Tyler Dudley, Executive Chef at the Daniel Island Club

Tyler Dudley, a newly minted Certified Executive Chef, has held the top chef position at Daniel Island for the past ten years. During that time, he and his team of 25, which includes a Chef de Cuisine, Banquet Chef, Sous Chef and Executive Pastry Chef, have created an exciting mix of fine-dining and casual cuisine that ranks the club with the best downtown restaurants in a great food town like Charleston, which appears regularly on Top Ten lists of the nation’s best dining destinations. The Daniel Island Club has even earned the right to participate in the Charleston Wine and Food festival, which is normally limited to public operations.

Chef Dudley was kind enough to take time to share with us how he continually raises the bar in an exceptional club F&B operation.

Q: Chef, for those who are not familiar with Lowcountry cuisine, can you explain all that it encompasses as far as cooking style, geography and history?  Also, how have you integrated it into your menus at Daniel Island?

Chef Tyler's Shrimp & Grits

A: Lowcountry cuisine is the cooking traditionally associated with the coastal area of South Carolina that stretches from Pawley’s Island to the Savannah River in Georgia. This region has a rich diversity in seafood from the coast, and influences from Caribbean and African cuisine.

Lowcountry cooking has a strong correlation with New Orleans and Cajun cuisine as well. We try to utilize as many local ingredients as possible in our menus, and like to put a modern spin on Lowcountry favorites, such as with our versions of Shrimp and Grits (see recipe at right) or Fried Green Tomatoes.

The Main Dining Room at the Daniel Island Club

Q: A huge priority for you has been to get your culinary team out into the community, by participating in events such as the Charleston Wine and Food Festival or fundraisers like “Darkness to Light,” which raises money for the prevention of child abuse. Explain to us the positive impact this has on your relationship with your staff when these become a regular practice.

A: It’s easy sometimes to be “locked in” and focused on the day-to-day operations of a very busy private club, which can lead to forgetting what’s going on in your local culinary community. Our culinary team strives to get out there, not only to support great organizations like Darkness to Light, but also to be involved with events like the Charleston Wine and Food Festival. This not only brings great exposure to the club, it gets our culinary team excited about what we are doing here. And it gives our chefs great networking abilities with the outstanding culinary talent that we have here in Charleston.

Q: Chef, I’m surprised at the number of club chefs who now have extensive gardens on site. Having taken on a huge project with your 100-by-40-yard garden, what tips can you offer for getting beyond just having herb beds outside our kitchen doors?

A: We started about three years ago with a small herb garden, and that soon led to discussions of how to expand that resource. There has been a huge movement, not only in Charleston but also the entire country, around the farm-to-table concept—and when our President of the Daniel Island Company came to us with interest of expanding to a 100% organic garden on the property, it kind of took off from there. Some tips I can give would be to start small, do some research and not only get your culinary team involved but other departments such as course and grounds maintenance, which does the tilling and other upkeep that requires heavy equipment for us.

To read the rest of the article in Club & Resort Business, click here.

Molly May and Jennifer Jones enjoy a casual jog on Daniel Island.

“If you live in the Daniel Island, SC area and are looking for other women to keep you motivated in your running, biking or swimming, Daniel Island Girls in Training (DIG IT) can be your networking place. 

We are fortunate to live on a beautiful island with miles of paved and natural paths for running and biking. We also have an outdoor lap pool, Pierce Park Pool, open to residents April-October for lap swimming. 

Members of DIG IT can schedule weekly runs, share their routes, organize pace groups, plan meet-ups at area races, or just communicate with fellow members.

 Can you DIG IT?”

Molly May certainly can DIG IT. This is the description found on the Facebook group that Molly May started last March when she was trying to recruit some running partners. Since then, her group has grown to more than 65 members, all of whom are island residents that are dedicated to getting fit on Daniel Island.

“After I had my third child, I was finding it hard to get back to a regular running schedule,” says Molly.  “After meeting female runners through various social groups on the island, I started wondering if women runners could benefit from a running network where they could arrange meet ups for training or race events.”

That’s when Molly decided to create a Facebook group where members could easily communicate and post comments regarding daily runs.

“I had no idea that the group would grow so fast,” says Molly. “The motivation and camaraderie that the Facebook group offers is really amazing.”

Whether you can run one mile or 10 miles, the group organizes runs that can be modified to everyone’s ability.

“I’d say we have about ten girls in the group who run consistently with one another,” says Molly. “Some of us are training for marathons and others just want to get in shape. We had one girl join us the other week that ran her very first mile ever!”

And the members don’t only run.  It’s a very diverse group that also has members who spin, do Crossfit, Hip Hop, practice yoga and participate in boot camps.

Molly May (left) and Jennifer Jones. Molly created DIG IT in March. The women's-only running group now has more than 65 members.

“What I love most about it is that we’re all out there for similar reasons – to excersie, for a mental release and for the camaraderie.  It’s very therapeutic!” says Molly.

Jennifer Jones, an active DIG IT member, recently moved to Daniel Island  from Jackson, Tennessee.

“When deciding where to live, my husband’s boss recommended we take a look at Daniel Island. One step on the island and we knew this was the place we wanted to be. We didn’t have to look anywhere else. The only downside was that we didn’t know a soul. It’s hard to move to a new place when you don’t know anyone,” says Jennifer.

An avid runner herself, Jennifer was a member of a co-ed running group while living in Tennessee.

“I just loved my running group back in Tennessee, so when I found out about DIG IT I was immediately eager to get involved. I’ve met so many wonderful women. The experience has been amazing! Molly and I are currently training for the Savannah Marathon,” says Jennifer.  “I could not be running the mileage I am without the support and camaraderie that I’ve received from the group.”

Because DIG IT is a members-only Facebook group, postings are private. “This makes the group not only safe, but members have also started to feel comfortable using the Facebook page as a resource to find a babysitter or to get a recommendation for a good hairdresser.  But even though the group is private, all women are welcome to join,” says Molly.

“I’ve made so many new friends through DIG IT. Not only do we organize runs together, but we also schedule social gatherings and outings,” says Jennifer.

Getting healthy and spending time with good friends. Sounds like a wonderful recipe for success.  And rumor has it that they are even designing their own t-shirts.

If you are a woman and would like to get involved with DIG IT, you can find them on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/groups/danielislandgirlsintraining/

Panoramic waterfront views. A 5,000 square foot custom-built home. A large backyard with a deepwater dock. It just can’t get any better than that.

Last winter, Jay and Kristen Odell decided to purchase a waterfront lot at Mitchell Wharf and build their dream home. In just 8 1/2 months, they were able to move in, 45 days earlier than expected.

“The building process couldn’t have gone smoother. There were certainly numerous decisions to be made and Carson Homes was extremely helpful and easy to get along with every step of the way,” said Kristen. “And being able to move in 45 days early went way beyond our expectations.”

As you enter the home, panoramic water views can be seen from almost every room. The floor plan is light and airy and a high standard of craftsmanship is evident at every corner.

“I just love the way the home turned out,” says Kristen. “Chris (Carson) was extremely attentive to every detail, from assisting with designing the floor plan to picking out paint colors.”

And who wouldn’t love a large custom kitchen where you can cook and watch the kids fish and swim off the dock.

“The kitchen is just beautiful. The colors are very light and I love how everything is flush, including the refrigerator that blends perfectly into the cabinetry,” says Kristen.

Perhaps one of the best features of the home is the outdoor living space. A spacious back porch overlooks an expansive backyard and deepwater dock.

“We were really surprised at how big the backyard turned out. With two young boys, Jay and I were very keen on having a yard that was spacious enough for them to run around in. It’s just great watching them play soccer outside – they really love it,” says Kristen.

A deepwater dock backs up directly to the backyard. At low tide, a small beach is revealed and is perfect for crabbing or just hanging out.

“I often find myself just sitting and enjoying the views,” comments Kristen. “We’ve seen dolphin and it’s really spectacular when a storm is rolling in. The entire building process went smoother than we could have ever imagined. We couldn’t be happier.”

Originally from Plymouth, Michigan, Crystal and Joe Kowalis always knew they wanted to retire in the south. Fortunately, their daughter and son-in-law – who were living in Charleston at the same time Crystal and Joe were looking for retirement options – recommended that they visit Daniel Island.

“We had previously made six trips in search of places to retire in the south, but we immediately fell in love with Daniel Island the minute we stepped foot on it,” says Crystal. With two years left until they planned to retire, they decided to buy a condominium at Daniel’s Landing in the island’s downtown.

“We bought the condominium with our daughter’s in-laws and tried to visit whenever we could,” says Crystal. But with Joe working as an engineer and Crystal a schoolteacher, it was difficult to get away as much as they would have liked.

“We had owned the condominium for only about eight months when our real estate agent suggested we look at a house in Center Park that had recently come on the market. We weren’t ready to move yet, but it was the perfect home for us, so we decided to go ahead and make an offer. We’ve never once regretted that decision,” says Crystal.

Crystal and Joe retired and moved to Daniel Island as full-time residents in 2005. Once they settled in, Crystal began looking for an activity to keep her busy.

“I’ve always had a lot of energy, and being retired from teaching school left a void that I felt I needed to fill,” commented Crystal. It was at that time that Joe bought her a membership to the National Association of Professional Organizers (NAPO). Crystal had already helped many friends and colleagues get organized while living in Michigan, so this felt like a good next step. Crystal went on to get certified as a professional organizer and started to network her business both on Daniel Island and in the surrounding Charleston area.

“The business just started to take off. I was helping clients move into new homes, move out of their old homes, and get re-organized in their current homes,” says Crystal.

As a professional organizer, Crystal learns about her client’s personalities as well as their priorities. She then begins to work with them to help them decide which items they really use and want to keep, and which items just get in their way. The next step is finding a permanent and logical place for every single thing. Most of all, she tries to keep the work atmosphere pleasant, and even fun. Many of her clients have become permanent friends.

“I put a lot of humor into my work. You have to – it can be very difficult to bring a stranger into your home and empty out all your drawers and closets in front of them,” continues Crystal. “I do my best to make my clients feel comfortable and get them to make decisions that will, in the end, make their lives much less stressful because they won’t be spending a lot of extra time trying to find things. Or, they won’t be spending extra money on items that they already own and didn’t know they had.”

Crystal takes pride in getting to know her clients and discovering their likes and dislikes.

“It’s like a big puzzle that needs to be solved,” says Crystal. “The idea is to create zones. In a kitchen, we’ll methodically empty everything out of each drawer and cabinet. If my client likes to bake, for example, we decide which things to keep, and then we gather all the utensils, bowls, baking pans and appliances and containerize what we can before placing them within closer reach. Next, we tackle another zone.”

Crystal confesses that it’s not always an easy job to come into a someone’s home and start suggesting alternative solutions for getting organized, such as donating some items to Goodwill or throwing some things away.

“Sometimes it takes a lot of hand holding,” she says. “I once had a client that owned an uncanny number of scissors that they just couldn’t part with. And that was OK. We merely found a special space to store all those scissors. I’ve found that people can also be very sentimental about their personal items. I have strategies and solutions for organizing those kinds of things, too.”

In addition to homes, Crystal also organizes garages, home offices, clothing closets and even children’s playrooms. For more information about how Crystal can help you get organized, visit www.positivelyorganized.us.

Sensei Glenn Raus, 2nd Dan, Wado Ryu

Resident Sensei Glenn Raus runs one of the most successful Japan Karate Institute programs in Charleston.  He has also attained a highly credited 2nd degree Black Belt.  And he runs marathons.  And competes in triathlons.  He also trains for Ironmans.  So, one may wonder, when does he find the time to sleep?

“I have one the best jobs in the world and a terrific staff that offers me a lot of support,” says Glenn.  “I live within walking distance to the Dojo.  And I can train right outside my front door. Daniel Island is a terrific place to run, bike and swim.”

Glenn and his wife, Audra, moved to Daniel Island from James Island four years ago.  Originally from the suburbs of Philadelphia, Glenn always knew that he eventually wanted to move south.

“It was the blizzard of ’96 that finally did it.  I just got tired of shoveling my driveway for hours on end,” Glenn confesses.  “And then having to do it all over again!  I knew I had to make a change.”

Glenn’s brother was living in Charleston and that’s what brought him to the area.  Soon after, he began working as a scorekeeper for the Charleston Battery soccer team, which eventually landed him a job at Blackbaud, a leading software developer headquartered on Daniel Island.

“It was at that time that I developed an interest in karate.  So, I decided to start taking classes at the Japan Karate Institute in West Ashley,” says Glenn.

Not only did he meet his future wife, Audra, at one of those classes, but he also developed a life-long passion that would eventually lead him to opening his own Dojo.

JKI's Little Ninja program is a popular class for preschoolers.

Sensei Glenn opened Japan Karate Institute on Daniel Island in October of 2003.  Just three months later, he had over 40 students enrolled in the program.  A year later, he was able to quit his job at Blackbaud and commit himself to running JKI full time.

“It was when Audra and I were expecting our first child that we started looking for a new home,” Glenn continued.  “One of her prerequisites was that she wanted to be able to safely walk the baby to the Dojo.  And Daniel Island, fortunately, offered numerous choices for that.”

The Dojo kept growing and Sensei Glenn started to not only offer karate classes, but also  adult fitness, women’s self defense and empower hour classes.  Not to mention the popular after school karate program for kids ages 5 and up, as well as a JKI summer camp program.

Not long after Glenn opened the Dojo, one of his students asked him if he was interested in training for a triathlon.

“I had just turned 40, and my clothes were beginning to feel tight. This was a real wake-up call and it was then that I decided to do something about it,” Glenn said.  “So, I decided to just go for it!”

JKI progress evaluations are held every three months.

In 2006, Glenn successfully competed in his first Charleston Sprint Triathlon Series.  He completed his first half marathon in 2007 and shortly thereafter raced the Kiawah Island Marathon.  In 2009 he competed in his first half Ironman, and in 2010 his first full Ironman.  He is currently training for the Louisville Ironman that will take place in August.

“I have three goals:  To complete the Ironman in under 12 1/2 hours, finish the race and not go to the medical tent,” commented Glenn.  “And, most importantly, to have fun!”

Have fun, that is, while doing a 2.4-mile swim, 112-mile bike and a 26.2-mile run. So, how does he do it?  What drives him?

“I enjoy the challenge of pushing myself to limits I’ve never achieved before.  It’s about discovery.  It’s just me against myself,” says Glenn.

And not only is Glenn training for the Louisville Ironman, but he has also successfully recruited 20 Daniel Island residents to train for the Charleston Sprint Triathlon Series scheduled for August 14.

“I sent out one e-mail and all of a sudden I had 20 people show up for the first training session!  Some of them are parents and students at the Dojo,” Glenn comments.  “For many, this will be their first triathlon.  It’s really inspiring.”

Glenn has completed numerous Triathlons and Marathons. He is currently training for his second full Ironman.

Glenn uses a 9-week training program in conjunction with TrySports, a specialty fitness retail store, where he serves as an ambassador to expose and inspire more people to participate in triathlons.

So, what could possibly be the next big goal?

“I hear someone might be organizing a 10-mile swim around Charleston,” says Glenn. “I don’t know if I can do it, but I’ll try!”

In the meantime, Japan Karate Institute on Daniel Island will be celebrating its eighth anniversary this year.

“I feel very fortunate to have a successful Dojo, live on the island and even be able to walk to work.  The cool thing about JKI is that I’m passing on the lessons that I’ve learned to students both young and old,” continues Glenn.  “My 6-year old daughter takes karate and she is already talking about inheriting the responsibilities of the Dojo.  It’s reassuring to know that, in some way or form, there will always be a JKI, whether I’m here or not.”

The purpose of Hei-Wado Karate training at the Japan Karate Institute on Daniel Island is “not to conquer others, but to conquer the weakness within oneself.”

Clearly, Sensei Glenn Raus is abiding by this high standard while setting an excellent example for his students and neighbors on Daniel Island.

A good beat. Inspiring dance moves. Motivational instruction. Throw in a little “peace” and “love” and a gymnasium filled with fitness enthusiasts, and you have the perfect recipe for an alternative, funky way to get in shape on Daniel Island. Created by Daniel Island resident Angel Roberts, Hip Hop is a totally unique program that combines exciting dance moves with upbeat music, making it a fun, yet challenging class.

“It’s a great way to get fit,” says Angel. “Unlike traditional exercise and dance classes, Hip Hop is a fun, throw-it-all-out-there kind of workout. It combines all assets of cardio, core balance and strength conditioning, which makes it a really effective workout,” she adds.

Angel and her husband, Robert VanNewkirk, and their two young daughters moved to Daniel Island from California five years ago. The family was looking for a less stressful lifestyle and a community that offered good schools.

“Schools are really important to us, and I was very impressed with the Daniel Island School and everything it had to offer,” says Angel.

Both of Angel’s parents were in the dance and entertainment business, so it comes as no surprise that Angel eventually decided to base her career on dance and Hip Hop.

“I’ve been dancing my entire life,” she says. “My mother had a dance studio and I started assisting classes when I was 10 years old.”

After graduating from college with a degree in clothing and textile design, Angel eventually went on to work for “That 70’s Show” as a costumer designer.  But after eight years with the show, and with two young children at home, she and Robert decided it was a good time to make a change and move to a place that was closer to her family living in Myrtle Beach.

“It was either Charleston or Wilmington, and I’m really glad we chose Charleston and Daniel Island as our new hometown,” says Angel.

Soon after moving to Daniel Island, Angel started teaching Hip Hop at a local ballet studio on the island.

“I was initially hesitant about the potential success of Hip Hop on Daniel Island, but the classes filled right up. When the ballet studio closed, I decided to teach Hip Hop on my own and I negotiated with the Daniel Island School to use their gymnasium,” says Angel. “I really didn’t know whether or not I could fill up a space that big! But then we got 20 students, and then 40, and now our classes can get as big as 70 people.”

Angel teaches Hip Hop several times a week not only at the Daniel Island location, but also in Mt. Pleasant, West Ashley, on the Isle of Palms and in Summerville. And it’s not just for adults.  She also teaches Hip Hop for kids and teenagers ages 5 – 15.

“Hip Hop is a fun, energetic workout that makes you feel good,” said Nancy Abercrombie, who has been attending Hip Hop for two and a half years. “Every week is different. Angel teaches you a totally new way to move and think.”

Carlos Ortiz is also a Hip Hop regular.  He’s been coming to class since March.

“Angel really knows how to connect with the class,” says Carlos. “It’s a lot of fun and Angel has taught me some really cool moves.  I’ve lost 28 pounds since I started coming to Hip Hop.”

It’s no surprise that Hip Hop has been such a success. Far from boring, each class is completely different. There is a lot of energy and inspiration that flows throughout the hour-long workout. Angel’s dance background – combined with her sense of style – creates a lively, cool and upbeat class that is certainly contagious.

“The people that come to my class are so amazing,” Angel says. “It’s so much fun to watch them learn, get healthy and have fun while doing it!  Moving from Los Angeles to Daniel Island was a big change for my family and me. But it has all turned out great  – we’re really happy to live and work here.”

Hip Hop classes cost $10 each and last for a little over one hour. Be prepared to sweat, learn some new dance moves, and have a great time.

For more information about Hip Hop go to www.peacelovehiphop.com or contact Angel Roberts at angelroberts@yahoo.com.

Robert VanNewkirk at his downtown Daniel Island business, CrossFit Discovery

With miles of trails, hundreds of acres of parks and world-class sports facilities, Daniel Island residents have no shortage of venues for getting fit. But that didn’t stop resident Robert VanNewkirk from introducing yet another new option for fitness within Charleston’s island town. His business, CrossFit Discovery (located in the Publix shopping center), offers a program that caters to all fitness levels and focuses on exercise for “real life” wellness.

Based on concurrent development of all elements of fitness – including endurance, flexibility and speed – CrossFit Discovery is no ordinary gym.  Upon entering, instead of treadmills and nautilus equipment, you’re greeted with 30-pound sandbags, ropes hanging from the ceiling and various sized balls and barbells.  Reminiscent of a gym that might have existed forty years ago, the space has an old-school feel and is home to a “grassroots” type of workout.

“CrossFit was originally created for elite athletes and people such as firefighters and military personnel who ultimately depend on core strength and conditioning for survival,” says Robert. “Here on Daniel Island, we have clients that range from doctors and business owners to stay-at-home moms and their elementary-aged kids,” he adds.

Robert and his wife, Angel, and their two daughters moved to Daniel Island five years ago from California looking for a simpler, less stressful lifestyle.

“Angel has family in Myrtle Beach, so we were familiar with South Carolina. We love Charleston, and Daniel Island provides a close-knit community where the kids can ride their bikes to school and where Angel and I can pursue our own passions,” commented Robert.

Upon moving to Daniel Island, Robert worked as an event coordinator.  He was able to convert his garage into a home gym and that’s where the idea of opening his own fitness business became a reality.

“I was always active in sports and athletics throughout high school and college, and just kept at it into adulthood.  Maintaining a healthy lifestyle has always been a priority. So, converting my garage to a gym seemed a very natural thing,” says Robert.  “At first I got a lot of questions from our neighbors, but before I knew it I was training and educating them about how to optimize their fitness goals.”

Soon after, Robert opened CrossFit Discovery and was able to dedicate his career full-time to helping others achieve a higher form of wellness.

“CrossFit is unique because it is scaled to each individual. Whether you can lift five pounds or 500 pounds, the program works to improve all elements of your fitness,” says Robert.

The CrossFit Discovery space: Not your ordinary gym!

Based on the belief that fitness is the highest form of wellness, the CrossFit Discovery program teaches proper nutrition, exercise and recovery. It incorporates varied, high intensity, functional movement. Far from boring, the classes are extremely time-efficient and produce observable, measurable results.

“Classes last about an hour and could include running sprints, doing push-ups, lifting weights, jumping rope or a combination of several movements. We focus on basic mechanics and core strength,” says Robert. “I am consistently amazed at the quality of people I train. One client, in particular, started training last fall and could barely do one pull-up. Now, she’s doing 100 pull-ups.”

CrossFit Discovery has been steadily growing and attracts a wide range of island residents as well as clients from surrounding areas like Mt. Pleasant, West Ashley and downtown Charleston.

“I train people as young as age six and as mature as 65. It’s a very social workout that takes place in a relaxed, fun environment,” says Robert. “This is important to clients as they form special bonds with one another and even participate in various Charleston-area fitness events, such as the popular Citadel Bulldog Challenge.”

Taking health and wellness one step further, CrossFit is co-sponsoring an inaugural event here on Daniel Island next month. The New Primal Games, scheduled for June 25th, will feature individuals and teams taking on a series of fun, primal-inspired challenges such as a trail run/obstacle course, “stone” throw and “log” lift.

“We’re really looking forward to being a part of the New Primal Games. I think its going to help push the CrossFit Discovery program and even further expose Daniel Island and our unique fitness philosophy to a broader audience,” says Robert.

For more information about CrossFit Discovery, visit crossfitdiscovery.com. For information about the New Primal Games and to register, visit thenewprimal.com.

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!

The Family Circle Cup draws thousands of visitors to the island each spring.

Volunteers Lynn Coursey (left) and Nancy Heniz (right) help run the tournament's Media Center.

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.”

Nancy Heinz is the Family Circle Cup's Volunteer of the Year

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!

“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