Ten Things to Watch for at This Year’s Family Circle Cup

The tents are up, the courts are in prime condition and some of the world’s top tennis stars are making their way to Daniel Island for a week of competition. It’s that time of year: The Family Circle Cup begins this Saturday, April 2, with the action continuing through Sunday, April 10. If you’ll be on Daniel Island checking out this world-class event (or even if you won’t), here are ten things to be on the lookout for at this year’s Family Circle Cup:

The Best Players
The Family Circle Cup has helped advance the careers of some of the most famous women’s tennis champions of our times, including Chris Evert, Martina Navratilova, Tracy Austin and the Williams sisters. This year’s line up includes World No. 1 Caroline Wozniacki, Samantha Stosur, Marion Bartoli, Maria Sharpova and many more of the world’s top players. They’ll compete for a $721,000 purse in what is one of the Premier Events on the WTA Tour.

Local Talent
Daniel Island resident Shelby Rogers has been granted a Main Draw Wild Card into this year’s tournament. The 18-year old began her formal tennis instruction right here at the Family Circle Tennis Center in 2001 at the age of eight, when she also served as a ball crew member and presented flowers to 2001 Family Circle Cup Champion Jennifer Capriati during the trophy presentation. Ten years later, she returns with a career high World No. 328 ranking and an opportunity to bring this storybook tale full-circle.

Tennis Legends
Those who grew up watching Chris Evert and Martina Navratilova at the height of their careers will want to attend “Game, Set, Rock: Tennis. Amplified.” on Saturday, April 9 at 7:30 pm. These former Family Circle Cup champions will be joined by none other than John McEnroe and Todd Martin for an exciting evening of singles and mixed-doubles exhibition matches.

America’s Best Tennis Town
You’ll be in the heart of it at the Cup.
Charleston was awarded the title by the USTA at last year’s U.S. Open, and we’re marking the honor on Tuesday, April 5 during the evening session with an “America’s Best Tennis Town Celebration.” The first 1,000 fans thru the gates will receive a gift. Enjoy the festivities on the Grand Lawn, a marching band in the stadium and more.

Friendly Island Residents
“The tournament brings people from all over the world to our island,” says resident and Family Circle Cup volunteer Jo Cooper. “It’s fun to share with them where the best restaurants and tourist attractions are. I always hope they take my advice and visit the local hot spots on the island!” If you’re visiting from out of town, ask a resident or volunteer to tell you about their favorite spots on Daniel Island and in Charleston.

Happy Hour
If you’re attending a night session, be sure to check out the Happy Hour specials and live entertainment at the Ketel One Racquet Club on the Grand Lawn from 5:00 – 7:00 pm for a festive way to start off your evening.

Match Point Market
Get your shopping on at the Cup’s boutique retail destination. Located adjacent to stadium court, the Market features a select group of South Carolina vendors offering a variety unique items for sale, including hand-crafted jewelry, clothing, accessories, gifts and more.

Freebies
Be on the lookout for great giveaways and prizes from many of the tournament’s generous sponsors, and be sure to stop by the Daniel Island Real Estate booth to enter to enter the daily drawing for some great Daniel Island-themed prizes!

Community Outreach
The Family Circle Cup focuses on giving back to the community by supporting non-profit organizations and projects that focus empowering and enhancing women, families and children. Throughout the week, you’ll hear stories about some of the Cup’s featured charity partners, including the Lowcountry Special Olympics tennis team, Courting Kids (an inner-city youth tennis program) and others.

National Television Coverage
Can’t be here in person? Check out the action on ESPN2
from Thursday through Sunday starting at 1 pm each day.

For further information about the week’s events and to purchase tickets, visit www.familycirclecup.com.

Rotary Club Hosts SIP of Daniel Island

The Rotary Club of Daniel Island will host the 2nd annual SIP of Daniel Island to benefit Water Missions International on Wednesday, April 6 from 5:30 pm – 9:00 pm. This is the perfect opportunity to “sip” and “sample” beverages and menu items from the island’s popular restaurants!   Ali Baba, Daniel Island Grille, Dragon Palace, Dublin Down, Et Cetera, Laura Alberts, Queen Anne’s Revenge, Sermet’s Courtyard, Vespa and Wasabi will be participating in this sociable, fundraising event.

Last year’s event raised $5,000 for Water Missions International, and this year the group’s goal is to sell 500 tickets, enough to raise $10,000 towards safe water systems.

Tickets can be pre-purchased for $20 by contacting Bob Wood at roberstwood@homesc.com or Bill Stevens at wes92142@yahoo.com.  Tickets will be available the day of the event for $25.  Tickets will also be available at the participating restaurants until 5:00 pm on Tuesday, April 5th.

About Water Missions International
Water Missions International is an engineering relief and development Christian nonprofit.  Its engineers, staff and volunteers design and provide sustainable, safe water solutions to disaster victims worldwide and people in 49 developing countries.  For more information go to www.watermissions.org

Resident Volunteers Help Make Family Circle Cup a Success (Part 2)

We recently introduced you to the Family Circle Cup’s Volunteer of the Year, Daniel Island resident Nancy Heinz. As we approach April 2 and the beginning of this world-class tennis event, we wanted to highlight some of the other resident volunteers who are giving their time to make sure the tournament runs without a hitch. They shared some thoughts about their experience volunteering for the Family Circle Cup and living on Daniel Island.

Jann O’Toole
5-yr resident of Daniel Island
Previously lived on Isle of Palms and Wilton, CT
“The Family Circle Cup brings people to Daniel Island  from all over the country. We are able to showcase our beautiful island, its wonderful restaurants, shops and neighborhoods. April becomes a very exciting month due to the positive atmosphere surrounding the tournament; I really look forward to it every year!”

Julie Lawrence
8-yr resident of Daniel Island
Previously lived on James Island
“The Cup is definitely a factor in why I live on DI. Our whole family enjoys tennis and we enjoy being a part of the event by volunteering.  We routinely ride and park our bikes at the tennis center instead of driving. We could only do that if we lived here.”

Jeannine DeRoy
2-yr resident of Daniel Island
Previously from Indianapolis, IN
“Although I am not a tennis player, I thought volunteering would be a wonderful way to meet people. I certainly was not disappointed, as I not only met lots of locals, but I met wonderful people from all over the WORLD. This will be my third year volunteering.  I always look forward to renewing friendships and making new ones.”

Jo Cooper
12-year resident of Daniel Island
Previously from Buford, GA
“When I first volunteered for the tournament in 2001, it was a great way to meet new people. Since that time, I have continued to enjoy seeing other volunteers that I may only get to see this time of year.”

Lynn Coursey
10-yr resident of Daniel Island
Previously from Greenwood, SC
Q: Of the following, which is the best part of the Cup, and why? People-watching, world-class tennis, catching up with friends, helping others.
A: I’m not sure that I can pick just one! During the tournament I could be doing any one of these at any given time. It is one of the best “vacations” I have ever taken!

Mary Alice “Petey” Haase
8-yr resident of Daniel Island
Previously from Quaker Hill, CT
“We on Daniel Island are extremely fortunate to have great leadership coordinating the world-class Family Circle Cup tournament. We have the best professional women tennis players in the world come to our peaceful, quaint island to present an exciting program for tens of thousands of tennis lovers the world over… I’m proud of the volunteer uniform I wear for the tournament as I meet and greet people from all walks of life.”

Rona Bobey
14-yr resident of Daniel Island
Previously lived in Mt. Pleasant
“I enjoy volunteering for events on Daniel Island to try and show and share my love for the island. My husband and I were the 7th family on Daniel Island and we have watched it grow. Hosting a professional tennis tournament gives the island a chance to show what all it has to offer. It takes volunteers to help the event run smoothly and I enjoy being a part of that.”

Deborah Currin
11-yr resident of Daniel Island
Previously from Orangeburg, SC
“The island gives us so much, and you’ve got to give it back or pay it forward!”

Lisa Frizelle
11-yr resident of Daniel Island
Previously lived in West Ashley
Q: Of the following, which is the best part of the Cup? People-watching, world-class tennis, catching up with friends or helping others.
A: I love the tennis and the people… and I want to give back to the community.

Don Rose
13-yr resident of Daniel Island
Previously from Richmond, VA
Q: What is the best part of the Cup and why?
A: Bringing people from all over the country to Daniel Island so they can enjoy the atmosphere. I like the personality of the players, and getting to talk to the players, eyeball-to-eyeball.

A special thank you to these residents and all of the volunteers who help our community put on its best face at the Family Circle Cup each year!

Non-Stop Summer Camp Fun Right Here on Daniel Island

Spring has sprung, and before you know it summer will be here!  Soon the kids will be out of school and will be looking for some non-stop action.  Never before has there been so many high-quality, exciting summer camps offered right here on Daniel Island. Residents can choose from a wide variety of programs that will entertain youngsters all summer long. But be sure to sign up early as many of these camps fill up quickly!

Japan Karate Institute Summer Camps

Packed with tons of fun and exciting activities, Japan Karate Camps take place 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! Visit www.japankarateinstitute.com for more information.

Camp Invention

A day at the Camp Invention program is packed with hands-on activities, brainstorming, experimentation and unbelievable action!  This camp develops creative thinking, teamwork and problem-solving skills for kids entering grades one through six. This camp is held July 11 – July 14 at the Daniel Island School.  Go to www.invent.org 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 www.familycirclecup.com for more information.

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. Go to www.familycirclecup.com for more information.

Basketball Camp

Participants will learn and improve basic fundamentals and skills of the game.  Emphasis on using the backboard, setting and rolling off picks, moving without the ball, defensive drills and foul shooting are just a part of what is covered during the week.  K5 – 9th Graders welcome.  This camp is held at the Daniel Island School Gym from 9:00 am – 12:00 pm or 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm, dependent on age group.  Go to www.charleston-sc.gov 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.

Boys Lacrosse Camp

Designed specifically for boys ages 6 – 14 who want to learn more about the sport of lacrosse and work on their skills and improve their game, this camp is for all skill levels.  It takes place on the field behind the Daniel Island School from June 6 – June 9 (June 10 is a rain date) from 9:00 am – 12:00 pm.  Go to www.charleston-sc.gov for more information.

Charleston Battery Day Camp

The Charleston Battery Day Camp is offered as a weeklong camp for boys and girls ages 5- 13.  This camp is designed to develop the fundamental techniques of soccer in a fun learning environment.  Campers can attend half-day, full-day or weekly sessions. A certified Athletic Trainer is on site throughout the duration of the camp.  Go to www.charlestonbattery.com for more information.

Girls Hip Hop Creative Arts Camp

Girls ages 4 – 11 are invited to participate and learn hip hop moves, tumbling, stretching and basic dance steps.  This camp also includes daily art projects and games.  On the last day, a brief showcase will be performed for the parents.  It takes place at the Daniel Island School gym from 9:00 am – 12:00 pm. Visit www.charleston-sc.gov 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, and all students, including Summer-Only students, may enroll in weekly and monthly sessions based upon age and availability. Click on www.danielislandacademy.com for more information or to register your child.

Daniel Island Baseball Camp

Boys and girls ages 8 – 12 are invited to attend this camp held at Freedom Park (located behind the Daniel Island School) June 20 – 24 from 9:00 am – 12:00 pm.  Players will learn the fundamentals of baseball through instruction, drills and games.  Click on www.charleston-sc.gov 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.

Bishop’s Wrestling Camp

This wrestling camp from coach Paul Spence will take place at Bishop England High School’s gym on June 20-24 for students in third through eighth grade. A morning session (9 am – 12 pm) for novice wrestlers will focus on fundamental positions, basic setups, takedowns and more. The afternoon session (1-4 pm) is for experienced wrestlers, who will receive more in-depth and faster-paced instruction.  Medals and certificates will be presented to outstanding campers. For more information, call (843) 425-9527 or email Pspence@behs.com.

“Backhands & Birdies” at the Daniel Island Club

Whether you enjoy playing a round of golf or serving a few balls on the courts, you are invited to join Junior Achievement as non-profit organization hosts a unique fundraising event that will feature the best of both sports. The inaugural “Birdies and Backhands Classic” will take place at the Daniel Island Club on Friday, April 1st.  Junior Achievement’s annual golf tournament has been a success for more than 15 years, but this year it has expanded to include a round-robin doubles tennis tournament.

Sponsorship packages are still available and include gifts, lunch and tickets to the awards reception at the Park Club following play. Foursomes start at $1,600 and the tennis tournament is $80 per doubles team. Visit www.JACoastalSC.org for more information.

About Junior Achievement
Junior Achievement of Coastal South Carolina is a 501 (c) (3) organization dedicated to inspiring and educating students on how to succeed in a global economy. With the Junior Achievement program curriculum, volunteers empower students with the knowledge they need to be productive workers, good citizens and informed consumers. Junior Achievement programs inspire students to be self-advocates willing to take a leadership role in their future economic success.

Resident Volunteers Help Make Family Circle Cup an Outstanding Success

Pulling off a WTA tournament each year that brings the top names in women’s tennis to Daniel Island – along with thousands of fans from around the world – is no small feat. But after ten years on Daniel Island, the folks at the Family Circle Cup seem to have the process down to a science. Beginning in early March, things start shifting into high gear as all the pieces of this world-class, nationally-televised event start falling into place.

“We absolutely could not do it without the hard work and dedication of our volunteers, many of whom are Daniel Island residents,” says Eleanor Adams, Tournament Manager for the Family Circle Cup. The tournament recruits more than 500 volunteers each year.

As we approach this year’s event, which takes place April 2-10, we thought we’d introduce you to some of the island residents who help make the tournament such an outstanding success each year. And who better to start with than the Family Circle Cup’s Volunteer of the Year, Nancy Heinz?

A long-time resident of Daniel Island’s Codner’s Ferry Park neighborhood, Nancy and her family moved to the island from Springfield, Virginia in 2000. While her husband (a USTA league player) and 15-year old son (a junior player who competes in USTA sanctioned tournaments at the Southern and National level) are active players, Nancy works behind the scenes, coordinating tennis events for the Daniel Island Club, where she’s been on staff for four and a half years. She is Co-Chair of the Media Center at the Family Circle Cup.

“Nancy has been an invaluable asset to the Cup’s Media Center for the past 11 years,” says Mike Saia, Communications Manager at the Family Circle Cup. “She was named Volunteer of the Year for a list of reasons far too long to mention, but primarily because of her leadership skills, dedication and unwavering attention to detail, all of which her volunteer position demands.”

Mike caught up with Nancy to find out why she dedicates her time to the tournament each year:

MS: Why do you feel it’s important for you, as an island resident, to volunteer your time to this event?

NH: When the decision was made for the Cup to relocate from Hilton Head to Daniel Island in 2001, the call for volunteers was great. I was already a Daniel Island resident at the time, and I immediately knew that I wanted to be part of the FCC volunteer team and contribute in some way towards making the tournament an overwhelming success its first year on the island.

MS: What kind of an impact do you think the Cup has on island life, and why?

NH: What an awesome way to introduce people of all ages in the community to professional tennis! Additionally, with so many residents volunteering, a wonderful tradition of giving back to the community has been established and has had a tremendous impact. Beyond the tournament, the Family Circle Tennis Center is a beautiful facility that residents enjoy year round, both for tennis and other events held at the venue.

MS: What are your favorite non-tennis reasons to volunteer at the Cup?

NH: It’s a pleasure to work alongside the dedicated staff at Family Circle Tennis Center and a great opportunity to serve others.

MS: Of the following, which is the best part of the Cup, and why: People-watching, world-class tennis, catching up with friends, helping others?

NH: Hands down, helping others. I enjoy helping to ensure that the media has a welcoming “home away from home” to write their stories and preview their photos each day, and that the players have an inviting place to speak with the media, especially after a tough match or loss.

Congratulations Nancy, and a big thank you for all you do to help make the Family Circle Cup a successful island event!

It’s Time for Bishop England High School’s Daniel Island 5K Run & Walk

Thirteen years ago, shortly after Bishop England High School opened its doors as the first school on Daniel Island, the school’s Track & Cross Country teams started what has since become a great springtime tradition here in Charleston’s island town. This Saturday, March 19th, the tradition continues with the 13th annual Daniel Island 5K Run and Walk.

Designed to accommodate everyone from highly competitive athletes to casual walkers, the event is a great opportunity to get out and enjoy the fabulous spring weather we’ve been experiencing here in the Lowcountry. The race starts at 9 am in front of Bishop England on Seven Farms Drive, taking participants on a scenic route through Daniel Island’s picturesque neighborhoods, parks and trails before finishing back at the school. Kids under the age of 12 are invited to participate in a special “Kids Fun Run” that will start immediately following the race.

Cash and other prizes will be awarded to winners in all age groups, and all children participating in the Fun Run will receive medals.

Bishop England High School has played a significant role within our community over the years – please come out and support the Track and Cross Country teams by taking part in this great springtime event! For more information and to register, click here.

Daniel Island Entrepreneur Creates Jewelry Inspired by Sweetgrass Basket Tradition

When Angie Buxton received a sweetgrass basket as a gift from her babysitter seven years ago, the inspiration for a custom jewelry line was born.

“I was working as a pharmaceutical representative at the time and had a wonderful nanny that helped me take care of my children,” says Angie.  “For my birthday one year, she gave me a beautiful sweetgrass basket that was hand-made by her mother.  I was so taken by its design and craftsmanship.”

Angie began to research the history of the sweetgrass basket and found that they were used for winnowing rice on Lowcountry plantations as far back as 1694.  The plantations relied on the skilled labor of salves imported from West Africa for rice cultivation.

As Angie researched the craft further, she started to speak with modern day basket weavers who are descendants of the Gullah-Geechee heritage.  She discovered that the method is an oral tradition that is passed down from family to family.

“Unfortunately, it is a dying art because the younger generations are not as interested about learning the craft,” said Angie.  “I wanted to do something to help preserve the art and promote greater awareness of the Gullah-Geechee heritage.”

Angie decided to start a jewelry line that would help honor and preserve the traditions of the Gullah-Geechee people.

“I was busy working full-time and trying to raise two young kids. The idea of a new career that would allow me to work from my home on Daniel Island and spend more time with my family was certainly attractive,” commented Angie.

Her initial design was created as a clay bracelet prototype that reflected the same woven details of the sweetgrass baskets.

“I showed the prototype to a craftsman who then took the design and casted it in sterling silver. The jewelry business took off from there.”

Sweet Charleston Designs is a fine jewelry collection custom crafted using 18K gold and sterling silver. Angie operates the business out of her home on Daniel Island and works with a silversmith and casting house to produce the designs. The line is carried by more than twenty retailers, and pieces range from $120 – $3,000.  Custom orders are also accepted.

“It just all seemed to work out. Now I have the best of both worlds – I’m pursuing a newly found passion and preserving a piece of Lowcountry history. Plus I get to spend more time with my family,” said Angie.

For more information on Sweet Charleston Designs, go to www.sweetcharlestondesigns.com

St. Patrick’s Day Block Party to Benefit Haitian Hospital

Dublin Down, Daniel Island’s popular new Irish Pub, and the Daniel Island Grille, one of the island’s favorite watering holes, are joining forces to celebrate the first annual St. Patrick’s Day Block Party on Thursday, March 17th. Live Irish music begins at noon and food and drink specials will be offered all day. The event is a benefit for Hopital Lumiere, located in the small mountainous town of Bonne Fin, Haiti.

Daniel Island residents Lindsey and Harry Demos are helping organize the festivities for this charitable event, including bagpipes at Dublin Down, and a jump castle and face painting at Daniel Island Grille. In addition, both locations will be selling t-shirts to raise money for the effort, as well as tickets for a chance to win some great prizes.

Lindsey, a physical therapist, and her husband Harry, an orthopedic surgeon, have traveled to Haiti since last year’s earthquake to volunteer their services at Hopital Lumiere. They were quick to recognize that the conditions were far from ideal.  This benefit will help raise money for basic necessities such as light bulbs, clean drinking water and food for the patients.

UPDATE: The event was a smashing success! See below for photos of this festive day:

Daniel Island Club’s Executive Chef Highlights Fresh, Local Ingredients at the Charleston Wine & Food Festival

The BB&T Charleston Wine and Food Festival comes to town this weekend, showcasing the talents of the nation’s most celebrated chefs, culinary professionals and winemakers. Among them will be the Daniel Island Club‘s very own Chef Tyler Dudley, who will be featured in two festival favorites: “Wine Around the Garden” and the “Lowcountry Gospel Brunch.” Both events highlight local chefs using local ingredients. Chef Tyler is the only chef from a local private club participating in this prestigious, nationally-acclaimed festival.

“It’s a true honor to be asked to participate in the Charleston Wine and Food Festival,” said Chef Tyler.  “This is my third year as a guest chef and I really enjoy creating menus inspired by fresh, local ingredients.”

At “Wine Around the Garden” guests will visit the national landmark, Middleton Place Plantation, where they will be joined by four featured chefs who will each prepare a lunch menu paired with a specific winery.

Chef Tyler’s menu will feature smoked salmon rillettes with local green onion and a Charleston favorite – roulade of BBQ pulled pork complimented by spicy southern slaw and Carolina BBQ jus.

“The menu is definitely French, but inspired by southern ingredients, creating an interesting pairing for the wine provided by Chapel Down,” explains Chef Tyler.

Next up is the Lowcountry Gospel Brunch where guests will be served a three-course Lowcountry–style brunch while listening to the traditional sounds of a live gospel ensemble. Ten chefs will be participating and serving their Sunday best, including local favorites such as John Ondo from Lana Bar & Restaurant and Andrew Chadwick from the Woodlands Inn.

Chef Tyler will offer a lump crab and house smoked salmon cake with aged white cheddar grits as a first course, and a braised veal short rib hash with fingerling potatoes and tasso hollandaise for the second course.  The meal will finish with a buttermilk tart served with local berry compote and a mint anglaise.

“It’s all about using local ingredients that are popular in Lowcountry that will also appeal to guests that are not from this area,” said Chef Tyler. “I like to invent a menu that provides a creative sampling of the unique cuisine that Charleston has to offer.”

For more information about the BBT Charleston Wine and Food Festival, go to charlestonwineandfood.com

Next Page »