Island Connection - August 21, 2009

PRESORT STANDARD US POSTAGE PAID CHARLESTON SC PERMIT NO 437

Volume 3 Issue 9

August 21, 2009

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How a Fox fell in love with a Wood Stork by Kristin Hackler

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he Wood Storks seemed completely comfortable with the pair of Foxes watching them intently from a newly installed boardwalk at Dungannon Plantation. One Fox raised a pair of binoculars to his face as the other clicked her camera over and over again, capturing each movement of the large, elegant wading birds as they fussed over their closely built nests in a giant cypress tree. This was the third or fourth time the Foxes had come back to this tree and Lynda Fox was thrilled to hear the peeping of several Wood Stork chicks for the very first time. “We could hear them before we even got off our bikes,” she smiled, recalling the first time she caught a glimpse of the young chick that would later inspire her to write her first photojournalistic novel. Originally born in Baltimore, Maryland, author Lynda Fox spent 25 years in Dahlonega, Georgia, as a veterinarian before she and her husband Tom, a biologist, decided to retire on the zoologically prolific Seabrook Island. On her first visit to Dungannon Plantation, a 643 acre heritage preserve located just off highway 162 in southern Charleston County, Lynda was inspired by her first glimpse of a Wood Stork. Standing at approximately three and a half feet tall, the Wood Stork’s scaly head and neck and long, plum colored legs aren’t exactly appealing; but when they

“In all things of nature there is something of the marvelous.” - Aristotle

Wood Stork continued on page 4

I n s id e

page 10 Sunsets

t h e

I sl a nd

Con nection. . .

page 11 green & clean

page 13 farm fresh recipe

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Kiawah Island Council – August 4, 2009

The meeting of the Kiawah Town Council was preceded by two public hearings. The first meeting was held at 1pm for Ordinance 2009-06: relating to the control of pets. The second meeting was held at 1:30pm for Ordinance 2009-07: amendments to Health and Sanitation. There was no comment for the Control for Pets Ordinance at 1pm. However, the Health and Sanitation

The Island Connection Lynn Pierotti Publisher [email protected] Kristin Hackler Managing Editor [email protected] Swan Richards Graphic Designer [email protected] Ali Akhyari Assistant Editor [email protected] Chelsea Langan Advertising [email protected] Ashleigh McHenry Advertising [email protected] Interns Micah Brown Evans Craddock Chris Marchewka Dylan Sharek Ellie Smith Contributors Dr Charles Bensonhaver Stephanie Braswell Mary Girault Capt Chad Hayes Dwight Ives Helen Legare Sea Island Habitat Rich Thomas Published by Lucky Dog Publishing of South Carolina, LLC P.O. Box 837 Sullivan’s Island, SC 29482 843-886-NEWS Future deadlines: August 26 for submissions.

Op-Ed articles do not necessarily reflect the opinion of Lucky Dog News or its writers.

Lucky Dog Publishing, LLC Publishers of Island Eye News, The Island Connection and The Folly Current.

hearing was attended and speakers were heard by the Council. Public hearing for Ordinance 200907: amendments to Health and Sanitation Before the speakers began, Mayor Wert noted that there had been a series of casual meetings on the Ordinance, mainly instigated by the Kiawah Island Community Association (KICA) and Joe Bunting. Several letters had also been sent in by representatives of many of the Town’s regimes, including Inlet Cove, Turtle Point Two, Duneside Two and Windswept Three. These letters were all entered into the record. Mayor Wert commented that all of the letters pretty much carried the same tone: “yard debris should not be under the ordinance”, “We’re in favor of recycling, but you haven’t looked at the specific needs of our regime closely enough” and third, “We want to know more about the trash pickup system currently in place”. Before getting into the comments, Councilman McHugh, who is heading up the committee looking into this Ordinance, reviewed the timeline of the recycling program. In 2008, the Town began work on a program to make recycling available to the island. It was with this objective that they began making contact with regimes and talking about a non-mandatory program. As they were looking at the program, it became evident that the regimes were out of step with the single family homes, which has yard pick up, solid waste and recycling, for which the Town is providing a subsidy of $255 per home. “When that came in to focus, the recycling program seemed incomplete for the regimes,” said McHugh. To make them consistent, the Town went back to the Ordinances and found that it was mandatory for single family homes to participate in the solid waste program of the Town. So to make both programs the same, the Town

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looked into bringing both under the same Ordinance. “Obviously, it’s not going to work that way,” said McHugh. “I just wanted you all to understand how we got to where we are.” “Just to clarify,” said the Mayor, “this isn’t a stimulus program. ‘Subsidy’ means that we do not now charge single family homes to pick up their recycling or solid waste if they bring it to the curb. We’re talking about providing that service at no cost to a regime, not just giving you $255.” Colonel Stanton, president of Ocean Woods, spoke first and began by questioning the definition of “regime”, asking if Ocean Woods was included as a regime or as single family homes. Stanton also expressed concern over the storage of the new recycling containers, as space is fairly limited in most regimes. He also pointed out that the current garbage collection service does not replace garbage cans correctly.“If we’re going to do this, let’s have the people who pick up the garbage do it properly. “ Another regime resident stated that she was interested in the recycling program because it has not been easy in the past. She suggested a voluntary recycling program as a solution. The resident also suggested that attractive fences be built around the larger recycling bins so that they would hide any spilled garbage. “Find people who want to recycle. They will participate and do it properly,” she said. Regular Town Council Polo on Kiawah The meeting opened with a citizen’s presentation by Joe Bunting of KICA, who asked the Council’s opinion on holding an old-fashioned polo match on the beach on September 20. “Historically, wild horses could be found on Kiawah until the 1970s,” said Bunting, “and American Quarter Horse racing was held

August 21, 2009

on the beach until 1984.” So KICA had an idea; to bring horses back to Kiawah’s beach. The game would be held at low tide and the environmental impacts of the event have been extensively investigated and adjusted for, as well as the safety and comfort of the players and horses. The event itself would be free for Kiawah Islanders to attend, but there would be a paid social event which would benefit the Kiawah Island Habitat Conservancy. The social event would include an opening reception before the game so individuals could meet the riders and enjoy canapés and champagne. They would also receive preferred seating on the beach and after the game, would attend a large social event at the Beach Club. The Polo match was approved unanimously by the Council later in the meeting. Ordinance 2009-06: relating to the control of pets The Mayor stated that, as there were no comments or suggestions during the public hearing, he moved for a second reading. Councilman Lipuma noted that there was a set of recommendations in the information packet which, he felt, has a lot of logic and appeal. He presented a map which shows the eastern most end and the western most end of the island as critical protected habitats. The stretch going toward the beach, from the Beach Club to the Ocean Courts pedestrian access on the eastern side, and the area from the Beachwalker Park vehicle access to the critical area habitat on the western side, would be designated as off-leash areas year round as long as the dog is under voice command. The central area would require dogs to be on a leash at all times. Town attorney Rhoad stated that this would extend what was already defined KI Council continued on page 6

Civic Calendar

Seabrook Island Town Council All Town Council meetings will be held at 2:30pm at the Town Hall unless noted otherwise on the Town bulletin board.

Tuesday, September 1 Kiawah Island Town Council 2pm - 4pm Town Hall Council Chambers Kiawah Island Ways and Means Committee meeting 8am Kiawah Island Municipal Center’s 2nd Floor Conference Room

Wednesday, September 2 Kiawah Island Planning Commission 3pm - 5pm Town Hall Council Chambers Seabrook Island Planning Commission – work session All Planning Commission meetings will be held at 2:30pm at the Town Hall unless noted otherwise on the Town bulletin board.

Thursday, September 3

Johns Island Council Meeting 7pm – 8pm Berkeley Electric Co-Op on Maybank Rd. Kiawah Island Arts Council 3pm - 5pm Town Hall - 2nd Floor Conference Room

Monday, September 7 Labor Day Kiawah offices will be closed

Wednesday, September 9 Seabrook Island Planning Commission All Planning Commission meetings will be held at 2:30pm at the Town Hall.

Monday, September 14 St. Johns Fire District Commission 7pm St. Johns Commission Building 3327 Maybank Highway, Johns Island Kiawah Island Environmental Committee 3pm - 5pm Town Hall - 2nd Floor Conference Room

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Kiawah Island Town Hall 21 Beachwalker Drive Kiawah Island, SC 29455 Phone: 768-9166 Fax: 768-4764 Email: [email protected] Seabrook Island Town Hall 2001 Seabrook Island Road Seabrook Island, SC 29455 Phone: 768-9121 Fax: 768-9830 Email: [email protected] Johns Island Council Meetings are held at the Berkeley Electric Co-op located at 3351 Maybank Hwy, John’s Island. Chairman Chris Cannon: 3435113 Charleston County Council 4045 Bridge View Drive, North Charleston (843) 958-4700 City of Charleston 75 Calhoun St. (843) 724-3745

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Johns Island Council meeting – August 6, 2009 Grand tree damage control Joel Evans with Charleston County Planning Commission and Sally Brooks, a certified arborist, gave a presentation to the Johns Island Council concerning the South Carolina Department of Transportation’s (SC DOT) plans to evaluate the safety of a “whole slew of trees” on Bohicket and River roads. According to State law, all trees which are six (6) inches or greater in diameter breast height (DBH) are protected unless they pose a danger to the public. During a preliminary evaluation, the DOT identified 33 grand trees which were in need of maintenance/removal. Evans and Brooks followed up on the report and determined that, of the 33 grand trees given, only 11 were really an issue. Each tree was measured and evaluated on site for safe clearance within the travel way. They concluded that five grand trees may be considered for removal and six grand trees are in need of maintenance trimming due to secondary low-hanging branches and or/rotten limbs. The main reason for both limb removal and full tree removal is rot. Either through exposed areas caused by broken limbs or the removal of bark through repeated vehicle strikes, the interiors of the limbs and/or trunks have become too precarious to leave standing on the side of a busy road. Secondary reasons for removal were the tree’s proximity to the road and/or limbs hanging lower than the required 13.5 inches from the surface of the road. “When we looked at trees, if they were damaged outside of the white line, we didn’t consider it,” said Evans. “Regardless of what they’re carrying, the legal height [for trucks] is 13.5 feet. So

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if someone is driving down one of these roads and hits these trees … we have to do what we can to prevent that.” Thomas Legare asked Evans if the DOT was planning on doing any routine limb trimming along the roads of minor, smaller branches. “They’re waiting for us,” said Evans, in reference to the DOT. “Once we get back with them, they’ll start. But we wanted to present this to you so you know that it wasn’t about construction, just about five trees that need to be removed and six that need to have their limbs removed.” Evans also noted that, for the trees that will require removal, the DOT did get permission to plant smaller oaks further away from the side of the road. “The ones we replaced off River Road a couple years ago are looking a little shocked, but we’re hoping that’s just this summer weather and that they’ll be better this fall,” said Evans. “If not, then we’ll replace them.” He also noted that the trees which were initially up for consideration were marked with a pink dot, but the final trees marked for removal will have a further indicator, such as tape. Following the discussion, the Council thanked Evans and Brooks for their presentation. “Y’all are doing the right thing, coming out and talking to us about what you’re going to do,” said Legare. “There were only one or two of those trees I think people will complain about,” said Chairman Chris Cannon. “But I can see why they needed to be taken care of.” For more information about the SC DOT tree trimming project, or if you have questions or comments, call (843) 202-7200, email sbrooks@ charlestoncounty.org, or call the SC DOT at (843) 740-1655.

Sunday strings

mos Lawrence, Assistant Concert Master of the Charleston Symphony Orchestra, will be playing a violin concert with piano accompaniment of light classics and easy listening at the Episcopal Church of Our Savior on Sunday, August 30, 2009, beginning at 4pm.  The doors will be open for seating at 3:30pm. This concert is a thank you from Amos Lawrence to the Charleston Symphony Orchestra League for offering him a summer scholarship to pursue his musical studies.  He would also like to recognize the communities that support the CSO in their musical endeavors through his gift of music. The concert is free to the public. For further information please call Julie Fennimore, Vice President of the Education Committee for the CSOL, Inc., at 768-5550.

Treasurers report Treasurer Sam Brownlee reported that the Council had a standing balance of $746.31 for July. As there were no expenses, the amount remains at $746.31. CHATS Sam Brownlee stated that there was nothing Johns Island-related to report from the CHATS meeting. Zoning requests Chairman Cannon remarked that there really had been nothing new on the books for Johns Island from either Charleston City or County for the past two months. In July, there was a question as to whether or not two grand trees should be removed as they are in the way of a utility line. However, as one is a gum tree and the other a magnolia, Cannon felt that there probably wouldn’t be much of an argument. “The Utility has the right of way and those are both fairly quick-growing trees,” he said. Approved zoning changes on Johns Island for July included a three foot reduction in the OCRM setback line at 6080 Overlook Road for the purpose of installing a swimming pool, and the approval of the installation of a 24” gravity sewer and 16” force main at 2731 Canter Lane, 1863 River Road and 1899 River Road. Traffic committee In the absence of Rich Thomas, who could not attend the meeting due to the flu, Cannon discussed the new Traffic Committee which Thomas plans to spearhead. Cannon noted that potential members needed to start cataloguing specific things that need to be done on the island, “So we can support ‘Fix our Roads First’”. Legare stated that he has a list of broad specifications from the Concerned Citizens of the Sea Islands which has been sent to Charleston County. “It’s not real specific, but it’s about time to put down specifics,” said Legare. Vice Chair Rich Jenkins noted that the needed to go through the list once it was complete and prioritize it on a regular basis, sending new copies to County and City Council as often as possible. The Council also discussed establishing a website, both for the Johns Island Council itself, as well as for the new Traffic Committee.

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Sam Brownlee stated that he and Rich Thomas met recently with County Sheriff Al Cannon, who promised that they would do more proactive enforcement of the roads on Johns Island. “We’ve also requested information on the number of wrecks from Charleston County on the Johns Island roads,” said Brownlee, “but I have not heard back from them and it’s been a month.” Brownlee stated that the reason he wanted the statistics was because of the incongruities he noted in the recent article “Johns Island Roads: Unsafe at Any Speed” in the August 7 edition of The Island Connection, when compared to the statistics recorded by the St. Johns Fire Department. The numbers, he said, were too high. “For the same time period [2007 & 2008], the St. Johns Fire District recorded 32 accidents on River Road: 15 in 2007 and 17 in 2008,” said Brownlee. “The Department of Public Safety report in the article shows that there were 58 accidents.” The same inconsistencies held for Maybank and Main during the same time period. “The Fire department reports to every accident on the islands, so they have record of all the accidents,” said Brownlee. “When a call goes to 911, the call goes to County, then to the jurisdiction. St. Johns monitors those calls so that they’re often there before EMS and County police. The data’s flawed here. I trust the Fire Department data first.” Raising awareness for Johns Island Council Chairman Cannon stated that he will start requesting that different City and County Council members and organization representatives begin attending Council meetings. He hopes to have several of them speak with the Council during the regular meetings. Finally, Cannon asked that Council members think about what they can do to raise awareness on the island of the Johns Island Council. “We could have an event, maybe get a bigger sign for the meetings,” he said. “We just need to do more to get more information about the Council out.” The Johns Island Council meets on the first Thursday of the month at 7pm at Berkeley Electic Co-Op, located at 3351 Maybank Hwy, Johns Island. For more information, call Chris Cannon at 343-5113.

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It’s like reducing air pollution standards Letter to the editor... and labeling it as Blue Skies.  The only NIMBY* expressway anyone? green I foresee is in the pockets of the developers who must be salivating for Dear Editor, such a project. They give two reasons why we need Not all Kiawah and  Seabrook Island an additional road to the islands: traffic residents think the proposed Cross Johns congestion and safety. Island Expressway is a good idea. This Main Road/Bohicket Road and River Seabrooker thinks it’s a waste of taxpayer Road serve these barrier islands. The money. traffic on Main Road/Bohicket Road is When the proponents describe this heavy but manageable 2 hours a day 5 project as “green” you have to laugh.  Who days a week.  The flow could be enhanced are you kidding when you say replacing and safety advanced with the installation farmland with concrete is going “green?”  of more turn lanes and the removal of

some trees.  River Road is lightly traveled and underutilized 24-7. Try it, I urge my neighbors, roll down your windows, enjoy the azaleas, smell the freshly turned soil and remember why you moved to this area. The safety issue is legitimate and I think the removal of some trees is necessary.  The aforementioned roads are undeniably scenic and scenic roads are by nature more dangerous than your average pike. I’d bet the Blue Ridge Parkway and Pacific Coast Highway are statistically more dangerous than the New Jersey Turnpike, but what would you change? If you choose to live or work at the As IVes sees it end of a scenic road you should make it a personal responsibility to drive safer.  Start by putting down your cell phone and paying attention to what you’re doing.  The number one cause of accidents on our roads is inattentiveness of the driver. How does a new road address that by Dwight S. Ives MA, MA, LUTCF issue? It will also exacerbate the bottleneck ad a bad, week, how about year?  resolved and dismissed six months prior. at the Stono River Bridge. The story is true. Read and learn. However, I learned that I would have to Two years ago to the month contact the Clerk of Court’s Office for the Wood Stork continued from cover (May 2007), I was issued a ticket for a City of Charleston from which the ticket cracked windshield. I went before a very was issued.  I did.  A nice lady claiming to stretch out their vivid achromatic wings kind Judge McFarland to request an be the Clerk of Court said that she would to their full five foot span, and the sharp extension, since the glass had to be ordered. take care of it as soon as possible, which chiaroscuro of the white body and black This was approved. Once installed, I was great; or so I thought.  tipped flight feathers catches your eye, returned to the court of an equally kind Monday rapidly turned into Wednesday Judge Steven Steinert to prove compliance. with no solution to the problem. My car they’re positively breathtaking. Camera in hand, Lynda decided No problem. The case was dismissed.   was still impounded and my license was to document these fascinating birds Months passed. Thanksgiving came and still suspended. I frantically called the over their breeding period of early DMV and the Clerk’s office, but to no went with Christmas rapidly approaching. avail.  The papers had not yet been sent April through late May of 2008. 2,000 I was anticipating a big Christmas for my then 15 year old son. I had just purchased a to Columbia to correct the problem which photographs later, Lynda not only had a used vehicle for an anticipated paper route had originated from the failure of the detailed documentation of the early life to supplement my income for unforeseen Clerk’s office to let Judge McFarland’s of the Wood Stork, she also had a story medical bills regarding my son and was court know that I had complied, as my to tell. final appearance had been before Judge happy until “Christmas” came to call. Using several reference books for her Heading back to Johns Island one Steinert. factual content, including Florida’s Wood On Thursday just before noon, I again morning, I saw blue lights behind Storks by Victoria Brook Van Meter, A me. I pulled over. This is where I met called the Clerk’s office, only to be told Wood Stork Grows Up follows the life of an unexpected “Christmas”, Officer that she was busy in court and would Woodrow, a young Wood Stork, from only Christmas.  He asked me about the dealer get back with me.  Shortly thereafter, I tags on the car, to which I explained from received a very terse scolding from the a few days after he was hatched to the day whom I bought the car, etc. Then he ran Clerk who reemphasized that she would he found his own mate. The photographs my license, as usual. Soon, there were two get to it when she could.  I emphasized speak of the lives of these enigmatic sets of blue lights behind me. Something that her delay and error were costing me waterfowl as clearly as a novel, but Lynda’s bright descriptions and cleverly integrated was very, very wrong. I called every high- money.  She went away mad. ranking officer I had listed in my cell Finally, and perhaps in retaliation, my facts serve to make this 138 page pictorial phone, but they could not determine problem was solved on Friday in the last engaging as well as educational. the problem. I was cuffed, taken to the minute of the last hour of the last day of Besides Woodrow, A Wood Stork County Jail, and the car towed and that work week.  At the impound yard, I Grows Up also follows the lives of impounded. My license was suspended, learned that had I waited just one more his nest neighbors, whom the author though my insurance and registration day, the car would have been gone. describes as “Sister”, “The Next-Doorwere current.  “What’s the problem?” I The cost of my innocence through Neighbors”, “the Rowdy Triplets”, “Only asked. The officer had no answers.   no fault of my own was in excess of Chick”, “Max and Min” and “The Quiet I spent the rest of the day at County $1200 including towing, storage, missed Quintuplets”. Although Lynda made an waiting … just waiting.  I called the few time at work, a motel bill, and public people for whom I had numbers, but to no transportation.  This could happen to avail and still no answers.  By 11pm, a very you. Needless to say, Christmas was not nice Judge Linda Lombard released me the way I had planned it. on a PR Bond, but where to go? I needed Ten days later, someone came into money, so I walked to a nearby ATM only my lane, hit me head on, and totaled to be followed by a patrol car. What now? the car. Was he there to take me back? No, he was Coming soon:   before the courts again there for my safety. He told me that I was (part 2) and Cash & confinement (part in a high crime area.  (I guess so. I just left 3). the jail!)  He was there to prevent me from Dwight graduated from the National being robbed.  When he heard what had happened, he took me to a motel that was College Republican Fieldman School to close to a Department of Motor Vehicles become a political instructor/consultant.  office. Returning from Washington, DC, he earned Night came and went too quickly.  dual Masters in Business Administration I could not go to work until I could straighten out my situation – whatever it and Management.  He has done PR work was. That morning, the DMV told me for Crystal Gayle, Frank Abagenal of the that I had an unresolved ticket of which movie “Catch Me If You Can”, and the I was unaware.  As it turned out, it was “Christmas Show” produced by Brad and from the windshield incident. I told the Jenifer Moranz.  Dwight works Security at DMV clerk that the situation had been Kiawah Island for KICA.

The cost of innocence (Part one of three)

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August 21, 2009

If the developers and their cronies insist on unnecessary government spending I have an idea that would: • Reduce traffic all across Johns Island with its concurrent safety benefit. • Carve serious minutes off the drive to Charleston. • Introduce another storm evacuation route. • Not require our Johns Island neighbors to sacrifice their property and way of life for our convenience. What I am suggesting is for these entities to apply their considerable lobbying might to opening the roads of Kiawah to the public and building a bridge to Folly Beach.  NIMBY Expressway anyone?   Harry Polychron Seabrook Island *NIMBY = Not In My Back Yard

effort not to anthropomorphize in her text, the characteristics of the birds still shine through in their portraits. Although it’s close to impossible to tell male from female at such a young age, Lynda brings the personalities of the birds closer to the reader with her playful naming and commentary on each nest’s occupants. Full of anecdotes about the young chicks learning to fly, fish, dance, build nests and fall in love, this book leaves nothing out. Comedy and tragedy, life and death, this survival story of one of the world’s most endangered wading birds is a delightful read and an excellent educational guide to the Wood Stork for any age. A Wood Stork Grows Up is available at Indigo Books in Freshfields Village, Caw Caw Interpretive Center in Ravenel, the Audubon Center at Beidler Forest, Huntington Beach State Park in Beaufort, Amazon.com, and the largest Wood Stork preserve in the world, the National Audubon Society’s Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary in Florida. Author Lynda Fox will also be giving a power point presentation based on A Wood Stork Grows Up at the Johns Island Garden Club meeting on September 10 at 11:15am in the Berkeley Electric building on Maybank Highway. Everyone is invited. Photos on cover by linda fox

August 21, 2009

Op-Ed

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Johns Island roads: truths, inconvenient truths, and statistics

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eading the article “Johns Island Roads: Unsafe At Any Speed!” in the July 10 issue of The Island Connection, I was reminded of the phrase, “There are three kinds of lies: lies, damned lies, and statistics”. This article was neither honestly nor objectively based on available statistics. A referenced study from the organization TRIP, which is funded by insurance companies and businesses, unions, and organizations involved in roadbuilding, provides us with astonishingly contradictory statements: “These accidents can be directly attributed to the engineering, congestion and condition of the roads themselves. Unfortunately, limitations in the data available from the Department of Public Safety at the time of the original article made it impossible to know where the accidents occurred or what caused them.” So, which is it? “These accidents can be directly attributed”, or is it “unfortunately... impossible to know... what caused them?” This is quite a firm conclusion to draw from “limitations in the data available”. The data (presented in the online version

By Rich Thomas, Southern Johns Island of the article) shows accident causes and factors (they are very different). Over half of the accidents (55%) and injuries (52%), but only one death, are related to four “probable causes”: distracted/inattention, failure to yield right of way, following too closely and going too fast for conditions. It is unclear how the roads’ “engineering, congestion and condition” contribute to unpleasant outcomes of these particular stupidities. Would a new road improve substandard behavioral problems? 43% (6/14) of deaths have DUI as the probable cause, and another 43% (6/14) are attributed to uncharacterized “other causes”. About a fourth of accidents (25%) and injuries (28%) are also attributed to these “other causes”. We do not know from the data what actually causes another 43% of deaths (in addition to 43% caused by DUI) and a fourth of the accidents and injuries. These, in addition to more than half of the accidents, are clearly caused by stupidity. The data strongly suggest that paying attention and not driving drunk would be very beneficial. Imagine that. Half (7/14) of deaths involve trees as a factor (but not a cause). Should we build a new road to address the tree-related deaths, which might have other contributing causes, e.g., DUI? Would driving sober and avoiding trees be cheaper and less disruptive than building a new expensive road to avoid those trees? 70% of accidents and injuries, and 21% of deaths, involved “another motor vehicle” as a factor. Safe driving and being defensive to the unsafe behaviors of other drivers might have a larger, and zero-cost, effect on safety; more than building an expensive, disruptive new road. The article states that “The four deaths on River Road can be attributed to its narrow travel lanes, sharp curves, lack of shoulders, and the fact that the shoulders are overgrown with century-old live oaks growing at the edge of the pavement.” The data show absolutely no detail whatsoever

related to specific incidents on specific roads. It is a completely irresponsible confabulation to make such a statement. Road characteristics are not a cause (“can be attributed”) of death; rather, they would be factors. However, It would be a virtual certainty to ascribe deaths to DUI and “other causes” since these categories comprise 86% (12/14) of deaths. The “other factors” category shows that trees (7 deaths), another vehicle (3), pedestrian/bicycle (2), rollover (1) or ditch (1) are related to deaths, but not specifically for River Road. It is reasonable that “overgrown ... century-old live oaks” might be a factor in half of the deaths on River Road. I seriously doubt the “overgrown ... century-old live oaks” jumped out into the road so some other driver action must have caused these deaths. “Narrow travel lanes, sharp curves, lack of shoulders” are not a part of the mix of “other factors” consisting of another vehicle, pedestrian/ bicycle, rollover, or ditch that are cited in deaths. More confabulation. The data do not address number of vehicles (“congestion”), so we can not even speculate as to how traffic volume relates to the accidents, deaths, and injuries. Using that argument in the context of this article is totally disingenuous and specious. So, do we spend lots of money and disrupt our beautiful island for a new road, or do we focus on encouraging responsible behaviors that accommodate the prevailing conditions? Active traffic law enforcement now is an effective alternative to building a new expensive road at some indeterminate time in the future. Police presence and enforcement can focus driver attention and improve driving behavior and personal responsibility -- the absences of which are the cited causes of accidents and injuries/deaths on our roads. For the money that would be spent on a new road, how many cops could be funded to enforce the existing laws? How much road improvement could be done, how many

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drunks intercepted? Better individual behavior costs nothing except perhaps some minimal time and effort, and disrupts the Island environment and residents in no noticeable way. Actually, focusing on not being stupid on any road would help reduce accidents and injuries by half. Pay attention, slow down, don’t tailgate, yield to others, stay on your side of the road, don’t yap on your cell phone, don’t pass on yellow lines, be considerate of your neighbors. You know, all those rules they teach you in Driver’s Ed, the ones you hope your kids obey. Are there low-cost improvements to our roads that could improve safety by focusing attention, e.g. lighting, striping, signs, dots, reflectors, rumble strips, speed limits, etc.? Let’s implement relatively inexpensive improvements immediately and see how they work before a whole new expensive and disruptive road is even remotely considered as a proposed solution. There is one clear inconvenient truth in this whole affair: a new road cannot address the fundamental behaviors that actually cause the carnage on our roads. The road conditions (“factors”) clearly exacerbate the consequences of these behaviors, but are not the causes. We know what these behaviors are. The data very clearly show them and we see them played out on our roads every day, all day long, by residents and transients alike. The statistics in absolutely no way whatsoever suggest we should spend tens or hundreds of millions of scarce dollars and disrupt the Island and its residents in pursuit of a wrong “solution”. Obfuscation of this truth in support of a self-serving agenda does no good for anyone, and makes the proponents look foolish. Put your efforts into addressing the real problems on our roads, not the “Johns Island Problem” you see from off.

August 21, 2009

6 KI Council continued from prage 2 as critical areas on the beach. The Mayor motioned to modify the Ordinance to include this new designation, and the newly modified Ordinance, in its first reading by title only, was passed unanimously. The public hearing on this ordinance will be held at 1:30pm on September 1, just before the next Town Council meeting. Ordinance 2009-07: amendments to Health and Sanitation “We have received enough information that there will be very substantive changes to this Ordinance,” said the Mayor. “So much so that to have a second reading would be against the law.” He referred the Ordinance back to a committee chaired by Councilman McHugh, volunteers from the regimes and other island associations. He asked that the committee come back to Council with an Ordinance more in line with the input received and asked that they plan on passing an Ordinance by January 1 so that the Town can negotiate new contracts with their trash pick up services. “It was unintended consequences that got us where we are, but it’s a good intent, to provide recycling to all of Kiawah,” said the Mayor. First reading of Amendments to Article 17: Tidelands Management Mayor Wert stated that this Ordinance is to clear up a loophole with property owners regarding any requests for bulkheads that are being sent to the

Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource Management (OCRM). The Ordinance requires that property owners notify the Town at the same time as the OCRM. “This does not say that we have ‘approval’ of anything, we just want to know what’s going on,” said the Mayor. Council approved the amendment unanimously. A public hearing will be held on this amendment, now Ordinance 2009-08, at 1pm on September 1. Arts Council report Councilman Lipuma stated that, since the Art Council is not in-season, he had nothing to report. Parkway report Councilman Orban stated that work on the Parkway and Bikepath were progressing well. Berkeley Electric is just about done with their work and is finishing the tie-in boxes, “but they’re far enough along that we can start,” he said. Orban also reported that the contractor working on the bridge has completed eight piles for the bridge and is now working on pier caps and abutments. Landscaping and irrigation plans will be done by mid-August and hopefully will start in early September following the paving of the Bikepath. “Finally, after all these years, we’re moving along well,” he smiled. Public Safety report Councilman Orban reported that on July 16, Public Safety heard comments from Joe Croughwell about a series of incidents of stolen bikes, broken lights, trash in swimming pools and broken mailboxes.

”It seems to have stopped, so the perpetrators must have gone home,” said Orban. He also noted that false alarms are up. About 20 were made last month and each one costs the Fire Department, as they have to report to each one. “There are several habitual malfunctioning alarms,” said Orban. “We tried to fix the problem through education, but we might have to pass an Ordinance.” Orban also remarked on the issue of traffic clearing. In regards to the accident on the Parkway a few weeks ago that stopped traffic for two hours, the problem seems to be the wait for wreckers. In this case, the wrecker had to come from North Charleston, so it took an hour to get here. “I’ve suggested that we could use Fipps, who is fairly local and could save us some time in clearing accidents,” said Orban. There was also an incident of a wrecked beach vehicle by the Beach Patrol recently. “The Mayor was kind enough to sit down with them [Beach Patrol] and raise the roof about providing better service and doing the job they were contracted to do,” Orban reported. Mayor Wert noted that according to the Fire Department, if there is one accident on the island and another one occurs that emergency vehicles need to get to, fire trucks would be used to push the vehicles out of the way; “But only in extreme situations,” said the Mayor, “as we are a litigious society”. Envionmental Committee Councilman McHugh noted that there was no Environmental Committee meeting this month.

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External Affairs Councilman Burnaford stated that the Greenway proposal is going well. Last month, Dr. Paul Roberts, Joe Croughwell and Al Burnaford met with Colleen Condon, Elliot Sumney and Vic Rawle of Charleston County Council to give them the updates they received on the accidents on Johns Island between 2007 and 2008. A letter was sent to Teddy Pryor, the chairman of Charleston County Council, Mayor Riley and a myriad of other people, suggesting a process to get the Greenway on the agenda in order to proceed. “I would like to rescind my feeling that this would not be done by the time I’m 98; now I’m thinking 80, and it might be sooner than that,” Burnaford smiled. Burnaford suggested that the funds that would potentially be used to widen Maybank could be used to make the Greenway instead, since if the Greenway was built, the Maybank widening would not necessarily be needed. Town Administrator’s report Town Administrator Tumiko Rucker reported that she had been working with Councilman Orban on the Parkway project in bi-weekly meetings. She also spoke with the Beach Patrol about their performance on the beach and noted that they have been responsive to the issues pointed out, including replacing the lost vehicle, improving uniforms and correcting arrival times. Their activity will be monitored on a daily basis. Also, KI Council continued on page 7

August 21, 2009 KI Council continued from prage 6 the issues with the garbage contractor have been raised and the company stated that they are working on acclimating their new employees with the routes on Kiawah. Rucker was happy to report that the Wildlife Department has started a new initiative of bird banding involving a large net, resulting in the gathering of several smaller birds which were not previously in the island’s annual bird survey. In regards to external affairs, Rucker attended a CARTA meeting, where it was discussed that they would be purchasing new busses with ARRA funds, since the current busses are from the Atlanta Olympics. CARTA also received a clean audit opinion for their most recent fiscal year, which Rucker noted speaks volumes to their financial strength. Finally, Treasurer Kenneth Gunnells attended the Association of Public Treasurers annual conference in Spokane, Washington, where Kiawah was recognized for it’s second certification of excellence in investment policy. Gunnells received a plaque on behalf of the Town. Mayor’s report Mayor Wert clarified that the term “vehicle lost” did not mean it was lost, it was just damaged beyond repair. The Mayor also reported on the alligator spotlight survey, which reported a total of 450 alligators for 2009. “It’s not definitively scientific, but in 2003, there were 250 alligators, and in 2008 there were 537 counted,” said the Mayor. “Please don’t think there’s been a great reduction of alligators on the island; that’s just how many we

counted this year.” Finally, the Mayor congratulated Tumiko Rucker for receiving the Liberty Fellowship. She was selected from 250 nominees that go through an incredibly intense screening process, and Rucker was one of the 21 selectees. She will be a representative for the next three years. “Congratulations,” said the Mayor.” We’re very proud of you.” Citizen’s Comments Wendy Kulick reminded everyone that the drive for school supplies continues for Mount Zion Elementary. Residents have continued their incredible generosity, and the donated goods will be much appreciated. Kulick can be contacted at home ((843)768-7466) or via e-mail ([email protected]). Council comments: Councilman Burnaford noted that Charlie Larson, who had been attacked by a dog on his bike some weeks ago and damaged his shoulder, completed a 150 mile race in Massachusetts with his son, David. The race is for cancer and over the years, he has raised over $21 million for the cause. Councilman Orban attended the Charleston Region Community Leaders meeting on Shoreline Change held by DHEC on July 13. There were representatives from the beach front communities of Folly Beach, the Isle of Palms, Sullivan’s Island, Seabrook Island and Kiawah Island. It was essentially a brain storming session for DHEC, said Orban, and an outline of the discussion is available at Town Hall for anyone interested. The next Kiawah Town Council meeting will be held on Tuesday, September 1, at 2pm.

Family donates playground

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by sea island Habitat

afe, decent, affordable housing goes beyond just the actual housing structure.  And that’s what spurred the Moriarty Family to do more for the families in Sea Island Habitat’s most recent community, Brownswood Place.   In March of this year, Kiawah Islander Ed Moriarty expressed his family’s desire to donate a playground to a Sea Island Habitat neighborhood.  “There are already 100 plus kids living in the neighborhood. These kids would certainly benefit from having a safe place to play,” said Moriarty.  After much planning and recruiting of volunteers, the Moriarty’s installed the brand new playset on Thursday, August 6, and Friday, August 7.  The playset is made entirely of 100% recycled materials and includes a play area for children with disabilities.  The Magnolia Garden Club donated flowers for two raised flowerboxes that double as benches, and volunteers built two picnic benches to create an area for family and community gatherings. 

Student to scholar for a dollar

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By Mary Girault

n 1991, Mrs. Elizabeth Stringfellow established the Stringfellow-Andell Scholarship Fund for deserving John’s Island High School seniors seeking a college education. While Mrs. Stringfellow’s family, the Andells, once owned what is now called Seabrook Island, she grew up on John’s Island and felt a strong connection to the families she encountered. Seventy-five Johns Island students have benefited from these scholarships. Historically, the funds necessary for each year’s scholarships were derived from the earning from Mrs. Stringfellow’s original endowment. Because of recent market conditions, the scholarship fun now is in need of contributions from the community. The scholarships are administered by a committee from The Church of Our Saviour, located on Johns Island. Applicants for scholarships are carefully screened by this committee whose members also act as individual mentors for recipients, assisting them as they make the important and often difficult transition from high school to college. Any college-bound senior living on Johns Island is eligible to apply. Applications can be obtained from high school guidance counselors, and are due in April of each year. Applicants are judged based on financial need, academic record, and involvement in extra-curricular activities. The number of scholarships awarded is determined by available funds. As many as eight scholarships have been given in one year, and no fewer than four have ever been given. This year, four scholarships in the amount of $3,000 each were awarded. All of the recipients worked at least one job while in high school. One of the

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recipients, Cierra Wrighton, worked three jobs in Freshfields Village over the years. You may have met her behind the counter at Newton Farms, the soda fountain at Vincent’s, or at Email Ship. For the foreseeable future, it is anticipated that funds will have to be raised each year to continue this important outreach program. Newton Farms is partnering with the Church of Our Saviour to raise money for the scholarship fund. Patrons of Newton Farms can participate in several ways: Donations can be made at the checkout at Newton Farms or they can be mailed or delivered to the Johns Island Scholarship Fund, Church of Our Saviour, 4416 Betsy Kerrison Parkway, Johns Island, SC, 29455. If every regular Newton Farms patron could donate just $1 once this year, several deserving local students could become the first in their family to go to college in 2010, and the ripples would be felt throughout the community. To make it even easier for customers, Newton Farms has also developed a contribution avenue using the Freshfields Village Good Neighbor Card. Patrons who shop using their Card can stop by the in-store kiosk at Newton Farms, swipe their card, and Newton Farms will make a donation to the scholarship fund equal to the amount of points on the card. Note that the patron does not lose their points, though they can donate their points to the fund if they so desire. Good Neighbor Cards are available at the Freshfields Village office or Newton Farms. The Card is honored at Newton Farms, Java Java, and Indigo Books. Next time you visit one of these merchants, reflect on a time that someone helped you, and decide to add a dollar to your purchase.

8 Friday, August 21 Music on the Green At the Freshfields Village Green from 6 – 9pm. Come listen to Bradford Station. Led by guitarist Brad Henty, Bradford Station plays variety of tunes including blues, rock, beach, country, and jazz. Sponsored by the Town of Kiawah Island. For more info, call Guest Services at 768-6491. College of Charleston Theatre presents Love’s Fire Using a variety of moods, settings and stories, this collection of one-act plays by seven brilliantly gifted contemporary playwrights draws inspiration from Shakespeare’s sonnets. Each provide realistic, unusual and even wild glimpses into the choices people make in today’s society. Chapel Theatre, 172 Calhoun St. August 21-22, 27-29, 31 & September 1 at 8pm.; August 23 & 30 at 3pm. Admission is $15/General; $10/Senior. For more info, call 953-5604, email [email protected], and visit www.cofc.edu/theatre.

The Tryal of Major Stede Bonnet alias the Gentleman Pirate A one of a kind interactive theatrical event which brings to life the trials and glories of the Gentleman Pirate Stede Bonnet. Performance takes place both inside and outside Charleston’s Historic Powder Magazine. Performance lasts about 40 minutes and audience space is standing. The Powder Magazine, 79 Cumberland St. Starting at 4:30pm. Admission is $8$12. For more info, call 534-6169, email [email protected], and visit www.puretheatre.org. Reggae Concert Series: Mystic Vibrations   Bring your chair or blanket, kick back, and enjoy this outdoor reggae concert at James Island County Park.  gates opening at 7:30pm and music beginning at 8:30pm. $8 for adults (13 and up) or five Greenbax; children 12 and under are free.  Annual Gold Passes will be honored.  For more info, visit www.ccprc.com/reggae or call 7954FUN (4386). 

Gibbes Crash Course Workshop Charleston Center for Photography, 654 King St., Ste. D. 9am - 5pm. $100. For more info, call 720-3105, email info@ ccforp.org, and visit www.ccforp.org.

Sunday, August 23 Charleston Community Band performs in Hampton Park

Ta k e a p a g e Johns Island Regional Library 3531 Maybank Highway 559-1945 Hours: Monday – Thursday: 10 – 8 Friday & Saturday: 10 – 6 Sunday: 2 – 5

*All computer classes are free. Please call ahead to register for a class. For more info, please call 559-1945 and ask for the Reference Department. Class space is available for eight participants per session.

Wee Reads (under 24 months with adult) Mondays, August 24 and 31, at 10:30am

Back to School Wheel of Knowledge (11 years and younger) Tuesday, August 18, to Saturday, August 22.

Time for Twos (2 – 3 years old with adult) Tuesday, August 25, at 10:30am

Displays:

Saturday Family Storytime (all ages) Saturday, August 22 and 29, at 11am *Word Basics (young adults) Saturday, August 22, 2 – 4pm *Publisher: Create a School Calendar (young adults) Wednesday, August 26, 3 – 5pm

Island Connec

Islamic Ramadan day

Prehistoric Summer at Beachwalker Park Many Native Americans of our area spent their summers on barrier islands.  Come explore the marsh and forest of Kiawah Island to find useful plants and appreciate how people used abundant seasonal resources.  A registered and paid chaperone is required for participants ages 15 and under. Pre-registration required. Ages 6 & up. Fee: $9/$7 CCR Discount. 10am-12pm. For more info, call 795-4386.

Preschool Storytime (3 – 6 years) Wednesday, August 26, at 10:30am

August 21, 2009

Saturday, August 22

August 21 - S 6pm. Admission is free. For more info, email [email protected], and visit www.charlestoncommunityband. com.

Monday, August 24 Farmers & Art Market at the Freshfields Village Green From 4 – 8pm, visit local farmers, artisans, and food vendors who offer a variety of the freshest local produce and unique handmade crafts, including honey, flowers, handmade jewelry, sweetgrass baskets, food, and much more. Various stores will feature local artists each week. For more info, call Guest Services at 768-6491.

Wednesday, August 26 Women’s Equality Day Pour House Crafters Market Selling original handmade artwork by local starving artists with live music on the deck. Every Wednesday from 4 – 8pm at The Pour House, 1977 Maybank Hwy. 571-4343, www.charlestonpourhouse.com. Starlight Cinema at the Village Green – Journey to the Center of the Earth (2008) Starting at 9 pm. Loosely based on the original Jules Verne novel. On a quest to find out what happened to his missing brother, a scientist, his nephew and their mountain guide discover a fantastic and dangerous lost world in the center of the earth. Rated PG - 93 minutes. For more info, call Guest Services at 768-6491. St. Johns Rotary Club The St Johns Rotary Club meets regularly at 7:30am each Wednesday morning in the multipurpose room at Berkeley Electric Cooperative located at 3351 Maybank Highway, Johns Island.  For more info, contact Martha Harris at 559-6955.

Thursday, August 27 College of Charleston Theatre: The Comedy of Errors A play by William Shakespeare. *Talkbacks: Please join us following the Opening Night performance for an audience talkback.

Pottery Anne Gaillard Graham’s pottery is both sculptural and functional with the intention of engaging her audience. She enjoys using a variety of stoneware and earthenware clays. Her sculptural work reflects emotions and ideas identifiable to everyone. She is the owner of The Blind Potter. Photography Exhibit Ashley Ameika will display her photographs of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Western North Carolina, and nature scenes.

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Emmett Robinson Theatre, 54 St. Philip St. August *27-29, September 3-5 & 7-8 at 8pm.; August 30 & September 6 at 3pm. Admission is $15/General; $10/ Senior. For more info, call 953-5604, email oleksiakm@ cofc.edu, and visit www.cofc.edu/theatre. Gardening in the Lowcountry Bring your lunch and learn about different gardening topics. Offered in partnership with the City of Charleston. Jenny Bloom presents community gardening. Lowcountry Senior Center, 865 Riverland Dr., next to James Island County Park. Noon-1pm. Free for members, $5 for nonmembers. For more info, call 762-9555 and email Elizabeth. [email protected]. Seabrook Island Camera Club - cancelled The Seabrook Camera Club will not be meeting this month. The Seabrook Island Camera Club meets on the fourth Thursday of every month. For more info, please call Judy Bailey at 768-4142. Charleston Beach Music and Shag Festival Charleston Beach Music and Shag Festival has 10 Carolina beach music and blues bands, shag workshops, a full bar, food, lots of dancing and shag lessons. August 27 – 30. Thursday - Friday: J B Pivots Beach Club, 1662 Savannah Hwy. behind Shoneys; Saturday - Sunday: Citadel Alumni House, 69 Hagood St. Charleston 29403. Admission is $50 for four days (until July 31). For more info, call 8140577, email mysticlady@ mindspring.com, or visit www.pivotsbeachclub.com. French Film Festival August 27 – 30. Film schedule to be determined. Sottile Theatre, 44 George St. Times are: August 27 from 6:30-9:30pm, August 29 from 5-9:30pm and August 28 and 30 from 7:30-9:30pm. Admission is donations accepted. For more info, call 953-6721.

August 21, 2009

crafts, including honey, flowers, handmade jewelry, sweetgrass baskets, food, and much more. Various stores will feature local artists each week. For more info, call Guest Services at 768-6491.

ction Calendar

September 4

Wednesday, September 2

Friday, August 28 Redux Contemporary Arts Center: Inside the Fence Featuring new works by internationally renowned artist Lynn Richardson from August 28 – October 16. Richardson will talk about her work and process at the College of Charleston Simons Center for the Arts Room 309 on August 28 at 5:30pm. The exhibition opens with a reception on August 28, 7-10pm at Redux. For more info, visit www.lynnrichardson. ca. Redux Contemporary Arts Center, 136 St. Philip St. Gallery Hours are Tuesday – Saturday 11am – 5pm. Admission is free. For more info, call 722-0697, email [email protected], and visit www. reduxstudios.org. Music on the Green at the Village Green Featuring Meanie, Miney, Moe from 6-9 pm. A Charleston based three piece rock band that plays mainly classic hits and a variety of R&B. For more info, call Guest Services at 768-6491.

Saturday, August 29 The Tryal of Major Stede Bonnet alias the Gentleman Pirate See Saturday, August 22. WakeFest VI Wakeboard Festival At Trophy Lakes on

Johns Island. Free admission, open to anyone and everyone of every age and skill level. $30 to ride, $35 day-of. Registration at 10am in the ProShop, riding starts at 11. Catering by Savory Sushi. Ride the water, play beach volleyball, listen to music, swim in the freshwater lakes, play the 18 hole Disc Golf course, walk the beautiful walking trails and hang from the climbing wall. Call for more details: 559-2520.

Starlight Cinema: The Sandlot (1993) At the Freshfields Village Green at 9pm. Follow the adventures of Scotty Smalls as he learns baseball, confronts a legendary baseball-eating dog and enjoys a summer of excitement. Rated PG - 101 minutes. Sponsored by SeaCoast Sports & Outfitters. For more info, call Guest Services at 7686491.

Sunday, August 30

Pour House Crafters Market Selling original handmade artwork by local starving artists with live music on the deck.

Sunday strings concert Amos Lawrence, Assistant Concert Master of the Charleston Symphony Orchestra, will be playing a violin concert with piano accompaniment of light classics and easy listening at the Episcopal Church of Our Savior beginning at 4pm.  The doors will be open for seating at 3:30pm. Free. For more info, call Julie Fennimore at 768-5550.

Monday, August 31 Farmers & Art Market at the Freshfields Village Green From 4 – 8pm, visit local farmers, artisans, and food vendors who offer a variety of the freshest local produce and unique handmade

6th Annual Family Grape Stomp Don’t forget to mark your calendars! At the Irvin House Vineyards, Saturday, August 29 from 2 – 6pm. Enjoy live music from South 17, food from local vendors and plenty of Irvin House wine. Admission is $5 per car. For more info, please visit www.charlestonwine.com or call 559-6867.

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Every Wednesday from 4 – 8pm at The Pour House, 1977 Maybank Hwy. 571-4343, www.charlestonpourhouse.com. St. Johns Rotary Club See Wednesday, August 26.

Friday, September 4 Last day for Seabrook Island candidacy filing Last day for Seabrook Islanders to file their statement of candidacy for Town Council, Mayor or Utility Commissioner. Interested parties may obtain further information and the necessary forms from the Municipal Clerk by phoning 768-5320 weekdays or by contacting one of the members of the Election Commission and arranging an appointment convenient to both parties.

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August 21, 2009

The view from the water By Captain Chad Hayes

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early everyone who lives, or has the opportunity to visit the Lowcountry, experiences a beautiful sunrise or sunset. Many carry memories of the magical glow they witnessed on a crisp autumn morning, or the searing shine of a July afternoon. These memories can remind us of the best of times and warm our hearts with the recollection. In many countries, sunrise and sunset are worshipped and observed daily as everyone stops work to bask in the spiritual experience. Coffee is consumed and cocktails are enjoyed as we say hello or goodbye to another day. During my time on the waters of the Lowcountry, my days often began before the sun rose and ended long after the sun set. The long hours take a toll on the body and mind, but I consider myself blessed to have the opportunity to start and finish my days with such beauty. Over the years I have been able to capture many of these wonders on film. I often wonder what it is about the ritual that intrigues and captivates us. Beauty and the adoration of Mother Nature are the obvious, but are there deeper meanings? Did our pre-historic relatives pass on a genetic affinity

a clear blue winter sunset means it’s cold and football is over, but it’s just the right time to go catch some blackfish. The reds are schooled up and the water is clear. The mosquitoes are gone (hopefully) and its time to clear the garden. Take a few moments out of your busy day to watch Mother Nature fill her canvas with an amazing masterpiece of color. Reflect on what you have to be thankful for and the blessings you can create for others. Until next time, take care, and we’ll see you on the water!

for the events? One would have to believe that, with all the dangers lurking in the pre-historic night, a sunrise would be cause for celebration, as it meant an end to the darkness and safety for another day. What I do know is what it means to me: hot, hazy, orange July skies are a sure sign dolphins are strand feeding, the flounder are in and the sharks are hungry. The amber and violet tones of an October morning mean the trout are biting and the deer are about to rut; and

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Captain Hayes, a South Carolina native, is a seasoned naturalist and fishing guide. A graduate of Presbyterian College with a degree in Biology, he is a former Fisheries biologist with the S.C. Department of Natural Resources and photo by chad hayes host of the “South Carolina Wildlife” television show. His knowledge of local history, ecology, dolphin behavior and fishing techniques will provide hours of enjoyment for you and your family or group. Captain Hayes is USCG licensed and insured. For more information, call the Kiawah Charter Company at 276-1832, visit their website at www.kiawahchartercompany.com or email Captain Chad at [email protected].

August 21, 2009

Sparkling clean garbage cans come with a hug for Mother Earth By Kristin Hackler

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t’s a simmering afternoon in the dead of a Lowcountry summer. A faint breeze stirs the long gray beards of Spanish moss on a nearby oak and the dogs are passed out on their backs, their feet skipping softly at the hint of a rabbit-chasing dream. Besides that, they haven’t moved for hours and in fact, neither have you. It’s too hot; almost too hot to get another glass of white wine from the refrigerator, but it’s worth the effort. The idea of household chores hasn’t even crossed your mind, but all of a sudden, a wretched smell hits you with the force of dump truck. And it is a dump truck, or at least the contents of one. The whole day, for several days on end, your garbage has been stewing inside of that large outdoor plastic dumpster and even if you’re lucky enough to have a separate storage compartment for it at some distance from the house, on a hot summer day there’s no escaping that awful, rotting smell. Ed Courteney demonstrates the Can-etizer system. One would think that a solution to this problem would have been hit upon by a Southerner who couldn’t his wife came for a visit in late 2003. After a stint in take the reek any longer; and they would have thought Belfast, Courtenay returned to the Lowcountry, shocked of it about two days after the invention of the outdoor that a service common to residents of the UK was not trash can. But no, the answer to stinky summer garbage even offered in the southeastern United States. While in has been delivered to your door by a Canadian, who Ireland, Courtney, along with the rest of the homeowners believe it or not, learned of it while working in one of on his street, paid a small fee for a privately owned the most miserably cold places on the planet; the United company to power wash the inside of his outdoor dustbin Kingdom. on a weekly basis. Ed Courtenay, a professional hockey player from After learning the details of the business, Courtenay Montreal, fell in love with Charleston when he and returned with a plan to create a garbage can cleaning service in the southeast: and he decided to make it

Moyer kicks off Kiawah arts season By Stephanie Braswell

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n amazingly talented classical pianist who has performed in 41 countries, Frederick Moyer returns to Kiawah on September 30 to open the Kiawah Arts Council concert season with his jazz group, the Jazz Arts Trio. The Jazz Arts Trio, through note-for-note transcriptions of historic moments in piano jazz, is keeping alive music that otherwise would live on only in recordings. The Jazz Arts Trio does not simply imitate but infuses these timeless standards with their own vitality. Joining Fred will be well known performers Petter Tilloston on bass and Peter Fraenkel on drums. You won’t want to miss their jazz transcriptions of the music made famous by the late great Oscar Peterson, Vince Guaraldi, Bill Evans, Erroll Garner and Herbie Hancock, among others. The concert will begin at 7:30pm at the Episcopal Church of Our Saviour. Complimentary tickets are available to the public at Kiawah Island Town Hall beginning September 16.  For more information, call 768-9166.

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eco-friendly. The process is simple. Designing his route so that it follows weekly garbage collection schedules, Courtenay grabs the empty can and attaches it to the back of his truck. The bin is turned upside down and powerwashed with pressurized water and biodegradable soap. The excess water runs right back into a storage tank on the truck and at the end of the day, Courtenay drives to a water treatment facility and offloads the soiled water. Clean, efficient and completely earth-friendly. “People use bleach and all sorts of harmful chemicals when cleaning their garbage cans,” said Courtenay. “All of which flows right into our storm sewers. They also might come in contact with harmful bacteria. This avoids any human contact and the eco-friendly soap counteracts what bleach may still be in the can.” Courtenay’s company, Green Can-etizer, currently serves houses in Summerville, Mount Pleasant, Hanahan and West Ashley, but he is looking to expand into the barrier islands, where his services would also benefit rentals. He’s also hoping to offer his services to local restaurants, especially the ones that have to leave residential cans near pedestrian walkways for pick up. “It’s simple, quick, efficient and cheap,” said Courtenay, smiling. “And it keeps you from having to do an unpleasant chore. It’s definitely worth it.” For more information about Ed Courtenay and his business, Green Can-etizer, visit www.GreenCanetizer. com, or call 270-4010.

August 21, 2009

Spring singing

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By Dr. Charles Bensonhaver

onductor Nat Malcolm has busied his singers this spring with concerts at the Seabrook Island Club and the Bishop Gadsden retirement community. This fall, the Choraliers will kick of their season with an appearance at “The Joe” in downtown Charleston, singing the National Anthem before the Rome Braves/Charleston Riverdogs game. There are plans in the works to repeat this performance before a College of Charleston basketball game this season. The group will also be performing several Christmas concerts this year. So far, they are scheduled to sing at the Bishop Gadsden Christmas program, the Kiawah and Seabrook tree lightings, and at the Exchange Club. Next year, the Choraliers are scheduled to sing on May 27, for the Memorial Day program at the Sunset Pavilion. Nat, co-owner of Indigo Books in Freshfields Village with his wife Linda, is in his first year as conductor. As a music major graduate of Florida State University, Nat has great enthusiasm and is skilled in producing a quality sound from our talented singers. The Island Choraliers is primarily for fun, but sounding great - at least most of the time - multiplies that joy. Also in her first year is our accompanist, Sue Ingram, who also serves as assistant conductor. Sue is terrific and has become cherished by all.

In the Atlantic Room on April 13, 2009, the chorus performed in a concert/ dinner format. The musical fare for the first half was traditional, but after the break, the group changed into colorful shirts for a retrospective glimpse into the sixties. There were echoes of the Beach Boys with “I Get Around” and “In My Room”, and the audience was taken back to where the lion sleeps “In the Jungle”. The love songs “Softly as I Leave You” and “When I Fall in Love” were both performed beautifully. On April 30, the group traveled to Bishop Gadsden and did the same concert with the addition of professional tenor, Wayne French. The audience seemed to especially enjoy the Wiffenpoof Song and the Brian Wilson numbers. The concert hall was filled and the Choraliers received a standing ovation. Several residents formerly from Seabrook Island were in attendance. The Island Choraliers has an even more challenging and entertaining program planned for next year. If some of you readers would like to sing for fun, join us. The all-male group begins rehearsals for their Christmas concerts on September 15 at 2:30pm at the Church of Our Saviour on Betsy Kerrison Blvd. Contact Chuck Bensonhaver on Seabrook Island at 768-8261 or Nat Malcolm at Indigo Books for more information.

Taking a bite out of the old Island House

Wednesday, August 12, deconstruction work began on the old Island House on Seabrook Island.

Recipe of the month: Baked

eggplant

By Helen Legare Ingredients: 1 medium eggplant 2 eggs, beaten 8 to 10 saltine crackers, crushed ¾ cup milk Dash of hot sauce Salt and pepper to taste 1 tablespoon butter ½ cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese Directions: Peel and dice eggplant. Cook slowly in a small amount of boiling water for 15 to 20 minutes, or until tender. Drain well. Combine eggs, crackers, milk, hot sauce, salt, pepper, butter and cheese. Gently stir in eggplant. Spoon into a casserole and bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes. I always soak the eggplant in cold water for 30 minutes before cooking to take some of the bitterness out.

This fall, the Choraliers will kick of their season with an appearance at “The Joe” in downtown Charleston, singing the National Anthem before the Rome Braves/Charleston Riverdogs game.

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Baked eggplant with sausage (Another quick eggplant recipe that I like, but of course my husband won’t touch.)    Ingredients: 1 medium eggplant 1 lb. sausage (I like Legare Farms Zesty Italian beef sausage) bread crumbs salt & pepper

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parmesan cheese Directions: Cut the eggplant in half (leave skin on) and soak in cold water meat side down for 30 minutes. Spoon out a generous amount of eggplant so that you have room to stuff it. Lightly brown sausage in frying pan. Mix eggplant, sausage, breadcrumbs, salt and pepper. You will have to adjust bread crumbs to your taste and the size of the eggplant. Spoon mixture into cavity of eggplant and bake at 350 degrees for about 45 minutes or until eggplant is soft. Spread parmesan cheese over the top and return to oven to brown. Six more weeks of fresh produce! We do have shares for the Fall Community Supported Agriculture Program. The Fall CSA is for six weeks and will start around the first of October. If you joined in the spring, you are already signed up and paid. The cost is $157 and includes the $25 registration fee. We have drops in North Charleston, West Ashley, James Island, Mount Pleasant and the farm. If you are interested, call 559-0788 or e-mail us at [email protected].

The following police reports were provided by the Charleston County Sheriff’s Office: June 21, 2009: (Kiawah) On this date, the complainant called 911 in reference to being aboard a vessel whose captain was intoxicated. The captain was unable to navigate the vessel back to the boat landing that they had launched from. The complainant also advised that they did not have enough life jackets aboard the vessel and that she was in fear for her and the other occupants’ safety. The complainant advised that she was not from Charleston and did not know where she was. The officer and a deputy responded to the area in an attempt to locate the vessel. The USCG was advised of the incident and also responded to assist in locating the vessel. The Sheriff’s office dispatchers provided the GPS coordinates to the USCG and they determined that the vessel was offshore the coast of Kiawah Island. Both the USCG and the officer arrived in the area and attempted to locate the vessel. When the search vessels arrived in the area, the officer had headquarters call the com-

Police Blotter

plainant back and get an updated location. The complainant advised that all parties were back on land and everyone was safe.

July 13, 2009: (Seabrook) The victim called the officer to report a theft. The victim states that between May 1 and July 12, 2009, he kept an inflatable boat in a common storage area on Seabrook. This area is sometimes locked and sometimes not. During this same time, an unknown subject took the boat. The victim does not know the boat’s hull number or serial number and it did not have an S.C. boat registration. July 17, 2009: (Kiawah) The officer met with the complainant at the Sanctuary Hotel security office about the victim coming into their office and giving them a note that had been left at her rental. The victim advised that she returned to her rental and discovered the note on her door stated that her property had been thrown into the dumpster. The note used the term “nigga” twice on it and is signed off by the “Kiawah Rough Riders”. The officer wasn’t able to speak

with the victim as she has already gone back home to the United Kingdom, but she reportedly is a white female (it is unknown if anyone she was with is of another race). The officer asked the front gate and officers from the Town Hall if they had heard anything else about the incident or “Rough Riders”; they all stated “no”. No damage to the victim’s property was reported. The note was turned in to headquarters as evidence. July 20, 2009: (Kiawah River Estates/ Hope Plantation) An officer responded to a home on Jamestowne Street in reference to harassing phone calls. Upon arrival, the officer made contact with the complainant/victim, who advised the officer that his brother, the subject, called his phone several times and threatened to harm him. The subject also attempted to blackmail the complainant for $50,000 to stop him from speaking about an affair involving the complainant, as well as threatening to advise the Kiawah and Seabrook governments that the complainant was stealing funds through his business on Johns Island. The compliant stated that the threats and harassment are a result of a failed business relationship. While at the residence, the subject called the complainant’s phone and the officer answered it. The officer spoke with the subject and advised him not to contact his brother any more. The subject advised that he would comply and the complainant asked to have the incident documented. July 21, 2009: (Kiawah) The officer met with the complainant and all victims at the incident location in reference to a burglary and grand larceny. The incident occurred at a property on Rhett’s Bluff which is under construction and is not occupied. The complainant stated that the residence was locked and secure when the last person left. The complainant stated that when everyone arrived at the residence on this date, they noticed items missing. The first victim had a blue Graco paint sprayer and two sets of black ladder boots taken. The second victim had a yellow and black Dewalt drill, metal hand held tile cutter and two green Makita jam saws taken. The third victim had a black and yellow Dewalk battery and Dewalt battery charger taken. It is unknown how the subject entered the residence as there was no sign of forced entry. July 26, 2009: (Kiawah) The victim was resting on a couch inside his residence due to a previous injury to his foot when he heard a noise at the glass door leading to the rear pool area of his property. When he got up, he saw two suspects, but was unsure as to whether or not they had attempted to open the door. When he approached the door, the suspects left to the right side of the residence. The victim attempted to follow them and noticed two more suspects to the side of his residence. All four suspects had left toward the boardwalk. The victim can only state that they were three males and one female, and all were wearing bathing suits. There was no description as to the color or style of clothing. A patrol of the area resulted in no contact of possible suspects. July 26, 2009: (Seabrook) At 9:58pm, the officer arrived on Seabrook Island for an off-duty security detail at the

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Seabrook Island Beach Club. A domestic disturbance was called in at Captain Sams Court. Dispatch advised that the female caller appeared to be extremely intoxicated and that she advised that the male subject had left the residence. The officer advised dispatch that he had just arrived on the island and would be en route to the call. When the officer arrived, he located the complainant inside her residence. The subject was unsteady on her feet, had extremely slurred speech and was not able to coherently recount why she had called 911. The subject did state that she and her husband had an argument, and the culmination of this argument was a discussion about getting a divorce. The subject then stated that her husband became frustrated and left the residence. She stated that there had been no physical contact between her and her husband. Seabrook Island security officers arrived on scene and stood by as the officer gathered information from the subject. The officer cleared the residence and returned to off-duty security detail. July 27, 2009: (Kiawah) A victim called the officer on duty in reference to harassing phone calls. The victim stated that she received a phone call from a male stating he was calling from the IRS. The victim stated that she hung up on him. The victim then received approximately 13 more calls from the same number, but the caller just breathed into the phone. July 28, 2009: (Kiawah) At or around 11:25am, an officer responded to the Sanctuary Hotel where he made contact with the complainant, who advised the officer that the outside bar near the pool was missing an unknown amount of beer. The complainant further advised that between 8pm the previous night and 11:08 that morning, an unknown subject gained entry into the cooler behind the outside bar and took approximately $500 worth of canned and bottled beer. There was no forced entry to the cooler. All areas of the bar are secured by a master lock during off hours and employees are given the keys to the locks as they work. The officer observed a wash rag covering a security camera. The complainant advised that the camera did not actually work and stated that the employees sign out for the keys. The complainant felt that unknown subjects from the overnight cleaning crew could be responsible for the theft. The locks were touched by multiple parties and no other evidence was gathered. The beers were described as Miller Lite, Budweiser, Corona, Heineken, Amstel, Palmetto and Coors Light. August 2, 2009: (Kiawah) An officer arrived on Amaranth Road and observed the mailbox had been struck by an object (possible red baseball bat) at least two times. The victim began to inspect the rest of the home and noticed damage to a door window in the bedroom, located in the back of the residence. The glass of an outside panel was shattered. The cause of the damage appeared to be a rock or a bb gun shot. The victim was advised of other mail boxes in the area being destroyed with the same motive. She is unsure if the damage of the window is related to the mail box. She states that the residence was vacant for two weeks.

August 21, 2009

Blues on the green with Rural Mission

15

Final

Days

photos by Jessica Richardson

R

ural Mission celebrated their second annual Sea Island Celebration and Blues Festival at Freshfields Village on Friday, August 7. Local caterers served peel and eat shrimp, fried and grilled chicken, three types of rice, gumbo, cornbread, bread pudding, green beans and just about every food that is close to the heart (and stomach!) of the Lowcountry. Music was performed by popular local band Shrimp City Slim while attendees were invited to peruse the silent auction.

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For more information about Rural Mission, visit www.ruralmission.org or call 768-1720.

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Summer