Island Connection - August 7, 2009

PRESORT STANDARD US POSTAGE PAID CHARLESTON SC PERMIT NO 437

Volume 3 Issue 8

August 7, 2009

FREE

...and a bottle of rum

“Carolina is a favored land for the tippler. One learns here that in the warm months he must think and work very little, but drink heavily.” – from A Hessian Diary of the American Revolution

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um was a part of South Carolina before the land was even given its name. As far back as 1680, colonists with an eye for fortune and a sufficient lack of morals were exchanging goods with pirates under the cloak of night, using drop off points and “smuggler’s caves” established among the land’s many barrier islands. The remnants of rum runners – small, quick boats that could easily outrun government patrols and dock on just about any small river or eddy – can still be found along South Carolina’s coasts, and the crumbled remains of a smuggler’s cave can still be seen just outside of Edisto’s Hunting Island State Park. Although the smuggling of rum ceased after the end of Prohibition in 1933, the demand for high quality rum is still as strong as the potent liquor itself. So it was with a sharp eye for business, a keen knowledge of the intricacies of fermentation and strong ties to some of the oldest colonial families in the Carolinas, that James Irvin began his second venture into the rapidly expanding world of quality, American made spirits. Following his overwhelming success with Firefly Sweet Tea Vodka, which only one year after its initial release is now available in all 50 states and consistently outranks the nine imitation sweet tea vodkas that have emerged since, this Wadmalaw Island vineyard owner has decided to see how quickly he can conquer the world of rum; and after sampling his latest creation, it probably won’t be long before he has that market cornered, as well. “I don’t like sitting still,” said Irvin when asked why he decided to create a rum so soon after his success with sweet tea vodka. His choice of spirit is appropriate, not only because of rum’s long history with the east coast and the Carolinas in particular, but because sugar cane grows incredibly well in the warm South Carolina climate. Along with his own crop of sugar cane located near the Irvin House vineyards, Irvin purchases sugar cane from Wadmalaw farmer Chip Davis and Rosebank Farms’ operator, Sidi Limehouse. In fact, if you’ve ever tried “Sidi’s Molasses”, which made its official appearance at Rosebank’s Best of the Lowcountry Fall Festival in November of last year, you’ve already tasted the first stage of Firefly distillery’s new Sea Island Carolina Gold Rum and Sea Island Java Rhum. The second stage explains why the end result is so exceptionally smooth, even for a rum. The freshly distilled spirit is placed in used bourbon barrels from Kentuckybased Buffalo Trace, the scorched insides of which are still infused with the lingering notes of its predecessors. During the long hot summer months, the alcohol in the barrels expand in the heat of the day, soaking into the charred wood and Rum continued on page 3 mellowing the sharp bite of the rum’s 80 proof constitution. James Irivin holds up a bottle of his new Sea Island Java Rum.

I n s id e

page 7 “Neigh”-bors

t h e

I sl a nd

Con nection. . .

page 10 turtle release

page 11 keeping fido cool

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Seabrook Town Council – July 28, 2009

Council opened the public hearing for ordinance 2009-04: the approval of revisions to the Town of Seabrook Island’s Comprehensive Plan, at 2:25pm. As there was no one present to comment on the ordinance, the public hearing was closed. Sorting out the Utility situation Joe Hall of the Seabrook Utility

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] 843-327-2662 Ashleigh McHenry Advertising [email protected] Interns Micah Brown Evans Craddock Chris Marchewka Dylan Sharek Ellie Smith Contributors Jennifer Barbour Diana Cohen Linda Fox Sarah Latshaw Sam Reed Dr. James T. Sears Town of Seabrook Published by Lucky Dog Publishing of South Carolina, LLC P.O. Box 837 Sullivan’s Island, SC 29482 843-886-NEWS Future deadlines: August 12 for submissions.

Commission asked to speak at the beginning of the meeting as he had a Utility meeting to attend immediately afterward. “I don’t know where to begin,” he said. “This Town and thousands of others across the U.S. have been hit by this financial state.” The problem, Hall said, is that the Utility’s bond, which is owned by bondholders, was covered by insurance until the insurance company itself went broke and essentially became insolvent due to their insurance of toxic asset mortgage bonds. “Our bank has to have one year coverage for our bondholders,” said Hall. “So we went to several banks for a letter of credit, but because of the current financial situation, they won’t give it to us.” Basically, he said, the Utility needs $438,000 to cover the bonds until the Utility can once again find insurance coverage. In the best interest of the Town, Joe Hall looked into the interest the Town would accrue if it simply put up the cash for the Utility Commission and found that they would only receive 0.5% interest on a cash deposit. However, if

On the road By Sam Reed

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epresentatives from Kiawah and Seabrook continue to meet with Charleston County representatives, and others, to encourage safer roads for Johns Island. A request has been made to County Council to approve the concept of a new road serving Johns Island to be located down the center of the island between Bohicket and River Roads that runs from Maybank near the Stono River bridge, to Betsy Kerrison Parkway. A preliminary engineering design study was also requested. Information concerning accident records were given to Council which clearly demonstrate that a serious safety situation exists. Improved and updated engineering and construction standards need to be implemented in order to provide safe roads for southern Johns Island.

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then asked how long it would take for the Utility Commission to take over the bond coverage, to which Hall replied that they should be able to take care of it in about three years. “Our cash flow is regular,” he noted. “Our cash flow today just isn’t good because we’re writing checks for capital goods,” Hall said in reference to their payments to the contractor for the recent pump repair and replacement project on the island; a project which FEMA agreed to partially fund, though the Commission is still waiting on the check. In the end, Council agreed to transfer $438,000 to fulfill the covenant of the Utility Commission bonds for a three year period, with the details of the transfer to be worked out in the next month or so. The motion was passed unanimously. Financials Mayor McNulty reported that, on the positive side, throughout the first six months of the fiscal year, revenues exceeded expenditures, though revenues are $82,101.99 behind last year-to-date. “It’s all on the revenue side,” said the Mayor. “Our expenditures are actually a little less than last year. In a nutshell, it’s all due to business licenses.” Compared to this year’s budget, however, the Town has brought in $62,999.52 more than anticipated. “At the end of the first six months, we’re about where we thought we’d be,” said McNulty. “Unless things fall apart, this year won’t be great, but it won’t be a disaster.” Councilman Holtz agreed and expressed his concern about the State taking over the collection of Comcast/ cable fees for municipalities, pointing out that the State was using this as an Council continued on page 3

Civic Calendar

St. Johns Fire District Commission 7pm Wadmalaw Island Community Center 5605 Katy Hill Rd. Wadmalaw Island

Kiawah Island Ways and Means Committee meeting 8am Kiawah Island Municipal Center’s 2nd Floor Conference Room

Wednesday, August 12

Wednesday, September 2

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

Monday, August 17 Kiawah Island Board of Zoning Appeals 4pm - 5pm Town Hall Council Chambers

Tuesday, August 25 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.

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the Town put the funds into CDs or government bonds, then they could receive 3.5% - 4% (with five year CDs). The Utility’s bank, said Hall, has already agreed to accept the funds as either CDs or government bonds. Councilman Holtz stated that he was all for transferring the $438,000, “but I hate to lock it in for five years. What about if, in two years, the companies recover and you [the Utility Commission] can buy insurance? Is our money gone for five years?” He pointed out that he was happy to help, but he wanted the option of being able to get the funds back as soon as it was possible. “I hope the current financial situation won’t continue for the next five years,” he said. Hall agreed, saying that the only reason he looked into the five year CDs was because of the higher interest rate. Mayor McNulty said that he hated to ask, but did Hall know if there were any “bailout” funds proposed for the Commissions situation. Hall replied that none of the TARP funds covered this aspect for municipalities. McNulty

August 7, 2009

Tuesday, September 1 Kiawah Island Town Council 2pm - 4pm Town Hall Council Chambers

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

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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

August 7, 2009 Council continued from page 2 opportunity to “balance their budget on the backs of the municipalities.” Accommodating fireworks Mayor McNulty motioned to have the funding for the Fourth of July fireworks moved from the classification of “other” to “accommodations tax”, as they would be paid for from that section of this year’s budget. He also noted that the cost of the fireworks had been $10,000, but with the additional costs of hiring firemen, a backhoe and a sheriff and deputy, the total cost ended up being $11,350. The motion to move the “fireworks” line item into ATAX and to make the total $11,350 was approved unanimously. What’s the code? Town Administrator Randy Pierce stated that he was speaking with the Municipal Code Corporation (MCC) about codifying the Town ordinances. “They would take all of the Town’s ordinances and compare them with State ordinances to make sure there was no conflict,” Pierce explained. “Then they would organize them and put them in binders, similar to what they did five years ago in 2004.” Pierce noted that he attempted to get in touch with the same company who handled the Town’s recodification the last time and found that they had merged with MCC. The total for all materials and service, he said, would come to $8,250. However, Pierce asked that the Town allow a representative of the company to come to the next Council meeting and explain the process before the Council made a

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decision. Councilman Holtz asked if the updated Town Code would also be available online and Pierce said that yes, it was included in the cost. The Council agreed to meet with the MCC representative before approving the expenditure.

Rum continued from cover After several months, the end result is a spirit that has more in common with a young southern Highlands single malt scotch than any mass-produced rum on the market. But James Irvin did not stop there. Since he’s proven to have such a knack for creating flavored alcohols, Irvin took his rum Second reading of Ordinance 2009-04: approval one step further and infused it with a secret blend of spices and pure Columbian coffee, creating a spiced rum that rivals Kaluha of revisions to the Town of Seabrook Island’s Comprehensive Plan and VanGogh’s espresso vodka, with the added bonus of being As there were no public comments on Ordinance all natural. 2009-04 before the Council meeting, Council “Coffee and rum grew up together,” said Irvin, “So it only approved the revisions to the Town’s Comprehensive makes sense to mix them.” Plan unanimously. Councilman Savin asked that Although it seems like James Irvin can come up with a number if, since the data used in the update were from the one best-selling spirit flavor at the drop of a hat, he actually 2000 census, would the Plan be updated once the spends most of his days in a make shift lab at the vineyard, 2010 data were available? Administrator Pierce said experimenting with both his own creations as well as sampling that the data would be updated when the numbers them against more popular brands. were available, though it might not be ready until “We never know what we’re going to taste when we come in,” 2011. At that time, the Comprehensive Plan update smiled part time vineyard employee Laura Davis. “Sometimes would have to be reapproved by the Council. there will be a new bottle of something just sitting on the shelf.” And Irvin won’t stop with rum. He’s already working on a vat Citizen’s comments of grappa and experimenting with brandy, as well as occasionally Seabrook resident Sam Reed stated that he was testing a one and a half year old barrel of Irvin House Vineyard working with Dr. Paul Roberts of the Kiawah Island port. Sweet Tea Vodka may be a national hit today, but it will Community Association and Jim Bannwort from surely not be the last on this entrepreneur’s list of alcoholic the Seabrook Property Owners Association board & accomplishments. vice chair of the Roads Committee on a letter which would be sent to all of Charleston County Council Sea Island Carolina Gold Rum and Sea island Java Rhum are concerning a new road between River Road and currently only available for purchase at Irvin House Vineyards, Bohicket Road. “I will get it into your hands and located at 6775 Bears Bluff Road on Wadmalaw Island. Starting if it’s worthy of your signature, sign it,” said Reed August 5, the vineyard is open Wednesday – Saturday from 10am to to the Mayor and the Council. Reed felt that this 5pm. For now, only three bottles of Sea Island Carolina Gold Rum was an important step as he feels that the County and Sea Island Java Rhum can be purchased per person, per day, as Council is “finally beginning to nod a little at this this first batch is only 200 and 250 cases each, respectively. For more [the proposed road].” info, visit www.seaislandrums.com.

LEGAL NOTICE STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF CHARLESTON TOWN OF SEABROOK ISLAND

NOTICE OF ELECTION NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Seabrook Island Election Commission will conduct a nonpartisan, at large Municipal election for the following offices for the Town of Seabrook Island: Mayor, 4 (four) Town Council Members, 1 (one) Utility Commissioner. Polls will be open from 7am to 7pm on Tuesday, November 3, 2009, at the Town Hall, 2001 Seabrook Island Road, Seabrook Island. A hearing on challenged ballots will be held at 9am on Thursday, November 5, 2009, at the Town Hall. Election results will be determined by the plurality method. Voters who are blind, physically disabled or unable

to read or write are entitled to assistance in casting their ballot. This assistance may be given by anyone the voter chooses except his employer, an agent of his employer, or an officer or agent of his union. The Managers must be notified if assistance is needed. Voters who are unable to enter their polling place due to physical disability or age may vote in the vehicle in which they drove, or were driven, to the polls. When notified, the Managers will help voters using this curbside voting provision. Candidates for the offices of Mayor, Council and Utility Commissioner shall file a statement of candidacy with the Municipal Election Commission beginning on Wednesday, August 5, 2009, and they must be received at Town Hall no later than noon on Friday, September 4, 2009. Filing shall be accomplished by delivering the statement of candidacy to the Municipal Election Commission, c/o the Town Clerk/Treasurer at Town Hall. Interested parties may obtain further information and the necessary forms

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from the Municipal Clerk by phoning 843-768-5320 weekdays or by contacting one of the members of the Election Commission and arranging an appointment convenient to both parties. For persons eligible but not currently registered to vote, or whose registration data may have changed, registration to vote in this election must be accomplished prior to Saturday, October 3, 2009. Registered voters who cannot vote in person may be eligible to vote by absentee ballot. Absentee ballots may be obtained from the Board of Elections and Voter Registration of Charleston County. You may call 843-744-8683 to inquire about the availability of absentee ballots. By the Authority of the Municipal Election Commission Eugene P. Corrigan, Jr., Chairman

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August 7, 2009

Set for the Alan Fleming Championship

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he 26th Alan Fleming Senior Open Clay Court State Championship will be held October 7-11, 2009, at the Seabrook Island Racquet Club. Recently voted “South Carolina Adult Tournament of the Year”, this is a South Carolina Level 1 State Championship event as well as a Southern 200 point tournament with 42 events including singles, doubles, and mixed doubles. Age categories for both men and women range from 40 years old to over 80. The event was originally established in 1981 under the leadership of Seabrook resident Alan Fleming, who lived on the island along with his wife, Sally. Before moving to Seabrook, Alan had been a nationally ranked tennis player whose resume included matches played at Forest Hills, the precursor to the U.S. Open. Alan was a N.J. State champion and a National Father-Son champion with his

By Diana Cohen son, Peter. Alan was often ranked #1 in his age group in both New Jersey and South Carolina. The tournament, originally called the Seabrook Island Senior Tennis Tournament, ran continuously until Hurricane Hugo forced a two year hiatus in 1989. After Alan’s death in 1997, the tournament was renamed in his honor. His son, Peter, went on to become a tennis professional and in the early 80s was the Seabrook Island Club’s touring pro. But it was with his doubles partner, John McEnroe, that Peter made tennis history. Together, Peter Fleming and John McEnroe won over 50 doubles titles, including four at Wimbledon and three at the U.S. Open. In 2001, the tournament added a fundraising component for Hospice of Charleston and the Hospice House, a 20+ bed facility opened in 2006. Last

year’s tournament donated over $30,000 to benefit Hospice. In recognition of the nearly $150,000 donated over the last eight years, one of the rooms in the Hospice facility is named in honor of the Seabrook Island tennis community. Over the years, participation in the tournament has grown to over 250 players from all over the southeast and beyond. In 2007, the tournament received its current designation as a South Carolina Level 1 State Championship event and a Southern section 200 point tournament - one of

(above) 2008 Women’s 70s Doubles winners: (l to r) Mike Kiser, Head Tennis Professional,  Jan Hanchrow and Tricia Gaskins. (above right) 2008 Women’s 60s Doubles winners: (l to r) Mike Kiser, Head Tennis Professional,  Joan Johnson and Linda Saver.

Silver Haired Legislature welcomes dark haired islander

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am Reed, a resident of Seabrook Island and last year’s president of the Seabrook Island Property Owners Association, has recently been appointed as a Charleston County member of the Trident Caucus (Charleston, Berkeley, and Dorchester Counties) of the South Carolina Silver Haired Legislature. Reed is the only representative for the Lowcountry barrier islands. The Silver Haired Legislature was created in 1999 by the South Carolina General Assembly, and consists of 152 members over age 60 from throughout the state. It is charged with identifying issues, concerns, and possible solutions for problems faced by senior citizens of South Carolina. It makes recommendations to the Governor and the General Assembly, and encourages seniors to participate in public affairs. The group will meet in Columbia for a three day session in mid-September to formulate its recommendations for the coming session. Over the past several years, this group has been instrumental in successfully seeing the adoption of favorable legislation. Reed, a former legislator in Indiana, replaces Roy Mathis, another Seabrook Island resident, who recently resigned.

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only four events at this prestigious level in a nine state region. If you are interested in participating in this great event, you may register online at www.Discoverseabrook.com by clicking on the “Alan Fleming Tournament” link located on the tennis page. For more information about the tournament or to donate to the Hospice of Charleston, please contact: Mike Kiser at the Racquet Club at 768-7543, Pat Marino at 768-8919, or Margarette Fletcher at 768-1578.

August 7, 2009

Kimber Smith:

Lake house

Broker in Charge

grand opening

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kers, Ellis and Truluck is pleased to announce the appointment of Seabrook Islander Kimber Smith as the Broker in Charge of the company. Smith, a graduate of Middlebury College, has been in the real estate profession since 1972 and has had a broker’s license since 1975.  He has spent most of his career managing offices and teaching real estate in suburban Philadelphia. He started and ran a real estate school for several years and has taught in the continuing education departments of various colleges, including Penn State and Villanova.  He first came to this area in 2002 when he was living on a 37’ sailboat and commuting between Johns Island and Portland, M.E. He settled here permanently in 2004, married Seabrook Garden Club President Sherry McFarlane in 2007, and joined Akers, Ellis and Truluck in January of this year. He lives in Kiawah River Estates and is a member of the Seabrook Island Club, the Kiawah/Seabrook Exchange Club, the Seabrook Island Natural History Group and the Historic Charleston Foundation.

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he Lake House opening celebration was held this past Saturday, August 1, to an eager crowd of roughly 250 Seabrook Island residents. The Seabrook Building Committee and representatives of Trident Construction, Glick Bayne Architects and GMK Associates cut the red ribbon at 10:45am and by 10:50am, both the indoor and outdoor pools were full of swimmers, the fitness center had weightlifters and joggers, and the library had two online laptops and a group of avid bibliophiles working their way through the packed shelves. The Lake House will be open from 7am to 8 or 9pm, Monday – Saturday.

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Kiawah nature goes digital

Great time for Great Egrets

Provided by Sarah Latshaw

By Lynda Fox

iawah Island’s naturalists have always encouraged people to “get back to nature”. Recently, we’ve introduced a new way to help people stay in touch with the wildlife sightings our naturalists regularly encounter.

“Trevor” the toad, caught on a Jr. Naturalist Herpetology tour on July 17. This and other interesting island nature observations and news can be found at www.kiawahwildlife.com.

Wildlife: As We See It, found at www. kiawahwildlife.com, features incredible sightings of Green Turtles, manatees, and Reddish Egrets. This page is dedicated to informing you about current nature events on the island. From keeping track of how many Loggerhead Sea Turtle nests have been laid this season to posting photos of unique sightings, the Resort’s staff of knowledgeable naturalists and biologists keeps this page packed with fun and interesting material for all ages. Regular features include weekly birding reports, introductions to seasonal species, fishing trends from our motorboat captains, incredible photographs, and even updates on various rehabilitated animals that come through the Heron Park Nature Center. Island visitors and residents are also frequent contributors to the site, as the Nature Program encourages people of all ages to share their nature observations and pictures by emailing [email protected].

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 Wee Reads (under 24 months with adult). Mondays, August 10, 17, 24, and 31 at 10:30am, Time for Twos (2 – 3 years old with adult)/ Tuesdays, August 11, 18, and 25 at 10:30am. Preschool Storytime (3 – 6 years) Wednesdays, August 12, 19, and 26 at 10:30am. Saturday Family Storytime (all ages) Saturdays, August 8, 15, 22, and 29 at 11am. *Keyboard Basics (adults) Tuesday, August 11, 10am – 12 Noon.

Saturday Movie: Inkheart (all ages) August 8 at 3pm. Staring Helen Mirren, Brendan Fraser, Paul Bettany, and Kathy Bates. Rated: PG, 106 minutes. Sponsor: The UPS Store, 3575 Maybank Hwy, John’s Island.

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August 7, 2009

t’s Great Egret nesting season in South Carolina. These beautiful birds nest in colonies in trees close to PHOTOS BY Lynda Fox water. Both parents incubate the eggs and feed the chicks. The adults fish in shallow water and catch fish and frogs by spearing them with their long sharp bills. During breeding season they develop long, ornamental plumes. In the 1800s they were hunted to near extinction as the plumes were greatly desired for ladies’ hats. In 1910, the plume trade was outlawed in the U.S. Now the biggest threat to Great Egrets is loss of habitat due to the drainage of wetlands for development.

Knitting Group (adults) Thursdays, August 13 and 27, from 6 – 7:30pm. Back to School Wheel of Knowledge (11 years and younger). Tuesday, August 18 to Saturday, August 22. Sea Islands Book Club (adults) Tuesday, August 18 at 2pm We’ll be discussing The Third Life of Grange Copeland by Alice Walker. Copies of the book may be obtained from the Reference Desk for check out while supplies last. Back to School Bonanza (grades 6-12). Wednesday, August 19 from 3 5:30pm.

*Internet Basics (adults) Tuesday, August 18, 10am – 12 Noon. *Word Basics (young adults) Saturday, August 22, 2 – 4pm. *Publisher: Create a School Calendar (young adults) Wednesday, August 26, 3 – 5pm. *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.

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August 7, 2009

The mane event

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t was a perfect, blessedly cool morning for late July in Charleston, and at the Charleston Area Therapeutic Riding (CATR) stables off Hamilton Road on Johns Island, the campers from Camp Star of Hope were taking full advantage of it. Camp Star of Hope has been a tradition since the early 1970s for families and individuals who serve on the Disabilities Board. Geared toward adults with mental retardation and related disabilities, Star of Hope is typically a two week summer camp held at Wadmalaw Island’s Camp Ho Non Wah, but because of budget cutbacks, this year’s camp was reduced to a one week session. However, this reduction has only driven the camp’s staff and volunteers to step it up on all the fun activities that they provide for the campers. This year’s theme centered on horses and for the first time since the camp was founded, campers traveled outside of Camp Ho Non Wah to the CATR training stables. Arriving in small, one hour session groups, campers were given the chance to tour the horse stables and learn where horses live, what they eat and how to take care of them. After the stable tour, campers grabbed a brush and spent some time getting to know the horses; brushing out their coats and playing with their manes. “I was surprised by how easily the campers took to the horses,” said Kelley Smith, the assistant coordinator for Camp Star of Hope. “I thought they would be more timid around such large animals.” After the horses were properly groomed, the campers were able to walk one of the horses through an obstacle course with one of the camp counselors. They couldn’t have been more thrilled. “I like the horses,” said Elaine, a camper who has been attending Star of Hope for almost twenty years. “I like walking them and I got a lot of new friends,” she said, grinning from ear to ear. It took all day to get all 66 campers to the CATR stables, but it was more than worth it. The campers learned about large animal care, and with the help of T-Bonz Restaurant (which donated the majority of the camp’s supplies this year), they even made screen print horseshoe t-shirts to commemorate the event. “I had a good time,” said Eleanor, a Star of Hope camper. “We had fun and I loved everything.” For more information about Camp Star of Hope, visit www.dsncc.com/CampStarofHope. html, or contact Jim Kilgallen, Director of Adult Day Services and Operational Management at the Disabilities Board, at 805-5875.

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8 Friday, August 7 Adult Day Care opens on Johns Island Sea Islands Adult Day care officially opens its doors. Located at 3627 Maybank Hwy, Johns Island, the Center offers hot meals, safe transportation, personal care, fun activities, and Alzheimer’s respite. RN on staff and grants are available. For more info, call 559-4137. Rural Mission Sea Island Celebration and Blues From 6 to 9pm at the Freshfields Village Green with blues by Shrimp City Slim. Come and support the outreach ministry and volunteers of the Rural Mission.  Enjoy wonderful Sea Island cuisine, drink, an

August 7, 2009 enjoyable evening out on the common with soulful blues by local favorite Shrimp City Slim and exciting auction and raffle items. Tickets: $25 adults - $5 under 12 ! For tickets, visit www.ruralmission.org, go to Etix.com, drop by Freshfields Guest Services or call 768-1720. Music on the Green From 6 – 9pm at the Freshfields Village Green, come listen to Shrimp City Slim. Original music with a combination of post-modern blues and musical flavors of the Carolina coast. Sponsored by the Town of Kiawah Island. For more info, contact Guest Services at 768-6491.

Island Connec August 7 Monday, August 10

Friday, August 14

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.

Music on the Green From 6-9 pm, enjoy the music of Congdon & Company. Led by John Congdon, the band performs a variety of tunes from pop, rock and roll, rhythm & blues, jazz, and beach music. For more info, call 768-6491.

Tuesday, August 11 Surf Seining at Beachwalker Park Gain a new perspective on creatures of the surf zone.  Anchovy, pompano, kingfish, stingray, crabs, and even a squid have shown up in our net. A registered and paid chaperone is required for participants ages 15 and under. Pre-registration required. Ages 6 & up. Fee: $9/$7 Charleston resident discount. 5pm-6:30pm. Call 795-4FUN or visit www.ccprc.com for more info.

Wednesday, August 12 Starlight Cinema at the Village Green – Nim’s Island (2008) Starting at 9pm. When Nim’s father goes missing from their island, a twist of fate brings her together with Alexandra. Now they must draw courage from their fictional hero, Alex Rover, and find strength in one another to conquer Nim’s Island. Rated PG - 96 minutes. For more info, call Guest Services at 768-6491. 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. 5714343, www.charlestonpourhouse.com. 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.

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Saturday, August 15 Rhomboid Ripples at Beachwalker Park Stroll with a naturalist to learn about causes of beach formations and mysterious sand patterns such as swash marks and blister pockets.  Here’s your chance to enjoy a walk while learning to read a beach!  A registered and paid chaperone is required for participants ages 15 & under. Preregistration required. Ages 12 & up. Fee: $9/$7 CCR Discount. 9:30am-11am. For more info, call 795-4386.

Sunday, August 16 7th Annual First Day Festival At Liberty Square in front of the SC Aquarium and Maritime Center. Celebrate the upcoming first day of school with kid’s games, boat rides, exhibitors, food court and more! Lowcountry Food Bank will also be accepting non-perishable food items during the festival. For more info, call 965-4190 or visit www.charlestoncity.info/ mocyf.

Monday, August 17 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.

August 7, 2009

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ction Calendar Tuesday, August 18

Friday, August 21

people used abundant seasonal resources.  A registered and paid chaperone is required for participants ages 15 and under. Preregistration required. Ages 6 & up. Fee: $9/$7 CCR Discount. 10am-12pm. For more info, call 795-4386.

Seabrook Island Art Guild (SIAG) meeting The Seabrook Island Art Guild meets on the third Tuesday of every month at the Property Owners Association building at 3pm. If you would like to join the Guild, membership dues are $20/year. For more information, please contact Robert McBride at 768-3696.

Islamic Ramadan day

Monday, August 24

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.

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. Various stores will feature local artists each week. For more info, call Guest Services at 768-6491.

August 26

Wednesday, August 19

Saturday, August 22

National Aviation 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. 5714343, www.charlestonpourhouse.com. Starlight Cinema at the Village Green – Speed Racer (2008) Starting at 9 pm. The only way for Speed to save his family’s business and the sport he loves, is to beat Royalton at his own game. Speed teams with his one-time rival-the mysterious Racer X - to win the race that had taken his brother’s life: the deathdefying, cross-country rally known as The Crucible. Rated PG - 135 minutes. For more info, call Guest Services at 768-6491. St. Johns Rotary Club See Wednesday, August 12.

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).  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

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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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. 5714343, 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. Rated PG - 93 minutes. For more info, call Guest Services at 768-6491.

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August 7, 2009

Back at sea

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undreds of eager spectators gathered on Beachwalker County Park this past Sunday, July 26, to witness the release of three very special sea turtles: Wadmalaw, Winyah, and Kiawah. Wadmalaw, Winyah, and Kiawah are the fortieth, forty-first and fortysecond turtles to be successfully released by the South Carolina Aquarium Sea Turtle Rescue Program. Each turtle has a different story about how they ended up in the hands of the Rescue Program, but the best story of all is that of the care and love they received from the Aquarium staff and volunteers before their return to the Atlantic. The event began with the presentation of a $1000 donation to the Aquarium by Ethan Harrison, an eight year old from Canada. Ethan’s passion for sea turtles began when he was just five years old, when his family took him to visit the Sea Turtle Hospital. It was there that Ethan met Wadmalaw, and the young boy became inspired to raise money for the hospital, as well as educate others about sea turtles. Ethan wasn’t the only one at the release

By Evans Craddock that day with a passion for turtles. Hazel Riggs, volunteer for the South Carolina Aquarium’s Sea Turtle Rescue Program, said she has enjoyed being a volunteer for the past three years. Riggs said that while it’s bitter-sweet, the volunteers are happy to see the turtles leave. “When Wadmalaw first came in he was pretty low key, but now he’s full of gumption and ready to go,” Riggs said. Jason Crichton, Director of Husbandry and Facilities at the South Carolina Aquarium, said there can be many different reasons for how the sea turtles end up in the rescue program. Reasons range from physical trauma from human interaction to a disorder known as Debilitated Turtle Syndrome, a sickness whose origin, Crichton said, the Aquarium and its staff are still investigating. As for the mission of the Sea Turtle Release Program, Chricton said it was simple.“Our mission is to put ourselves out of business.” For information on volunteering for the Sea Turtle Rescue Program, visit the South Carolina Aquarium website at scaquarium. org or call (843) 577-FISH Ethan Harrison carries Wadmalaw to the ocean.

PHOTOS BY Barbara Bergwerf

Kiawah Island Golf Resort Recreation Below is a condensed list of activities available.  Please visit www.kiawahnatureprogram. com for more information on all our nature tours and family activities, or call the Heron Park Center, 843.768.6001, to make a reservation. Adult Sunset Cruise: Mon - Sat - $60 Adult Twilight Paddle: Mon, Wed, Fri - $50/$55 All About Snakes: Sun, Tues. - $7 All About Turtles: Thurs. - $7 Alligator Adventure: Sun., Tues., Sat. - $20 Alligator Feeding: Thurs. - Free Back Island Birding: Tues., Fr.i- $25 Birds & Butterflies Walk: Wed., Sat. - $10 Deep Sea Fishing Charters: Daily Dolphin Encounters (motorboat): Daily- $60 Family Game Night: Thurs - Free Fly Fishing Charter: Daily - $450 Gator Walk: Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri - $12 Happy Hour! (motorboat): Mon - Sat- $50 Inshore Fishing (motorboat): Daily $150 Jr. Naturalist-Animal Care: Tues - $15 Jr. Naturalist-Herpetology: Fri - $15 Kamp Kiawah: Mon - Sat - $42-$82 Kayak Rentals: Daily - $45/$65 Kayaking Fishing Tour: Daily - $65-$100 Kayaking Tours: Daily- $30-$55 Kiawah Night Exploration: Tues., Thurs.- $20 Kiawah’s Deadliest: Wed., Sat.- $7 Kiawah’s Deadliest Catch (crabbing): Daily - $65 Kid’s Night Out: Mon, Tues, Thurs Sat- $42/$62 Loggerhead Crawl: Wed - $15 Morning Fun Run: Daily - Free Mosaic Mania: Thur- $10

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Near Coastal & Reef Fishing: Daily- $150 Night Beach Walk: Mon, Wed, Fri - $10 Ocean Seining: Mon. through Fri. - $10 Organic Beach Bag Coloring: Wed - $10 Pick Up Games: Daily - Free Recycle Cycle: Wed- $15 Reptile Round Up: Mon, Wed - Fri- $7 Sandy Pt. Get-a-Way (motorboat): Daily- $65 Shark Fishing Charter: Daily- $100 Snake Feeding: Tues. - Free Soccer Demo & Games: Thurs. - Free Sundaes w/ Rick Hubbard: Sun. - Free Sundown Festival: Wed. - Free Surf Fishing: Sun., Tues., Wed. - $25 Surf Kayaking: Mon, Wed, Fri- $50/$55 Stepping Stones: Tues- $10-$15 Teen@2: Mon - Fri- $20 Teen Night: Gamers’ Network: Thur- Free Teen Night: Kiawah Quest!: Wed. - $20 Teen Night: This is my Jam: Fri. - Free Teen Night: Pool Party: Sun. - Free Teen Night: Street Games: Mon. - Free Teen Night: 3-on-3 Basketball: Tues. Free Tideland Treasures (motorboat): Daily Turtle Talk: Wed. - Free Tye Dye: Mon., Fri. - $12 Walkin’ in the Wild: Thurs - $10 Watersports Day: Tues. - $150 Wickets and Wine: Sat. - $15 Wildlife in the Wetlands (bike tour): Tues., Thurs., Sat. - $20 3-on-3 Basketball: Tues. - Free

August 7, 2009

Daily Discoveries: how animals beat the heat

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By Jennifer Barbour

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paws and their chests to cool down. The water on their fur cools their bodies. Rabbits have sweat glands around their lips, again helping the water evaporate using the moisture from their tongue. Animals like deer have oversized thin ears, creating a large surface area. These thin surfaces act like a radiator, releasing heat as blood circulates. Like birds, raccoons love bathing and will often be found near a water source. If water is not around, many animals such as horses take dust baths when the temperatures rise. The dust helps block some of the heat and UV rays by acting as a sunscreen. Many amphibians and reptiles will burrow into the cool soil, and snakes and lizards will go to a shady area when they get hot, opening their mouths to get rid of excess body heat. Sometimes their skin will even get lighter to help radiate the sun’s heat. Most animals spend more time being dormant in very hot weather and will consequently eat less. They may become more active at night when the temperatures are cooler. Access to plenty of clean drinking water is especially important to warm-blooded animals that lose water when they pant and sweat. If you want to provide water to wildlife, here are a few tips: Water bowls placed outside for pets and wildlife should be kept in the shade and cleaned regularly to make sure disease and parasites are not passed from one animal to another. If you use larger trough-like containers, make sure you provide a branch or board for small animals to crawl out on should they fall in.

n a recent visit to the beach on Kiawah with my young son Dylan, I had an encounter with a retriever which made me appreciate the fact that I don’t have to endure a Carolina summer with a fur coat. I had spent an hour on the Kiawah beach during low tide, pushing Dylan in his stroller along the hard pack, when along trotted the happiest retriever I’d ever seen. He too had been at the beach in the hot sun and I can assure you he had been running much faster than I was.  He looked content, despite his fur coat, and it made me wonder how animals beat the summer heat.  Unlike humans, who have sweat glands that allow water to escape from our bodies, cooling us off, most animals rely on adaptations other than sweating to dispel heat. Dogs and wild canines pant, giving off body heat through their mouths. The evaporating saliva helps cool the hot blood circulating through their tongue. And while they (along with cats and mice) have sweat glands on their feet, these glands are not sufficient to cool down their bodies. Most fur-bearing animals also have a summer and winter coat. Colder months call for two coats, a thick down-like undercoat, and an oily outer coat. The undercoat helps keep them warm while the oily outer coat sheds water, helping to keep the undercoat dry. As it gets warmer, the undercoat sheds accordingly. This may or may not be true of your pet at home depending on how much outside time they receive throughout the year. Birds also pant when they’re hot, causing water to escape through their air sacs. They will utilize puddles in the road or birdbaths in backyards to cool themselves down. Cats don’t pant, but will lick the bottoms of their

As you enjoy your summer, keep your pets and our wildlife in mind. Visit the Nature Program’s pet page online at www.PetsOnKiawah.com for specific information on how to

One smart summer By Chris Marchewka photo credit Rebecca Lindstrom

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ur Lady of Mercy Outreach on Johns Island concluded their summer enrichment program, Yes I Can! last month. The annual program, which io closing in on its twentieth year, is an extension of the Outreach’s after school services of the same name. It offers elementary students an opportunity to keep their reading skills sharp over the summer, while having fun at the same time. They’re partnered with dedicated volunteers who guide them through as many books as they can finish in three weeks. Local retailers like Barnes and Noble offer store credit for a little incentive for the children but it’s only a matter of time before the kids discover the real benefits of great reading skills. In addition, they play educational games typically centered around geography, science or math, and work on arts and crafts projects around a theme; this year’s theme was recycling. Many of the volunteers have returned year after year, excited to watch the children return to tackle harder books and improve their skills. One young, college-bound woman, Desyona Davis, has seen both sides of this great program. In a fine example of giving back to the community, she returned to Yes I Can! after elementary school, but this time as a volunteer, eager to offer her help and perspective to the next generation. For more information about Our Lady of Mercy Outreach, check out their informative website at www.olmoutreach.org. It’s full of details about how to get involved in the multitude of services they offer as well as charity events like their 2009 golf tournament at Briar’s Creek on September 30.

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care for your pet on a coastal barrier island. Included on this website is information about local veterinary clinics, tips to consider before you arrive, dog safety on the island, and fun photos of pets enjoying the island. About the Author: Jennifer is a Naturalist with the Kiawah Island Nature Program. To contact her with comments or personal stories, email her at Jennifer_ [email protected]. * Information from articles by Maureen Fleury & James Orr were used in this article.

A tired Basset sleeps off the summer heat on her back.

August 7, 2009

Peering into the real estate crystal ball

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By James T. Sears, PhD

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t a recent open house event where Seabrook Island Real Estate was showing off several of its single family homes, a Realtor informed me that the seller had just that day dropped the sales price again. The house was a bargain especially, she said, since I should expect to see prices heading upwards after the island’s new amenities are completed. Asked when that was to be done, she replied in the fall. “So, by next fall prices on homes like this will be on the upswing?” I asked. “Yes.” She paused. “But it could be into the spring, which is when we generally see sales going up.” “Really,” I sounded a bit surprised. “Yes. Of course, we can’t control what may happen in the larger economy.” Real estate agents, like myself, are licensed by the state as “salesmen”. This agent was a good salesman. I am not sure how she would fare, however, as a real estate analyst. The sales of single family homes on Seabrook during spring of 2009 were poor, even compared to the lackluster springs of the past two years, which were eight (8) sold in 2008 and 15 in 2007. At the height of the market-the second quarter of 2006--36 homes had been sold. In fact, the 2Q 2009 was the worst second quarter, in terms of number of single family homes sold, since the decade began. From April through June of this year, just six single family homes were sold through the Multiple Listing Service (MLS), with an average time of 232 days on the market. Ninety-four homes were on the market at any given time during this time period. The median price home sold in this past quarter was only $447,500, driving down the price per square foot to it lowest in years: $230. The sales price range was $416,800 to $1,350,000. (Detailed information on each home sold through the MLS can be found at www.searspartners.com). Sales prices were also down. The difference between the original listing price and the final sales price has dropped from 93.6% (2Q 07) to 81.5% (2Q 08) to 77.4% (2Q 09). Simply stated, the few homes sold generally have been deeply discounted. The one bit of good news is that Seabrook Island Real Estate agents were responsible for 10 of the 12 sides (buyer + seller) for these six homes. In contrast, sales of condos/villas were higher than the same period in 2007 and markedly higher than the prior six quarters (comparison of quarter by quarter data are available at www.searspartners.com). Eleven units were sold during this year’s second quarter and Seabrook Island Real Estate was responsible for 10 of the 22 transaction sides. The median sales price was $307,000 with a range from $65,625 to $545,882 and averaging $236 per square foot. Per square foot sale prices have now equalized between single family homes and villa/condos. As shown in Figure 1 (below) the equalization has come as a result of the tumbling of both single family and condo/villa prices

during this second quarter. This is, in part, a function of the number of bank-owned condos/villas which sold for pennies on the dollar of the mortgage held and the deep discounting the few owners of single family homes were willing to do in order to get their property sold.

These sales figures have impacted the total sales volume of the island’s real estate company, whose commission (and profits) are dependent on hefty sale prices and/or large number of home sales. Including both sales of homes and condos/villas, Seabrook Island Real Estate transacted more than $11 million of sales in this second quarter. For the same time period last year, MLS transactions accounted for $26 million in sales. At the market’s height, in 2006, the gross second quarter sales was $61 million. Figure 2 (below) graphs the first and second quarter gross dollar home sales (in millions) since 2006. The entire first half of 2009 sales figures for combined single family homes and condos/villas are roughly the same as the first quarter sales in 2008, which in turn was about half that as in 2006.

For better comparison of the downward dollar sales experienced by the island’s real estate company, Figure 3 (below) shows gross sales for the first and second half since 2006, as reported in the MLS. For the past three years (2006-2008), between 58-69% of annual dollar sales have occurred in the first half of the year. Based on the $21 million in sales for the first half of 2009, the second half—unless there is the promised major impact of the amenities or a significant national event—should be less, not more.

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Based on past history and current economic conditions, the estimate for the second half of 2009 is $11.5 million in gross home sales. Should this occur, as depicted in Figure 3, then there would have been an 80% gross sales decline since the height of the market, in 2006. Although the amount of dollars generated from home sales will certainly decrease in the second half of this year, we should see an increase in the median sales price and price per square foot, especially for single family homes. This is due to the extremely low median price per single family home sold in this second quarter ($447,500). It would be surprising if the median sales price did not improve by the end of the year. Since the beginning of the housing bear market (1Q 07), the average quarterly median sales price for a Seabrook Island single family home is $798,550 with a quarterly average of $326 per square foot. So, over the past ten quarters, this most recent quarter was anomalous (just as 4Q 08 when the median sales price was $1.1 million). The reasons for these fluctuations are due to the very few number of homes sold and some homes selling at deep discounts. However, expecting the number of homes sold to pick up noticeably is decidedly less certain—despite any real estate agent’s prognostication or the completion of Island One amenities. This, past quarter, like the first quarter of this year, only 2.1% of MLS-listed single family homes sold each month. This compared to 7.5% in the second quarter of 2007 and 2.9% for the same period in 2008. Further, as shown in Figure 4 (on page 15), the increase in condo/villa sales in the second quarter of 2009 was an anomaly if one looks at recent quarter sales and inventories. While it may portend an upswing in the condo/villa market, it more likely reflects the liquidation of inventory held by banks and desperate sellers. This current quarter condo/villa sales is the first time since the housing meltdown that a greater percentage of these units have sold compared to single family homes. The improvement of the Seabrook housing market in the second half of this year would certainly be a welcomed surprise. Predicting into next spring (2Q 10) is even more problematic, except to say that it, given the efforts at the Federal level and the new Seabrook amenities, is difficult to see the island’s housing market declining further. Real Estate continued on page 15

August 7, 2009

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Teeing off for prostate cancer

hen you mention prostate cancer at the driving range, you suddenly have a dozen new friends,” wrote Ken Burger in his column for The Post and Courier. “Every guy seems to have a story; if not about himself, then about a relative or friend.” Burger, who was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2007, invited his readers on a year-long journey through surgery and subsequent treatments until his last radiation session at Roper St. Francis Cancer Center. While his checkups have remained positive, Burger’s face continues to be a familiar fixture at the Cancer Center, visiting with patients each week in Radiation Oncology, then heading up to Roper Hospital’s 7th floor to see those who are recovering from prostate surgery. In a continued effort to increase awareness about the disease, he is now teaming up with the Roper St. Francis Cancer Center to launch the first annual Burger Prostate Challenge Golf Tournament at Kiawah Island’s worldrenowned Ocean Course on Wednesday, September 16. (A rain date is set for Wednesday, October 21.) All funds raised from the Burger golf tournament,

which is being held during National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, will benefit Roper St. Francis Cancer Center’s Prostate Cancer Fund. The entry fee for each foursome is $2000. There also are opportunities to sponsor a hole for $500 or to sponsor a foursome and a hole for $2,250. To register, or for additional information, please contact Pat VandenHeuvel at Roper St. Francis Cancer Center, 724-2734. Those participating in the tournament will receive an Ocean Course cap, continental breakfast and a boxed lunch. The event also offers players a chance to win a foursome of golf at The Ocean Course. Registration begins at 8am, with a shotgun start at 10am. An afternoon reception is also planned. Deadline for registration is Tuesday, September 1. Roper St. Francis will also sponsor a free Prostate Cancer Screening for eligible participants in September during Prostate Cancer Awareness Month. For information or to register, which is required in advance, please call 402-CARE (2273).To learn more about Roper St. Francis Cancer Center, please visit www.ropersaintfrancis.com/cancer

15 Real Estate continued from page 13

James T. Sears, PhD, is an independent real estate analyst and holds a Realtor’s license. Dr. Sears’ next article will compare the real estate markets among the barrier islands and other high-end residential areas. More information about the residential real estate services he offers as well as additional real estate data can be found at www.searspartners.com

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