Volunteers Needed for the 2012 Family Circle Cup

Calling all Family Circle Cup Tennis fans!  This is your chance to be an integral part of one of Charleston’s signature events.  The Family Circle Cup is currently accepting applications for 375 adult volunteer positions for the March 31 – April 8 event.  This year, the Family Circle Cup will be celebrating its 40th consecutive year, right here in the Best Tennis Town in America, Charleston, SC.

“Without the outstanding efforts from our volunteers, the Family Circle Cup wouldn’t be the world class event it is today,” Eleanor Adams, Family Circle Cup Tournament Manager, said. “They are the reason the fans have such a memorable experience at the event each year and we greatly appreciate their generosity and dedication.”

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. Last year was no exception.  Nancy Heinz, a long-time resident of Daniel Island’s Codner’s Ferry Park neighborhood, served as the Family Circle Cup’s Volunteer of the Year. To read her story, click here.

Adult volunteer opportunities this year involve 17 areas including Guest Services, Player Lounge, Transportation, Media Center, Information Technology, Ticket Office, Ushers, Food & Beverage, Adult Ball Crew and other areas.  The volunteer uniform fee is $60 and provides a week full of benefits.  For more information about adult volunteerism, direct inquires to Jo Cooper, Volunteer Coordinator at Jo.Cooper@familycirclecip.com or by leaving a message on the Family Circle Cup Volunteer Hotline at (843) 849-5309.  Applications are available on line at familycirclecup.com

Daniel Island Girls “DIG IT”

“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.

“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/

Waterfront “Dream Home” Becomes Reality for Daniel Island Family

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.”

Are You Ready to Get Your Groove On? Island Resident Offers an Upbeat, Hip Way to Get in Shape

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.

Resident Introduces New Way to Get Fit on Daniel Island

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.

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.

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!

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!

Building’s A Pleasure the Second Time Around

Calvin and Christina Muller know Daniel Island well. Originally from Charleston, the couple attended pharmacy school at the Medical University of South Carolina. After graduation, they moved to Sarasota, Florida for several years before recently returning to the Charleston area.

“We just couldn’t wait to get back. We love Charleston and all it has to offer,” says Christina. “My parents live on Daniel Island and we wanted to be close to them. And we love the fact that the island is so conveniently located near the beaches, downtown Charleston and other surrounding areas. Nothing else locally compares to what Daniel Island has to offer.”

With two small children (Emma, 4, and Jackson, 2) the Mullers were attracted to the island’s Smythe Park neighborhood because of its close proximity to schools, parks and other amenities.

“There also seemed to be a lot of young families living in the neighborhood, and that was especially attractive to us,” said Christina.

However, after looking at numerous homes, the Mullers just couldn’t seem to find one that included all of the features they desired.

“We really had our heart set on purchasing a resale home. We had gone through the building process for our previous home in Sarasota and did not have a positive experience,” explained Christina.

It wasn’t until their sales agent, Carol Evans, persuaded them to take a look at a homesite in Smythe Park that the Mullers gave in and decided that building a new home was going to be their best option.

“It just seemed to be the right fit. The lot was within our budget, offered a spacious yard, and it was in the perfect location,” commented Calvin.

The Muller’s had good friends who had built with John Wieland Homes and had a very good experience. “What really sold us was that John Wieland was willing to offer us a semi-custom floor plan that incorporated many of the features we had seen and liked in some of the other production homes,” said Christina.

Calvin and Christina were able to design a semi-custom 3,500 sq. ft. floor plan with 4 bedrooms, 4 ½ baths, a FROG and a garage located underneath the home, leaving more space for the yard.

While some might speculate that this is not the best time to invest in building a new home, the Muller’s experience has proven otherwise.

“The entire building process has been seamless,” says Christina. “Everyone has been eager to work. Deadlines have been met. I can actually say that the it’s been fun!”

“I think folks are just ready to move on with their plans and to start building,” said Paul Bird, Custom Home Advisor for John Wieland Homes. “Supplies and materials are readily available, interest rates are at all-time lows and contractors are eager to work, making it an excellent time to move forward.”

The Muller’s new home will be completed in February, only seven months after its initial groundbreaking.

“We can’t wait to move in!” exclaimed the couple.

Hammett’s Landing Dives Into Daniel Island

Hammett’s Landing opened on Seven Farms Drive in mid-June, and looking at its Facebook page, it seems like the restaurant just dove right into Daniel Island’s bustling community! Between Kids’ and Ladies’ Nights, Jr. Chef classes, live music, Happy Hours and nightly dinner specials, the folks at Hammett’s Landing have been busy.

Specializing in seafood and game, the new dining establishment is the brainchild of Bo and Tamra Hammett, who have both been involved in the restaurant business for years. After moving around the country for work, the couple decided it was time to pursue their dream of opening a family restaurant in the south.

“We were tired of moving places that we didn’t want to live, so when we sat down and discussed where we wanted to spend the rest of our lives….Charleston was our only choice,” said Tamra. “When we began searching for locations and found Daniel Island, we knew the community would be perfect for us, our family and our business.”

Hammett’s Landing boasts an eclectic menu ranging from fried alligator tail and crab fondue to blackened bourbon quail and lobster ravioli. Open for lunch and dinner, the restaurant takes reservations, take-out orders and catering for special events.

Do you have a Facebook page? Then become a fan of Hammett’s Landing HERE to stay updated on nightly specials and events! Also visit their website for a complete menu and hours of operation.

“Growing Up With Daniel Island” by Nicole Cooper

In 1999, when I was seven years old, I found myself in Charleston, South Carolina on Daniel Island as a result of Dad’s job and a “new opportunity”. “A new town. An island. A new way of life.” Now, ten years later, Daniel Island is not what it used to be; it now has its own exit ramp off of I-526, a real grocery store, and streetlights but I love it just the same.

When I first moved to Daniel Island, I lived at 182 Brady Street in a cute little yellow house we rented while we were building on Beresford Creek. Our house was the last one on the street; the development of Cochran Park and Bounty Street had not even begun. We lived where the sidewalk ended, with a vast plot of dirt being our only neighbors to the right. But our neighbors to the left made up for the lack of neighbors on the right. I remember almost every weekend having block parties and cookouts.

After a year, houses began to start going up in Cochran Park and our house on Beresford Creek was finally built. There still wasn’t much to Daniel Island. Life was simple and that’s what made it so much fun. Boat storage was in the field next to Bishop England. The church with the green roof, as I used to call it, was the last thing on Seven Farms Drive. There weren’t any stoplights and there wasn’t a need for them. Tecklenburg’s was the closest thing to a grocery store we had. If you asked them nicely, they would be sure to stock your favorite brand of cereal for you so you wouldn’t have to leave the island when you ran out. Getting to ride my bike all the way there was a very special privilege, and I would get a fabulous strawberry milkshake on rare occasions.

On Daniel Island, biking has always been the best form of transportation. My friends and I used to meet up every day after school to embark on some new adventure. Bellinger Island was always a favorite destination of ours, and I still love going there. It’s one of the few places on Daniel Island that hasn’t changed at all over the years.

Our bicycles took us all over this island. We would go “park-hopping” between Etiwan Park and the park on Shipwright Street. I remember clearly when Center Park was first built; it was an instant favorite, and in my friend’s opinions and mine, it put all of the other parks to shame. We spent countless hours at that park. Now there are more parks than I can name, with the pirate and “spinny” park being favorites of the new generation. But in my eyes, they all pale in comparison with Center Park. It’s the best; always has been always will be.

When I was in 7th grade we sold the house on the creek and moved to Blakeway Street, right behind Bishop England. In the springtime, you can hear the crack of the bat coming from the baseball fields and see people and their dogs frolicking along the bike path, occasionally stopping at the exercise station.

In the ten years I’ve lived on Daniel Island, it has grown almost, if not more, than I have. I have lived in three different parts of the island and loved each one. Despite all of the changes and growth, one aspect of Daniel Island has remained constant – the sense of community.

Everyone knows everyone, and people still sit on their porches and talk to their neighbors as they pass by. I’ve grown up right along with Daniel Island, and am going to miss it next year when I’m away at school but I know that no matter how much we both continue to grow or where I end up, Daniel Island will always be one thing…home.

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