“To Do” List for Springtime in Charleston!

While winter continues to barrel through most of the country for a few more months, with blustery winds and frigid temperatures, here in Charleston we will soon start to welcome springtime with open arms! It’s not too early to start making plans to attend some of Charleston’s most popular spring events. To help, we’ve put together some tips to keep in mind as you prepare for this beautiful time of year in the Lowcountry.

1. Put away the diet books. It’s time to get your tickets for the 5th Annual BB&T Charleston Food and Wine Festival! Celebrating “5 Years of Good Taste,” this culinary spectacular has become one of the most anticipated (not to mention most delicious) food festivals around. Want to see more for yourself? Click HERE to watch a video. March 3 – 7 | www.charlestonfoodandwine.com

2. Learn from the past. Experience one of the Festival of Houses & Gardens historical music concerts! Visit some of Charleston’s most beautiful gardens and experience music in intimate historic settings, with performances ranging from classical to Gullah-inspired jazz. March 18 – April 17 | www.historiccharleston.org

3. Stop and smell the roses. Literally. Come smell the flowers as they bloom while artists and craftsmen from throughout the country display their work for sale on the beautiful grounds of Azalea Park and on Main Street at the Summerville Flowertown Festival! March 26 – 28 | www.summervilleymca.org/flowertown

4. Start running. Hit the pavement with thousands of your closest friends, family and fellow runners at the 2010 Cooper River Bridge Run! This annual 10-k is one of Charleston’s most popular events. Whether you run or walk, enjoy the scenery of Charleston Harbor as you make your way across the Ravenel Bridge. Don’t forget to look to your right for a great view of the tip of Daniel Island! March 27 | www.bridgerun.com

5. Wear sunscreen. Grab your sunscreen and come watch as the top professional female tennis players from around the world take to the courts to compete at the Family Circle Cup! It’s the tournament’s 10th year on Daniel Island and there are some special events planned to celebrate. April 10 – 18 | www.familycirclecup.com

6. Support local businesses. Enjoy fresh, delicious South Carolina shrimp and seafood at the Blessing of the Fleet & Seafood Festival! Created to support the local shrimping industry, this event now includes a lively parade, the blessing of the fleets and tons and tons of fresh seafood and live music. April 26 | www.mtpleasantrec.com

7. Get outside. And what better way than on a spring evening with family and friends on the shaded banks of Smythe Lake on Daniel Island while enjoying the harmonic sounds of the Charleston Symphony Orchestra. The best part? It’s free! May 15 | www.dicommunity.org

Monkee’s Co-Owner Says “I Do” at the Daniel Island Club

When Ashley Jenkins, co-owner of high-end boutique Monkee’s on Daniel Island, started looking at locations for her November 2009 wedding, she hadn’t planned on taking a tour of the Daniel Island Club. Originally from North Carolina, Ashley was planning to marry her fiancé Stephen in her hometown. But as planning got underway, she realized the difficulties she would face by organizing a wedding so far from where she lived.

“I didn’t want to have to plan a weekend trip and make all of my decisions in one day,” she said. It wasn’t until a friend mentioned the Daniel Island Club that she decided to schedule an appointment. “I actually hadn’t seen it before, even though I work on Daniel Island. But I knew the minute I drove up for the first time that I had found the right spot,” recalled Ashley. “And then I met the staff and I realized that not only could I plan my wedding from literally one-mile away from where I work on Seven Farms Drive, but that they would also be a huge resource for me.”

Ashley and Stephen were married on the outside lawn at the Daniel Island Club on Saturday, November 21, 2009. It was a perfect Lowcountry fall day – sunny but with a slight chill in the air. As Ashley and Stephen were saying their vows, the sun shined brightly on the couple.

“Everything was perfect. From the weather to the food to the flowers and our photographers, Joey + Jessica,” said Ashley. “It may sound cheesy but it felt like it was all in God’s hands. It all happened exactly as it was meant to.”

It’s Oyster Time – Get Schuckin’!

Oyster roasts are a staple of life here in the Lowcountry during the fall and winter months. The standard rule for eating oysters is to only eat them when the waters have cooled down, or, as many locals will tell you, only during months that include the letter ‘R’. That includes February, when the Daniel Island Property Owners’ Association hosts its annual Oyster Roast. It’s an island tradition that residents look forward to all year long.

Hundreds of Daniel Island families will descend upon Pierce Park Pavilion on Saturday, February 20 with their oyster knives and gloves in hand, ready to schuck and eat! The event will feature delicious steamed local oysters, chili, hot dogs, macaroni and cheese, and other scrumptious treats. Beer, wine and soft drinks are also included with a ticket. Entertainment will include a live band, and fun games for all ages.

If you purchase your Oyster Roast tickets by January 31st you’ll save $5 on each adult ticket — adults are $27 each (includes beer and wine), kids are $10 each, and ages three and under are FREE. As of February 1st, ticket prices go up to $32 for adults, but kids will remain at $10. There are a limited number of tickets available, and the event has sold out in previous years. Take advantage of the great ticket prices and get your tickets now!

To purchase tickets, either visit www.dicommunity.org or call the Property Owners’ Association at (843) 971-9200.

Daniel Island Residents Show Support for Haiti

The Daniel Island community has a long tradition of helping those in need. When times are tough, you can always count on the residents and businesses here to step up and show their support. So it’s no surprise, with the crisis in Haiti growing worse by the day, that our community has come together once again to raise money and gather clothing, food and other needed materials for the people of Haiti. There are a number of ways to help, and every little contribution, no matter how small, counts.

Providence Baptist Church on Seven Farms Drive is collecting donations through Monday, January 25, for Water Missions International, a non-profit organization that provides clean, safe water to people in developing countries and disaster areas. Those who want to make a donation are asked to drop it off at the church office and please mark on your check, “Haiti Relief”.

A group of residents have come together to collect food and clothing. Those who would like to donate are asked to drop off their goods at the Southern Trust Mortgage office on River Landing Drive. Materials will then be delivered to the Salvation Army. The organizers want to see the office filled with food and clothing, and will take as many trips to the Salvation Army as needed, so get involved, and get your friends and neighbors involved, too!

It doesn’t matter whether you decide to give to one or both of these island initiatives, or if you choose to give to the American Red Cross or another dedicated organization. What matters most is that we all get involved to help the people of Haiti overcome this horrible tragedy.

Expressions Art Welcomes Renowned Artist Susan Mayfield

Charleston native and well-known artist Susan Mayfield will be visiting Daniel Island this upcoming weekend to provide a two-day “Drawing in Color” workshop at Expressions Art in the Publix Shopping Center. Susan is an award winning artist known for her use of color and light in her pastel landscapes. She now divides her time between the Lowcountry and Colorado with her husband, finding inspiration in the natural beauty of both environments.

The two-day “Drawing in Color” workshop will be an introductory class using various drawing media including charcoal and soft pastel. Geared towards beginners, this class is for both those who want a refresher course and students interested in exploring pastels for the first time.

The workshop will take place Friday and Saturday, January 22-23, from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm both days. On Friday, students will learn about shading, tone and creating three-dimensional still life images, first with charcoal, and then with pastel. On Saturday, students will be working on the basics of landscape, in charcoal and pastel.

Only a few spots remain available for this weekend’s workshop, but Susan will be coming back to South Carolina this spring and fall to teach more classes and workshops.

To register for the workshop, which costs $195 and includes all supplies, call Dena at Expressions Art at (843) 884-1310, or stop by the store at 162 Seven Farms Drive (next to the Publix).

For more information about Susan, visit her blog www.susanmayfield.blogspot.com.

Dear John Movie To Premiere in Charleston!

Charleston, South Carolina is no stranger to the film industry. A number of movies, including The Notebook, The Patriot and The Prince of Tides, have been filmed here. And now we can add another one – Dear John.

Dear John, starring rising stars Channing Tatum and Amanda Seyfried, is based on a novel written by Nicholas Sparks, the author who penned The Notebook. The movie was filmed throughout the “Holy City” including spots on Sullivan’s Island, the College of Charleston and Fort Moultrie.

The film’s producers made the decision to use Lowcountry residents for smaller roles and extras instead of bringing in actors from Los Angeles, mostly in an effort to save money. And one of the lucky ones chosen was Braeden Reed, a 7-year old autistic child and Daniel Island resident.

Braeden became involved with Dear John after Phil Blevins, Executive Director of Carolina Autism – a nonprofit organization that serves people of all ages living with autism – received a phone call from film producers. Initially they were interested in understanding autistic behavior in children but the decided to audition autistic children instead of using an actor. And so Braeden’s acting career began!

Click HERE to read a great article in the Charleston City Paper about Braeden Reed and Carolina Autism.

The Dear John Charleston Premiere (LINK: ) is taking place on Sunday, January 24th at the Terrace Hippodrome located in downtown Charleston and tickets are still available. The stars of the movie, including Channing Tatum, Amanda Seyfried AND Braeden Reed, will be in attendance, and an official after party will take place at the South Carolina Aquarium following the movie. Ticket proceeds will benefit Carolina Autism.

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit the www.dearjohncharlestonpremiere.com website.

Volunteers Needed for the 2010 Family Circle Cup

In just three months, thousands will descend upon Daniel Island for the Family Circle Cup. In its 10-years on Daniel Island, the Family Circle Cup has become a favorite event among those involved in women’s professional tennis.

And in anticipation of this year’s tournament, the Family Circle Tennis Center has begun its search for the more than 500 volunteers needed for the weeklong event, taking place April 10-18, 2010.

Approximately 375 adult volunteer positions are available, as well as 175 adult and junior Ball Crew members, with a strong need for adult Ball Crew members.

“The success of the Family Circle Cup is built on the selfless contributions of our volunteers who place such an important role in the presentation of this world-class event,” said Eleanor Adams, Family Circle Cup Tournament Manager. “Their genuine Southern hospitality and outgoing personalities are a big part of why this tournament is so special.”

A good portion of the tournament’s pool of volunteers and temporary staff are island residents, who are proud to have this world-class event take place in their hometown and take pride in the fact that their contributions go a long way towards making the tournament a success.

“The hard work and dedication put forth by our volunteer base is amazing,” commented Jo Cooper, Family Circle Cup Volunteer Coordinator and Daniel Island resident. “When you pair the excitement of first-time volunteers with the experience of our veterans, it’s no wonder the event runs so smoothly.”

Take a look at the photo gallery below and meet some of last year’s volunteers, many of whom have been involved for years and will likely return for the 2010 Family Circle Cup.

There’s an assortment of volunteer opportunities available for the 2010 Family Circle Cup, sure to keep new and returning volunteers energized and busy throughout the tournament.

For more information about adult volunteerism, contact Jo Cooper at Jo.cooper@familycirclecup.com or leave a message at (843) 849-5309.

For more information about joining the Ball Crew, contact Dan Tumbleston at tumbled@knology or (843)367-0279.

Visit www.familycirclecup.com for additional information about the 2010 Family Circle Cup or to purchase tickets.