the river spring 2014

Celebrating the exceptional lifestyle Spring2014

2 THE RIVER | Spring 2014

This page: View of the Colleton River from the 17th tee on the Nicklaus CourseOn the cover: Twin oaks near the 12th hole on the Dye Course. Photo by David Emch

Features

In This Issue

Board of DirectorsJim Humphrey - President, Executive Committee

Dick Anderson - Vice President, Executive Committee;

Chair: Greens & Grounds

Jim Rydzel - Vice President, Executive Committee, Audit;

Chair: Goverance, Strategy & Asset Planning

Jim Eisert - Treasurer, Executive Committee, Audit; Chair: Finance

Roberta Bowman - Chair: Audit; Special Projects

Jim Hooker - Chair: Marketing

Michael Mavrogordato - Chair: House & Ancillary

Al Thiess - Chair: USGA Junior Amateur

Tom Wooster - Chair: Golf

Erika Maston, Norsu Media - Creative Direction & Production

ColletonRiverClub.com | THE RIVER 3

5 NOTE FROM YOUR CLUB PRESIDENT

Starting the year off right

6 GENERAL MANAGER’S REPORT

Exciting things happening

8 ON THE LINKS Upcoming events and spring tournament season

12 PLATE & PALATE Chef Wysong shares a recipe for his favorite vegetable, the cauliflower

10 YOUR CRGA It’s all about consistency and we can help you get there

16 GREAT OUTDOORS Our taloned neighbor the bald eagle, and his friend the osprey

18 COLLETON CARES A busy holiday season of giving and playing to fund research

20 ART AT COLLETON Bringing art to the schools and giving children a chance to learn

21 LIFELONG LEARNING GROUP

The new season is in full swing with more fun events to come

23 MARK YOUR CALENDAR Colleton’s upcoming events & activities

10 CONGRATULATIONS!Last fall’s tournament season was a huge succes. Check out the top winners in each event.

22 MEMBER SPOTLIGHT! We have had many fun events over the last few months and the camera is always watching!

Note from your Club President



Jim HumphreyClub President

As I started to prepare my first update for The River, I must admit I began to think about

how I would use this opportunity to address our membership in 2014. After some thought I decided to use this communication vehicle to update you on how I see us progressing as a Board and as a Community. While doing this, I will try to address all our membership, whether you are a non-resident, part-time resident or permanent

resident, as I have now participated personally in all three phases since joining the Club in 1999.

The 2013 Board left us in good shape and as we close the books on 2013, I believe we will show a nice operating surplus due to the efforts of Tim Bakels and his team. As you read in my January 9 letter, we have some exciting plans for the Nicklaus Course and some additional work to do on how we proceed with the Borland Course. We are also

striving to keep our focus on “good governance” and leave the operational issues to Tim and his staff. Throughout the year I will update you on how well we are doing.

On the Community side, there are many areas of excitement and pride as you will read throughout this issue. The grounds and golf courses look outstanding, although they took a hit with the recent freeze. Chef Robert and his staff continue to delight members and expand waistlines. Almost 60 members applied for committee membership positions. Their help will make us a better club. Then there was Operation Santa, which set new records for giving. These contributions will make a tremendous difference in the lives of many during the Holiday Season and throughout the year. There is a lot of positive momentum at Colleton River and I encourage you to utilize and benefit from the positive changes taking place.

Your Board looks forward to enhancing the value of your membership in Colleton River, and as we start on our journey I am reminded of the Will Rogers quote… “You might be on the right track, but if you don’t move on, you’ll get hit by a train.” We plan to keep moving forward with your support.

Welcome to a new year that promises to be exciting! As in the past, we have another great

team of Committee volunteers who have already rolled their shirt sleeves up and begun their work. We are very fortunate to have so many Members contributing their time and energy to enhance the Colleton River experience. Construction activity is very robust, with 10 new homes under construction and 15 in the ARB process as of February 1st.

Winter Activities: Members of Colleton River continue to enjoy a full array of social activities, and our clubs within the Club continue to grow. Tennis players have been enjoying the enhancements to the courts and are partaking in some evening tennis under the lights. And, of course, there is golf. Although Mother Nature has been playing hardball with our temperatures, we are a hardy bunch not to be deterred… and dressing in layers certainly helps! Many have shared with us their appreciation for the new curtain panels and heaters at the Halfway Café when making the turn.

Colleton Ambassador Program: I am pleased to report that Colleton River’s Member Experience Program is hitting home runs. In 2013 there were 29 Member Experiences and, on an interesting note, five of our last six guests have or are becoming members. This doesn’t happen by accident. We owe a special thanks to our Ambassadors, who take a special interest in our guests. Whether it is golfing, touring or dining, our Ambassadors provide an insider’s view of our beautiful property, wonderful amenities and, most of all, our warm and welcoming membership.

It’s really all about people, and we would like to expand the Ambassador concept to create a mentoring program, wherein existing members will not only welcome new members, but also help to assimilate them into the community by making introductions to clubs and groups, and encouraging their participation in social events. It can be difficult to transition into a new community, and we believe this interaction is key to ensuring new member satisfaction.

If you are interested in participating in either the Member Experience Program or in mentoring, please contact Larry Ross, Director of Membership Development, at 843-836-4466 [email protected] for more information. Larry will be working with our Marketing Committee to advance these initiatives. As always, when you see a new face, please continue to uphold the Colleton tradition by taking a moment to introduce yourself, and to welcome our visitors and those who have recently elected to join our Colleton family.

2015 USGA Junior Amateur Championship: Preparations are well underway for the 2015 USGA Junior Amateur Championship

and by all accounts Colleton River is much further along than clubs typically are at this stage. This event is considered the most important junior championship in the world and has historically served as a tournament where many greats have proven their ability. In addition to committee chairs and members, this championship will require upwards of 300 volunteers to fill a variety of roles. Please start thinking of how you can help. 2015 will be here before we know it!

Community Improvements: We’ve received rave reviews on the grounds and landscaping enhancements and a significant budget allocation has been made for 2014 for the maintenance of our roads and infrastructure. This work, which was begun in 2013, will continue through 2014 and beyond. With respect to Clubhouse renovations, the McMahon Group, professional space planners, are studying the projects and we expect to receive their recommendations in March of this year. As you learned from President Humphrey’s letter to the membership on January 9th, we are further exploring Borland / Short Game opportunities and look forward to the Nicklaus restoration project planned for this summer. We will keep you informed as we move along.

Explore the Great Outdoors: Don’t let the brisk weather keep you indoors; get out and enjoy our nature trails. Be sure to stop by the Nicklaus Front Desk to pick up a copy of the Discovery Map which explains the 12 discovery points within Colleton River and correlates to the new signage that is in place. A biking, hiking and walking map, complete with a variety of pathways and their distances, is also available. If you prefer the warmer weather for outdoor activities, take this time to visit the Fitness Center. We are continuing to expand our staff and enhance our programming.

Tim BakelsCOO/General Manager

General Manager’s Report


BoardRoom Magazine Honors Former Colleton River Plantation Club President Rob Norton

I would like to personally congratulate immediate past president Rob Norton on his selection for the 5th annual BoardRoom magazine Top Private Club President Award. BoardRoom magazine is endorsed by the Club Managers Association of America (CMAA) and is the official publication for the Association of Private Club Directors (APCD). It recognizes the world’s top private club presidents

and chairs annually for their outstanding work, understanding of the industry and focus on the leadership responsibilities, accountability and the management of the board.

Thank you for your service to our Club and outstanding leadership Mr. Norton!


The Annual Meeting was held December 7th, 2013 followed by the Open House and Holiday Wine Sale. Members Roberta Bowman, Jim Eisert and James Rydzel were elected to serve a three-year term on the Colleton River Board of Directors.

Weren’t “home” for the Holidays? Here are some December highlights!

The Colleton River staff was grateful for their annual holiday bonuses and wanted to show their appreciation.

Open House and Holiday Wine Sale


The temperatures may dip in the winter, but the golf department continues to offer several events throughout each season for you to enjoy. Our recent Red Tee Day was well received as the members took their best shot at playing against the golf professional staff from the red tees! Colleton River member Kevin King had

the best round of the day shooting 64! As we have strived to do over the years, we continue to offer golf events for all types and skill levels of golfers. Some may be competitive and others are social events, but at the end of the day we are enjoying this great game of golf. One example of a new event will be our 9-Hole Ladies’ One Day Member-Guest which will be held in April. Other changes to the spring events were made based on your feedback in survey responses. We thank you for taking the time to complete those surveys. Registration for events in many cases can be completed either through ForeTees, by filling out an entry form in the golf shops, or by faxing in an entry form. In order for our events to run seamlessly, please fill in as much detail on the entry forms as possible, and be aware of the entry deadline date.

Congratulations to our Director of Instruction, David La Pour, who recently won the Hilton Head Chapter PGA “Teacher of the Year” award, and was also named one of the “Best Teachers in South Carolina” in Golf Digest magazine’s November 2013 edition. Along with these most recent accolades David is working towards his master certification as a Certified Trackman Operator. Through David’s leadership, the Colleton River Golf Academy (CRGA) continues to add valued programs for all skill levels. For example, the Winter Series program held every Saturday in the month of February was a great venue to help improve your game without being out in the cold. For all instructional programs available, please visit the golf academy website.

Although the 2015 U.S. Junior Amateur Championship is 18 months away, the planning process has already begun. This Championship gives us a great opportunity to showcase our Club and the lowcountry. Our Championship Host Committee is seeking approximately 300 volunteers to assist on several committees. Some of the areas for which we will be responsible include player registration, player & family hospitality, hotel & transportation arrangements, housing in member homes, hosting a number of high-profile events, and on-course services such as walking scorers, marshals, spotters, scoreboard assistance, & practice area services. Be on the lookout for further communication regarding volunteer opportunities. If you would like to purchase 2015 U.S. Junior Amateur Championship merchandise, stop by the Dye golf shop, or we can special order merchandise for you.

Looking forward to a great spring season of golf at Colleton!

Matt Lucchesi, PGADirector of Golf

On the Links

Phot

o by

Dav

id E

mch


Congratulations to Derrick Garrou and his team of Colleton members Gail Kraemer, Becky Busa and Mary Rydzel! They won their flight in the Pro Appreciation tournament in February.

Congratulations!

March 6 Ladies’ Pro DayMarch 14 Mega Men’s DayMarch 15 Glow GolfMarch 20 - 22 Men’s Pro-Member-GuestMarch 28 Nine and DineMarch 30 Couples’ Club Championship

April 2 - 4 Ladies’ Spring Member-GuestApril 8 Ladies’ 9-Hole Member-GuestApril 10 Ladies’ Colleton CupApril 12 Masters ChallengeApril 24 - 26 Men’s Spring Member-GuestApril 27 Twilight GolfApril 30 - May 2 Member-Member

May 8 Ladies’ Closing DayMay 9 Mega Men’s DayMay 25 Memorial Day Event

Upcoming Events

Congratulations to our golf professionals for their recognition by the PGA! Matt Lucchesi was named Player of the Year, and David La Pour was named Teacher of the Year for the 2013 Carolina PGA Hilton Head Chapter.

The Carolina PGA Chapter award is voted on by area PGA Golf Professionals, and recognizes golf professionals for their contributions to local, sectional, and national PGA programs.

We are honored to have such great golfers leading our program!

2014 RBC HERITAGEColleton River will host an expo tent at the RBC Heritage in April. CRGA Director of Instruction, David La Pour, will be giving lessons and demonstrations throughout the tournament so stop by and bring a friend for a fun introduction to your community and golf program.

2015 USGA Junior Amateur Championship merchandise is in at the Golf Shop!


Mixed MeMber-GuestOctober 17-19, 2013

Overall Net ChampionsJay & Jill Pankosky and

Rosemarie & Robert Obernier

Dye Flight WinnerFred & Debra Rickman andShirley & Lloyd Rothouse

Overall Gross ChampionKaren & Dick (not pictured) Anderson

and Bob & Susan Ried

Men’s & Ladies’ MeMber-MeMberNovember 13-16, 2013

Annika Sorenstam FlightGilda Dee and Pat Fowler

Gary Player FlightCam Binnie and Jon Taylor

TOURNAMENT CHAMPIONS

Men’s Championship Flight WinnerKevin King

Men’s and Ladies’ CLub ChaMpionshipNovember 9-10, 2013

President’s Flight WinnerChris Marlowe

Ladies’ Championship Flight WinnerCheryl Kish

Governor’s Flight WinnerJohn Faul


Champions Circle

CongratulationsMajor Fall Tournament Winners

Mixed MeMber-GuestOctober 17-19, 2013

Ladies one day MeMber-GuestOctober 24, 2013

Low Net ChampionsLynda Cherbonneau, Marcia Kotke,

Terri Haley & June Buggie

Gross ChampionsPat Fowler, Vivian Coupe, Diane Flynn & Carol Given

Men’s MeMber-GuestOctober 30 - November 2, 2013

Overall ChampionsMike Mayol and

Jim Porter

Men’s and Ladies’ CLub ChaMpionshipNovember 9-10, 2013

Senior Championship Flight WinnerAl Thiess

Ladies’ Net Flight WinnerPat Fowler


What a wonderful fall and winter season we had to finish out 2013. I have had such a warm reception from all of you in my new role, from the bottom of my heart, thank you. I am looking forward to another amazing year together, making memories for you, your friends and families.

From our Valentine’s Day celebration to the highly anticipated Cakebread Cellars wine dinner on January 30th, we have had many great events recently. We have many more planned for you in the spring, including the Blues, Brews & BBQ night on March 8th which promises to be a fun evening! Please visit our website or pick up the latest edition of the event booklet at the front desk to get all the details. You will definitely want to mark your calendar for the Colleton Concert Series featuring the Charleston Virtuosi string trio on May 30th. I have had many members mention to me that they were unaware of the possibilities we offer for private events. I do not want this to be a shameless sales pitch, but I do want to shed some light onto the opportunities available to you year round.

We are gifted to have this beautiful property to host events at two clubhouses, the café and also the community dock. Our venues provide a perfect opportunity to host board meetings or professional groups. In addition to the magnificent golf courses, we also have recently upgraded our Dye Parlor and Dye Third Floor with new televisions, eliminating the need for screens and projectors. If you outgrow the Magnolia room we can accommodate your group

at the Dye, or if you have an even larger group, we can use the 90-inch television in the ballroom for your meeting. In addition to the dining venues, we are also able to cater in the cottages or at the dock, and can provide boxed lunches for between rounds of golf.

One of the opportunities in this role I’m most looking forward to is assisting with planning the many birthday and anniversary parties we are fortunate enough to host at Colleton. It is such a treat to see the joy and excitement that take place with these personal events.

If your plans call for private entertaining this year, I encourage you to call me, whether you need staffing, a full bar, side items or a complete dinner, I would love to assist you in making your hosting duties flawless and fun. We have had the pleasure of helping members with everything from afternoon teas, bridal showers, book clubs, dinner and open houses - all with staff who are already familiar to you. We can provide linen, china, glassware and extra silverware to make your host duties more enjoyable so you can enjoy the party yourself!

-Erica Pepper

HOW TO BUY

Cauliflower is available year-round, but tastes its best during the fall and winter seasons. Look for firm cauliflower with compact florets and crisp, fresh leaves with no sign of yellowing or wilting. Avoid cauliflower with small brown specks on the florets; they are a sign of aging. The size of the cauliflower head does not affect its quality.

HOW TO STORE

Keep raw, unwashed cauliflower in the refrigerator, tightly wrapped, for three to five days. Before using, wash and remove the leaves at the base and trim the stem.

HEALTH BENEFITS

• Cauliflower is very low in calories. 100 g of the fresh cauliflower head provides only 26 calories but has several health-benefiting antioxidants and vitamins. It is also very low in fat and contains no cholesterol.

• Its florets contain about 2 g of dietary fiber per 100 g; providing about 5% of the recommended daily value.

• It contains several anti-cancer phyto-chemicals which have proven benefits against prostate, breast, cervical, colon and ovarian cancers by virtue of their cancer-cell growth inhibition.

• Fresh cauliflower is an excellent source of vitamin C; 100 g provides about 80% of the daily recommended value.

• It contains good amounts of many vital B-complex groups of vitamins such as folates, pantothenic acid (vitamin B5), pyridoxine (vitamin B6) and thiamin (vitamin B1), niacin (B3) as well as vitamin K. It is also a good source of minerals such as manganese, copper, iron, calcium and potassium.

Choosing Cauliflower: How and Why?

Let us Cater (your Party) to You!


Plate & Palate

Roasted Cauliflower with Mustard Dressing

Greetings from the Clubhouse!We’re looking forward to some warmer South Carolina weather very soon but in the meantime, I wanted to share a fun and tasty recipe featuring one of my favorite vegetables - cauliflower! I hope you will try this simple preparation that can be made in advance, and enjoyed warm or at room temperature. Perfect for a cool night! I look forward to seeing you in the Clubhouse soon.-Chef Robert

Mustard Dressing

4 oz dijon mustard1 oz honey1 oz mayonnaise1 oz white balsamic or wine vinegarBlend all ingredients, taste and season as needed; yields 1 cup

Roasted Cauliflower

1 whole head; washed, trimmed of leaf, core removed, cut into golf ball sized flowerettes (include the small pieces; cook everything but the core and leaf)2 oz salad or light olive oilSalt & pepper

Place a large sheet pan in a hot oven to heat at 375 to 385 degrees. Process the cauliflower as above, and place in a large bowl to coat with one ounce of oil and the seasoning. Remove the hot sheet pan from the oven and pour the remaining ounce of oil on the pan. Add seasoned cauliflower and sizzle!

Place back into oven. After ten minutes, remove and move cauliflower around so even browning can be achieved. Set timer for another five minutes to roast, watching carefully not to burn but until almost fully tender. When color is achieved, remove and allow to cool.

Dress the Cauliflower

Mustard dressing from above2 tbsp drained capers2 cup washed arugula or other tender greensSalt & pepper to taste

Optional

Finely minced shallots to tasteChives as a garnish

Serves 4. Enjoy!


As we move through the winter months and into the spring, the Golf Academy continues to grow as we fine tune the details for the upcoming year.

Some of the items on the menu may look familiar such as the golf schools, Lady Linkster clinics, Demo Days and Academy Days, but there are some exciting new offerings as well. We will have a special guest instructor for our spring golf school, and an improved junior program. The Get Golf Ready program for new golfers is back and will start in March. I will also be hosting another PGA teaching summit.

Be sure to watch for a new series of instructional video tips, along with WHHI-TV spots featuring our golf staff. I am looking forward to being a host at the expo tent that Colleton River will have during the RBC Heritage Tournament in April. Stop in to visit and get a quick lesson while you are walking through!

For more information, visit the CRGA website, or you can always send us an email at [email protected]. If you have any other questions, or would like to take advantage of your Golf Academy, just ask one of your PGA golf professionals. On behalf of the instructors, thank you for supporting the Academy programs, and have a great 2014!

News from the Golf AcademyAcademy Schedule

Lady Linksters Every Thursday until June 26th9:30 am on the Nicklaus range

tpi GoLf fitness CLass

Every Wednesday9:00 am at the Fitness Center

aCadeMy day

March 1st1-3 pm on the Nicklaus range

Get GoLf ready - LeveL 1March 5th – April 2nd (every Wednesday) 4-5 pm on the Nicklaus range

CrGa GoLf sChooL March 8th 9 am-4 pm on the Dye range

CrGa CLub fittinG days

March 26th – PingMarch 29th – TaylorMadeApril 5th – Callaway12-4 pm on the Nicklaus range

CrGa short GaMe sChooL March 19th 1-4 pm on the Borland course

CrGa Green readinG CLiniC April 2nd 9 am-12 pm on the Dye putting green

Ladies onLy GoLf sChooL

April 25th 9 am-4 pm on the Nicklaus range

Please note that you may sign up on ForeTees for CRGA golf schools, clinics and seminars which usually require advanced registration, and participation may be limited.

Members receive a 20% discount on CRGA rates, and juniors receive a 30% discount.

David La Pour, PGADirector of Instruction

The CRGA Winter Series was a great way to stay golf ready during ourunusually cold season.

ColletonRiverClub.com | THE RIVER 15The Lady Linksters work on their putting! Join the CRGA every Thursday this spring on the Nicklaus range and get ready for the Spring Member Tournaments.

What is the best way to hit a golf ball? Consistently! Consistency is the number one request I get when giving lessons, followed by hitting the ball farther. The jury is back on how to efficiently (and consistently) strike a golf ball; it is called the kinematic sequence. As shown in the illustration above, at the top of your backswing, the first move is the lower body followed by the thoracic spine, arms, and finally club. It sounds intimidating but all it really means is that you use your athleticism from the ground up. Some of you may have seen me teaching or swinging with a training aid called the Power Fan on the range. So far, this is the best device that I have found to aid in teaching the kinematic sequence of the golf swing. We have three different sizes, and if you’d like to give it a test drive or discuss the biomechanics of the golf swing, let me know. I’d be happy help you with your consistency!

Your CRGA

Achieve Consistency with the Kinematic Sequence

Quick Tips

• Watch for your Academy Instructors on local tv at www.whhitv.com or find WHHITV on YouTube!

• Need a training aid like the Power Fan or something that you liked during a lesson? Go to the Academy website at www.colletonriverclub.com/championship-golf/golf-academy and click on “Golf Tips & Links.” You will see a link to “Golf Training Aids.”

Pat MacKay and her mother get ready for spring golf!

Keep your Eyes on the Skies for

When birding inside the gates of Colleton River, try to add these common raptors to your 2014 Checklist of Birds: bald eagle, osprey, turkey vulture, black vulture,

northern harrier, coopers hawk, red-tail hawk and red-shouldered hawk. Less common raptors include the American kestrel (falcon), sharp-shinned hawk and kite.

Nesting activity of both ospreys and bald eagles within our property is submitted to the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) for population studies. Colleton River seems to support on average two osprey nests per eagle nest each year. Eagle nesting territories average a one mile radius which includes .5 acres of shoreline access for foraging. Check out the following web site to track 2014 nesting activity in Colleton: http://bit.ly/1gLa9Y2.

Fifty percent of the state’s bald eagle population is found in the coastal zone where they utilize the rich resources to support the needs of their young. Two eagle nests have been active for years in Colleton. The oldest is located near the 16th hole on the Dye course, and the other is across the marsh from the 17th green and 18 fairway on the Nicklaus course.

The bald eagle was delisted from the endangered species list in 2007 after the population increased from just two breeding pairs in 1974 to 227. This is one of the world’s great conservation success stories. Federal laws protecting them and the ban of DDT, as well as more considerate land use planning, have allowed population levels to recover to stable or growing levels. However, the eagles currently face challenges from gunshot wounds, car hits, loss of habitat and disease transmitted by fresh waterfowl.

Eagles are scavengers as well as hunters. They are often seen feeding in landfills. Unfortunately, eagles cannot differentiate between animals that have been euthanized or poisoned and those who died naturally, resulting in the eagles being poisoned. The Center for Birds of Prey in Awendah, SC just north of Charleston has an excellent rehabilitation hospital. Their exhibits are well worth visiting.

A bald eagle has a wingspan of 6-7 feet, a snow-white head and tail, yellow feet and piercing yellow eyes on a dark body, which demands attention. The black pigment in the wings is believedto make them stronger. Eagles glide great distances without

The Great Outdoors

flapping their wings when they catch a thermal current. If they fall into the water or get their feathers wet, they cannot fly and must use their wings to swim back to land. “Eagle-eyed” is an accurate description for their vision. A bald eagle’s eyesight is four to eight times better than that of a human, and they can spot potential prey 1-2 miles away. Another adaptation, a bony ridge above their eyes that minimizes glare from the sun, also improves their superb hunting ability.

They primarily feed on fish and are often found near osprey whose fish they frequently steal in amazing aerial grabs as they are lazy hunters. They fly with their feet inches from the water and snatch the fish with their talons. Serrations on the roof of the mouth help hold the slippery fish. The sharp talons and strong beaks help the bald eagle tear fish into pieces to feed baby eaglets. They do go after rabbits or other small mammals if they are hungry.

Raptors


Karen Anderson & Beverly Jennings, Colleton’s Master Naturalists


What happens October 1 thru May 15 in our eagle nests?

In the fall, courting can be quite showy, with spectacular aerial displays called “the mating dance.” Late November and December are big months for nesting. As is usual for raptors, the female is about 30% larger than her mate. Bald eagles generally maintain a long-term pair bond and both participate in nest building in tops of tall trees 30 to 60 feet above ground with a clear flight path to water. They often use the same nest year after year adding sticks and remodeling. The nests are 4” thick, 3” deep and 8-16” in diameter.

After mating, the female will lay her first egg within 5-10 days followed by 1-2 more eggs spaced two days apart. The male and female share the incubation duties. Eggs start to hatch in 35 days, and at 6 weeks eaglets are nearly as large as their parents. Juvenile bald eagles have dark backs, tawny bellies and brown tails when they leave the nest and migrate north. It will be 4-5 years before they acquire the showy white head and tail of adult bald eagles.

How can you help?

It is very important to be “good neighbors” to our bald eagles. First, be considerate and observe their nests from a distance with binoculars and spotting scopes, as they do not appreciate humans getting close. Second, omit the use of yard chemicals along marsh property and river buffer zones to keep the Port Royal Sound water clean to support healthy fish for the raptors to eat.

Enjoy your raptor neighbors!

Both eagles and osprey have featherless feet. The feet have four powerful toes with sharp talons, and tiny projections on the bottom of the feet called spicules help grasp prey.

Annual Audubon Christmas Bird CountLast December, Colleton members completed their 14th year assisting with the annual Audubon Christmas Bird Count. The day started out cold with few sightings, but as the weather warmed up so did the birds. 34 members volunteered and sighted 2,129 birds from 94 different species! The project provides critical data that helps protect bird populations.

Your Map to Discovering Colleton RiverHave you picked up your copy of the new Discovery Map? The map guides you through the community and locates the most scenic and historic sites here, and markers have been installed to coincide with those on the map. Also now available is a Recreational Pathways and Victoria Bluff Trail Guide, which serves as both map and route planner so you know what distance your running, biking or walking will take you. The weather is warming up - time to get outdoors and discover our beautiful plantation!


The 18th Annual Ladies Holiday Tea was great fun this year with an Alice in Wonderland theme complete with playing card themed cookies, clocks to keep everyone from being “late!” and other whimsical decor. In the spirit of the season, everyone brought toys and other gifts to help make the holidays special for local families in need as they do each year. The group was honored to be presented a plaque of recognition for their annual support by Bluffton Self Help. Great job ladies!

Ladies Holiday Tea Honored by Bluffton Self Help

We spotted the Women of Faith Book Club making sandwiches for area homeless last month in the Nicklaus Wine Room. The group often makes food and visits the homeless to offer support and prayer.

Colleton Cares

Canasta Group Christmas LuncheonThe Canasta group’s holiday luncheon is a much anticipated event each year, and in the spirit of the holidays the group always dedicates the event to helping those in need. This year the canasta ladies raised more than $1,600 for local charities while having a very “regal” luncheon!

Operation Santa Claus


Santa sent us a quick note before the holidays to thank all us for what a great job we did on Operation Santa

Claus this year. For the 14th year in a row, our ornament tree continues to grow and donations topped $43,000 this year. That is incredible and thank you one and all.

A record number of Colleton shoppers selected beautiful clothes and toys for 310 of their neighbors in need. Each child also received a fine piece of children’s literature. Once again, we sponsored many teens in our area at the Boys and Girls Club.

Colleton continues to do a fine job with the wrapping and packaging for delivery of more than 2,000 presents. All these packages were delivered well before Santa made his run in the sleigh. One homeless family who checked into Family Promise on December 24th after the wrapping and delivery event also had a nice holiday thanks to Operation Santa and some quick work by two caring Colleton members.

There are enough funds remaining to fulfill Operation Santa’s year round commitments. Funds have been reserved to assist with children’s basic needs, provide food for our elderly poor, stock the Island House and Bluffton Self Help food pantries, and support BackPack Buddies this coming year - all thanks to your generosity through Operation Santa.

Colleton River has done a wonderful job, and all of us truly enjoyed the holiday season of giving.

“We were able to make Christmas magical for

13 families, including 33 children. You gave over 200

gifts! Thank you for your kindness and generosity.”

-Heather TwetenSchool Social Worker,

Bluffton Middle Schoool


The Art Committee has initiated a program to bring art appreciation to students in our local schools. Colleton River residents have given several presentations of fine art to students at MC Riley elementary school already. The program will continue through May of this year, and we hope to expand it to other schools in the area in the future.

This program was inspired by a talk Jonathan Green gave to Colleton River at an LLG event last year. Jonathan closed his presentation with a charge to all of us to expose our children and grandchildren to the fine arts which, we all know, is one of the first programs to be cut in the schools.

Please contact Janice Norton or Mimi Elder with the Art Committee if you are interested in participating. This is a “before school” program from 8:00 am to 8:45 am, and requires only a committment to give a presentation once or twice per school year, with another presenter. We have a great training video by Susan Palmer, a former docent & trainer at the Toledo Museum of Art. Susan is a rather energetic presenter, making everyone who sees her in action very enthusiastic about the project.

A background in teaching or art is not needed, just the desire to instill art appreciation in the minds of young people. To borrow a phrase from the Marine Corps, “we are also looking for a few good men.”

-Janice Norton

Bringing Art to the Schools

Play for P.I.N.K.Colleton River helped raise money for breast cancer research again this year with many successful Play for P.I.N.K. events. The ladies had 106 participants that played bridge, canasta, tennis, 9 hole and 18 hole golf, followed by a lovely dinner. The men also got involved with 13 men playing in a friendly card tournament. A total of $15,315 was raised for Play for P.I.N.K. which supports the Breast Cancer Foundation.

ArtStudents paint

during the Mary Grayson Segars oil

class in February.


The Lifelong Learning committee presented five very exciting programs last fall and winter, including most recently a program about Mitchelville at the Coastal

Discovery Museum and a dinner and lecture at the Club on the history of the rice culture of the lowcountry. Each was well attended and greatly appreciated. We thank our members for making our efforts such a success.

We have three other events planned for spring that are sure to prove even more enjoyable. There will be more history to discover in March with a tour of Fort Pulaski and a lunch in Savannah. April will find us in Savannah once again exploring some maritime history. Finally, a walking, guided tour of Old Town Bluffton will take place in May.

With a very creative and enthusiastic committee, and the help of our talented Club staff, the LLG has had the pleasure of bringing into focus a greater knowledge and appreciation of this wonderful area that we call home. As we reorganize for the 2014 season, we invite any member that may be interested to join us in our pursuit to further expand our horizons.

-LLG Chairmen Lynda Rankin and Maxine Melcher

Lifelong Learning

Colleton Art at

LLG visited St. Helena Island

last fall and toured Historic

Penn Center, the Chapel of Ease and the

Oaks Plantation led by Dr. Emory

Campbell.


Member Spotlight

Smile! You’re on Camera!We’ve had many fun events over the past few months and of course the camera is always watching! Here are just a few of the moments we captured - as always, our members know how to have a great time!

Fall Member-Member Tournament Weekend

Scotch Society Holiday Celebration

New Year’s EveCelebration

Upcoming Events & ActivitiesMARCH1 Art Group Clayton Pond ClassDye Penthouse, 10am - 3pm

3 Victoria Bluff Preserve Hike10am - 12pm

8 Blues, Brews & BarbequeDye Clubhouse, 6:30 - 10:00pm

11 LLG Fort Pulaski Tour11am - 5pm

12 Bocce Ball Club ChampionshipDye Lawn, 4 - 9pm

14 Tennis Pro ExhibitionNicklaus Ballroom, 5:30 - 9pm

21-22 Club ChallengeBoth courses

28 Nine & DineBorland Course, 4:30pm

29 Nature Series - AlligatorsDye Penthouses, 5:30 - 6:30pm

30 Couples Club ChampionshipDye Course, 5:30pm

APRIL1 Mt. Veeder Wine DinnerNicklaus Ballroom, 6 - 11pm

3-4 Ladies Member GuestBoth Courses

8 Niftee Niners Member GuestNicklaus Course

10 Ladies’ Colleton CupDye Course

12 Men’s Masters Challenge Nicklaus Course

15 LLG Maritime Museum9am - 4pm

17 Wine TastingNicklaus Ballroom, 5 - 6pm 18 Critters in the MarshCommunity Dock, 10 - 11am & 1 - 2pm

18 Princess Tea PartyNicklaus Ladies Lounge, 2 - 4pm

19 Easter Egg HuntNicklaus Clubhouse, 11am - 3pm

20 Easter Brunch Nicklaus Clubhouse, 11am - 3pm

25-26 Men’s Member-GuestBoth courses

27 Twilight GolfDye Course, 1pm

MAY1-3 Spring Member-MemberBoth Courses

6 Ladies’ Mid-CapNicklaus Course

9 Mega Men’s DayNicklaus Course

11 Mother’s Day BrunchNicklaus Clubhouse, 11am - 3pm

13 LLG Tour of Bluffton 9am - 3pm

25 Memorial Day CookoutDye Clubhouse, 6pm - 11pm

30 Colleton Concert Series Nicklaus Ballroom, 5 - 9pm


Member Karen Anderson captured this photo during a morning workout in the fitness center. How motivating!

Two Championship Golf Courses.Stunning Natural Beauty.

Imagine a community that takes your breath away and is hailed as an incredible wildlife habitat, a captivating retreat where exquisite custom homes are nestled amidst seven miles of scenic shoreline and two stunning championship golf courses. At Colleton River, a private 1,500-acre residential community with deepwater docks, you’ll enjoy numerous world-class amenities in an inviting atmosphere with an active, philanthropic community. Imagine the exceptional and make it a reality. . . at Colleton River.

ColletonRiverClub.com | 843-836-4400

the river spring 2014

Documents

audit chair

executive committee

river spring

colleton river

financeroberta bowman

fun events

links upcoming events

falls tournament season