IslandVibesIOP.com 25 The Bailey family’s warmth and gratitude shine through with every word they speak about the Isle of Palms. Marjorie and David Bailey moved to the island in 1994 and found themselves immersed in a lifetime of appreciating the island’s beaches, community spirit and small-town charm. Marjorie explained, “We moved here from Wilmington, North Carolina, when Dave was relocated with his job at Ferguson Enterprises. It felt like a big change at the time, but looking back now, we cannot imagine living anywhere else.” She continued, “We have spent countless hours on the sand and in the sun, making the most of island To be frank, I am growing a bit weary of listening to the complainers amongst us, specifically regarding the so-called “farmers market.” Island residents have been vocal about their disdain for the titling of the aforementioned farmers market and the lack of produce vendors contained therein. Perhaps there is a minimum requirement of produce vendors that meets the generally accepted criteria for a festival, event or gathering, if you will, to be deemed a farmers market. I am unsure of this particular number so let us focus on the issue at hand – the complainants. There are those amongst us who protest the seemingly fast and loose usage of “farmers market” for our third Thursday of the month assembly of local vendors at our island’s recreation center. To these whiners I say this: What difference does it make? Many products, aside from fruits and vegetables, come from farms. Nuts, honey, cotton, woodworkings, fresh-cut flowers and the like are all natural products originating from local and national farming communities. Calling this local event a farmers market not only advises our local produce growers, beekeepers and fabric makers that they are welcome and wanted, but also alludes to the hope that one day we might, perhaps, have more farmers willing and able to participate in the market at our public square. Furthermore, whilst the complainers bleat on about the proper usage of terminology, they are missing out on something rather wonderful. Whether the market contains one actual farmer or 50, it always has some fun, festive and fantastic vendors. Not only do marvelous treasures abound, but there is also a vast array of food trucks for a casual dining experience, live music, friends, information and for yours truly, a much-needed respite from my normal routine of working and supervising. Call it what you want: farmers market, artisan farmers market, festival, craft festival, marketplace, social gathering, relaxation station or whatever keeps your spirit and your soul at peace. I will call it what it is: delightful. Peace, Meet Your Island Neighbors! By Laura Fogarty Work-life balance with the Baileys PEOPLE & PETS TO BE FRANK, Love thy farmers Every guest gets a warm welcome when they arrive at the Allen household: from two adorable kitties named Smudge and Felix. Smudge’s beginning sounds like something out of a story book. When Isle of Palms residents Kathleen and Matt went to donate towels to the Cats Only shelter, they agreed to foster Smudge for “just the weekend.” He was so tiny that he needed to be bottle fed and ended up making an unlikely best friend – an orphaned baby deer named Doelene. The pair loved curling up to cuddle and gladly kept each other company. Even after Doelene grew up and returned to the wild, she continued to visit the home of the vet tech who had rescued her and introduced her to Smudge, eventually bringing along her own baby doe. Now 11 years old, Smudge still exudes personality. He’s not afraid to let you know when he’s hungry and loves curling up in the smallest spaces for naps. Pet of the Month Smudge & Felix: The purrfect pair By Allyah Harrar His big brother Felix, a tuxedo cat who is now 14, is the gentle soul of the pair. He’s been through more than most pet cats. Felix once survived four days trapped in a neighbor’s garage and later a coyote attack that left both his front legs fractured. Still, this cuddly boy plays fetch like a kitten and always greets the family’s grown kids at the door whenever they come to visit. Together, Smudge and Felix live like true brothers. They wrestle, then they cuddle, and at the end of the day, the Allen household feels complete because of them. Do you know an island neighbor who deserves recognition? If so, contact Editor@IslandVibesIOP.com. living. We love going to the beach, running, biking and catching live music on Front Beach – especially at both The Windjammer and the VFW.” When it comes to dining out, the Baileys prefer to keep it local with Papi’s Taqueria, Acme Lowcountry Kitchen and Islander 71 being among their favorites. Marjorie added, “Nothing beats a good cookout with friends here on the island.” Sons Owen and Dawson Bailey are both Clemson University graduates and grew up soaking in just about every island experience there is. From baseball and basketball at the recreation center to holiday festivals and summer camps, to swim meets at Wild Dunes with Dave coaching, the Bailey boys grew up in the heart of the island community making lifelong friends along the way. Having earned a degree in computer science, Dawson now works for Assignment Desk as a lead software developer. Owen’s degree in marketing brings him full circle back to the rec center as a recreation specialist for the IOP Recreation Department. Marjorie speaks of her job as the school nurse for Sullivan’s Island Elementary School with unmistakable gratitude and affection. “It is my dream job,” she enthused. “I love the kids, my co-workers, the parents – everyone! What could be better than learning by the sea with beach recess as part of your school day? The school motto, by Satoro, ‘Individually, we are one drop. Together, we are an ocean,’ is something I carry with me every day.” Marjorie continued, “It perfectly describes what our school and this community are all about.” Thirty years later, the Bailey family says they would not trade island life for anything. Marjorie summed it up this way: “The Isle of Palms is not just where we live, it is where we raised our boys, drew close to God, built lifelong friendships and made beautiful memories. This place is part of who we are.” David, Owen, Marjorie and Dawson Bailey -FRANK
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