Island Connection - November 13, 2009

PRESORT STANDARD US POSTAGE PAID CHARLESTON SC PERMIT NO 437

Volume 3 Issue 15

November 13, 2009

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Buckhannon

Swearing in on Seabrook

for Congress

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sle of Palms businessman Dr. Ryan Buckhannon has announced that he plans on challenging the five term incumbent Congressman Henry Brown Jr. for the U.S. House of Representatives First Congressional District. “I believe that I have made a difference in my community through hard work and fiscal responsibility,” says Buckhannon in regards to his bid for the First Congressional District House seat. “I now want to take that experience and work to make a difference in Washington by correcting the poor decisions that have consistently added to the country’s debt and put our children’s financial future in jeopardy.” Buckhannon, who received his Doctorate degree from the National University of Health Science in Lombard, IL, has been happily married to his wife Sonya for sixteen years and is the father of ten year old triplet sons: Ashton, Beck and Collin. He is the owner and founder of Buckhannon Brothers, Inc., a local tile company, and is currently serving his third term on the Isle of Palms City Council. Decreasing the size of government As a Representative, Buckhannon’s main goal is to decrease the size of the federal government. Quoting from President Ronald Reagan, Buckhannon states that “Government’s first duty is to protect the people, not run their lives.” He points out that today’s government has become a selfdefeating cycle of handouts and bailouts. “Eliminating the government waste and attached pork within every department of the Congress need to be our number one priorities before any new government programs are created,” says Buckhannon. This includes fixing improper Medicare payments, which total around $17 billion on a yearly basis, and fixing improper Medicaid payments, which run close to $33 billion annually. And on the issue of health care reform, Buckhannon believes that we need to start with tort reform, a loser-pays legal system and the ability to purchase health care insurance across state lines. The bill that passed the in the House this past Saturday will impose a new eight percent payroll tax on employers who do not cover specified percentages of their Buckhannon continued on page 12

(top left) The last meeting of the old Seabrook Town Council was held on Tuesday, October 27. (top right) Former Mayor Frank McNulty hands the gavel to newly elected Mayor, Bill Holtz. (above left) Dan Ruff volunteers at the voting booths on November 3. (above right) Judge O’Neil swears in the new Council.

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t was a bright, excited crowd that gathered in Seabrook Town Hall on Friday, November 6. Newly elected and returning Council members were dressed to the nines, shaking hands with congratulatory constituents before stepping to the front of the room to be sworn in by Judge O’Neil. Former Councilman Bill Holtz was the first to take the oath of office as the new Mayor of Seabrook Island. With his hand on a Bible held by his wife, Holtz solemnly repeated the judge’s words. As the crowd applauded his new office, former Mayor Frank McNulty ran from the crowd and almost tackled Holtz in a hug. With a broad smile and a “congratulations”, McNulty handed Holtz the Mayor’s gavel. In short order, Councilmen Terrence Ahearn, Jerry Cummin,

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Robert Savin and Sam Reed, and Utility Commissioner Lee Vancini, were sworn into office and the gathered attendees were invited to join in a delicious lunch prepared by Hamby Catering. “I’m excited and delighted to serve this term,” said returning Councilman Robert Savin. “I’m looking forward to implementing the Town’s new Disaster and Recovery Plan and working with all of the island entities.” Returning Councilman Jerry Cummin applauded his wife, Hutchie, for all of her help during this year’s campaign. “She did a great job,” said Cummin. “She got a lot of people together and Inauguration continued on page 5

Con nection. . .

page 12 Fighting for Capt Sam’s

page 13 Tina Mayland

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November 13, 2009

Kiawah Island Council – November 3, 2009

Public hearing: second reading for ordinance 2209-10 A public hearing was held for the second reading of ordinance 2009-10: Health and Sanitation, at 1:30pm before the 2pm Council meeting. A few residents arrived to speak at the meeting, all of them thanking the Town and Councilman McHugh for working with them on the issue. “Speaking on behalf of a coalition of regime directors representing 421 villa owners,” said Kiawah resident Marilyn Olson, “The Town appears ready to adopt ordinance 2009-10.” While the coalition understands and accepts the

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] Lori Dalton Account Executive [email protected] Chelsea Langan Advertising [email protected] Contributors Jennifer Barbour Lori Dalton Sarah Latshaw Dr. James Sears Published by Lucky Dog Publishing of South Carolina, LLC P.O. Box 837 Sullivan’s Island, SC 29482 843-886-NEWS Future deadlines: November 18 for submissions.

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

passing of the ordinance, they wished to suggest that the Council create a committee of staff, rental companies, property managers and property owners to implement and manage the program, and they should begin creating a timeline of implementation before the January 1 deadline. Olson also noted that the coalition of regime directors does not believe that the evidence provided to date shows that the Town can provide solid waste collection on a more cost effective basis than what is currently being done by the regimes. “Prospective costs have been very hard to pin down,” Olson continued. “The Town has said that it will assume existing contracts, including current fixed cost rates, but a review of the budget process shows that there could be a significant increase in the cost of collecting solid waste, and the cost of recycling could be 300% greater than historic costs. Collection of both solid waste and recycling should be monitored and tracked, and we should reevaluate the costs and effectiveness of the program one year after it begins. We hope Council will be open to these suggestions.” Kiawah resident Marilyn George also spoke, pointing out that the informative recycling magnets which will be given to island residents have conflicting information with the sign at Sora Rail concerning what items can be recycled. “For example, Charleston County only accepts 1 and 2 plastics, while the magnet simply says ‘plastic’,” said George. Finally, resident Greg Vanderwerker thanked the Council for all of their hard work. “It’s going to be difficult for a while, but it is a good step forward,” he said.

McHugh also noted that they will form a committee of owners and agents to be the implementation arm of the recycling program. The motion was approved unanimously.

Second reading: ordinance 2009-10, Health and Sanitation “We have gone back and forth on this for four or five months and I think we have a philosophy and concept on what we need to move forward and meet everyone’s needs,” said Councilman McHugh. “It would be best not to rest on our laurels in terms of implementing it. Now is the time we get into the specifics.”

Appointment to the Board of Zoning Appeals Lou Anderson has retired from the Board of Zoning Appeals and the Chairman has asked that Ben Farabee be appointed to fill the position. Farabee has owned property on Kiawah since 1994 and moved to the island permanently in 2003. He chaired the KICA Human Resources Committee and was Treasurer for KPOG. For the

Appointment for St. Johns Fire District Commission Kiawah resident Thomas Kulick was nominated to serve as the Kiawah Island representative on the St. Johns Fire District Commission. Kulick has served on the board since 2001, and was chair of the Commission in 2004, 2005 and 2007. “It’s rare to find someone who has served on a board, loves to serve and will continue to serve,” said Mayor Wert. The appointment was approved unanimously.

Consulting Agreement Amendment – Thomas and Hutton and KDP Councilman Steve Orban reported that the Parkway and Bike Path engineer, Thomas and Hutton, has requested some increases to the budget, which have tentatively bee agreed upon subject to approval. “Based on additional construction work that arose,” Orban explained, “as well as extra studies and drainage issues, and supervisor hours which earlier budgets did not take into account, Thomas and Hutton has requested an increase of $44,000 to the budget.” Since the amount was below $50,000, Council did not need to vote on approving the expenditure. Parkway Construction Change Order approvals Councilman Orban also reported on two Bike Path/Parkway construction change orders which need approval from Council. One is to place new guardrails on either end of the bridge at the cost of $52,890, and the other is for new guardrails between Mingo Point and Little Rabbit at the cost of $56,580. To date, there have been ten change orders with only these last two falling above $50,000. “The total cost of the project to date is $1.497 million,” said Orban, “which falls well below the $2.5 million budget.” Ways and Means previously reviewed both change orders and recommended approval. The change orders were approved unanimously. Contract Amendment -Fennell Container Town Administrator Tumiko Rucker reported that, now that the Health and Sanitation ordinance (2009-10) has been approved, an amendment to the Fennell KI Council continued on page 6

Civic Calendar

Monday, November 16

Kiawah Island Board of Zoning Appeals 4pm - 5pm Town Hall Council Chambers

Tuesday, November 24 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.

November 26 and 27 Thanksgiving Kiawah offices will be closed

Tuesday, December 1

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

Arts Council Service Award Councilman Charles Lipuma recognized Carol Anne Smalley, who has served on the Arts Council since its formation in 2004. She is retiring to spend more time with family and grandkids, as well as to work with other volunteer programs with which she is already a member. Lipuma noted that her area of excellence was classical music and she was responsible for bringing Fred Moyer, the Barcino Baroque and other chamber performances to the island. “She will be missed,” said Lipuma, with Mayor Wert adding that “Carol Ann epitomizes volunteering and what it means on Kiawah.” Smalley thanked Council for their support and for allowing her to be “very creative with our performances”. “Charles Lipuma has been a great Chairman,” said Smalley. “Thank you very much. It’s been a real privilege.”

past four years, he has volunteered one day a week with Sea Island Habitat for Humanity, and as a mentor at Frierson Elementary. The appointment was approved unanimously and his term will expire in 2012.

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, December 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, December 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

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K iawah Island Town H all 21 Beachwalker Drive Kiawah Island, SC 29455 Phone: 768-9166 Fax: 768-4764 Email: [email protected] Seabrook Island Town H all 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: 343-5113 Charleston County Council 4045 Bridge View Dr, N Charleston (843) 958-4700 City of Charleston 75 Calhoun St. (843) 724-3745

November 13, 2009

Seabrook Town Council – October 27, 2009

A public hearing was held for ordinance 2009-06 to adopt the 2010 budget for Seabrook Island, and ordinance 2009-07: emergency powers of the Mayor, at 2:25pm before the Town Council meeting. As there were no comments, the hearing was closed.

Minutes of last meeting There was only one correction to last month’s meeting minutes, which Councilman John DuBois pointed out to Town Clerk Faye Allbritton. “Funny,” he said, “The minutes say I was here, but I don’t remember any of this meeting.” Faye laughed and noted that she must have forgotten to scratch his name from the roll. “You’re always here in spirit,” said Mayor McNulty. “We can’t do it without you.” Financials For the first nine months of the year, Mayor McNulty reported that revenues were $660,927.40. Last year, the first nine month’s revenue totaled $826,319.49, a difference of 20%. “It’s almost entirely due to lower business license revenue and interest income,” the Mayor explained. As for expenses, the first nine month’s total came to $388,677.18, as compared to last year’s total of $386,222.68. Excess of revenue over expenditures for the nine months is $272,250.22, compared to $440,096.81 last year; showing a decline of 48%. “Again, it’s mainly due to our decline in revenue,” said McNulty. He also pointed out that the balance of the general fund at the nend of the first nine months does not reflect the $400,000 distributed back to island residents in their water bills, or the $440,000 being loaned to the Utility Commission. These expenses will appear in the October report. Citizen’s/guests presentations Scott Cave, a Certified Business Continuity Planner at Atlantic Business Continuity Services, presented the official Business Continuity Plan to the Town Council and Joe Hall of the Utility Commission. “I’m pleased to provide you with the final copy of the Town’s Comprehensive Emergency Plan,” he said. “It required 26 meetings and we spent 55 hours together, but I’m pleased with the result. It was a lot of effort, but well worth it.” Cave explained that the “ownership” of the plan, as well as the training involved, would be the responsibility of the Town’s Public Safety Committee.

The plan includes an emergency section with emergency operations and the roles and responsibilities of Council members; a section for Town Ordinances that apply to emergency situations; a master framework for addressing a variety of emergency situations; a separate section for hurricanes, as they required the addition of an evacuation plan; and plan summaries for earthquakes, terrorism, tsunamis, pandemics, as well as a crisis communication plan. “I can’t stress enough the need for training and maintenance [of the plan],” said Cave. We need to make sure the knowledge in this plan will be known and put into action in the event of an emergency.” Finally, Cave gave a rough estimate for costs to the Town in the event of a category 2 or category 5 hurricane. “ The estimated cost of a category 2 hurricane, assuming no assistance from FEMA or outside assistance, would be $200,000 for the Town to respond to and recover from it,” said Cave. “A category 5, with help from FEMA (FEMA pays 75% of costs, leaving the Town to pay the remaining 25%), would be more than $1.5 million. Category 5s are rare, but they happen. A category 2 is more realistic, but we have to prepare for the worst and hope for the best.” Mayor McNulty questioned the cost of $3.8 million to remove debris from Seabrook Island Road in the event of a category 5 hurricane, and Cave replied that debris removal after a hurricane is not cheap. “Companies that respond to disasters charge a premium to do so,” he said. Seabrook Island Utility Commission Loan agreement Last month, the Seabrook Town Council approved a loan agreement which provided that the Utility Commission would take the $440,000 loan and use it to purchase a certificate of deposit with FDIC backing as collateral. However, with recent market events causing the availability of such insurance to either be non-existent or prohibitively expensive, it was suggested that the loan agreement be changed so that the Utility Commission can purchase any financial instrument that is in compliance with SC Code Ann. § 6-5-10 et. seq. to meet the specified bond covenants. “It’s still a 2 year CD, that hasn’t changed,” the Mayor clarified. The motion was approved unanimously.

Updating the Code Red weather warning system Town Administrator Randy Peirce reminded the Council that the Code Red weather warning system, which automatically calls Seabrook Island residents in case of a weather warning, is undergoing an annual update to ensure that all of the land lines on Seabrook Island are in the system. Residents are encouraged to go online to the Seabrook Island website (www. townofseabrookisland.org), click on the Code Red button, and update the site with their cell phone number, as well. Pierce also noted that the weather warning system does not include a tsunami warning. Scott Cave noted that Reach SC is a similar application that will warn people about tsunamis, if they’re interested.

Ordinance 2009-08, first reading, Membership of Town Council Standing Committees “This is one of the things that came out of Scott’s study,” said the Mayor, in reference to the Town’s new emergency plan. “Currently, the Town of Seabrook Island’s Public Safety Committee consists of one member of Council. What this does is add the phrase “plus two additional at-large members to be determined by the Public Safety official and approved by Town Council.” The motion was approved unanimously. Ordinance 2009-09, first reading, Debris removal “In all fairness, we only got this a few days ago,” Mayor McNulty pointed out. “This is one of the things we discussed at length during the emergency planning meetings.” McNulty suggested that the Council approve the first reading, look it over during the month and make any necessary changes between the first and second reading. The ordinance basically states that that the Mayor may order the removal of debris on public or private land if such action is required to eliminate or lessen immediate threats to lives, public health, and safety; or as it is needed in order to eliminate or lessen immediate threats of significant damage to improved public or private property through cost effective measures; or to ensure the economic recovery of the Town to the benefit of the Town-at-large. First reading was approved unanimously.

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Ordinance 2009-06, second reading, 2010 Budget Mayor McNulty noted that the budget estimate for 2009 has changed since last month in terms of the “wages and benefits” section. “What we’ve done,” said McNulty, “we’ve moved code enforcement, which was a part time job (20 hours a week or less), to full time for the last quarter of this year. So instead of two guys working part time, we have it listed as one full time job, so the ‘wages and benefits’ section is a little higher as the 2010 budget assumes a full time code enforcement officer.” He noted that this was the only change to the budget. Council approved the second reading unanimously. Ordinance 2009-07, second reading, Emergency powers of the Mayor The Mayor gave the second reading for an amendment to Section 1.2.51 of the Town Code, which amends the emergency powers of the Mayor to include the line “The Mayor or in his absence, the person designated by the Town of Seabrook Island ordinance 2009-03 (hereinafter ‘the Mayor’), may declare a state of emergency to exist within the corporate limits of the Town.” The ordinance was approved unanimously. Proclamation 2009-05: November as National American Heritage Month: Mayor McNulty read a brief proclamation, which would declare November to be National American Heritage Month on Seabrook Island. The proclamation recognizes that Native American Awareness Week began in 1976 and recognition was expanded by Congress and approved by President George Bush in August 1990, designating the month of November as National American Heritage Month. The proclamation was approved unanimously. News from the Visitor’s Bureau Katie Chapman, Director of Media for the Charleston Visitor’s Bureau, announced that Travel and Leisure magazine recently named Charleston as a top ranking city in 15 categories, including Attractive People, Friendly People, Antique + Vintage Shops, Historical Sites/Monuments, Farmer’s Markets, Romantic Escape, and Stylish Boutique Hotels, among others. SI Council continued on page 6

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November 13, 2009

Johns Island Council – November 5, 2009 Charleston City Council member Tim Mallard arrived to have an informal question and answer session with the Council before the meeting began. Council members asked questions ranging from the widening of Maybank Road to traffic lights, snipe sign littering, construction waste burning, turning lanes on Maybank, and traffic on the Stono bridge. Mallard replied that, from what he understands, the Maybank widening project has been put on hold. “The plan was approved and voted on, but the City Administration did not sign off on the project. I think the County and City administrations got in a tiff about it and the money is still sitting there. I think we should move forward on it; at least put in some shoulders and turn lanes.” He concluded that he felt the Council has some legitimate concerns and will do what he can to look into them. Official Council meeting Chairman Chris Cannon opened the meeting with a reading of last meeting’s minutes. The minutes were approved unanimously. Treasurer’s report Treasurer Sam Brownlee reported that for the month of October, the balance of the Council account was $670.31. As there were no expenses, the balance remains at $670.31. CHATS There was no CHATS meeting this month, so there was nothing to report. Guest presentation Sheila Larson of Hope Plantation (Kiawah River Estates) gave a short presentation on the issue of private wastewater facilities and the motion before Charleston County to become a designated management agency. “I feel like we’re all being hit between the eyes,” said Larson, pointing out that if the County decides to become a management agency, large developments could start springing up outside of the Urban Growth Boundary on Johns Island. In fact, they already have. Johns Island Junction, a proposed commercial and residential development by Bennett and Hofford at the intersection of River and Betsy Kerrison, has asked Charleston

County to become a management agency so that they can install a private wastewater treatment plant. And Kiawah River Plantation, which is being built by the Beach Company near Mullett Hall, is requesting to be rezoned as a PUD (Planned Unit Development), which also involves the building of a private wastewater treatment center. “All of a sudden, if you have the money and the land, you can go against the plans of Johns Island to build your own facility,” said Larson. The Council discussed the issue with City Councilman Tim Mallard and determined that the ultimate decision on the issue, and thereby the group to which they should appeal, will be the Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC). “There are some teeth in it,” said Mallard on the issue. “Developers would have to build their own facilities, go through a regulating board of the government, and put up million dollar bonds; but the idea would be that management comes from a governmental agency.” The Council motioned to oppose the PUD rezoning request by Kiawah River Plantation, based on the grounds of the company’s proposition to have a privately owned water sewage treatment plant. The Council also opposes Charleston County Council becoming liable for private sewage treatment plants because the failure of the project would be borne by the tax payer. The motion was approved unanimously.

main line. The removal of the Magnolia was approved with conditions, while the Live Oak removal request was denied. Cannon also noted that St. Johns Parkway has requested the removal of several grand trees and the reduction of their setback line, but the request has been postponed. Cannon stated that he would keep everyone informed as to when the request will be brought before City Council. Finally, Councilman Rich Thomas stated that in the three months since he and Councilman Brownlee spoke with the Charleston County Sheriff’s Department, there has been no visible

increase in patrols. Thomas noted that Kiawah has several officers parked off their Parkway all day long, “but we can’t get deputies to monitor the roads here.” Thomas then stated that he would like to know what Kiawah and Seabrook are doing to increase the safety on Johns Island’s roads before their proposed new Parkway is built. “I don’t see any of them petitioning anyone to come out and enforce safety laws,” said Thomas. “When our neighbors on Kiawah and Seabrook are aggressively pursuing new roads without addressing our current safety issues, that’s a problem. We need more law enforcement on our roads.”

Kiawah Islanders elected to MUSC Board

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t a recent Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) Foundation Board meeting, William (Bill) A. Baker, Jr., of Kiawah Island and Chairman of the Board of The Baker Companies headquartered in Pleasantville, NY, was re-elected as the Board’s Vice Chair, serving with re-elected Chair of the Board, Anita Zucker. Newly elected to the board to serve their first full three year terms are Kiawah Islanders L. John Clark, Co-founder and CEO of Compass Partners Internional, and Daniel J. Sullian, President of Flyway, LLC, and former President and CEO of FedEx Ground. Other elected Board members include Robyn M. Frampton of Mount Pleasant, who will serve as Treasurer; Thomas P. Anderson of Charleston, Chief Executive Officer for the MUSC Foundation, will serve as Secretary; Board members General Walter F. Johnson, III of Georgetown, and Allan E. Stalvey of Columbia.

Old business Chairman Cannon noted that St. Johns Water Company is requesting the removal of a 28” Diameter Breast Height Grand Water Oak tree at 4195 Betsy Kerrison Pkwy. in order to construct a proposed elevated water storage tank. Cannon didn’t object, but Brownlee stated that he felt there would be an appeal. Two tree removal requests made by the Utility Company were also considered: one for the removal of a 33.5” Diameter Breast Height Grand Double Live Oak tree, and the other for the removal of a 27” Diameter Breast Height Grand Double Magnolia tree, both of which are within a utility easement and preventing the extension of an existing 10” gravity

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November 13, 2009

Letter to the editor... Dear Editor, The Kiawah River is the most pristine river on the entire east coast. The Kiawah has two inlets. Both inlets, Stono Inlet and Cap’n Sams Inlet, are near 100% saline and contain few pollutants. The Kiawah has only one source of pollution, that being Freshfields Village with its stormwater drainage from the roofs and paved parking lots. Parking lot runoff may seem insignificant: a little bit of grease, oil, transmission fluid and antifreeze that drip from vehicles is carried by rainwater through the storm drains and into the River. The long term effects of this pollution are detrimental to the Kiawah River. Then, of course, there is the unrelenting power washing of the buildings. This pollution consists of environmentally damaging chemicals, plus whatever grime come from the buildings. Both State and County departments of health and environmental control permit stormwater runoff. Charleston County has an enforcement division. The County has issued Freshfields a citation for violating the permit by polluting the river. Freshfields management dealt with this infraction in a prudent manner. Dumping x number of gallons of cooking oil down a storm drain is not good. This is a temporary problem. The real problem is the unseen pollution occurring over time. For five years now, there have been complaints to the OCRM that Freshfields stormwater containing these pollutants is being dumped directly into the Kiawah River. Freshfields is the source of pollution going into the purest waterway on the east coast. Both State and County officials are aware of the problem of the River and the polluted runoff – the sudsy water that smells. The spartina marsh growing to six or seven feet demonstrates that the runoff is polluted with phosphorus and nitrogen from power washing. Every parking lot constructed must have a settling pond and goes directly into the river. The stormwater drainage and the design

of its discharge canals allow the polluted water to bypass the lake. Directly behind Newton Farms there are two canals. One leads directly away from the complex and into the Kiawah River. The other canal, at right angles to the polluted canal, leads to the lake. These two canals are connected behind Newton Farms. When a heavy rain occurs, this water rushes down the canal with the least amount of resistance toward the river. Current feelings at the OCRM are this: what was permitted by our office is obviously not working, but since the permit for stormwater at Freshfields was issued by our office, we cannot take the permit back, nor do we have the authority to force Freshfields to correct the problem. Now comes a gasoline station, car wash, and convenience store that have been connected to the existing stormwater system of Freshfields. The new gasoline station is under the jurisdiction of the County’s stormwater division. The County’s requirements are based on acreage. The more acreage, the bigger the retention pond. The station is apparently below the threshold for a mandatory holding pond. The County has issued a stormwater permit for the new facility. This permit is based on the fact that Freshfields’ permit was issued by the State. Makes perfectly good sense. So where do we turn? Do we not shop at Freshfields until the problem is corrected? Do we get the attention this matter deserves by protesting? No shopping at Freshfields is not the answer. Business is so brisk at Freshfields that a boycott would have little impact. But we should make these shop owners aware that as a unit, they contribute to the long term problem of polluting the river, and they can make the difference. United as they should be on this issue, pressure can be applied to the developers to correct the problem. If this doesn’t get the attention of Freshfields management, well … there’s always Plan B.

Sidi Limehouse Rosebank Farms

Inauguration continued from cover sent out a lot of emails. She’s my Chairman,” he laughed. Cummin also noted that he is pleased with the job of former Mayor Frank McNulty, who kept the Town in excellent financial condition. “I’m sorry he’s leaving,” said Cummin, “but he leaves a good legacy.” Newly appointed Mayor Holtz seems ready to start working immediately, stating that he’s looking forward to taking action on the situation concerning Johns Island roads. “I hope to see the 526 issue and the County road study come to some sort of completion,” said Holtz. “And I hope to get involved with the Wind and Hail Insurance Group at their option, and support their efforts.” He also noted that he is looking to help the island continue to grow and looks forward to the Town working together with the POA and the Club. “I’m excited to be involved in a community as great as Seabrook Island,” said newly appointed

Councilman Sam Reed. “This is a special place and I’m going to do all I can to maintain it, and I’ll certainly do what I can to enhance the safety of the roads; not just for the people on our islands, but for those traveling, as well.” Returning Utility Commissioner Lee Vancini praised his campaign manager, not only for his great ideas, but for “staying on my case constantly,” he smiled. “At the end of this year, we will have completed two simultaneous heavy capital expenditure projects which were necessary to the system,” Vancini explained. “Looking ahead, I don’t see any major items like those that we’ll have to deal with, so the financial integrity of the Utility Commission should be enhanced greatly.” The new Seabrook Island Town Council will have their first Council meeting together at 2:30pm on Tuesday, November 24. All are welcome to attend.

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6 KI Council from page 2 Container needs to be added which will include pick up via dumpsters, and extends the contract with Fennell for one year for solid waste and recycling services through June 30, 2012. Rucker explained that the cost of the service will not change, and the addition of one year to the contract only ensures that the cost of their services will remain the same through June 30, 2012. The motion was approved unanimously. Arts Council Councilman Lipuma reported that the Duda Lucena Quartet performance and the pantomime event at Turtle Point were both big hits with a great turnout, and the Piano Bar lounge series at the Sandcastle was also well received. In fact, the Council added another show, with pianist Mark Rosenberg performing for one extra night. Also, nationally recognized painter Rick Reinert created a still life painting on linen during a demonstration at the Sandcastle on October 30. When finished, the painting will be displayed at the Sandcastle and will be available for purchase through a silent auction. All proceeds from the sale will go to benefit arts programs in local high schools. Lipuma reminded everyone to mark their calendar for the Holiday Strings Concert with CSO Concertmaster Yuriy Bekker on Thursday, December 3, at Holy Spirit Catholic Church. “It’s the right kind of music for the season and we’re expecting a large crowd,” said Lipuma. Update on the Parkway “We’re in paving mode,” Councilman Orban reported regarding the progress on the Kiawah Island Parkway. Paving took place at night from 7pm to 7am, and the landscaper should begin work around November 16, after the paving and grading of the road is completed. Guard rails and hand rails still need to be installed, but the materials for those projects probably won’t arrive until December. “Landscaping will probably take a couple months and the St. Augustine grass won’t be planted until the spring since it’s too late in the season to plant it now,” said Orban. “But the bike path should be ready for use sometime around Christmas.” He reminded everyone that they just need to be patient. “We’ve been at this for three years or so, so another couple months shouldn’t make a difference,” he smiled. Mayor Wert remarked to Orban that he had come to think of the Parkway

and Bike Path project in a somewhat simplistic manner. “I have been thinking of the Parkway as ‘The Holiday Project’,” Wert smiled. “With the deadlines: first it was July 4, then Thanksgiving, now Christmas. Thank you for all of your hard work. It’s more than an eight hour a day job.” Public Safety report According to the County Sheriff’s department, things have been fairly calm on the island. Councilman Orban noted that Captain Brady of the County Sheriff’s department had remarked on the fact that he sometimes sees mailboxes open and full of mail around the island, and suggested that if people will be leaving home for three days or longer, they should have someone take in their mail for them. Orban also noted that the white fog lines on either side of the Kiawah Island Parkway will be lined with white “warning” strips, similar to those on either side of Bohicket Road. In terms of local emergency response units, the Fire Chief for St. Johns Fire Department noted that in January or February of 2010, the St. Johns Fire Department will go on the new central 911 system. “It should probably save first responders five to ten minutes of time and will get people to an incident sooner,” said Orban. Finally, several signs on the beach are showing some age, so Town staff is in the process of replacing them with new signs, including the dog signs which will have the new ordinance number printed on them for reference. Environmental Committee “As I think back to my appointment to the Environmental Committee, I wonder if they [the Council] just picked the least qualified among us,” smiled Councilman McHugh. “But in the time I’ve been a member of the Committee, I’ve been incredibly impressed with the environmental expertise of our community. “One of the things that has impressed him the most, he said, was the Resort, which just this past week received two statewide environmental awards: the SC Pride Award and the Green Hospitality Award. “As a member of the Environmental Committee, the example that the Resort provides makes it all a lot easier,” said McHugh. “Thank you.” External Affairs Though there’s nothing immediately being done on the Johns Island Greenway, Councilman Burnaford reported that the project continues to move along. “Right

now we’re waiting to see when the study will begin which will evaluate costs,” said Burnaford. “It probably won’t be done before the holidays, but it will possibly be done in January.” He noted that the Town has been working with Seabrook and will be meeting with the newly appointed Mayor Holtz and Council to discuss how they can help each other in their talks with County Council. “ There’s still a lot of concern about it [the Greenway], and it probably won’t happen before the PGA tournament,” said Burnaford. “It’s just a long and expensive study process.” Mayor Wert agreed that the process won’t be quick, “But our Parkway and bike path took us six years to get permitting and only four months to get in place.” Town Administrator’s Report Tumiko Rucker reported that she is continuing to meet on a weekly basis with those involved in the Parkway project, pointing out that Councilmen Orban and Lipuma should be commended for all of their hard work. She and the Town staff are continuing to work on solid waste and recycling, having implemented all of the recycling in the regimes except for the on-site containers. “Now that we have adopted the ordinance, we can focus in on the ‘how’,” she said. She also noted that the Town is working with the ARB (Architectural Review Board) and KICA for holiday decorations, which should be up by the first of December. Furthermore, if anyone is wondering what’s going on around Beachwalker Drive across from the entrance to Inlet Cove, “It’s a beautification project associated with Palmetto Pride,” said Rucker, stating that the Town has already submitted the 2010 application to Palmetto Pride to help beautify the Parkway. Finally, Rucker stated that the Town has received the $250,000 reimbursement from County for the Parkway, and the County has informed the Town that there is an additional $50,000 available. “We will send in for that as soon as we get the check,” Rucker smiled. Mayor’s report Mayor Wert complimented the Town Administrator for handling the submission of so many grant requests, “which are usually very bureaucratic”, bringing almost $500,000 to the Town in the past couple of years. In his report, the Mayor remarked on the oil spill which first showed up a week ago on Sullivan’s Island and the Isle of Palms in very small globs. “It moved down to Kiawah’s eastern side and found its ways to the main beach,” said the Mayor, though the globs discovered were only

SI Council from page 3 Conde Nast magazine has also named Charleston as the number two city in the United States behind San Francisco, making Charleston the number one destination on the east coast. In terms of print coverage for Charleston, articles about Charleston have reached a circulation of 81 million for the months of July – September. Finally, Be A Tourist in your Own Town tickets are now available online or by calling 853-8000. This year’s pass offers local residents free one-time admission to 33 area attractions and discounts at 24 restaurants during the month of January

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November 13, 2009

about the size of a quarter or smaller. “The Coast Guard and DHEC took control of the clean up and did a great job, picking up the oil as well as driftwood, branches and sticks. The beach is the cleanest it’s been in ten years,” he smiled. “Great job done by the Coast Guard.” In terms of the Parkway, Mayor Wert stated that the speed limit will remain at 35mph for a while, pointing out that the police officers along the sides of the Parkway are serving a double duty. “They’re slowing down cars as they travel, and they’re also parked at the ends of the bike path to remind people not to ride on it,” said Wert. “It’s just not safe and we won’t open it until it is.” Mayor Wert also publicly thanked KICA for delaying the paving on Governor’s Drive until the Parkway was finished. “It should have begun in the middle of this week,” he said, “but the contractors would have had to move all of their equipment out to Governor’s Drive from the Parkway, done the work and then come back, leaving the Parkway a mess in the meantime.” Lastly, the Mayor noted that “This whole recycling and solid waste ordinance just shows what can be done when we all work together,” he said. “There was a lot of opposition when it started, but we’ve worked together and now we have an ordinance that works well.”

Council comments Councilman Burnaford thanked Roger Warren and the Resort for allowing the Parkway pavers to park in extra spaces and in nearby fields. Councilman Orban noted that the Town has a plan lined up for the Kiawah Marathon, which should keep everything moving along well. “The Resort has great plan to minimize traffic delays normally incurred the day before the Marathon,” he stated, thanking the Resort and Elizabeth King for all of their hard work. Councilman Lipuma stated that posts are being installed from the Club to the beach and that progress is going well. He also pointed out that he attended the Kiawah River Estates public hearing concerning the development at Mullet Hall. “When you look at all those living units, commercial spaces, hotels and golf course,” said Lipuma, “heaven help us, but we’ll need that Greenway.” Lastly, Lipuma noted that the new beach patrol contractor, IBS (Island Beach Services), has transitioned seamlessly into their position and everything is going nicely on the beach. “I can tell you personally that the beach is pristine,” he smiled.

2010.  Passes will be on sale through December 31. A final farewell As this was the last official Town Council meeting for Mayor Frank McNulty and Councilman John DuBois, several Councilmen took the opportunity to thank them for their hard work on Council. “I would like to say, as a junior member of Council, how much I appreciate the guidance that you and Dubois have given us,” said Councilman Jerry Cummin. “We’re grateful to both of you and we’ll miss you very much.” “Thanks for the memories,” smiled Councilman DuBois.

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November 13, 2009

Racing toward the Kiawah Island Marathon

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By Sarah Latshaw, Kiawah Conservancy

he 2009 Kiawah Island Golf Resort Marathon is quickly approaching! The 32nd running of the Marathon, hosted by Kiawah Island Golf Resort, is taking place on Saturday, December 12, at 8am. We expect over 3,000 athletes from around the country to compete in this year’s Full Marathon (26.2 miles) and Half Marathon (13.1 miles). Your continued volunteer support is vital to our effort each year to improve the quality and experience of this event. The expansive running course creates a tremendous demand for volunteers at key directional points and water stations. Runners appreciate the support and smiling faces of every volunteer cheering them on to finish the race strong. All volunteers will receive a marathon long sleeve staff shirt, snack and beverage service, and preferred parking. Groups of 10 or more can earn money for non-profit organizations by donating their time to this event. This is a lifetime achievement for many runners and they rely on your support and encouragement to finish the course!

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Kiawah marathon 2009 initiatives: Butterfly garden: Late this summer, the Kiawah Nature Program created a butterfly garden in honor of the future 2009 Marathon and Half-Marathon winners. Rather than consume precious natural resources to produce the traditional wooden plaques for the winners of the various age groups, we have the opportunity instead to give back by creating a Kiawah Conservancy-Certified butterfly garden at Night Heron Park. Using soil that was produced from compost collected during the 2008 Race, a vibrant garden is now blooming. A plaque will be nestled among the plants celebrating the accomplishments of our 2009 Race winners and listing their names forever. Glass medals: This year, finishers of the Kiawah Island Golf Resort Full & Half Marathons will be congratulated responsibly with glass medals instead of conventional metal medals. These gorgeous medals are proudly crafted from 100% recycled glass that has been crushed, washed, melted and molded. The best part is that after you’re done wearing your medal, these keepsakes will be easy to re-purpose. The simple beauty of glass is perfect to use as an ornament, suncatcher, or garden decoration that will remind you of your victory on Kiawah every time you see it! Too worn to be reworn: Without a doubt, our 2008 used-shoe drive was a major success! Our runners and fans brought in a total of 2,924 shoes to either be recycled with Nike’s Re-Use-A-Shoe program or redistributed through the Soles 4 Souls organization. This year, we are once again accepting shoe donations at the race venue; however, we are only accepting athletic shoes that are too worn to be re-worn. That’s right, we only want the shoes with the most miles on them, your most filthy pairs, the ones with the soles peeling off! All shoes collected will be given to Nike Reuse-A-Shoe to be remade into rubber tracks, basketball courts and more. Warm Heart coat drive: We’re asking all of our runners and fans to look around their homes for any extra or unwanted outerwear to bring to the race. Your donated coats will be distributed to people in need through local Crisis Ministries operations and shelters. Coat drop-off stations will be set up at the Post-Race Bash at the Sanctuary on December 12, from 6pm-10pm. For every coat donated, guests will receive two free beer tickets (max four tickets per person).

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New hours for recycling centers

harleston County’s Environmental Management Department (formerly known as the Solid Waste and Recycling Department) has adjusted the hours of operation for its staffed convenience centers around daylightsaving time. The new hours will allow for the convenience centers to be open only during daylight hours. The new hours for all convenience centers are: November 1 through March 1 Open 7:30am – 6pm daily Except Wednesdays and Sundays, open 1 – 6pm   March 2 through October 31 Open 7am – 7pm daily Except Wednesdays and Sundays, open 1 – 7pm   The staffed convenience center closest to Kiawah, Seabrook and Johns Islands, which accepts both household garbage and recyclable materials, is located on Wadmalaw Island at the Wadmalaw Convenience Center, 1558 Liberia Road, 29487. The Charleston County Recycling Center (located at 13 Romney Street in downtown Charleston) hours of operation will remain the same: 7am – 6pm, Monday through Friday. For questions about the convenience center hour changes, contact the Charleston County Environmental Management Department at 720-7111. For more information on Charleston County Government, visit www.charlestoncounty.org.

Taken from the October 2009 Nature Notes. To volunteer with this event, please register online at: www.KiawahIslandMarathon.com.

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8 Friday, November 13 2009 Kiawah Arts Fest Visit the Kiawah Sandcastle Community Center over the weekend of November 13-15 for the 2009 Arts Fest. Talented local artists will display fine arts, crafts and photography for entertainment and purchase. Friday, 5 – 7pm, wine and cheese reception; Saturday, 10 – 5pm; Sunday, 10am – 2pm. Please RSVP for the wine and cheese reception by November 6. To RSVP or for additional information, contact the Sandcastle at 843768-3875 or via e-mail at [email protected]. Holiday Festival of Lights From November 13 through January 3, James Island County Park hosts the 20th anniversary Holiday Festival of Lights. Journey down a three-mile driving tour jam-packed with holiday light displays, and and enjoy the attractions within Winter Wonderland and Santa’s Village. For festival hours and fees, please call 795-4FUN or visit www.holidayfestivaloflights.com. Seabrook Garden Club The Seabrook Garden Club will meet at the Lake House with refreshments at 9am and programs beginning at 9:30am. Today’s presentation will be given by Hamby Catering on the topic of “Holiday Food and Decorations”.

Saturday, November 14 7th Annual Blessing of the Vine and Chili Cook-off From 1pm-5pm. Featuring live music by

November 13, 2009 Smoky Weiner and the Hot Links, picnicing under the oaks, Irvin-House wines, food and crafts from local vendors, BBQ by Fiery Ron’s Home Team BBQ, and a Chili Cookoff. If you are interested in participating in the Chili Cook-off, please call to reserve your spot and chance to win $500 in cash and prizes. Admission is $5 per car.    The history of Charleston tea 12 Noon-1:30pm at the Johns Island Library. Come to the library and learn the history and benefits of tea from Margarita Hart of the Charleston Tea Plantation. Free event! For more info, call 559-1945. Charleston Ballet presents: The Grinch Who Stole Christmas November 14 & 21 at 11am & 1pm, and November 15 & 22 at 3pm. Kicking off the ballet’s second season of their popular Children’s Series, the snow-filled family favorite arrives earlier this year, opening on November 14 for a two weekend run at the Black Box Theatre at 477 King St. Tickets can be purchased by calling 723-7334 or at the CBT Box Office at 477 King Street.

Sunday, November 15

Island Connec November 13 through Etix online. www.ruralmission.org.

Monday, November 16 Plein-Air Painting - Learning to see color with light November 16-19, 2009. Artists will receive challenging group and individualized instruction in plein-air painting with artist Dee Beard Dean. The final day will be on Seabrook Island. Fee: $550 (CAG members), $575 (non-CAG members). See Dee’s work at www.deebearddean.com. Sponsored by the Charleston Artist Guild. For more information, contact Tina Mayland: Tina@ TinaMaylandArt.com

Tuesday, November 17 SIAG meeting The Seabrook Island Art Guild meets on the third Tuesday of every month at the Lake House at 3pm. Guest artist: Amelia Rose Smith (watercolor and pastel). If you would like to join the Guild, membership dues are $20/year. For more information, please contact Robert McBride at 768-3696.

2nd Annual Rural Mission Oyster Roast 3-6 pm at Bowen Island Restaurant, Folly Beach. There is no better place for roasted oysters on a November day than Bowen Island Restaurant. Tickets $25 and children under 12 are $5. This includes oysters, drinks, hotdogs and chili, music Johns Island Regional Library and great fun. Tickets are available Rural 3531 Maybank Highway Mission at 768-1720, at the door, or 559-1945 Hours: Monday – Thursday: 10 – 8 Friday & Saturday: 10 – 6 Sunday: 2 – 5

Wee Reads (under 24 months with adult) Monday, November 16, 23 and 30 at 10:30am Time for Twos (2–3 years old with adult) Tuesday, November 17 and 24 at 10:30am Preschool Storytime (3–6 years) Wednesday, November 18 and 25 at 10:30am Saturday Family Storytime (all ages) Saturday, November 14, 21 and 28 at 11am

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Saturday, November 21 Charleston Sea Kayaking Kayak Trip Trip starts at 9:30am at the Sunset Cay Marina on Folly Beach.  Lunch at the marina restaurant starting around noon.  Rental kayaks available from Sea Kayak Carolina for only $30 - call 225-7969 to reserve a kayak or bring your own kayak and paddle for free.  See www.meetup.com/The-Charleston-SeaKayaking-Meetup-Group/ for more details. Lowcountry Artisan Collective’s Best of the Best Show Noon to 6 pm at Number 10 Storehouse Row on the old Naval Base in North Charleston. The event showcases more than 25 fine artists, representing every medium the Lowcountry has to offer. A portion of the proceeds benefits local non-profit Operation Home. A private Preview Party takes place Friday, November 20, from 6 to 10 pm. For more information on the Best of the Best show, email [email protected].

Ta k e a *Files and Folders: File Organization and Management (adults/young adults) Monday, November 16 from 6pm – 8pm *Excel: Beyond the Basics (adults/young adults) Tuesday, November 17 from 10am – 12 Noon *Internet Basics (adults/young adults) Monday, November 30 from 6 – 8pm *All computer classes are free. For more information please call 559-1945 and ask for the Reference Department. Class space is available for 8 participants per session. Tea Program (all ages) Saturday, November 14 at 12 Noon-1:30pm Come to the library and learn the history and

November 13, 2009

ction Calendar - December 6 Sunday, November 22 Tom Cat Neuter-a-Thon Male cats will be neutered for just $11 at this event. Microchips will be available at a reduced rate of $10.  Cat owners must make an appointment, only tame cats are eligible. Call Pet Helpers at 302-0556 to secure a spot. Pet Helpers Spay and Neuter Clinic, located at 1447 Folly Road. For more info, visit www.pethelpers.org or call 795-1110.

Thursday, November 26 Happy Thanksgiving!

The Town of Kiawah Island and the Town of Seabrook Island offices will be closed today and tomorrow. Turkey Trot at Night Heron Park Rise and shine for our annual fun run/walk on the beach! Registration begins at 8am at Night Heron/Mariner’s Watch beach access point at Boardwalk #18. This race offers a 1 to 3 mile run on the beach for families, beginners or competitive runners. This race begins promptly at 8:30am. Registration is complimentary. For more info, call 7686001. Fall Festival at Night Heron Park From 5:30pm – 8pm at Kiawah’s Night Heron Park. A bluegrass band will be pick’n away so head on out to the park for a kick’n good time! Favorite crowd attractions include an inflatable jump castle and climbing wall. Family friendly competitions and relays will also be held throughout the festival. Complimentary.

a page benefits of tea from Margarita Hart of the Charleston Tea Plantation. Saturday Movie: Treasure Island (all ages) Saturday November 14 at 2pm Rated PG, 87 minutes. Sponsor: The UPS Store, 3575 Maybank Highway, John’s Island. Sea Islands Book Club (adults) Tuesday, November 17 at 2pm Selected book: Loving Frank: A Novel by Nancy Horan. Club Anime! (ages 12-19) Tuesday, November 17 from 4 - 5:30pm TLT: Teen Lab Time (grades 6 -12) Wednesday, November 18 from 4 – 6pm Free Legal Clinic: Landlord and Tenant Issues (adults)

Thursday, November 19 at 6pm Mark W. McKnight, Esq., Charleston, SC will provide a 30-45 minute lecture on landlord and tenant issues followed by an open question and answer session.

Friday, November 27

Friday, December 4

A LowCANtry Holiday From Friday, November 27 – Monday, December 28, at the South Carolina Aquarium. Celebrate the holiday season with your family at the South Carolina Aquarium on a natural and festive adventure. A very welcome guest from the North Pole will make special appearances in the Great Ocean Tank at select Aquarium dive shows each day from December 1 through December 23. For more info, call 577-FISH (3474) or visit scaquarium.org.

Seabrook Garden Club The Seabrook Garden Club will meet at the Lake House with refreshments at 9am and programs beginning at 9:30am. Today’s presentation will be on the topic of “Holiday Outreach and Tree Decoration”.

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Saturday, December 5 19th Annual Reindeer Run The Reindeer Run is a family-oriented, pet-friendly 5k run/walk through the lower peninsula of downtown Charleston, SC. The race begins at 9am and starts/finishes at South End Brewery at the corner of State and East Bay. Runners are $28/$33 after November 21. Walkers are $23/$28 after November 21. To register, visit www. reindeerrun.org, Half Moon Outfitters or Piggly Wiggly.

Wednesday, December 2 Seabrook Island Art Guild Show The Seabrook Island Art Guild is hosting a one day show, featuring a wide variety of paintings, jewelry, pottery, Christmas ornaments, beaded serving pieces, and other handcrafts.  The show and sale will be held in the island’s new Lake House from 10am until 6pm. For more info, call Donna Reyburn at 768-2620 or email donnadives@ bellsouth.net.   

Sunday, December 6 Seabrook Island Open House 4pm- 6pm. Hosted by the Seabrook Island Garden Club at the Lake House.

Seabrook Island Art Guild Show On December 2, The Seabrook Island Art Guild will be hosting a one day show featuring a wide variety of paintings, jewelry, pottery, Christmas ornaments, beaded serving pieces, and other handcrafts.  The show and sale will be held in the island’s new Lake House from 10am until 6pm. For more info, call Donna Reyburn at 768-2620 or email donnadives@ bellsouth.net.   

Displays Photography Exhibit November 1-30 The Kiawah Island Photography Club will showcase their photographs of people, nature, landscapes, travel and more. Tea Display November 1-30 The Charleston Tea Plantation will display teapots and varieties of tea. The Charleston Tea Plantation is America’s only working tea garden and is located on Wadmalaw Island.

PATSY ZANET TI AND STUART RUMPH Seabrook Island Real Estate Specialists

1991 Bohicket Marina Villa 1625 Courtside Villa 3609 Beachcomber Run New construction, marsh/river Updated with granite, appliOcean, boardwalk, sold fur2 BR/ 2.5 BA, 2,446 sq ft ances, 1 BR/ 1 BA, 740 sq ft nished, 4BR/3.5BA, 4,128 sq ft $1,450,000 $199,000 $2,600,000

HOMES

2295 Marsh Hen Dr 2961 Seabrook Island Rd 3101 Baywood Dr 2773 Old Forest Dr

$1,950,000 $1,375,000 $1,100,000 $599,000

HOMESITES

Lot 28 Blk 50 Marsh Gate Ln $1,749,000 Lot 12b Blk 42 Seabrook Island Rd $350,000 Lot 7 Blk 27 Seabrook Island Rd $340,000 Lot b45 Blk 58 Seabrook Village Dr $109,000

VILLAS/COTTAGES

2030 Salt Marsh Villa $745,000 716 Spinnaker Beach House $574,900 3005 Ocean Winds Villa $399,000 620 Shadowwood Villa $164,900 169 High Hammock Villa $150,000

To l l F r e e 1.800.657.4223 Local 843.768.3921 www.seabrookrealestate.com www.islandconnectionnews.com

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Daily Discoveries: Stinkhorns By Jennifer Barbour

ast year in late November, a small band of co-workers and I discovered why the stinkhorn fungus is appropriately named. We were taking a break outside of the Nature Center in Night Heron Park after a morning of preparing packets for the Kiawah Island Golf Resort Marathon and someone commented on a foul odor near our picnic table. Being curious, I did some snooping around the area to see if something had died, and found a coral lantern-looking fungus.  “It’s the smell!”, I exclaimed as I perched on my knees above the stinky salmon-colored toadstool. Later on I asked a good friend, Tony Mills, if he knew what kind of fungus it was and he suggested that it was a stinkhorn.  Liz King, our head Naturalist, looked it up in our guidebook and sure enough, we had stinkhorns in Night Heron Park.   Stinkhorns are very diverse in appearance, but all of them share at least two features: w At some stage in development, a part of the fruiting body is covered with a foul-smelling slime. w The fruiting body arises from what looks like an egg just above the ground surface. The species of stinkhorn we have in

Night Heron Park is called Clathrus columnatus. “Columnatus” refers to the hollow arms or columns that reach upwards out of the egg, joining at the top. The inner surfaces of the columns are covered with stinkhorn slime, which has a foul odor and attracts flies. This slime is the mushroom’s method for dispersing spores. Flies and other insects are attracted to the foul-smelling slime and gobble it up, covering their little insect feet and digestive tracts with stinkhorn spores. The unsuspecting insects later disperse these spores and the stinkhorn life cycle continues elsewhere. Like other fungi, many stinkhorns are edible. I was unable to find research saying this particular stinkhorn was inedible, but even if it was okay to eat, the idea of eating a mushroom smelling of rotten flesh is repulsive. That being said, since I’ve discovered this interesting little fungus, I have grown to welcome the distinct smell that heightens my senses, associating it with the beautiful fall weather of the Lowcountry. 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_Barbour@ kiawahresort.com.

November 13, 2009

Night Heron Park Recreation calendar November 13 – November 27

*Nature Tours available daily. Times are tide-dependent. SUNDAY, November 22 FRIDAY, November 13 Turtle Tracks: 8:30am – 5pm Kamp Kiawah: Yippie – Hippie – Organic Bag Coloring: 8:30am – 5pm Skippie: 8:30am – 12:30pm; Ages 3-11 Walkin’ in the Wild: 10am – 11pm Turtle Tracks: 8:30am – 5pm Marsh Kayak: 10am – 12pm Organic Bag Coloring: 8:30am – 5pm Kiawah Book Exchange: 8:30am – 4pm Family Kayak: 1pm – 3pm Pickup Games: Volleyball: 2pm – 3pm Board Games in the Park: 9am – 4pm Kiawah’s Deadliest: 3pm – 3:45pm Mosaic Mania: 1:30pm – 2:30pm SATURDAY, November 14 Kamp Kiawah: Sunken Treasure : 8:30am – 12:30pm; Ages 3-11 Turtle Tracks: 8:30am – 5pm Organic Bag Coloring: 8:30am – 5pm Kiawah Book Exchange: 8:30am – 4pm Board Games in the Park: 9am – 4pm Ornament Making: 1:30pm – 2:30pm Pickup Games: Soccer: 2pm – 3pm Wickets & Wine: 3:30pm – 5pm Kamp Kiawah KNO: Sanctuary Splash Bash: 5pm - 8pm; Ages 5-11 SUNDAY, November 15 Turtle Tracks: 8:30am – 5pm Organic Bag Coloring: 8:30am – 5pm Pickup Games: Volleyball: 2pm – 3pm MONDAY, November 16 Turtle Tracks: 8:30am – 5pm Organic Bag Coloring: 8:30am – 5pm Pickup Games: Basketball: 2pm – 3pm TUESDAY, November 17 Turtle Tracks: 8:30am – 5pm Organic Bag Coloring: 8:30am – 5pm Kiawah Book Exchange: 8:30am – 4pm Board Games in the Park: 9am – 4pm Pickup Games: Volleyball: 2pm – 3pm WEDNESDAY, November 18 Turtle Tracks: 8:30am – 5pm Organic Bag Coloring: 8:30am – 5pm Kiawah Book Exchange: 8:30am – 4pm Board Games in the Park: 9am – 4pm Stepping Stones: 1:30pm – 2:30pm Pickup Games: Soccer: 2pm – 3pm THURSDAY, November 19 Kamp Kiawah: Biggie Size: 8:30am – 12:30pm; Ages 3-11 Turtle Tracks: 8:30am – 5pm Organic Bag Coloring: 8:30am – 5pm Kiawah Book Exchange: 8:30am – 4pm Board Games in the Park: 9am – 4pm Tye Dye: 1:30pm – 2:30pm Pickup Games: Volleyball: 2pm – 3pm FRIDAY, November 20 Kamp Kiawah: Yippie – Hippie – Skippie: 8:30am – 12:30pm; Ages 3-11 Turtle Tracks: 8:30am – 5pm Organic Bag Coloring: 8:30am – 5pm Kiawah Book Exchange: 8:30am – 4pm Board Games in the Park: 9am – 4pm Mosaic Mania: 1:30pm – 2:30pm SATURDAY, November 21 Kamp Kiawah: Sunken Treasure : 8:30am – 12:30pm; Ages 3-11 Turtle Tracks: 8:30am – 5pm Organic Bag Coloring: 8:30am – 5pm Kiawah Book Exchange: 8:30am – 4pm Board Games in the Park: 9am – 4pm Ornament Making: 1:30pm – 2:30pm Pickup Games: Soccer: 2pm – 3pm Wickets & Wine: 3:30pm – 5pm Sanctuary Splash Bash: 5pm - 8pm

MONDAY, November 23 Kamp Kiawah: Goin’ on a Turkey Hunt: 8:30am – 12:30pm; Ages 3-11 Turtle Tracks: 8:30am – 5pm Organic Bag Coloring: 8:30am – 5pm All About Snakes: 10am – 10:45am Tandem Kayaking: 10:30am – 12:30pm Family Kayaking: 1:30pm – 3:30pm Pickup Games: Basketball: 2pm – 3pm Alligator Adventure: 3pm – 5pm TUESDAY, November 24 Kamp Kiawah: Pilgrims & Pirates: 8:30am – 12:30pm; Ages 3-11 Turtle Tracks: 8:30am – 5pm Organic Bag Coloring: 8:30am – 5pm Kiawah Book Exchange: 8:30am – 4pm Back Island Birding: 9am – 11:30am Board Games in the Park: 9am – 4pm Marsh Kayaking: 10am – 12pm Family Kayaking: 1pm – 3pm Pickup Games: Volleyball: 2pm – 3pm Walkin’ in the Wild: 3pm – 4pm Twilight Paddle: 4:30pm – 6:30pm WEDNESDAY, November 25 Kamp Kiawah: Kampers’ Choice: 8:30am – 12:30pm; Ages 3-11 Turtle Tracks: 8:30am – 5pm Organic Bag Coloring: 8:30am – 5pm Kiawah Book Exchange: 8:30am – 4pm Board Games in the Park: 9am – 4pm Wildlife in the Wetlands: 9am – 11:30pm Tandem Kayaking: 10am – 12pm Family Kayak: 1pm – 3pm Reptile Roundup: 1pm – 1:45pm Family Kayaking: 4pm – 6pm Stepping Stones: 1:30pm – 2:30pm Pickup Games: Soccer: 2pm – 3pm Gator Walk: 2:15pm – 3:45pm Kiawah’s Night Exploration: 4:30pm – 6:30pm THURSDAY, November 26 Turtle Tracks: 8:30am – 5pm Organic Bag Coloring: 8:30am – 5pm Kiawah Book Exchange: 8:30am – 4pm Board Games in the Park: 9am – 4pm Back Island Birding: 9am – 11:30am Marsh Kayaking: 10am – 12pm All About Turtles: 1pm – 1:45pm Family Kayaking: 1:30pm – 3:30pm Tye Dye: 1:30pm – 2:30pm Pickup Games: Volleyball: 2pm – 3pm Twilight Paddle: 4:30pm – 6:30pm FRIDAY, November 27 Capt’n Sam’s Tidal Trip: 8:30am – 11am Kamp Kiawah: Too Much Turkey: 8:30am – 12:30pm; Ages 3-11 Turtle Tracks: 8:30am – 5pm Organic Bag Coloring: 8:30am – 5pm Kiawah Book Exchange: 8:30am – 4pm Board Games in the Park: 9am – 4pm Reptile Roundup: 10am – 10:45pm Family Kayaking: 10am – 3pm Mosaic Mania: 1:30pm – 2:30pm Alligator Adventure: 2:30pm – 4:30pm

For more details and reservations for following activities, including times for Nature Tours, for all of these activities, please visit www.kiawahrecreation.com or call the Heron Park Nature Center at 768-6001.

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November 13, 2009

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For real estate trends, look locally

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By James T. Sears, PhD

n my October column, I presented data on the upswing of island residential real estate markets during the third quarter. These data generally showed a greater percentage of inventory being sold compared to the prior four quarters. Although inventory levels remain high, this is certainly an encouraging trend. But what about final listing and sale prices of homes being sold through the Charleston Trident Multiple Listing Service (MLS)? Like many other real estate markets, the upturn in sales volume has come at the cost of reducing prices. With the exception of Sullivan’s and Daniel islands, all of the island communities showed a decrease in the median sales price from the second quarter (2Q 09) to the third quarter of this year. The percentage of decline ranged from -5.3% on the Isle of Palms to -28.9% on Folly Beach. Given the relatively small number of quarterly sales transactions in some island markets, it is wise to analyze price changes over 12-month periods across several years. This is shown in the Table 1 below. Table 1 Comparing the median sales price of all homes (single family, condos, townhouses) sold from the 4Q 08 to 3Q 09, to the median prices of those sold during the prior two 12-month periods, finds a steady decline in island markets, with the exception of Seabrook and Daniel islands. The net change across this three-year period is shown in Figure 1 in the next column. Not surprisingly, there was a decline in median sales prices on every island during the last three years. These varied, ranging from -3% on Daniel Island to -55% decline on Sullivan’s Island. Overall, the decline of listing prices reflects market reality, which has seen fewer buyers and larger inventories from 2006 to 2009.

More interesting is the small decline in listing prices on Sullivan’s Island, Isle of Palms and Kiawah (which only has a small portion of available homes listed through the MLS) in relation to the relatively steep declines in median sale prices. In contrast, Seabrook Island shows a more reasonable match between declining sales and listing prices. There is almost always a gap between what a seller wants to get for a property and what a willing and able buyer pays. As Table 2 indicates, this gap—the Sale Price/List Price (SP/LP) ratio—has widened on every island community as we have moved from a seller to buyer market. Table 2 The 8% change on IOP, for instance, brings the SP/LP to 88%, compared to 95% during the first three quarters of 2006. The least change, Seabrook, went from 95% to 90%. The changes are significantly greater, however, when comparing original lists with the final sales prices. For example, for Seabrook in the most recent quarter (3Q 09), the LP/SP ratio was 90%, but comparing the prices homes sold during this quarter with their original listed price yields a ratio of 71%. (These data are detailed online at www. searspartners.com.) Savvy real estate investors or their advisors discern trends and act accordingly. Today, knowing when the ratio is narrowing will indicate a re-balancing between seller and buyer. Generally, when the LP/SP ratio is greater than 5%, we are in a buyer’s market. Arguably this is more important than knowing the number of

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Real Estate continued on page 15

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crisp fall morning welcomed the first day of November in the Lowcountry, and the sharp breeze helped to draw the last remnants of sleepiness from a gathering of more than 120 kayakers assembled at Kiawah’s Mingo Point. By 11am, a battalion of 80 rented single and tandem kayaks and more than 20 personal kayaks hit the Kiawah River, winding in professionally straight lines and amateur zig zags through the soft bends of the River toward Cap’n Sams Spit. Organized by the Friends of the Kiawah River, this kayaking trip was the third in an ongoing effort by the organization to bring people to Cap’n Sams and show them what will be lost if the land is allowed to be developed. In fact, the president of the organization, Sidi Limehouse, paid for all of this trip’s kayak rentals, as well as prepared a free lunch for all of the participants. At Cap’n Sams Spit, several local naturalists, as well as representatives from the Coastal Conservation League, shared information about how building on Cap’n Sams Spit will affect the immediate environment, as well as the larger effect on land further down the Kiawah River and on Seabrook Island. The build, according to Kate Parks of the CCL, will affect several locally endangered species such as the Diamondback Terrapin and the Bank Swallow, as well as the nesting habitat of sea turtles, and would remove the majority of the gentle banks needed by dolphins for strand feeding. “Barrier islands are like chicken legs,” Kate Parks elaborated. “Sand moves from the ‘meaty’ part of the leg to the narrow part, then to the next meaty part.

The fight for Cap’n Sams

November 13, 2009

By Kristin Hackler Building on Cap’n Sams interrupts this natural process and will have an effect on eastern Seabrook’s natural accumulation of sand.” In fact, the Coastal Conservation League is planning on appealing the recent permitting by the Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource Management (OCRM) for a 340-foot-long underground sheet pile wall to be built under the neck of Cap’n Sams. According to Nancy Vinson, Program Director for the Coastal Conservation League, the League feels that the OCRM was inconsistent in their decision. An earlier permit request from Kiawah Development Partners (KDP) was denied, according to Vinson, because it would cover three acres of a public beach area with concrete and would impact natural inlet movement in a pristine dune field. The second approved permit, she said, has basically the same impact. Though documents state that the underground structure will be built on “high ground”, the CCL believes that it’s only a matter of time before the sand around it erodes and exposes the fencing. “It [the second permit] seems to be a different variation on the same theme, with the same impact,” said Vinson. “It just seems illogical, so we’re going to appeal.” According to the KDP, the underground wall will be built above the high tide line and will be needed to protect structures and utilities in the event of a storm cutting through the narrow neck of the land. However, the permit also states that if erosion causes the fence to be exposed, then the developers could be required to remove it. In the meantime, The Friends of the Kiawah River will continue to raise funds

to support legal costs and do what they can to protect Cap’n Sams Spit. “We were very happy with the number of people who attended and the amount of money we were able to raise toward the protection of Cap’n Sams,” said Peter Mugglestone, Vice President of The Friends of the Kiawah River. “We Buckhannon continued from cover employees’ health insurance. “That is an additional 8% that has to come from somewhere, ultimately from cutting wages or other benefits,” says Buckhannon. In the end, the full cost of this bill will be over $2 trillion. The new House bill is clearly just more of the same. Increased government intervention and higher taxes will not improve the health care system. Increasing the enrollment in a costly and troubled government program will only add to the rising costs of care. Fixing the tax system “We need to replace our antiquated tax code with a fair tax system that will not punish the producers and reward the non-producers,” says Buckhannon, noting that  South Carolina small business employers account for over 97% of the state’s employers, and 50% of its private-sector employment.  “I represent that group,” he states. “I know firsthand that the harder we work and the more successful our company becomes, the greater the tax burden that we have to bear.  It needs to change.” Belief in the Constitution Buckhannon believes that the problems with the economy, healthcare and illegal immigration did not start in January, 2009, with the election of a new president.  “These problems started long

still have donations coming in and we’ve recruited more than 60 new people to our cause.” If you are interested in learning more about The Friends of the Kiawah River, Cap’n Sams Spit or when the next kayaking trip will be scheduled, visit www. kiawahriver.org. ago when some elected officials forgot who they were supposed to be representing,” says Buckhannon. The answer, he states, is less government intervention, less government spending, and a return of the power back to the people of this great land.  “The government has forgotten that our future should be guided by the Constitution,” says Buckhannon.  “It is in essence the instruction manual by which our country should be run.  I plan on bringing the Constitution back to government and holding accountable those who do not.” Preservation of our State’s natural resources As a supporter of the Coastal Barrier Resources Act (CBRA), Buckhannon plans on continuing to support the protection of South Carolina’s beautiful coastline and barrier islands, which are both essential to a healthy environment and serve as an economic resource for the State through tourism. “At the time, Reagan belied that ‘this legislation [CBRA] would enhance both wise natural resource conservation and fiscal responsibility’,” says Buckhannon. “It was designed to save American taxpayers millions of dollars while, at the same time, taking a major step forward in the conservation of our magnificent coastal resources.” As a City Councilman on the Isle of Palms, Buckhannon has seen first hand both the devastating effects and financial impact of building too closely to a coast which is continually shifting in response to the forces of wind, wave, and tidal action.  “The development of the CBRA was a proactive action to save taxpayers an estimated $1.3 billion since its passage in 1982,” Buckhannon states. For more information, write to Buckhannon For Congress, #23 27th Ave, Isle of Palms, SC,  29451, call (843) 224-0667, or visit www. VoteBuckhannon.com.

The Buckhannon family.

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November 13, 2009

The preservation practices of Tina Mayland

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he customer couldn’t believe her eyes as she stared at the ribbons of crimson, violet and copper spilling over a thick bank of loblolly pines and pooling on the rippling mirrored surface of a Lowcounty creek. “You don’t really have sunsets like that around here, do you?” she asked the artist incredulously. All Tina could do was laugh. “Of course we do!” She grinned. “That’s why we live here.” Tina Mayland, a Charleston native who paid her dues in the north, becoming a Vice President of Marketing with ATT in New Jersey, returned to her homeland a little more than a year ago to “retire” on Seabrook Island. Though once you meet Tina, you realize that there’s no such thing as retiring for this vibrant artist.

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By Kristin Hackler “I spent my first year of retirement taking art lessons from every artist I could find,” said Tina. “I just didn’t want my gravestone to read ‘Increased profits for ATT 2.1%’,” she smiled. So once she exhausted every artist she could find, and joined every organization on the island with which she had an interest, she realized that there was still more she could do. So she looked to her roots. In the mid-1950s, Tina Mayland’s grandfather purchased New Cut Plantation on Wadmalaw Island. The plantation home had been built in the early 1800s in Rockville, and after the Civil War it was floated down the river to New Cut. When Tina’s grandfather purchased the land, it was with the intention of retiring. But true to her lineage, her grandfather just couldn’t spend his retirement in passivity. For 34 years after retirement, Tina’s grandfather pursued his lifelong passion of cattle farming. At the age of 95, his family finally came to him and told it was probably time for him to stop raising cattle. He asked what he could do instead and they replied that he could raise pine trees for as long as he wanted. “Every morning after he gave up cattle farming, Grandpa would wake up, go out on the porch to peer across the plantation at the trees, and would say ‘Yup, looks good’,” Tina smiled. “He died at 96 and he

couldn’t have been happier with his life.” When it came to handling the estate, Tina and her family couldn’t stand to think that one day, New Cut Plantation might be steamrolled over and built into a new subdivision, so they contacted the Lowcountry Open Land Trust to put the land into permanent conservation. And when Tina thought about what she could do now that she was “retired”, she decided that her time couldn’t be better spent than working for the Trust. “Charleston has done a marvelous job with preservation, especially in the 1930s when the City decided to save all of the old architecture,” said Tina. “To date, the Lowcountry Open Land Trust has saved more than 80,000 acres of land, but we need to keep the Trust going so we can continue to monitor the land and ensure that it exists in conservation ad infinitum.” In her role as director of fundraising and memberships, Tina has been able to gear her passionate, energetic nature toward bringing in new members and helping to raise the $600,000 per year necessary to keep the Trust’s doors open. And in her spare time, she paints. In a way, she’s still preserving the land of her childhood, except instead of through deeds and trusts, she doing it through

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oils and canvases. Her memories of climbing trees, wading through marshes and building forts in the wilderness of Wadmalaw island are translated into warm, wistful, poignant paintings of Charleston’s fairytale landscapes. “I did what I had to do, now I get to do what I want to do,” smiled Tina. “If I’m not saving the Lowcountry, I’m painting it.” Tina Mayland’s art is on display at Spencer’s Gallery, located at 57 Broad Street in Downtown Charleston, and her work is usually included in the Seabrook Island Art Guild’s art shows, a group of which she is a member. Tina is also on the board for the Charleston Artist Guild and is the chair of their workshop programs. To view more of her work, visit www.tinamaylandart.com.

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November 13, 2009

was nervous about Show and shopping excursions. my visit to Franke at Many residents sport golf carts Seaside, the active adult as transportation. Of course, retirement community in the proximity to the glorious Mount Pleasant. Although I beaches, wildlife and the Lori Dalton have heard wonderful things lifestyle that Charleston has to about Franke, memories of offer can’t be beat. my grandmother’s experience in a retirement home tugged I had the honor of meeting six of the current residents that at me. I remembered being worried about her all the time have called Franke their home for about two years. Bruce and the retirement home where she lived always seemed so and Jeri Turnbull, Nancy and Ed Norberg and Bill and lonely and cold. Amy Major. Our conversation was casual and relaxed and However, when I arrived at Franke, I was pleasantly I enjoyed hearing the stories of their lives at Franke. When surprised. The campus was alive with activity and I asked what were some of the better aspects of living here, everywhere I looked there were beautiful, tastefully designed by far, friendships were the most important. Bruce, who patio homes. At the Burges Center, the “hub” of goings-on reminded me of Spencer Tracy, gave me glorious tales of his at Franke, I caught a waft of the wonderful aroma of lunch and Jeri’s open door policy at their home where everyone is accompanied by the sounds of happy chatter. In the front welcomed and considered family. It just so happens that the lobby, several residents were engaged in lively conversation Turnbull’s floor is considered the “party floor”. I couldn’t about World War II. This was definitely not what I had help but smile. imagined! Another very important aspect was that each felt that the After meeting with DeAnne, the director, and learning pressure has been taken off their children to care for them. all about Franke and the wonderful services they offer, I was The ladies shared that the support system among widows is very excited to get started on my tour. What I found was very strong here. No one feels left out without a spouse, but room upon room filled with happy residents either engaged welcomed and very, very supported. in a poker game (yes, poker), getting their hair done in the Upon leaving Franke and saying goodbye to my salon, participating in a strength training class in the state- newfound friends, I left with a wonderful feeling in my of-the-art fitness club, taking a dip in the glorious heated heart. My suggestion is to come and take a tour. Talk with pool or jacuzzi, or enjoying a massage. I think I would like other residents. Let them show you how they may help to live here. extend your life. The average resident’s age is 77, although Franke at Seaside is a non-profit ministry of the after spending time at Franke, you realize that age is just a Lutheran Church located within the Seaside Farms planned number. Solid friendships are made here, people fall in love development and is literally the “concierge of active lifestyle and marry here, and life-long bonds are made. Everyone is living”. Residents can virtually eliminate the mundane family and looks out for one another. I don’t know what activities of their lives and focus on enjoying the next more you could ask for than that. chapter. They can relax with 24-hour security and a “first For more information, contact DeAnne Reed Vane, Director responder” system in every home in case of an emergency. of Marketing at 216-2222 or 1-800-940-7435 or Email: Activities are endless here and buses are constantly on the [email protected] 1885 Rifle Range Road, Mt. move, taking residents to art galleries, a Riverdogs baseball Pleasant, SC 29464. game, a museum in downtown Charleston, the Christmas

BE WELL

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Real Estate continued from page 11

homes sold or the median sales price. Realtors rightly say that all real estate is local. More precisely, localizing data and analyzing trends promise the greatest likelihood of making wise decisions. James T. Sears, PhD, is a Real Estate Analyst and Realtor. As an Accredited Buyer Representative, he works with AgentOwned Premier Realty, where he specializes in residential island real estate and investment properties in Charleston. For a free consultation or more information contact him at [email protected] or at 478-3911.

Bike the Island

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ich Thomas of southern Johns Island enjoys cycling the rural roads of Johns Island on his road bike, except when contending with large vehicles by himself.  He would like to find some riding companions in the Johns Island, Kiawah Island, and Seabrook Island area.  He has noticed quite a few riders out our way, but most seem to be coming from in town, riding out this way, and returning to town.  Others seem to be riding alone from Kiawah or Seabrook.  It would be fun to go the other way, leaving and returning from Fresh Fields or the Kiawah or Seabrook gate areas, for example, and doing circuits around the islands on a Saturday or Sunday morning, or other times that might be good.  Perhaps there would be more safety for all of us in numbers greater than one.  If you are interested in joining with other cyclists in the area to go for rides, contact him at [email protected] and he will try to organize and coordinate (easy to remember -- Johns Island Kiawah Island Seabrook Island Cycling).  Male, female, younger, older, we can all have some fun, get some good exercise, and enjoy our lovely communities, safely!