SIB Member Profile: Carl Voelker

One of the strengths in the management of the several elements on Seabrook Island is the willingness of hundreds of its property owners to volunteer their time in serving on committees. They choose not to be in the spotlight of elective office. They do the grunt work and fly under the radar. One of these persons is Carl Voelker.

Carl’s community activities on Seabrook have been focused on addressing the Island’s environmental concerns. He has been a long time member of SIPOA’s Environmental Committee and part of various task forces and sub-committees therein. One of his early projects was helping to establish sound recycling practices in our community. Currently he is on the SIPOA Planning Committee and has been very active in the successful effort to secure our Island’s certification as an Audubon International Sustainable Community. The boards of both the Seabrook Island Green Space Conservancy and SINHG have benefitted from his participation.

A native of rural Georgia, he graduated from the University of Georgia, majoring in marketing. As an enlisted member of the National Guard, he completed US Army MP school at Fort Gordon and had several active duty call-ups while attached to units in Georgia and Texas. Following UGA, Carl began a 35-year career in sales and sales management with Armstrong Cork Company (now Armstrong World Industries). In his initial location, San Antonio, Texas, he met Simone. They will soon celebrate 44 years of marriage. The couple moved to Seabrook Island in 2006, after his retirement, and now enjoy the marsh views off their back deck. One of two adult children lives on James Island allowing him plenty of grandfathering time with his two pre-teen grandchildren.

Carl says “I have only an average working knowledge of birds, but am improving thanks to the exposure I’m getting through Seabrook Island Birders. I think most would agree that increased knowledge leads to greater appreciation. While it’s nice to observe a pretty bird or impressive tree, it is more rewarding to be able to identify the bird or tree by name and know something about the species.” He has recently joined the SIB Executive Committee and is focusing on the organization’s participation in various special Island events.

Endeavors which have brought him pleasure, beyond work and community involvement, are reading, designing and building tables and chairs, music (he once had a harmonica gig in a duo at Fischers Bar and Grill), and just being outdoors. A current passion is kayak-camping on small Southeast creeks and rivers — 15 different ones since 2004. He can also be found hitting long drives on our golf courses. Some of his furniture pieces are utilitarian (the accompanying picture shows him in an elevated deck chair with built-in foot rest which he designed and built). Others are truly works of art with which they have graced their home. Simone is an impressive artist in her own right with a wide variety of sculptures in wood, metal, marble, and alabaster. Both have exhibited in Seabrook’s art show on annual meeting weekend.

Of active people like these two is the enchanting and friendly character of Seabrook Island built and maintained.

Submitted by George Haskins
Picture contributed by Carl Voelker

Author: sibirders

SEABROOK ISLAND BIRDERS / “watching, learning, protecting” Seabrook Island Birders (SIB) are residents, renters and guests of Seabrook Island, SC who have an interest in learning, protecting and providing for the well-being of the incredible variety of birds that inhabit Seabrook Island throughout the year. View all posts by sibirders