Meanwhile, the inventory of available residential property on Daniel Island has dropped to a three-month supply (six months of inventory is considered standard in a normal market), but building activity has been increasing since the beginning go the year. There are currently 73 homes under construction in Smythe Park and Daniel Island Park, and 35 additional homes in architectural review that will start construction soon.

These numbers represent a mix of speculative homes being built by 13 local and regional builders and custom homes being constructed for purchasers of Daniel Island homesites. In all, there are 23 builders actively constructing homes, and three additional builders will be starting their first speculative homes on Daniel Island soon.

The post Daniel Island Home Sales, New Home Construction Increase In April appeared first on Daniel Island.

“Clay’s beautiful and unique silhouettes are part of a family tradition spanning three generations,” said Lee Ann Bain, vice president of the Daniel Island Historical Society. “We are excited to be able to welcome him for his first performance on Daniel Island. This is definitely a ‘not to be missed’ opportunity for all ages!”

Described by author Pat Conroy as a “great talent who combines soul and passion,” Clay Rice’s prized silhouettes are collected worldwide. He estimates he has cut some 900,000 silhouettes since starting his career, inspired by his grandfather, Carew Rice, some 30 years ago. A native of Charleston, Mr. Rice has wonderful memories of spending time as a young boy at the family home in Wiggins, S.C., a place he calls “the heart of the Lowcountry.” He is also an accomplished author whose work has earned him a Moonbeam Children’s Book Award and an IPPY Award for Children’s Book of the Year.

In addition to offering up his musical and storytelling talents, Clay will cut silhouettes for interested audience members for $42 each after the show. He will also be available to sign copies of his book and CDs (cash or check only).

“The Daniel Island Community Fund proudly partners with island clubs and organizations to try and bring interesting cultural opportunities and events to Daniel Island to benefit our residents,” said Jane Baker, Vice President of Community Services for the Daniel Island Property Owners Association. “We are thrilled to be partnering this summer with the Daniel Island Historical Society to bring renowned Lowcountry artist and author Clay Rice to the Daniel Island Club!”

Tickets for this event may be purchased for $10 each and are on sale now at Island Expressions or SunTrust Bank on Daniel Island, or by contacting Lee Ann Bain at 822-5248 or clunybain@gmail.com. Refreshments will be available for purchase during the program.

The post Daniel Island Club Hosts an Evening of Lowcountry-Style Entertainment with Renowned Silhouette Artist Clay Rice appeared first on Daniel Island.

May 4, 2013
Bob Dylan
w/Special Guest Dawes
7:30 pm

June 14, 2013
The Lumineers
w/Cold War Kids
7:00 pm

July 17, 2013
O.A.R.
The Sounds of Summer Tour w/Andrew McMahon & Allen Stone
6:30 pm

July 27, 2013
Barenaked Ladies
Last Summer on Earth Tour w/Ben Folds Five & Guster
7:00 pm

August 23-24, 2013
Hootie & The Blowfish
Homegrown Weekend
Times TBD

September 24, 2013
FUN
Most Nights Summer Tour w/Very Special Guests Tegan & Sara
8:00 pm

Visit Familycircletenniscenter.com for further information.

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Jane Baker, Vice President of Community Services and manager of the Daniel Island Community Fund, said, “In my position, there is nothing more rewarding than working with Daniel Island residents to help the deserving nonprofits in our area with their respective missions. When resources and manpower come together, amazing things can be accomplished.”

• The Center for Heirs Property Preservation protects heirs’ property and promotes its sustainable use to provide economic benefit to low-wealth families through education and legal services. This grant will support a new outreach program for the residents of Cainhoy, Wando and Huger.

• Operation Home helps very low income citizens remain in their homes through increased safety and accessibility by facilitating critical home repairs.  This grant will support ten repair projects in the Huger community.

• East Cooper Meals on Wheels assures that no senior or disabled resident in their service area goes hungry or is at risk from malnutrition, and advocates for and provides for the basic daily needs of homebound seniors to assure that they can live independently in safety and comfort. This grant will support delivery of services to 10-15 new qualified residents and the delivery of an additional 2,800 meals in the Daniel Island, Cainhoy and Wando communities.

• East Cooper Community Outreach (ECCO) provides safety net services to low income citizens in their service area, while empowering them to create a better future for themselves, their families and their communities. This grant will support the cost of hiring a qualified dentist to provide preventive and restorative services.

The Daniel Island Community Fund was established as a means for supporting community enhancement programs and philanthropic initiatives on Daniel Island and in the Cainhoy, Wando and Huger communities. This private 501(c)(4) organization is financially supported by a Community Enhancement Fee on all resale transactions on the island.  The structure of the DICF allows its financial resources to grow as the island grows, creating a legacy for the community for generations to come.

Grant applications will be accepted again in June and October. For additional information please email Jane Baker at jane.baker@dicommunity.org or visit www.dicommunity.org.

The post Daniel Island Community Fund Awards More Than $72,000 to Local Nonprofits In First Grant Cycle of 2013 appeared first on Daniel Island.

Regional farmers and vendors will come out each week to offer a variety of seasonal items, including fresh produce, freshly-baked breads, all-natural meats, local seafood, sweets, coffee and more. In addition, select local artisans will display their work for sale. Each week, one designated restaurant or food truck will provide delicious dinner and prepared food options. Eat on-site and enjoy live entertainment from each week’s featured performer, or take your dinner to go.

The current lineup of this season’s vendors include: 78 and Sunny, Carolina Crunch, Carolina’s Harvest, Charleston Festival Foods, Costal Coffee Roasters, Fields Farms, Great Harvest Bread Company, Jan’s Handmade Soaps, KikiSol, King of Pops, Lowcountry Olive Oil, Ted’s Butcherblock, The Pickle Lady, The Seafood Lady, and Turner’s Farm Fresh.

The Daniel Island Farmers Market is sponsored by the Daniel Island Community Fund to encourage a sense of community, sharing and fun, while supporting Lowcountry farmers, growers and artists in their mission to provide opportunities to shop and eat local.

Vendor applications are still being accepted for the 2013 Daniel Island Farmers’ Market season. For additional information email connie.burbage@dicommunity.org or visit www.dicommunity.org.

The post Daniel Island Farmers’ Market Returns April 18 appeared first on Daniel Island.

PMI has built a medical clinic in Masindi, Uganda, and last year launched a new initiative in Nicaragua. The money raised from the golf tournament will go toward construction and equipment for the new clinic in Viejo, Nicaragua.

Founded in 2007, Commonwealth Cares Foundation is the charitable arm of Commonwealth Financial Group, a Daniel Island-based financial services firm with a division focused on providing financial planning services to physicians and the medical community.

“We had a beautiful day playing golf at the Daniel Island Club and a great time listening to musicians that night, but we never lost sight of the fact we were spending one day raising money for people in need,” said Britt Gilbert, president of Commonwealth Financial Group. “That one day of golf will have a lasting impact on the people of Viejo, Nicaragua, for years to come. We will save lives with the money raised from the Needtobreathe Classic.”

This is the fifth year Commonwealth as sponsored the golf tournament, but this year Needtobreathe, a band with South Carolina roots, decide to put its name on the tournament. Other musicians along with athletes, former coaches and actors played in the tournament. Needtobreathe performed an after-party concert along with Tenth Avenue North, John Mark McMillan, Drew Holcomb and Ed Roland of Collective Soul.

Needtobreathe band members Bear Rinehart and Bo Rinehart, brothers from the Seneca, S.C., area, formed the band and play with bass player Seth Bolt. The date for the 2014 Needtobreathe Classic will be announced this spring and registration will open in late spring or early summer. For sponsorship opportunities, call 843-884-4545.

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But professional tennis is just the beginning. The Family Circle Cup offers great food, live music, special events and activities, and even shopping at this weeklong event. Check out the line-up of activities and entertainment below, and visit the Cup’s new website at familycirclecup.com for further information and to purchase tickets.

DAY ACTIVITIES:
SATURDAY, MARCH 30
DRAW CEREMONY (3:00 – 4:00 PM)
Head to the Grand Lawn to be a part of Family Circle Cup history, as player names are drawn to determine who will face-off! Interact with WTA players and pose for a picture!

SATURDAY, MARCH 30 – SUNDAY, MARCH 31
FAMILY WEEKEND (SATURDAY 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM; SUNDAY 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM)
The fun starts on Saturday and continues through Sunday afternoon. Adults and kids will experience two fun-filled days of balloon artists, spring craft stations, face painting, cookie decorating, magicians, jump castles and many more interactive activities. Free admission for kids 12 and under, and adults are only $10.

SUNDAY, MARCH 31
EASTER EGG HUNT (12:00 PM)
The whistle will blow at high noon for the Easter Egg Hunt on the Grand Lawn! Bring your little ones out for a fun time and a special visit from the Easter Bunny. Free admission for kids 12 and under, and adults are only $10.

MONDAY, APRIL 1 AND TUESDAY, APRIL 2
WINNING IN DOUBLES LUNCHEON (11:00 AM – 12:30 PM)
Don’t miss your chance to hear behind–the–scenes perspectives from the world’s top doubles players on what it’s like to play doubles on the WTA. Tickets are $50* each, and include lunch, presentation, Q&A, autograph session and a Dunlop Ladies M-Fil racquet. Last year’s event sold out — reserve your spot today!
*A Family Circle Cup day session ticket is required, along with the luncheon ticket.

SATURDAY, APRIL 6
STREET PARTY KICK-OFF TO SEMIFINALS (10:00 AM – 1:00 PM)
Join hundreds of fans for a street party celebration to kick-off finale weekend at the Cup. Experience live music, street fare and fun before entering the stadium to watch the world’s best female athletes battle it out on Billie Jean King Court.

NIGHT ACTIVITIES:
TUESDAY, APRIL 2 – FRIDAY, APRIL 5
HAPPY HOUR (4:00 – 8:00 PM)
Visit the Ketel One Racquet Club on the Grand Lawn to experience happy hour at the Cup. Featuring drink specials, beverage tastings and live entertainment – this is the place to be!

Schedule of live music includes:
APRIL 2: Calvin Taylor
APRIL 3: Blue Dogs Acoustic Trio
APRIL 4: Travis Allison
APRIL 5: Permanent Vacation

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 3
MILITARY APPRECIATION NIGHT (7:00 – 10:00 PM)
In honor of the men and women who serve our country in the Armed Forces, the Family Circle Cup, on behalf of Prudential, is proud to host military appreciation night – giving active-duty military and their families complimentary admission. Come out and join us in thanking our service members and their families.

THURSDAY, APRIL 4
PINK OUT NIGHT FOR THE CURE (7:00 – 10:00 PM)
Family Circle Cup and MUSC Hollings Cancer Center have teamed up to support PINK OUT Komen Night on Thursday, April 4th at the Family Circle Stadium. The Family Circle Cup encourages fans who attend the evening session to wear pink and help PINK OUT the Family Circle Stadium. For each person who enters wearing pink, The Family Circle Cup and MUSC Hollings Cancer Center will donate $1 to the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure Lowcountry. In addition, if you Drink for Pink, Scales Cocktails and the Family Circle Cup will each donate $1 from every Scales Pink Drink Champagne Cocktail sold to Susan G. Komen Foundation.

FRIDAY, APRIL 5
SUNTRUST NIGHT (7:00 – 10:00 PM)
Join SunTrust for an evening at the Family Circle Cup where you will enjoy one of the most popular on-court activities in professional tennis. SunTrust pumps the energy up, even when there is a break in the action. Find out why switching to SunTrust has never been easier.

The post Family Circle Cup Offers Weeklong Line Up Of Professional Tennis, Activities And Entertainment On Daniel Island appeared first on Daniel Island.

These numbers represent a sizable shift in the market, and with $20 million in sales pending as of the end of February, we expect the momentum to continue into the spring. Furthermore, more builders are jumping back into the game, and for the first time in over five years we have multiple builders inquiring about opportunities to build homes on the island. Between a recent increase in resale listings and up-and-coming product from eight new builders, there’s a great selection of properties of all kinds on Daniel Island. Contact a Daniel Island Real Estate Sales Associate to learn more about what’s available now, and what’s on the horizon on Daniel Island.

The post Year-to-Date Sales Activity Illustrates Daniel Island Real Estate Strength appeared first on Daniel Island.

Named after Harry Frank Guggenheim, Daniel Island’s landowner for a good part of the Twentieth Century, Harry’s showcases an array of old photographs that illustrate the fascinating story of Mr. Guggenheim’s life. Guggenheim purchased Daniel Island in 1946 and subsequently used it for cattle ranching and as a family hunting retreat. Upon his death in 1971, the island’s ownership passed to the Harry Frank Guggenheim Foundation, which eventually funded the creation of Daniel Island’s master plan and kicked off development of the modern-day community found on the island today.

Born into a large family that placed a high value on character, integrity, hard work and giving back, Harry Frank Guggenheim was considered one of the most influential men of his time. His great grandfather, Simon Guggenheim, came to the United States from Switzerland in 1848. In a true “rags to riches” success story, he and his son, Meyer, went on to take a small, door-to-door sales business and grow it into a multi-million dollar mining empire. Harry eventually became the family patriarch, not only leading the Guggenheim Brothers’ lucrative partnership, but also presiding over three philanthropic foundations established by the family, in addition to other personal and business pursuits.

Among Harry’s varied business ventures was the Pulitzer Prize winning newspaper tabloid Newsday, which he acquired with his wife in 1940. He was an avid supporter of jet propulsion and aeronautics and his sponsorship of research by Dr. Robert Goddard, the “father of rocketry,” and Charles Lindbergh’s groundbreaking “Spirit of St. Louis Tour” led to advancements that would take the science of aviation to unprecedented heights. When he began looking for an outlet from the pressures of corporate life he discovered thoroughbred horse racing. His famous Cain Hoy Stables, named after his 10,000-acre plantation near Daniel Island, produced “Dark Star,” a prized colt who went on to win the Kentucky Derby in 1953. Cain Hoy Stables became the top money-earning stable in the country six years later, with its familiar blue and white checkered silks crossing the finish line in first place some 37 times.

A commissioned Lieutenant for the United States Naval Aviation Forces, Guggenheim served in World War I and went on to serve as a Lt. Commander and Captain for the Navy in World War II. His meritorious contributions earned him two Navy Commendation Ribbons. A dedicated public servant, he also served as U.S. Ambassador to Cuba under President Hoover, from 1929-1933.

The Daniel Island Club’s popular new clubhouse dining venue, located on land where Guggenheim once spent time hunting and entertaining family and esteemed guests, is an appropriate and informative display of this impressive former island property owner’s life and accomplishments.

The post Daniel Island Club’s Newest Dining Venue Offers A Glimpse of the Island’s Heritage appeared first on Daniel Island.

“The Coastal Living Showhouse is the perfect way to bring the brand to life. The 2013 location, Daniel Island, is an idyllic, Lowcountry island town. Its natural beauty, welcoming neighbors and endless array of amenities and conveniences make it a coveted coastal destination and a spectacular location for this year’s house,” said Nicole Hendrick, Associate Homes Director for Coastal Living.

“We’re thrilled to be the location of this year’s Coastal Living Showhouse,” said Carolyn Lancaster, Vice President of Marketing for the Daniel Island Company. “We’ve enjoyed a long-time partnership with Coastal Living and feel that the nature of our small island town community makes for the perfect setting for this annual showcase of coastal living.”

The all-star design team behind the 2013 Coastal Living Showhouse on Daniel Island includes Developer and Builder Jamison Howard of Max G. Crosby Construction Co. Inc; Interior Designer Ginger Brewton of Ginger Brewton Interiors; and Our Town Plans, provider of the architectural design. The project specialists have broken ground on the house and expect completion in early June.

The 2013 Coastal Living Showhouse on Daniel Island will host weekly tours Wednesday through Sunday from June 28 to August 18, and Friday through Sunday from August 23 to October 20. The showhouse is expected to draw as many as 10,000 visitors from across the nation. Tickets are $15 per person with a portion of proceeds benefiting a local charity. Tickets are available for purchase on-site during the tours and and online in advance at danielisland.com/coastalliving.

Sponsors of the showhouse include AZEK Building Products, Belgard Hardscapes, Bevolo Gas & Electric Lights, Circa Lighting, Laura Ashley, LEE Industries, Lloyd/Flanders, Marvin Windows & Doors, Metal Roofing Alliance, Moen and Sunbrella.

The 2013 Coastal Living Showhouse on Daniel Island will be included in a special editorial section in the October 2013 issue of Coastal Living.

The post Coastal Living Selects Daniel Island For Location Of 2013 Coastal Living Showhouse appeared first on Daniel Island.

The “Spare The Air” award is presented to environmental leaders who promote air quality improvement through practices such as energy conservation and behavioral modifications. The Academy’s air quality improvement efforts included the implementation of an anti-idling campaign called the  “Breathe Better (B2) Project,” which educated school staff, students and parents about the negative health and environmental impacts of vehicle idling.

“Take a deep breath. You are smarter and have more energy because you just took a breath of clean air due to this wonderful initiative to improve the air at your school,” said Catherine Templeton, Director of the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control, addressing Daniel Island Academy students who attended the awards presentation ceremony at the school on January 29.

Previously, Daniel Island Academy was awarded a “Sustainability in School Spirit” award  by the City of Charleston’s Green Business Challenge, a voluntary Charleston area program that promotes the practice of engaging in environmental sustainability while enhancing profitability.

For more information about the Daniel Island Academy, please visit danielislandacademy.com.

The post Daniel Island Academy Recognized for School Programs Promoting Environmental Awareness appeared first on Daniel Island.

“The Family Circle Cup is one of my favorite tournaments to play on the WTA Tour,” Williams said. “I love the fans, the tournament history and everything Charleston has to offer on and off the court. I’m definitely looking forward to defending my title there this spring.”

The largest women’s-only tennis tournament in the world, this year’s Family Circle Cup will be held at Daniel Island’s Family Circle Tennis Center on Saturday, March 30 through Sunday, April 7. The tournament is broadcast live over four days of domestic coverage on ESPN2, and reaches nearly 9 million viewers worldwide through live and delayed global broadcast.

This year, the Family Circle Cup has announced vast improvements to ticket packages, including a newly designed website that allows ticket orders be placed online. Fans can look forward to discounted packages that include Daily Doubles, Junior and Group rates and a new After-Hours option that offers night matches, live music and happy hour. Kids age 12 and under get in free during Opening Weekend.

Williams, who is currently ranked World No. 2, will join her sister, Venus, along with top players Samantha Stosur, Sara Errani and Mona Barthel in the tournament line-up. Serena is on a ten-match winning streak, including her last two appearances at Family Circle Cup Stadium in 2008 and 2012. We can’t wait to see her in action this year!

For more information on the Family Circle Cup and how to purchase tickets, call 800-677-2293, email info@familycirclecup.com, or visit www.familycirclecup.com. You can also purchase tickets at www.ticketmaster.com, and from any local Publix supermarket.

The post Serena Williams Returns to Daniel Island to Defend Family Circle Cup Title appeared first on Daniel Island.

Longtime Daniel Island resident Rosie Stieby, formerly a Sales Assistant to 17-year Daniel Island Real Estate sales veteran Sally Castengera, is now working alongside Castengera as an agent. The pair met back in 1999 when Sally showed Rosie and her husband the first neighborhoods on the island and sold them their home. Formerly from Ohio, Rosie was among the earliest residents on Daniel Island and has long been an active member of the community, serving in leadership roles for both the Daniel Island Neighborhood Association and the highly-successful Daniel Island Flying Fish Swim Team.

“Sally and Rosie both have a strong work ethic and share an incredible passion for Daniel Island,” said Rick Vale, Broker-in-charge and Vice President of Sales for Daniel Island Real Estate. “Sally has been a model of consistency for 17 years, selling more real estate than anyone on Daniel Island. Rosie and Sally share a wonderful working relationship and a desire to always do the right thing for their clients – they make an excellent team.”

Also joining Daniel Island Real Estate is Sean Tipple who, alongside Carey Tipple, is part of a husband and wife team focusing on island residential sales. The couple relocated to Daniel Island from Ohio in 2002 after falling in love with the island town lifestyle during a weekend visit to Charleston for the Cooper River Bridge Run. Carey has been working with Daniel Island Real Estate for more than nine years – three years as an assistant, and six years as a Sales Associate. Sean recently left a 15-year career in mortgage banking to join his wife and form a sales team. The pair bring a strong work ethic and dedication to excellent service to their clients. They started their family on Daniel Island and are now proud parents of two beautiful daughters, with a third child on the way.

“Sean’s background in mortgage banking will be an asset to their team,” said Vale. “Because he is very familiar with the ins and outs of different financing options, he can provide their clients with a unique perspective on the buying process. He and Carey are a dedicated and hard-working team.”

The post Two Seasoned Daniel Island Real Estate Sales Associates Take On New Partners appeared first on Daniel Island.

But first, the Battery will compete here on Daniel Island in three pre-season Carolina Challenge Cup games, scheduled for February 16-23 at Blackbaud Stadium. This annual event is the premier pre-season tournament in the country. Each year, the Battery is joined by three teams from Major League Soccer for a week-long round-robin competition. Joining the Battery for the tournament this year are the Chicago Fire, Houston Dynamo and Vancouver Whitecaps FC.

Tickets for the 2013 Carolina Challenge Cup are on sale now starting at $15 a day (includes two games each day). Better yet, buy a season ticket for all home Battery games and you’ll get complimentary access to the Carolina Cup matches!

Kickoff for the Battery’s regular home games on Daniel Island at Blackbaud Stadium is 7:30 pm. To purchase tickets, and for further information about the Carolina Challenge Cup and the Battery’s complete 2013 Season schedule, visit charlestonbattery.com. We look forward to seeing you at Blackbaud Stadium this year!

The post The 2013 Charleston Battery Soccer Season Kicks Off On Daniel Island appeared first on Daniel Island.

Meanwhile, this building activity helped fuel homesite sales and further custom building activity in this golf-oriented neighborhood. Six homesites went under contract here in 2012, and there are currently ten homes under construction. Five additional homes – representing a mix of custom and speculative offerings – are currently under design review and construction is expected to begin soon. New golf homesites in Ithecaw will be announced later this year. For further information, contact a Daniel Island Real Estate sales associate.

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