The Island Connection - December 5, 2014

8/10/2019 The Island Connection - December 5, 2014

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The Island

Connection

Lynn Pierotti

publisher

[email protected]

Jennifer Tuohy

managing [email protected]

Swan Richards

senior graphic designer

[email protected]

Lori McGee

sales manager

[email protected]

Sandy England

ad sales

[email protected]

Alejandro Ferreyros

graphic [email protected]

Ralph Secoy

staff photographer

Staff Writer

Gregg Bragg

Contributors

MaryLynn Haspell

Stephanie Braswell

Sarah Reynolds

Colin Cuskley

Mary Torello

Maria Gurovich

Chuck Bosshart

Dimi Matouchev

Marilyn Markel

Carol Antman

Published by

Lucky Dog Publishing

of South Carolina, LLC

P.O. Box 837

Sullivans Island, SC 29482

843-886-NEWS

Future deadlines: December 10

for submissions for the

December 19 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 ofIsland Eye News,

The Island Connection,The Folly Current

Civic CalendarKIAWAHISLANDTOWNHALL21 Beachwalker DriveKiawah Island, SC 29455Phone: 768-9166Fax: 768-4764

SEABROOKISLANDTOWNHALL2001 Seabrook Island RoadSeabrook Island, SC 29455

Phone: 768-9121Fax: 768-9830Email:[email protected]

JOHNSISLANDCOUNCILMeetings are held at the Berkeley Electric Co-oplocated at 3351 Maybank Hwy, Johns Island.Chairman Chris Cannon: 343-5113

CHARLESTONCOUNTYCOUNCIL4045 Bridge View Dr, N. Charleston958-4700t

CITYOFCHARLESTON75 Calhoun St.724-3745

2 December 5, 2014

Tue, December 9

CommunicationsCommittee Meeting3 5 p.m.Kiawah own Hall

Wed, December 10

Town PlanningCommission Meeting2:30 4:30 p.m.Seabrook own Hall

Mon, December 15

Board of Zoning andAppeals4 5 p.m.Kiawah own Hall

Tue, December 23

Ways and MeansCommittee Meeting

2 4 p.m.Kiawah own Hall

Town Council Meeting2:30 4:30 p.m.Seabrook own Hall

Thu, December 25

Kiawah Town HallClosed for ChristmasDay

Thu, January 1

Kiawah Town HallClosed for New YearsDay

Wed, January 7

Town PlanningCommission WorkSession2:30 4:30 p.m.Seabrook own Hall

Wed, January 14Town Planning

Commission Meeting2:30 4:30 p.m.Seabrook own Hall

Tue, January 27

Town Council Meeting2:30 4:30 p.m.Seabrook own Hall

Wed, February 4

Town PlanningCommission WorkSession2:30 4:30 p.m.Seabrook own Hall

Wed, February 11

Town PlanningCommission Meeting2:30 4:30 p.m.Seabrook own Hall

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National Hurricane Centerreleases Storm Surge Risk map

N O A A U R G E S T H O S E I N S T O R M S U R G E

A R E A T O B E A W A R E , P R E PA R E DSTAFF REPORT

For The Island Connection

hanks to a new education andawareness tool, anyone living inhurricane-prone coastal areas along

the U.S. East and Gulf Coasts can nowevaluate their own unique risk to stormsurge.

NOAAs National Hurricane Center

and Office for Coastal Managementnow host new high-resolution interactivenational inundation risk maps and datavia an online web mapping service.

Approximately 22 million people inthe U.S. are vulnerable to storm surge. Itsresponsible for about half the deaths in

the United States due to tropical cyclones,and many evacuation routes becomeinundated in a variety of scenarios. Tismap makes it clear that storm surge is notjust a beachfront problem, with the risk ofstorm surge extending several miles fromthe immediate coastline in some areas.

These screenshots of the new NOAAs storm surge maps show the islands potential inundation at Category 1 and at Category 5 levels.


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Florida has a particularly large vulnerablepopulation, with about 40 percent of itsresidents at risk to storm surge flooding.

NHC utilizes the hydrodynamicSea, Lake, and Overland Surges fromHurricanes (SLOSH) model to simulatestorm surge in 27 basins along the U.S. East

and Gulf Coasts. Based on climatology,tens of thousands of hypotheticalhurricanes are simulated in each basin andthe potential storm surges are calculated.Composites of the resulting storm surgesare created to assess and visualize overallstorm surge risk based on a wide range ofpossibilities.

Previous versions of this informationwere created for geographica lly disparateareas and did not provide a nationalperspective. Te fragmented data createdconfusion and a technical barrier tounderstanding and analyzing nationalvulnerability. Te new national mapprovides a better way to view, analyze,

and communicate national storm surgeflooding risk, and it greatly reducesconfusion.

You dont have to think very hardabout it, just look at your location on thenational map to find out if you are in anarea at risk for storm surge from a future

tropical storm or hurricane, Brian Zachry,Ph.D., NHC storm surge specialist, said.What should individuals do if they

discover that they live in an area vulnerableto storm surge? You should find outtoday if you live in a hurricane storm surgeevacuation zone as determined by yourlocal emergency management agency,Dr. Rick Knabb, Director of the NationalHurricane Center, said. If you do live inan evacuation zone, decide today whereyou will go and how you will get there, ifand when youre instructed by emergencymanagers to evacuate.

View the maps online at www.nhc.noaa.gov/surge.


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CORRECTION

In an article titled Kiawah ownCouncil, November 4, 2014 inthe Nov. 21 edition of Te Island

Connection an incorrect report was maderegarding which councilmembers votedfor and against two amendments to the

motion to purchase the Betsey KerrisonParkway Property. Te Island Connectionregrets the error.

Below is a correct summary of the votescast on the amendments to the motion topurchase the 21 acre piece of propertyfor $2,000,000, the actual vote for theproperty passed 5-0.

Council discussed two amendments tothe vote: purchase the property but notclose until the existing lease agreement isfulfil led; or purchase and close by Nov. 14

with the exist ing lease agreement in placeuntil Dec. 31, which would mean that thecurrent tenant, Sidi Limehouse owner ofthe Rosebank Farms stand, could remainuntil that date.

A motion was made by councilman

Murphy to approve the proposedAgreement to Buy and Sell dated June5, 2014 as it now exists for the propertylocated on Betsy Kerrison and consistingof approximately 21 acres for a purchaseprice of $2,000,000. Te closing onthis property shall take place when allencumbrances are removed as anticipatedin the Agreement. Councilman Patchseconded the motion.

Te votes were as follows: Richard E.Murphyyes/in favor, John D. Labriolano/opposed, Mary Q. Johnsonno/opposed, Lauren D. Patchyes/in favor,Charles R. Lipumano/opposed. Temotion failed by a 3 to 2 vote.

Mayor Lipuma then made a motionto approve the proposed Agreement toBuy and Sell dated June 5, 2014 withthe proposed Tird amendment for theproperty located on Betsy Kerrison. Tethird amendment specified that Buyeris willing to close on the property on orabout November 14, 2014 subject tothis lease agreement; provided, however,Sellers agree that Sellers; will deposit atclosing $20,000.00 into a separate escrowaccount. Buyer will accept the propertysubject to the referenced lease agreement.Sidi Limehouse shall have a ten day graceperiod beyond December 31, 2014 tovacate the Property. Should he not do soby January 10, 2015, Sellers agree that the$20,000.00 in escrow shall be forfeited

immediately to the own. Te closing onthe property shall take place on or beforeNov. 14, 2014. Labriola seconded themotion.

Te votes were as follows: RichardE. Murphyno/opposed, John D.Labriolayes/in favor, Mary Q.

Johnsonyes/in favor, Lauren D. Patchno/opposed, Charles R. Lipumayes/infavor. Te motion passed by a 3 to 2 vote.

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Exchange Club presents$11,000 in donations

Director Roger Steel presents a check from the Kiawah/Seabrook Exchange Club

to Sea Island Habitat for Humanitys representatives Elizabeth Paul (Development

Director) and John Rhoden (Executive Director).

Charleston Symphony Orchestra Education Programs in the Schools receives a

donation from the Kiawah/Seabrook Exchange Club, pictured are Monica Jenks

(Director of Advancement), Janice Crews (Education Director) and Roger Steel, of the

Exchange Club.


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Our World continued from cover

differentiator when compared to othercoastal new communities, Permar said.

Te Environmental Science committeeof the Kiawah Conservancy recentlycompleted a review of much of the1975 report. Te committee focused ondetermining the effects of developmenton the environment and on identifying

topics that may need further study. Tesummary report, which brings togetherthe Committees work with informationfrom many other environmental studies onKiawah, is available on the Conservancys

website (www.kiawahconservancy.org).Te speakers at the symposium

were Professor John Mark Dean of theUniversity of South Carolina, one of theauthors of the 1975 report, and Permar,

who played such a key role in planningKiawah around its beautiful naturalenvironment. Te evening also included apanel discussion involving representativesof every aspect of life on Kiawah includingthe own of Kiawah Island, the KiawahIsland Community Association, theKiawah Island Golf Resort and Kiawah

Partners.Te special event was part of the longtradition of KICAs Our World eventsat the Sandcastle. Te complimentaryeducational lecture series brings avariety of experts to the island to makepresentations and share their knowledge.Refreshments are always available,attendance is excellent and the interaction

with speakers makes the experience verypersonal. Few such events, however, havebeen as stately and as personal as thisone. KICA and the Kiawah Conservancy

outdid themselves with a next levelcornucopia of refreshments. Jack Kotzmanaged the floor while paging through aslide show of photographs that illustratedthe sections of the report.

Te well-executed idea was to pepper

in cameo appearances from peoplelike KICAs Jimmy Bailey.Bailey mentioned his mother had visitedKiawah some years ago. Her observationof the present, said Bailey, was Tis placeis just so outstanding. Its the same as Iremember it from the time we visited it

when I was a child. It was the perfectsegue for a list of guest speakers to discuss40 Years of Designing with Naturestarting with Professor John Mark Dean,Emeritus Professor Biology, University of

South Carolina.In 1974 there were no regulations and

it was typical to build as close to the oceanas possible. But the Kuwaitis did morethan was demanded, Dean said. ogether,Dean and the Kuwaitis raised the bar forcoastal development, conducting the firstenvironmental inventories, and embracingthe philosophy that healthy dunesresult in a healthy beach, not groins or

revetments.In fact, we have the Folly Beach grointo thank for accreting nearly ten feet ofbeach/year on Kiawah, Dean said. Heconcluded by remarking Te Kuwaitis[including Dean, it should be noted] tookthe time to see what they had and we arethe beneficiaries.

Frank Brumley, Chairman and CEO ofthe Daniel Island Company, was involvedin every stage of Kiawahs development,from the Kuwaitis to Kiawah DevelopmentPartners. Brumley had several anecdotes toshare. For example, shortly after Kiawah

was purchased from the Kuwaitis for $105million, his boss would goad he and PatMcKinney to sell something. Tis placeis costing me $38,000 a day. Of coursetaunting employees may not have been agood idea since they carried rifles at thetime.

Tere were wild hogs on the islandback then and if we got the chance, we

would shoot them, and give them to peopleon Johns Island, Brumley said. One dayI saw a good sized hog and shot it. I calledto have someone come pick it up and asI described the location, I was informedthat I had shot the bait hog loaned to us bya local farmer [to draw in the wild hogs].

We were explaining that for a while, he

said amidst laughter.Mark Permar of Permar Associates, is a

venerated Kiawah icon. He began his partof the presentation by saying 40 yearsago, I was six foot, two and had thick,dark hair. Permar, it seems, had grownaccustomed to hearing you have to seethis site from the myriad developers

with whom he worked. When his wife,Diana, said the same thing in reference

to Kiawah, it gave him pause. When hefinally saw Kiawah for the first time withits collision of maritime forests, streams,

wetlands and beach fields I knew shewas right, he said, his voice breaking withgenuine emotion.

Te prevailing notion at the time wasbigger beach set backs meant less revenue.However, by recommending that buildersmove further back from the ocean,Permar Associates actually increased thevalue of ocean front properties. Teyalso enhanced privacy and at the sametime, created a communal resource thateveryone could enjoy, without walkingthrough someones back yard to get there,Permar said. Despite another changein developer, that thinking has carriedforward to the present efforts at Ocean

Park. By building away from the ocean,we have more green space and more of thenature we all love, but not the itchy part,concluded Permar.

Residents never seem to tire of hearinghistorical accounts of Kiawah. 40 Yearsof Designing with Nature steepedlisteners in the old tales of Jeep safaris and

wild horses, while showing a future fullof promise. It was definitely another Our

World success story.

PHOTO BY TINA SCHELL

Mark Permar


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Serving Mom continues from cover

soldiers serving their country.She determined to do something about it; she threw a

Christmas party.Tis wasnt your typical Christmas party. She set up

in her garage in Pennsylvania, where she was living,and invited people to come with shoeboxes. Tere werethirty five in allthe number of men serving in her sonsplatoon. Guests filled the shoe boxes with sundry items

that soldiers needed and would enjoy. Tus a traditionwas born.

Every year since that first party in Pennsylvaniaandthere were three of them before Carrington moved toKiawah in 2009Carrington has continued the event.Once it transferred to Kiawah the party started to growto such an extent that people ask about it all year long.Participation too has grown and grown.

Upon moving to Kiawah, Carrington says, I knew Ineeded to do itI treat it like Christmas, and I knew Icouldnt not do it.

Since then, her own son has been through threedeployments. And each year, several military companiesare identified and designatedthrough friends orassociates who know of someone serving a deploymentto be recipients of the packed-to-the-brim shoeboxes.

Held well in advance of Christmas to allow for mailingtimethis years party was on November 16shoeboxesare donated by local businesses, individuals and this yeara local church. Invitees are asked to bring books, cds,sewing kits, hand warmers, snacks, socksjust aboutanything that can be packed easily and will not spoil orcrumble.

Once the guests arrive, they roll up their sleeves and goto work. Te screened-in porch of Carringtons graciousand festively decorated home is jammed with long tableswhere guests efficiently pack and gift wrap the boxes,with a system that works with conveyor-belt precision.Te boxes are then neatly stacked inside the living roomto await transportation to the post office. Last year, twohundred boxes were sent out. Tis year, there were wellover three hundred.

Its not just about the amount of boxes, says Carrington.Its about the feeling that goes into packing those boxesand getting them sent out.

Everybody wants to do something, she says. Tis(the party) gives people a venue to do it in.

What I appreciate is that people are here and theyllbe here again and again, says Barbara Sandy, whoseson is a veteran of several deployments. Teres a lot ofpatriotism, but its more than that. Its about somebodysson or daughter being away for Christmas.

Pictures of the service personnel whose companies arereceiving the shoeboxes are displayed on a table in themiddle of Carringtons living room to make the efforts ofthe busy guests feel even more real and personal.

You cant imagine how appreciated those shoeboxesare, says First Lieutenant Charles Bausman, a marinewhose company was among the recipients of last yearsshoeboxes.

Everybodys hands touch those boxes, says Carrington.She modestly downplays her involvement saying, Imjust a mom who needed to do something.

How long will she continue to have these parties? Aslong as she needs to, Carrington says. She adds, What Ipray is that one year I wont have to do it.

Theres a lot of

patriotism, but

its more than

that. Its about

somebodys son

or daughter

being away for

Christmas.

Barbara Sandy

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Make spirits bright this year at the25th anniversary of the belovedHoliday Festival of Lights! With

an estimated two million shimmeringlights, Charlestons most popular holidayevent runs through Jan. 1, 2015 at JamesIsland County Park.

More than four million people havetoured the Holiday Festival of Lights,

which is hosted by the Charleston CountyPark and Recreation Commission at theagencys James Island County Park. Teevent has received many awards andmentions in publications throughout thecountry, and the three-mile driving tourdelivers more every year. Remember, theHoliday Festival of Lights is much morethan just a driving tour! Park the car and

experience exciting attractions custom-designed for holiday cheer. Tere are manycelebrated attractions to see and activitiesto do, including:

Marshmallow Roasting Festival rain Rides Lakeside Lights Interactive

Activity Te Amazing Dancing Light

Display Enchanted Walking rail

Old-Fashioned Carousel Unique Gift Shops and the

Reindeer Workshop Santas Sweet Shoppe New family photo opp location Special Family Events on select

evenings, including photos withSanta, live music and more.

Whats NEW at this years Festival

Guests to this years festival may winof one of our silver anniversary celebrationsurprises! One lucky guest each evening ofthe festival will receive a special gift va luedat $25 as they drive through the park gates.Charleston County Parks will also giveaway a 5-night cruise as part of this yearscelebration. No purchase is necessary for

the cruise sweepstakes; all entrants canenter to win at CharlestonCountyParks.com/Sweepstakes between Nov. 1 andDec. 31.

Tere is so much to see at the festivalevery night! See our nightly calendar ofevents below for a list of special eventstaking place on select nights, and join usin 2014 as we celebrate 25 years of makingspirits bright. o view the Holiday Festivalof Lights Special Events Calendar visit

www.holidayfestivaloflights.com.

Celebrate the seasonwith the Holiday of Lights

BY SARAH REYNOLDSFor The Island Connection

Light up the holiday withThe Little Match Girl

BY STEPHANIE BRASWELLFor The Island Connection

Charleston Dance Institute presents Te Little Match GirlSunday, December 7, 3:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., East BeachConference Center

Te story is a timeless tale of the resi lience of the human spirit. A younggirl is selling matches, barefoot in the snow on the last day of the year.

Alone, freezing, and unable to sell a single match, the little match girlhuddles into a corner to stay warm. She lights a single match, holding itstiny flame cupped in her palms, and there, in the flickering of the flame, sheis able to escape her reality for a fleeting moment, Charleston City Paper.

Sponsored by the own of Kiawah Island Art s Council. Complimentaryickets are available at the Visitors Center at Kiawah Island own Hall.For more in formation call 843.768.9166.

arts & eventsarts & events


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arts & events

2014 CharlestonVeterans Day Parade

BY RALPH SECOYFor The Island Connection

he Ralph H. Johnson VA MedicalCenter Voluntary ServicesDepartment organized this years

Charleston Veterans Day Parade. TeVoluntary Services Department is headedby Fred Lesinski with his staff of Vicki L.Johnson and others.

Te Parade was a tremendous successwith over 1,000 participating Vets and

numerous supporters lining the paraderoute. Tis event included a Flyover, a verylarge contingent of motorcycles, ColorGuards, ROC Units, Bands, Floats, aBomb Disposal Robot, and supportivefamily members.

Veterans from World War II,Korea, Vietnam, Iraq and Afghanistanappreciated the recognition and honor ofPHOTOS BY RALPH SECOY

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arts & events

their service and sacrifice.Te Charleston VA Hospital Voluntary

Services Office presented this event. Teyorganize volunteers and donations to fundseveral programs that cannot be done withtax dollars due to legal restrictions: bustickets home, newspapers for inpatients,coffee in waiting rooms, meals for visiting

family, last wish vacations, transportation,and more. In 2013 Volunteer hours were63,700 and donations totaled $642,000.Please visit the Johnson VA MedicalCenter Voluntary Services at www.charleston.va.gov/giving to volunteer ordonate.

PHOTOS BY RALPH SECOY

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Homegrown HolidayBazaar helps you

shop local this seasonSTAFF REPORT


he Homegrown Holiday BazaarSaturday, Dec. 6, 2014 from 2 to

6 p.m. at 3546 Maybank Highway(site of the Johns Island Farmers Marketwhich will be running from 9 a.m. 1p.m. that day). Te event is brought toyou by Homegrown Johns Island FarmersMarket and Sea Islands Chamber ofCommerce.

Tere will be many loca l vendors on sitejust in time to get your holiday shoppingdone. Afterwards, visit the Gift WrapStation and the many Silent Auction itemsup for bid. Te Holiday Hayride featuresseasonal displays created by local areaschools. Vote for your favorite display andthe winning class wins a special prize.

Local restaurants and food vendors will

be there along with warm drinks, beer andwine. Te V-ones of Charleston will be

providing music during the afternoon.Fun activities for kids will also be on

hand, including several seasonal-themedgames, crafts, cookie decorating, anda bounce house. Get your photo takenwith Santa Claus or with holiday props.Te Homegrown Holiday Bazaar is yourone-stop shop for all things local andfestive.

Admission is free. To find out more aboutthe Homegrown Holiday Bazaar, call Karenat 843.793.1234 or visit facebook.com/homegrownholidaybazaar.

In early July,1864, 5,000 Uniontroops landed on Seabrook Island andmarched up Johns Island in an effort to

flank Confederate forces on James Islandand help in the capture of Charleston. Bythe evening of July 4th, after two daysof hard marching in the Lowcountryssweltering heat, they were camped aroundBrickhouse Plantation at the intersectionof River Rd and Legareville Rd. (neartodays Bryans Dairy Rd.)

Opening SkirmishOn the morning of July 5, 1864, the

Union forces on Johns Island were in anexcellent position. Tey had established

a supply base and line of retreat atLegarev ille on the Stono River. RiverRd was open for many miles east andnorth where they could secure the westbank of the Stono River and threatenthe Confederate forces across the river.However, Confederate reinforcements hadbegun to arrive on the north end of JohnsIsland and, as importantly, Major JohnJenkins the commander of Confederateforces on the Island had returned to hispost. A native of Edisto Island, Jenkinshad commanded the Confederate forcesduring the vigorous defense at HauloverCut in February when, outnumbered,they had repulsed a Union force of 4,000troops during three days of battle.

On uesday morning the 5th, Major

Jenkins sent scouts down River Rd todetermine the disposition and intent ofthe enemy. When he learned that theFederals under the command BrigadierGeneral John P. Hatch were advancingup River Rd. he sent part of his forcesto delay their advance. Te much largerFederal force consisted of two brigades,one under the command Colonel WilliamDavis of the 104th Pennsylvania Regimentand the other under Brigadier GeneralRufus Saxton. At the same time Jenkinstook command of the recently arrived1st Georgia regiment, including someartillery, and marched down Bohicket Rd

from Maybank Highway, known then asFenwick Rd. Te Confederates turnedleft on Edenvale Rd. and came up on theFederals flank and rear at the intersectionwith R iver Rd, called Huntscums cornerat the time. Tere they surprised androuted two companies of the 26th NewYork Colored Infantry who retreatedback southwest to Brickhouse Plantation.By this time the larger Union force oftwo brigades had advanced up RiverRd almost to Plow Ground Rd. Jenkinsaction had theoretically cut them off fromtheir supply line at Legareville.

Teir rear under threat, the Uniontroops halted at Burdens Creek just belowPlow Ground Rd and sent Saxtons Brigadeto repel Jenkins and relieve the 26th

The Battle ofBurden's CausewayP A R T I I F I V E D A Y S O F B A T T L E

BY COLIN CUSKLEYFor The Island Connection

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regiment. Jenkins realized that his smallcontingent could never prevail squeezedagainst the large force to his north and theremainder of the 26th New York to his

south. He reversed his route and retreatedback up Edenvale and Bohicket. He hadaccomplished his purpose of diverting anddelaying the main Union advance.

Te Battleground SetMeanwhile Confederate troops from

the 2nd South Carolina and 32nd Georgiaregiments had arrived around WaterlooPlantation north of Plow Ground Rd.Federal Brigadier Hatch, unsure of whathe faced on his front, entrenched in astrong position at Burdens Causewaywith the creek and marsh on his front, theStono on his right and thick Lowcountryjungle on his left. Tis is as far as theUnion forces would get. By nightfall on the5th there were hundreds of Confederatetroops and 4 pieces of artillery blockingtheir way.

Wednesday morning, July 6th, foundthe Confederates entrenched in the fieldnorth of, and parallel to, Plow Ground Rd.Te Rebels were about a half mi le from theUnion lines along the woods just north ofBurdens Creek along the road. GeneralSaxtons brigade was still returning fromtheir chase of Major Jenkins at HuntscumsConer the previous day. By then MajorJenkins had circled around up BohicketRd and down Maybank Highway totake command on the front. He beganactively shelling the Union forces withhis few artillery pieces. Federal GeneralHatch had troops reconnoitering the

Rebel batteries across the Stono River onJames Island. His intent was to establishbatteries on Johns Island to fire onthem across the river. He also sent a few

companies of African American troopsforward to test the Confederate defenses.Tey were driven back by the hot fire ofthe Confederate batteries and troops.

Te most notable event of the daywas the wounding of Colonel Davis whohad been in tactical command of theUnion forces. He had gone forward toview the Confederate defenses and whilelooking through his telescope observed aConfederate artillery piece load, a im andfire directly towards his party. Toughhe ducked behind a small tree he wasseriously wounded in his right handand arm requiring his evacuation tomedical facilities in the rear. Te overallcommander, General Hatch also retired toa more central position of command fromthe relative safety of a Federal ship in the

Stono River. Tis left Brigadier Saxton incommand.

Nothing major had been accomplishedfor the day except the reinforcement andstrengthening of the Confederate line.On James Island the opposing forces hadcontinued shelling and firing at each otherwith casualties but likewise, no significantchange in their positions. Te main lineson James Island ran east from BatteryPringle on the Stono River across fromwhere the Executive Airport is today. Testrong Union line on Johns Island was abit north of this. Te Federals had alreadyflanked the Confederate positions on

James Island and had ful l naval controlof the Stono River.

Day of FightingOn Tursday, July 7, the Union

commander Saxton sent skirmishersout to test the Rebel lines and broughtforward his artillery to begin shelling.But after a few hours the Federal fireslackened and the front was quiteexcept for occasionally exchanges of

gunfire. Major Jenkins was surprisedthat his opponents were not attackingmore vigorously as he was outnumberedmore than 5 to 1. Finally about 5 p.m.General Saxton ordered an advance.He sent a group of sharpshooters toengage and distract the enemy on hisright while the 26th New York ColoredRegiment was ordered forward onthe left. Te 26th had battled MajorJenkins at Hunstcums Corner twodays earlier and had spent most of thenext day marching up to the positionat Burdens Creek. Tey had been

resting in the rear of the Federal lines onthe morning of the 7th but were orderedforward through the lines to reach theirjumping off point.

Te 26th attacked across the field thatis now in the north east corner of theintersection at River and Plow Groundroads. Tey succeeded in turning theConfederate line, and if supportedproperly, would have been able to flank andsurround the entire Confederate position.General Saxton had several other freshregiments readily available to supportthem but failed to send any forward.Te Commander of the 26th, ColonelWilliam Stillman, was a lso wounded justas they reached the Confederate linesfurther demoralizing the troops.

Te Confederate troops put up avigorous defense especially from the 2ndSouth Carolina Cavalry Regiment. roopsfrom the 1st Georgia Regulars were pulledfrom the center of the Confederate line and

moved west to counterattack the 26th. Tefighting between the Rebel troops and theAfrican-American regiment was especiallyfierce because of the enmity between thetwo. Yet the Federal command continuedto fail to press the attack with additionaltroops despite the weakened Confederatedefenses. Finally the 157th New York wassent forward but only after the 26th hadbegun to retreat. Union Colonel Davis,who had been wounded and sent to therear the previous day, noted there was alack of judgment in handling the troops,a scathing observation by the overly politestandards of written commentary of theday.

An interesting side note for the 26thRegiment is that the actor and singerVanessa Williams great-great-grandfatherserved in the 26th and was very likelya participant in the battle of BurdensCauseway.

Retreat From VictoryFriday, July 8th saw no change in

the position of the opposing forces.Confederate forces continued to be

reinforced and Brigadier General B.H.Robertson arrived to take command. Hecontinued to rely on the expert advice ofMajor Jenkins and Captain John BasnettLegare Walpole of the Stono Scouts. TeFederals also received reinforcements andGeneral Hatch was ordered to return tothe Island and take direct commandof the troops. Tere were some activeartillery exchanges in the morning but nosignificant fighting occurred that day aseach side consolidated their positions.

General Robertson was determined togo on the offense on July 9th. He formedall of his troops into two lines, the firstcommanded by Colonel George Harrisonof the 32nd Georgia, the second by MajorJenkins. At dawn, Colonel Harrisonsmen advanced across the field to attackthe Union front line along Plow Ground.Within a half hour he had driven back theFederals, across the bridge over BurdensCreek to their second line on the southside of the creek and marsh. ToughJenkins had been ordered to remain inreserve in case Harrisons troops wererepulsed, he nevertheless advanced insupport. Te full Confederate forceincluding all their artillery pressed hard onthe Union defenses across the creek. Butbeing heavily outnumbered and attackingacross the swampy ground against strongentrenchments the Confederates wereunable to advance any further. GeneralRobertson ordered Harrison and Jenkinsto end the assault for the day and hold theground they had gained.

Despite the setback, the Federals werein a good position. Tey defended a st rongline with a creek and marsh at their front,river on one flank and impassable woodsand swamp on the other. Tey heavilyoutnumbered the Confederates. Teycould have safely built batteries on JohnsIsland (near todays executive airport) andshelled the Confederate defenses acrossthe Stono on James Island. However, theFederals had had enough. On the night ofthe 9th they retreated back down RiverRd. and out to Legareville were theyboarded transports and left Johns Island,thereby snatching defeat from the jaws ofvictory.

islands at war

A Union battery in action at the annual Legare Farms reenactment. PHOTO BY COLIN CUSKLEY


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December 5, 2014Island Connection Calendar January 2

NGOING EVENSondays

PS Bible Study0 a.m. at the Sandcastle

onday Bridge Groupe Monday Bridge Group needs newyers. 9 a.m. at the Lake House. Forre information, please contact Lori

uenow at 843.768.2314 or Ilse Calcagno43.768.0317.

brook Stitcherse Lake House, every Monday from 11

m. - 1 p.m. For more information, please

contact Denise Doyon at [email protected].

Tuesdays

Mah Jongg Practice2nd, 3rd, and 4th uesday of the month,Te Lake HouseOsprey 2, 1 - 4 p.m.Open to all new players, those returningto the game, and anyone else who wantsa chance to practice with others whoare learning the game. If you have anyquestions, please contact Helen Tompsonat [email protected].

Kick it at Bohicket

Free family fun at Bohickett Marina, 6 to 9p.m. featuring music, face painting, balloonartists and a jump castle.

Fridays

Preschool ZoneFridays in April at 10:30 a.m., 351 MaybankHighway, Johns Island Regional Library.3-6 years old with adult. Call 843.559.1945for more information.

Saturdays

December 13 and 20 Bohicket Marinapresents Sunset & Santa from 2 5 p.m.Santa and his helper will be greeting kids ofall ages. Tere will be a face painter and DJJim Bowers playing all your favorite HolidayBeach Music.

HomegrownJohns Island Farmers Market. EverySaturday at 3546 Maybank HighwayJohns Island 9 a.m. 1 p.m. www.johnsislandfarmersmarket.com. UpdateDecember 13 homegrown hours change to

winter hours, 10 a.m. 2 p.m.

Holiday Craft Classes for 5 12 year olds10 a.m. 12 p.m.Children will be able to choose from avariety of projects (or choose them all!).Te class will work with natural elementsto celebrate the season! aught by motherdaughter artist duo Sally Collins andKC Collins. $35 Members, $45 Non-Members per one day class. Regis ter forboth days and get $5 off total. CircularCongregational Church Wingard Room,150 Meeting St.

Ongoing

Holiday Festival of Lights, James IslandCounty ParkOngoing Nightly through Jan. 1.Special events are included with festivaladmission fees. For festival hours andfees, call 843.795.4386 or visit www.HolidayFestivalofLights.com.Dec. 5: Visit with Mrs. Claus, 5:30 p.m.Ask a Caw Caw Naturalist, 6 p.m.Dec. 6: Stiltwalker, 6 p.m.Dec. 7: Visit with Mrs. Claus, 5:30 p.m.Dec. 9: Storytelling, 6:30 & 7:30 p.m.Dec. 11: Performance by Lowcountry PowerBrass, 6 8 p.m.Dec. 12: Visit with Mrs. Claus, 5:30 p.m.Ask a Caw Caw Naturalist, 6 p.m.Dec. 13: Holiday Carolers, 6 8 p.m.Dec. 14: Visit with Mrs. C laus, 5:30 p.m.Dec. 16: Storytelling, 6:30 & 7:30 p.m.Dec. 18: Performance by Lowcountry PowerBrass, 6 8 p.m.Dec. 19: Visit with Mrs. Claus, 5:30 p.m.Ask a Caw Caw Naturalist, 6 p.m.Dec. 20: Visit with Mrs. Claus, 5:30 p.m.Holiday Carolers, 6 8 p.m.Dec. 21: Visit with Mrs. Claus , 5:30 p.m.Dec. 23: Storytellin g, 6:30 & 7:30 p.m.

Dec. 31: Stiltwalker, 6 p.m. and Fireworks,9 p.m.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 6

Celebrate the Eastern Bluebird10 a.m. We will create a take-home bluebirdplush toy, walk Sewees bluebird naturetrail and check out last years nestingboxes. Free Program at the Sewee Visitor &Environmental Education Center.

Homegrown Holiday Bazaar2 6 p.m. Join us for an afternoon ofHoliday Shopping, Silent Auctions,Hayrides, Games, Food rucks, Beer &

Wine, and Live Music from Te V-onesof Charleston! 3546 Maybank Hwy, JohnsIsland. Brought to you by Johns IslandFarmers Market and Sea Islands Chamberof Commerce.

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 7

Holiday Open House4 6 p.m. Te Seabrook Island GardenClub invites ALL island residents to attendour Holiday Open House. Ple ase join us forfood, friendship, and fun.

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 9

Kiawah Island Garden Club Workshops9:30 and 11 a.m. wo workshops will beoffered to make Christmas decorationsfor members mailboxes. Held at the BlueHeron Pond Pavilion.

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 10

Christmas Is Being With Your Friends

4 p.m. Te Island Choraliers presentChristmas is being with your friends. 14thannual Holiday Concert featuring the SeaIsland Lady Singers. Performances will beDecember 10 at the Church of our S avior at4 p.m. and December 11 t Bishop GadsdenCommunity at 3 p.m.

Kiawah Island Garden Club Workshop9:30 a.m. A workshop with the KICAmaintenance staff to make swags anddecorations for all the signs on Kiawah.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 11

Calling All Hoosiers

6 8 p.m. Seabrook Islanders with anattachment to the State of Indiana arepreparing to celebrate the anniversaryof the states admittance into the Unionon December 11, 2014. See story page9. Contact Max Willis at 768.8301 [email protected].

oys for ots Pickup SetTis years Holiday oys for ots pickup hasbeen set from 12 2 p.m. at the Seabrookownhall.

MONDAY, DECEMBER 15

Kiawah Island Garden Club ea3 5 p.m. Te Kiawah Island ClubChristmas ea in the Morning room at theSanctuary.

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 17

Round able Discussion withCouncilwoman Johnson12:30 p.m. Discuss concerns and issueswith Councilwoman Anna Johns on of

Charleston County District 8 at the JohnsIsland Regional Library.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 19

Te Nutcracker comes to the SottileTeatre10 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. o help put us in theholiday spirit, the Coastal Ballet Teatrewill be performing the Nutcracker onDecember 19th at the Sottile Teatre. Terewill be two performance s: 10 a.m. and7:30 p.m. ickets a re available at https://adobeformscentral.com/?f=6n1FR60fP0-JHXPmB072w#.

FRIDAY, JANUARY 16

Seabrook Island Natural History GroupsAnnual Soup Supper5:30 p.m. Bring your favorite soup, chili,dessert or bread to share with the group-enough for 10 people, or enough for 20people if you bring more than two guests.Te Soup Stallions will be available at boththe front entrance and the back parking lotto assist you with your contribution for thesupper. Te club will provide water, coffeeand tea as well as plates, utensils, ice wine,beer, soda and mixed drinks by the glass (no

BYOB, please). Tis event will be heldIsland House at t he Club, members paguests of members pay $17.

JANUARY 23-25, 2015

Kiawah Comedy WeekendJoin us for this inaugu ral comedy weekfeaturing two nights of nonstop laughtwith some of the nations most acclaimcomedians. Tis event is located at theKiawah island Golf Resort.

December 5


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14 December 5, 2014

daily volunteer spotlight

Frank CassidyINTERVIEW BY MARIA GUROVICH


Residents of Kiawah Island, Frankand Kathy Cassidy, have beenmarried for over 45 years. Tey are

originally from New Jersey, where Frankhad a long career with Public ServiceEnterprise Group. Tey have two childrenand one granddaughter. Frank currentlyserves on the boards of Our Lady ofMercy Community Outreach, the StormEye Institute at MUSC, and CalpineCorporation. He devotes his spare time tohis passions: golf and bicycling.

Frank has always been involved andgave back to the community. In NewJersey, he was always active in parishwork, including a tour as president of theparish council.

I was introduced to OLM Outreachby a friend, and after a tour we became

donors and volunteers, remembers Frank.Since then, Frank has been involved withOur Lady of Mercy Community Outreachas a Board member, food room, f ront desk,and auction volunteer. He points out thathe loves volunteering with the Outreachbecause the staff is fun to work with andthe work is important to the lives of ourclients.

o those who are thinking of trying toget involved, he would say: Your time,talent, and treasure are needed, and itshard to conceive of a more worthwhileorganization.

For more information on how toget involved with Our Lady of MercyCommunity Outreach contact MariaGurovich via phone 843.559.4109 or [email protected].

Editors Note: Volunteer Spotlight is a column in Te Island Connection highlightingmembers of the community who give their time to help others. If you know of a volunteer who

deserves the spotlight email [email protected].

Frank Cassidy

Seabrook Islandwelcomes Pickleball

BY MARY TORELLOFor The Island Connection

Never underestimate the power of fun! Come join in the newestkeep-fit sport to arrive on Seabrook. Pickleball is a racquet sportthat combines the elements of tennis, badminton and table

tennis. Using a hard paddle and a plastic, wiffle style ball, the play takesplace on a badminton sized court.

Players meet every Friday from 12:30-2:30 p.m. Pickleball is a gamefor everyone and all adults are invited! Te USAPA currently estimatesthere are more than 100,000 players actively playing pickleball. Tis isnot a SI club or SIPOA related activity. Interested parties should [email protected] for further details.

o view a video of pickleball in action visit www.youtube.com/watch?v=8V9X9B2cL_Q.


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December 5, 2014 15

arts & events

Tide ChartDate High Tide Low Tide

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

wrong so use common sense.

Dec 5

Dec 6

Dec 7

Dec 8

Dec 9

Dec 10

Dec 11

Dec 12

Dec 13Dec 14

Dec 15

Dec 16

Dec 17

Dec 18

Source: saltwatertides.com

6:54am/7:15pm

7:40am/8:01pm

8:23am/8:46pm

9:04am/9:28pm

9:45am/10:11pm

10:24am/10:54pm

11:05am/11:39pm

11:47am

12:27am/12:33pm1:19am/1:22pm

2:13am/2:15pm

3:07am/3:09pm

4:00am/4:03pm

4:52am/4:55pm

12:24am/1:09pm

1:11am/1:56pm

1:57am/2:40pm

2:40am/3:23pm

3:22am/4:03pm

4:04am/4:43pm

4:46am/5:23pm

5:30am/6:04pm

6:18am/6:47pm7:12am/7:35pm

8:09am/8:25pm

9:08am/9:18pm

10:06am/10:10pm

11:00am/11:01pm

SINHG Soup Suppertickets now on sale

CHUCK BOSSHARTFor The Island Connection

he Seabrook Island Natural History Groups Annual SoupSupper tickets are now on sale. Te Soup Supper is scheduledfor 5:30 p.m. January 16, 2015 in the Atlantic Room at

the Seabrook Island Club. Cost for members is $13 and guests ofmembers $17.

Bring your favorite soup, chili, dessert or bread to share with thegroup (enough for ten people). Te Soup Stallions wil l be availableat both the front entrance and the back parking lot to assist you

with your contribution for the supper. We will provide water, coffeeand tea as well as plates, utensils and ice. Please label all pots, lids,and ladles.

Again this year, Chef Randy has cha llenged SINHG to a SoupTrowdown. If you would like to enter a soup, stew, or chowder inthe Trowdown, we would love to have you join the competition.

Wine, beer, soda and mixed drinks by the glass will be provided bythe Club (No BYOB, please.) You can use either your POA or Clubcard. In addition, the Club will discount two wines by the bottle:

Foxbrook at $17 and Chateau St Jean at $21 per bottle.Sign up on the SINHG web site, sinhg.org. If youre not a SINHGmember this is a great time to join. Membership information andforms are ava ilable on the web site under Join Us.

For questions contact Chuck Bosshart at 768.2111 or [email protected].

Check Out This Year-EndFinancial Checklist

financial focus

BY DIMI MATOUCHEVFor The Island Connection

As 2014 draws to a close, you may

want to look back on the progressyouve made this past year in

various areas of your lifeand thatcertainly includes progress toward yourfinancial goals. At the same time, you may

want to make some end-of-year moves thatcan close out 2014 on a positive note whilepaving the way for a productive 2015.

Here are a few such moves to consider: Boost your retirement plan

contributions. Tis actually isntan end-of-year move becauseyou have until April 15, 2015,to contribute to your Roth orraditional IRA for the 2014 taxyear. Nonetheless, the sooner youget extra dollars working for you

in your IRA, the better. You canput in up to $5,500 to your IRA(or $6,500 if youre 50 or older)for 2014. If you are self-employed,or run a small business, you alsohave until April 15 to contributeto a retirement account, such asa SEP IRA or a SIMPLE plan.In addition to helping you buildresources for retirement, thesetypes of plans can offer you sometax advantagesso if you haventestablished a retirement plan yet,consult with your financial and taxprofessionals

Sell your losers. If you owninvestments that have lost valuesince you purchased them, you can

sell them before 2014 ends and usethe tax loss to offset some capitalgains you may have earned in otherinvestments. If you dont have anycapital gains, you can use up to$3,000 of your tax losses to offsetother ordinary income. And for aloss greater than $3,000, you cancarry over the excess and deductit from your taxes in future years. Ifyou still liked the investment thatyou sold at a loss, and you wantto keep it in your portfolio, youcould repurchase it, but youll have

to wait 31 days to avoid violatingthe IRS wash sale rules. Keepin mind that these suggestionsonly apply to investments heldoutside your employer-sponsoredretirement account; you cant takea tax deduction on capital losses ina 401(k) or similar plan.

Evaluate your 401(k) investmentmix. You may be able to adjust theinvestment mix in your 401(k)as often as you like. So whenevaluating your 401(k), make sureyour holdings arent concentratedin just a few investments, andtry to determine if your portfoliois still appropriate for your risktolerancenot too aggressive or

too conservative. Also, if yourplan offers a Roth option,consider taking advantage of it

with a Roth, you wont be able todeduct your 401(k) contributionsfrom your taxes, but once youretire, you wont be taxed on your

withdrawals. Review your insurance coverage.

If youve experienced any changesin your life in 2014new spouse,new child, divorce, new job, etc.you may need to review your lifeinsurance coverage to make surethat its still sufficient for yourneeds and that you have the correctbeneficiaries in place.

By making these and other moves, you

can say a fond farewell to 2014, knowingthat youve done what you could to helpbolster your financial positionfor 2015and beyond.

Edward Jones, its employees andfinancial advisors are not estate plannersand cannot provide tax or legal advice.You should consult your estate-planningattorney or qualified tax advisor regardingyour situation. Tis article was written byEdward Jones for use by your local EdwardJones Financial Advisor.


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HolidayShopping Guide


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December 5, 2014 19

arts & events

Habitat has a successful

Shellabration

BY RALPH SECOYFor The Island Connection

Sea Island Habitat for Humanityis the third oldest affiliate in the

world serving the Charleston areacommunity since 1978. With officeslocated on Johns Island, they haveprovided over 300 housing solutions tolocal families. Tanks to supporters, theyare fulfil ling their mission to build simple,safe, and decent homes for families thatneed a hand up, not a hand out.

Tis year's Shellabration Auction,

held at the Kiawah Island River Courseclubhouse, included liberally servedCupcake and Chloe wines by Te WineGroup, with large silent and live biddingon numerous and generously donatedhigh-end bottles of wine.

Many and various items were donatedfor the si lent auction, including children'sChristmas gifts, and om Crawford,

Auctioneer Extraordinaire, conducted thelive auction.

Live bidding included donations of ahand-made wood kayak, Sanctuary HotelGolf and Room package, aking Flightpainting by Mark Horton, a painting by

Char Duffy, and a Southwest AirlinesRound-rip ticket. One fun auction item

was naming a neighborhood street afterthe donor. Everyone was surprised andpleased by an immediate bid of $2,000.

Te most successful fundraiser was arequest for straight donations, which didnot include bidding on any items. Anextraordinary amount of over $60,000

was volunteered.Tings o Know about Your Sea

Island Habitat for Humanity Affiliate 100 percent of donations stay local.

Houses are not given away. Newowners must complete financialeducation, homeowner courses,and sweat equity.

Mortgage qualifications must bemet like any other lender.

Habitat neighborhoods increasestability and property values.

Houses are fully equipped andgreen LEED or EnergyStar.

Volunteers and donors a re helpingrebuild the American Dream.

PHOTOS BY RALPH SECOY


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20 December 5, 2014

seasons of the south

Pimento Cheese SoufflBY MARILYN MARKEL


Souffles are amazingly easy to make.Tis one is delicious and just be ready

to eat as soon as it comes out of theoven.Serves 8Ingredients5 tablespoons butter5 tablespoons flour1 teaspoon Dijon mustard1 and 1/2 cups milk2 piquillo peppers, minced and blotteddry5 egg yolks6 egg whites6 ounces sharp Cheddar cheese, finelygrated cup Parmesan cheese, gratedsalt and pepper to taste

You'll Need1 x wire whisk8 x 6-ounce ramekinsOven pre-heated to 325Directions1. Melt butter in a 3-qt saucepan,

then stir in flour and mustard.Cook 2 minutes, stirring. Usinga wire whisk, stir in the milk andcook, whisking, until mixture

comes to a boil. Reduce heat andsimmer, stirring, for 2 minutes.

Add the peppers.2. One-by-one, beat in the egg yolks,

whisking well after each addition.urn off heat.

3. Stir the Cheddar cheese into themix. aste and add salt and pepperas needed.

4. Toroughly coat ramekins withbutter. Sprinkle the inside of eachramekin (bottom and sides) withParmesan cheese. Set aside.

5. Whip egg whites with a pinch ofsalt until they form definite peaks.

6. Toroughly stir of these whippedegg whites into the cheese mixture.Gently fold the remaining whitesin, but only until you can no longersee white streaks in the mixture.

7. Spoon souffl evenly into theprepared ramekins and bake at 325degrees for 25 to 30 minutes.

8. Remove souffl from the oven andserve immediately.


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21 December 5, 2014

roadtrips charleston

Tom Yawkeys gift to usYA W K E Y W I L D L I F E C E N T E R O F F E R S A

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

BY CAROL ANTMANFor The Island Connection

What does a sixteen year old do when he inherits$330 million dollars? Slide into a life of luxur y?Ruin it through self-indulgence? Not om

Yawkey. In 1919 he suddenly became heir to a fortune inmining, timber, tin and oil and the owner of South IslandPlantation near Georgetown, S.C.

Te Native Americans, whod given their names ofPee Dee, Santees, Sampits, See Wees, Waccamaws and

Winyahs to the nearby waterways, were displaced by theSpanish who came in the 1700s looking for gold andslaves. Ten the English, Scots and French started theindigo trade there followed by the next great industry:

wealthy Northerners. William Yawkey bought it as ahunting preserve. When he died at 43, om said of hisinherited plantation I hope Ill be able to do some good

with it; I hope Ill be as good a man as my dad.

om Yawkey is as captivating a s the land he preserved.He was a rich man who chose to live without grandeur.Unlike aristocrats living majestically nearby, he replacedhis modest, burned down house in 1955 with a trailer andlived there until he died in 1976. During his months upNorth he stayed in a hotel.

He kept to himself. Unlike his father who had invitedPresident Grover Cleveland to come and hunt, om

Roadtrips continues on page 22


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22 December 5, 2014

roadtrips charleston

Roadtrips continues from page 21

scorned visitors. He didnt socialize with Bernard Baruchor other wealthy neighbors, preferring to spend time withthe people who worked for him.

He had a tremendous work ethic. Days were spentbeside his employees on land management, surveyingand production. Tree generations later, some of thosesame families continue to follow his example of beingdedicated stewards of the land.

He was insatiably curious and inventive. Troughdiversion of the Santee River, fresh water ponds werecreated; he grew shrimp, became a self-taught ornithologistand developed waterfowl management. He supervisedstaff and wildlife biologists and provided funding thatwill perpetually support their research. Our guide JimLee spoke with reverence of Yawkeys vision, As the sealevels rise, these managed wetlands will become moreand more important.

He was exceedingly generous but shunned acclaim.Hospitals and scholarships benefitted from his largesse,often anonymously. He built St. James AME Church forthe islanders in 1928 where if the spirit didnt move you,you were already dead. oday the 80 island residentscontinue to praise, stomp and clap in it.

His one extravagance was baseball. Like his fatherwho had owned the Detroit igers, Yawkey bought theRed Sox when he was 30 years old. Teyd just completed

what is still a record for the franchises worst seasoneveran 111-game losing streakbut he optimisticallyset his sights on winning the World Series. He pouredmillions into talent, coaching and the renovation ofFenway Park and brought the team down for drinking,hunting and a little spring training. Photos of y Cobband ed Williams hang in the hunt club today. Althoughhe saw the Red Sox win the American League pennantfour times, he was still hoping for a World Series winon his death bed when he pressed his wife for two lastwishes: lead the team to victory and finish acquiring theremaining parcels that now comprise the Yawkey WildlifeCenter. She bought the land but died herself before the

Red Sox won the championship in 2004.He gave people something to talk about. When

community leaders warned that the towns daughterswouldnt be safe from the sailors returning to port inCharleston, he invited the madam Hazel Weiss to openthe infamous Sunset Lodge. From 1936-66, it was themost visited attraction in South Carolina second to FortSumter and a boon to the local economy. Some calledhim a racist. Jackie Robinson said he was one of themost bigoted men in baseball because of his treatment

of African Americans players. Our guide called him amisunderstood and private person.Te legacy of this independent, curious, hard-working,

generous and complex man is the Yawkey Wildl ife Center.Te three islands sit like a string of pearls at the mouthof Winyah Bay in Georgetown County. Yawkey deeded itto the Department of Natural Resources for the purposesof wildlife management, education and research. Notrecreation. No timbering. Te only way to visit is bytaking a free tour with DNR on selected dates from Sept.to May by reservation. After a very short boat ride acrossthe Intracoastal Waterway, time slows down. Tere arepine trees over 100 years old; some are still leaning fromHurricane Hugo; a huge insect population that reachesa crescendo in June, ancient Indian shell mounds andcemeteries hidden in the foliage. Its a wild, minimallymanaged place and a magnificent gift to South Carolinafrom an extraordinary man.

If You Go:

om Yawkey Wildlife Center: https://www.dnr.sc.gov/mlands/managedland?p_id=64Free tours are offered from Sept. to May by reservation:843.546.6814


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The Island Connection - December 5, 2014

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