Jennifer Carrigan, Park Day Professional!

If you’ve ever been involved with or attended Daniel Island’s Park Day festival, chances are you’ve caught a glimpse of Jennifer Carrigan, the island’s resident “Park Day Professional.” Jennifer  has been involved in the planning, logistics and overall success of Park Day since its inception. And she still loves it!

“I love how Park Day brings together a diverse group of people for a fun, family-oriented day,” Jennifer recently told My Island Town as we followed her around on a busy day of Park Day preparations. “You’ve got island residents coming over on their bikes, concessionaires from around the region ready to serve up their delicious food, the shrimpers — who’ve literally come right off the boat to sell their seafood — and local talent ready to get folks dancing!”

When she first got involved, Jennifer wasn’t a Daniel Island resident. She lived on James Island, just outside of Charleston, with her husband Mike and their (then) young son, Riley. After spending more and more time on Daniel Island, and getting to know the residents, businesses and organizations that are the heart of this community, Jennifer and Mike decided that Daniel Island might just be the perfect place to put down roots.

“We loved James Island but it just didn’t have the family-friendly attitude we wanted. I love to run and was really tempted by Daniel Island’s trails and paths, and the fact that I could do a 10-mile run and never go past the same spot twice,” said Jennifer. “We already had Riley, who was four at the time, and Ellie, our daughter, was a baby. We wanted a place where they could ride their bikes, meet friends at the neighborhood pool and really have the kind of childhood I remember having in the small town in Indiana where I grew up.”

Now, seven years later, Jennifer and her family are definitely Daniel Islanders. And in her position as Special Projects & Cultural Events Manager at the Daniel Island Property Owners’ Association, she’s worked hard to become involved in all aspects of island life. Recently, she was an integral part of the inaugural season of the Daniel Island Farmers’ Market.

And what’s next? Park Day is Saturday, October 10th in Children’s Park on Daniel Island. Stop by and you might just catch a quick glimpse of Jennifer running around talking on her walkie-talkie or racing around in her golf cart – working hard to make sure that island residents enjoy Park Day as much as she does!

Park Day Play Home Now On Display

The folks at John Wieland Homes’ Daniel Island office have just put the finishing touches on their latest island home. But unless you’re under five feet tall and don’t mind tight quarters, the latest offering from this Daniel Island builder is probably not for you. Your children or grandchildren, on the other hand, may want to check it out.

Every year at this time, participating Daniel Island builders donate their time, construction materials and expertise to create a play home to be raffled in a fundraiser for a local charity. The initiative is part of the island’s annual Park Day festival. This year’s featured builder is John Wieland Homes, and the beneficiary is the Daniel Island School PTA.

In addition to providing great exposure and an opportunity to give back to the community, the play home raffle allows builders to get creative as they design and build miniature versions of their Daniel Island homes. In previous years, play homes have included a whimsical Dr. Seuss-themed house, a pirate’s paradise, an environmentally-conscious “green” home with a grass roof, and even a few play homes for dogs. This year’s featured creation is a classic and tasteful craftsman style design.

“John Wieland Homes is synonymous to making Daniel Island residents’ dreams come true with beautiful, custom homes. This home will make one lucky child’s dreams come true,” says Heather Jones, Ways & Means Chair for the Daniel Island School PTA. “The Daniel Island School PTA applauds our neighborhood builder for their ongoing support in helping to make our students’ dreams a reality.” One hundred percent of the proceeds from raffle ticket sales will be donated to the Daniel Island School PTA to fund programs, resources and technology to benefit students.

Tickets are $5 each, three for $10, or ten for $20. They can be purchased at the Daniel Island Property Owners’ Association office, Daniel Island Real Estate Sales Center or at the Daniel Island School (1:45 – 2:45 every day), where the play home is currently on display. Checks can be made out to the Daniel Island School PTA. Credit cards are also accepted through Heather Jones (Macqueen@homesc.com or 971-1998). The play home will be on display at Park Day on October 10, and tickets can be purchased up to 3:45 pm that day. The winner will be announced at 4:15 pm.

Park Day is Daniel Island’s annual “Day of Giving.” Taking place this year on Saturday, October 10th, this fall festival features games, food, entertainment and attractions for the entire family, with proceeds benefiting dozens of local non-profit organizations.

Visit the photo gallery below to see play homes from previous years at Park Day.

Zac Brown Band Comes To Family Circle Stadium

Throughout the summer, the Family Circle Tennis Center has welcomed numerous bands to their many stages. The streak continues into October as the Zac Brown Band brings its awe-inspiring musicianship, skillful songwriting and dynamic live show to Family Circle Stadium on Saturday, October 10.

The band’s namesake, Zac Brown, was raised in Dahlonega, GA, where he was a chef, restaurant owner, husband and father, as well as lead singer of the band. His specialties include his homemade special sauces, savory Southern cooking and commitment to his children’s charitable foundation he helped found. Musically, his jaw-dropping, flat-picking skills help to create music that can’t be pigeonholed and easily fits into several genres of music ranging from country to folk to southern rock to jam band.

Zac Brown has been a solo act for years until 4 years ago he put together the ensemble that now calls itself the Zac Brown Band. And up until recently, the band has led a somewhat obscure climb to success. “It’s kind of crazy how we can go to a place where no one’s heard of us before and by the time we leave people are singing the songs, “ bandleader Zac Brown says. “We’ve got a great following.”

And their following is continuing to grow as their single “Chicken Fried”, which was originally released in 2003 and re-recorded in 2008, caught the attention of country music radio audiences and became the band’s first number-one hit on the Billboard country music charts.

Now that their hard work is starting to pay off, the band continues to tour and have a good time while doing it. “We laugh all the time, “ Zac observes. “You’re either sleeping or up laughing and having a good time. Or we’re playing music. It’s better than I could have dreamed of.”

CONCERT INFORMATION: Zac Brown Band with supporting acts Gary Muldear, Nic Cowan, Levi Lowery and Sonia Leigh Family Circle Stadium | Gates Open 6:00 pm | Show Starts 7:00 pm

Tickets are on-sale now at Ticketmaster.com, Ticketmaster Charge-by-Phone at (800) 745-3000, local Publix outlets, and at the Family Circle Tennis Center ticket office weekdays from 9:00am – 5:00pm. Advance: Reserved: $26.00 | General Admission: $21.00 Day of Show: Reserved: $30.50 | General Admission: $25.50

A Lowcountry Landscape by Pat Stuckart

Local photographer Pat Stuckart has an inspired eye when it comes to the beautiful natural setting of Daniel Island and the surrounding Lowcountry. Take a look at a small number of his images in the gallery below. Make sure you visit his website for many more beautiful shots!

Resident Terry Haas Finds Her Piece of Paradise

If you’ve had a chance to meet island resident Terry Haas, you know Daniel Island has a vocal fan in this real estate professional and national television personality. Just over two years ago, Terry and her family moved to Daniel Island from Washington, D.C., where she was a regional project manager for one the nation’s premiere real estate companies.

A host on HGTV’s popular “Designed to Sell” show, where clients having difficulty selling their home are given $2,000 and advice on staging the home to attract a potential buyer, Terry is accustomed to telling it like it is. She’s 100% honest in her opinions and advice, a trait that benefits her clients, and now, the Daniel Island community.

Since moving to Charleston, she’s continued her home-staging business, as well as her work on “Designed to Sell,” while getting involved in her new community on many fronts. She’s become actively involved in her son’s school, has helped create a new island networking group called Hello! Daniel Island that welcomes new residents and promotes island businesses, and has spearheaded an island-wide fitness initiative called the Get Fit Challenge.

Despite all this activity, moving to Daniel Island has allowed her to slow down her pace a bit and spend more time with her husband and two-year old son.

Terry recently partnered with My Island Town to create a video tour of Daniel Island (watch it here). During the process, we got her to answer a few questions about her new life here in Charleston:

What is your favorite aspect of life on Daniel Island?
The laid back lifestyle. And the fact that everyone truly loves living here — that everyone is so proud of our little piece of paradise.

What led you to such a public career in real estate?
LUCK!!! I have been involved with real estate in some way or another forever, and when they offered to let me shout it from the rooftops on national TV…well, woo hoo! All I could think was, “sign me up!” Now I can really be an advocate for an industry that I believe in so strongly.

How has your life changed since your family’s move to Daniel Island?
My quality of life is so much better — no more crazy rat race. Although I’m still very busy, I can actually enjoy my time with my family and friends and go to the beach whenever I want. The attitude of the people around me also makes a HUGE difference. Everything is just a little slower and much more laid back, which forces everyone to be a lot happier…makes life pretty darn nice!

Welcome (or “Irasshaimase”) to Wasabi!

Another deliciously diverse new restaurant has opened on Daniel Island. Wasabi Japanese Steak House, boasting scrumptious sushi and full-size hibachi entrees, is just the latest ethnic restaurant to call Daniel Island home.

Wasabi held its Grand Opening on September 8. Since then, the indoor and outdoor seating – as well as the spots at the sushi bar – have been filled with eager patrons ready to enjoy the long-awaited new restaurant on Seven Farms Drive.

According to manager Sunny Lau, the Daniel Island Wasabi offers  more of a “fine dining experience” than its locations in Summerville and downtown Charleston. This is obvious from the unique menu, which includes lobster tail with saikyo miso butter, quail, specialty sushi rolls, wagyu New York Strip and much, much more. The lunch menu includes specially priced favorites served with miso soup – a great deal! And the restaurant boasts a great looking bar area – perfect for an after work get together! In addition to the delicious food and drinks, the bright, spacious interior is beautifully designed, featuring an eastern influence.

Stop by Wasabi soon and try it out for yourself – we don’t think you’ll be disappointed in the food, service or ambiance. And if you’re in the mood for something else, be sure to check out one of the island’s other ethnic options: Spicy Mexican from Lana’s, authentic Italian at Sienna, fresh Mediterranean fare from Ali Baba, or the acclaimed authentic Chinese food at Dragon Palace.

Douzo Meshiagare! (Japanese for “enjoy your meal”!)

Grab a Buddy & Start Walkin’ for a Good Cause!

Each year, the Down Syndrome Association of the Lowcountry (DSAL) holds its annual event to raise awareness and support for individuals living with Down Syndrome. This year’s 6th Annual Buddy Walk will take place on Sunday, October 4 in Etiwan Park on Daniel Island from 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm. The actual walk will take place at 3:00 pm.

The much-needed support received at the Buddy Walk each year helps the DSAL’s volunteer-driven parent support group provide a wide variety of programs and services, including:

• New Parent / New Baby Packages
• Regular Social Events and Guest Speakers
• Advocacy Training for young adults
• Down Syndrome Center at MUSC
• Best Practice information for Teachers and Medical Professionals

The DSAL is a non-profit organization serving eastern South Carolina, whose purpose is to promote an environment which fosters the growth and development of people with Down syndrome to enable them to achieve their full potential.

For more information or to get involved with the Down Syndrome Association of the Lowcountry, visit www.dsalowcountry.org. To register for the 6th Annual Buddy Walk, click HERE.

Discover Daniel Island with HGTV’s Terry Haas

‘Designed to Sell‘ real estate expert, TV personality and island resident Terry Haas recently got together with My Island Town for a tour of Daniel Island and all it offers. Take a look at why she chose Daniel Island as her home!

The Daniel Island Garden Club’s Osprey Trail Takes Flight!

In early 2008, members of the Daniel Island Garden Club set out to help improve an overgrown wooded area that served as a buffer between the Daniel Island School and Daniel Island Drive. With a commitment for funding from the Daniel Island Community Fund in place, a planning team was established and presented with the goal of transforming the two-acre site into a series of beautiful gardens that would be connected by a meandering trail. The project quickly evolved to become the largest effort undertaken by the 12-year old Garden Club to date.

The team studied sun and shade patterns, soil conditions, topography, existing plant material and student traffic patterns to create a design for a space that would be both attractive and functional. A walking path was planned to lead visitors through the site. The resulting design incorporated six gardens that would showcase a variety of plants that thrive in the conditions of the Lowcountry: A Woodland Shade Garden, Southern Garden, Rose Garden, Bird and Butterfly Garden, Children’s Garden and a Japanese Garden.

As the installation began, the name “Osprey Trail” was chosen for the site, a nod to the Daniel Island School mascot, and to the several osprey nests located in areas near the school property.

“We’ve worked on several community beautification projects over the years, but this has been by far the most extensive effort our Club has undertaken,” says Garden Club member Pat Dietz, who coordinated the project. “We’re particularly proud that this trail and series of gardens will be an educational resource for both students and residents in the Daniel Island community.”
With the first phase of the project now complete, students, island residents and visitors are already enjoying the tranquil and interactive gardens. Most plants are identified with name plates, a detail that is intended to help educate visitors about the area’s native plants.

“We’d especially like to thank The Greenery, who handled the installation and provided technical advice along the way,” said Bob Uhler, the project’s design coordinator. “They went above and beyond the call of duty to ensure that this ambitious community project was a success.”

As the plants along the Osprey Trail mature, a second phase will involve the incorporation of additional plantings and special features such as benches, sculptures and other art to enhance the site. The Garden Club will seek community contributions for these future additions.

Take a look at the below photo gallery from the Osprey Trail’s opening celebration.

Five Weeks until the Nationwide Tour Championship!

The excitement on the island is building as the staff at the Daniel Island Club and organizers of the Nationwide Tour Championship work hard to get things ready for what is sure to be an exciting week of competitive golf! In just five weeks, the 2009 Nationwide Tour Championship will make its debut on the Ralston Creek course at the Daniel Island Club.

The top 60 money winners from this year’s Tour will head to Charleston October 19 – 25 to compete in this season-ending event, but only 25 will earn their PGA Tour cards for the 2010 season.

Event organizers recently met with local media and golf insiders — including Matt Bettencourt, the 2008 Nationwide Tour Champion — to discuss plans for this year’s event.

Besides the main tournament, other plans for the week include Pro-Am competitions, afternoon and evening music performances and special events, a junior’s golf event and an area where spectators can watch the tournament while keeping up with the weekend’s football games.

Watch the video below for a brief look at what 2008 Nationwide Tour Champion and current PGA Tour player Matt Bettencourt had to say to the media this week about this year’s venue and the Nationwide Tour Championship experience:

The event’s “Tickets FORE Charity” program is ensuring that 100% of proceeds from ticket sales go to over 40 local non profit organizations. Tickets can be purchased by calling (800) 677-2293 between 9:00 am – 5:00pm, Monday through Friday. For further ticket details, click here.

For questions or more information about the event, please contact Margaret Shaw at (843) 849-3154 or e-mail at Margaret.shaw@familycirclecup.com.

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