Island Business Offering “Green” Mortgages

An island business has recently been getting a lot of attention for doing its part to help consumers build value in their homes, save money and facilitate a healthier environment.

Daniel Island Mortgage has become the nation’s first local provider of myEnergyLoan, the nation’s top green mortgage program. myEnergyLoan provides a simple and reliable way to get closing-cost discounts and lower interest rates for energy-efficient homes and buildings. Unlike traditional loans, myEnergyLoan works with all property types and all loan types, allowing it to serve a much larger segment of the real estate market.

“This product gives property owners a mortgage option that recognizes and rewards them for going green,” says Gary Harwyn, President of Daniel Island Mortgage. “The greener the project, the larger the energy-credit rebate for the consumer.”

The program has long-standing ties to some of the top green building programs in the country, such as the U.S. Green Building Council, LEED, EcoBroker, Energy Star and EarthCraft. Homeowners who choose to build green typically capture tremendous savings through lower energy bills while adding value to their homes and lowering their environmental impact.

52 Weeks of Thanks

The Daniel Island Property Owners Association’s year-long “52 Weeks of Thanks” program will be drawing to a close soon, but island residents and businesses are still coming out with their gifts and other gestures to show how much they appreciate the fire, police and emergency workers who serve our community.

The program kicked off last June when the POA asked members of the community to sign up to “adopt” the workers at the Daniel Island municipal building (which houses a Charleston Fire Department station, Charleston Police station and Berkeley County EMS personnel) for a week during the year to show their thanks and appreciation for all these individuals do. The response has been tremendous. Families and businesses have taken turns bringing meals, snacks, gifts (including furniture, a television, dvds and even a Wii) and more for the men and women who serve the community.

On a recent visit, employees of the National Golf Course Owners Association, which is headquartered on the island, brought 25 foot-long subs, chips, soft drinks, cookies, brownies and a special cake, along with 30 wrapped golf-themed gifts.

We think it’s safe to say that our friends at the municipal building must have the most well-appointed station in the Lowcountry. What a great show of community spirit and support – kudos to all who have participated in this program!

Spring has Sprung!

March in Charleston boasts warm days and perfectly cool nights, with daily temperatures ranging between the mid-sixties all the way to the low-eighties. And Daniel Island residents are taking advantage of the amazing weather, working in their gardens and spending time in the island’s parks and trails.

Get outside! We’d love to see what you’re up to this spring. How are you enjoying your days and evenings in the Lowcountry? Send your photos and stories to contact@myislandtown.com!

Shuckin’ & Shaggin’

Oyster season is winding down but it’s still not too late to have one last roast! And that’s what the United Methodist Relief Center is on doing Friday, March 27 at Daniel Island’s Pierce Park Pavilion at their annual Shuckin’ & Shaggin’ event.

The oyster roast will feature music from the Palmetto Dance Band from 6:00 – 9:00 pm. Along with oysters, the event will include frogmore stew, cold beer, wine and soft drinks. The night will also include a silent auction and free shag lessons!

All proceeds will benefit the United Methodist Relief Center, a local nonprofit organization that rehabilitates homes for families living in poverty in the rural communities of Berkeley, Charleston, Dorchester and Georgetown counties.

To purchase tickets, which cost $25 per person, call 843-884-4860. A limited number of tickets will be available at the door.

Fun in the Sun: Summer Camps on Daniel Island

Summertime is right around the corner and you know what that means…the kids are out of school and ready to run free for a couple of months! Fortunately, Daniel Island residents (and others) can take advantage of the range of great summer camp options offered right here on the island.

 

Camp Invention at the Daniel Island School
This camp develops creative thinking, teamwork and problem-solving skills through hands-on exploration for kids entering grades one through six! Click HERE for more information.

Island Adventure Camp at the Family Circle Tennis Center
Held every summer at the Family Circle Tennis Center, Island Adventure Camp is an excellent way for children ages 5-12 to stay active and entertained during their summer off. Running from early June through mid-August, the camp offers weekly, daily and half-day sessions. Children are grouped by age and partake in the following daily activities: tennis, soccer, nature’s best, daily specials and arts and crafts. The main objective is FUN and the camp staff designs the whole program around that one objective. Visit HERE for more information.

2008 Island Adventure campers take a break for a picture.

HAL 3-In-1 Tennis Camp at the Family Circle Tennis Center
Available for all ages, this revolutionary training system will improve your hand-eye coordination. This fast-paced program makes hitting 5,000 balls a week fun, boosting confidence and improvement. Click HERE for more information.

Swim Lessons & Camps at Pierce and Scott Park Pools
A variety of swim camps and lessons will be offered this summer at the pools at Pierce and Scott parks. Group and private swim lessons are available for all ages. Each class will be taught by a Red Cross-certified Water Safety instructor. Call (843) 971-4405 for more information.

2008 campers get ready to take the plunge and swim.

Vacation Bible School at Providence Baptist Church
This year’s theme at Vacation Bible School is “Camp E.D.G.E. – Experience + Discover God Everywhere.” Call (843) 971-5275 for more information.

Charleston Battery Day Camp
This week-long camp for boys and girls ages 5 – 13 is designed to develop the fundamental techniques of soccer in a fun learning environment. Campers can attend half-day or full-day sessions. Dates are June 8-12 / June 15-19 / June 22-26 / July 13-17 / July 20-24 / July 27-31. Click HERE for more information.

Summer Camps at the Daniel Island Club
The Daniel Island Club offers a variety of summer camps for children of all ages! Junior Tennis Camp, Junior Golf Camp, Kid’s Camp and Kid’s Camp Plus will introduce the Club’s youngest members to the basic fundamentals of golf, tennis, fitness and swimming (activities vary between camps) in a fun and exciting way. Camps are reserved for members of the Daniel Island Club. Call (843) 971-3555 for more information.

The youngest members of the Daniel Island Club learn about tennis.

Japan Karate Institute Summer Camps
Packed with tons of fun and exciting activities, Japan Karate Camps take place from from 9:00 am – 5:00 pm and feature daily karate instruction, educational programs at area parks, a day at a water park, visits to area historic sites, painting classes, karate tournaments with the other area Japan Karate Institute summer camps, pizza parties and much, much more! Click HERE for more information.

Summer of Discovery at Daniel Island Academy
This camp provides a fun-filled curriculum that offers a relaxed summertime “discovery” of interactive themes for children ages 1 to 6 years during June and July. Full-Day, Half-Day and Mother’s Morning Out programs are available, Monday through Frida and all students, including Summer Only students, may enroll in weekly and monthly sessions based upon age and availability. Click HERE for more information or to register your child.

Gospel, Grits & Great Grub!

Executive Chef Tyler Dudley of the Daniel Island Club had the privilege of participating in this year’s Charleston Food & Wine Festival, an annual event that draws tens of thousands of visitors to Charleston to celebrate the Lowcountry’s renowned culinary traditions. Chef Tyler represented the Daniel Island Club at the festival’s popular Lowcountry Gospel Brunch on Sunday, March 8, where he rubbed elbows with the likes of Bobby Flay, Marvin Woods and many other celebrity chefs who were in town for the weekend’s culinary festivities.

Chef Tyler with Celebrity Chef Marvin Woods

Eleven area chefs each prepared a mouth watering Lowcountry brunch for the event to serve to patrons, who were required to choose which chef they wanted to dine with upon purchasing their tickets. Chef Tyler’s reputation preceded him – he was one of only two of the participating chefs who sold out. His menu of corn and buttermilk spoon bread with fig marmalade, Vidalia onion and heirloom tomato pie, poached eggs with duck confit and fingerling potato hash, and banana coffee cake with chocolate chip streusel had lucky diners raving.

Daniel Island Club crew plating the first course

Vidalia Onion & Heirloom Tomato Pie

Final touches being made before serving

While they dished and dined, Chef Tyler’s patrons relaxed in downtown Charleston’s Marion Square to the sound of gospel music provided by Voices of Deliverance. With sweet harmonies in the air and incredible food on the table, Charleston was truly a “Holy City” that day.

Chef Tyler’s guests

Eddie’s Bistro Makes Itself at Home on Daniel Island

When Chef Eddie Phooprasert opened his first solo venture, Eddie’s Bistro, on Daniel Island, residents and locals flocked to the new establishment in droves. Chef Eddie hasn’t looked back since – he’s been too busy!

Originally from Thailand and a student of the Cordon Bleu in Paris, Chef Eddie has made quite a name for himself by offering what most consider an unlikely fusion of foods. He has combined his influence from Asian and French cuisine with the food of the American South. The result has been extremely positive, with diners returning again and again, sometimes twice in the same day!

The wide-ranging menu includes appetizers like Crab Rangoon, Roti Prata and She-Crab Soup, and entrees like Roasted Crispy Duck, Pad Thai, Lemongrass Risotto, Grilled Mahi Mahi and Rack of Lamb. Guests should definitely save room for desserts like Eddie’s chocolate soufflé or almond-pandan soufflé.

Eddie’s Bistro is located at 162 Seven Farms Drive on Daniel Island. They are open Monday through Sunday for lunch (11:00 am – 3:00 pm) and dinner (beginning at 5:00 pm). Reservations are preferred for dinner.

Exploring The Citadel

The Lowcountry Explorers, a growing group of Daniel Island residents who regularly embark on day trips to check out some of the Lowcountry’s endless array of attractions, recently enjoyed a tour of The Citadel in downtown Charleston.

Founded in 1842, The Citadel is a military college that is noted for its educational reputation as well as its rich history. The school has an undergraduate student body of about 2,000 students who make up the South Carolina Corps of Cadets. Another 1,000 students attend The Citadel Graduate College, a civilian evening program that offers undergraduate, graduate and professional programs. Originally located on Marion Square in downtown Charleston, the picturesque campus was moved in 1922 to the banks of the Ashley River next to Hampton Park.

The Explorers’ cadet-led tour covered many of the school’s 24 plus buildings, including the museum and library. The highlight was at the end of the tour, where the group enjoyed reserved seating for the Friday afternoon dress parade on Summerall Field.

Daniel Island 5K Race & Walk

By Contributing Bishop England High School Student Matthew Kuhn, ‘09

Get ready to lace up those running shoes because the Daniel Island 5K Race & Walk is fast approaching! Hosted by the Bishop England Track and Cross-Country teams, this annual event will take place on Saturday, March the 21st.

The race has continued to grow in size and popularity during its eleven-year history. Last year had more than two hundred participants, including several Bishop England athletes who placed at the top of their age brackets. Seniors A.J. Fitzsimmons and John Pasierbowicz each placed fifth and eleventh respectively last year in the overall standings.

Tony Colizzi, head coach of BE track and field, uses the race to prepare his long-distance runners for the state track meet in May. Senior distance runner Catherine Clarke-Pounder is optimistic about the upcoming season. “The boys have an awesome group this year, and even though the girls have lost a few top runners, both teams plan on winning big at state.”

Proceeds from the race will benefit the Bishop England track team. Registration fees are $15 until March 14th and $20 afterwards up until the day of the race. For an additional five dollars, participants will receive a t-shirt. The race starts at Bishop England on Seven Farms Drive at 9:00 am.

More information about the race including registration forms can be found HERE. .

Sugarland to Electrify Family Circle Magazine Stadium

Grammy-winning country music super duo Sugarland will appear live on Daniel Island at the Family Circle Magazine Stadium on Thursday, May 21.

Sugarland recently won a number of Grammy awards for their hit single “Stay,” “Best Country Performance By a Duo or Group With Vocals” and “Best Country Song.” In addition, vocalist Jennifer Nettles was recently recognized at the 2008 Country Music Awards as the only female artist ever to have solo-written the “Song of the Year.”

Jennifer Nettles, lead vocals, and guitarist Kristian Bush make up Sugarland. Together, they’ve sold over 5 million records and have received awards from America’s top music academies since they leapt onto the country music scene in 2004. The Atlanta-based duo’s current release, “Love on the Inside,” originally topped U.S. album charts at No. 1 in August 2008 and continues to produce hit singles today.

Opening for the band will be Georgia-born Billy Currington, who has three number one hits from his 2008 album “Little Bit of Everything.”

Tickets are on sale now at Ticketmaster.com, Ticketmaster Charge-by-Phone (800-745-3000), local Publix supermarket outlets and at the Family Circle Tennis Center ticket office. Reserved seating on the floor, first tier and in the terrace level is available for $60, and General Admission third tier seating is available for $45. For more information, visit familycirclecup.com or sugarlandmusic.com.

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