The Island Connection - May 20, 2016

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    P RE  S  ORT  S T A  NDA RD

     U S P  O S T A  GE P A I  D

     C HA RL E  S T  O N S  C 

    P E RMI  T  N O 4 3 7 

    P  O S T A L P A T R O N

    Summer Concert & CinemasPage5

    ume 10 Issue 3 May 20, 2016FREE

    SINCE MAY 2007

    Chilli Cook Off Page 6

    Costume ChangePage 8

    Women Build continues on page 5 BIFMC continues on page 7

    h’s Women Build contingent: Front: Joyce Nothwang, Deb Rowland, Nancy Johnson,

    Collar, Barbara Pilecki, Wendy Kulick. Middle: Mary Conroy, Doreen Chapman, Karen

    ardo, Rebecca Hinkle. Back: Betsy Feldman, Allison Lang, Lynne Parsons

    Island women buildhope and a home

    BY GREGG BRAGGThe Island Connection Staff Writer 

    W omen Build is a group comprised of nearly 200

     women from the Lowcountry who are committed tothe mission of creating “A world where everyone has

    ent place to live.” Tey spend a week each year building afor someone who doesn’t. Te group completed its sixteenthbution last month as part of its voluntary commitment toland Habitat for Humanity.

    ay, sometimes drizzly weather over the course of the projecthelpful, but didn’t dampen participation; Banner Hughes2 hearty souls from Seabrook, Diane Lehder and Wendyk rallied 18 from Kiawah, and Fire Chief Colleen Walzht most of the office staff from the Saint Johns Fire District.thy Pumphrey, one of ten first time volunteers fromah, was amazed at how even inexperienced people couldorate to put up a building.ou [get] up early, drive to the site and are awed by the

    building in progress,” she said. “You meet the buyer who stands with you as they line you up and start describing the jobs tochoose from; climbing ladders, measuring, sawing, caulking. Soyou wait to volunteer hoping the next task will be something youcan safely do. Ten, you get into your job, and hit your thumb

     with the hammer, hard, twice. But no one notices. Tey are al lbuilding.”

    2016 was a year of firsts, apparently. Chief Walz is thefirst woman to manage SJFD and this was the first year theorganization as a whole participated in Women Build (she hadparticipated herself previously). She indicated “hammer andheels” related jokes were rampant in the days before the event. “Ithought my controller was going to show up in her heels becauseshe is never without them, but Ramona showed up in more

    BIFMC raises

    $172,000 atgolf fundraiser

    TOURNAMENT

    HELD AT CASSIQUE

    GOLF COURSE

    BY ARIELLE ALPINOFor The Island Connection

    Longtime Johns Island resident

     Wayne Dubose credits BarrierIslands Free Medical Clinic, a

    non-profit organization that providesfree health care to uninsured, lowincome adults who live or work on Johns,

     Wadmalaw and James Islands, withsaving his life. Approximately two yearsago, Dubose could barely walk throughthe doors of BIFMC. His legs were coldand blue. Without health insurance, he

     was unable to seek the medical care hedesperately needed to treat his condition.

     At BIFMC, he was diagnosed withperipheral vascular disease that waspreventing oxygen to his legs. Te medicalprofessionals at BIFMC coordinatedsurgery for stent placement, saving theuse of both legs. Te Clinic arrangedheart catheterization and a stress test forDubose, leading to hospitalization andan additional stent being placed in hisheart. oday, Dubose is healthy and hecontinues to receive free medical carefrom the clinic to control his heart’sstrength, all of which is fully fundedthrough generous community donations,grants and fundraisers.

     Te largest fundraiser is the CelebrityGolf Invitational, held this year on April25, 2016 at Kiawah Island Club’s Cassiquegolf course. Te ninth annual tournamentraised $172,000 for the clinic, which

     will support more than 2,800 patientcare visits. Te proceeds will provideoperational costs for BIFMC, which caresfor more than 4,000 patients and averages300 monthly visits.

    “We cannot express our appreciation

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    The IslandConnection 

    Lynn Pierotti

    publisher 

    [email protected]

    Jennifer Tuohy

    managing editor [email protected]

     

    Swan Richards

    senior graphic designer 

    [email protected]

    Lori McGee

    sales manager 

    [email protected]

     Alejandro Ferreyros

    graphic designer 

    [email protected]

    Ralph Secoy

    contributing photographer 

    Staff Writers

    Gregg Bragg

    Contributors

    Sarah Wittenauer 

     Arielle Alpino

     Ashley Brady

    Carol Antman

    Jessie Bagley

    Stephanie Braswell

    Sandra Nikolajevs

    Martha Zink

     Ali Holliday

    Published by

    Lucky Dog Publishing

    of South Carolina, LLC

    P.O. Box 837

    Sullivan’s Island, SC 29482

    843-886-NEWS

    Future deadlines: May 25

    for submissions for the

    June 3 Issue

    Ed articles and letters to the editor do not

    necessarily reflect the opinion of

    Lucky Dog News or its writers.

    cky Dog Publishing, LLC

    blishers of Island Eye News,

    The Island Connection,

    Civic CalendarK IAWAH ISLAND T OWN H ALL21 Beachwalker Drive

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

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

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

    Chairman Chris Cannon: 343-5113

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

    CITY  OF CHARLESTON75 Calhoun St.724-3745

    May 20, 2016

    Town of Kiawah

     Ways and MeansCommittee Meetingues, May 24, 2 p.m.Kiawah own Hall

     Arts and CulturalEvents Council MeetingTurs, June 2, 3 p.m.Kiawah own Hall

    Town CouncilMeetingues, June 7, 2 p.m.Kiawah own Hall

    Planning CommissionMeeting

     Wed, June 8, 3 p.m.Kiawah own Hall

    Planning CommissionMeeting

     Wed, June 8, 3 p.m.Kiawah own Hall

    CommunicationsCommittee Meetingues, June 14, 3 p.m.Kiawah own Hall

    Public SafetyCommittee Meeting

     Wed, June 15, 2 p.m.Kiawah own Hall

    Town of Seabrook 

    Town CouncilMay 24, 2:30 p.m.Seabrook own Hall

    Planning Commission June 1, 2:30 p.m.Seabrook own Hall

     Ways & Means June 21, 2:30 p.m.Seabrook own Hall

    Town Council June 28, 2:30 p.m.Seabrook own Hall

    Planning Commission July 6, 2:30 p.m.

    Seabrook own Hall

     Ways & Means July 19, 2:30 p.m.Seabrook own Hall

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

    civic

     Town of Kiawah May 2016 councilmeeting report

    BY GREGG BRAGGThe Island Connection Staff Writer 

    Citizens’ CommentsKiawah’s town council meeting got anearly start May 3, 2016. Tere had been apublic hearing scheduled 30 minutes priorto the council meeting which was over farmore quickly than the time allotted. Tesuggestion to follow Seabrook’s exampleof scheduling non-controversial hearingscloser to the scheduled start of councilmeetings was made while everyone

     waited. Tose on the neighboring spendless time waiting and if the public hearingruns long and delays the start of council,it’s because residents are talking about

     what matters to them, creating a win/win.wo sets of minutes were approved whenthe council meeting did start, and the firstround of citizen’s comments began.

    Kiawah resident Wendy Kulick wasfirst in line.

    “Te minutes from the last councilmeeting reflect the Mayor’s responseregarding the town’s lack of involvementregarding Kiawah Island Utility’s stocktransfer. My recollection was different,so I checked … and my memoryserved me correctly. In 2012, the ownintervened regarding KIU’s request for adetermination regarding internal transferof stock.

    “Since the town has previouslyintervened regarding an internal stock

    transfer, why would it not do so again?Property owners look to the own toprotect our interests regarding the Utility.Te town has previously asked the PublicService Commission to permit the own’sintervention ‘out of time’ or after thefiling deadline. I urge council to do soagain. Since the stock transfer was neverpresented to the PSC, I don’t believe it

     was a legitimate action for the Uti lity totake.

    “At the April Ways & MeansCommittee meeting, Kiawah Partners

    requested support from the town forits Party in the Park over Tanksgiving weekend, which cost them $330,000 lastyear. KP indicated they would ask thetown, the Kiawah Island Community

     Association and the Resort to contribute aquarter of the total cost, with KP pickingup the remaining quarter W&M votedto recommend contributing $50,000 toParty in the Park. I would like to reiteratemy suggestion that the town reject KP’srequest. Yesterday, I urged KICA not toprovide any funds [and argued] ‘I do notpay my assessment for it to be used tosupport a commercial real estate activity.’If KP believes this is a worthwhile event,they should fund it themselves.

    “Tanks to Dorota [town treasurer]for doing such a good job preparing thebudget,” continued Kulick. “I know Ihave asked before, but the salary line doesnot reflect the individuals who earn morethan $50,000 per year. Tis is information

     which could be made public.”Regarding overpayments to employees

    Kulick added, “When the Mayorannounced the alleged improprietiesof the former town administrator andformer town treasurer, he said the town

     was not in the business of providingloans to employees. By allowing the four[other] town employees to repay moniesowed with no interest over a three-year

    period, isn’t providing loans exactly whatthe town is doing? Where in the budgetare these repayments reflected?”New Business

    Te lack of old business gave way tonew business and a first reading of the2016-2017 fisca l year budget. Te trouble

     with budgets is all the financial detail, where the devil typically resides, and areview is necessarily protracted. Residentsare encouraged to conduct their ownanalysis by getting a copy from town hall

    and/or eventually on-line. Some of thehighlights of the lengthy debate included:General approval of another $90,000

    for the car show committee (co-chaired bycouncil member Wilson and KICA boardchair Bruce Stemerman).

    General disapproval of adding 1-2employees to assist with communications.Councilmember Mary Johnson was vocalin her support of this, arguing the lack ofan advertising budget made the positionessential. Wilson said he didn’t want tobe tempted to fill any empty space at thenew municipal center, saying “we’ve done

     without it for this long [why is it a prioritynow].” Tis point ping ponged for quite

    a whileCouncilmember Weaver arguedanything in the budget denoted as a “placeholder” should be taken out because,all too often, they were forgotten andultimately included.

    Te $200,000 cap on charitabledonations was reduced by the amountnormally given to the conservancy. Tisalso produced a drawn-out debate. Teconservancy would continue to receivefunding similar to past budgets but be paidfrom different buckets, due to the researchthey conduct. Other charities would alsoreceive similar funding but from the samecharitable donations allotment.

     Again, residents are encouraged toreview the budget for areas of particularinterest and present their ideas to council.Te budget will be taken up again at thenext W&M committee meeting (check

     website) and next month’s town councilmeeting (June 6), keeping in mind thatchanges get more difficult as time passes.

    Te next two items of new businessinvolved settling the McGill lawsuit. Forthe sake of review, the case charged thatFOIA had been violated in the run up tobuying land for the new municipal center,

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    civic

    oyees had been overpaid and thehad violated its own procurement

    ances. Both measures were passedmously but councilmember Wilson

    mented the town had needlessly$40,000 defending itself from the

    it, which could have been spent onthings. Te comment is potentiallysting given the signed agreementsich both parties agreed to “release

    other from any and all allegations.”

    n’s comment would be chum inaters of the next round of citizen’sments.

    e final act of new business was an to amend the communications

    mittee charter. Basically,ilmember Weaver wanted tove the committee and allow it tonue without council oversight.cilmember Johnson pushed backand often on the move, wonderinghe change was necessary. Te debateon for some time, and it wasn’tle to pinpoint who muttered “oh forsake.” However, Weaver insisted the

    mittee would continue to function,tially better, without his oversight.

    measure passed unanimously, despitempus.mittee Reports

    nance committee: Wilson met withFargo representatives who informedhe town could get the loan theyd for the new Municipal Campus.dit committee: Wilson said mostcontrols suggested by the forensic

    or had been put in place, leavinga few things left to implement.”

    ary Johnson said the environmentalmittee reported discovery of 2 bobcatwith 2 kittens each, and Arts Councild wind down for the year with the oft

    ed pair of Piccolo Spoleto events.e town administrator said salariesmployees making less than $50,000d be reported and those makingthan $50,000 would be representedrange possibly on the Municipalation of South Carolina’s website.so said council had been invited to

    ASC sponsored meeting of electedls to be held at Charleston Place inShe seemed excited by the prospect

    was awaiting instructions.e mayor reported on the groundng ceremony for the new Municipalr held earlier in the day.en’s Comments (second

    d)nnis McGill wasted no time

    g umbrage with an earlier commentn had made about the costs theincurred as a result of his lawsuit.ll felt his suit had cut a path to, candid transactions, and publictions of what goes on in this town.”cGill continued his comments, he

    old his time was up, but not withoutrather heated comments delivered

    uncilmember Wilson and Labriola.are disingenuous as hell. If you

    ht the town had done somethingg, you should have followed throughur case,” said the latter.

    e town’s attorney, meanwhile stoodhind the dais and was shouting atll above what had descended into

    y. “You said you were just doings a hobby,” he said. Te counselormoved rapidly around the room’seter and through the aisles, talking

    y and looking for support fromnce members.awah resident Roger Warren,

    President of Te Kiawah Island GolfResort brought the ruckus to a conclusionby making his own comments. He saidthe resort had no plans to fund any partof KP’s Party in the Park which he, too,characterized as a private, for profit event.

     Warren went on to say this was the firsthe had heard about KIGR contributing toParty in the Park. Warren also expressedconcern about the budget process and

     what he called “community money,”

    saying the funds belonged to all of us andshould reflect what the entire community wants.

    Kiawah resident Mike Shalosky spokenext. Te town had recently decidedto “insource” construction permittingand inspection functions previouslyoutsourced to SafeBuilt. Shalosky advisedcaution, reminding town officials they

     would be 100 percent responsible andasked if the town had done any riskmanagement [impacts of sick leave,vacation, hit by a bus, and necessarycontingency planning].“Tere are onlythree people and that’s a lot of liability,”

     warned Shalosky.

     Wendy Kulick was back for the secondround. “Te town had indicated it wouldrequest meetings with Charleston County[Council] Chair Elliott Summey, Kiawah’srepresentative on CCC Joe Qualey, andothers to discuss the roads situation inthe County,’ she said. “Have any meetingsbeen scheduled and/or held?”

    Mayor Lipuma responded sayingSeabrook mayor Ron Ciancio had initiatedthe meeting request with a letter signedby Kiawah representatives. However, saidLipuma, Mayor Ciancio had failed toinclude Johns Island CCC representative

     Anna Johnson in his request and the whole thing had fal len apart as a result ofthe oversight.

    Kulick then reminded Lipuma he shadpreviously said he would direct the town’sattorney to contact the U.S. Attorney tofind out why no action has been takenagainst the former town administrator andformer town treasurer about their allegedembezzlement of funds from the town.“Has the town’s attorney met with theU.S. Attorney yet?” Kulick asked.

    Lipuma also responded to thisquestion saying the town’s attorney hadnot received any information. Te town’sattorney said he was considering a letterto Congressman Sanford to move thingsoff the dime.

    Kiawah resident Cathy Pumphrey wrapped up citizens comments by sayinghow refreshing it was to get answers fromthe town.

    Tere being no further business andno executive session, the meeting wasadjourned.

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    Women Build continues from cover

    dailydailycivic

    ambulance membershipslable for Kiawah residents

    BY SARAH WITTENAUERFor The Island Connection

    Island, South Carolina, hased into an agreement withucare Air for a county-widecoverage.e Air is a participatingthe AirMedCare Network,

    air ambulance membershiphe United States. AirMedCarearticipating providers have45 air medical bases across 32ding air ambulance services

    who suffer a life- or limb-llness or injury.nt an insured Kiawah Island

    flown by Meducare Air, orCare Network participating

    provider, for a life- or limb-threateningemergency from within CharlestonCounty South Carolina, that AMCN-participating air medical service will work with the benefits provider tosecure payment for the flight. Whateverthe patient’s benefits provider pays isconsidered payment in full. Even withmedical insurance, an air medicaltransport may leave patients and theirfamilies with unexpected out-of-pocketexpenses. If the resident transportedis uninsured at the time of transport,Med-rans Corporation will bill thecovered person at the “Medicare A llowableRate” for the transport.

    Kiawah Island residents may alsotake advantage of upgrading to a full AirMedCare Network Membership at a

    discounted rate, to gain full coverage withno pickup location or insurance coveragerestrictions.

    For questions about membership inthe AirMedCare Network program,call 800.793.0010 or visit www.airmedcarenetwork.com. Locally,

     AirMedCare Network Membership Manager Wes McAden can be reached a t843.708.6192 or [email protected].

    OLMCO hires newdirector of development

    Michelle Boudet joined Our Lady of Mercy Community Outreach Services in March

    2016. She is originally from Kansas, but has called Charleston home for the past 10

    years. Michelle brings 11 years of nonprot experience with her and is uent in Spanish

    and French. She received her BA from the University of Kansas in French. Having spent

    signicant time in Central America and Europe, Michelle brings a unique perspective to

    her role and works well in diverse environments.

    appropriate shoes,” Walz said.Tere were plenty of “firsts” among

    the Seabrook contingent as well. BannerHughes said the group f rom Seabrook gotan early start and was treated to beautiful weather.

    “welve women from Seabrook worked

    on Saturday, April 9. Te day was perfectand great camaraderie was illustrated bytwo mother-daughter teams. It was thefirst day of the project and we were happyto get two walls up and two ready to go,”she said. “We used a lot of muscle, were alla little sore the next day and learned as we went, getting pretty efficient by the end ofthe day. We were sorry the day was over.”

     According to Hughes, the local chapterof Habitat for Humanity is among themost active and productive in the country,

    building as many as 30 or more homes peryear.

    “Tere are plenty of volunteeropportunities available whenever youare, so call!” she said. However, Hughessaved her most effusive praise to describe working side by side w ith t he propertyowner.

    “We were blessed by the presence ofKimberly Gaillard, the lady who will livein this house and [her neighbor] who willbe living in the house next door, also inthe very early stages of construction. Tey were putting in some of their 'sweat' timeand getting to know each other as well,”said Hughes.

    Tere are plenty of requirements forreceiving a house f rom Habitat. Recipientshave to be drug free and employed, forexample, and they must contribute to theconstruction of their house. Te gestureon the part of Gaillard to join in the funbuilds a rapport with volunteers who getto see, first hand, they aren’t just buildinga house, they are manufacturing HOPE.

    Te volunteers from Kiawah included;Pat Baker, Joan Collar, Rose MarieComeau, Mary Conroy, Betsy Feldmann,

    Nancy Johnson, Wendy Kulick, AllisonLang, Diane Lehder, Karen Lombardo,Diana Mezzanotte, Joyce Nothwang,Lynne Parsons, Barbara Pilecki, CathyPumphrey, Deb Rowland, EileenVanHorn and Phyllis Wills.

    Te Volunteers from Seabrook were;Banner Hughes, Charlotte Moran,Caroline Devons, Catherine Skully, KathyCiarlante, Susan Lord, ehan Skully,Louanne Simpson, Anne Smith, SusanColatsky, Macky Farber and Liz Devons.

    daily

    Freshfields Village hostsSummer Concert and

    Starlight Cinema series

    BY ASHLEY BRADYFor The Island Connection

    Freshfields Village kicks off the

    summer season with its annualSummer Concert Series on May

    27, 2016. Te Memorial Day Weekendcelebration is a free event, with twonights of live music on the Village Green.Friday’s performance will feature SwinginRichards, a high energy band playing allthe classics from 6-9 p.m. Enjoy a mix ofrock and blues by ullamore Road, onboth Friday and Saturday night.

    Te annual Starlight Cinema on the

    Village Green begins June 1 and runs

    through August 31, 2016. Starting at 8:30p.m., enjoy a free movie every Wednesdaythroughout the summer season. Te series will kick off with the family box office hit,Free Willy. Beach chairs and blankets areencouraged for both events.

    Both series take place on the groundsof Freshfields Village at 445 FreshfieldsDrive. More information can be found atfreshfieldsvillage.com or Facebook.com/FreshfieldsVillage

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    Chili cook off brings home

     the bacon for Backpack Buddies

    The results of the fabulous fundraising effort of the Bohicket Backpack Buddies Chili

    Cook, held Saturday, March 19, 2016, are in. According to event organizer and TheIce Cream Boat owner, Todd Gerhart, the event raised over $18,600 for the children of

    Frierson, Angel Oak and Mount Zion elementaries, and Haut Gap middle school who

     participate in the Backpack buddies program.

    The program provides healthy food for children to take home from school on Fridays,

    to ensure they have adequate nutrition over the weekend. It costs $195 a year to fund a

    child to receive a backpack of food.

    Over one thousand people attended the event, which featured a chili contest and live

    music from a six piece band.

    PHOTOS BY TERESA HILL

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    MC continues from cover

    daily

    thanks enough for the numerousors, donors and golfers who

    cipated in the Barrier Islands Freecal Clinic’s golf invitational,” saidim Hayes, Chairman of the Board

    Volunteer Doctor. “Tese past eighthave seen remarkable growth for

    inic, all centered around serving ourmunity’s needs.”

    Te tournament attracted 90 golfers,ell as 90 sponsors and donors. Aail hour, silent auction, buffeter and awards ceremony followedournament. During the event, thereadditional opportunities to donate

    e clinic, including prize contests forng, holes in one, closest to the pinongest drive.onsors for the 2016 BIFMC

    brity Golf Invitational includeah Island Real Estate, own ofah Island, Bauer Advising, Lien,n & Scott Hutchinson, Ed & racyab, Claneil Foundation, Robert &a Fetch, Drs. Scott & Colleen ParkerRoper St. Francis, among others.Kiawah Island Club was proud toand sponsor the annual BIFMC golfament on Cassique,” said ownsend

    Clarkson, Chief Operating Officer forKiawah Partners. “We are thrilled withthe amount raised for the organizationand the event was a great way to connectour community around an importantmission.”

    Since opening its doors in 2008,BIFMC has provided more than 31,000free medical office visits to the deservingresidents in the community who may nothave otherwise been able to see a doctor.Now, eight years later the clinic’s grownrather significantly – BIFMC has 35volunteer doctors, 26 volunteer nurses andmore than 45 administrative volunteers.

    BIFMC provides healthcare options tothe estimated 22 percent of residents on

     Johns, Wadmalaw and James Islands wholive 200 percent below the Federal Povertylevel and cannot pay for health insurance.Te clinic provides free primary careand urgent care, including lab tests andimaging. BIFMC helps patients addresstheir medical needs – treating everythingfrom a common cold to chronic diseases,including diabetes, hypertension,coronary disease and depression.

    Doctors, nurses, interpreters, diabeticmeters and strips, lab tests and x-rays(in-kind donation from Roper St. FrancisHealthcare) are free for all patients. In

    addition, medicine is taken care of bythe clinic. While each visit is free forthe patient, each visit costs the clinic$60 (a substantial benefit to the overallcommunity when compared to $2,200costs per visit to an emergency room). Allclinic costs are funded through donations,grants and fundraisers.

    To make a donation to the BarrierIslands Free Medical Clinic, fill out theonline donation form or mail a physicaldonation form to 3226 Maybank HighwaySuite 1-A Johns Island, SC 29455. Formore information on the Barrier IslandsFree Medical Clinic, visit www.bifmc.orgor [email protected].

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    arts & events

    Costume ChangeP O R G Y & B E S S L O O K S T O I N S P I R E

    S O C I A L C H A N G E O N C E M O R E

    BY CAROL ANTMANFor The Island Connection

     Jonathan Green says that costumedesigner Annie Simon understandshis vision for “Porgy and Bess” “ina glorifying way.” But it took awhile. After all, the internationally acclaimedLowcountry artist is using the opera tochange a paradigm that has plagued the African American community incessantly.

     When Spoleto Festival director NigelRedden approached Green about creatingthe opera’s visual design and costumes,he agreed only if he could do it fromthe perspective of free Africans. In therural Gullah community of Garden’sCorner, S.C. where he grew up, extended

    families live close to the land. Colorfultraditions, crafts, and stories are passeddown. Fishing and farming provide ashared prosperity. Contrarily, the imageof African Americans in the wider cultureis much less flattering. He points toour general population’s impression of Africa: wild animals and abject poverty. An entire continent summed up bleakly,simplistically, ignorantly.

    Te image of “enslaved derelicts, I

    don’t know anything about that cultureand I never saw it. I know my culture,”he said. So Green insisted that his designconcept would be Africans coming tothe United States not as slaves, but asimmigrants like anyone else. He wantedto “shift the paradigm to a modern daypeople, to give them back their culture,not built on slavery.”

     Annie Simon is a Brooklyn based

    costume designer who received her MFA inDesign for Film and Teater in 2010 fromNYU. She’s designed for dozens of featurefilms, music videos, commercials, theaterproductions and dance performances. Teopera’s director David Herskovits, with whom she’d worked previously, broughther to the project. Jonathan, she says withthe utmost admiration, was “hired to blessus with his image and creativity.” Hergoal was to realize his vision of combiningtraditional African clothing and 1930’sdress. It required “a ton of research” butblending genres was not new to her. She won the Kennedy Center’s Outstanding

    Costume Design Award for BartholomewFair which melded 1600’s Englishclothing styles with punk rock.

    She began sketches for each of the 72costumes, head wraps and accessoriesmonths ago. Green’s paintings inspiredher: women standing in the wind withbillowing patterned dresses, puffyshoulders and high waists. She workeduntil she could “really feel his paintings,”and then sent the sketches to Green forapproval. When he gave positive feedback,she “felt fantastic.”

    Next she supervised turning thecostumes from sketches to clothing forthe 55 actors and singers in the show. “I

    never buy fabric on-line because you can’ttouch it and the colors are different,”she says. So she shops in Harlem where African fabrics are plentiful and there’s “alittle man with a sewing machine,” whocan whip up prototypes. Tree shops inHarlem worked non-stop to complete the job. Once the costumes were sewn they were shipped to Charleston and fittedby the expert seamstresses in the Spoletocostume shop. Finally she met with theactors to personalize the head wraps, wigs and accessories for each role. It’s alabor intensive process that lasts until theopera’s premier on May 27.

    Pushing the envelope this way is

    not new to the opera. It has been anagent for social change throughout itshistory. Musically, Gershwin had todefend this “folk opera” that brought“the drama, the humor, the superstition,the religious fervor, the dancing andthe irrepressible high spirits” of African Americans to the operatic stage. “I havecreated a new form…quite naturally outof the material.” Outraged critics called

     Annie Simone costume sketches for Spoleto’s “Porgy and Bess.” 

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    arts & events arts & events

    Tide Chart

    Date High Tide Low Tide

    Hurricanes, storms, etc., are NOT included in the predictions.Tidal current direction changes and tide time predictions can bevery different. Tide predictions are PREDICTIONS; they can bewrong so use common sense.

    May 20

    May 21

    May 22

    May 23

    May 24

    May 25

    May 26

    May 27

    May 28

    May 29

    May 30

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    Jun 01

    Jun 02

    Source: saltwatertides.com

    7:54am/8:29pm

    8:35am/9:07pm

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    12:05am/12:18pm

    win a in-Pan Alley hack and ant to Wagner and Mozart. Socially,

    oil and controversy have surrounded. Gershwin didn’t debut it at the

    opolitan Opera in 1930 because theyd on actors in black-face. Instead,miered five years later where anated audience was the first of many

    ompted. Despite 124 Broadwaymances and a national tour, it was

    ancial and critical failure. It hased a love/hate relationship withcritics. Journalist William Warfield“In 1952 the black community

    t listening to anything about plenty

    of nothing being good enough for me.” Butoverseas it’s been a sensation. La Scala hadnever hosted a cast of African Americansbefore 1955 when Maya Angelou playedRuby: “ime and again, the audiencecame to their feet, yelling and applauding.

     We had performed ‘Porgy and Bess’ asnever before …”

    In Charleston’s own Dock StreetTeater, a plan to integrate the audiencefor the first time in 1954 was met with

    such backlash that the performances werecancelled. It wasn’t until 1970 that it was performed to an integrated audiencein Charleston. Critic Rodney Milnes

     wrote, “If ever a twentieth century operaaspires to make the world a better place…it is ‘Porgy and Bess’.” So in the handsof Jonathan Green and Annie Simon itis again doing what the arts do so well:entertain, inform and create change.

    “Porgy and Bess” was created byGeorge Gershwin, Dubose and DorothyHeyward, and Ira Gershwin. Teperformance will be conducted by Stefan

     Asbury, directed by David Herskovits withVisual Design by Jonathan Green. OnSunday, May 29 at 3 p.m. Herskovits andGreen will participate in an artists talk atEmmett Robinson Teatre at College ofCharleston. “Porgy and Bess” runs May27, 30, June 1, 3, 8, 12 at Te CharlestonGalliard Center. Call 843.579.3100 forticketing availbality.

    e Broadcast of ‘Porgy and Bess’day, May 30 at 7:30 p.m. in Marion Square and uesday, May 31 at 7:30 p.m. at

    Ashley High School, the opera wil l be broadcas t live for f ree. Te live broadcast

    performances taking place at the Charleston Gaillard Center will be shown on

    botron screen at both venues and will significantly expand the audience for the

    y-anticipated production that is part of the Festival’s 40th season.

    Spoleto Festival Finale atMiddleton Place, June 12

    BY JESSIE BAGLEYFor The Island Connection

    Charleston area acts Te High

    Divers, Jordon Igoe, and SUSO will perform on the main stageat Spoleto Festival USA’s popular WellsFargo Festival Finale on Sunday, June12 at Middleton Place. Tese three actsprecede a performance by eight-piece soulband Nathaniel Rateliff & Te NightSweats at 8:30 p.m. and the Festival’straditional fireworks display.

    Te schedule for the main stage is:4 – 5 p.m.: Te High DiversTe High Divers are a Charleston-

    based rock-and-roll band who sing aboutpursuing what you love with recklessabandon. Named one of the “op 5 Bandsto Watch” by South Carolina Music

    Guide in 2015.5:15 – 6:15 p.m.: Jordan IgoeSinger, songwriter, and multi-

    instrumentalist Jordan Igoe uses herexpressive voice to sing songs that aresouthern and soulful.

    6:30 – 7:45 p.m.: SUSOSUSO frontman Justin Osborne

    pulled from Southern folk and countrystyles to form this five-piece indieband. Band member Johnny Delawareperformed on the Finale main stage lastyear.

    8:30 – 10 p.m.: Nathaniel Rateliff &Te Night Sweats

    Nathaniel Rateliff & Te Night Sweatsblend soul and rock and roll and has been

    hailed as “one of rock’s best new acts” byRolling Stone. Te band’s Spoleto FestivalUSA concert is one of several high profilemusic festival appearances this summerincluding Coachella, Bonnaroo, and

     Austin City Limits.Gates and the Middleton Place Beer

    Garden will open at 3:30 p.m. ickets maybe purchased online at spoletousa.org, overthe phone at 843.579.3100, or in personat the Charleston Visitor Center (375Meeting Street) and Charleston GaillardCenter (95 Calhoun Street). ickets forchildren ages 6 to 12 are $15 and adultsare $40 ($45 at the gate). Children 5 andunder are admitted free of charge. o avoid

    lines on the day, Will Call tickets can bepicked up from the Charleston VisitorCenter (375 Meeting Street) or CharlestonGaillard Center (95 Calhoun Street) until2 p.m. on Sunday, June 12.

    icket holders are permitted to bring theirown food and beverages. Te Beer Garden

     will sell vouchers until 8:30 p.m, serve alcoholuntil 9 p.m., and serve food until 9:30 p.m.Te Middleton Place Gardens and Stableyards

     will be open until 7:30 p.m. and guestsare encouraged to take self-guided tours.Middleton Place is located at 4300 AshleyRiver Road. Tis event is rain or shine.

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    May 20, 2016

    arts & eventsarts & events

    ednesday, June 8, 2016ngo Point, Oyster Roast – 5:30-6:30 p.m., Dinner Buffet- 5:30-7 p.m.formance begins at 6:30 p.m. Adults: $47, Children ages 4 – 12: $25.ldren under 4: free. Casual seating/Cash Bar kets Available at Kiawah Town Hall 843.768.9166 or online at www.wahisland.org/specialevents 

    Little Piccolo has bigplans for you

    “Piccolo Spoleto is little but by nomeans small,” says Charleston’sOffice of Cultural Affairs

    Director Scott Watson. In fact, the 17day festival that begins on May 27 willinclude over 500 performing literary andvisual arts events. Begun as a companionto the major Spoleto Festival, Piccolois dedicated to making arts experiencesaccessible to everyone. icket prices arelow; many events are free; venues includemany neighborhoods and programmingappeals to a wide variety of ages andartistic tastes.

    Regional and local artists areparticularly spotlighted. “In a culturalcapital like Charleston, you will discoverthat just about everyone has something tocontribute to our rich artistic life and toour shared cultural heritage,” said Johnechlenburg, Charleston’s new mayor anda performing jazz pianist. Te mainstaysof the artistic community reprise theirbest acts. Art Gaillard, Founder of ArtForms and Teater Concepts, has beenproducing for Piccolo for most of its 38years. Tis year’s production is “It Ain’t

    Nothin’ But the Blues” a musical revue with dozens of songs and a live band.Tere are newcomers to Charlestonlike Gracie and Lacy who sing vintagevocals and tap dance. Regional artistsfrom across the Southeast fill stages atchurches, schools, auditoriums and parks.New collaborations are inspired such as acello concert with a live rendering of themusician’s brain functioning by NorbertLewandowski and Jacobo Mintzer. Newvenues are enlivened: the reopeningof Colonial lake, a 3-day mini-festivalin Avondale, a Piccolo Party at West

     Ashley High School and a gala orchestraExperience with Ben Folds and theCharleston Symphony on Daniel Island.

     Although the festivals draw thousands ofvisitors from around the world, Piccolois a great opportunity for an inspiring“staycation.”

     A program guide with complete festivallistings is available around town or byemailing CulturalAffairs@charleston-sc.

     gov. Tickets are available online and at the festival box office at the Gaillard Center at95 Calhoun Street.

    BY CAROL ANTMANFor The Island Connection

    Piccolo Comes to“KITTIWAH”

    STEPHANIE BRASWELLFor The Island Connection

    ocusing primarily on artists of the

    Southeast region, Piccolo Spoletos the perfect complement to theational scope of Spoleto Festivalits parent festival, and its 500 eventsdays transform Charleston into anrating celebration of performing,y and visual arts. Piccolo Spoleto’sonal program offerings includearts exhibits, classical music, jazz,

    , theatre, poetry readings, children’sies, choral music, ethnic cultural

    ntations, crafts and film.is year Spoleto will celebrate itsfestival with a landmark productionharleston’s own “Porgy and Bess.”Kiawah Arts and Cultural Events

    cil in collaboration with the Officeultural Affairs is celebrating this

    important anniversary and continuingthe Porgy and Bess theme with “PiccoloComes to Kittiwah,” a gala end of seasonevent at Mingo Point.

    In Act 2 of Porgy and Bess, the denizensof Catfish Row take boats to a churchpicnic on nearby “Kittiwah” Island, anearly alternative spelling of “Kiawah.”

     What better way to get in the spirit of thisopera set in Charleston and Kiawah thanto enjoy an oyster roast and barbeque atMingo Point on the banks of the KiawahRiver and be entertained by Piccolo artistssinging the music of George Gershwin as

     well as other tunes by his contemporaries. Te Kiawah Island Resort is offering

    a 20 percent discount on villas for ticketholders. Reservations can be made bycalling 800.654.2924 or 843.768.2121(local). Guests must reference 13826 or

    KIAC-Piccolo Comes to Kiawah.

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    arts & events gardening

    BY SANDRA NIKOLAJEVSFor The Island Connection

    CMC concludes seasonwith Piccolo Spoleto

    Spotlight performance

    hamber Music Charlestonconcludes the 2015-2016 concertseason with a special performance

    e Spotlight Concert Series of theo Spoleto Festiva l on Friday, June 3,at 6 p.m. at Grace Episcopal Church

    Wentworth Street).est narrator Ann Caldwell joinsists Jenny Weiss and Frances Hsieh,

    Ben Weiss and cellist imothylley for a program including

    ak’s “American” String Quartet ande Unbroken.”hile Dvorak’s “American” Quartetandard masterwork of the chamber

    repertoire, “Circle Unbroken” is avely new creation that has garneredational acclaim. Set to the children’s

    book of the same name by author MargotTeis Raven, “Circle Unbroken” recountsthe history of the sweetgrass basket asmusicians perform music of WilliamGrant Still and illustrations from the bookare projected on a large screen. Tis musicand spoken word project was previouslyproduced as a DVD which receivedawards at the La Jolla Film Festival andthe Berlin Black International CinemaFestival.

    Tickets are available through the PiccoloSpoleto Festival at the door beginningat 5:30 p.m. on June 3 or in advanceonline at piccolospoleto.com or by calling

    843.724.7305.

    Kiawah IslandGarden Club Party

    BY MARTHA ZINKFor The Island Connection

    On May 9, the Kiawah IslandGarden Club enjoyed a GardenParty at the lovely home of Edna

    Roberds. Members were greeted in thedriveway and offered Bellinis for theirstroll through the gardens which surroundher Southern style home.

     A native of Charleston, Edna of coursehas created a Charleston courtyard gardenas well as a boxwood garden, an area wherenative grasses thrive and a bog garden.Tey are arranged as a series of garden“rooms” and abound with floweringplants, areas in which to sit and surprisesaround every corner.

    Members contributed to the brunchmenu to add to Edna’s delicious food.Tere were tea sandwiches, deviled eggs,fruit, croissants, petit fours and muchmore.

     After brunch the members wereinvited to walk a short distance to LoisBryant’s lovely garden which she, like allexperienced gardeners, calls a “garden-in-progress.” Lois gave a guided tour, offeredto share plants, and pointed out her new“Roji” path which is made with pieces ofmarble which once were part of her father-

    in-law’s bank building in the 1970s.Guests in both gardens were given

    printed guides to the gardens and plants.It was a perfect ending to a fun and

    informative year of the Kiawah IslandGarden Club and members were happytour and experience both gardens createdby such talented and gracious gardeners.

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    Island Connection Calendar   June 8ays

    e Oil Classes& Huff Art C enter located

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

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

    Email [email protected].

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

    317.

    aysPracticee 2nd, 3rd, and 4th uesday

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

    eon County Bookmobile comess Village on the first uesdayth from 10 to 11:30 a.m.

    obile will be parked in the lote’s and Java Java.

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

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

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

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

    Sundays

    Sunday Afternoon MatineesTe Lake House hosts Sunday Matineesat 1 p.m. in the Live Oak Hall. You are welcome to bring your favorite snacks orrefreshments. Water and popcorn will beprovided.

    SATURDAY, MAY 21

    Cars & Coffee9 a.m. - 11 a.m. Tis event, featuringantique, unique, classic and other coolcars, allows car enthusiasts to scope classiccar trends from the area while all guestsenjoy coffee and breakfast from Java Java.Open to the public, the monthly event willcontinue to be held every third Saturday.

    Coastal Islands Horse Show 7 a.m. Mullet Hall Equestrian Centerhosts horse shows that are open to thepublic. Events include Hunter, Jumper,and Open shows consisting of Hunter,Equitation, and Western. Spectators areinvited to enjoy the shows for free. Contacterri Skinner [email protected].

     Jane Austen Society1:30 p.m., Johns Island Regional Library,May meeting of the Jane Au sten Society.Sponsored by the Jane Austen Society ofNorth America (JASNA, South CarolinaRegion). Refreshments will be provided. 

    SATURDAY, MAY 21

    Sleeping Beauty & Te Magic SpellTe Charleston Ballet Teatre CenterFor Dance Education & Coastal BalletUSA presents this performance 7 pm,at the Charleston Music Hall. www.charlestonballet.com for information andtickets.

    SUNDAY, MAY 22,

    Charleston Sprint riathlon Series7 a.m. – 12 p.m., James Island CountyPark. Celebrating its 26th year, thisfive-race series includes a .3-mile swim,a 12-mile bike ride, and a 5K run.Participants are divided into the followingcategories: Open/Elite, Age Group andMasters, Clydesdale (men 200 poundsor greater and under age 40), Ma stersClydesdale (men 200 pounds or greaterand age 40+), and Athena (women 150pounds or greater). Participants must becomfortable swimming 600M in open water and riding a bicycle on roads opento traffic. Registration options vary.Visit CharlestonCountyParks.com forinformation.

    MONDAY, MAY 23

    Cystic Fibrosis Benefit DinnerHōM Chef Shay MacDonald will joinfour top Charleston-area chefs, includinghis brother Randy MacDonald, ExecutiveChef, Seabrook Island Club, as they cookfor a cause at the Wine & Dine for CF

    dinner and silent auction 6 to 10 p.m.,May 23 at James Island County Park,Edisto Hall.$75 per person - $2 donationat the gate required for state park, ticketsteamlittlemac.com/wine-dine-for-cf.

    TUESDAY, MAY 24

    Mira of Napa Complimentary Wineasting6 p.m. FortyEight - A Wine Bar is pleasedto welcome Mira, luxury wines grown andcrafted in Napa Valley, California. Severalof Mira’s extraordinary wines will bepoured and discussed. Event page: www.facebook.com/events/1047449615301874/

    WEDNESDAY, MAY 25

    Mondavi 50th Anniversary asting6 p.m. A tasting to celebrate fifty years ofMondavi excellence. Complimentary, noreservation is necessary. Event page: ww w.facebook.com/events/1686857251577669/

    FRIDAY, MAY 27

    Freshfields Memorial Day WeekendConcert 6-9 p.m. Swingin Richards performs onthe village green, free. SWR are unlikeany other acoustic cover act you’ve seenbefore. Great vocals, thunderous acoustics,backed up by a percussionist that is tight,

    powerful and unique make for a band thatstands out.

    Patriots and Pops A Choral Festival of Song presented by the SeaIsland Lady Singers and the Island Choraliers.4 p.m., Holy Spirit Catholic Church . 3871Betsy Kerrison Parkway, Johns Island.

    SATURDAY, MAY 28

    Freshfields Memorial Day WeekendConcert6-9 p.m. ullamore Road: performs on thevillage green, free. Featuring a wide mixof rock and blues covers, ullamore blenda range of influences in crafting a uniquesound and vibe in their music. Tey alsoperform an increasing number of originalsin their sets. Te band recently finishedin the top 3 of a major battle of the bandscontest in Atlanta.

    SUNDAY, MAY 29

    Memorial Day Weekend Art Show  “On the Green” at Freshfields, 11a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Art exhibit, sale anddemonstrations by Seabrook Island ArtistsGuild.Te event will showcase a wideselection of fine art in numerous mediumscapturing the beauty of the Lowcountry.Many of the exhibitors, who display atdowntown galleries, will be painting liveat the event. Tis is a unique opportunityto see great art a nd experience the creativeprocess. Te event will be held “on the

    green” at Freshfields Village and is free andopen to all.

    MONDAY, MAY 30

    Memorial Day 

    Memorial Day Concert Te Charleston Men’s Chorus presentsits annual Memorial Day Concert intribute to fallen military heroes, veteransand current armed forces members. Tesolemn, yet uplifting concert is part of thePiccolo Spoleto Festival and takes placeMonday, May 30th at 12:00 noon at St.Philip’s Episcopal Church, 142 ChurchStreet. Admission is $20 for adults/seniors/students.

    WEDNESDAY, JUNE 1

     June 2016 “Artist of the Month” Art works created by members of theSeabrook Island Artists Guild who recentlyparticipated in art workshops undernationally and internationally recognizedartists such as Master coastal landscapepainter Sergio Roffo, colorist Laurie Meyer,and landscape artist Mark Horton, will bedisplayed during the entire month of Junein the Lake House gallery. An opening dayreception will be held at the L akeHouseon Wednesday, June 1, 5-7 p.m. All arecordially invited.

    Freshfields Starlight Cinema8:30 p.m. Te series kicks off with Free Willy: (PG; 112 min; 1993), the touchingstory of a boy and his killer whale madethis family drama a surprise box office hit.See story page 5.

    WEDNESDAY, JUNE 8

    Piccolo Comes to “KIIWAH”Mingo Point, Oyster Roast – 5:30-6:30 p.m., Dinner Buffet 5:30-7 p.m.,

    Performance begins at 6:30 p.m. Adults:$47, Children ages 4 – 12: $25. Childrenunder 4: free. Casual seating. Attendanceis limited to 30 0, so don’t delay! icketsavailable at Kiawah own Hall 843-768-9166 or online at www.kiawahisland.org/specialevents

    ay 21

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    May 20, 2016arts & events

    irst annual Cystic Fibrosisbenefit dinner features

    eabrook Island Club chefs

    ōM ChefS h a yMacDonald

    join four topeston-area chefs,ding his brothery MacDonaldeabrook Island

    as they cookcause at the& Dine for

    inner and silentn on May 23 atIsland County

    – Edisto Hall.vent begins at 6with dinner at 7including a silent auction.mbining the talents and philanthropyal executive chefs, the first annual

    Fibrosis benefit dinner aims tose awareness and raise funds for a cure

    p the 30,000 people in the U.S. battlingne of whom is Chef MacDonald’sw Cole, a.k.a. Little Mac.e following local chefs will partnerChef MacDonald to prepare the

    5-course dinner,complete with

     wine pairings:• R a n d yM a c D o n a l d ,Executive Chef,Seabrook IslandClub• Phil Gaulin,Chef, FrancisMarion Hotel• J o n a t h a nHawks, ExecutiveChef, Mills House

    Hotel• Angela Minor,Pastry Chef,

    Seabrook Island Club All proceeds from the dinner will

    benefit the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation insupport of Cole and all others living withthe disease so they can have the possibilityof a long, healthy, happy life.

    Visit the eam Little Mac websiteteamlittlemac.com for more information.ickets are $75 per person, a $2 donationis required at the gate to the County Park.

    BY ALI HOLLIDAYFor The Island Connection

    Yacht Club announcesnew ‘Commodoreable’

    STAFF REPORTFor The Island Connection

    On April 28, 2016, the SeabrookIsland Lakes Yacht Club metat the home of long time

    residents Doug and Lee Hurd. TeHurds founded the club when, as earlyisland settlers, they wanted to create a

     way to meet neighbors and later greetnew homeowners to share valuableinformation and experiences.

    Each Spring and Fall on theiradjacent lot, under a great live oak,club members enjoy a drink or twoprovided by the club and bring somefood to share at what may be the oldest

    (22 years in a row) ongoing socialevent on the Island. Many long termfriendships have evolved.

    Tis year Commodore Will Wiehnpasses the cap of command to EllenCoughlin, as the new Commodore oras the female club leaders are called,our new “Commodoreable.” Ellen willtake command beginning with the fallRegatta.

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    20, 2016 15

    For the 2015–2016school year, theaverage expense– tuition, fees,room and board

    – was $19,548 ata public four-

    year school and$43,921 at a four-

    year privateschool

    financial focus

    W e’re at the end of another schoolyear. If you have younger kids,you might be thinking about

    mer camps and other activities. But inot-too-distant future, your childrene facing a bigger transition as theyoff to college. Will you be financiallyred for that day?

    ollege education is a good investmentege graduates earn, on average, $1

    million more over their lifetimes thanhigh school graduates, according to astudy by Georgetown University – but abachelor’s degree doesn’t come cheap. Forthe 2015–2016 school year, the averageexpense – tuition, fees, room and board– was $19,548 at a public four-year schooland $43,921 at a four-year private school,according to the College Board. Andby the time your children are ready forcollege, these costs may be considerablyhigher, because inflation is alive and wellin the higher education arena.

     Your children may be eligible for sometypes of financial aid and scholarships.But even so, you may want to consider

    some college-savings vehicles – and one ofthe most popular is a 529 plan. A 529 plan offers a variety of benefits,

    including the following:• High contribution limits – A 529

    plan won’t limit your contributionsbased on your income. In alllikelihood, you can contribute asmuch as you want to a 529 plan,as many states have contributionlimits of $300,000 and up. Andyou can give up to $14,000

    ($28,000 for a married couplefiling jointly) per year, per child,

     without incurring any gift taxes.• Tax advantages – Your earnings

    can accumulate tax free, providedthey are used for qualified highereducation expenses. (529 plandistributions not used for qualifiedexpenses may be subject to federaland state income tax, and a 10%IRS penalty on the earnings.)Furthermore, your 529 plancontributions may be eligible fora state tax deduction or credit ifyou participate in your own state’splan. But 529 plans vary, so check

     with your tax advisor regardingdeductibility.• Freedom to invest in any state’s

    plan. – You can invest in a 529plan from any state – but thatdoesn’t mean your child has togo to school there. You could livein one state, invest in a secondstate’s plan, and send your studentto school in a third state, if youchoose.

    • Money can be used for virtually

    any program – Upon graduatinghigh school, not all kids areinterested in, or prepared for, atraditional four-year college. Butyou can use your 529 plan to helppay for qualified expenses at avariety of educational institutions,including two-year communitycolleges and trade schools.

    Of course, a 529 plan does haveconsiderations you will need to think aboutbefore opening an account. For example,your 529 plan assets can affect your child’sneeds-based financial aid, but it mightnot doom it. As long as the 529 assets areunder your control, they typically will

    be assessed at a maximum rate of 5.64%in determining your family’s expectedcontribution under the federal financial aidformula, as opposed to the usual 20% ratefor assets held in the student’s name.

    In any case, though, a 529 plan is worthconsidering. But don’t wait too long – asyou well know, your kids seem to grow upin the blink of an eye.

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

    A 529 plan can help withthose college bills

    BY DIMI MATOUCHEVFor The Island Connection

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