From The Blog

Our World Brings a Diverse Series of Lectures, Programs to Kiawah

One of the many advantages of life on Kiawah is the opportunity for members to participate in quality activities and events without ever having to leave the island. Our World is a perfect example of this benefit. Our World is a series of lectures sponsored by the Sandcastle and presented each year from September through May, typically on Thursdays at 3 p.m. (schedule is subject to change).

Though Our World is considered a KICA event, much of the ground work for the series is done by a committee of association members. This year, Will Lehder and Madeleine Kaye are co-chairs, and KICA Assistant Director of Recreation Amy Cook is the Sandcastle staff liaison. Other committee members include Nancy Austin, Frances Boyd, Bernie Collins, Tom Fetter, Bill Hutchinson, Jack Kotz, Ron Oye, David Pumphrey and Mimi Sturgell. The committee meets to plan out the slate of speakers and lectures, and they are always looking for comments and suggestions from other KICA members.

According to Madeleine Kaye, the strength of the lecture series is its diversity. Through a single season, programs will vary from art to music and from local environmental issues to global political concerns. In addition, Kaye stresses, Our World often partners with other island entities such as the Photography Club and the Conservancy. An exciting joint effort with the College of Charleston is in the current planning stages.

While the exact date of the first Our World program, which took place several years ago, is unknown, Will Lehder remembers that he and Art Jones worked with Kaye Narmourat the Sandcastle and Claire Robinson at the College of Charleston’s Center for Creative Retirement to establish a “Life Long Learning” activity on the island as early as 2008. Lehder seems to remember that Leo Fishman is the person who came up with the term Our World.

Attendance at programs has grown steadily through the years due to the dedication of the committee members to seek out engaging and timely speakers. Guests from the current season include Mayor Joe Riley, Amy Walters, Jack Bass, Leslie Sauter, Al Thibault and Sandra Nikolajeus.

Our World programs are complimentary to members and typically include a light selection of wine and cheese. Members are encouraged to interact with speakers following their discussions. Upcoming Our World programs will be publicized in the Digestas well as on the KICA website calendar (kica.us/events). Space is limited for each program so members are asked to RSVP to the Sandcastle at 843-768-3875 or [email protected].