@luckydognews.com

Alejandro Ferreyrosgraphic designer

alejandro@luckydognews.com

Ralph Secoycontributing photographer

Staff WritersGregg Bragg

ContributorsJana Chanthanbane

Hunter GardnerAlan ArmstrongCarol Antman

Jonathan TabbertAmanda A. Gerald

Published byLucky Dog Publishingof South Carolina, LLC

P.O. Box 837 Sullivan’s Island, SC 29482

843-886-NEWS

Future deadlines: January 6for submissions for the

January 15 Issue

Op-Ed articles and letters to the editor do not necessarily reflect the opinion of Lucky Dog News or its writers.

Lucky Dog Publishing, LLC Publishers of Island Eye News,

The Island Connection, The Folly Current

Civic CalendarKiawah island Town hall

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

seabrooK island Town hall

2001 Seabrook Island RoadSeabrook Island, SC 29455Phone: 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, Johns Island. Chairman Chris Cannon: 343-5113

CharlesTon CounTy CounCil

4045 Bridge View Dr, N. Charleston958-4700t

CiTy of CharlesTon

75 Calhoun St.724-3745

2 December 18, 2015

Town of Kiawah

Board of Zoning and AppealsMonday, December 21, 2015 4 p.m.Kiawah Town Hall

Ways and Means Committee Meeting - CANCELEDTuesday, December 22, 2015 2 p.m.Kiawah Town Hall

Town Council MeetingTuesday, January 5, 2016 2 p.m.Kiawah Town Hall

Planning Commission Meeting

Wednesday, January 6, 2016 3 p.m.Kiawah Town Hall

Arts and Cultural Events Council MeetingThursday, January 7, 2016 3 p.m.Kiawah Town Hall

Municipal Center Public Information MeetingTuesday, January 12, 2016 4 p.m.Kiawah Town Hall

Environmental Committee MeetingTuesday, January 12, 2016 1:30 p.m.Kiawah Town Hall

civic

Kiawah council meeting,December 2015

BY GREGG BRAGGThe Island Connection Staff Writer

Attendance returned to more normal levels for the Dec. 1 2015 meeting of Kiawah’s town council.

Both a new treasurer and new town administrator were in attendance for the first time. Minor patches were applied to the minutes of previous meetings before their unanimous approval. The mayor continued addressing obligations first, then attendees just prior to the first installment of citizen’s comments. “I’d like to make one brief comment before we start … [past presentations] have been going on for well over three minutes. I’d like to keep that to three minutes… so that everyone has a chance to comment and get through the meeting,” said the mayor before opening the first round of citizen’s comments.

Kiawah resident Wendy Kulick started with several questions. She dove right in using a pitch and pace that didn’t invite interruption. Kulick wanted to know;

1. Why a discussion of the lease between TOKI and the Kiawah Island Community Association required the privacy of an Executive Session.

2. The forensic audit (necessitated by the allegations noted above) had been extended to include 2012. Kulick wanted to know when the results would be made public.

3. What the status of the case was against the former treasurer and town administrator following allegations of financial misconduct last May.

4. Given the results of the forensic audit and pending case, Kulick asked if awards for exemplary accounting practices, granted after making trips to Salt Lake City, would be returned.

TOKI’s summarized answers;

1. Because several items of “enforceability” with the lease needed to be discussed

2. When it was done3. A long response can be summed

up to “The [U.S. Attorney’s Office] are not obligated to provide us with updates and wouldn’t comment on an on-going investigation but... results would be available [through the U.S. Attorney’s office] when complete.” Rhett Dehart was identified as the U.S. Attorney handling the case and Rob Derr as an FBI agent involved in the case.

4. Following a discussion the mayor concluded, “I guess we’ll box them up and put them in a cupboard.”

There was no old business to impede the first reading of Ordinance 2015-08, amending the TOKI Comprehensive Plan. The right to a comprehensive plan is granted by the “General Assembly, empowering municipalities to undertake planning and to adopt zoning and land development regulations [within its boundaries],” according to the Municipal Association of South Carolina, and updates are required in five year intervals. The ordinance passed unanimously, and will get a second hearing Dec. 8 before being enacted and available for review on the TOKI website.

The holiday schedule for 2106 was approved, and while it may sound routine, it actually generated quite a bit of discussion. Town administrator Stephanie Tillerson suggested substituting MLK Day for the day after Thanksgiving off, as an official TOKI holiday. There was some debate, with councilmember Labriola wondering out loud about the impression the swap would make, while councilmember Weaver urged acceptance of the idea.

Tillerson pressed on, saying there was already one January holiday and she made a motion to accept the change.

“You can’t make a motion,” corrected the mayor, but the measure passed unanimously after it was made correctly.

Approval of the meeting schedule for 2016 was more straightforward. Previous ordinances, allowing attendance by phone or wholesale changes in dates as agreed to and voted on, make meeting schedules more malleable to circumstance. The current schedule will be on the TOKI website, subject to change with notification, under the Freedom of Information Act.

Roland A. Hoffman, a CPA with experience in forensic audits, was unanimously appointed to the new Audit Committee. His extensive credentials were celebrated by council before approving funds to conduct a Comprehensive Annual Financial Report for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2015. TOKI will pay Greene, Finney and Horton, LLP $4,900 to conduct the required report. TOKI will have to provide information to be included in the “statistical section,” according to a letter from the firm.

Councilmember Wilson was first with a committee report. Auditors were presently in town hall, probably would be for at least another week, followed by at least of a week of off-site work. Wilson said there were three primary areas to be examined for weakness/improvement;

1. Business license process2. Guidance on the approval

structure and hierarchy which “we don’t have.”

3. Control of the town’s assets [including credit cards]

Mayor Lipuma chimed in to say a lot of these areas were already imbedded in the procurement code but that “a summary

December 18, 2015

civic

table would be very helpful.” Wilson responded by saying the existing code was neither clear enough nor communicated enough.

Councilmember Labriola soldiered on with his report on the new municipal complex. This month, however, there was no mention of financing costs, selling the old building to KICA or the lack of a budget for the mission. Architectural firm LS3P had completed enough drawings to warrant advertising in a local paper for general contractors. The process had produced nine candidates and although he was not necessarily familiar with them, was impressed with their responses. Members of municipal center committee will work to develop a short list for council to select from. Public attendance at MCC meetings has been lackluster recently. It is hoped two public meetings (with refreshments) held on December 11 and again on January 12 will ignite interest and support for the scheme, vital as they begin the quest for volunteers.

Councilmember Johnson reported the success of several recent arts council events, including an engagement with the Charleston Symphony Orchestra. Past iterations had been held under tents at Freshfields. Johnson seemed to think this year’s installment was improved after moving the event to the East Beach Conference Center, but questioned the 6 p.m. time of the event and hoped to make other improvements in the future.

Johnson also discussed the successful turtle season. Coyotes, once cause for alarm as a threat to unprotected nests, have registered only a 1 percent predation rate since TOKI took over reporting the numbers.

Councilmember Weaver had nothing to report for either the public safety or communications committees.

The town administrator said she was overseeing efforts on TOKI’s web site, and was also working to rectify some holiday lights that had been improperly deployed.

The mayor finished up with a holiday mindset. He had a long list of things he was “thankful for.” He mentioned the new town administrator and treasurer prominently.

Kiawah resident and plaintiff in a Freedom of Information Act lawsuit against TOKI, Dennis McGill, took the floor for the last round of citizens comments. He claimed TOKI’s own ordinances set a five minute limit on public comments [not the three minutes mentioned at the beginning of the meeting], but said he was confident he could finish in time.

McGill’s questions opened by asking if TOKI planned to continue going back as far as 2011 in its review of overpaid employees. Using information obtained through FOIA, McGill walked council through the research he had amassed, to conclude overpayments to staff extended further than previously reported. Regarding staff overpayments from 2013 to present, he said, he had received copies of letters from only three of the four staff members who unknowingly received an additional 20-25 percent of their salary. McGill asked why he had not received the fourth letter.

Council then went into executive session to discuss:

A. A personnel matter of employment, disposition of accrued employee health benefits, appointment, compensation, promotion, demotion, discipline or release of an employee by a public body

B. To receive a status report and legal advice on claims regarding the loss of public monies as set forth in the Forensic Accounting Report and

C. Seek legal advice on the Kiawah Island Community Association lease (of half of the current town hall]

Council returned from executive session without taking any votes or making any decisions.

4 December 18, 2015daily

Freshfields Village plans growth in 2016

S H O P P I N G A N D D I N I N G O P T I O N S W I L L E X PA N D S W I T H N E W C O N S T R U C T I O N

civic

BY HUNTER GARDNERFor The Island Connection

Freshfields Village, the shopping and dining destination on Kiawah Island, has announced that construction

has begun on three new buildings in the village.

The expansion was sparked by the success of new stores added in 2015, including Southern Tide’s first signature store, resort boutiques Lilly Pulitzer, Tommy Bahama and Roberta Roller Rabbit, as well as local jewelry designer Peyton William. Most recently, the opening of FortyEight: A Wine Bar positions Freshfields Village as Kiawah’s most robust dining destination.

“As Freshfields Village continues to grow, we are constantly seeking local and regional retailers and restaurateurs sprinkled with select specialty national tenants in order to preserve a unique shopping experience for the residents and visitors of the area”, said Ward Kampf, president of Northwood Retail. “The success of 2015 paired with the expanding customer base is the perfect catalyst for expansion in the center and

we are looking forward to the evolution of Freshfields Village.”

The outdoor shopping center allows visitors to stroll from store to store amidst the village’s Lowcountry architecture. Stubbs Muldrow Herin Architects, Inc. of Mount Pleasant, SC is the architect for the three new buildings, which will complement the center’s unique aesthetic.

Two of the new buildings will overlook the lake at the Southern end of the property and face the acclaimed Andell Inn. Totaling approximately 8,000 square feet, these buildings are designed to accommodate a corner restaurant and additional retail stores.

The third building is located between Kiawah Island Real Estate and the new BB&T building. With approximately 4,300 square feet, prospective plans are for additional stores or service amenities.

For further information or to inquire about specific retail space, call 843.768.6491.

BOGO Christmas Tree'sdonation event a big success

STAFF REPORTFor The Island Connection

Tuesday, Dec. 8 was a very special day for students at Angel Oak and Frierson elementary schools of

Johns and Wadmalaw islands. On Tuesday, Katrina Naz and Burke

Limbach hosted their BOGO Christmas Tree Company's second annual Christmas Tree donation event, distributing 75 fresh-cut trees to families in need. The event was organized with Communities in Schools and qualifying families from the schools lined up to pick out their favorite Fraser Fir to take home and decorate. There was hot cocoa, mounds of cookies and Santa came to get photos with the kids.

“Seeing the smiles on their faces is the reason we do this,” Naz said. “We hope to grow this event to include, eventually, all CIS schools in Charleston.”

This year BOGO also partnered with Operation Fir, an initiative that works through East Cooper Community Outreach. On. Dec. 12 BOGO donated 50 trees to the organization that uses the “Adopt-a-family” model to distribute real Christmas trees to ECCO qualifying families, along with Rubbermaid “kits” that include stands, lights, toppers and bulbs.

December 18, 2015 5fundraising

Veteran’s Day Charitable Golf Outing raises $6,000

BY ALAN ARMSTRONGFor The Island Connection

On Monday, November 16, 2015, Seabrook Island golfers teed up in the 4th Annual Veteran’s Day

Charitable Golf Tournament to recognize veterans and raise money to support the Wounded Warrior Project and the Ralph Johnson Veterans Hospital in Charleston.

The Seabrook Island Club hosted over 80 local golfers who wanted to show their support for veterans of all wars. The event raised over $6,000 for the WWP and Veterans Hospital. Among

guests of the Club attending the event were six wounded warriors from South Carolina who had been wounded in Iraq or Afghanistan.

The “A” flight winning team was composed of Branden Hartsell, Jason Wade, Taylor Ulrich, and Andrew Ingles. The “B” flight champions were Bob Leggett, Carmine DeGennaro, Bob Applegate, and wounded warrior Barry McManus.

fundraising

Nonprofit awarded $20,000 to promote

reading to babiesR E S I D E N T S O N J O H N S ,

W A D M A L A W W I L L S E E B E N E F I T S

BY STAFF REPORTFor The Island Connection

Begin with Books, a program active in 10 Charleston County communities including Johns Island, and

Wadmalaw Island, has been selected as one of 52 winners from across the country in the seventh annual Tom’s of Maine “50 States for Good” community giving program. The organization, which aims to expand the focus of literacy in Charleston County, by encouraging parents to read to their babies from day one and by giving them the in-home resources to do so, will receive $20,000 to fund thousands of monthly book deliveries to babies and toddlers throughout Charleston County.

Begin With Books is currently delivering monthly books by mail to over 2,700 local babies and toddlers. The Tom’s of Maine funding is enough to sponsor 606 children in the early reading program

for one year and to deliver 7,272 books to their homes by mail.

Patty Bennett-Uffelman, program co-director, praised Tom’s of Maine for its community giving.

“The impact of a grant like this on our local program is tremendous; we are going to direct a large portion of the grant toward expansion of services to the City of North Charleston, where 40% of the City’s 8,850 age-eligible children live in poverty. We want to start putting books in those children’s homes as soon as possible.”

Any child living in the communities is eligible from birth through age 4. Parents can enroll children online at sites.google.com/site/beginwithbooks/register-your-child or at Johns Island Library or local elementary schools.

December 18, 2015 7

Holiday Shopping Guide

Kiawah Island Marathon

Clockwise from top left: Female full marathon winner, Caitlin Batten, crosses the finish line. Male half marathon winner, Mike Mitchell. Winner of the 2015 Kiawah Island Marathon, Bryant Jensen, breaks the tape. Female half marathon winner, Erin Osment.

December 18, 2015 9

Believe In continues from cover

daily

wonderful that one of the students decided to remember it in this way.”

All students in the fall semester art classes at St. Johns created scale drawing proposals for this project. After group critiques, Zuri's design was chosen by student votes. The Advanced Art Class enlarged Zuri's design and painted the 4'x8' plywood.

“It wasn't the only one relating to gun violence or the shooting [at the Emanuel AME Church in June of this year]. But it was the one that compositionally and drawing wise looked the best with that theme of ‘Believe In’,” Dowling said.

This is the eleventh year SJHS has participated in the competition and fourth time SJHS has been awarded 1st place.

In past years, Dowling has organized a field trip for the art students to go to the Festival of Lights.

“We would have a pizza party at school and they'd all get santa hats and we'd go over as a group. But because of [the school district's] $18 million shortfall all our spending this year has to go for art supplies and it would be too expensive to underwrite it for every students. We used to do the s'mores there, which was really exciting as some of these students have never had them before...”

However, Zuri will get to go to go, as part of her prize.

“She was so excited to win, her grandparent and her brother, John, who is also an excellent art student, went with her to the awards ceremony. When she brought the trophy back and said ‘Do I get to keep the trophy?’ I said, yes of course!”

The process of designing the card gave Dowling an opportunity through which to discuss the tragedy that occurred in downtown Charleston this summer.

“Having class discussions about what has happened in Charleston brought up some great conversations,” she said. “Just talking about what needs to happen in a community and how Charleston has reacted differently to Baltimore or Ferguson, it's was really interesting to discuss how and why that's happened. For her to focus on believing in Charleston and how things have transpired here is very powerful, to make it something real and local as well was just really wonderful.”

SJHS art department receives $300 for art supplies as part of the prize and Zuri receives the trophy and a pass to view the Lights with her family.

The Holiday Festival of Lights is open nightly through Jan. 3 at James Island County Park and is presented by Boeing and Charleston County Parks. For details, including special event dates, hours, fees, and more, visit CharlestonCountyParks.com or call 843.795.4386.

10 December 18, 2015roadtrips charleston

Roaming the rooms atSnowbird Mountain Lodge

BY CAROL ANTMANFor The Island Connection

My cozy room came with earplugs. Floors creaked beneath me. Footsteps pattered above. I didn’t mind. I had lots more rooms. Steps away was the

massive living room/lobby lined with books, games and a blazing fireplace. Sunny porches adorned with fancifully painted totems were outside; hammock swayed on verandas. A smiling Buddha statue and fluttering prayer flags invited serenity along the walking path. Further on was a thriving garden and clucking chickens, a firepit stocked with wood and s’more fixings, and overlooks situated perfectly to watch the sunrise or sunset. I spent an afternoon reading in a scenic gazebo, nestled in an upholstered banquette, warmed by the push-button fireplace. Charmed guests wrote “My heart slows down and I have time to reflect…” and “the very essence of

relaxing vacation, this is at least our 15th time here…” Snowbird Mountain Lodge is on the Register of

National Historic Places and was built by Arthur Wolfe, a Chicago travel agent who brought adventurous groups to the Great Smoky Mountains. Like the poet Joyce Kilmer, Arthur Wolfe had never seen a “poem as lovely as a tree” and relished bringing visitors to the 3,600 acre old-growth forest established in Kilmer’s memory in 1936. But getting there was an arduous ordeal by train and bus over unpaved roads. Arthur envisioned a lodge where travelers could shake off the road dust. So he determinedly built one above Robbinsville, North Carolina, opening The Snowbird Lodge in 1941. It’s had nine owners since, mostly former guests so impressed that they bought the place. Elmer and Gladys Smith bought it from Arthur in 1953. They added an ice maker, which was such a sensation that schoolchildren came to see it on fieldtrips. They also added events and hikes which continue to be a big part of the lodge’s attraction today. Robert Rankin, the current owner since 1996, says, “All of us have been caretakers of the Lodge, preserving it for future guests so they will be able to enjoy her special treasures as we do everyday.”

Robert and his retrievers are welcoming hosts, offering trail maps or complimentary mountain bikes, fly rods, canoes or kayaks. In addition to the 15 smaller rooms in the Main Lodge, there are six premium rooms in the Chestnut Lodge and the secluded Wolfe Cottage with private hot tubs and fireplaces for the numerous

honeymooners and anniversary celebrants. Over half of the guests are repeat customers. One young couple had come on the suggestion of their parents who’d vacationed there as a young couple themselves.

There is plenty to do nearby, but Snowbird also offers many optional activities at no extra charge. There are naturalist-guided hikes, yoga, music and art workshops, birding, fly fishing and paddle sports and a variety of culinary and holiday events. I joined about a dozen guests on hikes led by Kathy and Joel Zachry. The information about the flora, birds, history and wildlife enriched the trip tremendously. They also gave informal talks each night on their specialty: bears. I was surprised to learn that there are two bears per square mile in the Smoky Mountains and that “They have very little interest

December 18, 2015 11

Tide Char tDate High Tide Low Tide

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.

Dec 18Dec 19Dec 20Dec 21 Dec 22Dec 23Dec 24Dec 25 Dec 26Dec 27Dec 28Dec 29Dec 30Dec 31

Source: saltwatertides.com

2:49am/1:22pm1:54am/2:26pm3:00am/3:29pm4:04am/4:31pm5:05am/5:30pm6:02am/6:25pm6:55am/7:18pm7:45am/8:08pm8:32am/8:56pm9:17am/9:42pm10:00am/10:28pm10:42am/11:13pm11:24am12:01am/12:08pm

7:02am/7:38pm8:10am/8:38pm9:18am/9:38pm10:23am/10:36pm11:23am/11:31pm12:18pm12:24am/1:11pm1:15am/2:00pm2:04am/2:47pm2:51am/3:32pm3:36am/4:15pm4:22am/4:58pm5:07am/5:40pm5:55am/6:23pm

If You Go:Snowbird Mountain Lodge is open February through November yearly. www.snowbirdlodge.comJoyce Kilmer, poet http://www.poetryfoundation.org/bio/joyce-kilmerJoyce Kilmer Memorial Forest: http://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/nfsnc/null/recarea/?recid=48920&actid=70

roadtrips charleston

in eating us…of course there are always exceptions to that,” Joel said.

On a ten mile hike, I chatted with chef Frank Davi. He’s responsible for each guests’ three daily meals including a picnic lunch and a four-course wine dinner. “I grew up in a garden family,” he said and cooked in a pizzeria before going to culinary school. His father was a

pastry chef and his Sicilian grandmothers, who didn’t get along except in the kitchen, nurtured his love of cooking. He fondly recalled making maccaruna (a hollow pasta) with them. “My job as a kid was to grab the pasta as it’s made and put it to dry over broomsticks.” Today his signature dishes are “anything with my grandmother’s tomato sauce.” As we gingerly hiked the rocky trail, he enthused about “playing with colors in the kitchen” and described how to roast beets. “Let the beet be the star of the show, keep it simple.” Later I admired the vibrant beets artfully arranged with grilled squash, sliced mozzarella, mascarpone and Tasso ham in a salad with fresh pesto. It preceded the main course of fresh trout, a lodge favorite. “I was not prepared for such a great meal tucked back here in the hills,” wrote a recent visitor.

At Snowbird there’s time to relax completely, eat sublimely, and reconsider trees through a poet’s eyes:

“…A tree that may in summer wearA nest of robins in her hair;Upon whose bosom snow has lain;Who intimately lives with rain.Poems are made by fools like me,But only God can make a tree.”

December 18, 2015arts & events

“The Little Match Girl”O R I G I N A L B A L L E T W I T H L I V E

C H A M B E R O R C H E S T R A

JONATHAN TABBERTFor The Island Connection

The collaborative ballet company, Ballet Evolution, presents Charleston’s holiday classic “The

Little Match Girl,” an original ballet with choreography by Jonathan Tabbert and original score by Laura Ball.

Ballet Evolution highlights the future of the art form as gifted young the artists of the Charleston Youth Ballet bring this holiday classic by Hans Christian Anderson to life with live accompaniment by the acclaimed musicians of Chamber Music Charleston. Featuring beautiful choreography by Jonathan Tabbert, lavish sets by BuchannanArts and an emotional score composed by Laura Ball, this event promises to be a feast for the eyes and ears.

The “Little Match Girl” is the story of a poor child's hopes and dreams as she endeavors to sell her bundle of matches on a cold, snowy New Year's Eve. Hungry and unable to sell a single match, she strikes her bundle one by one. With each

flame the girl experiences dazzling visions of dancing embers, dancing turkeys, and shooting stars.

Ballet Evolution brings a new artistic voice to Charleston audiences with a diverse opening season. This ground breaking arts organization is designed to act as a hub for the creation of new dance works and musical compositions. Ballet Evolution will provide the highest level of quality public performances to provide an essential dance experience for patrons and enhance the current arts atmosphere of our community. Its unique programming breaks boundaries in the Charleston arts scene with seamless integration of dance, live music, and story to implement a process that revives and reinvigorates a classical arts model.

Performances are made possible by a season sponsorship by the Boeing Company.

The Little Match Girl, an original ballet with live chamber orchestraDec. 18 and 19 at 7:30 p.m. at Sottile Theatre, 44 George Street. Tickets: $13-$39, group rates available www.balletevolution.org

December 18, 2015 13

Charleston Area Therapeutic Riding breaksground on new covered arena

BY AMANDA A. GERALDFor The Island Connection

On Tuesday, Dec. 8 at 11 a.m. Charleston Area Therapeutic Riding’s Raise the Roof Campaign came to fruition with a groundbreaking ceremony

for its covered arena. CATR’s covered arena is a major facility improvement

that will end the need to cancel lessons due to inclement weather, allowing reliable therapeutic opportunities for children and adults with disabilities, including public school students and wounded military veterans.

Approximately 20 percent of lessons are canceled due to weather, and only 6 percent of those are successfully rescheduled. The “roof” will enable CATR’s Staff to

conduct lessons on rainy days and expand the program into the summer months, increasing therapeutic programs by at least 40 percent. Every added lesson is another opportunity to impact the lives of individuals with disabilities.

The construction of the arena will open the door for CATR to host Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International (PATH Intl.) educational workshops and approved training courses. A more controlled environment will make it possible for CATR to team with other institutions to conduct much-needed research about the efficacy of therapeutic riding.

The arena will be 280 feet long by 120 feet wide. Inside the roofline there will be a wheelchair accessible walkway that can also be used as a viewing and waiting area. The primary goal of the arena is to provide an environment conducive to the health and comfort of the individuals CATR serves.

The goal of the Raise the Roof Campaign is $1,500,000 to cover the complete cost of construction. With the help of many generous supporters, CATR has already raised $1,100,000. CATR is still seeking philanthropic support to complete this project. Naming opportunities are available. Please contact Amanda Gerald at info@catr-program.org for more information.

PHOTOS COURTESY CATRFrom left Meta Carter, Eileen McGuffie, Helen Warren, Margaret Blackmer, Debbie Bordeau, Karla Swain, Tim Monaghan, Pete Laurie, Gigi McShane, Jenny Messner, Ann Stanton, Chappy McKay and Murray Neale dig for some dirt.

December 18, 2015What’s hot

Stay safe this holiday season

BY BATTALION CHIEF GARY LOHRFor The Island Connection

The holiday season is already upon us, and the time spent with family and friends can provide many

cherished memories that will last us a lifetime. The members of the St. Johns Fire District want to wish you a happy, fire safe holiday, and want to take this opportunity to give you a few tips to help make the holidays safer for you and your family.

If you are cooking a holiday meal then remember that many house fires start by leaving food unattended while cooking. It’s easy to get distracted; if you have to leave the kitchen then take a pot holder with you as a reminder that you have something on the stove. Make sure to keep a kitchen fire extinguisher that’s rated for all types of fires and has a full charge. If you’re planning to deep-fry your holiday turkey, do it outside, on a flat, level surface at least 10 feet from the house.

Planning on using candles to decorate? Then it’s a good idea to maintain about a foot of space between the candle and anything that can burn. Set candles on sturdy bases or cover with hurricane globes. Never leave flames unattended. Before bed, walk through each room to make sure candles are blown out. For atmosphere without worry, consider flameless LED candles.

Ok Clark, so you’re going to hang a few decorative lights. Remember to inspect light strings and throw out any with frayed, cracked wires, or broken sockets. Don’t run more than three strings of lights end to end. Extension cords should be in good condition, grounded,

and UL-rated for indoor or outdoor use. Check outdoor receptacles to make sure the ground fault interrupters don’t trip. If they trip repeatedly, that’s a sign that they need to be replaced. When hanging lights outside, avoid using nails or staples, which can damage the wiring and increase the risk of a fire. Instead, use UL-rated clips or hangers.

If you have a fireplace then make sure you have it inspected to see if it needs cleaning. Screen the fireplace to prevent embers from popping out onto the floor or carpet, and never use flammable liquids to start a fire in the fireplace. Only burn seasoned wood or approved, manufactured logs for indoor use—no wrapping paper. When cleaning out the fireplace, put embers in a metal container and set them outside to cool for 24 hours before disposal.

Finally lets talk about your Christmas Tree. It takes less than 30 seconds for a dry tree to engulf a room in flames. To minimize risk, buy a fresh tree with intact needles, get a fresh cut on the trunk, and water it every day. A well-watered tree is almost impossible to ignite. Keep the tree away from heat sources, such as a fireplace or radiator, and out of traffic patterns. If you’re using live garlands and other greenery, keep them at least three feet away from heating sources. No matter how well the tree is watered, it will start to dry out after about four weeks, so take it down after the holidays. Artificial trees don’t pose much of a fire hazard; just make sure yours is flame-retardant.

Have a joyous and safe holiday season.

December 18, 2015 15

Joan Collar: This cleverly disguised Elf helps brings in the holidays on Kiawah

BY GREGG BRAGGThe Island Connection Staff Writer

Joan Collar has lived on Kiawah Island well beyond the 10 year average stay for full-time residents. Her smile shines and invites conversation whether you

have anything substantive to talk about or not, and there’s never an awkward moment. Socially adroit, Collar smooths across conversational speed bumps with the greatest of ease and leaves you feeling like the smart one. Try to talk about her, however, and she deftly swivels to any of a number of topics she finds more relevant.

For example, personal interests led Collar to meet tennis pro Craig Rice. Seven years ago, Rice’s 2 year old daughter, Rowan, fell prey to a still unnamed affliction which resulted in a loss of motor functions. The best/only available solution was Charleston Area Therapeutic Riding. CATR, a program which uses horseback riding to help those coping with physical or mental challenges, is now a favorite of Collar’s. She is also quick to promote the related Rowan Rice Fund. Wells Fargo administers the charity and donations collected by the bank are aimed at funding a “walking machine” which has demonstrated some promise. “There but by the grace of God go we,” says Collar.

Collar was also president of the Kiawah Island Garden Club along with Kiawah notables Pat Pachuk, Edna Roberds, and cadre of only “10 other girls.” Collar isn’t the type to think an executive title exempts her from rolling up her sleeves and working in the Kiawah Island Community Association’s makeshift greenhouse. She has done so for years. Growing plants for Kiawah’s common

areas is a budgetary shortcut leveraged by KICA, and the Garden Club is there to help. Estimates are hard to quantify, but the effort “saves KICA thousands,” says Collar modestly. KICA has built a proper greenhouse now and they donated the old one to a school on Wadmalaw where it has evolved into part of a cooperative farming project.

Her most recent assignment is on the town’s Arts Council, the committee which brings so much entertainment to the Lowcountry. Funds received by the town from the state’s accommodations tax pays for acts of all shapes and sizes. Collar was a bit surprised both by how organized the committee is and how complicated its task. Acts have to be screened, brochures designed, developed, distributed, preferably free venues booked, set up, taken down and artists have to be accommodated. The resort provides many of the venues and helps with accommodations but the committee does all the leg work. Among her favorites are the more intimate “piano bar” socials featuring Glen Brown.

Though Collar would never boast, additional accomplishments include;

1. Six years on the Kiawah Island Conservancy Board

2. Fourteen years as chair of Habitat for Humanities Gala, Auction and Dinner, which raised $120,000 last year

3. Served on POPS (an umbrella organization for

an array of social groups of varying interests and subjects)

4. A forever member of Kiawah Island Turtle PatrolEach of these is Collar’s favorite volunteer effort in

turn, but given the holiday season, her other favorite effort garners an honorable mention.

Joe Bunting was the Chief Operating Officer of KICA in 2005.

“[Joe] hired a new employee about a week before Christmas that year and assigned him the task of decorating street signs for the holidays. They looked like they had been stapled to the post,” joked Collar, “and when you complain, you end up with a job.” Enter Joan the Elf!

Armed with only a meagre budget, but with the able assistance of her acquaintances in the Garden Club, Collar has helped with the task ever since. So when you think of the lovely bows and decorations all over Kiawah, think of the girl with the ribbon in her hair who gives so freely of her time, wishing the best for everyone, every holiday season.

people you meet

A LuckyDog Favorite

Island Connection Calendar February 11MondaysIntermediate Oil ClassesAt 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 Group9 a.m. at the Lake House. The Monday Bridge Group needs new players. For more information, please contact Lori Muenow at 843.768.2314 or Ilse Calcagno at 843.768.0317.

TuesdaysMah Jongg Practice1 - 4 p.m. The 2nd, 3rd, and 4th Tuesday of the month. Located at The Lake House—Osprey 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.

BookmobileThe Charleston County Bookmobile comes to Freshfields Village on the first and third Tuesday of every month from 10 – 11:30 a.m. The Bookmobile will be parked in the lot behind Hege’s and Java Java.

LoKal Seabar Party On The PatioEvery Tuesday in October, on the outside patio from 6 to 9 p.m. A fun evening for the whole family. Come watch the sunset over Bohicket Marina while listening to DJ Jim Bowers Entertainment and enjoying LoKal’s drink specials.

WednesdaysLake House Yoga8:30 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 day’s intention, set up yourself for success and be ready to shine.

FridaysFriday Indoor Pickleball12:30 - 2:30 p.m. at St. Christopher’s Camp. For further information, please contact Mary Torello at 843.768.0056.

SaturdaysHomegrown10 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 Coffee9 - 11 a.m. The third Saturday each month at Freshfields Village.

John’s Island Regional Library’s FREE Programs for ALL AGES!December 2015

John’s Island Regional Library STORYTIMESYoung and Restless (18 to 30 months with adult)Mondays, December 21 and 28 at 10:30 a.m.Time for Twos (2-3 years old with adult)Tuesdays, December 22 and 29 at 10:30 a.m.Preschool Storytime (3-6 years with adult)Wednesdays, December 23 and 30 at 10:30 a.m.

HOLIDAY EVENTS26th Annual Holiday Festival of LightsOngoing nightly through Jan. 3 at James Island County Park. Light up your holidays with over two million gleaming lights. Journey a three-mile driving tour packed with light displays, then stretch your legs and enjoy holiday attractions within Winter Wonderland and Santa’s Village. Special event nights including movies, music and more will take place on select nights (see below). Special events

included with festival admission. For hours and fees, call 843.795.4386 or visit www.HolidayFestivalofLights.com.

Children’s Village at Magnolia PlantationA Children’s Village and a Christmas Train will make the season bright at Magnolia Plantation and Gardens starting the weekend after Thanksgiving. The Children’s Village, a cluster of nine child-sized buildings, including Santa’s workshop, candy factory and elf bunk house, will be open until Dec. 31. A Christmas Train will take up 35 passengers on 15-minute rides out the exit road and down the entrance road back to the Children’s Village each weekend until Christmas. Both are free with garden admission. Magnolia’s gates open daily at 8:30 a.m. and ticket sales end at 4:30 p.m.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 18 The Little Match GirlOriginal ballet with live chamber orchestra. Dec. 18 and 19 at 7:30 p.m. at Sottile Theatre, 44 George Street. Tickets: $13-$39. Group rates available, www.balletevolution.org.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 19A Ceremony of Carols and Classical Harp Solos The Charleston Music Club will present

a holiday benefit concert of French classical harp solos by national award winning harpist Abigail Kent followed by Benjamin Britten’s A Ceremony of Carols performed by the Cane Bay Ladies Honor Choir directed by William Bennett. The concert will begin at 7 p.m. at the French Huguenot Church, 136 Church Street., Charleston. The suggested donation of $20 for adults will fund Charleston Music Club Scholarships.

The Night Before ChristmasChamber Music Charleston brings the annual holiday Classical Kids Concert to the College of Charleston Sottile Theatre (44 George Street). 1 p.m. Concert length: 45 minutes. Tickets: $12 adults/ $6 children 4-16/ Free for children 3 and under. Group rates available. Tickets are on sale now by calling (843) 763-4941 or online at www.ChamberMusicCharleston.org

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 20Lessons & Carols10 a.m., Church of Our Savior, our-savior.net. 4468 Betsy Kerrison Parkway.

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 22 Judy Collins in Holidays & Hits8 p.m., Charleston Music Hall. Tickets can be purchased at the Charleston Music Hall Box Office: 37 John Street (843-853-2252), through the Etix Hotline: 1-800-

514-3849, or Charlestonmusichall.com. The Charleston Music Hall is located at 37 John Street in downtown Charleston.

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 24Christmas Eve at Church of Our SaviorContemporary worship 4 p.m., traditional candellit 6 p.m., 4468 Betsy Kerrison Parkway.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 25Merry Christmas!

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 31A Viennese New Year’s Eve BallCo-hosted by the Charleston Symphony Orchestra and the Gaillard Center. The grand celebration will take place at the Gaillard Center from 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. with a special performance in the Martha & John M. Rivers Performance Hall, followed by an elegant Viennese-style dinner and celebration with dancing in the Grand Ballroom. Call 843-723-7528, ext. 110 for tickets or visit www.charlestonsymphony.org.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 17Burning River Brass 7:30 p.m. at Holy Spirit Catholic Church. Ticket Release: Kiawah 11/30 Public 12/3. Visit www.kiawahisland.org for ticket details. Sponsored by the Town of Kiawah Island Arts and Cultural Events Council.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 19Play: Holiday Crafts (ages 6 and older)11 a.m., Johns Island Regional Library, make tree decorations for the holidays.

Club Anime! (grades 6-12)3-4:30 p.m., Johns Island Regional Library, view your favorite Christmas Anime episodes in this meeting including Hetalia, Fruits Basket, and Love Hina.

FRIDAY, JANUARY 8Art Film #1 Art and Craft3 p.m. Sandcastle, No Tickets Required. Sponsored by the Town of Kiawah Island Arts and Cultural Events Council.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 9Bria Skonberg Quintet7:30 p.m. Seabrook Island House, Ticket Release: Kiawah 12/21 Public 12/24. Complimentary Tickets Available at Kiawah Town Hall 843.768.9166 or online at www.kiawahisland.org/specialevents.

Sponsored by the Town of Kiawah Island Arts and Cultural Events Council.

SUNDAY, JANUARY 17Quentin Baxter Presents Chantale Gagné QuartetFeaturing Steve Wilson on Saxophones and Flute, at 7:30 p.m. Turtle Point Clubhouse. Tickets $20 available now at www.baxtermusic.com or by calling 843.766.8814. Sponsored by the Town of Kiawah Island Arts and Cultural Events Council.

Liquid Pleasure Supershow Friday, Jan. 22, 2016 at 7:30 p.m., East Beach Conf. Center. Ticket Release: Kiawah 1/5 Public 1/8. Complimentary Tickets Available at Kiawah Town Hall 843.768.9166 or online at www.kiawahisland.org/specialevents. Sponsored by the Town of Kiawah Island Arts and Cultural Events Council.

FRIDAY, JANUARY 29Art Film #2 - Life is Beautiful3 p.m. Sandcastle. No Tickets Required.

SUNDAY, JANUARY 31Washington Sax Quartet4 p.m. Church of Our Saviour. Tickets available at Kiawah Town Hall 843.768.9166 or www.kiawahisland.org

December 18

18 December 18, 2015books

NaNoWriMo:How to Write Your First Novel

BY LYNDA FOXFor The Island Connection

Have you ever wanted to write a novel but didn’t know how to get started? Or perhaps you started but immediately got stuck. If so, you’re not alone.

The NaNoWriMo principles may be able to set you on the right path. NaNoWriMo—National Novel Writing Month—is a project to help aspiring authors. Although it officially takes place in the month of November, the basic concepts can be applied any time of the year.

The reason most people fail is because they spend so much time defining characters and mapping out a plot that they never manage to actually sit down and write. And if they do start writing, they generally get bogged down in finding that perfect first sentence, that perfect first paragraph.

NaNoWriMo claims to be “a fun, seat-of-your-pants approach to creative writing,” and it lives up to that statement. Its logos proudly proclaim “No plot? No Problem!” and “50,000 Words, 30 Days, 0 Excuses.”

The idea is to just sit down and start writing. Let the words flow out of you. There will be time for editing later once you figure out what it’s all about. Just get that first draft done in 30 days. Let the novel itself tell you what it’s about. Some days you might sit down to write a chapter about a certain character doing a certain thing only to find that, at the end of the chapter, the character has actually done something completely different!

Of course editing your novel after that first 30 days can be quite a daunting task, sometimes taking ten times as long as the original writing. But by then you know what it’s all about and what you want it to say.

After the writing, NaNoWriMo might be able to help you get published. Unfortunately most publishers just aren’t interested in even looking at manuscripts from unpublished authors, especially ones without agents. If you can’t sell your book, that doesn’t mean it’s not good. There are many self-publishing businesses that offer packages starting at zero cost if you’re willing to do all the revising, editing, tweaking, formatting, cover-art designing, and proofreading.

Createspace, which is now a subsidiary of Amazon.com, does an excellent job. They produce a quality book, making it available on line as well as in some brick-and-mortar bookstores. They can even release it in an electronic version. Of course you can also order author-discounted books from them and have the books sold in local independent bookstores such as Indigo Books.

So, if you’re looking for a very different kind of experience and you don’t mind seeing what’s really inside of you waiting to be born as a novel, this is the experience for you.

Lynda Fox used the NaNoWriMo technique to write her first novel, Even Horses Have Secrets, available at Indigo Books in Freshfields and at Amazon.com. The book is an easy-reading feel-good novel about a shy young woman who brings animals into her life. She finds that animals, as well as people, can have issues that make them feel isolated and lost. But when storms come through and endanger them, if they can find enough courage to trust each other, they just might be able to find themselves. It’s narrated by several different characters including a horse and a dog. This is Lynda’s second book, her first being the photo documentary A Wood Stork Grows Up.