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Sullivan’s Island

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February 20, 2009

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Volume 4 Issue 21

Isle of Palms

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Goat Island • Dewees Island

Farewell to the flesh

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By Bri Horahan

any historians believe that Mardi Gras originated in ancient Rome from the carnival-like festival of the god of fertility and agriculture, Lupercus. As was a custom of the day, many pagan holidays were adopted by the Catholic Church in a “subtle” conversion technique. The Lupercalia celebration was translated into a Church feast day and the last chance to party before Lent, a time of purification and fasting in preparation for Easter. The tradition quickly spread across the continent to France, where its popularity increased and Mardi Gras became the holiday that we now know. “Mardi Gras” is French for “Fat Tuesday”, and it was a time when all of the indulgent, sugary treats and meats in the house were eaten at extravagant house parties. The celebration was brought to America by French immigrants, who settled in Louisiana. In 1699, explorer Pierre D’Iberville founded “Pointe due Mardi Gras” in an area south of New Orleans. He also founded present-day Mobile, Alabama, which he called “Fort Louis de la Louisiane,” where the first Mardi Gras celebrations occurred in 1702. By the 1820s, Mardi Gras had become a vital part of the Louisiana lifestyle, with the first official parade being held on February 24, 1857, and conducted by the Krewe of Comus. see Mardi Gras on page 5

PHOTOS BY Steven Suggs

Best Buy Blinds champs! Provided by Stephen Suggs

In a hard fought game on February 14, Best Buy Blinds won 26 to 24, handing the Conlon Team their only loss of the season. Demonstrating the ultimate in sportsmanship, the two teams posed after the game for a picture with their buddies from the opposing team.

Inside Island Eye

Pedal for Pattison page 7

Colonial Days page 19

Bookstock page 19

Civic

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February 20, 2009

Isle of Palms reconsiders short term rentals By Bri Horahan and Lynn pierotti

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he Isle of Palms Planning commission meeting on February 11 provided an opportunity for members of the Isle of Palms Business community to answer some of the questions raised by the Isle of Palms Neighborhood Association in an earlier meeting. Larry Pearson, a realtor and a member of the Isle of Palms business association and Beau Hollingsworth, a principal in Beachside Real estate, spoke for the business community. Jimmy Carroll of Carroll Realty, Win Walker of Isle of Palms Realty, and Michael Long of Wild Dunes also attended the meeting to show support for the Isle of Palms The Isle of Palms Planning Commission takes on the controversial short-term rental issue. businesses. Larry Pearson began their concern over the number of large than 5000 square feet, of which there the presentation by addressing the homes on the island. The analysis were 66 (30 of them in Wild Dunes). IOP Neighborhood Association and covered the number of homes larger Pearson went on to present a map which

Reflection on election: One island only by Catherine Malloy

During the Isle of Palms mayoral election, there was rhetoric that this is a divided island: an us vs. them attitude toward our neighbors in Wild Dunes. What follows refutes that rhetoric: Certified results of the special election for Mayor held February 10, 2009: Candidate Precinct  Precinct  Precinct Absentee Provisional Total       1A       1B      1C                    Buckhannon       184      267      105        8           1    565 Cronin        86      152      374       50           0    662 Totals       270      419      479       58           1   1,227 The facts: Total registered voters = 3273 1A registered voters = 886 1B registered voters = 1204 1C registered voters = 1183 of which roughly 872 are within the gates of Wild Dunes 1A and 1B votes for Cronin = 86+152 = 238 Absentee votes not included in the calculation. Musings At first blush, it looks like the voters in Wild Dunes carried the election for Cronin. But let’s look at the numbers more carefully. An analysis of the votes obtained from the official record shows the 1C vote breakdown of 377 votes cast were from within Wild Dunes and 102 votes cast were from outside the gate of Wild Dunes. Cronin received 374 total votes in 1C. It is apparent that Cronin did not receive 100% of the votes inside the gate since his overall total for 1C is lower than the number of votes cast inside the gate and of these, he most likely did not receive 100% of those votes. However, if we use a faulty assumption that he received 100% of the votes inside the gate, that leaves 238 of his 612 votes (absentees removed for consistency) from outside the gate - a fairly comparable number of votes between the “sides” of the island or roughly 38%. A more realistic scenario, given our polling, is that probably 40 votes (of Cronin’s 374 1C total) came from outside the gate in 1C. That would mean that in the best case, Cronin received 334 votes inside the gate and 278 outside the gate, or roughly 45% When you look at voter turnout percentages that show the Wild Dunes turnout out of 32% of the 1C 41% turnout, you see that it is slightly more than 1A’s 31% turnout and less than 1B’s 35%. It oversimplifies the voting pattern of the island to conclude that the win was the result of Wild Dunes voters coming out in droves. It is time that the rhetoric of divisiveness is put to bed. The outcome demonstrates democracy at work.

showed where the homes are on the island. Pearson made a few suggestions that dealt with concerns from the December meeting, such as dealing with the "rental ghetto", noise and nuisance problems and "the idea for making residential areas more residential and pleasing for families". Pearson posited that the Planning Commission

should develop some sort of architectural review board to approve new constructions and should find ways to prevent large rental properties from being built in the residential areas and the beach front by reducing lot coverage from 40% to 35% and reducing the total square footage of new constructions to a maximum of 5000 square feet. Pearson’s final suggestion was the one that stirred the most debate: the idea of creating a Zone 3 area in which special limits could be enacted. Zone 3 could "prevent it from getting worse" by having limits, bigger lot restrictions, size caps (from 12 to eight Staff photo persons), and possibly changing short term to a total week stay. Their overall goal was not to make more laws that were "unenforceable" but to "create a family place". This would cede Palm and Ocean Boulevards to continue development at the current larger limits of 7000 square feet. Bo Hollingsworth spoke next and pointed out that the "whole island is not 7000 square feet," in reference to the sizes of island homes, and that the perception that it is being "overrun" see Rentals on page 3

Cronin brings home the gold

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Staff report

ouncil member Dick Cronin now has the honor of sitting in the Isle of Palms Mayor’s seat after being elected to the position in a run-off election held on February 10. “I look forward to serving my island family as Mayor and working with my fellow Council members to keep this island a very special place to live,” Cronin said. Ryan Buckhannon received 46 percent of the 1,227 votes cast, while Cronin received 54 percent. While the new Mayor says he, along with many residents, is glad that the election is over, the peace that comes with it will be short lived. This election was designed to fill the unexpired term of Mike Sottile, who was elected to the

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State House of Representatives last November for a term that only runs through the end of 2009. The mayoral seat will be up for re-election again this November. That means Cronin will have to run for the same position again in the same year if he wants to remain the Mayor of Isle of Palms. In addition, Mayor Pro Tem Carol Rice, Marty Bettelli and Dee Taylor will also have their seats up for re-election this November. The Charleston County Board of Elections will hold a special election to fill the unexpired term of the Council seat left by Cronin’s election on a future date to be announced. For more information, please visit www. charlestoncounty.org.

February 20, 2009

Civic

Rentals from page 2 by rentals is just not true. Chairman Denton stated that the small number of main roads on the island give the impression that construction is happening everywhere, because it is all that you see. Barb Bergwerf engaged Mr. Hollingsworth in a conversation on the future of the real estate market. Bergwerf thought that past endeavors have been too onesided in only protecting one party. She stated that everyone on the island has the right to rent property, but felt that, "going forward, the most important thing to do is to encourage permanent residences". Hollingsworth responded that he doesn't "push any sort of buyer [investors, private residents, etc.] towards his homes". He said that short term rental investors are not interested in buying property that is over a block from the beach; that it "just doesn't make sense". He also warned that the market will be down for the near future and predicted a "tsunami of foreclosures [and short sales]." Both seemed to think that the market, combined with the City's livibilty court and rental restrictions passed by council last year should be given an opportunity to work. Hollingsworth stated that "we jump through a lot of hoops" for renters, trying to make them understand that they need to treat these houses and their neighbors like their own. Realtor Vicki Hollingsworth spoke up, saying that four years ago, the island was a scary place with people bombarding her office trying to buy homes that they could rent and to which they could someday retire. She said that there was a short-term frenzy and that now there is a push to bring people back to the island; though she added that she wouldn't mind having just a little of that bombardment back.

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Luck y D o g P ubl i sh i n g , L L C

Send your letters to the editor, concerns, discussions and stories to:

[email protected]

Civic Calendar

Isle of Palms Contact: Linda Lovvorn Tucker 886-6428 City Hall: 1207 Palm Boulevard Recreation Center: #24 28th Avenue

Sullivan's Island www.sullivansisland-sc.com Contact: Lisa Darrow or Andy Benke 883-3198 Town Hall: 1620 Middle Street

February 24 Public Hearing (Recodification of City's codes) 6:30pm

February 25 Tree Commission 7pm

City Council 7pm

March 2 Committees of Council (Also appointment of new Election Commission members) 6pm

March 2 Personnel Committee 5:30pm March 4 Recreation Committee 5pm March 6 Real Property Committee 8:30am

The family debate

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BY Bri Horahan

t the Isle of Palms City Council meeting on January 28, the Council approved an “Executive session to receive legal advice related to zoning: Definition of a family,” which they did with City Attorney Nick Sottile, though no decisions were made and no actions taken. This Executive Session was placed on the Council’s agenda because of the ongoing process of the City Code’s recodification. For over a year now, meetings have been held with City Council, City division heads, the City attorney, and an attorney with Municode, the company appointed to aid in the recodification. Ordinance 2008-09, which had its first reading at the November 18 regular meeting, began the process of recodifying the City Code of the City of Isle of Palms, rectifying some of the prior code specifications.

The original code read as follows for the term “Family Unit”: “One (1) person; or two (2) or more persons related by blood or marriage living together; or a group of not more than four (4) persons, not related by blood or marriage but living together.” The recodification, after passing its first reading, added this line to the end of the Family Unit definition: “A family unit shall also include any group of persons who rent for occupation a “short-term rental” dwelling, as the term is defined in Title 5, Chapter 4, Article 9, subject to the occupancy limitation set forth in that article.” A public hearing has been scheduled for 6:30pm on Tuesday, February 24, 2009 to receive public comment on the portion of the recodification that falls within the "purview of zoning".

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Publisher of the Island Eye News, The Island Connection and The Folly Current. Lynn Pierotti Publisher [email protected] Kristin Hackler Editor [email protected] Swan Richards Graphic Designer [email protected] Ali Akhyari Assistant Editor [email protected] Heather Boggs Holbrook Contributing Editor [email protected] Brittany Urbach Reporter [email protected] Chelsea Langan Advertising [email protected] Interns Jennifer Millar Bridget Hinkebein Bri Horahan Ashley Anderson • Contributors Charleston County Creative Spark Bobby Cummings Sarah Harper Drew Harris David Farrow Catherine Malloy Dimi Matouchev John Nelson Emily Rybinski Social Grace Nick Strehle Published by Lucky Dog Publishing of South Carolina, LLC P.O. Box 837 Sullivan’s Island, SC 29482 843-886-NEWS Submit your letters to the editor to: [email protected] Future deadlines: February 25 for all submissions.

The Island Eye News, a wholly owned subsidiary of Lucky Dog Publishing of South Carolina LLC, is a free, independent newspaper published every two weeks and is for and about the Isle of Palms, Sullivan’s Island, Goat Island and Dewees Island. Copies are mailed free of charge to every active mailbox in our coverage area and are also available at area businesses and by subscription to non-islanders. Subscriptions are $30 per year for non-residents and are available by sending a check to Lucky Dog Publishing, LLC, P.O. Box 837, Sullivan’s Island, SC 29482. Contributions of information, pictures and articles are welcomed and are used according to space limitations and news value and cannot be returned except by special request. Our editorial content is primarily dedicated to the area of distribution; ad space is open to all businesses who want to reach the Island Eye News market. Complete ad creation is $50, however, changes of up to 30% of the original ad are included at no extra cost. All advertising rates are listed at www. islandeyenews.sc under “advertising”.

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Civic

February 20, 2009

Pay for parking—yay or nay?

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ullivan’s Island has seen a major increase in beach visitors over the past several years, which in turn has created several City issues. These issues have led to discussions on implementing a kiosk parking project, where non-residents would have to pay to park on Sullivan’s Island. “These are going to be kiosks, not meters, and we’ve been studying this for about a year now,” says Everett Presson, Chair of the Streets and Maintenance Committee and the head of the parking project. “The idea is that if we do it, we’re going to try and have it in effect by the spring or summer—beach season. It’s still in the planning stages, and we’ve got a lot of work to do on it.” When visitors come to Sullivan’s Island, issues include the need for an increase in law enforcement, trash pickup and other city maintenance services. “There’s just a lot of costs involved in having this many people,” says Presson. All of these changes cost the City and tax payers money. The residents on Sullivan’s Island have to pay to facilitate visitors’ use of the beach. Residents’ taxing costs can be significantly decreased if visitors pay for their parking in some of the areas on the island. “20 years ago, there were 6,000 people in Mount Pleasant,” says Presson. “Now there are 60,000 people

By Brittany Urbach

in Mount Pleasant, and they’re all coming to the beach on Sullivan’s Island.” Presson estimates that on an average beach day, there might be 2,000 people who come to the beach on Sullivan’s Island. “The kiosk will give you a pass, so when you come to the beach, you have to get a ticket out of the kiosk and put it on your windshield,” says Presson. “Wherever you park on Sullivan’s Island, you’d have to pay.” Presson anticipates that if this parking project were to go into effect, the Island residents will have a parking pass to park wherever they want for free. Presson also says that if the project were to happen, they most likely wouldn’t charge people to park in the commercial district, because that’s where the City wants people to park. “At nighttime, we might charge people to park outside of the business district and maybe parking inside the business district would be free, so it won’t spill over into the residential areas,” says Presson. Downtown Charleston resident and frequent Sullivan’s Island visitor Berna Mazon isn’t thrilled about the talk of possibly adding parking kiosks to the Island. “It’s annoying to go to Folly, because I do have to pay for parking sometimes. I feel like Isle of Palms is where more of the tourists go—I feel like there are more local people when I go to Sullivan’s. Almost everyone I

come across is from Sullivan’s,” says Mazon. In regards to parking prices, the Streets and Maintenance Committee is still working on figuring out the details. “There are a lot of details to be worked out, you know?” says Presson. “What we would charge, where would we charge, would we charge everywhere or just on certain streets? What happens if people have a party at their house, or do contractors pay when they come to work on the island?” There will be several public hearings in the near future regarding the project, says Presson. “The main thing is, if we determine that this is something that the Island residents don’t want, then we’re not going to do it.” The Streets and Maintenance Committee is working diligently to figure out the various details of the project, and is serious about coming up with a plan that would be in the

best interest of the Sullivan’s Island residents. “This is not something we’re looking at lightly,” says Presson. “It’s a major change for Sullivan’s Island, and I think that the Council understands that it’s a major change. We’re going to be up for a lot of input from the citizens to see if this is something, they really think we ought to do.”

Example of a parking kiosk.

Nuevo Tango with Pablo Ziegler

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By Emily Rybinski

he Charleston Symphony Orchestra’s McCrady’s Charleston Pops Series, conducted by Scott Terrell, will feature Nuevo Tango with Pablo Ziegler at 8pm on Saturday, February 21, 2009 at the Charleston Music Hall, located at 37 John Street. When it comes to tango, Pablo Ziegler is the authority.  Born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, and having performed with Astor Piazzolla for 10 years, Latin Grammy winning pianist Pablo Ziegler artfully blends classic tango rhythms with jazz improvisations. Don’t miss Ziegler with his guitar and bandoneon players.  Playful, sensual and romantic – grab your sweetheart for the perfect date! Individual tickets for the McCrady’s Charleston Pops Series range from $20 - $45; student tickets (with ID) are available for $5. Tickets can be purchased at the Gaillard Auditorium box office, all Ticketmaster outlets and online at: www. charlestonsymphony.com. (Convenience fees apply.) Prior to the performance, audience members can take advantage of the McCrady’s courtesy Black Cab service to and from the Gaillard Municipal Auditorium. People interested in parking by the Gaillard and having a preperformance meal at the restaurant can take advantage of this service by telling McCrady’s they would like to use the courtesy Black Cab service when calling to make pre-performance dinner reservations.

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February 20, 2009

Daily

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We dig Sullivan’s!

n January 28, the Town of Sullivan’s Island began replacing eight water mains which cross Middle Street. The project is being completed in advance of a road resurfacing project by the South Carolina Department of Transportation, which will stretch from Station 12 to Station 28 ½ and should be completed by the end of April. For more information, call Mr. Greg Gress, Manager of the Water and Sewer Department, at 883-5748 or Darrel Noisette at 530-3145. (Left) Workers dig in to replace the water lines at Station 22 ½.

Mardi Gras from front cover There are many elements of the Mardi Gras celebration that originated with those first parades in New Orleans. It was the first king of Mardi Gras, Rex, whom in 1892 chose the three colors that we know as Mardi Gras colors today: purple for justice, green for faith, and gold for power. Masks are a hallmark of the holiday and come in many colorful and interesting designs. They are required for all float participants. The throwing of beads and other knick-knacks, known as throws, began in the 1870s and continues today with local families arriving early to stake out prime spots

to see the colorful floats and catch the throws. Unlike the negative impression that many have of the New Orleans Mardi Gras, the holiday is really a family-oriented day of good food and fun. There are expensive balls thrown by the different Krewes, where one could mingle with the New Orleans elite. There is the drunken side of it, complete with bead throwing and possible nudity, but that is mostly contained to Bourbon Street and limited to the nighttime. Either way, Mardi Gras is a great excuse to throw a party, indulge in great food and drinks, and spend time with the ones you love.

Sources: http://www.holidays.net/mardigras/story.htm http://www.mardigrasneworleans.com/faq.html#6 http://www.inetours.com/New_Orleans/Mardi_Gras.html

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Daily

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Out of Hand has class

o you have a talent you want to share? Thinking of teaching an afternoon class to your friends and neighbors? In the spirit of “neighbors-teachingneighbors” the retail eclectic shop Out Of Hand located in the heart of the Old Village has opened its workshop doors to people with a passion for teaching their favorite hobby or skill. Artists, jewelry-makers, craftsmen, painters, seamstresses, and floral and interior decorators have already begun the registration process to host classes. “We have a variety of talented people here in Mount Pleasant and yet there are limited opportunities in the community to showcase their work,” said Lisa Thomas, owner of Out Of Hand. “Being centrally located in the Old Village, the setting is ideal for an evening classroom. The goal is to bring people together, share ideas and conversation, while learning something new and developing a greater appreciation for our community. Who knows it could even turn into a career.”

Jewelry making is just one of a dozen classes now being offered at eclectic shop Out Of Hand in the heart of the Old Village Business District.

Interested teachers can contact Out Of Hand on availability and students can visit the store at 113 Pitt Street (843-856-3585) or at their website: www. shopoutofhand.com for upcoming class schedules.

Loggerhead Shrike By Sarah Dargan Harper

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he Loggerhead Shrike is a local bird with some interesting habits. It prefers open areas like fields and forest edges. There are a few who patrol the field behind Fort Moultrie and Battery Jasper and they aggressively defend their territories from intruders. I photographed this bird on Ion Avenue while he (or she) was sitting atop a telephone wire. Shrikes are predatory birds which feed on insects, lizards, small mammals and sometimes other birds. They capture their prey with their sharp, curved beaks. Shrikes are not birds of prey, which capture food with their talon equipped feet. Shrikes prefer to cache their prey before eating it. They do this by impaling their victims on cactus thorns, barbed-wire fences, or other sharp objects. They usually eat their prey shortly after capture, but have an excellent spatial memory and

PHOTO BY Sarah Dargan Harper

have been known to return to storage sites a few days later. Be careful not to confuse a Loggerhead Shrike with a Northern Mockingbird! Mockingbirds have broader, longer tails than Shrikes and they often bob their tails up and down (unlike Shrikes). Shrikes have black tails and upper wings and a distinctive black face mask (unlike mockingbirds). I was fortunate enough to find a freshly-dead Shrike behind Fort Moultrie last month. I spruced him up a bit and now he has a happy new home, tucked away in a specimen drawer. Sarah Dargan Harper is a Sullivan’s Island resident, an avid bird watcher and a passionate bird care advocate. If you have any questions or need help with bird identification, you can contact Sarah at dargan3484@ gmail.com.

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February 20, 2009

Daily

February 20, 2009

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Pedal for Pattison

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By Ashley Anderson

attison’s Academy will hold its second annual Pedal for the Petal Spinning Marathon to raise funds for their therapeutic summer program for disabled children. The non-profit organization has scheduled the event for March 7 from 8am to 12pm at Eco Fitness in Mount Pleasant. Donors and participants can initially reserve a bike for the four-hour spinning marathon for $25. However, each spinning team needs to raise at least $250 in order to compete. Last year the organization raised more than $40,000, and they hope to meet and surpass that goal this year. “I love spin classes and I’ve wanted to do something to give back. I found Pattison’s to be the perfect organization,” said Kirsten Grask, an employee at Sullivan’s Island’s Coastal Home Plans, a company owned by Isle of Palms resident Jeff Evans. She has teamed up with two others as a single biking team to raise funds and compete in the four-hour marathon. Funds raised from the marathon will go towards Pattison’s Academy Summer Camp. The camp focuses on daily physical, occupational and

speech therapies while integrating all the thrills of a classic summer camp. It costs about $185 to send a child through a single day of camp. Pattison’s Academy’s ultimate goal is to open a year-round school for disabled children. All donations will help get their plan in motion and will go towards the camp’s nurses, equipment, and specialists. Pattison’s mission statement is to “improve the quality of life for children with multiple disabilities by providing a comprehensive education and rehabilitation program in a school environment.” The Academy hopes to open a full time school in the fall of 2010. Pattison Elementary will be conducting a community awareness meeting on March 4. If you or someone you know could benefit from this charter school, be sure to attend. For more information or to contact visit their website at: www.pattisonsacademy.org. Even a dollar pledge makes all the difference. To donate to Kirsten’s team, please visit www.firstgiving.com/ kmk_spinners.

PACE awareness meeting The public is invited to learn about Pattison’s Academy for Comprehensive Education’s (PACE) goal of becoming a charter school within the Charleston County School District. We are having a community awareness meeting March 4 at 6pm at the main Library downtown, which is located at 68 Calhoun Street in meeting room A. Don’t miss this opportunity to help improve the lives of children with disabilities.

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(Above) Pattison students enjoy the summer camp's activities.

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February 20, 2009

Mystery Plant

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What we sow

John Nelson

abin-fever...cabin-fever...it’s too early for this to be setting in! And yet it is, for me. These dark winter days are starting to get to me, and I’m always on the lookout for any subtle signs of the coming warmth, along with the flowers that follow. Sure enough, it’s easy to tell that the days are getting longer--bit by bit-and that means that it will be spring eventually. Until it arrives, we will have to content ourselves with whatever traces might come our way. Here’s a kind of example: a little herb that has a gorgeous flower, in a very small kind of way, but even seeing a few of these little guys now might stir the botanist’s heart beating within us all. Our Mystery Plant is but one of several species all allied together in the same genus. These various species are related to a number of different plants in the large and diverse “snapdragon” family, or Scrophulariaceae, which of course includes several garden plants as well as a number of weeds. And if truth be known, our little Mystery Plant is a weed, imported accidentally and originally from Europe, where it is native. In the United States, it is most common from New England into the Midwest, and south to about South Carolina, but has more recently shown up in several states farther west. Given enough time, it could probably be expected in all of the continental 48 states, perhaps less commonly toward the south. As a weed it can be a bit problematic, and something of a pest. A pretty little pest, though. The thin, somewhat hairy stems trail along the ground, giving off a single leaf at each node. The leaf blades are about as broad as long, and somewhat egg-shaped in outline. Characteristically, each leaf blade features five or so sharp-pointed, shallow lobes, and some have likened the leaf blade’s appearance to that of an ivy leaf. (Carl Linnaeus thought so, anyway...and the epithet

he provided for the scientific name means “leaves like ivy”). The flowers really start opening up sometime in March, usually, but every now and then you can locate some blooming now, usually in protected places and on damp ground. Each flower is on a prominent stalk, with four green sepals. There are also four petals, all about the same size and shape, although the lowermost one is a bit narrower. The petals are a gorgeous shade of blue-purple, with the lowest one paler than the rest. They all have an assortment of minute purple streaks, which adds to their beauty. After pollination, a valentine-shaped capsule will develop, very small. The capsule will eventually open up and release a few circular, flattened seeds. What I like to do is lie on the ground in a patch of this stuff on a sunny, warm afternoon in the winter, and study the tiny little flowers with a hand-lens. For their size, they must be the prettiest flowers blooming these days. John Nelson is the curator of the Herbarium in the Department of Biological Sciences at the University of South Carolina. As a public service, the Herbarium offers free plant identifications. For more information, visit www.herbarium.org or call 803777-8196. Photo by Linda Lee

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By Nick Strehle

y wife and I recently had the opportunity to meet the man that built our home back in the late 50s. He was excited to hear that the house was still in good shape, but when he asked what I did for a living, he quickly responded that he used to have a wonderful garden in the back. Now in his 80s, you could just see his eyes and face light up with all the fond memories he had of the garden. This made me start to think a little more about the impacts that gardening has on our personal memories. At one time, just about everyone was a farmer. During the good times, war times, and everything in between, gardening was omnipresent. From the container gardens in the city to the roses at the White House, gardening surrounds us and all that we do. Of course, now would be a good time to inject a few factual numbers about how much gardening contributes to our gross domestic product, but it is not about the money. It is about seeing spring flowers for the first time and about caring for the landscape of Arlington National Cemetery because it is hallowed grounds. In my own family, Tillman is a family name that has been passed down and I was inquisitive as to why his name stood out among the rest of my ancestors. Among other things, he fought in the Civil War and was a merchant, but what was written most about him was that he

[Answer: “Ivy-leaved speedwell,” Veronica hederaefolia]

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was an accomplished farmer. Even the most accomplished farmers are not well known, but these traits are reserved for personal memories that we hold most dear. No matter how long or short, I would like the opportunity to read your gardening memories. Please send your thoughts to sunburstlandscaping@ gmail.com or mail them to Sunburst Landscaping Inc., 3575 Maybank Hwy Suite D-279, Johns Island, SC 29455. Nick Strehle is a Purdue University Agronomy Major, certified irrigation contractor and EPA WaterSense Partner for Sunburst Landscaping Inc., leading Sunburst’s clients into the next generation of water management. For more information, contact Sunburst at 768-2434.

February 20, 2009

New President, new market?

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by Bobby Cummings, CFP, CFBS, CLTC

ith the Presidential election over, speculation of how the electoral votes would add up has given way to debates on whether the multiple governmentsponsored bailouts will be enough to rescue our faltering economy. The economic crisis will certainly be at the forefront of President Obama’s agenda, and it’s likely the pundits will persist with their predictions on how the new administration and a Democraticcontrolled Congress will impact the market. Conventional wisdom holds that D.C. gridlock – a Democratic President and Republican-controlled Congress or vice versa – is best for markets. The idea is that neither party has the power to make the sweeping policy changes that can cause significant market gyrations. However, according to data compiled by the research firm Bespoke Investment Group in Harrison, N.Y., in the seven periods when Democrats had complete control of U.S. political power, the S&P 500 rose 14.7% on average while in the eight times a Republican served as President and Democrats controlled Congress, the benchmark index rose 7.4%. So much for conventional wisdom. Interestingly, with the industry’s constant disclaimer that history cannot predict future performance as a backdrop, there are numerous recent studies that attempt to do just that. In his opinion piece, “Divided Government Is Best for the Market”, published in the Wall Street Journal on September 12, Donald L. Luskin begins his analysis of whether the economy historically has done better under Democrats or Republicans by stating, “There is no shortage of exaggerated claims on both sides.” When the chief investment officer at Trend Macrolytics LLC ran the numbers, he found that since 1948, the Standard & Poor’s 500 total return (capital gains plus dividends) has averaged 15.6% when a Democrat was in the White House and only 11.1% when a Republican was in the White House. In terms of real gross domestic product, he found that under

Democratic presidents, the average has been 4.2% since 1948. Under Republican presidents it has been only 2.8%. However, moving beyond political labels, Luskin notes that not all Democrats act like Democrats, and not all Republicans act like Republicans. He writes, “John F.. Kennedy, for example, was an enthusiastic supplyside tax cutter and George H.W.. Bush raised taxes. Bill Clinton promoted free trade and Richard Nixon imposed wage and price controls.” With that in mind, Luskin assigns those four presidents to the opposite party and finds numbers completely reverse themselves. That is, stocks average 14.7% under Republicans and only 10.5% under Democrats going back to 1948. In fact, he points out that just one switch – making Richard Nixon into a Democrat – is enough to reverse the numbers and have stocks averaging 14% under Republicans and only 12.1% under Democrats. “This fact discredits this whole study more than it does Republicans or even Richard Nixon himself. Any analysis that can be undone by omitting or changing a single data point isn’t very robust,” writes Luskin. see Market on page 17

9

County offers free weather spotter class Provided by Charleston County

Charleston County Government’s Emergency Preparedness Division is offering free classes for citizens who want to help warn officials about local weather changes. SKYWARN is a voluntary program developed by the National Weather Service (NWS). The NWS needs real-time reports of hail size, wind damage, flash flooding, heavy rain and tornadoes in order to effectively warn the public. SKYWARN volunteers serve as storm spotters for the NWS and local emergency management programs. Volunteers serve as the eyes and ears for the whole community. Anyone interested in becoming a SKYWARN weather spotter can attend one of the NWS basic and/or advanced weather spotter training classes, which are hosted by Charleston County Government. Classes are free and last approximately two hours. The Basic Weather Spotter Class is required to become a certified NWS SKYWARN weather spotter and to take the Advanced Weather Spotter Class. The advanced class provides additional information and training to those interested in learning more than is provided in the basic class. To register for the basic and/ or advanced classes, contact James Tarter, Training Coordinator for the Charleston County Emergency Management Department, by phone at

(843) 202-7405 or by e-mail at jtarter@ charlestoncounty.org.

Basic Weather Spotter Class (required in order to take the advanced class): Date: Tuesday, February 24, or Thursday, March 26 Time: 6-8pm Location: Charleston County Public Service Building, room 339 (Emergency Operations Center) 4045 Bridgeview Drive North Charleston, SC 29405

Advanced Weather Spotter Class: Date: Thursday April 16 Time: 6-8pm Location: Charleston County Public Service Building, room 339 (Emergency Operations Center) 4045 Bridgeview Drive North Charleston, SC 29405

Pet Helpers Pets of the Week

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HELGA: Hey there! I'm a 1 1/2 year old female Staffordshire Bull Terrier (Staffie for short) I find it impolite to drool and will challenge you to thumb wrestling with my beautiful muscles! I am very sweet and tender. I'm just looking for a soft place to land. Spayed, vax, chip, fee.

LITTLE BROWN GIRL: Howdy! I'm 8 1/2 months old and was found in the woods behind Pet Helpers! I was brought in after I learned to trust the girls feeding me-so I'm still a little shy. But I'm also very sweet once I get to know you, and I'm very chatty! So come on in and talk to me! Spayed, vax, chip, fee. Pet Helpers is located at 1447 Folly Road, James Island. Hours: Mon. – Fri. from 11am – 6pm and Sat from 11am - 5pm. Closed: Sundays and Holidays. For more information, please call 843-795-1110.

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Better Together

10

February 20, 2009

Mardi Gras wines By Drew Harris

W

ith Valentine’s Day past and the sweet memories of our delicious wine and chocolate pairings still dancing on our tongues and minds, it’s time to move to the other end of the spectrum with Fat Tuesday happening next week! Mardi Gras is literally French for “Fat Tuesday” and takes place the day before Ash Wednesday. Generally, Mardi Gras relates to the celebrations leading up to this holy day and in the United States, it has become synonymous with the crazy and SPICY celebrations in New Orleans. Therefore, this issue’s column will address the appropriate pairing guidelines for the delicious spice- and seafood-based dishes from our Creole neighbors down south. The cool thing is that the Gullah cuisine of the Charleston area is very similar to the Creole of Louisiana, so a number of the pairings here will be appropriate for Lowcountry cuisine, as well. Some general guidelines to follow mostly have to do with the amount of spice in your food. With a lot of spice pervading most

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of the Creole and Lowcountry cooking, avoid hightannin wines such as big Cabernets. Tannins are the substance in the skins of grapes that give your mouth that dry and chalky feeling when drinking big red wines. Drinking a high-tannin Cabernet with a spicy crawfish/shrimp boil or gumbo will just leave your mouth on fire with no help in sight. Not all foods allow white and red wine options, but the seafood- and spice-based Creole cuisine definitely allow for many options and variations. Crawfish boil (or Lowcountry boil) contain the traditional flavors of Creole (and Lowcountry) cooking: pepper, spice, salt, potatoes, sausage and onion. There’s two ways to go with this pairing, and honestly, both work great: the first is to use a low-alcohol, slightly fruit-forward white wine with crisp acidity to help temper the spices of the dish and complement the shellfish. A nice Pinot Grigio, Viognier, or white blend of Alsacian styled varietals (Evolution 9; Farmhouse) all work great to help even out the spice of the boils. The other way to go is to play off the spices, potatoes, and sausage and head towards a low-tannin red wine with rich berry and spice notes, such as a Spanish Garnacha (Lelia) or Tempranillo (Celeste) or an Australian Shiraz (Rolf Binder Hales or Earthworks). Gumbo is another Creole/Lowcountry dish that works well with a variety of different wines, depending on the spiciness of your gumbo. For a more mild seafood gumbo, head to Oregon: an Oregon Pinot Gris (Shadow Mountain Pinot Gris) with its crisp fruit-forward acidity or an Oregon Pinot Noir (Anne Amie) with good structure, low tannins and earthy qualities would both work well. If your gumbo tends towards the spicy hot side, you can alleviate that

heat with a German Riesling (Leitz Dragonstone) or even a slightly sweet sparkling wine (Casteller Cava), where the crisp acidity helps cut through the saltiness and spices in the Gumbo. In closing, I would just like to add this thought…do you remember your first Lowcountry boil and how refreshing and delicious that cold beer was? I do! If wine’s not your thing, or if you’re just looking for the casual barbequestyle get together with Creole-inspired dishes, then look no further than a deliciously cold beer such as Wittekerke. This Belgian White Ale is slightly sweet and incredibly refreshing…especially on a hot day and with a hot cuisine. If you have any questions about wine and food pairings or are looking for a specific wine, feel free to contact me at [email protected]. I am always open to feedback on my suggestions…let me know what worked for you and what didn’t! Also remember, all wines written about in this column are available from Sullivan’s Island’s newest addition, Café Medley! 

Do you know your Charleston?

s I began this column, the cable went out. Suddenly the din of politicians screaming at me was silenced. Abruptly, I was forced to think for myself without the caterwauling and shrillness. I got to pondering about what a large role television plays in so many American lives. It has become an anesthetic, a way for us to ignore life around us. I got to thinking to my early childhood and the two television stations that baby sat my generation with Happy Raine and Suzie-Q the elephant. This was before there were such things as media markets, before working at a local station was just playing in the minors waiting to be called up to AA; before you became part of the “Channel Seven Broadcast Family.” Have you ever noticed that the more different reporters and reporterettes appear on the stations, the more the corporate suits emphasize the familial aspect of the station – the more unfamiliar the faces, the louder the calls of unity? I had occasion to go to Maine over the recent holidays and I noticed that they have the same phenomenon. Just as someone climbing the corporate ladder will bounce from the Charleston market

by David Farrow

to Charlotte to the Atlanta market, people in Bangor are shooting for Portland, then Boston. As we grow older, I’ve noticed that local news now comes in a corporate package that shows scenes of lobster or shrimp boats and sweet grass or maple syrup in an attempt to prove themselves real. It seems to me that as more and more people from “away” control what we see on television, the more vivid the images of what they see as reflecting the tourist versions of Charleston. The whole thing is akin to the phenomenon of 13-bean soup. When I started giving tours some 30 years ago, the City Market was in full swing, selling everything from fresh seafood and produce to lovely trinkets from Japan (today, those authentic doo-dads hail from China). Among the hottest selling items was 13-bean soup. The natives of Charleston were all somewhat befuddled because it was put forth as something all Charlestonians had eaten since Stede Bonnet was hung on the Battery. To be frank, none of us had ever heard of it. I, myself, didn’t try it until the mid-90’s and found that it should not be eaten before giving a tour. Still, it was hailed as an old Charleston recipe,

as ubiquitous as ice cream on a hot day. Everything is contrived now. I was always under the impression that tributes were given to those worthy of note. Somehow, developing Morris Island doesn’t rise to, say, Colonel Moultrie building a fort on Sullivan’s Island and repulsing a British attack. The more our local traditions are defined by corporate media, the less traditional they become. What say you? Luuucy, I’m home. This column depends upon feedback, and I was delighted to get some on my first attempt. I have always been humbled and gratified by my readership. Jean Townsend of John’s Island was kind enough to pen, “Way to go, David. How refreshing to hear from you in the printed media once again. Thanks to Kristin Hackler and “Lucky Dog” for bringing you back to us!” John Hope of Wadmalaw Island writes, “Welcome back you ole dawg!! I’m looking forward to stories of yore -- Perhaps told with that twinkle of a twist”. An old influence on me, Mr. A. Harrigan exclaims, “SOLD! If I can’t live in Verner’s Charleston- then I want to hear about your Charleston. Yes, I know Charleston. Glad you’re

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back home where you belong- doing what you’re meant to do. Now get to it. I thought my family had missed the boat!” Sir! Yes, sir! In response, the first re-appearance of this column, Danny Petterson points out, “With all due respect, Dave, that was the Flamingo Drive-In within view of the train station. Remember the North 52 had a rear entrance (foot traffic only) at the overpass on the short-cut from Montague to the “Dual Lane”. I never went to the Port...” As I pointed out, the Port was where the “blue” movies were shown. My response? Sure, Dan. Anything you say. He continues, referring to my quote from Elizabeth Verner Hamilton, “That line, “a raft going nowhere…” is like Hemingway. Her mother, Mrs. Verner, wrote in Prints and Impressions, ‘One of my deepest regrets is that I did not start etching until 1923, for by that time so much which to my generation represented Charleston had disappeared.’ We were born late. Keep up the good work. Resurrecting memories is a noble endeavor."

Daily

February 20, 2009

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Fore! Respite Care

espite Care, a non-profit organization that offers programs to enhance the quality of life for people suffering from Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia, will hold their 5th Annual Golf Tournament on March 23, 2009, at Seabrook Island. The proceeds raised during the tournament will be used to offset the costs of providing care and support to these families. The programs provided by Respite Care give caregivers a much needed break and provide a support network for families.  Respite Care is supported by donations, memorials, grant, and volunteers. Sponsorships: $100 Hole Sponsorship – Signage at one hole. $300 Bronze Sponsorship – Sponsorship of one hole and entry fee for one golfer. $500 Silver Sponsorship – Sponsorship of one hole and entry fee for two golfers. $750 Beverage Cart Sponsorship – Sponsorship of one beverage cart with your signage on cart (two available). $1,000 Gold Sponsorship – Sponsorship of one hole with your logo on sign and entry fee for four golfers. $2,000 Reception Sponsorship – Sponsorship of the reception with your logo on the reception sign and recognition at reception. $5,000 Title Sponsorship – Tournament named for you/your business and entry fee for two foursomes (one available).   Registration begins at 11am, with a shotgun start at 1pm. Entry fee is $125 per golfer ($80 of which is tax deductible). Golfers can register as a team or as individuals. For more information, call Laura Stefanelli at 843-723-1611, ext. 15 or email her at [email protected]. Please make checks payable to Respite Care Ministries, 405 King Street. Every $50 donated provides a day of care for a participant.

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12 Friday, February 20 Family night out at Atlanticville The next Family Night at Atlanticville is scheduled for Friday, February 20.  Baby-sitters will arrive around 6:30 and they worked out great at the last one (Men’s Night Out!).  Sitters from Sweet Peas Nannies will be on hand. For more info, call 883-9452. 2063 Middle Street, Sullivan’s Island.

Saturday, February 21 Wind and Hail Insurance (WHIG) meeting and discussion The Seabrook Island Wind and Hail Group invites all who are interested to a discussion of wind and hail (hurricane) insurance issues. Dropped policies? Rising costs? Confusing language? 3:30 - 4:30pm at Seabrook Island Town Hall, 2001 Seabrook Island Road. Bride Couture Recession-friendly dress sale Belle Couture Bridal is hosting a RecessionFriendly Dress Sale. The event will offer many sample designer gowns all for under $1500 a piece, as well as giveaways and discounts. From 11am to 6pm. Belle Couture Bridal is located at 280 W. Coleman Blvd.., Suite O, in Mt. Pleasant. For more information, call 843-881-3449 or visit www.bellecouturebridal.com.   Louisiana Crawfish Boil Join Seel's Fish Camp for their signature Louisiana Crawfish boil with all the fixin's.

February 20, 2009

Island Eye

Enjoy live music from the River City Dixie Land Jazz Band and Abita beer specials all day long. From noon to 5pm. For more info, call 883-5030.

Gullah Heritage presents: Rice production and indigo dyeing Celebrate Gullah Heritage at Charles Pinckney National Historic site every Saturday at 2pm during February and March, 2009. Today, listen to Sharon & Frank Murray explain rice production and Paul & Loretta Hromoga as they explain the process of indigo dyeing. Charles Pinckney National Historic Site:1254 Long Point Road, Mount Pleasant. Call 843-8815516 or visit www.nps.gov/chpi. CSO presents McCradys Pops: Neuvo Tango with Pablo Ziegler When it comes to tango, Pablo Ziegler is the authority. Don’t miss Ziegler with his guitar and bandoneon players. Show starts at 8pm at the Charleston Music Hall, 37 John St., Downtown. Tickets are $20 - $45; $5 student tickets (with ID) and can be purchased through Ticketmaster at 5546060, at all Ticketmaster Outlets and at www.charlestonsymphony.com.

Tuesday, February 24 Mardi Gras/Fat Tuesday Kid’s day at Seel’s Drop by Seel’s Fish Camp for the best kid’s deal in town. Every Tuesday, enjoy 99 cent kid’s meals and children’s movies on the big screen. For more information, please call

February 20

883-5030.

Wednesday, February 25 Ash Wednesday Holy Cross Ash Wednesday service The Church of the Holy Cross invites you to join them on Ash Wednesday at 10am and 7pm. Please call the church if you have any questions at 843-883-3586. East Cooper Democrats   Socializing starts at 6:30pm, followed by the 7pm meeting. This month’s topic is “Race and Community”.  Please make reservations if you want sandwiches and/or need babysitting. $4/person. Contact Carole at 843.216.3797 or  carolebenson@comcast. net.  Location: Olive Branch AME Church Annex (on rte 17 and old Mathis Ferry Rd. intersection). Café Medley “over the hump” wine tasting  Wine tastings with one of the best sommeliers in Charleston providing a new and interesting selection every week. Call ahead for this week’s theme and specials. From 6pm to 9pm. For more information, call Café Medley at 793-4055. Located at 2213 Middle St., Sullivan’s Island.

mint, raspberry and peach. Try them all at Seel's Fish Camp, 7pm -9pm, with live music from the Bushell's. All proceeds benefit the Windwood Farm Home for Children. Tickets are $50 and include paired appetizers and vodka, an open bar and a silent auction. For more info or to purchase tickets, call 883-5030. Seel's is located at 2213 Middle St., Sullivan's Island.

Friday, February 27 Monique Lhuillier trunk show 10 am - 6 pm Feb. 27-28 at Belle Couture Bridal in Mount Pleasant. The fall 2009 bridal collection will be on display, and purchases made during the show will be at a 10% discount. Appointments are required. For more information or to reserve a spot, call 843-881-3449.

Saturday, February 28 Worthy Creatures basset hound meet & greet From 1pm to 4pm, waddle on over to meet the wonderful adoptable dogs from Carolina

Thursday, February 26 Mardi Gras Celebration wine dinner at Atlanticville At 7pm, Chef Billy Condon will team up with Angela Sanchez of Vineyard Brands to create a four-course, wine-paired dinner with a French/Mardi Gras theme!  Contact Drew at Atlanticville at (843) 883-9452 for more information and reservations! Firefly Vodka tastings at Seel's If you liked the original Firefly sweet tea vodka, you're going to love Firefly's new line up of sweet tea vodkas, including lemon,

Basset Hound Rescue and hear about their adoption, fostering and volunteer opportunities. Join us from 2 to 3pm

Tuesday Night

Monday Night

Kids Night Bring in the family and kids enjoy .99  meals from our kids menu and movies for the little ones on our big screens

All You Can Eat Creek Shrimp Come fill up on fried Creek Shrimp, coleslaw and hushpuppies for $9.95

Saturday, February 21

Louisiana Crawfish Boil Come and enjoy our own Loui with all the fixin’s. Crawfish, p garlic starting from noon til 5. specials and live music by Rive Band all day long.

Thursday, February 26

Firefly Vodka tastings at Se If you liked the original Firefly going to love Firefly's new line including lemon, mint, raspber all from 7pm -9pm, with live m All proceeds benefit the Windw Children. Tickets are $50 and and vodka, an open bar and a

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February 20, 2009

13

e Calendar

0 - March 8

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for some cool and crazy canine contests. Worthy Creatures is located in the Shoppes at Seaside Farms, 1960 Riviera Drive, Suite E, Mount Pleasant. 388-2515 or visit www. worthycreatures.com.

Gullah Heritage presents: Anne Caldwell and sweetgrass baskets Celebrate Gullah Heritage at Charles Pinckney National Historic site every Saturday at 2pm during February and March, 2009. Today, listen to Ann Caldwell & the Magnolia Singers sing spirituals and watch Jeannette Lee give a sweetgrass basket demonstration. Charles Pinckney National Historic Site:1254 Long Point Road, Mount Pleasant. Call 843-881-5516 or visit www. nps.gov/chpi. Make a Splash Bash The 2009 SCBT Make a Splash Bash will be held at the Windjammer on front beach Isle of Palms. The casual, adults-only benefit features heavy hors d’oeuvres, beer and wine, live and silent auctions, and live entertainment. Tickets are $30 and include food, desserts, beer, wine and the auction. Tickets are available at www.friendsofsies. org or at the school at 2015 I’On Avenue, Sullivan’s Island. Doggie Day at the IOP Rec  Bring your best friends of the four legged variety to the Rec for Doggie Day!  Beginning at 9am, vaccinations and dog licenses will be available.  Competitions start at 11am, but contestants must preregister by calling (843) 886-8294 by Friday, February 27 at 5pm. 

Tuesday, March 3 Dr. Seuss Day at the Poe Library (starting at 10:30am) On the third day of March in two thousand and nine, come visit the Poe and guess what you’ll find? A “celebrity” reader, in a

big stripe-ed hat, will have stories to share ‘bout an ill-mannered cat! There’s sure to be laughter and fun on the loose, as we honor the birthday of Dr. Theodore Seuss!

Celebrate Gullah Heritage at Charles Pinckney National Historic site every Saturday at 2pm during February and March, 2009. Today, learn Gullah cooking from Veronica Gerald & Jesse Gant, listen to African tales from Alada “Muima” Shinault-Small and watch African drumming and dance by NIA Productions. Charles Pinckney National Historic Site:1254 Long Point Road, Mount Pleasant. Call 843-881-5516 or visit www. nps.gov/chpi.

Wednesday, March 4 The East Cooper Caregiver Education and Support Group All Saints Lutheran Church, 2107 Hwy. 17 North in Mt. Pleasant.  Ginger Deignan, Director for the Respite Care Ministries East Cooper Program will speak on Humor and Caregiving.  The session will focus on the importance of finding humor in little situations throughout the day, to relieve stress when things become overwhelming. To register or for more information, please call Ginger at 810-5576. Café Medley “over the hump” wine tasting  Wine tastings with one of the best sommeliers in Charleston providing a new and interesting selection every week. Call ahead for this week’s theme and specials. From 6pm to 9pmFor more information, call Café Medley at 793-4055. Located at 2213 Middle St., Sullivan’s Island.

Thursday, March 5 Charleston Food and Wine Festival kicks off From March 5 – 8, guests have the opportunity to indulge in the unique flavors of the Lowcountry while tasting the epicurean delights of the country’s best chefs, authors and wine professionals. For more information, visit www. charlestonfoodandwine.com or call 7279998.

Saturday, March 7 Gullah Heritage presents: Gullah cooking, African tales and African drumming

Wednesday Night

Friday Night

All You Can Eat Crab Legs Alaskan Snow Crab Legs served with salad, coleslaw and hushpuppies for $24.95

Fish Fry Sullivan’s Island tradition, come in and enjoy fried flounder, coleslaw and hushpuppies for $9.95

isiana style crawfish boil potatoes, corn and whole . And of course Abita beer er City Dixie Land Jazz

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eel's y sweet tea vodka, you're up of sweet tea vodkas, rry and peach. Try them music from the Bushell's. wood Farm Home for include paired appetizers silent auction.

883-5030

2213-B Middle Street Sullivan’s Island www.seelsfishcamp.com

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Sunday, March 8 Johns Island Presbyterian presents “A German Spring” Starting at 3pm, Johns Island Presbyterian Church will feature Ralph and Erika Blanco, piano and violin, in concert. The program will include timeless masterpieces by Beethoven and Brahms. A nursery will be provided for the concert free of charge for families who need childcare to attend the concert. Visit www.jipc.org or call 5599380 to reserve your FREE tickets, as space is limited. Donations accepted at the door.

www.islandeyenews.com

February 20, 2009

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Financial

15

Time may be right to convert to Roth IRA

o you regularly contribute to a traditional IRA? If so, you’re taking an important step toward building financial resources for retirement. But it’s possible that you could take an even bigger step— by converting your IRA to a Roth IRA. And you may have two especially good opportunities to make this conversion in 2009 and 2010. Before we examine why this may be so, let’s take a quick look at the differences between a traditional IRA and a Roth IRA. Depending on your income level, your contributions to a traditional IRA may be tax deductible; regardless of your income, your earnings grow tax-deferred. With a Roth IRA, your contributions are never deductible, but your earnings grow taxfree, provided you’ve had your account for at least five years and you don’t start taking withdrawals until you’re 59. However, if your modified adjusted gross income exceeds certain levels ($120,000 per year if you’re single and $176,000 per year if you’re married and filing a joint return), you can’t contribute to a Roth IRA. Here’s another distinction between the two types of IRAs: With a traditional IRA, you must start taking required minimum distributions (RMDs) when you reach 70.

by Dimi Matouchev

But if you own a Roth IRA, you are never required to take distributions, so you can let your money grow as long as you can afford not to touch it. Which IRA is “better”? There’s no one right answer for everyone. Generally speaking, though, the combination of potential tax-free earnings and no RMDs might make the Roth IRA an attractive choice for most people. Additionally, you have access to the money you put into the Roth tax-free and penalty-free at any time, as long as you are not withdrawing earnings. So, if you have a traditional IRA, you

might wish to convert it to a Roth — if you can. If your adjusted gross income is more than $100,000, you can’t make the conversion in 2009. Also, keep in mind that any conversion will require you to pay income taxes on your pretax contributions to your traditional IRA and any growth in your account’s value. If you meet the income limits for a conversion in 2009, you might want to consider doing so, because your tax obligation for a Roth conversion might be lower in 2009 than it would have been in previous years. Following last year’s steep market decline, the value

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of your IRA may be down significantly — and, generally speaking, the lower the value, the lower the tax bill upon conversion. Furthermore, if your income is somewhat dependent on the state of the economy, you could end up with lower earnings in 2009 — another factor that could lessen the tax impact of a Roth IRA conversion. Even if you don’t make the conversion in 2009, though, you may still want to consider this move next year. In 2010 — and in 2010 only — you can convert your traditional IRA to a Roth IRA regardless of your income level. Furthermore, the income taxes due on conversion can be spread over two years — 2011 and 2012. So contact your financial and tax advisors to determine if a Roth IRA conversion is appropriate for you. Over the next two years, you’ve got a good window of opportunity to make this move — so you’ll want to act before that window closes. This article was written by Edward Jones, located at 1505 Palm Blvd.., Isle of Palms, SC 29451. For more information, please call the Edward Jones offices at (843) 886-9229 or visit their website at www.edwardjones.com.

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February 20, 2009

Food bullying

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ou know what really smears my lipstick? Food bullies. Superiority spewers who only eat organic algae every other week and subsist on reclaimed groundwater that they have personally filtered through hand woven haystacks; or overly vocal and smug dieters who feel the need to broadcast their deprivation to the rest of us as we enjoy a slice of pizza; and those annoyingly thin people who constantly lament how “fat” they are. How they can’t stand their huge thighs/ hips/tummy. How they need to lose at least ten pounds. The tempting response, which I (nearly) always bite back is “cut off your head”. We all face periods of our lives when we need to reduce, whether for health or vanity. Some of us have a chronic need to do so. What separates the Graces from the Grunts is our discretion in the process. I don’t know whether it’s a slew of New Years Resolutions run amok, people’s general malaise due to the economy, or their need to look down on those of us who eat chocolate, but there seems to be a surge in food bullying. For example, a new acquaintance recently insisted on getting together. I was open to the idea but not with any urgency. She became increasingly

By the Social Grace

persistent one day at the dry cleaners. I agreed and invited her to my house the following morning. When she arrived, I filled her mug and asked how she took her coffee. She recoiled in horror. “No thank you. I never use caffeine.” (Yes, she really said “use”). What’s a Grace to do? For starters, get a napkin and wipe the coffee that you just choked and sputtered down your chin. Reposition your expression into one of serenity (picture either you lying on the beach or her choking to death on a Cheeto, whichever gives you the most peace). Ask what type of beverage she would like. If her demands are outrageous (which I am inclined to expect given her first comment), simply tell her that you don’t generally stock Kapok Tree Bark Tea, but you can offer her some herbal tea or hot water with lemon. At least, that’s what I did. She accepted the lemon water, reluctantly, as it came from the tap and wasn’t filtered through the right type of volcanic rock, and I made a strong note to self: “evade social ambushes”. On another occasion, a very thin friend of mine was persistently discussing his need to diet. Despite the fact that he is, by any standard, fit, trim and attractive, he tends to introduce

the topic--his overweight state--into virtually every conversation. His audience is nearly always of a rounder shape than he; not fat, but certainly a more likely candidate for a diet than this bean pole. What’s a Grace to do? Two choices. You can either ignore this annoyance, let the monologue run its course and use your conversational skill to steer toward other topics or you can hit it head on. If you choose option two, you again have some choices. First, you can be reassuring and complimentary--it is entirely possible that this guy is insecure about his appearance. Try, “Jim, you look great. No one looks better than you in jeans and if I were you I wouldn’t change a thing.” After a few boosts in this vein, any Grace is entitled to say, “Jim, I am instituting a policy never to discuss anyone’s weight and diet except my own--with my doctor. Tell me about your ski trip/coin collection/new significant other.” But if after repeating a version of that a few times, even the most Job-esque Graces would be completely within the bounds of all that is reasonable to say: “Jim, I can no longer listen to your obesity lamentation. Perhaps it has escaped your notice that my thighs are larger than yours. If you deem yours ‘enormous’, what does that make mine? Or are you simply too self absorbed to notice someone else’s thighs, hips, or feelings? In conclusion, go starve yourself.” Even Graces can be pushed too far. I recently invited a new neighbor for tea with a few other folks who live nearby. Ever striving to be a Grace, I prepared a batch of scones along with jam, clotted cream and Darjeeling tea. I offered the guest of honor a scone. She said, not very nicely, “I don’t eat white flour.” I then offered her tea and asked whether she would like cream or sugar. She responded, again, not particularly nicely, “I don’t eat dairy or refined sugar.” It became immediately clear that we would never be friends. It is possible to restrict your diet and not offend your hostess. I

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have vegetarian friends, friends with massive food allergies, others who maintain Kosher kitchens, and some who are constantly on weight loss regimens. But they are Graces, so they don’t make a fuss, inconvenience, put down, or offend others with their dietary practices. Some Gracious responses when offered food that doesn’t meet your dietary parameters: ● It looks wonderful, but I had a huge lunch. May I just have something to drink? ● I may try some later; right now I’d just like to mingle/use your rest room/ hit the bar/meet your children. ● No thanks, I have a bunch of nutritional quirks that would bore everyone to tears. Your garden/sofa/ poodle look great. Do tell me who you use to landscape/upholster/groom. The thing is, no one cares if you restrict your eating for whatever reason. But don’t use it to convey that you are superior to the rest of us who eat cookies because they taste good. Same goes for teetotalers, Atkins devotees, vegetarians, locavores and organics. Eat what you like, but stay off the soapbox. Looking for advice? Need to vent? Wondering how to gracefully handle an awkward situation? Visit www. thesocialgrace.com.

February 20, 2009 Market from page 9 Of course, the President alone cannot determine the direction of the stock market or enact new taxes. Congress makes the laws. And, you guessed it, there are plenty of studies that look at market performance based on who’s in control on Capitol Hill. According to Luskin, under Republican Congresses, stocks have averaged a 19% return, while under Democratic Congresses they average only 11.9%. Party politics aside, there’s ample analysis on how the market reacts when Americans go to the polls and when a new President takes office. For example, in the last 20 election years, not including 2008, there have been only two years where the S&P 500 Index had a negative return. In 1940, when Roosevelt faced Willkie, the S&P lost 9.8% and in the 2000 contest when Bush ran against Gore, the S&P lost 9.1%. Another study, “Mapping the Presidential Election Cycle in U.S. Stock Markets” by Wing-Keung Wong, National University of Singapore, and Michael McAleer, University of Western Australia, shows that in the almost four decades from January 1965 through December 2003, U.S. stock prices closely followed the four-year Presidential election cycle. Specifically, stock prices fell during the first half of a Presidency, reached a trough in the second year, rose during the second half of a Presidency, and reached a peak in the third or fourth year. In fact, the researchers showed this cyclical trend holds true for the greater part of the last 10 administrations, from President Lyndon Johnson to President George W. Bush, particularly when the incumbent is a Republican. Obviously, the large number of studies conducted on presidential cycles and the

17 market’s fate under various parties proves the American public has an appetite for this kind of historical analysis. However, experts in the field of behavioral finance identify the harmful tendency to identify patterns and project them into the future as “oversimplification”. In fact, investors’ desire for control often leads them to identify patterns in purely random events. This ensuing false sense of reality more often than not leads them to embrace the false conclusion that they know which way the market is going. Bottom line? Sure, the studies and statistics are interesting, but the data should not impact your investment decisions. The information provided herein is not written or intended as tax or legal advice and may not be relied on for purposes of avoiding any federal tax penalties. Entities or persons distributing this information are not authorized to give tax or legal advice. Individuals are encouraged to seek specific advice from their personal tax or legal counsel. Bobby Cummings is the owner of Lighthouse Financial of Charleston. He is a Certified Financial PlannerTM and Certified Family Business Specialist and has been in business since 1990. Bobby’s focus is providing comprehensive financial planning and investment advice to business owners, professionals, retirees, and people planning for retirement. He lives on Sullivan’s Island with his wife Kristin, son Tanner (5), daughter Keenan (3), and recently born son, Banks. You are invited to reach Bobby via email at [email protected] or by contacting his office at (843)884-9898. To find out a little more about Lighthouse Financial please visit the following web address: www.lighthousefin. net

Cooper and Izzy are Vizslas, who live in Mount Pleasant with their two humans. They are lucky dogs because they get to go to the beach every chance they get.

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February 20, 2009

53rd and Third

“I

By Ali Akhyari

have but one mission: to fill space elegantly,” says R.T. Shepherd. Recently, the painter was present at the At the Bridge Art Gallery to introduce his eclectic portfolio in a show referred to as the “53rd and Third Affair”. Shepherd suggests that modern technology, the photograph in particular, has made realism an exercise in futility. He compares it to a human challenging a machine. Like the stories of John Brown and Paul Bunyan, technology pushes tradesmen into history books. Today, the camera replicates reality in such a way that a painter can not compete. As a result, Shepherd’s art consciously sways from realism in an “inversion of the photographic process”. Instead of racing the machine, he paints what the machine can not photograph. In his biography, Shepherd says that, “while art has never been more abysmal than now, it has never been as glorious”. In a world saturated with art forms, where a well stated argument can make art of just about anything, Shepherd’s work lives in the borderlands where one must look through a third or fourth eye to see the subject. While our modern era might provide few paths less traveled by, Shepherd celebrates the excursion. His great variety of style provides relief and opportunity. His work is true to his mantra. It communicates in a way that the camera simply can not, utilizing media upon media and creating a chaos that can only be deciphered by another human being. The show allows you to meet the artist on a variety of levels in a single visit. It “represents my whimsies, and my more studied experiments as well,” he says. Come out and get a wonderful taste of an artist, style, and the creative process. The exhibit is available for view at the At the Bridge Art Gallery until the end of the month.

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February 20, 2009

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Peace out with your book out

Students at Sullivan’s Island Elementary enjoyed their second quarter reading celebration this past Friday.  Quarterly parties are held for 1st-5th graders, and this year’s theme is Reading through the Decades.  The 2nd quarter party focused on the 1960s and was called “Bookstock ‘09”.  Students in each grade level had to earn a pre-determined number of points by reading books and earning passing scores on corresponding Accelerated Reader (AR) quizzes.  102 students were invited to the party and enjoyed games, crafts, music, books, and snacks inspired by the 1960s.   Photos by Deborah Palmer

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The patriots of Sullivan’s Island Sullivan’s Island Elementary School spent a Friday, February 6 in the shoes of our Colonial forefathers. With the help of the North Carolina based company Colonial Camp, students learned to write with quills by copying the Rules of Civility & Decent Behavior in Company and Conversation, practiced axe throwing and created felt dolls, along with several other activities performed in the daily life of a Colonial American.

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February 20, 2009

Kids rock with Roger Day Provided by Creative Spark

Encouraging kids to sing loud, jump high, and dream big, Roger Day, a two-time Parent’s Choice Award winner, will be the featured act on this year’s “Kids Rock” Concert on March 14. Roger entertains over 100,000 children and adults annually. His energetic live shows incorporate his trademark wit, whimsy, and wordplay, all grounded in the joy of a powerful love and respect for children. Roger creates an imaginary world populated by pachyderms, Sherpas, isopods, and mosquito burritos. Roger urges kids to reach their potential by using body and brain, mind and muscle. His intent is to empower children to follow their dreams and make a positive impact on the world. His music and videos have been hailed as “Joyful and empowering” by the Dallas Morning News, “Awesomely fun!” by Nashville Parent Magazine, and “guaranteed to turn all couch potatoes into curly cheese fries”. His hit song “I Like Yaks” is number one on Kid’s XM Radio.

“Kids Rock” will be held on Saturday, March 14 at 3pm at the Wando Performing Arts Center. Admission is $10 per person. The concert is produced by Creative Spark Center for the Arts and Wando Community Schools. For more information, or advance tickets, call 881-3780.

To the front of the bus

Rosa Parks was born February 4, 1913 in Tuskegee, Alabama where she spent her childhood. At the age of 11, she enrolled in the Montgomery Industrial School for Girls, a private school. Later, she worked as a seamstress in Montgomery. Rosa Parks has been called the "mother of the civil rights movement" and one of the most important citizens of the 20th century. In the early 1950s, the bus system in Montgomery, as in many parts of the United States, was segregated. Blacks, who were the majority of the bus riders, were required to board the bus at the front, buy their tickets, and then re-board the bus in the back. Sometimes, they weren’t able to get on the bus again before it drove away. They were not allowed to sit

honors, including the Martin Luther King Jr. in the front of the bus, which often made it difficult to get off at the right stop. Even if they Nonviolent Peace Prize, the Presidential Medal of Freedom, and the Congressional Gold Medal. were sitting in the “black section”, they were She is an example of courage and determination still required to give their seats up to white and an inspirational symbol to all Americans. passengers if the “white section” was full. Rosa Parks died in 2005 at the age of 92. Black passengers were not even allowed to sit across from white passengers. In December of 1955, Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat on a city bus to a white passenger. The bus driver had her arrested. She was tried and convicted of violating a local ordinance. Her act sparked a citywide boycott of the bus Do you know what this is? system. The boycott introduced the country to a clergyman named Martin Luther King, Jr. who gained national prominence, leading the protest with the words: “There comes a time that people get tired.” Eventually, the U.S. Supreme Court made a decision outlawing segregation on city buses. In December 1956, Montgomery’s public transportation system was legally integrated. Please send your guess for this week’s Eye Spy Over the next four decades, to [email protected]. Please include your Rosa Parks helped make her fellow mailing address with your submission. The winner Americans aware of the history of the will receive a coupon for a free ice cream at Café civil rights struggle. This pioneer in the Medley on Sullivan's Island. struggle for racial equality earned many

Eye Spy

Congratulations to Bunny Johnson from Conch Court on the Isle of Palms for correctly guessing last week’s Eye Spy. Bunny correctly wrote that the picture was of a “Chinese Fortune Cookie - which, incidentally, is never served in China. It’s a strictly an American custom. It’s a sweet waffle-type cookie, with a fortune inside.” www.islandeyenews.com

February 20, 2009

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Isle of Palms Rec Center Isle of Palms Recreation Center www.iop.net 843-886-8294

No partner needed Thursdays, 7:30pm-8:30pm $35 residents/$40 non-residents New session begins March 5

Wednesdays, 1:45pm-2:45pm 50+ Yrs. Focusing on Pilates, floor exercises $10 per class/or pay for the session

Middle School Dance February 27 7pm-10pm $5 at door

Alice in Wonderland Friday & Saturday February 20 & 21, 7pm Directed by Jimmy Ward $5 general admission Advance tickets available at the Recreation Department

Canasta 1st & 3rd Tuesday of the month 11:30am-2:30pm, Free

Doggie Day at the Rec Saturday, February 28 , 9am Rabies Clinic Annual IOP Dog Licenses , 11am Best in Show Competition Must pre-register by Friday, Feb. 27 Registration CLOSED day of the event

Ping Pong Tournament Saturday, March 21 at 1pm Registration March 2`-`18 Ages 9 to 15 Yrs. $5 each

Men’s Spring Softball Registration until February 27 $425 per team Game days Monday & Wednesday Captain’s meeting March 5 at 6pm Men’s 3 on 3 Basketball Registration until February 27 $60 per team Game days Tuesday and Thursday Captain’s meeting March 4 at 6pm Salsa Dancing Ages 12 Yrs. +

Yoga (16 Yrs. +) 12:30pm to 2pm Tuesdays & Thursdays $80 resident/$85 non-resident/session $10 per class Sports Conditioning Tuesdays & Thursdays 5:15pm to 6:15pm class $40 resident/$45 non-resident $7 per class Evening Yoga (12 Yrs. +) 5:30pm to 6:30pm Mondays & Wednesdays $60 residents/ $65 non-residents/6 weeks $7 per class Total Body Challenge Tuesday thru Friday 8am-9am Everyday a different challenge $7 per class or purchase # of classes Kinderpuppy Mondays, 6:30pm-7:30pm New session March 2 Learn basic commands. Must have DHLPP and Kennel Cough to participate. $90 residents/$95 nonresidents Companion Dog Mondays, 7:30pm-8:30pm New session March 2 Taught good manners and further commands. $90 residents/$95 nonresidents Ballet Ages 2-5 Yrs. Mondays, 12:30pm-1pm New session February 23 $115 residents/$120 nonresidents Mat & Floor

Mommy & Me Wednesdays, (except the 1st Wednesday of the month) Toddlers, 3Yrs. & Under accompanied by an adult-play and socialize. 9:30am -11:30am, Free

Friday Night Hoops March 13, 6pm-8pm 7-12 Yrs., $10 Gymnastics (3+ Yrs.) Tuesdays, 3:30pm-4:15pm $70 resident/$75 non-resident Youth Drawing Must have a minimum of 4 Ages 7 to 12 Yrs. Wednesdays, 4pm-5pm New session starts March 4 $50 residents/$55 non-residents Cheer/Dance Class Ages 8-12 Yrs. 4:30pm-5:30pm New session begins February 24 $70 resident/$75 non-resident Six week session Youth Tennis Must have a minimum of 4 Tuesdays & Thursdays 6-8 Yrs. old 4pm5pm 9-12 Yrs. old 5pm-6pm $80 residents/$85 non-residents New session February 17

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Co-Ed Dodgeball Registration March 2 - 27 Fee: $60 per team, 18 Yrs. + Game days: Tuesdays 7pm and 8pm Captain’s meeting April 2 at 6pm Co-Ed Kickball Registration March 2 - 27 Fee: $200 per team, 18 Yrs. + Game days: Sundays Captain’s meeting April 1 at 6pm Baseball Player Clinic March 1, 1pm-3pm Ages 9-12 Yrs., Free Must be a Cal Ripken registered player at IOP Recreation Department Tae Kwon Do (12Yrs. +) Lower belt: Monday, 6:30pm-7:30pm and Wednesday, 7pm-7:45pm Brown/Black belt, Wednesday, 7:45pm9:15pm Saturday 10am-12 Noon $35 resident/$40 non-resident/per month

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February 20, 2009

Isle of Palms Police Reports The following is a synopsis of the activities of the Isle of Palms Police Department during the month of January 2009. Patrol January 2, 2009 Officers responded to a reported disturbance at a local establishment where a male subject had refused to pay his bar tab. The officer determined that the subject had also thrown a pen at the waitress when presented the check. The officer located the subject, who appeared to have great difficulty standing and attempting to walk due to his extreme intoxicated state. The subject was placed under arrest and charged with Disorderly Conduct. A companion located later paid the bar tab to eliminate another charge for failure to pay. January 3, 2009 Just before 1:30am, an officer on patrol stopped a vehicle on the Connector for speeding. The driver admitted to the officer that he had been drinking alcohol on the Isle of Palms, and emitted a strong odor of alcohol during the conversation. The driver agreed to several Field Sobriety Tests, which he failed. He was taken into custody and transported to headquarters to be administered a Datamaster Test, where he registered a .10% level of alcohol in his system. He was charged with a DUI and transported to the Detention Center. January 3, 2009 The Charleston County Detention Center sent a teletype message to the Isle of Palms Police Department regarding an outstanding Arrest Warrant for a subject that had been lodged by the Charleston Police Department. The warrant was for Breach of Trust over $1,000, filed in 2006 after the suspect failed to complete contracted repair work to a boat at the marina in the amount of $3,800. An officer responded to the Detention Center and served the Isle of Palms Arrest Warrant on the subject. January 4, 2009 An officer responded to a residence on Grand Pavilion Drive regarding a medical assist call with the fire department. A male subject suffering from the effects of failure to take prescribed medication for bi-polar disorder was the cause of the problem. While in the process of being prepared for transport by EMS to a local hospital the subject became aggressive and combative with EMS personnel and had to be restrained. Once restrained the subject was transported without further incident. January 4, 2009 Just after 2am, an officer on patrol stopped a vehicle after it failed to stop for a stop sign on JC Long Boulevard, then drove over a raised cement median at the Connector and Palm Boulevard. The driver and passenger were allowed to go to a local hotel via taxi and the vehicle was towed for safekeeping. The driver was charged with Reckless Driving. January 4, 2009 A local restaurant reported money missing from the company safe between closing time the previous evening and this date. A list of those authorized access to the office was provided. The matter has been assigned to an Investigator.

January 5, 2009 Officers responded to a residence on Forest Trail where the complainant reported that her suicidal roommate had just gone into a wooded area across the street with the intention of ending her life. The first officer to respond went into the woods and encountered the female subject in the process of cutting her left wrist with a knife. The officer disarmed the subject, stood on the knife, and held both of the subject’s hands until a second officer arrived to assist. The subject was treated on scene and transported by EMS to a local hospital for evaluation. January 10, 2009 Just after midnight, an officer on patrol on the Connector observed a vehicle cross over the white emergency line several times. Once off of the Connector the vehicle was safely stopped, and while speaking to the driver the officer detected a strong odor of alcohol emitting from the vehicle, and the driver had slurred speech and bloodshot eyes. As soon as the officer requested information the driver stated that she needed to call her lawyer and refused to participate in any Field Sobriety Tests. The driver was transported to headquarters where she again refused to participate in submitting to a Datamaster Test. She was charged with DUI and transported to the Detention Center. January 10, 2009 Just before 2am, an officer observed a male subject operating a vehicle on Palm Boulevard that he knew had a suspended driver’s license as a result of an unpaid traffic ticket. After being taken into custody for driving under suspension a strong odor of alcohol on the subject then initiated a possible DUI investigation. The driver failed several Field Sobriety Tests administered then refused to submit to a Datamaster Test. The driver was charged with DUS, NRVC, and DUI. January 10. 2009 A resident reported that he had several unauthorized charges on the last two months of credit card statements. It was determined that the charges were for magazine subscriptions. An Investigator has been assigned the case for prosecution. January 11, 2009 Just before 2am, an officer on patrol of the Connector clocked a vehicle on radar traveling 82 miles per hour. The vehicle was stopped on the Mount Pleasant side of the Connector, where the officer immediately detected a strong odor of alcohol from within the vehicle. The driver submitted to several Field Sobriety Tests, which he failed. He was then transported to headquarters and administered a Datamaster Test where he registered a .17% level of intoxication, and charged with DUI. January 12, 2009 An Isle of Palms Police Department Investigator arrested a former receptionist for a local Doctor’s office and charged her with Forgery for forging the Doctor’s signature to at least one prescription. A DHEC Investigator is preparing additional Arrest Warrants for related violations while employed in the office. January 16, 2009 The Criminal Inves-

tigations Division received a telephone call from an Investigator from the Saranac Lake Police Department in Franklin County New York, advising that a male subject wanted by their jurisdiction was residing at an address in Wild Dunes. The subject is wanted for 14 counts of Criminal Possession of a Forged Instrument, 14 counts of Forgery, and Petit Larceny. Isle of Palms Investigators will attempt to locate the subject for extradition to New York. The subject was located and he agreed to voluntarily fly to New York to respond to the charges, rather than face extradition proceedings from the state of South Carolina. January 16, 2009 A local real estate agent reported that a middle aged couple presented themselves as millionaires and inspected several million dollar homes showing interest in purchasing. The agent stated that as soon as closing on a property was imminent; they would then lose interest in that property. The couple presented the agent with what he believed was a bogus bank paper, which was confirmed to be bogus. It was also determined that the same couple conducted a similar guise on Folly Beach in 2008. January 17, 2009 Just after 1am, an officer on patrol of the Connector observed a vehicle in front of him accelerate to a speed of 88 miles per hour and stopped the vehicle to investigate. The officer immediately noted slurred speech, slow motions, and a strong odor of alcohol from the driver. After submitting to several Field Sobriety Tests, which the driver failed, she was taken into custody, and transported to the Detention Center to be administered a Datamaster Test. After submitting to a Datamaster Test the driver registered a .21% level of intoxication and was charged with DUI. January 18, 2009 Officers responded to a Palm Boulevard residence where a domestic dispute had been reported. The male subject present had called to report that his live in girlfriend had been drinking heavily and was attempting to fight with him. The girlfriend agreed to stay at a hotel for the evening and was driven there by the complainant, who had not been drinking. January 19, 2009 An Isle of Palms police officer accompanied a Mount Pleasant police officer to a residence on 20th Avenue in an attempt to locate a subject wanted by that agency. The wanted subject was not at the residence. January 19, 2009 Officers responded to a residence on Charleston Boulevard where a female reported an assault that had just taken place. The complainant reported that the male subject had just left the residence in an SUV with friends. The complainant stated that the assault occurred when she attempted to stop her common law husband who was attempting to leave the residence with property that belonged to her and their landlord. He allegedly pushed the complainant to the ground landing on her arm and back. Written statements were obtained from other witnesses present. Attempts were made to locate the subject with negative results. The case has been assigned to an Investigator

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for possible prosecution. January 20, 2009 Officers responded to a residence on Palmetto Drive in Wild Dunes, where a domestic dispute had been reported. Officers quickly determined that the dispute was only verbal in nature and both parties involved agreed to stay in separate rooms for the evening then resolve their differences the following day. January 22, 2009 An officer met with a US Postal Service Special Agent to interview a postal employee accused of stealing two Wal-Mart gift cards from the mail then making fraudulent purchases in North Charleston with them. The postal service will prosecute the subject. January 23, 2009 An officer responded to a Carolina Boulevard residence, where a vehicle had been reported stolen. The vehicle was last seen parked in the front yard and discovered missing the following morning. January 23, 2009 Officers responded to a residence on 32nd Avenue where a woman reported that her daughter had stated that she wanted to commit suicide. An investigation revealed that life-threatening messages had been written on the interior walls of the subject’s room. Five used syringes were located and recovered by an officer, and EMS responded, and transported the subject to a local hospital for admittance. January 23, 2009 An officer responded to Mount Pleasant to meet with a Mount Pleasant police officer who had a male subject in custody for an outstanding Isle of Palms Arrest Warrant for Criminal Domestic Violence that was issued after a January 19, 2009 incident. The officer assumed custody and transported the subject to the Detention Center. January 24, 2009 An officer stopped a vehicle for an equipment violation, then discovered that the driver had a suspended license for failure to pay four traffic tickets. The driver was charged with DUS and four counts of NRVC. January 25, 2009 Just before 2am., an officer on patrol observed a vehicle leave a gas station and accelerate to a high rate of speed north on Palm Boulevard, then cut someone off at the curve in the road at 21st Avenue and proceed north. The vehicle continued to speed and pass other vehicles until it was stopped on Palm Boulevard near 50th Avenue. The female driver was determined to be a juvenile, who was found to also be in possession of beer. She was taken into custody and charged with Reckless Driving and Minor in Possession of Beer. Due to her age, she was released to the custody of her mother. January 25, 2009 Officers responded to a reported fight in progress at a front beach establishment. Upon arrival, officers determined that a fight had occurred on private property, and no one wished to press charges. A continuation of this incident caused officers to then respond Blotter continued on page 23

February 20, 2009 Blotter continued from page 22 to a nearby hotel, where the intoxicated girlfriend of the assaulted subject was causing a public disturbance. While being taken into custody the subject passively resisted then began to hyperventilate. She was then taken to a local hospital and ruled fit to be incarcerated. While being transported to the Detention Center, she began to deliberately bang her head on the metal cage. She was lodged at the Detention Center, charged with Disorderly Conduct and Resisting Arrest. January 31, 2009 Officers responded to a Palm Boulevard residence, where a citizen had reported four male subjects attempting to gain entry. While clearing the residence, two suspects were located in a room, and after completion of the search, two others were also located. Located in plain view in the room with the first two subjects, was a quantity of marijuana. Both were charged with Simple Possession of Marijuana, but since one was determined to be a juvenile, his case will be tried in Family Court. The owner of the residence was notified and a parent responded to assume custody of all four subjects. One subject in the group was related to the owner, but had no key to make entry. Personnel/Community Relations January 5, 2009 PFC Baldrick, a state certified child restraint installer, properly installed a child restraint system in a local residents vehicle.

23 January 20, 2009 PFCs Ambas and Thompson, Detective Tarr and Detective Sergeant Caldwell met with a small group of Cub Scouts at the Recreation Center and gave a presentation. The scout’s fingerprints were taken and given to their parents for safekeeping. January 23, 2009 PFC Chavez received a letter of appreciation from a family that he recently assisted. January 24, 2009 PFC Ambas, Ptl. McElroy and Sgt. Usry assisted employees of the Recreation Center on “Arcade Day” and registered 67 bicycles for island children in attendance. January 31, 2009 For the month of January, officers discovered one business and one home with open or unsecured doors. A total of one hundred five Victim of Crime Forms were issued to business or property owners for various violations noted or to advise them that an officer checked their business or home during the night while on patrol.

F

Flock a friend

locks are coming to a yard near you beginning March 1. Charleston Junior Women’s Club (CJWC) will flock a lawn of your choice for two days in the areas of James Island, West Ashley, Downtown, and Mount Pleasant.  Purchase a flock of flamingo yard ornaments for your friend’s or neighbor’s yard for a $20 donation benefiting Pet Helpers. Flocking will remain in the yard for 48 hours, or it can be removed early by the homeowner with a $10 donation. All flocking of yards will be done between 6pm and 9 pm by CJWC members. Homeowners

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will receive a letter along with the flocking outlining options to purchase a flock, remove their flock, etc. $20 donation: 48 hour flocking of homeowner $10 donation: Homeowner can remove flock early $30 donation: Homeowner can remove flock early and flock a friend. Flocking forms are available by emailing [email protected] or call Mandy at 870-3842.  Cash or check (payable to CJWC) due at the time of flocking purchase. Please check out  www. cjwc. org for more information. Thank you and “Flock” the word to your friends!