Island Connection - November 27, 2009

PRESORT STANDARD US POSTAGE PAID CHARLESTON SC PERMIT NO 437

Volume 3 Issue 16

November 27, 2009

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The pale blush of winter By Kristin Hackler

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here’s a tiny slip of land on Johns Island that bursts into life every winter. From a distance, it looks like it’s covered in snow. Everywhere the dark green leaves droop down, heavy with their winter white burdens. But as one walks closer, the “snow” begins to show shades of blushing pink and, even closer, a dusty rose that borders on crimson. They’re camellias - of every shade, color and description - and mid-winter is their time to shine. Since 1925, “Skip” Madsen has been growing camellias on his property on Johns Island. His house is tucked right behind Sea Island Savory Herbs, formerly known as Pete’s Herbs, and the ten or so acres off Chisolm Road comprising the nursery, his house and a nearby home were his before he divided it between his children. The nursery was established the same year

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page 3 KICA Art Fest

he was married, 1941, and his collection of camellias includes more than 600 varieties. “Used to be that plants weren’t sold in pots,” said Skip as he drove by a tall hedge of camellias on his ubiquitous golf cart. “The plants were grown in the ground and when someone wanted to purchase them, we’d tag them, dig them up and wrap the root balls in canvas. The customer would come back in a couple days to pick them up.” Consequently, hundreds of camellia plants were left in the ground when nurseries switched to disposable plastic pots. “We used to water and fertilize them,” said Skip, “but now the Lord takes care of them.” At the age of 18, Skip planted his first camellia and Camellia continued on page 11

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Con nection. . .

page 5 Happy Birthday, Marines!

page 11 Rosebank Recipes

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A long range look at transportation

November 27, 2009

By Kristin Hackler

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n November 19, a group of thirty or so citizens arrived at West Ashley High School for the sixth of seven public meetings held around the tri-county area by the Berkeley, Charleston and Dorchester County of Governments (BCDCOG) to give their input on the five year update of the Long Range Transportation Plan. According to the BCDCOG, the Long Range Transportation Plan sets priorities for spending federal funds on transportation projects in the Charleston region, including highways, roads,

The Island Connection

bridges, transit facilities and service, bicycle and pedestrian routes, and related enhancements. Representatives were present from the islands, including the majority of the new Seabrook Island Town Council (Mayor Holtz and Councilmen Sam Reed, Terry Ahern and Jerry Cummin); Wendy Kulick, Barbara Winslow and Dr. Paul Roberts from Kiawah Island; and Sam Brownlee and Rich Thomas from the Johns Island Council. The meeting opened with a brief presentation on transportation in Charleston County, including the trend toward more cluster-like, walkable approaches to development as opposed to the former linear “strip mall” format;

Lynn Pierotti Publisher [email protected] Kristin Hackler Managing Editor [email protected] Swan Richards Graphic Designer [email protected] Ali Akhyari Assistant Editor [email protected]

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the movement of people as opposed to cars; and the growing population of the tri-county area, which is projected to grow from 550,000 (2000 data) to 900,000 in 2030. Participants were then asked to draw their suggestions on provided maps, and members of the BCDCOG staff walked between the tables, answering questions and writing down ideas. A short survey was also available which BCDCOG asked all of the participants to fill out, reminding everyone that the survey will be available on line at www. BCDCOG.com for the next few months and encouraging everyone to ask their friends and neighbors to fill out the online survey and provide their valuable input.

Be a Tourist in your Own Town

ee why millions of visitors come to Charleston each year while enjoying Charleston’s rich cultural heritage -  with the Be A Tourist in Your Own Town pass! Sponsored by the Charleston Area Convention & Visitors Bureau and Count on News 2, the Be a Tourist in your Own Town pass provides residents of Berkeley, Charleston and Dorchester counties with free one-time admission to 33 area attractions and discounts at 24 restaurants for the entire month of January, 2010. An individual pass is $20, and a family pass good for up to four individuals of any age is just $50!  Passes are available now through December 31.  Purchase your pass at any of the four Official Charleston Area Visitor Centers, online at www.beatourist.net, or by calling 853-8000.

Mayor Holtz was adamant that “some kind of Johns Island transportation plan is needed”, pointing out that while Johns Island has a development plan, there’s nothing in place for future transportation needs. “It was a very general, conceptual meeting,” said Holtz. “We just need to get a plan and agree on it.” He was happy to note, however, that the representatives from the Johns Island Council seemed to be in general agreement about the 526 extension option with an exit on Johns Island, and the need for a Cross Island Parkway. The representatives from both Kiawah and Seabrook made it a point to emphasize the need for the Cross Island Parkway/Johns Island Greenway, drawing it onto most of the maps provided. Rich Thomas of the Johns Island Council thought the meeting was helpful, but remarked that it needed to be better facilitated. “It needs to be a more managed process,” said Thomas. Rich Burns, Senior Planner for the Long Range Transportation Plan, was happy with the evening’s turn out, noting that there were a lot of interested citizens and was pleased with the feedback they received. “There will be more opportunities to comment in the future in a more formal setting,” he noted, pointing out that updates will be provided on the BCDCOG.com website.

Lori Dalton Account Executive [email protected] Ben Jordan Advertising [email protected] Chelsea Langan Advertising [email protected] Contributors Stephanie Braswell Dr. Lucas Cole Ed Dear Dwight Ives Warren Kimball SC Dept. of Commerce Jules Witcover Published by Lucky Dog Publishing of South Carolina, LLC P.O. Box 837 Sullivan’s Island, SC 29482 843-886-NEWS Future deadlines: December 2 for submissions.

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

November 26 and 27

Civic Calendar

Thanksgiving Kiawah and Seabrook Town offices will be closed

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

Wednesday, December 2 Kiawah Island Planning Commission 3pm - 5pm Town Hall Council Chambers

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

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

Monday, December 7 Kiawah Island Environmental Committee 3pm - 5pm Town Hall - 2nd Floor Conference Room

Wednesday, December 9 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.

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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 27, 2009

Painting for education

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By Stephanie Braswell

n Friday, October 30, The Town of Kiawah Island Arts Council hosted a painting demonstration at the Sandcastle led by nationally known artist Rick Reinert. Reinert showcased his use of color, light, and shadow in a still life piece which was then sold in silent auction. Reinert donated the proceeds to support art programs in area high schools. Rick Reinert, represented by the Wells Gallery, has won many top awards for his paintings which are displayed in private and corporate collections in 48 states, as well as Europe, Canada, South America and Asia.  In 2009, he was chosen as a featured artist in the Gadsden (AL) Museum of Art’s Southeastern Plein Air Festival and was featured in for the third time in American Art Collector magazine. For more information on Rick Reinert, visit www.rickreinert.com

KICA art fest

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uring the weekend of November 13, the Sandcastle on Kiawah opened its doors, inviting residents and visitors alike to preview and purchase the work of dozens of local artisams during the Kiawah Island Community Association’s Annual Art Fest.

Items ranged from breathtaking paintings of landscapes and still lifes, to quilts, photography, jewlery and homemade knit items.

The show kicked off with a “Meet the Artist” wine and cheese reception on Friday night and closed on Sunday, November 15. Arts Council Chairman Charles Lipuma with artist Rick Reinert.

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November 27, 2009

Bad news for the news business By Jules Witcover

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his is a very bad and sad time for the newspaper business, and not just because circulation is falling, papers are folding and reporters are losing their jobs. A radical dumbing-down of American journalism is going on. Competition for advertising and citizen attention from the Internet and cable television has bred a new generation of multi-tasking quasi-journalists engaged in all manner of nonsensical sideshows. Reporters once had their hands and their minds full ferreting out and reporting the important news of the day and carefully analyzing their significance. Now too often they are wasting their time, and that of readers, with mindless shorthand “twittering” of the insignificant and absurd. Many reporters on campaign trails, instead of first focusing on the story they are supposed to be exploring and writing in depth, are obliged to stand before television cameras and offer off-the-cuff summaries that in print would be mere headlines. The uneven phenomenon of blogging, information and thoughts whether of fact or fiction delivered with little or no

editorial review, often comes from writers with little or no journalistic training or discipline. While some have been positive contributions, too many others are mere self-serving rants. All this is part of what now is known as “the new media”, which in its best aspects brings new and constructive voices to the gathering and transmission of news.  But with it also has come an excess of unproductive invective, bias and outright propagandizing frowned on for years by “the old media” of traditional mainstream journalism. What brings all this to mind right now is the inevitable but no less regretted passing of more and more old-school  reporters who for decades have combined thorough investigation and research with earned personal credibility. In the past couple of weeks, two of the very best of “old media” who were known for their relentless digging combined with dedication to real rather than feigned “fair and balanced” news reporting have passed from the scene. A few weeks ago, the journalism community was shocked by the sudden

death at 77 of John Mashek, the longtime Washington correspondent of such major newspapers as the Boston Globe, Atlanta Constitution and Dallas Morning News, and of U.S. News and World Report magazine. As a fair-minded panelist for three presidential or vice-presidential debates, in each one he brought perception and integrity to these critical national political institutions. His passing came only a week after the death of Jack Nelson, the retired Washington bureau chief of the Los Angeles Times, an intrepid investigative reporter who earlier won a Pulitzer Prize at the Atlanta Constitution, and later at the Times made major contributions to the Watergate investigations and other governmental wrongdoing. Their journalistic styles were different but equally effective. Nelson was a fearless and at times fearful pursuer of evidence of corruption and injustice, particularly during the civil rights revolution in his native South. Mashek was a thoroughgoing acquirer of high-level sources from Congress to the White House whose own relentless interrogations, always cloaked in good humor and good will, produced

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similar constructive results. The deaths of Nelson and then Mashek followed only months after the passing of a third “old media” giant, reporter/columnist Robert Novak, whose journalistic inside scoops were legendary. For all his increasingly conservative views, Novak combined the old-time shoe-leather reporting of Nelson and the exhaustive accumulation of sources of Mashek in the service of quality, reliable newsgathering. All three men, regardless of personal political persuasions and affiliations, were good friends in a Washington political community marked most of the time by robust competition among aggressive yet collegial news professionals. In the intensifying era of new journalistic technologies and reporting techniques, the passing of such men dedicated to the perhaps more restricting and inhibiting standards of the older generations is inevitable. But their departure from the Washington political scene, beyond the personal aspect, is no less a loss to the tradition of great, trustworthy reporting in America.

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November 27, 2009

Once a Marine, always a Marine By Ed Dear

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(l to r) Bob Ferguson and Sgt. Matt Ford cut the Marine birthday cake.

n November 10,  ninety three people, including Marines from Seabrook, Kiawah and Johns Islands, gathered at The Club on Seabrook Island to celebrate the 234th birthday of the United States Marine Corps, established in 1775 at the Tun Tavern in Philadelphia. Of the Marine veterans in attendance, three served in WWII, four served in Korea, eleven in Vietnam, one in Beirut, and one in Iraq. Ten active duty Marines and their spouses from the Citadel’s Marine Enlisted Commissioning Education Program (MECEP) were

Resort recognized for excellence in recycling

the honored guests for the evening. The MECEP program enables selected enlisted Marines to complete their undergraduate degree and be commissioned Second Lieutenants upon graduation.  The active duty Marines have had tours of duty in Iraq, Afghanistan or both. As is the tradition at Marine birthdays, the oldest and the youngest Marine present cut the cake.  This year, Bob Ferguson (86) and Sgt. Matt Ford (25) performed the duty.

Provided by the SC Dept. of Commerce

he South Carolina Recycling Market Development Advisory Council and the South Carolina Department of Commerce recently recognized the achievements of five recycling businesses for their impact on South Carolina’s environment, communities and economy. Of the five businesses, Kiawah Island Golf Resort was recognized as the “Best Large Business for Recycling” in the state, noting that Kiawah Island Golf Resort recycles office paper, glass, plastic bottles, aluminum cans, electronics, pallets, batteries, florescent light bulbs and oyster shells.  Damaged automobile, golf cart and bike tires are also collected by the Resort and sent to a rubber recycler. In addition, the Resort holds regular electronic recycling drives and collects pallets for recirculation back to the shipping industry. Gravel in the parking lots is made from slag, a by-product of the steel industry, and room keys are made from 50 percent recycled polyvinyl chloride.  Unused cell phones and empty printer cartridges are collected and donated to local schools or sold to recycling companies.  The resort also has a small-scale, educational compost bin that handles animal bedding, vegetative

food preparation and plant material from landscaping. The Johns Island-based Sea Island Habitat for Humanity was also recognized as the “Best Reuse Program” in the state, notably for their development of the Deconstruction Unit, which diverted over 94 tons of useable materials from the landfill this year. The Sea Island Habitat for Humanity’s staff handles both the deconstruction and removal of building materials and accessories, and runs a Reuse store for excess materials.  Work on 93 construction projects had a direct estimated value of over $119,000 this year, and reusing items such as epay decking, appliances, carpet and cabinets has helped them to save energy as well as natural resources. Other businesses which were recognized by the Council include the Ever Green Recycling Company  in Greenville (Best Small Business in Recycling), Hahl Inc. in Lexington (Best Medium Business in Recycling), and Santee Cooper in Moncks Corner (Recycler of the Year), as well as Tomato Palms, Sun Printing, AnMed Health, Southeastern Plastics Recovery and Tomato Vines for their waste reduction and recycling efforts.

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This is our fifth local birthday dinner.  If you are a Marine and would like more information, call Ed Dear  at 768-5950.

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November 27, 2009

GOLF

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Caught In a trap?

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common swing fault among better players is being trapped or stuck. On the downswing the player feels as if their arms are trapped behind their body as they transition into the downswing. As a result of the arms lagging too far behind the body (See fig. #1), the right handed golfer will often have two misses, a block to the right, or a hook to the left. Most swing faults cause only one miss, but because this fault causes two different misses, it is often misinterpreted by the golfer. The two misses also cause major inconsistencies.

Figure 1

What causes a trapped or stuck swing? 1. Early extension of the body during the swing is the main reason. When the lower body moves closer to the ball during the swing, the body simply gets in the way of the arms on the downswing.

By Dr. Lucas Cole 2. A shallow path of the club on the downswing due shoulder turn. One simple exercise you can do to help that to excessive sliding of the hips toward the target is torso rotations while sitting in a chair or on a Swedish at the initiation of the downswing can also be a Ball. Doing the torso rotations while seated will help to major contributor. work on isolating the rotation of the torso while limiting 3. Lack of body rotation on the downswing (See fig. rotation of the pelvis during the backswing (fig. 2). This also helps to create separation, which #2). will increase distance. Figure 2 4. Poor alignment at address. Usually an open stance. Dr. Lucas Cole is the Official Chiropractor of the Nationwide Tour 5. Standing too close to the ball at Championship at Daniel Island. He address. maintains a private chiropractic What can you do about it? practice in Mt. Pleasant and is If you’re being trapped due to a Titleist Performance Institute® alignment or address issues, then you Certified Golf Fitness Instructor. He need to see your PGA Teaching Pro as incorporates protocols that touring soon as possible! Don’t check yourself. professionals rely on weekly into the Let the Pro check your address and care of his recreational, amateur, alignment. In fact, go to your teaching and professional golfers.  Visit www. professional and tell them you would ChiropracticCharleston.com to learn like to work on your alignment and more about Dr. Cole and the type of care address for a session. The address is he offers at his clinic. If you have any fundamental. If you fail to address the questions for Dr. Cole regarding past ball properly, then you are setup to articles or if you have a suggestion for fail. him on future articles, call his office at If alignment and address position 416-8593 or visit carolinagolfdoctor@ checks out, then you may need to work gmail.com . on some of the physical limitations that may be trapping your swing. I would suggest you start working on a better

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8 Friday, November 27 Day after Thanksgiving Kayak Trip Starting at 2pm. Join in a relaxed, guided kayak trip on the Folly River suitable for new paddlers.  Only $30.  Contact Sea Kayak Carolina to register at 225-7969 or visit www.SeaKayakCarolina.com for more info. Freshfields Holiday Festival 10am – 2pm at the Freshfields Village Green. Enjoy live music, children’s activities and holiday promotions. Visit with Santa from 10am – 6pm. *One free photo per family provided by Village merchants. For more info, contact Guest Services at 768-6491. Other chances to visit with Santa on the Village Green will be Saturday, November 28, from 10am – 6pm; and Sunday, November 29, from 1pm – 6pm. 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.

Saturday, November 28 Early Morning Bird Walks at Caw Caw Every Wednesday and Saturday at Caw Caw

November 27, 2009 Interpretive Center in Ravenel off Hwy 17. Walk through many distinct habitats to view and discuss a variety of birds, butterflies, and other organisms.  Preregistration is encouraged, but walk-in registrations at Caw Caw are welcome. 8:30am-12:00pm. Course # 21743. Fee: $5/Free for Gold Pass Holders. For more info, call 795-4386 or visit www.ccrpc.com.

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.    Early Morning Bird Walks at Caw Caw Every Wednesday and Saturday at Caw Caw Interpretive Center in Ravenel off Hwy 17. Walk through many distinct habitats to view and discuss a variety of birds, butterflies, and other organisms.  Pre-registration is encouraged, but walk-in registrations at Caw Caw are welcome. 8:30am12:00pm. Course # 21743. Fee: $5/Free for Gold Pass Holders. For more info, call 795-4386 or visit www.ccrpc.com.

Thursday, December 3 Charleston Symphony Orchestra Holiday Strings Concert

Island Connec

November 27 Featuring Yuriy Bekker and the CSO’s renowned string section. The program will feature Bach’s Brandenburg Concerto no. 3, Elgar’s Serenade for Strings, Corelli’s Christmas Concerto, and more. 7:30pm at Holy Spirit Catholic Church. Complimentary tickets are available now at Kiawah Island Town Hall 768-9166.

4386 or visit www.ccrpc.c

Friday, December 4

Johns Island Creek Cano Winter paddling means no pleasingly cool temperatur take advantage of high tid Penny’s Creek on Johns Is way back out to the Stono required. 9am – 5pm. Cou at CCPRC Headquarters. Discount. For more info, www.ccprc.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 on the topic of “Holiday Outreach and Tree Decoration”.

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. Early Morning Bird Walks at Caw Caw Every Wednesday and Saturday at Caw Caw Interpretive Center in Ravenel off Hwy 17. Walk through many distinct habitats to view and discuss a variety of birds, butterflies, and other organisms.  Pre-registration is encouraged, but walk-in registrations at Caw Caw are welcome. 8:30am-12:00pm. Course # 21743. Fee: $5/Free for Gold Pass Holders. For more info, call 795-

Sunday, Decemb

Seabrook Island Open H 4pm- 6pm. Hosted by the Club at the Lake House.

Monday, Decemb

Pearl Harbor/Remembra

Wednesday, Dec

Early Morning Bird Wal Every Wednesday and Sat Interpretive Center in Rav through many distinct ha a variety of birds, butterfli Pre-registration is encoura registrations at Caw Caw 12:00pm. Course # 21743 Pass Holders. For more in www.ccrpc.com.

Thursday, Dece

Darkness2Light Prevent At the Johns Island Public 11:30am until 1pm. Learn Darkness2Light’s effort as well as their Stew program. There i lunch will be se scfacilitator09@

Chamber prese After Hours Soak in the sights, so holiday season among in Embassy’s beautiful with all the trimmings. jingle the night away an business connections! D - 7 p.m. Embassy Suites - 337 Meeting Street. C member, $40 non-mem www.charlestonchambe

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November 27, 2009

ction Calendar

Kiawah Island Marathon! The race starts at 8am. For more info, visit www.kiawahislandmarathon.com.

- December 16

com.

ber 6

House e Seabrook Island Garden

oeing no bugs, fewer people, and res.  This canoe trip will de to poke our way into sland and navigate our o River. Pre-registration urse #21578. Meet . Fee: $58/$48 CCR call 795-4386 or visit

ber 7

ance Day

cember 9

lks at Caw Caw turday at Caw Caw venel off Hwy 17. Walk abitats to view and discuss ies, and other organisms.  aged, but walk-in are welcome. 8:30am3. Fee: $5/Free for Gold nfo, call 795-4386 or visit

ember 10

t Now! Program c Library from n more about ts to prevent child abuse, wards of Children is no fee and a light erved. Please RSVP to @comcast.net.

ents: Holiday Business

ounds and flavors of the other area professionals atrium, decorated .  Mix and mingle and nd make some great new December 10 from 5:30 s Charleston - Historic Cost: $20 Chamber mber. To register visit er.net.

Charleston Ballet presents: The Nutcracker December 12 & 13 Gaillard Auditorium, and December 19 at the N. Chas. Performing Arts Center. Set in the streets of downtown Charleston circa 1865, the ballet has teamed with the dance programs and children of the Dorchester 2 school district for this massive holiday production. This treasured classic is the perfect remedy for the hustle and bustle of the holiday season. Tickets may be at 723-7334 or at the CBT Box Office at 477 King Street.

Friday, December 11 Equestrian Clinic at Mullet Hall Ronnie Anderson from Don Stewart Stables will offer hunter, equitation, and jumper clinics Saturday and Sunday with a few private/semi private sessions available Friday afternoon and at sunrise throughout the weekend. Pre-registration required. 8:30am5:30pm. Course # 21566. For more info, call 796-4386 or visit www.ccprc. com.

Saturday, December 12 First Day of Hanukkah Shake off a Blue, Blue Christmas with the King Michael Viljac and the Elvis Tribute Band will perform your favorite holiday songs as performed by the King of Rock and Roll himself at the Glenn L. Jeffers VFW, located at 1411 Stuart Engals Blvd. in Mount Pleasant. If you haven’t seen Michael Viljac performing as Elvis the King, you are missing a fantastic performance. Tickets are $10 and may be purchased by calling 345-9084.

Pet Life Care Plan seminar at Sun Dog Cat Moon Starting at 6pm, Dr. Ruth Roberts will be speaking about developing a life care plan for your pet. She will touch on new vaccine protocols, wellness testing, as well as using food

Early Morning Bird Walks at Caw Caw Every Wednesday and Saturday at Caw Caw Interpretive Center in Ravenel off Hwy 17. Walk through many distinct habitats to view and discuss a variety of birds, butterflies, and other organisms.  Pre-registration is encouraged, but walk-in registrations at Caw Caw are welcome. 8:30am12:00pm. Course # 21743. Fee: $5/Free for Gold Pass Holders. For more info, call 795-4386 or visit www.ccrpc.com.

Happy Holidays

Wednesday, December 16

Sing We Now of Christmas Join the Island Choraliers with “Our musical gift to our island friends and neighbors” from 7 to 8 pm at The Church of our Saviour on Betsy Kerrison Blvd. Admission is free; no tickets are needed. A free-will offering will be taken.

and supplements to help keep the quality of life high for pets as they age. Leashed and social dogs are welcome! 2908 Maybank Highway Johns Island, 437-0063, www.sundogcatmoon.com

Seabrook Island Town Hall Holiday Drop-In December 10, 2009 from 12 - 2pm Please remember to bring a Toys for Tots donations Refreshments provided by Hamby’s Catering

Seabrook COVAR meeting 10am at the Lake House Great Outdoor Gear Sale Come out to James Island County Park 9am to 12pm for your chance to get great deals on great gear.  We’re selling some of the tents, kayaks, mountain bikes, camping accessories, and more that we’ve used.  For more info, call 795-4386 or visit www.ccprc.com Early Morning Bird Walks at Caw Caw Every Wednesday and Saturday at Caw Caw Interpretive Center in Ravenel off Hwy 17. Walk through many distinct habitats to view and discuss a variety of birds, butterflies, and other organisms.  Pre-registration is encouraged, but walk-in registrations at Caw Caw are welcome. 8:30am12:00pm. Course # 21743. Fee: $5/Free for Gold Pass Holders. For more info, call 795-4386 or visit www.ccrpc.com.

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as ives sees it

November 27, 2009

Mom and the microwave: an international Thanksgiving

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y mother was first introduced to the modern marvels of technological advances in cooking when I was tapped by one of the University’s vice presidents to be the new Foreign Student Advisor and International Student Office’s Manager. Suddenly, I found myself with a secretary, ten or more “clerks”, and well over 300 students representing at least 40 different countries to supervise. Several of the students were of high rank in their respective countries including two princes, the niece of a noted cricket champion and international diplomat, and the son of an international film director and actress. To them I had to be a parentfigure, best friend, confidant, social coordinator, and advisor, as well as their immigration liaison between the University and INS. The first semester came and went none too soon for me. The fall holidays posed a few problems and left me wondering what to do with the students who couldn’t go home. That’s when my mom stepped in with a solution: an international Thanksgiving in my modest apartment on campus. I had a stove, oven and sink, so cooking wouldn’t be a problem, but I was more worried about the dietary laws of many of my students, in addition to the fact that some would be sitting down with others who could be considered enemies in their homeland. I did not need an international incident. The day of dread came quickly. Mom had the food

By Dwight S. Ives   ready and a continuous stream of smiling, foreign faces started to pour through the front door. My parents treated them all as near relatives, including the good natured 6’3” “Haitian Sensation” basketball star whom we dubbed “Little Brother”. Some brought gifts of food while some just came for the promise of food. It’s amazing what a meal can do. My dad said grace, but not before my introduction that this is our custom, not intended to insult any in attendance. My dad prayed in the familiar “thee” and “thou” language of God that he had used my whole life, and there were no complaints. As many went back for seconds and more arrived, we began to run out of food. My mom had no idea how to solve this dilemma, as a good turkey takes several hours to prepare. Enter Myra, an American student, who said, “No problem! I’ll just zap some food in the microwave for a few minutes.” “What’s that?” mom asked. “You don’t know what a microwave is?” Myra asked, stunned at the thought. “No,” mom said. Myra took a piece turkey and brought back a fully cooked quarter in minutes without making anyone wait. After that day, my mom advanced one giant step into the technological science

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of the microwave. Seldom, if ever, did she cook using a conventional oven again!  Dwight graduated from the National College Republican Fieldman School to become a political instructor/consultant.  Returning from Washington, DC, he earned dual Masters in Business Administration and Management.  He has done PR work for Crystal Gayle, Frank Abagenal of the movie “Catch Me If You Can”, and the “Christmas Show” produced by Brad and Jennifer Moranz.  Dwight works Security at Kiawah Island for KICA.

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November 27, 2009

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Fall recipes from Rosebank Farms

lthough the weather is cooling, late fall vegetables and greens are still going strong at Rosebank Farms. Following are a few recipes for some of the delicious produce you’ll find at the stand this week:

Roasted Hakurei Turnips

Remove greens from turnips, leaving about one inch of stem attached to the turnip. Wash and place in saucepan. Cover with water and boil until tender. Drain turnips, place in baking pan, drizzle with olive oil and bake at 400 degrees until golden brown. Sprinkle with sea salt and eat the whole turnip, stem and all. The greens can be sautéed.

Spaghetti Squash

Cut the spaghetti squash in half. Place cut side down in a dish and add a little water and microwave until tender (if using an oven, bake at 375 degrees for 30 - 40 minutes). Remove the squash, let it cool and remove seeds with a fork, pulling the flesh in strands away from the skin. The squash can be seasoned with salt, butter or olive oil, or it can be used as pasta with a sauce of your choice. Rosebank Farms is currently selling the Stripetti Spaghetti Squash, which “is the most flavorful I have tasted,” according to farm manager Louise Bennett.

Baked A pples

Wash and core apples and slice away one round of skin on either end. Stand in a baking dish to fit. Fill hollowed cores with golden raisins or a mixture of golden raisins and dried cranberries. Top with a tsp. of honey. Add a little water. Bake in a 375 degree oven for 40 minutes. Serve plain or with a dollop of whipped cream.

Camellia continued from cover

has been at it ever since. His house, which he built by hand in 1940, is surrounded by giant camellias that he and his wife planted in the early 1950s. “I remember when that was just a little thing,” said Skip as he stood under a camellia bush whose uppermost branches reach high above his two story home. The boughs of the tree are sagging with dark pink blossoms this time of year and small, thick petals of magenta fall like a southern snowstorm in a gentle wind. Beside his house is a bed of unique and rare camellias and two greenhouses. Skip walked into the first one and pointed out the main feature: a deep tabletop filled with coarse sand. “This is where we root,” he said, gesturing toward the back third of the bed which was already filled with clippings. The coarse sand, Skip explained, allows oxygen to get to the roots, something camellias need to become established. “The same thing goes for live oaks,” said Skip. “If you cover the roots of a live oak too deeply in dirt, you’ll kill it.” The second greenhouse sheltered a hundred or so young plants which had taken root and were growing in small pots. “There’s no telling how long it will take a plant to root,” said Skip. “It could take a month, it could take a year. They root on their own time and there’s no way to tell ahead of time.” If you’re in a hurry for a more mature plant from a clipping, though, Skip pointed out an interesting trick which

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can be used on older plants. Whipping once again through his camellia jungle, Skip stopped next to what looked like a piece of litter wedged in a tight cluster of branches. “This is another way to encourage roots,” said Skip, squeezing the sides of a quart-size yoghurt container taped in the tree. The container is filled with sphagnum moss and placed around the base of a branch which has been scraped to reveal the live green skin underneath. “It takes about the same time to root as a clipping,” said Skip, noting that you can tell when the section has rooted by squeezing the container. If it’s ready, the container will be tight with roots. A charter member of the American Camellia Society since its inception in 1946, Skip’s knowledge of camellias and their varieties is far greater than even he probably realizes. Names of flowers burst from his lips as easily as one tells the time of day. High Hat, Dwight Eisenhower, Joshua Youtz … and that’s just what he can recognize from several yards away. Skip’s camellia garden is right across the parking lot from Sea Island Savory Herbs and most days you can find him quietly inspecting the dozens of potted camellias for sale. If you really want to see the camellias in full blossom, drop by sometime in mid-January to experience a southern snowstorm of these vibrant, variegated flowers. Sea Island Savory Herbs is located at 5920 Chisolm Road, Johns Island. For more info, call 559-1446 or visit www.petesherbs.com.

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November 27, 2009

Blessing

of the vines

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rvin House Vineyards Celebrated their Annual Blessing of the Vines on Saturday, November 14, with live music by Smokey Weiner and the Hot Links and a Chili Cook Off. The Chili Cookoff welcomed chefs, cooks and anyone who felt they’d mastered the art of chili making to enter the contest and types of chili ranged from traditional beef and beans to seafood and southern concoctions. Additional food was provided by Home Team BBQ and crafts were available for purchase from local artisans. Irvin House, which also houses the famous Firefly Distillery, is open Wednesday - Saturday from 10am to 5pm. For more information, visit their website at www. charlestonwine. com or call 559-6867.

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November 27, 2009

A

Garden Club gets into the holidays

t 9:30am on November 13, the parking lot at Seabrook’s Lake House was packed to capacity and parking attendants guided the unending parade of cars into rows on the Lake House lawn. “What’s all the hubbub?” a Seabrook resident asked one of the lot attendants. The man smiled. “Garden Club,” he replied. Inside, the large meeting room was filled to capacity with more than 80 Seabrook residents, all of whom were excited to hear about the hot topic of the season, “Holiday Decorations”, as presented by one of the most popular local catering companies around: Hamby Catering. Before introducing the Hamby crew, Garden Club Board member Marianne Banwort sang the first verse from “All God’s Children Got a Place in the Choir”, preparing the crew for a “call to volunteer” for various upcoming holiday events hosted by the Garden Club. Luckily, the roster filled up quickly as ladies volunteered to help decorate the Lake House Christmas Tree on December 4, and to serve punch and run food during the Holiday Open House on December 6. As the Hamby crew rushed in box after box of decorations and hidden goodies, Deborah Hamby, co-owner of Hamby Catering, announced that “If these guys can teach me how to do table decorations, anyone can learn.” Gingerbread Women and Egg Nog Cookies

“If you’re going to make gingerbread cookies for the tree, remember that you have to let them age a little before hanging them,” said Deborah, reminiscing about the time that she hung several fresh gingerbread cookies on her Christmas tree, only to find that every one of them slipped their hooks and fell to the ground overnight. She also told the story of the first gingerbread men which were not made for eating at all, but were instead decorated with gold and gemstones to imitate the guests at fancy parties in 15th century Germany. To decorate an edible gingerbread person, Deborah noted that she uses either royal icing (a combination of egg whites, water and powdered sugar) or fondant,

which can be cut very accurately. The egg nog cookies provided even more of a history lesson, with Deborah telling the story of rum in the early American colonies and how the settlers used it instead of the traditional brandy in egg nog recipes, as rum was cheaper and more readily available. “However, we used bourbon in these, as bourbon is more popular in the south,” said Deborah. A bell pepper Poinsettia To literally top it all off, Deborah presented a breathtaking work of art in the form of a Poinsettia recreated entirely out of vegetables. Starting with half of a cantaloupe turned face down, Deborah cut the sides off of a bell pepper in three sections, being careful to avoid creating

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holes when cutting under the ridges. Scraping out the seeds, she carefully cut the section into a leaf shape and threaded a toothpick through one end so that, when stuck in the cantaloupe, it would stick out perpendicular to the melon. “Be sure to stick the toothpick in the melon first, then re-thread the pepper leaf onto it,” she said, noting that the peppers tended to shred if handled roughly. For the center of the pepper Poinsettia, Deborah sliced the white end of scallions so that they created a fuzzy white center, holding the onions in place with more toothpicks. Finally, the base of the Poinsettia was created by piling two separate shade/textures of greens, such as kale and cabbage. “The best part about this Poinsettia is that it’s edible!” Deborah smiled. Centerpiece for dummies If you’re like most people who don’t really have the three to five hours to create a pepper Poinsettia centerpiece, Deborah also demonstrated a quick centerpiece by placing a hurricane lantern inside of a wreath lying face up in the center of a table. “Stick a candle in the lantern and you’re done!” she said. Presenting hors d’oeuvres Last but not least, master designer for Hamby’s, Kathleen, took a few minutes to demonstrate how to make quick, tasteful Hamby continued on page 15

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The following police reports were provided by the Charleston County Sheriff’s Department: November 9, 2009: (Freshfields) Between 6pm and 6:45am, a complainant stated that someone broke into his store. The suspect first tried to go through the back door as the security latch for the door was broken off, but entry was never gained and the door was still secure. The suspect then smashed in a side window with an unknown object, entered and broke into the cash register. The cash register was not damaged, so it was assumed that the suspect found the key for it that was in a cabinet beside the register. The total in the register came to $200 – the change was not taken. The responding officer attempted to lift prints from the register, cabinet and back door with no results. However, the officer was able to lift some partial prints from the wooden cabinet which held the key. They were turned into evidence to be checked through AFIS. The register tape also indicated that the register had been opened at 11:45pm on November 8. Nothing else was damaged, even though there are several paintings on the walls averaging a sale price of several hundred dollars each. November 10, 2009: (Kiawah) The complainant arrived at the main gate of Kiawah to report that they struck a deer the night before. The complainant

Police Blotter

stated that a deer next to the roadway struck the right front plastic piece of his bumper. The piece can be pushed out with only a minor blemish to the paint finish, but the complainant advised that he needed a report made for the rental car company. The car sustained approximately $5 in damage. November 10, 2009: (Freshfields) An officer met with the victim at a local coffee shop in reference to a disturbance between the victim and the subject. The victim stated that the subject’s vehicle was illegally parked and he attempted to pass the subject’s vehicle. The victim stated that the subject came out of the coffee shop and started hitting and kicking the right side of his vehicle. The officer observed a very small dent in the right front fender. The victim stated that the subject put a badge in his face and stated he was a police officer and he was going to arrest him. The victim stated the subject wanted to call the Sheriff’s office. The victim walked over to the manager’s office where he called the Sheriff’s office, but the subject left before he arrived. The officer talked with the subject, who stated that he came out of the coffee shop after dropping off his keys with his wife. The SUV was behind his vehicle and he tried to make eye contact with the driver and crossed the road to the back of his vehicle. The subject stated that as the SUV passed by, it appeared to him that the driver came

very close to him and the right side mirror hit the subject on the shoulder, turning him around. The SUV continued on when the subject stated he hit the window of the SUV, attempting to get him to stop. The subject stated that the victim continued until the subject flashed his Resort security badge. The subject stated that the victim exited the SUV and was screaming at him about being illegally parked. The subject stated that the victim was so close to the subject’s face that the victim’s nose was touching his, and the subject asked him to back up. The subject asked if he wanted to call the Sheriff’s department and the subject stated that the victim was causing a scene, so he left to go to work and contacted the Sheriff’s office. The victim called to talk with the head of security of the Kiawah Island Resort and after being told that she would not be in until Monday, the victim showed up at the security office and was asked to leave. The victim was referred to the Magistrate’s office if he wished to press charges. November 11, 2009: (Kiawah) The victim stated that between 11am and 4pm, persons unknown stole $220 from her car which was parked in the garage of the house she was cleaning. The victim does not know how the subject entered the car as it was unlocked and the windows were rolled down. The victim also stated that there were about 20 people

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November 27, 2009

on the scene and she has no idea who the suspect is. November 13, 2009: (Kiawah) An officer spoke to a complainant in reference to damage to her vehicle’s paint while it was parked in Mariner’s Watch. The damage consists of three scratches that are between six and 24 inches long. They are located on her rear passenger door, top of the trunk and the driver’s side front and rear doors. She stated that her vehicle was parked in a designated space between November 9 and November 13. During a portion of this time, an unknown tree or maintenance company was pruning the palmetto trees in the vicinity of her area and had piled up the cut branches next to her vehicle. She believes that these workers must have accidentally damaged her vehicle. She originally reported the incident to Kiawah Island Security, who advised her to call the Sheriff’s Department. The complainant stated that the damage was not malicious even after the officer stated that it could not be determined that the damage was accidental or even done by the tree workers.

November 27, 2009

Seabrook Grays bring home the gold

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By Warren Kimball

hen the United States Tennis Association (USTA) league program first began back in the late 1970s, its total enrollment was around 500 players. This past November 5 through 8, more than twice that number descended on the Wild Dunes Tennis Club on the Isle of Palms for the South Carolina State (district) SuperSenior Championship. The tournament pitted teams from all over the state with play according to age and level-of-play divisions. The Super-Seniors’ divisions start at age 60, gaining the nickname “Super-Dooper Seniors” at age 70. Level-of-play follows a ranking system ranging from 3.0 to the professional level of 7.0, though the system actually describes an ability range. Rankings are ultimately determined based on play, similar to a handicap system in golf (though there are a heck of a lot more “strokes” in tennis). Since the program began, the Seabrook Island Tennis Club has entered teams in the USTA leagues, taking wins almost every year since its inception. For a quick history of those successes, check out the many placards hanging on the fence outside of the Seabrook Island Tennis

Shop. Teams play in local (Lowcountry) leagues, with the winners going to the State Championship, then on to a sectional (Southern) Championship, and finally to a National Championship. After a close loss in last year’s State Championship, the Seabrook Grays (3.5 men 70s) returned to try again. Eight teams, divided into two divisions, qualified and only one survived: the Grays. Playing three courts of doubles, they won their divisions in three successive 3-0 wins, leaving a series of tiebreakers to decide the winner. In the finals, the Grays faced a team of shrewd and clever old guys who insisted on following the Wee Willie Keeler strategy: hit ‘em where they ain’t. Seabrook survived, 2 courts to 1, but it was tough. Never had they seen so many deep lobs and forehand slices. Next for the Grays is the Sectional (Southern) Championship in Pelham, Alabama, March 12-14, 2010, at the Pelham Racquet Club. For more information, visit www.southernsuperseniors.com/ Not to count chickens before they hatch, but the National Championships for 3.5 men 70s, is in Surprise, Arizona, April 30 - May 2, 2010. Y’all come! That would be a nice “surprise”.

Hamby continued from page 13

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table decorations and bases for hors d’oeuvres trays. Suggestions ranged from bunching a separate, differently colored table cloth on the table to give the presentation of the food a quality of depth, to placing multicolored ornaments in flat-topped glass containers, on which the food could later be placed. To add interest, Kathleen ran strands of battery-powered Christmas lights in between the ornaments and turned them on. “You can get these at the dollar store,” she pointed out. Her final suggestion was a quick Christmas tree made of ribbons which could add height to a table presentation. By sticking a dowel rod in a flower pot filled with plaster-of-paris, Kathleen hot glued several strands of ribbon to the top and ran them down to a wire hoop about 12 inches in diameter. The hoop, she noted, was one of the bases used to make wreaths and could be found at almost any craft store. To finish off loose or untidy ends, she glued a fancy ribbon to the top of the tree, finished the knots on the hoop with little bows and tiny ornaments dangling from the bottom, and covered the plaster-of-paris with ornaments which were hot glued into place. “This time of year, your hot glue gun is your best friend,” Kathleen smiled. As the presentation closed, the Garden Club was invited to the front to enjoy their very own gingerbread woman, egg nog cookie and signature gingerbread cookie.

Introducing the Seabrook Grays: Kurt Wassen, Jimmy Rinehart, Dick Hughes, Jerry Hanchrow, Armand Glassman, Dick Coomer, Chuck Bensonhaver, and Warren Kimball (Captain). Thanks to Tom Kent and Steve Berque who did not play, but provided super-sub back-up.

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For more information about Hamby Catering, please visit www.hambycatering.com or call 571-3103. For more information about the Garden Club, the next meeting will be held at the Seabrook Lake House on December 4, starting at 9am.