Daniel Island Resident Gives Holiday Thanks

Reprinted with permission by The Daniel Island News
Letters to the Editor
December 15, 2011

Christmas as an experience is often very different from the way I envision it in my romantic mind’s eye. Recently though, I had a wonderful treat – an evening with friends on Daniel Island that summed up for me the good things about living on Daniel Island and also helped me to get into the Christmas spirit. It made me think about how the design and texture of a town help make the community what it is. We all know that we live in a fabulously beautiful place. We are incredibly lucky to have a quality school that many of us center our lives around. We have sidewalks, bike trails, pools, parks, lots of green space, playgrounds and even a dog park. Our children run around freely, bicycle to their friends’, the parks and school – something that I marvel at each and every day. We have a library with a staff that is truly dedicated, informative, knowledgeable and helpful.

In fact we have so many interesting, talented and wonderful people living here, I have to pinch myself and ask: “Is this a fairy tale town or actually what a well thought out and planned community looks like?” Do the beauty and thoughtfulness attract more of the same? Frank Lloyd Wright once said: “If you foolishly ignore beauty, you’ll soon find yourself without it. Your life will be impoverished. But if you wisely invest in beauty, it will remain with you all the days of your life.”

On a recent Friday night I felt as though I had gone to heaven….. or at least to a small village in Europe (which for me would be heaven). After watching the Daniel Island tree lighting and entertainment with my kids, husband and friends and munching on some surprisingly good chili, we decided to continue the holiday reveling and go have a glass of cheer at the nearby Irish pub. The pub was bubbling over with people but we were comfortably seated and we easily made room for more friends as they joined us. The children were welcomed and we were able to settle them at tables in different groups around us – far enough that the older kids had a little autonomy though still within view. The pub was teeming with friends and familiar faces – including some of our children’s teachers and even our principal.

My happiness was at its peak when my niece, her husband and their beautiful little ones, also DI locals, popped in for a beer, spying us in the window as they were out for an evening stroll to enjoy the newly lighted tree. What could be more heavenly or Christmassy?

As we made merry, catching up with good friends – our children nearby and happy, familiar faces, loving family, teachers and neighbors all around me in a neighborhood pub, I felt like I was in the greatest little pub, in the greatest little town on earth.

It is a beautiful life on Daniel Island and I am truly grateful!

Jacqueline Gowe
Daniel Island

Daniel Island Christmas Tree Initiative A Success

Twenty local businesses, individuals and organizations donated their time and efforts this year by decorating holiday-themed Christmas Trees that were raffled during the Daniel Island Holiday Festival on December 3rd.  The beautiful trees raised $1,273 that the Daniel Island Community Fund then matched, bringing in a grand total of $2,546 benefiting the boys at Windwood Farm Home for Children.  However, the trees represented far more than just the spirit of Christmas. They brought awareness to a cause that affects more than 19,000 abused and neglected children annually in South Carolina.

“This initiative exceeded our expectations, not only from a financial perspective, but it was great to see how quickly people would get involved once they realized what the cause was,” said Kristin Power, Director of Development at Windwood Farm. “Once again The Daniel Island Property Owners Association, The Daniel Island Community Fund and all that represents this great community, came to the aide of our boys in a big way.  For that I cannot thank you all enough!”

The initiative will be back in 2012 so stay tuned for information next fall on how you can participate.  Also, mark your calendars for Saturday, February 25 when the Daniel Island POA office and Windwood Farm will partner together for the popular annual “Pork n’ Pearls” oyster roast.  More details to come!

Daniel Island Holiday Festival A Big Hit

Thousands of Daniel Island residents and visitors kicked off the holiday shopping season in style on December 3rd at the annual Holiday Festival at Family Circle Stadium. Like magic, this world-class sports venue was transformed into a winter wonderland with over 100 local vendors selling crafts, gifts, delicious treats and more to eager holiday shoppers.  A big hit this year was the ice skating rink that was enjoyed by kids (and adults!) of all ages.  A visit with Santa himself – and a line-up of spectacular performances from singers and dancers from around the Lowcountry kept everyone entertained. This island tradition has become one of Charleston’s biggest holiday events. Check out these photos from the official festival photographer, Spring Dyer. The complete gallery of image can be viewed here.

Battling Bishops Win First State Title

Daniel Island’s Bishop England High School football team claimed their first state championship title recently by defeating Central High School to a record 10-0 shutout. It was the Bishop’s seventh shutout of the season and a testament to a strong defense that has proved to be indestructible all season.

It was the football program’s 400th victory since the school first fielded a team in 1944. It was also the football program’s first state championship, and the school’s 100th state title overall.

A huge congratulations to the Battling Bishops and their outstanding playing ability. Charleston’s Island Town could not be more proud!

Shop And Give Back At This Weekend’s Daniel Island Holiday Festival

The annual Daniel Island Holiday Festival takes place this Saturday, December 3, and this year planners are pulling out all the stops. In addition to the Festival’s popular showcase of more than 100 local vendors selling everything from handmade crafts and jewelry to unique gifts of all kinds, there will be an expanded offering of live music and entertainment for all ages. Santa will be making an appearance, there will be Cookie Decorating and Holiday Craft stations, face painting, jump castles and – brand new this year – an ice skating rink!

While you’re out enjoying the festivities, be sure to look out for the festive display of Christmas trees that are part of Daniel Island’s Christmas Tree Fundraiser for Windwood Farm Home for Children. A selection of island and area residents and businesses have gotten into the holiday spirit by decorating and donating 19 four ft. trees, each dedicated to one of the amazing boys that currently reside at Windwood Farm, an environment of help, hope and healing for at-risk youth and families who have been traumatized by the effects of severe abuse and neglect. For a $5 donation to this important Charleston non-profit organization, you can enter to win the tree of your choice!

From traditionally-decorated trees to creative themes like Candy Land, “Gone Fishing,” Dr. Seuss and Star Wars, you’re sure to find the perfect small tree to complement your holiday decor. Enter to win the tree(s) of your choice as many times as you like. The winners will be drawn and announced at 4 pm at the end of the Holiday Festival (you do not need to be present to win).

The Daniel Island Community Fund has agreed to match money raised by this initiative, so be sure to come out and support this important cause!

For further information about the Daniel Island Christmas Tree Fundraiser, click here.

Daniel Island Soccer Academy Invites You to “Shuck for Soccer” at Pierce Park

Calling all oyster shuckers!  Grab your knife and gloves and come to the pavilion at Pierce Park on Saturday, December 3rd for the annual Oyster Roast Fundraiser for Daniel Island Soccer Academy. Enjoy all the oysters you can eat, plus hotdogs, chicken and more while listening to live music in this scenic setting overlooking the marsh and Wando River. The festivities take place from 5-9 pm.

The cost to attend is $25 for adults and $10 for children (7 years old and up).  All proceeds go towards player scholarships, equipment and travel assistance for tournament teams. It’s easy to purchase tickets in advance – just click here!

Daniel Island Soccer Academy is a family-oriented, grassroots program founded by Bishop England High School head varsity coach Ed Khouri. The Academy currently has 170 players and 12 teams that practice on Daniel Island. Teams compete both locally and regionally in spring and fall soccer leagues. For more information on this growing Daniel Island soccer program, visit www.disacademy.org