Happenings VOL
Q U A RT E R LY P U B L I C AT I O N
03
Fall 2017
HA I G P O I NT | FA L L H A P P E N I N GS
Happenings from the Chief
The holidays at Haig Point are
Dear Member
extraordinary and we encourage
It sure has been an exciting end to a busy summer. Our
you to invite your family to enjoy
annual Labor Day Lobster Boil was a tremendous success.
the community events we have planned.
We gathered on the new Beach Club deck and enjoyed delicious offerings from Chef Jim and his team. A week later, bands from Tropical Storm Irma pushed heavy storm surge in to the Daufuskie Island coastline. Haig Point was extremely fortunate. Not a single building experienced damage and within days the entire facility was back up and running. Finally, we closed out September with our second year of Pledge the Pink, formally called LoCo Motion. The annual 10-mile walk had over 1200 racers participating. Proceeds from the event benefit regional non-profits like
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FAL L HAPPENI NG S | HA I G P OIN T
Participants pass the 1873 lighthouse on their 10 mile walk during day 1 of the Pledge the Pink, the 3 day, 30 mile charity walk.
Volunteers in Medicine and Carolina Cups. With fall now in full swing and the holidays just around the corner we look forward to exciting member events to finish out the year. In October we’ll briefly shut down the Signature Course (2nd-17th) for overseeding so that we can reopen in tip top shape for our Mixed Invitational Member-
The holidays at Haig Point are extraordinary and we encourage you to invite your family to enjoy the community events we have planned.
During Thanksgiving week we’ve scheduled Family
Dining, Thanksgiving Day Buffet, a special Friday Happy Hour, and a Fall Festival at the Equestrian Center where we will celebrate the Grand Opening of the Community Center with a ribbon cutting.
Guest Tournament (19th-21st) and Club Championships
Our 2018 calendar will be distributed in November. Our Staff
(28th-29th). Then on October 30th our New Director of
and House Committee has worked hard to bring you a unique
Golf, Craig Morton, will host our 1st annual Patriot Golf
slate of activities, plus all your annual favorites. In addition, in
Day. A portion of every entry fee from this four-person
January 2018 we’ll be launching our Haig Point App, available for
scramble will benefit the Folds of Honor Foundation; a
download in the Apple App and Google Play Stores. This new tool
501(c)3 non-profit organization which provides post –
will make creating ferry, dining and golf reservations easy and it will
secondary educational scholarships for the spouses and
only require a login one time from your mobile phone.
children of military men and women killed or disabled while serving our great nation.
As always, we look forward to serving you here at Haig Point!
Our 22nd annual Pro-Am Invitational event will be held November 6th – 8th. The all-inclusive three day event includes a practice round, two tournament rounds, several meals, and the ever famous “Freddy Fazio” Putting Contest. Sign up with the Golf Shop today, because this event will sell out.
DOUG EGLY
Chief Executive Officer
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HA I G P O I NT | FA L L H A P P E N I N GS
The Mysterious Daufuskie A CO N T I N U E D H I STO RY - PA RT 1 1
THE PROSPERING DAUFUSKIE In the late 1800s, Daufuskie was famous for its Sea Island cotton, its oysters and its live oak trees, which were exceptionally strong and resistant to rot. In fact, naturalist reports suggest that so many trees were
island’s oysters became famous around the
Based on foundation that was uncovered,
world. Even the Tsar of Russia was known
the Blodgett Mansion would have been
to prefer ‘Daufuski Oysters.’ Now, the
approximately 7000 sq. feet, one of the
label is all that remains, reminding us of the
largest tabby mansions ever to have been
once thriving business that was destroyed
built in the Lowcountry. Archeological
by pollution in the Savannah River.
evidence such as marble from Italy,
removed from Daufuskie that one could
In 1873, a lighthouse on Haig’s Point
stand at the north end of the island and
was commissioned in order to provide
literally see to the other end. That is hard
safe passage through the shifting shoals
to imagine today with the dense forests
of Calibogue Sound for transport ships
that now shade every road.
carrying cotton, lumber and oysters.
By the turn of the century, riding the boom of the oyster industry, Daufuskie had an average of 2,000 people working on the island. Under Maggioni and Company’s brand name, ‘Daufuski Oysters,’
the
When construction began, the charred remains of the Blodgett Mansion were discovered where the keeper’s house was to have been built. This did not deter
porcelain from China, and champagne bottles from France point to a oncegracious lifestyle at the mansion. Today a glass window in the kitchen floor of the lighthouse provides a glimpse of the mansion’s large cellar and an appreciation of an era gone by… perhaps watched over by a ghostly presence in the lighthouse tower.
the building of the lighthouse, but it did
Is there really a ghostly presence that
bring some notoriety to the construction.
resides in the lighthouse? Sailors passing by at night occasionally report seeing a shadowy figure in the tower window and Haig Point residents tell stories of lights going on and off, doors locking on their own, and empty chairs rocking. Who could this ghostly presence be? History gives us fig 1.
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fig
The products of a more
01
prosperos time
FAL L HAPPENI NG S | HA I G P OIN T
fig 2.
Vi n t a g e oy s t e r c a n packaged on Daufuskie Island.
return until she finally died of a broken heart. Could it be Maggie’s ghost who still resides in the light house? But wait. Maybe that ghost is Bridget, the lighthouse keeper’s wife. According to The Savannah Morning News of April fig
28, 1874, Bridget Comer miraculously
02
escaped from a watery grave just one year after moving into her special lighthouse. Under the headlines “A PERILOUS
hints.
engineers to look after lighthouses. One
VOYAGE” and “Boat Capsized and
such engineer, a man from Michigan,
Driven to Sea,” the article reported
had been hired by the Navy to work on
that Bridget Comer was returning from
the metal lighthouses in the Atlantic
Savannah in an open boat, alternately
Ocean off of Charleston, Parris Island,
rowed and sailed by a black man named
and Daufuskie Island.
In his diary, he
Robert Fraser who lived on the island.
writes of going to Haig’s Point to repair
When they were caught by a violent storm,
the lantern of the lighthouse. There, he
their boat capsized and both were thrown
writes, he had the privilege of seeing “one
into the water. Somehow they managed
of the sweetest faces” he’d ever seen.
to get back into the boat but everything
Although notes from his diary revealed
on board was lost. Having no oars, they
that he and Maggie had quickly fallen in
drifted out to sea. After almost two days
love, something strange happened and
without food, water or shelter, the two
he left unexpectedly. Legend has it that
were finally rescued by a United States
In order to keep the lights in good
from that day forward, Maggie stood in
steamer bound for Florida. Fraser died
repair, the government assigned naval
the tower window waiting for her lover to
almost immediately after the rescue
When the 40-foot beacon, which guided ships from 1873 to the 1930s, was finally completed, Patrick Comer and his wife, Bridget, were hired to be its first keepers. In October of 1873, they moved into the lighthouse with their daughters, Mary Ellen and Maggie. They quickly adopted it as their personal home which they cared for conscientiously for 18 years. When Mary Ellen married, she moved away but Bridget, Patrick and Maggie spent the rest of their lives there.
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HA I G P O I NT | FA L L H A P P E N I N GS
The Mysterious Daufuskie CO N T I N U E D. . .
may encounter more than one.
help with the delivery of their babies until the late 1950s. The most famous of the
THE WANING DAYS OF DAUFUSKIE AND ITS LIGHTHOUSE
midwives was Sarah Grant. For over 37 years, she welcomed into the world more than 130
When automatic lights became dependable
babies without losing one. Her husband, on
and buoys or markers guided ships through
the other hand, ushered them out. He was
dangerous waters, the era of lighthouses
the island’s undertaker.
ended as did the prosperity of Daufuskie.
The children attended school in praise
The lighthouse at Haig’s Point was sold
houses and empty homes until two churches
in 1926 to Davis Freedman, and shortly
were built which had classrooms. Initially
fig
thereafter, to the Livingston McLaw
school was held four months during the
03
family. During the McLaw ownership, the
year and only grades 1-2 for were taught. In
lighthouse was used as a hunting lodge
the 1930s, the Mary Field School was built
where members were known to have wild
for the black children. Its leftover wood
parties after a day of hunting. Its use as a
was used to construct student desks. This
hunting lodge ended abruptly when one
two-room school house, where Pat Conroy
member died as a result of his fall. After
taught, offered a six-grade curriculum. It is
1939, the lighthouse stood empty, battered
now a popular stop for visitors because it was
and Bridget was never the same again. The
by wind and rain, with its windows shattered
the setting of Conroy’s well-known book,
injuries she had received as she struggled to
and its shutters falling off.
The Water is Wide, and the movie, Conrack.
stay with the boat were so severe that she
The years that followed saw this one-time
After Savannah’s industrial waste polluted
never fully regained her health and died at an
noble lighthouse become a desolate ruin
the Savannah River and forced the closure of
early age. Some say that it is Bridgett’s ghost
and, at the same time, a once bustling
the area’s oyster beds, there was little or no
who refuses to leave her only permanent
island become a quiet haven for the few who
employment opportunity left on Daufuskie,
home which she loved so dearly. But then
remained. In spite of the island’s changing
and most of its residents left to find work
again, it might be Patrick who died in the very
economic times, the Gullah people
elsewhere leaving behind a rich legacy of
room where the ghost is often seen.
remained a closely knit, caring community
Gullah history. By 1970, fewer than 100
If you happen to be visiting the lighthouse,
virtually unaffected by the outside world.
people lived on Daufuskie.
look around for the ghost, but be aware, you
Island women depended on midwives to
At about the same time, just across the
fig 3.
Artistic rendering of 1873 Lighthouse.
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FAL L HAPPENI NG S | HA I G P OIN T
fig
04
fig 4.
The
Strachan
Mansion
being barged from St. Simons Island, Georgia
Calibogue Sound on Hilton Head Island,
Simon’s first millionaire who made his
“Stars and Stripes Forever,” as the historic
a new era of modern development was
fortune transporting cotton and timber from
light tower, which had first been turned on in
beginning to hit its stride.
Georgia to eager overseas markets. At that
1873 was illuminated once again.
time, the Strachan compound at St. Simons
A NEW DAUFUSKIE
included the mansion with a detached
Electricity came to the island in 1953.
kitchen, two servant buildings, a large cistern
Telephones followed in 1972.
These
the children used as a swimming pool, two
brought instant connection to the world at
Spanish-American War cannons aimed at
large and word about this island paradise
Jekyll Island, and a two-story carriage house.
began to spread. In the 1980s developers started planning to make Daufuskie Island a residential destination. In 1984, International Paper Realty Corporation (IP) purchased Haig’s Point, renamed it Haig Point, and began restoring the property.
Moving the mansion house was initiated on March 27 and completed on April 29, 1986, at the cost of $100,000. Its three-day journey up the Intercoastal Waterway made national headlines. Photographs of it being towed on two barges to Haig Point could be
The year 1986 was the year of restorations
found in almost every newspaper followed
and celebrations at Haig Point. In March, IP
by photographs of its incredible restoration.
made headlines when it rescued the historic
Today it provides unique lodging for
Strachan Mansion on St. Simons Island
overnight guests of Haig Point members.
from impending demolition by a housing development. IP bought the mansion for $1.00 accepting the provision-of-sale that the mansion be moved.
In the fall of that same year, restoration of the legendary lighthouse captured the news. In October, hundreds of people were invited to Haig Point to celebrate the unveiling of
The mansion had been built as a summer
the completely restored lighthouse. They
retreat in 1910 by F.D.M. Strachan, St.
listened to the Savannah Symphony play
The island is now split into five residential areas:
Haig
Point,
Melrose,
Oak
Ridge, Bloody Point, and a section of unincorporated land where residents live in a variety of accommodations, from trailers to beautiful waterfront homes with private docks. The unincorporated section of the island was designated as a federal Historic District in the early 1980s. Here you will find excellent examples of original Gullah homes and you will meet descendants of the Gullah people living on land which has been in their families since just after the Civil War. Despite progress and development, the Historic District and its Gullah culture have virtually remained unchanged. That’s why Daufuskie is a popular destination for history buffs and is still considered “home” to many of the Gullah who have moved away.
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HA I G P O I NT | FA L L H A P P E N I N GS
The Daufuskie Community Farm T H E H E A RT A N D SO U L O F T H E I S L A N D A DREAM COME TRUE
smart, funny and productive.
Since 2010, the Daufuskie Community Farm has been
You may never have thought of goats as being smart but
committed to bringing sustainable and organic farming
consider what happened when Lynell Linke, the farm’s
to the island. The 8 acres of land was leased to the farm
volunteer Animal Manager, decided to sponsor a newborn.
by Dr. Bill Greenwood. Under the vision and leadership
For a $50 monthly donation, Lynell had the privilege of
of founder and general manager, Pat Beichler, the farm
giving the baby its name, June Bug, and was responsible
began with the mission of providing volunteers a hands-on
for nurturing, feeding and monitoring its health during its
organic farming experience and providing local artisans a
infancy. Needless to say, Lynell and baby June bonded.
place to come together to share their talents and showcase
Later, when Lynell went out of town for a few days, June was
their work. The indirect beneficiaries of this mission are
clearly displeased with her absence and very smart about
the school groups and tourists who learn from real-time
letting her know how she felt. Upon Lynell’s return, the
experiences when they visit the farm.
little goat greeted her with head-butts and gave her the
As you travel down Haig Point Road on Daufuskie Island,
cold shoulder for almost a week.
you’ll see a little road-side stand with a rustic sign that
Are goats funny? Absolutely. Visitors never tire of watching
says ‘Daufuskie Community Farm.’ That little sign is the
them play “follow the leader” or “king of the mountain.”
entrance to a very big adventure with many stops along the
Speaking of mountains, guess what happened when one of
way: The Duck House, Goose House, Poulet Chalet, Goat
the workers got down on his knees to pull weeds? Hint:
Barn, Cow Loafing Shed, Turkey House, Rabbit Hutch,
He looked like a mountain! Check out the photo.
Berry Patch, Hennebunkport (hen house), Quack Shack
Productive? Definitely – in more ways than one. They
(baby ducks and chicks), Hog House (for pigs and billy
produce lots of fresh milk that is processed into delicious
goats), Dairy Barn (milking goats), the new commercial
goat cheese, feta cheese, and yogurt, and this year, they
Sawmill, the Garden, the Orchard, and the Wacky Shack
produced over 20 babies too - with six being born the same
and Stained Glass/Potter’s Cottage which are the anchors
day.
of the Artisan Village.
‘Productive’ is not an adjective that is reserved for goats. Just ask volunteers at the chicken coop where approximately
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THE FARM’S ANIMALS CHARM THE WORLD
200 chickens lay 5-7 dozen eggs per day – a number that
Once inside, you are greeted by the irresistible antics of the
will soon increase as the many chicks start laying! When
farm’s official and very lovable clowns – the goats. They are
visitors look at the collection of eggs, they often ask,
FAL L HAPPENI NG S | HA I G P OIN T “Why are the eggs different colors?”
The
answer is that egg colors range anywhere from white, brown, pink, green, blue, and olive depending on the breed of the chicken. The farm has several different breeds of chicken each of which can be identified by its unique appearance and characteristics. FARM FAVORITES Ask any volunteer at the farm what their favorite animal is and you will get a different answer and a different reason why. Melissa Lehmberg, communication manager, loves Sir Simon The Pig because he likes having his belly rubbed. Many appreciate Goober, the speckled Polish Rooster, for his dependable
food and yard waste, provide natural insect
pomegranates, olives, blueberries, peaches,
morning alarm. The Jersey cows, Muffin and
control, enrich compost and are good for the
persimmons and apples.
Bagel, are appreciated for being the largest
soil. Guineas provide tick and bug control.
Such abundance doesn’t come without a
of the farm’s animals and both seem totally
Because the farm animals minimize the need
little smarts and a lot of hard work. When
unaware that they are being closely watched
for pesticides and commercial fertilizers, they
Pat learned that no-dig Hugel beds made it
by farm insiders to see if the attempts at
are very important to organic farming.
possible to grow a productive garden without
artificial insemination will be successful.
irrigation or fertilization and that they were
One young volunteer especially loves the
THE
Polish hen which she has named Harriet
PRODUCE ALL YEAR LONG
over by storms, she approached Vicki Rotter,
Tubman. As Harriett struts proudly around
The farm’s gardens and orchard are also an
the garden manager, with the idea of building
with her fluffy white head held high, one
important part of being a self-sustaining
one.
would never guess that she was near-sighted.
organic farm. Because Daufuskie has several
To build the Hugel bed, Vicki and farm
That makes her easy to catch as did the young
growing seasons, the farm yields fresh
volunteers piled up hurricane debris (logs,
volunteer who decided to take Harriet home
produce virtually all year round. At any point
twigs & branches), cardboard, and compost
to spend the night
in time, members and volunteers might take
and then topped it with soil. Even before
While the farm animals are enjoyable and
home potatoes, butternut squash, tomatoes,
fertilizing and serious planting could begin,
entertaining – the farm is not a petting zoo.
peppers, lettuce, green beans, spinach,
sprouts of celery, zucchini, and cucumbers
It’s a functional farm. Goats and cows give
squash, zucchini, carrots, sweet potatoes, or
which were sleeping in the compost, started
milk for cheese and manure for the garden and
radishes. They will also have their choice of
to appear. Now, less than a year later, this
orchard. Ducks protect crops by eating grubs,
fresh herbs including: basil, cilantro, parsley,
small 4’ x 10’ Hugel mound has already
flies and other harmful pests.
garlic, rosemary, and mint.
produced an amazing amount of produce.
and chickens lay eggs.
Both ducks
Chickens recycle
GARDENS
AND
ORCHARDS
Add to that,
the orchard’s take-home delights of figs,
perfect for places that have had trees blown
Other projects which will improve the
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HA I G P O I NT | FA L L H A P P E N I N GS
The Daufuskie Community Farm CO N T I N U E D. . .
sustainability of the orchard and gardens
the loom; volunteer Sierra demonstrates
include increasing the bee population and
leather working; Leanne Coulter teaches
harvesting and reusing seeds. Properly
yarn making on the spinning wheel;
stored tomato seeds, for example, may
and Pat displays her dexterity on an old
remain viable for over six years.
With
treadle sewing machine. Last year, Gasali
creative planting, the use of farm-produced
Adeyemo, an internationally known visiting
and member-supplied organic compost,
artist, conducted a three-day class on
regular watering and daily maintenance,
dyeing with natural dyes emphasizing the
the yield of the community gardens and
use of Indigo. Currently under construction
orchard has been a joy to the local palette.
are a blacksmith shop and a Fiber Arts
fig
05
Education Cottage where seminars and THE ARTISAN VILLAGE DRAWS
classes will be held. As the Artisan Village
PEOPLE TOGETHER
grows, it continues to bring the community
Because the farm is dedicated to the
together as a whole and fosters island-wide
island as a whole, creator Pat Beichler also
friendships.
envisioned an artisan village as an important component.
Although farmers can be
WHO MAKES ALL THIS POSSIBLE?
artists, there are many artists who are not
Members and volunteers from four to
farmers and Pat felt that they needed to
ninety-two years old, and, of course,
be part of the community’s farm. In her
Pat Beichler, farm founder and general
mind, the Artisan Village was to be a place
manager, along with her managers: Lynell
where weavers, spinners, metalworkers,
Linke, the farm manager; Vicki Rotter, the
sculptors, photographers, woodworkers
garden manager; and Darnell Brawner, the
to the Daufuskie Community
and other creative crafters could come
orchard manager; and Melissa Lehmberg,
Garden.
together to showcase their art and share
the communications manager. Many of
their skills with friends and visitors.
the volunteers are people who have never
In 2012, the Wacky Shack was constructed
been on a farm before. Some have had
and is the anchor of the Artisan Village.
farming experience and wanted more of it.
Here artisans with a variety of talents
Some are WWOOFers – energetic young
share their skills from time to time: Sara
adults who are paired with organic farms all
Deitch shows her creative weaving skills on
over the United States by the Worldwide
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fig 05
Volunteers welcome visitors
FAL L HAPPENI NG S | HA I G P OIN T Opportunities on Organic Farms Association.
the creativity of the island’s many artists are
Silver, Gold or Platinum).
With every
WWOOFer volunteers usually work on the
just a few of their reasons. As one volunteer
donation, no matter the size, comes free
farm in exchange for food and housing. They
explained, “To be able to come to the farm
fresh organically-grown produce along with
generally do the more demanding work such
in the early morning and be greeted by all
eggs, milk, cheese and free-range chicken
as milling lumber, mucking stalls, and pulling
the animals is a joy!” Another added, “The
as available.
weeds. In appreciation for their significant
animals depend on us for everything and
contributor can boast about their support
contribution to the farm, Pat assures that
it is simply a pleasure to provide for their
of modern sustainability (reduce, reuse and
their food, housing and basic needs are met.
needs.” Volunteers take care of the animals
recycle) in a setting which promotes a united
Many WWOOFers bring their homes
and in turn feel their love. Volunteers take
island community.
with them or choose to stay in the “gypsy
care of the gardens and orchard and in turn
Crosby summed it up perfectly. “I can say that
caravan” which is located on the farm. Two
enjoy the produce. Volunteers work in the
the farm has done even more to pull people
WWoofers recently barged over their cargo-
Artisan Village and in turn make new friends.
together than the church. It’s become part
trailer-turned-tiny-home, and now, in its
Being part of the community farm is a win-win
of the island’s identity.”
new location, they enjoy the animal pasture
relationship.
But more important, each
Daufuskie pastor Aaron
as their front lawn, and geese and goats as neighbors. The gypsy caravan, built on a hay
FINANCIAL
DONATIONS
ARE
wagon by local builder Chris Candau, is like
APPRECIATED
a little cottage on wheels. In addition to
The farm accepts financial donations in the
providing sleeping quarters for a WWOOFer,
form of memberships which are as little $20
it can also be used to take artists’ creations
per month, $100 a year or $500 for a life time
Volunteers building reefs
from the Artisan Village to the farmer’s
and in the form of single donations (Bronze,
using recycled oyster shells.
fig 06
market and to craft venues on the island. Without volunteers, there would be no farm. Volunteers can even write their own job descriptions. Some rotate between chores like milking the goats, putting the animals
fig
06
to bed, feeding the chickens, nurturing the babies, tending the soil, planting and harvesting the crops. Others teach or give demonstrations at the Artisan Village and others are part of the welcoming committee that greet and help the many tourists who stop by. When asked why they volunteer, they give a variety of answers. Being able to grow and take home fresh organic produce, getting to know and care for the animals, and enjoying
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HA I G P O I NT | FA L L H A P P E N I N GS
Holidays AT H A I G P O I N T
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FAL L HAPPENI NG S | HA I G P OIN T
Holidays are celebrated in both traditional and unique ways when you live on a bridgeless island.
HALLOWEEN
The season starts as early as Halloween
Pictured below is the nonagenarian winner
when Chef Jim becomes Decorator Jim who
of the Most Shocking Costume award.
takes delight in transforming the Mansion into a friendly “spook” house. Costumed or not, young or old, friends flock to the Halloween party to see or be seen. It’s hard to tell who has the most fun – the onlookers or the “looked-upon-ers.”
After
everyone has sampled and re-sampled
the
various
delicacies at each of the “Halloween” food stations, the evening ends with applause for the winner of the Best Costume Award.
THANKSGIVING It seems that Thanksgiving comes the day after Halloween. One can feel the holiday spirit building as you ride the ferry and hear about everyone’s holiday plans and expected visitors. The Thanksgiving buffet always makes you wonder how turkey can taste so good – or how you could have eaten so much. The good news is that most of the Thanksgiving calories will have been burned up just getting ready for what’s coming.
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HA I G P O I NT | FA L L H A P P E N I N GS CHRISTMAS Beginning the first week in December, horselovers of every age burn calories helping ‘deck the stalls with boughs of holly.’ Within a few weeks, the horse barn becomes Haig Point’s version of Fifth Avenue. On the appointed day, people meander passed the stalls like New Yorkers meander passed the store windows verbalizing their judgement of each stall’s decorations until the winner of the Best Stall Award is announced.
renditions of their favorite Christmas carols.
Afterwards
the children take their places at a reserved table in the formal dining room where they can show off their table manners which they have been practicing for months. (Rumor has it that Chef Jim will be showing off this year as he appears for the first time in his stylish new Christmas apparel.) Along with the children, parents,
As December progresses, every corner of Haig
Early December is also the time when
teachers and members alike will
Haig Point residents join the children from
enjoy a festive holiday dinner but probably the
Daufuskie’s two-room elementary school for
greater enjoyment will be watching the wide-
You can hear the sound of horse hooves and
the lighting of the Haig Point Christmas tree
eyed excitement of these Christmas-time
sleigh bells as people take carriage rides from
and then listen to the children’s delightful
children.
the Equestrian Center down to the beach.
Point seems to say “Merry Christmas.”
Homes adorned with Christmas lights twinkle in the evening darkness. There is nothing that doesn’t get decorated. Even the ferries can be seen proudly displaying their festive lights as they cross the waters to Hilton Head. That’s when all eyes turn to the lighthouse for one of the most uniquely Haig Point annual events of the season. One special evening, everyone boards the festooned ferry for a cocktail cruise to the lighthouse where they loudly countdown to the magical moment when the evening darkness is shattered by the sudden appearance of the sparkling lighthouse and its brilliant reflection dancing on the water. The holiday season at Haig Point is both unique and traditional. It’s unique to find carolers on the beach making such joyous noise that applause for their efforts could be heard drifting back across the water from Harbour Town.
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FAL L HAPPENI NG S | HA I G P OIN T
It’s traditional for families and friends to reach out to one another; to lend a hand at the Community Farm; and to donate to the Deepwell Christmas store where qualifying
NEW YEAR’S EVE It’s a time that culminates with a double celebration of New Year’s Eve. Those who
Year’s Eve party at the clubhouse where they will dance to a 10-piece orchestra until the ball drops.
prefer family-oriented festivities will spend a
No matter how one spends the evening,
homestyle evening at the Mansion where they
New Year’s Eve is a time for resolutions and
will enjoy holiday music, games for kids and
reflections. It is a time when everyone can
t is also a time when residents come together
adults alike (Pictionary, pool, Jenga Blocks,
share one common resolution – a resolution
for the traditional Christmas Eve service
and a corn hole toss), and irresistible food
to appreciate every day of the new year being
followed by a pot luck dinner at the Mansion.
stations including old fashioned desserts, ice
thankful for the blessings we enjoy living in this
cream and milk shakes. Those who have any
unique community called Haig Point on this
energy left will get fancied up for the gala New
beautiful island called Daufuskie.
needy families can come in and shop for their children.
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HA I G P O I NT | FA L L H A P P E N I N GS
Celebrating 30 Years
O F E M P LOY M E N T W I T H H A I G P O I N T 2017 marks a very special year of employee anniversaries. Three of our beloved team members will be celebrating 30 years of employment with Haig Point. This year we’ll profile each of these special individuals. Please join us in giving thanks to them.
fig
10
R a ym on d (R a y) M or r i s (fig. 10) Hire date: April 1, 1987
Ma rine – Boa t Ca pta in
L a Tonya L ewi s (fig. 12 ) Hire date: May 4, 1987
G&A – HR Ma na g e r fig
12
M a r g a r i t e Wa sh i n g t on (fig. 11) Hire date: August 13, 1987
La nd Tra nsporta tion – Va le t
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FAL L HAPPENI NG S | HA I G P OIN T
fig
11
Margarite Washington joined Haig Point on August 13, 1987. Pictured above, Margarite’s 30th anniversary event. Doug Egly, Nancy Ludtke and JoEllen Oskin all offered warm praise and compliments of the long-time Haig Point employee. Margarite then spoke from the heart, thanking all the members for supporting her. We caught up with Margarite to ask her a few questions.
What brought you to Haig Point?
I am from Daufuskie and liked the idea of working on the island and having the opportunity to share with guests and members all about my home. I also thought connecting with new people would help
What’s your fondest memory of Haig Point?
When I became ‘employee of the month’ and ‘employee of the year.’ I also remember when the boat ran every two hours - I have seen it all, the good and the bad.
me with my shyness. What do you enjoy most about
Which employees or members have had the
working at Haig Point?
biggest positive impact on you?
I just love the members because we are one big family. I enjoy
Tim Richards played a big role in my life here. He taught me
getting to know the members and thier preferences. Haig Point is
how to work the computer when I didn’t want any part of it! He
a wonderful place to work and I have a lot of fun in my position. I
encourages me to be my best and never give up!
believe in treating others the way you’d want to be treated.
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HA I G P O I NT | FA L L H A P P E N I N GS
Fall Golf Shop HAPPENINGS
Golf Shop Hours of Operation for Fall: 7:30 am – 5:00 pm Tuesday – Sunday Practice Facility Hours of Operation: Closed on Mondays | Tuesday – Saturday 7:30 am – Dusk
I would like to thank the Membership for such a warm welcome, I am very proud to be part of the Haig Point team and look forward to getting to know everyone. If there is anything that myself or the team can do to enhance your Haig Point experience, please let me know. -Craig Morton, PGA Director of Gol f The Haig Point Golf Professional Staff is very excited about the arrival of the fall season and all the wonderful golf events planned at Haig Point.
MIXED INVITATIONAL MEMBER-GUEST October 19th - 21st Entry Fee: $1,100 for 54-holes of golf Thursday evening Welcome Reception w/ hosted bar and dinner Saturday Awards Dinner & Dance w/ hosted bar Entry Deadline is Wednesday, October 11th Cancellations: In the event a registered team cancels after October 12th, a cancellation fee of $500 will be invoked. If we are able to fill the canceled entry with a replacement team, the cancellation fee is waived. Field is limited to 24 teams!
COUPLES PUMPKIN BALL Thursday, October 26th Tee Time: 3:00 pm Shotgun Start Entry Fee: $60 per couple includes prizes, on-course contests and dinner after play at the Calibogue Club Format: 4-Person teams consisting of two couples. Net Better Ball of Three Players plus the score of the Pumpkin Ball. Course: Osprey Haig tees
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HAIG POINT CLUB CHAMPIONSHIPS October 28th - 29th Entry Fee: $35 includes prizes, Flight Trophies, and an Awards Luncheon on Sunday • Men’s Championship – No handicap restrictions o Gross Scoring within each flights o Calibogue Black Tee Markers (Approximately 6,800 yards) • Senior Championship o Gross scoring within flights o Net flight prizes using 100% handicaps as well o Haig Green Tee Markers (Approximately 5,900 yards) • Women’s Championship o 9 and 18 Hole Ladies – Gross and Net Champions • Signature front 9 on Saturday, Signature back 9 on Sunday o Haig Red Tee Markers (Approximately 5,400 yards)
22ND ANNUAL PRO-AM INVITATIONAL November 6th - 8th Team Entry Fee: $1,275 Tournament includes: - Tournament tee gift per player -Three days of golf (Practice Round and two tournament rounds) -Lunch all three days | Breakfast Buffet the two tournament days -Player’s Dinner w/ full hosted bar on Monday night - The ever famous “Freddy Fazio” Putting Contest w/ hosted bar - Team pay-out to the top third of the field - Low Professional pay-out to the top third of the field
TURKEY TROT Sunday, November 12th Tee Time: 2:00 pm Shotgun Start Entry Fee: $60 per team includes: prizes, on-course contests and dinner after play Format: 2-Person Couples Scramble (9-holes). Net scoring using 35% of combined team’s handicap. Players will each receive two “Turkey Trots!!” Course: Signature Front 9—Haig tees
FAL L HAPPENI NG S | HA I G P OIN T
SIGNATURE COURSE CLOSED FOR OVERSEEDING October 2nd through October 16th -We will be reserving tee times on the Osprey Course during this time
GOLF INSTRUCTION & CLINICS We are excited to introduce our new Golf Clinics beginning this fall. The fee for each clinic is $30 and includes a complimentary cocktail following the clinic at the Calibogue/Beach Club. This is a great way to improve your golf game and meet fellow members in a fun setting. Men’s Golf Clinic: Every Wednesday from 3:00-4:00 pm
Individual Instruction:
Ladies Golf Clinic: Every Thursday from 3:00-4:00 pm
The Golf Professional Staff also provides individual lessons. The rates are below are for each Golf Professional. Each golf lesson is 45 minutes in length. Craig Morton, PGA Director of Golf $85 Adam Devine, Head Golf Professional $75 Jay Roux, PGA Assistant Golf Professional $75 Fred Denton, Assistant Golf Professional $65
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HA I G P O I NT | FA L L H A P P E N I N GS
Tennis PLAY TENNIS MONTH
REINDEER ROUND ROBIN
The Haig Point Tennis Center has proclaimed October as Play Tennis Month. All throughout the month, the Tennis Center will have unique and fun special events for all Haig Point members and guests.
Our annual benefit for the Deep Well Fund will be held on Friday, December 9 from 10:00 - 12:00 at the award-winning Haig Point Tennis Center. The entry fee will be minimum $20.00 donation to the Deep Well Project. Be sure to bring your favorite Christmas cookies for the cookie exchange following the tennis. Entry will be via the club website.
FREE TENNIS LESSONS Leading off Play Tennis Month, the Back to Basics tennis clinic is complimentary to all Haig Point members. This clinic, which is held on Tuesdays from 10:00 – 11:00, is designed to teach those who have never played or who have not played in a while. Racquets will be provided.
fig
16
CHEESEBURGER IN PARADISE ROUND ROBIN One of the most popular tennis events of the year, The Cheeseburger in Paradise Round Robin, will be rescheduled to Thursday, October 19 from 3-5 pm. Following the tennis, a Caribbean-style cookout will be held at the Adult Pool
Fig. 16: Dave McKeeman, Jakki Miller, Kate Woodward, Dee Johnston, Linda and Frank Blanchette Your Advantage Haig Point’s Tennis Newsletter
Want to keep in touch with everything going on at the Tennis and
receive our weekly newsletter, Your Advantage. Contact Ron Gwyn
Fitness Center? With all of our special events, USTA teams, and
at rgwyn@haigpoint.com to have your email address added to our
programs, the Tennis and Fitness Center is one of the busiest
distribution list.
spots at Haig Point. The best way to stay on top of everything is to
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FAL L HAPPENI NG S | HA I G P OIN T
TURN ON THE LIGHT BULB One thing I love about teaching is when a student’s “light bulb” comes on and they recognize the concept of a particular topic. Isn’t it great when you can find one small change that will reap huge benefits? Very often the first move or unit turn on the forehand is just that type of idea. Take a look at the picture of Caroline Wozniacki preparing to hit a scorching forehand. Notice these two features: 1. The left arm is extending across the body; it is almost parallel to the baseline. That move will ensure a complete and comfortable shoulder turn. Now the body is involved and the power of the legs and shoulders are utilized. The unit turn will cause the body weight to collect on the back foot and will soon push down and then forward through the contact point.
2. The second point focuses on the movement of the racquet. Notice that the tip of her racquet is pointed toward the sky. It is now in a position to begin the valuable loop backswing. This backswing will allow your body to be more involved, and able to create more spin and more power.
TENNIS CLINIC SCHEDULE MONDAY Daufuskie Doubles Drills 10:00 am - 12:00 am
TUESDAY Match Play Drills 9:00 am - 10:00 am Back to Basics 10:00 am - 11:00 am
THURSDAY Intermediate Drills 10:00 am - 11:00 am
FRIDAY Cardio Tennis Hour 10:00 am - 11:00 am
SATURDAY Weekly Round Robin
10:00 am - 12:00 pm
HAIG POINT TENNIS CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP Our annual club championship will be held the week of October 30 - November 5. The tournament is divided into NTRP ratings and will offer play in singles, doubles and mixed doubles. Entrants will receive special welcome gifts; winners and finalist will receive great prizes. Contact the tennis center for more information and to register. The Sport of a Lifetime
Tennis has been called the sport of a lifetime for good reason. It’s easy, fun and a great way to spend time with your friends. The Tennis and Fitness Center offers a great Back to Basics Program designed for the returning or new tennis players. Contact Ron
UPCOMING EVENTS
Gwyn at 843.341.8114 for more details.
Reindeer Round Robin December 8 New Year’s Day Round Robin January 1
RON GWYN Director of Tennis
rgwyn@haigpoint.com
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HA I G P O I NT | FA L L H A P P E N I N GS
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FAL L HAPPENI NG S | HA I G P OIN T
Equestrian A M E S S AG E F RO M T H E D I R ECTO R
It is with much anticipation and two years of planning that I am happy to reveal that our Community Building and extension of the existing Equestrian Complex will be open this November in time for our annual Pig Roast. This building has not only allowed us to have extra space for our equestrian and camp programs but it is a valuable and much needed community space for our members and the various activities and organizations which make Daufuskie and Haig Point so unique. In addition to hosting our summer camps, the Daufuskie Island Conservancy has held several events in this space and we are working on offering both exercise and art classes scheduled weekly. Behind the building itself, we have acquired some much-needed paddocks for our growing equestrian program and herd.
Please join us the evening of November
For pricing and reservations, please
25th for Chef’s amazing Pig Roast, a
email rallen@haigpoint.com or call
ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the
the Equestrian Center at 843-341-8191.
opening of our new building, and a time to welcome the fall and chillier weather with
Thank you and look forward to seeing
fellow members and islanders.
you all this fall!
RACHEL ALLEN, Equestrian Director
rallen@haigpoint.com
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HA I G P O I NT | FA L L H A P P E N I N GS
Fall
FOOD & BEVERAGE EVENTS
S un d a y, O c t . 1 FRIED CHICKEN SUNDAYS Every Sunday until February
Tue sday, Oct. 3 BIRTHDAY CLUB
Fri day, Oct. 6 HAPPY HOUR
At The Mansion
At The Beach Club Deck Come out to the Beach Club to enjoy happy hour with a hot buffet and chilly happy hour priced drinks at the bar!
Order 12 - 3 pm. Pick up in Grill Room until 4. Pick up in the Mansion 4:30 - 5:30 pm. 6, 12 or 20 pieces available to order as well as side dishes
Come celebrate your neighbor’s birthday with a hot buffet full of Haig Point favorites and birthday cake. From: 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm Price: $14.95++ Adult October birthdays are complimentary
S a tur da y, O c t . 7 CASINO NIGHT
We dne sday, Oc t. 11 FAMILY DINING
Fri day, Oct. 13 HAPPY HOUR
At The Clubhouse Dining Room Put on your poker face and join us for a night a chip tossin’ fun!
OCTOBERFEST
At The Beach Club Deck Come out to the Beach Club to enjoy happy hour with a hot buffet and chilly happy hour priced drinks at the bar!
From: 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm Price: $50.00++ Adult includes dinner and casino festivites. Full member charge bar available.
From: 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm Price: $20.95++ Adult $12.95++ Child
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At The Community Park Grab your lederhosen and head down for a night of delightful German cuisine!
From: 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm Price: $16.95++ Adult $12.95++ Child
From: 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm Price: $16.95++ Adult $12.95++ Child
FAL L HAPPENI NG S | HA I G P OIN T
Fall
FOOD & BEVERAGE EVENTS
Fr i d a y, Oc t . 2 0 PRIME RIB NIGHT
Fr iday, Oc t. 20 HAPPY HOUR
At The Calibogue Club Come join us for one of our most popular nights of the month. Regular dining menu will be available.
At The Beach Club Deck Come out to the Beach Club to enjoy happy hour with a hot buffet and chilly happy hour priced drinks at the bar!
From: 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm
From: 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm Price: $16.95++ Adult $12.95++ Child
Price: $24.95++ Adult
Tue sday, Oc t. 3 1 HALLOWEEN BASH At The Mansion Time to bring out those goons and goblins and enjoy an evening of spooky fun! From: 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm Price: $18.95++ Adult $12.95++ Child
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HA I G P O I NT | FA L L H A P P E N I N GS
Fall
Real Estate Marketing Update By Adam Martin
M A R K ET I N G U P D AT E
By The Numbers… January 1 - August 31 YoY Comparison DIS C OVE RY VIS IT S
PROPERTY TOURS
HOME & LOT SA LES
2017
2017
2017
78
66
21
2016
2016
2016
34
26
19
It’s been an exciting summer capped
Sales in the summer months slowed, but
The Board unanimously approved an
off by some amazing events. Our Annual
are picking up this fall. Revenue year
incentive for property-only residents in
Labor Day Lobster Boil was a hit, and we
to date (January-September) compared
good standing to upgrade to a Signature
finished September with Pledge the Pink,
to the same period last year, is up 66%
Membership with no contribution fee.
Haig Point’s second year participating.
($54k) in membership sales and 108%
We are pleased to announce that we
The later drew 1,300 people from 48
($97k) in Haig Point-owned lot sales.
had one owner take advantage of the
states and 12 different countries.
It
The Kingfisher model, our first show
promotion. That means we have had four
generated thousands of social media
home in The Sanctuary, was completed
net new members added to our roster in
mentions and several hits from local news
and staged in June, then sold in under
2017.
outlets.
90 days. The home, located at 11 Osprey
Revenue year to date (January-
Place, will be available for rent through Haig Point’s lodging program starting
September) compared to the same period last year, is up 66% ($54k) in membership sales
October 18th. This also marked the first net new Signature Golf Membership sold from club inventory in many years. Our Full Golf and Property Equivalents are six
and 108% ($97k) in Haig Point-owned lot sales.
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ahead of our 2017 budget as of August 31st.
FAL L HAPPENI NG S | HA I G P OIN T
Upcoming Special Events NOVEMBER AND DECEMBER
Check the member website at haigpoint .com for a complete list of events.
November
December
1 - 5 – Haig Point Tennis Club Championship
1 – Happy Hour 6pm – 9pm (Calibogue Club)
3 –Happy Hour 6pm – 9pm (Calibogue Club)
5 – Holiday Tree Lighting, Dinner, Caroling & Shopping 5pm - 9pm (Clubhouse & Tennis Center)
6 - 8 – 22nd Annual Pro-Am Invitational 7, 21 – Equestrian Ride ‘N Wine 3pm – 5:30pm (Equestrian Center)
4 - 20 – Deck the Stalls Competition 9am - 5pm (Equestrian Center)
7 – Birthday Club 6pm – 8pm (Mansion)
5 – Ladies Out to Lunch Bunch: Savannah Festival of Lights & Shopping 9:30am - 4pm
8 – Family Dining 5pm – 9pm (Calibogue Club)
5, 19 – Equestrian Ride ‘N Wine 3pm – 5:30pm (Equestrian Center)
10 – Happy Hour 6pm – 9pm (Calibogue Club) 12 – Naturalist Event: Butterflies 3:45pm – 4:45pm (Clubhouse Library) 14 - 15 – Native American Horsemanship Clinic 9am – 12pm (Adults only)
5 – Birthday Club 6pm – 8pm (Mansion) 6 – Family Dining 5pm – 9pm (Calibogue Club) 8 – Reindeer Round Robin 10am – 12am
17 - 19 – Haig Point “President’s Cup”
8 – Happy Hour Cruise and Lighthouse Lighting 6pm – 9pm (Mansion)
17 – Happy Hour 6pm – 9pm (Calibogue Club)
15 – Happy Hour 6pm – 9pm (Calibogue Club)
19 – Couples Turkey Trot 2pm
20 – Family Dining 5pm – 9pm (Calibogue Club)
23 – Family Dining: Italian Night 5pm – 9pm (Calibogue Club)
21– Deck the Stalls Reception & Award Ceremony 5pm - 7pm (Equestrian Center)
23 – Thanksgiving Day Buffet 3pm, 5pm seatings (Clubhouse)
22 – Happy Hour 6pm – 9pm (Calibogue Club)
24 – Happy Hour 6pm – 9pm (Calibogue Club) 30 – High Tea 3pm – 5pm (Clubhouse Library)
24 – Christmas Eve Service 5pm (Mansion) 24 – Christmas Eve Potluck 6pm – 9pm (Mansion) 25 – Christmas Day 28 – Prime Rib Night 5pm – 9pm (Calibogue Club) 29 – Happy Hour 6pm – 9pm (Calibogue Club) 31 – New Year’s Eve Family Celebration 7pm – 11pm (Mansion) Gala 8pm until ?? (Clubhouse)
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www.haigpoint.com