Women of Distinction and Fan Jam
On Friday, the Girl Scouts of the Carolina Lowcountry honored nine outstanding women at its annual Women of Distinction awards dinner. One at a time, honorees appeared onstage to share insights and remarks of gratitude during the seated dinner portion of the event, which took place at the newly renovated Riverview Hotel. From entrepreneurship to community activism, the message of women as leaders rang loud and clear. All of the acceptance speeches were peppered with poignant moments, but it was 94-year-old Clemmie Webber’s urging to “love one another” that received a standing ovation. A table of young scouts, each wearing a sash that overflowed with merit badges, sat in rapt attention, and I have no doubt that they are on their way to becoming the leaders of tomorrow.
The 2007 Women of Distinction include:
Arts: Tamalyn Blackman, founder of the Orangeberg Civic Ballet Inc.
Business: Robin Berlinsky, founder of Nikki Leigh spa products
Community: Clemmie Webber, retired professor
Education: Sue Sommer-Kresse, senior vice president for institutional advancement at the College of Charleston
Government: Harriet Keyserling, organizer of the Beaufort League of Women Voters
Media: Nina Sossamon-Pogue, former anchorwoman
Health care: Dr. Lisa Baron, founder of the Charleston Breast Center
Nonprofit: Kitty Robinson, executive director of the Historic Charleston Foundation
Philanthropy: Weesie Newton, founder of Women Making a Difference
On Saturday afternoon, the sunny yet mild weather was the perfect complement to the Children’s Museum’s Fan Jam. A steady stream of parents and children filled the bricked allée outside the museum, where two rows of tented vendors and exhibitors created a bazaar-like atmosphere. A live snake, courtesy of the S.C. Aquarium, and chocolate covered pretzels from Whole Foods were popular stops along the row. Face painting (check out the photo gallery) and balloon animals were also big hits with the pint-sized crowd. An obstacle course stretched across the adjacent green space, and it attracted children of all ages and levels of agility. Chris Pulliam, the museum’s director of education, handed out high fives and was amongst the day’s most spirited facilitators.
Caritas.
Ida
