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Volume 5 Issue 22 FREE March 5, 2010

Sullivan’s Island • Isle of Palms • Goat Island • Dewees Island

Inside Island Eye

Bustos candidacy page 6 Sullivan's Oyster Roast page 12 Island wildflowers page 20
2
Sullivan’s Island Council – February 16, 2010
Meeting highlights:
Reports and Communication:
Mayor Carl Smith stated that Dr.
Peter DeVito, who owns a house
next to Durst Medical, asked that
commercial angle parking not take
place from Durst’s office, East. “He
feels that it doesn’t look good and
makes it more difficult to get in and
out for residents,” said the Mayor.
The Council agreed to consider
this during discussions on the
Commercial District plan.
Bike-friendly island: Andy Benke
stated that the chair of the Planning
Commission, Hal Currey, is looking
into how to make the island more
bike-friendly. The commission
needs to assess what needs to
be done to improve the current
conditions, as well as what needs
to be done to certify the island as
“bike-friendly.”
Upcoming beach runs: The first
annual Adela Cook 5K Memorial
Run will be held on the beach on
April 10, and the Cystic Fibrosis 5K
Walk and Run will be held on the
beach on May 15.
Town income report: The Town
has sold approximately 570 dog
licenses as of the Council meeting
date, and revenue is about $7000
over the same time last year.
Building permits are also up by
see SI highlights on page 4
Civic
Council member Pat O’Neil
shared a little of the Mardi Gras
spirit with the assembled crowd
before the Council meeting
began, throwing handfuls of
green, yellow and purple beads
to the laughing attendees,
including Mrs. Watson’s first
Council member Pat O'Neil gave away Mardi Gras beads
before the February 16 meeting.
www.islandeyenews.com
March 5, 2010
grade class from Sullivan’s w Closure of Jasper Boulevard at
Island Elementary. Station 22 ½ Street west toward
The first graders, bedecked in Station 22 Street.
beads and smiling from ear to w Removal of concrete traffic
ear, opened the meeting for the island at Middle/Station 18
night by leading the Council Streets – the SC DOT would
in the Pledge of Allegiance. remove the traffic island and
According to their teacher, make a right hand turn at
Council member Station 18 Street.
Mary Jane Watson, w Central Avenue at Middle
the class visit was Street yield – the SC DOT would
part of their lesson improve ADA sidewalk access
on President’s Day and improve traffic merge at this
and the meaning of intersection.
patriotism. During citizens’ comments,
several residents voiced their
Middle Street opinion on the effect of the
paving project closure of Jasper Boulevard on
The SC DOT Myrtle Avenue, the street just
(South Carolina before Jasper on the approach to
Department of the island. Many Myrtle Avenue
Transportation) has residents were concerned that
advised the Town incoming traffic would simply
of its intent to let turn on their street instead of
the contract to pave waiting to turn on Middle Street.
Middle Street from “I feel like we’re the island
Station 22 ½ to stepchild,” said Myrtle Avenue
Station 12 in late resident Heidi Brown, stating
March. The project that she felt closing Jasper is
consists of three smart, but the SC DOT should
sections, which also study the impact on Myrtle.
the Town has been Town Administrator Andy Benke
asked to comment
on beforehand: see SI Council on page 4

March 5, 2010
IOP City Council – February 23, 2010
Meeting highlights
Budget: Charleston County is
behind in sending property tax
collections to the City, which
has only received $1,450,000 to
date (91% of budget). However,
Treasurer Suggs believes that
once the rest is received, the City
will meet its budgeted revenue.
Business licenses are $200,000
short and even with delinquent
payments, the numbers might
not make this year’s budgeted
revenue. Local options sales
taxes and residential rental
licenses are both on track.
Council video online: Council
approved an expenditure of
$35 per posting to post the
city’s Council meetings on the
city website, with an annual
subscription fee of $60.
Priority of projects costing
$250,000 or more: The
following projects costing
$250,000 or more to complete
were placed in order of priority
for the city: Topping the list is
the drainage project at 54th – 5th
Avenue, followed by the dredging
of the Marina, then the disaster
recovery fund increase and
finally, the scaled-back version
of the Recreation ball field
reconfiguration.
Bike rack at the Public Safety
building: Discussions are
underway to place a bike rack at
the new Public Safety building.
Chief Buckhannon will look into
pricing and report during the
March meeting.
Disaster Preparedness Expo:
The joint Isle of Palms and
Sullivan’s Island Disaster
Preparedness Expo will be held
at the Isle of Palms new Public
Safety Building on Friday, June
see IOP on page 5
 
Recycle - Wednesday, March 10 - Recycle
Isle of Palms
886-6428
www.iop.net
Monday, March 8
Public Works Committee
Meeting
4 p.m.
1303 Palm Boulevard
Tuesday, March 9
Recreation Committee
Meeting
4 p.m.
24 Twenty-eighth Avenue
Board of Zoning Appeals
5:30 p.m
1301 Palm Boulevard
Wednesday, March 10
Municipal Court
10 a.m.
1207 Palm Boulevard
Civic
Dog license fee increased to $5
for residents
In response to an outpouring
from island residents, the Isle
of Palms Ways and Means
committee voted to change
the City’s required dog license
fee from the proposed $25 per
license for residents to $5 per
license; a number much closer
to the current license fee of $2.
As for the visitor’s dog license
fee, which was proposed at $35
per license, Ways and Means
asked that the Public Safety
Committee go back and re-
consider the changes. During
the Ways and Means meeting,
Council member Marty Bettelli
pointed out that the decision to
increase dog licenses was made
in response to Sullivan’s Island
increasing their dog license fee
to $35; a ruling which might
cause visitors with dogs to
descend on the Isle of Palms in
order to avoid the fees. The Ways
and Means decision to increase
the dog license fee to $5 was
later approved unanimously
during the Council meeting.
“We heard you loud and clear,”
said Council member Mike
Loftus in response to the citizens
who attended the Ways and
Means meeting to express their
opinion. “The Council messed up
and we’re in the process of fixing
it.”
Island vegetation restrictions
wilt on floor
First reading was given to an
ordinance which would apply
to SR-1 and SR-2 districts,
requiring “At least fifty percent
(50%) of the area of a lot” to
be “naturally vegetated or
landscaped with grass or other
vegetation”, provided that it
doesn’t limit lot coverage to
less than 3200 square feet. The
Civic Calendar
Planning Commission Meeting
4:30 p.m.
1301 Palm Boulevard
Public Safety Committee
Meeting
5:30 p.m.
30 J.C. Long Boulevard
Thursday, March 11
Real Property Committee
Meeting
8:30 a.m.
1207 Palm Boulevard
Tuesday, March 6
Ways and Means Committee
Meeting
5:45 p.m.
1207 Palm Boulevard
_______________________
Sullivan's Island
883-3198
www.sullivansisland-sc.com
ordinance would also require a
Island Connection and The Folly Current.
landscaping plan approval and
installation prior to the issuance
of a certificate of occupancy.
Douglas Kerr, Director of
Building, Planning and Zoning
for the island, stated that the
current ordinance has a limit
of 40% on impervious surfaces
such as concrete on lots, but
there is no limit on pervious
surfaces, which could be
anything from gravel to bare
dirt to slotted decks. “This was
proposed before about 5 or 6
years ago, but was removed by
the Council,” said Kerr. “Right
now, you could theoretically
leave a lot as dirt.” However,
there was no motion to approve
first reading and the ordinance
died on the floor.
Roof deck restrictions pass
first reading
As with the vegetation
ordinance, ordinance 2010-04
was brought up as a result of
a workshop held between the
Planning Commission and the
City Council a few months ago.
Before the Council gave first
reading, Director Kerr stated
that the goal of the ordinance is
not to eliminate rooftop decks,
but to eliminate the trend of
recent structures where the
entire top floor is a rooftop
deck. “With this [ordinance],”
said Kerr, “any deck within 10
feet of the roof is limited to 10%
of the heated footprint of the
structure.” For example, Kerr
stated that a 4000 square foot,
2 story house with 2000 square
feet on each floor could only
have a rooftop deck measuring
200 square feet. “People could
still have rooftop decks, they
would just be smaller,” said
see IOP Council on page 5
the Isle of Palms, Sullivan’s Island, Goat Island
and by subscription to non-islanders. Subscrip-
Tuesday, March 9
Municipal Court
6 p.m.
1610 Middle Street
value and cannot be returned except by special
Wednesday, March 9
Planning Commission
6:30 p.m.
is open to all businesses who want to reach the
1610 Middle Street
Thursday, March 11
Planning Commission
7:00 p.m.
1610 Middle Street
Wednesday, March 17
Planning Commission
6:00 p.m.
1610 Middle Street
Tuesday, March 16
Regular Council Meeting
6 p.m.
1610 Middle Street
3
L u cky D og Pu bl i sh i n g
of S C , L L C
Publisher of the Island Eye News, The
Lynn Pierotti
publisher
lynn@luckydognews.com
Kristin Hackler
managing editor
kristin@luckydognews.com
Swan Richards
senior graphic designer
swan@luckydognews.com
Ellie Smith
graphic designer
Lori Dalton
account executive
lori@luckydognews.com
•
Contributors
Captain Geoff Bennett
Connie Darling
Dimi Matouchev
Dr. John Nelson
Sarah Reynolds
SC DNR
Shea Stanley
Nick Strehle
Sullivan's Islanders Group
Published by
Lucky Dog Publishing
of South Carolina, LLC
P.O. Box 837
Sullivan’s Island, SC 29482
843-886-NEWS
Submit your letters to the editor to:
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Future deadlines:
March 10 for all submissions.
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4 March 5, 2010
SI Highlights from page 2
$17,000 from last year.
Welcome, Officer Horne! Police
Chief Danny Howard stated
that Officer Anthony Horne has
completed his probationary period
and recommended him for full
time status. The promotion was
approved unanimously.
Bridge closing party a success!
Council member Mary Jane
Watson reported that the Town
sold 250 wrist bands during the
Bridge Closing Party on February
7, so it was estimated that there
was an attendance of roughly 300
residents. Watson asked if, with
the blessing of the Council, if they
could begin scheduling a party for
the rededication of the bridge. The
Council agreed and Watson said
she would start planning. “It was
one of best events for residents
we’ve ever had,” said Council
member Perkis.
Discussion of paid parking on
Sullivan’s Island: Sullivan’s Island
Streets and Maintenance will
discuss the issue of paid parking
on the island during their Streets
and Maintenance Committee
meeting, scheduled for 4 p.m. on
March 10 at Town Hall. For more
info, visit www.sullivansisland-sc.
com or call 883-3198.
SI Council from page 2
pulled up a map of the area,
pointing out that the SC DOT
is considering closing the left
hand turn lane onto Jasper due
to the number of accidents that
happen at that intersection, or
temporarily eliminating route
traffic access to the western
side of Jasper. “These are just
suggestions,” Benke assured the
residents. Brown reasserted that
she felt the closure of Jasper
would just shift the accidents
down a street, to which Benke
replied that it was a reasonable
request and they would look into
it. The Council will consider all
of the proposed changes and
will discuss suggestions and
concerns with the DOT during
their next meeting in March.
Thumbs up for renaming
Ben Sawyer to Louis P. Stith
Memorial
Residents Leo Fetter and Julian
Simons both spoke in support
of changing the name of the Ben
Sawyer Bridge to the Louis P.
Stith Memorial Bridge. “Louis
P. Stith was born and raised on
Sullivan’s Island,” said Fetter.
“He was a Korean War and World
War II vet. During his tenure as
the judge for Sullivan’s Island, he
was fair to everyone who stood in
www.islandeyenews.com
front of him. He was also selfless
in giving back to the community,
in which he was one of the
founding fathers of the Sullivan’s
Island Fire Department. I would
think it would be appropriate for
us to honor his service to our
community by naming the new
bridge after him.”
SC DOT franchise fee increase
The Council held first reading
of ordinance 2010-01, which
changes the terms of payment in
the contract between the Town
and South Carolina Electric and
Gas Company (SCE&G) so that
SCE&G shall pay a franchise fee
to the Town of 5%, an increase
from the former 3% fee. “It’s
equal to a mils worth, or about
$50 per household per year,”
said Council member Mike
Perkis. “Charleston just did it,
Summerville did it, and Mount
Pleasant is scheduled to do it.”
He pointed out that this is only
the first reading, so the Council
would have time to look over
it and hold a public hearing to
get residents’ opinion before
approving the change.
Water, water everywhere … no,
really
A representative from Thomas &
Hutton Engineering presented
the Town with some ideas on
how to handle the loss of a
drainage pump at Station 18.
According to Thomas & Hutton,
the Town could either replace
the old pump with two pumps,
one working pump and one
back up in case the first failed;
replace the old pump with one
structurally sound pump, or put
in a new station at the Coast
Guard station, grade the area
down just a little bit and force
water into lower areas so that
it would flow into the adjacent
station 19 basin. The first and
second options would replace
the current broken pump, but
neither would be able to handle
a very large storm. In light of the
current information, the engineer
recommended the third option
as the Town’s best “bang for the
buck.”
Planning Commission chairman
Currey pointed out that, in his
experience with altering the land,
the Council was in for a long,
drawn out process. He suggested
that the Council look into what
drainage lines are currently in
the ground before going forward
with any of the plans. Council
member Perkis stated that they
would discuss the issue further
at the next Committees of
Council meeting on March 1.
March 5, 2010
IOP Highlights from page 3
11, 2010, from 5 – 7 p.m.
ALS Race date set: The next ALS Race on the
Isle of Palms beach will be held on Saturday,
June 12. 2010. For more information, visit
www.alshoperace.com.
RFP for City drainage maintenance: Eadie’s
Drain and Vaccuum Services have been
handling the maintenance of the island’s
drainage ditches for almost five years and
is close to concluding their five year contact
with the city. The Public Works Committee
voted to draft an RFP (request for proposal) so
that other companies can bid on the drainage
maintenance contract.
Fix our drainage! Several residents from
Sparrow Drive spoke at the beginning of
the Council meeting, pointing out that their
neighborhood has become a lake in excess
of more than a foot deep and nothing was
being done about it. It has become dangerous
to walk through the area and one resident
expressed concern about liability if someone
slipped in the permanent mud in his front
yard. Mayor Cronin said he would see what
they could do about it.
Thanks from SIES: Sullivan’s Island
Elementary principal Susan King addressed
the Council, thanking them for their support
of the school. “We’re trying to rebuild our
school and I feel very positive about it,” said
King. “It’s looking good. Everyone was so
giving.” She noted that they have received
more than 1000 letters of support from both
islands.
Home business ordinance deferred: An
ordinance amending home occupation for
a business on the island to allow for more
than one home occupation per dwelling unit,
and to rename “home occupation” as “home
business occupation” was deferred pending a
public hearing.
Penalties for untimely payment of
taxes: Ordinance 2010-02, which requires
establishments which “tender payment for the
patron’s meal, food or beverage” to be subject
to a penalty of 25% or portion thereof of the
unpaid tax if the monthly tax is not paid by
the 20th of the month, with an increase of 5%
monthly (or portion thereof) up to 50% until
the tax is paid passed second reading.
Maximum occupancy at any time in
rentals: The Council passed first reading
of an ordinance to reduce the maximum
occupancy of a rental at any time so that the
total number of persons at a residence shall
not exceed 2.5 times the maximum overnight
occupancy or a total of 40 persons, including
children. Council members Bettelli and
Buckhannon voted against.
IOP Council from page 3
Kerr.
When Council member Barbara Bergwerf
asked where the 10% figure came from,
Kerr replied that small decks are not
objectionable and would still afford a good
view, and that the 10% restriction “seemed
to be a generally good fit.”
“And the reason this is being done is to
prevent …?” asked Council member Marty
Bettelli. “It’s aesthetics, for the large part,”
said Kerr, pointing out that flat roofs with
railings were not only unattractive, they also
allowed large parties to congregate 40 feet in
the air, which is unattractive from a noise
standpoint.
“I can understand noise pollution,
but unattractiveness is in the eye of
the beholder,” argued Council member
Buckhannon. “Some houses might be a
hideous color, but when will that legislation
come through?”
Bergwerf stated that she felt the ordinance
should have a first reading so that there
could be a public hearing to discuss the
pros and cons of the issue, and after a
couple more minutes of discussion, the
Council voted, passing first reading with
Council members Marty Bettelli, Ryan
Buckhannon and Sandy Stone voting
against.
10 people per rental to be written
into an ordinance
Council member Bergwerf read aloud a
possible amendment to zoning, asking that
the Council consider voting to have it crafted
into an ordinance. The amendment amends
section 5-4-202: Maximum Occupancy,
to read that the maximum overnight
occupancy of a residence obtaining and
continuously holding a business license
since prior to March 23, 2010, shall remain
as they are currently, but the maximum
occupancy of a residence obtaining a
business license after March 23, 2010,
cannot have an occupancy of more than ten
people.
“This is an emotional issue and I’ve heard
from a number of impassioned people,”
said Council member Stone. “And there are
some unintended consequences that we
need to explore.” He went on to list that the
amendment, if put into place, would erode
the island’s hospitality tax base since less
people would be able to stay on the island,
and the difference would “come from the
backs of citizens, from businesses and from
business license fees.” Accomodations taxes
are already down, he stated, and would be
further degraded by putting the ordinance
in place. “Where is the win-win for the
citizens?” He asked.
5
Council member Bettelli asked where the
maximum number of 10 came from as it
seemed arbitrary to him. Bergwerf replied
that it came from “statistics across America.
Families of 10 seems like a reasonable
number.”
“What if 2 or 3 families want to share a
rental?” asked Bettelli. “I don’t understand
what we’re trying to do short of scaring
people from the Isle of Palms. Our industry
is tourism. Some houses, I agree, are way
too big, but 10? Come on, it doesn’t make
sense.”
Council member Brian Duffy stepped in,
pointing out that the ordinance wouldn’t
affect people who currently have rental
licenses, and as long as their license
remains current, their maximum occupancy
wouldn’t change. “I think 10 is a number
for the future,” said Duffy. “Nothing in this
approach takes money out of city coffers
now or in the near future.”
“We started on this odyssey years ago when
it looked like rentals would burn down
the island,” said Council member Ralph
Piening. “No one is totally happy with this.
The investor class is not happy, but the
residents that supported me want to end
rentals right now and immediately decrease
the number to 10. That’s not going to
happen. Instead, we won’t build any more
to rent out to 20, 24 or 28 people. It’s not
radical, it’s what residents want.”
Council member Mike Loftus concurred,
averring that there has been a lot of
misinformation going around, such as
that certain members of the Council were
trying to eliminate rentals altogether. “I
take offense to this. I will never take that
stand. Rentals are a part of the island.”
“We’re talking about capping, not reducing
the current number,” said Council member
Doug Thomas. “Current licenses will stand
for as long as the owner or future owners
have that license. It’s supply and demand,
basic economics.” He also noted that the
infrastructure of the island didn’t seem
like it could hold many more large homes.
“If we continue the way we have grown,
we will have to burn a lot of dollars on
infrastructure.”
In the end, the Council voted to prepare
the amendment as an ordinance for first
reading, with Council members Marty
Bettellli, Ryan Buckhannon and Sandy
Stone voting against.
All ordinances which had first reading during
this Council meeting will have a public
hearing starting at 6:30pm before the March
23 Council meeting at City Hall. The regular
Council meeting will begin at 7pm. City Hall
is located at 1207 Palm Boulevard. For more
info, visit www.iop.net or call 886-6428.

6 March 5, 2010
Bustos to challenge Sottile
P
romising to bring an end
to “politics as usual in
Columbia”, former Town
Councilman Joe Bustos this
week announced his candidacy
for S.C. House of Representatives
District 112, which encompasses
Sullivan’s Island, Isle of Palms,
and portions of Mount Pleasant.
“The people are tired of politics
as usual in Columbia, just as they
are tired of it in Washington,”
Bustos said. “Growth of
government is out of control, and
we must elect new leaders to rein
it in.”
Bustos, a retired Lt. Colonel in
the United States Army, served
nine years on Mount Pleasant
Town Council, where he was
regarded as an advocate for
the taxpayers and a staunch,
fiscally conservative voice. He
regularly spoke out against
projects which were wasteful and
unnecessary, and became known
as an “independent voice” who
represented the people instead
of the special interest groups or
political power-brokers.
“I believe we must limit the
size of government at all levels,”
Bustos said, “and we must totally
Civic
for House Seat 112
revamp the burdensome tax
code to bring fairness and equity
back to our system. I will fight
to lower the overall tax burden
by lowering the size and cost
of government. I will be a solid,
fiscally conservative vote, just as
I was on Town Council for nine
years.”
According to Bustos, the
incumbent has scored poorly
on scorecards of current House
members prepared by fiscal
conservative groups such as the
Club for Growth.
“We need to make sure our
representative to the State House
is part of the solution, not part of
the problem,” Bustos said.
As a graduate of the U.S. Army
Command and General Staff
College, Bustos spent a career
as a highly-trained leader of our
fighting men and women in the
military.
“I want to put those leadership
skills to work in the State
House to help bring about the
needed reforms out state badly
needs,” said Bustos. “Until
we fundamentally change the
system of government, we can
never hope to solve the many
www.islandeyenews.sc
serious problems facing our
state.” He further stated that he
will work to protect the quality
of life which we currently enjoy
in the East Cooper community,
noting that, “One of my top
priorities will be preserving our
neighborhood-atmosphere for
future generations.”
Because he and his wife Kathy
operate two small businesses in
Mount Pleasant, Bustos said that
he understands the perspective of
both residents and businessmen.
As a Mount Pleasant native, Joe is
able to relate to both “old-timers”
and newcomers.
Bustos graduated from Gen.
William Moultrie High School. Councilman Joe Bustos
He enlisted in the U.S. Army in Bids and Purchases, Personnel
1970, graduated from Officer and Fire Committees. He served
Candidate School and retired as four years with Mount Pleasant
a Lieutenant Colonel of Infantry Water Works as an ex-Officio
in 1995. He received a bachelor’s Commissioner, and for the last
degree from Columbia College, a three years has represented
master’s degree in administration Mount Pleasant on the Charleston
from Central Michigan University Area Regional Transit Authority.
and is a resident graduate of the Joe is married to the former
U.S. Army Command and General Kathy Comar of Mount Pleasant
Staff College. Joe has served for and together they own Bustos
nine years on the Mount Pleasant
Town Council and serves as chair see Bustos on page 7
of the Planning, Water Supply,
March 5, 2010 7

Bustos from page 6 Dear Editor, “The phenomenon, known as “wreck of

Travel Service, where he works as a flight
instructor. They have two children and one
grandchild. Joe and Kathy attend Stella
Maris Catholic Church on Sullivan’s Island.
In response to Bustos’ bid for S.C. House
of Representatives District 112, incumbent
Mike Sottile stated that he will also be
running for reelection this year.
“I’ve served in Columbia just over one year
and in that extremely short time, I’ve backed
plans to stop extreme spending, reform our
government restructuring, give more choices
in education, and have helped to  bring tens
of thousands of jobs to the Charleston area,”
said Sottile.
“Taxpayers are tired of politicians who
run for something every year just because
they want to be somebody important.  We
need leaders who are more concerned with
growing our
economy and
creating jobs
than their
own  political
careers.  I’m
running for
reelection so
that I can
continue my
work to bring
much-needed
jobs to District
112 and the
region.”
House Representative Mike Sottile.
The mis-information in your article regarding
the recent and unprecedented beaching of
starfish was brought to my attention by my
mother, who is now and has been an avid
beach comber since the 1940s.
For the record; I am a forty-four year old,
forth generation island resident who has
logged as many, if not more beach hours
(summer and winter) than most local residents
twice my age. Throughout all of my years of
beach activities COMBINED, I have never
encountered as many beached starfish as I
have recently encountered within a few yards
of beach. Until this December, starfish sighting
were extremely rare.
Your recent article written by a “naturalist”
claiming that thousands of starfish washing
up on local beaches occurs “once or twice a
year,” is at most generous absurd.
The article’s being printed reiterates the
inconsistencies in its claims and the actual
facts. If this was an annual or bi-annual event
why would it merit an article in your paper or
front page articles in major newspapers up
and down the East Coast?
Sincerely Yours,
Russell Shiver
2305 Waterway Blvd.
Isle of Palms
Dear Russell,
It appears that the statement below was at
the heart of your discontent:
starfish”, is not unusual for the Atlantic.
Residents have most likely observed that once
or twice a year, consistently during winter
months, an onslaught of marine life is washed
ashore.”
Let me take the time to clarify. Please note
that I said “marine life”, insinuating heavier
wash up of all marine life on our local beaches,
not just starfish, during the winter months.
My statement regarding the starfish ‘event’ not
being unusual for the Atlantic was intended to
encompass the coastline of the entire Atlantic,
including European countries (where it occurs
most commonly and is associated with winter
storms and cold temperatures). So while it’s
not unusual for the Atlantic to experience
this “wreck of starfish” phenomenon once or
twice a year, it is important to clarify that the
starfish, not just marine life, washing ashore
in the numbers we saw were fairly unusual for
our local beaches.
Thank you for giving me the opportunity to
clarify my words so that the true intent could
be made known. For more information on this
subject, type in “Wreck of Starfish” or “Starfish
Stranding” in an online search engine and you
will find similar accounts of this phenomenon
occurring along the Atlantic coastline.
Sincerely,
Jennifer Barbour
Naturalist Trainer
Kiawah Island Nature Program

www.islandeyenews.com

8 March 5, 2010
The ecological treasure of Sullivan’s Island
O
n Thursday, March
11, 2010, from 6:30
– 7:30 p.m., John W.
McCord, wildlife biologist with
the S.C. Department of Natural
Resources (SCDNR), will present
a talk entitled "Sullivan's Island's
Accreted Land, An Ecological
Treasure". This talk is sponsored
by the Sullivan's Islanders
Group in collaboration with the
Sullivan's Island Elementary
School PTA. It will be held in the
Sullivan’s Island Elementary
School Auditorium.
Mr. McCord has worked with
the SCDNR since 1978 and is
recognized as a premier coastal
ecologist with broad interests
and expertise in the flora, fauna,
and wildlife of South Carolina's
barrier Islands. In 2003 he
participated in a two-year SC
DNR federal grant to develop
a "Comprehensive Wildlife
Conservation Strategy." Mr.
McCord was a primary SCDNR
participant in the development
of a cooperative management
plan for the undeveloped,
northeast end of Folly Beach
Cabinets & countertops for
new construction and renovations
843-388-9633
630-B Johnnie Dodds Blvd  Mount Pleasant
www.meverskitchens.com
Daily
Provided by the Sullivan’s Islanders Group
previously owned by
the US Coast Guard.
The area is now
officially designated
as Lighthouse Inlet
Heritage Preserve,
and is recognized as
a valuable maritime
ecosystem managed
as a natural resource
sanctuary.
Mr. McCord has spent many
years studying the natural
resources and ecological
characteristics of over 200
coastal islands in South
Carolina, and contributed to
the official letter sent to the
Sullivan’s Island Town Council
to express the SC DNR opinion
regarding the Sullivan’s Island
Accreted Land Management
Plan. He is the primary SC DNR
contributor to the Sullivan’s
Island Nature Trail project since
its inception in the 1980s. He
has recently worked with Ms.
Carol Killough to update the
Nature Trail and develop an
interpretive brochure.
This presentation is especially
Certified Member
www.islandeyenews.com
relevant to Sullivan’s
Island Elementary
School, one of two
schools on the
beach in the United
States, as it applies
to become a partial
magnet school with
an educational
emphasis on Marine
and Environmental Science.
Principal Susan King will explain
how this educational emphasis
will fit into a magnet school
curriculum during a brief PTA
meeting from 6:00 to 6:30 p.m.,
preceding Mr. McCord’s talk.
Mr. McCord’s presentation
is also highly relevant to the
Town of Sullivan’s Island which
is developing an improved
management plan for 90+ acres
of accreted beach-front land
held in a protected Land Trust.
We invite everyone who has
an interest in the “Ecological
Treasure” of our island to join
us for what promises to be a very
educational and entertaining
presentation. You do not need
to be a member of the PTA or
the parent of an SIES student to
attend.
The talk will begin at 6:30 p.m.,
after a short PTA meeting at 6:00
p.m., in the Sullivan’s Island
Elementary School Auditorium.
Mr.McCord’s presentation is free
and open to all.
For more information contact:
The Sullivan’s Islanders www.
sullivansislanders.net Karen
Coste: cscharlotte@bellsouth.net
Larry Middaugh: larry.middaugh@
gmail.com Sullivan’s Island
Elementary PTA Susan Ballenger:
scultressa@aol.com.
Welcome, new readers!
Welcome to the 987 new
recipients of Lucky Dog
publications! Lucky Dog
Publishing, publishers of The
Island Eye News, The Island
Connection and The Folly
Current, is happy to announce
that we are now mailing directly
to more than 10,000 island
residents, with an additional
4,000 papers distributed
throughout the islands. Thank
you for reading!

March 5, 2010
Getting to know
“The Help”
By Connie Darling
T
he Edgar Allan Poe book
club had a very sucessful
turn out this past Saturday,
February 20.
Dr. Jean Robinson, HC Lucas-
Raymond, Ann Melfi, Nancy Cook,
June DeHart, Betty Driemeyer,
Joan Whitbeck, Bev Steinsiek,
Louise Rossell, Gretchen Kelley,
Patricia Ahearn, Jane Welch, Pat
Ross, Judy Reese, and Gloria
McDonald all joined in a riveting
discussion of “The Help” by
Kathryn Stockett.  The Beach
Lovers Book Club will meet again
Daily
Hope on Goat for Haiti
“Be the change that you want to see in the world.” ~Mohandas Gandhi
B
arrier Island Eco Tours and
Goat Island Gatherings
are teaming up to host an
old fashioned oyster roast benefit
for the American Red Cross Haiti
Relief and Development Fund
on March 6 from 1 – 6 p.m. The
minimum $35 donation will get
you into the party and includes
free parking at the Isle of Palms
Marina, a boat shuttle provided
by Barrier Island Eco Tours to
and from Goat Island departing
every 30 minutes, local oysters,
fish stew, hot dogs and live
music from local talent including
Triple Lindy
at the Edgar Allan Poe Library and Guests, the
Wyatt Garey
on March 27 at 10:30 to discuss
Band, and Cory
“Sarah’s Key” by Titiana De
Webb.
Rosnay. I would like to thank
Guests may
everyone for their participation in
bring their own
this month’s discussion and their
beverages and
interest in our book club.  We coolers are
would like to welcome anyone that
welcome.
would like to discuss this book For more
to the next meeting. For more
information
information, call the Poe Library and to make
at 883-3914. The Poe Library is reservations for
located at 1921 I’On Avenue on the event call
Sullivan’s Island.
www.islandeyenews.com
9
Barrier Island Eco Tours at 886-
5000 or email morgan@nature-
tours.com. For more information
about the American Red Cross,
please call 1-800 Help Now or
email info@usa.redcross.org.
Goat Island Gatherings (www.
goatislandgatherings.com) is a
quaint and charming vacation
rental property on beautiful Goat
Island, the sea island directly
behind Isle of Palms.  Barrier
Island Eco Tours (www.nature-
tours.com) promotes awareness,
conservation and enjoyment of our
coastal resources. They provide
naturalist-led
boat excursions to
Capers Island State
Heritage Preserve
year-round.
Barrier Island
Eco Tours, Shane
Ziegler, Owner,
P.O. Box 343, Isle
of Palms, SC 29451
Phone 886-5000,
morgan@nature-
tours.com
 Daily
10 March 5, 2010

Shuckin’ & Shaggin’ Shaggin’ on the Cooper

by Sarah Reynolds
on Sullivan’s Island
D
ance the night away this
Saturday, March 13, on
the scenic new Mount
Pleasant Pier with live music from
band 17 South.  Take advantage
of the beautiful spring weather
and stunning views at the end
of one of the longest piers in the
southeast.
  17 South is an all-star eight-
member Charleston band
complete with a three person horn
section. Their music ranges from
Motown, R & B and beach cover
tunes to classic big band swing
favorites.   Although comprised
of locals, 17 South has played
(ages 3 and up) or come with that
special someone to unwind after
a long week. 
 A limited number of tickets will
be sold for this event so arrive
early! Admission is $10. Tickets
will be available beginning at 4pm
the day of the event in the pier
gift shop and at the gate.  There
are many other opportunities for
Shaggin’ on the Cooper throughout
the year; additional events will
take place on May 8, May 22, June
19, July 10, August 28, September
11 and October 9.  For more info,
visit www.ccprc.com or call 795-
4FUN (4386).

W
hether you are a it down on the dance floor. There
“shucker” or a “shagger”,
you should make your
way to Sullivan’s Island on
Friday, March 19, for the last
(and the best!) oyster roast of
the season. Bring your shaggin’
shoes and dance the night away
under the beautiful backdrop of
Sullivan’s pristine beach while
listening to the music of the East
Coast Party Band from 6-9 p.m.
For our non-oyster eaters, there
will be Frogmore stew and plenty
of cold beer, wine and soft drinks
to wet your whistle after breaking
will also be a silent auction and
free shag lessons.
All proceeds benefit UMRC,
a local non-profit organization
committed to rehabilitating homes
and restoring hope to poverty level
families living in substandard
housing in the rural communities of
Berkeley, Charleston, Dorchester
and Georgetown Counties. Tickets
can be purchased by calling UMRC
at 884-4860. Tickets are $35 per
person.
with several nationally known
groups, including The
Temptations and Frank
Sinatra. Even if you don’t
dance, come out to enjoy
the music and watch the
sun set over Charleston
Harbor while sipping
your favorite beverage,
available for purchase on-
site (no outside alcohol or
coolers permitted).
  Gates open at 7pm
and music begins at 8pm. 
Bring the whole family

www.islandeyenews.com
March 5, 2010
Scholarships for strong minds and bodies
Announcing the PrimeTime Fitness College Scholarship Program
A
total of $1500 (three scholarships
of $500 each) will be awarded this
year by PrimeTime Fitness to college
students and/or high school seniors who
demonstrate dedication to the health
and fitness of themselves and/or others.
In order to qualify for the scholarship,
recipients must:
• Live in either Berkeley, Charleston,
or Dorchester counties.
• Be enrolled full-time in a two- or
four-year college program during the
semester for which the application is
being submitted.
• Must participate in health and fitness
activities regularly through any of,
but not limited to:
• Organized high school or collegiate
team sports
• Intramural sports
• Active gym membership
• Coaching recreational youth teams
• Activities used to satisfy the above
requirement must be documented
appropriately throughout the
semester immediately preceding the
scholarship semester.
• Documentation may include, but
is not limited to, school records
of team activities, newspaper
clippings, community team rosters
or game results, and teacher/coach
recommendations.
• Must submit an essay titled “The Role
of Physical Fitness in My Life.” The
essay should include the following:
• How physical fitness has made an
impact on my life.
• How I make an impact to encourage a
fit community.
• What or who inspires me to remain
active and pursue a healthy
lifestyle.
• How I intend to
lead a healthy
lifestyle
www.islandeyenews.com
11
despite the demands of college.
• Must submit fitness goals for the
upcoming semester. For example,
train for/participate in specific
organized sporting events, lose
weight, attend aerobics classes, set
specific performance goals, etc.
• Minimum GPA of 3.0 for returning
college students.
Recipients may be considered for repeat
scholarship awards. To receive funding,
student must submit documentation of the
following:
• Minimum 3.0 GPA (please attach
transcript)
• Participation in sports or fitness
activities as outlined above.
• Progress made towards goals
outlined above in #6.
Repeat scholarship applications will
be considered along with those received
from new applicants. Applications may be
picked up at PrimeTime Fitness, located
at 2120 Middle Street Sullivan’s Island,
and must be returned no later than May
1, 2010.
12 March 5, 2010

Sullivan's Island
Fire Dept. Oyster Roast
Saturday, February 27, 2010

www.islandeyenews.com
March 5, 2010 13

“Hits for HALOS” Charity Tennis Pro/Am

T
he I’On Club will host the Summer Camp Program, which Hennessy, Elms Digestive Disease sponsorship or contribution
SunTrust “Hits for HALOS” provides financial assistance for Specialists, Eyraud Enterprises, opportunities, please contact Mike
Charity Tennis Pro/ abused and neglected children Piggly Wiggly, Pots and Petals, Morris at 860-0984 or visit www.
Am March 20-21. Community in the Charleston area to attend Pearlstine Distributors, Inc., and charlestonhalos.org.
members are welcome to join the a local summer camp. Each Firefly Vodka.
festivities with free admission. All summer, HALOS makes camp For additional information,
proceeds from the event will be and other activities available to silent auction item donations,
donated to the HALOS Summer at least 160 children, all of whom
Camp Program for abused and have histories of maltreatment
neglected children in Charleston and are involved with the
County. Charleston County and Berkeley
The tennis tournament will County Department of Social
couple 28 amateur players with a Services.
rotation of 14 pros from around In addition to silent auction
the Southeast for ten round-robin donations, financial contributions
sets, followed by a playoff. The supporting this cause are welcome.
festivities will continue Saturday Corporate sponsorships for the
after the tournament with a event are also available. Current
wine tasting, silent auction, and “Hits for HALOS” sponsors include
spectator party with live music by SunTrust, Motley Rice, I’On
the local band Chewbacca. Club, Jacob’s Kitchen, The Inn
The proceeds from “Hits for at I’On, Assurant Health, Merrill
HALOS” will benefit the HALOS Lynch: Costa Chakeris and Jim
The schedule for “Hits for HALOS” is as follows:
Saturday, March 20
9 a.m. – 5 p.m.: Round Robin Pro/Am Tennis Tournament
5 p.m. – 8 p.m.: Pro Exhibition and Spectator Party
5 p.m. – 8 p.m.: Wine Tasting and Silent Auction

Sunday, March 21
9 a.m. – 2 p.m.: Round Robin Pro/Am Tennis Tournament
2 p.m. – 5 p.m.: Tournament Playoff and Happy Hour
14
Friday, March 5
Sandy Bottom Bash & Mount
Pleasant Academy’s 200th
anniversary
Enjoy a live and silent auction,
fabulous Lowcountry fare, and
live music with the Unofficial
Creekside Band, all starting at
7pm at Alhambra Hall.  Tickets
are $25 and can be purchased by
emailing Powell Hill at aphilljr@
gmail.com or calling 849-2826
Red Cross Blood Drive
7 a.m.- 1:30 p.m. at the American
Red Cross Blood Center, 920
Houston Northcutt Blvd, A-10,
Mount Pleasant, and from 11:30
a.m. – 4:30 p.m. at Franke at
Seaside, 1885 Rifle Range, Mount
Pleasant. For more info, call 416-
1660 OR 1-800-GIVE LIFE.
Saturday, March 6
The Art of Giving at the Island
Gallery
The Island Gallery is hosting
friends and supporters of
Operation Home from 6 – 10 p.m.
20% of all art sales will be donated
to Operation Home. Enjoy wine
and cheese provided by Seel’s on
www.islandeyenews.com
Sullivan’s. Island Gallery is
located at 2214 Middle Street.
The event is free and open to
the public. For more info visit
www.operationhome.org or call
568-7455.
Hope on Goat for Haiti
From 1 – 6 p.m. on Goat Island.
Tickets include parking at the Isle
of Palms Marina, a boat shuttle to
and from Goat Island (departing
every 30 minutes), local oysters,
fish stew, hot dogs and live music.
BYOB. Tickets are $35. Reserve
your spot by calling Barrier Island
Eco Tours at 886-5000 or email
morgan@nature-tours.com.
Pet Support Team for Junior
Volunteers
Pet Helpers Junior Volunteer
Program, the Pet Support Team,
will meet at 2 p.m. Kids ages 6 to
11 are invited to join this group of
young animal lovers for a monthly
meeting. Email Christine Bush at
cbush@pethelpers.org to register
for upcoming sessions. Pet Helpers
is located at 1447 Folly Road,
James Island.
Gullah Heritage celebration:
Drumming, dance, African tales
and Gullah cooking
Celebrate Gullah Heritage
through a series of free cultural
programs at Charles Pinckney
National Historic Site (1254 Long
Point Road) every Saturday at
2pm through March, 2010. NIA
Productions, African drumming
and dance. For more info, call 881-
5516 or visit www.nps.gov/chpi.
Sunday, March 7
Gullah Heritage celebration:
Sweetgrass and Gullah tales
Celebrate Gullah Heritage through
a series of free cultural
Official St Patty's Celebration
Saturday, March 13
street closed for all the festivities!!
MARCH SPECIALS AT SEELS
Fish Fry Fridays through Lent
Visit our booth at the Wine + Food Festival
Beer tasting Monday, March 29 @ 7pm
March 5, 2010
I s l a nd E y e C a l e nd a r
March 5 - March 19
programs at Charles Pinckney
National Historic Site (1254 Long
Point Road) every Saturday at 2pm
through March, 2010. This week’s
feature: Anita Singleton-Prather,
“Aunt Pearlie Sue” Gullah Tales;
and Vera Manigault, sweetgrass
baskets. For more info, call 881-
5516 or visit www.nps.gov/chpi.
Wednesday, March 10
Discussion of paid parking on
Sullivan’s Island
Sullivan’s Island Streets and
Maintenance will discuss the issue
of paid parking on the island. 4
p.m. at Town Hall. For more info,
visit www.sullivansisland-sc.com
or call 883-3198.
Red Cross Blood Drive
Noon – 6:30 p.m. at the American
Red Cross Blood Center, 920
Houston Northcutt Blvd, A-10,
Mount Pleasant. For more info, call
416-1660 OR 1-800-GIVE LIFE.
Thursday, March 11
Sullivan’s Island’s Accreted
Land, An Ecological Treasure
from 6:30 – 7:30 pm, John W.
McCord, wildlife biologist with
the S.C. Department of Natural
Resources (SCDNR), will present a
talk on Sullivan’s Island’s accreted
land in the SI Elementary School
Auditorium. For more info, visit
www.sullivansislanders.net.
Red Cross Blood Drive
Noon – 6:30 p.m. at the American
Red Cross Blood Center, 920
Houston Northcutt Blvd, A-10,
Mount Pleasant. For more info, call
416-1660 OR 1-800-GIVE LIFE.
Friday, March 12
Red Cross Blood Drive
7 a.m.-1:30 p.m. at the American
Red Cross Blood Center, 920
Houston Northcutt Blvd, A-10,
Mount Pleasant. For info, call
416-1660/1-800-GIVE LIFE.
March 5, 2010 15
Page’s Thieves Estate
auction of Dr. James Ward
Sunday, March 14
Daylight Savings
Friday, March 19
Shuckin’ and Shaggin’
Page’s Thieves is fortunate “Spring” those clocks forward one Enjoy oysters for a great cause!
to be the auctioneer for
the estate of a true Mount
hour! From 6 – 9pm at the Sand Dunes
Club, Sullivan’s Island, with music
Pleasant fixture, Dr. James by the East Coast Party Band. All
Ward, whose collections range
Wednesday, March 17 proceeds benefit UMRC, a local
Sprouts Theater presents The
Emperor’s New Clothes
from fine small antiques to locally St. Patrick’s Day non-profit organization Tickets can
made Sweet Grass baskets. For be purchased by calling UMRC at
Two con-artists, posing as tailors, (843) 884-4860. Tickets are $35
more info, visit www.auctionzip.
take a vain emperor and his court
com or call 884-9672. 1460 Ben Thursday, March 18  per person.
for an invisible ride…with chilly
consequences. Designed for ages 4
Sawyer Blvd. 63rd Annual Festival
and up. 7 p.m. at Creative Spark, of Houses & Gardens
Shagging on the Cooper March 18 – April 17. For more in-
757 Long Point Rd in Mt Pleasant.
Dance the night away under the formation please call 722-3405 or
Visit www.creativespark.org or call
843-881-3780 for more info.
stars at the new Mount Pleasant
Pier while enjoying live classic
visit www.historiccharleston.org.
 
oldies and beach music from 7 –
Friday Night Hoops
11pm.  Beverages will be available
Girls and boys ages 7-12 can have
for purchase on-site. Tickets are
a safe, fun Friday night shooting
$10 and will only be available for
hoops.  Learn proper passing
purchase on the day of the event
techniques and basic dribbling
beginning at 4pm. For more info,
skills during drills and games. The
call (843) 795-4386.
cost is $10 per athlete.  Call The
IOP Recreation Department at 886-
Gullah Heritage celebration:
8294 to register. 
Spirituals, quilting and
sweetgrass
The Festival of Ballycahill
Celebrate Gullah Heritage through
Charleston’s first Irish Festival
a series of free cultural programs
from March 12 – 17, throughout
at Charles Pinckney National
downtown Charleston. Enjoy arts,
Historic Site (1254 Long Point
crafts, music, talk and merriment,
Road) every Saturday at 2pm
including Bling from the Bog, Way
with Words, Greengraf 2010 and
through March, 2010. For more
info, call 881-5516 or visit www.
Bia Devil specials at local Irish
nps.gov/chpi.
restaurants. For specific events
and more information, visit www.
ballycahillfestival.com
Saturday, March 13
Saturday Sticks at the IOP Rec
Dept.
1 p.m. – 3 p.m. Free. Call The
IOP Recreation Department at
886-8294 for more info. 24 28th
Avenue. 
Total Life Seminar with Dr. Ann
Kulze
Dr. Ann Kulze , nationally
recognized expert in nutrition,
healthy lifestyles, and disease
prevention, will speak at the Isle
of Palms First United Methodist
Church from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Register by calling 886-6610 or at
iopmethodist@bellsouth.net.  A fee
of $10 will help cover
the expenses of
the seminar.
Bridge Run
brunch & lunch
specials! 883-5030
Run in and 2213-B Middle St,
refuel. www.seelsfishcamp.com
www.islandeyenews.com
16 March 5, 2010

The Art of Giving Ben Sawyer Bridge

at the Island Gallery reopens
O
n Saturday, March 6, our work without the support and
friends and supporters of generosity of the community,” by Julie Hussey
Operation Home, a Mount said Anna Hamilton, Operation
Pleasant based non-profit that Home’s Executive Director.
addresses substandard housing This event is free and open to
issues, will gather at Island the public. For more information,
Gallery on Sullivan’s Island to visit www.operationhome.org or
celebrate the art of giving. 20% call 568-7455. The Island Gallery
of all art sales made that evening is located at 2214 Middle Street
will be donated to Operation on Sullivans Island.
Home. Guests will also have
an opportunity to make a
donation in support of a
case currently on Operation
Home’s waiting list, which
consists of over 200
families.
In addition to perusing
fabulous art by local The first car to go over the new Ben Sawyer Bridge.

A
artists, guests may enjoy t 1:50 a.m. on Friday, February 19, 2010, PCL Civil
wine and cheese donated Constructors, Inc. notified the South Carolina Department
by Seel’s on Sullivan’s. of Transportation that the Ben Sawyer Bridge was open
“This event is a great example for traffic! Returning traffic onto a brand new bridge in such a
of how local businesses can short period of time wouldn’t have been possible without the
come together to support a dedication of the bridge construction team and countless others.
very worthwhile cause. With
over 200 cases on the waiting For the few who braved the cold and the wait, the opportunity to
list, the support of all sectors be one of the first to cross the open bridge was a real moment of
of the community is critical celebration. Safe travels!
in helping us carry out our The Island Gallery has a great selection of local
work. We simply couldn’t do artwork available year-round.

www.islandeyenews.com
March 5, 2010
The grass isn’t always greener
I
recently arrived home to hear a chainsaw
cutting at full throttle on my neighbor’s
property. In total disbelief, I called the
Town Planning Officer to hear how in the
world he was able to cut down a 26” Oak in
good health. The tree was located within five
feet of our shared property line so there was
nothing to be gained by removing the tree,
but the officer informed me that my neighbor
was granted permission because the property
owner said the tree was in decline, and the
officer took his word for it because he was a
landscaper.
This incident hit really close to home for me.
Just like all other service-based industries,
landscaping has several categories and levels
of competence. With Spring right around the
corner, how can you be sure you’ve found a
qualified landscaping contractor?
Just like when you go to buy a new house
or car, there are many questions you should
ask yourself before making your purchase;
and when considering what to do with your
landscape, you should begin by establishing
how much of your investment is involved.
In a Michigan State University study, it
was determined that a highly-maintained
landscape can add up to 11% to the value of
a home, not including an extra 7% for mature
shade trees. With the median home value
in the Charleston area around $225,000,
the value of landscaping would be close to
By Nick Strehle
$25,000. For most of the homes on the
barrier islands, this number can quickly
triple or quadruple.
Once the landscape value is established,
the next step is to determine the level
of service. The most successful client/
contractor relationships are built when the
client understands their objectives and
the things they value. In a recent "Forbes"
magazine article, Grant Thornton (audit,
tax and advisory services) published an
advertisement with a sticky note in the middle
of the page. As simple as it might be, they
wrote the equation “Service Quality / Fees =
Value.” Their ad won me over immediately as
it also relates to the green industry.
There is not a single person, company,
or university that knows all there is to
know about how our environment works.
www.islandeyenews.com
17
Whether it’s a person arriving with a blower
or a team of experts, be sure to know
the answers to the following questions:
• Do they have insurance?
• What is their history (for the service
levels requested)?
• Can they describe what they do in the
form of a process?
• Where do they look for information if
they don’t know the solution?
• How do they communicate when there
is a problem?
People in the green industry are provided
an opportunity to care for and protect your
investment. After you have determined the
qualities and value you are looking for in a
landscape contractor, interview them with
the same scrutiny as your stock broker or
financial advisor. We really only receive one
chance to protect and make the most of what
we have on this planet and we should strive
to protect it for the generations to come.
Nick Strehle is a Purdue University Agronomy
Major, certified irrigation contractor and EPA
WaterSense Partner for Sunburst Landscaping
Inc., leading Sunburst’s clients into the next
generation of water management. For more
information, contact Sunburst at 768-2434.
18 March 5, 2010

Check before you cast

By SC DNR
The S.C. Department of Natural Resources, Gag Grouper Open Season: May 1 - December 31
in cooperation with the South Atlantic Possession Limit: Included in 3 grouper/
Fishery Management Council, reminds person/day limit.
anglers of several changes in recreational Size Limit: None
marine bottom fishing regulations. The
following is an abbreviated list of commonly
caught species, along with their regulations: Warsaw & Speckled Hind

Vermillion Snapper Open Season: May 1 - December 31

Possession Limit: No more than 1 person/
day; included in 3 grouper/person/day limit.
Size Limit: 24” min.

Scamp, Red & Yellowmouth Grouper

No Closed Season
Open Season: April 1 - December 31 Possession Limit: Included in 3 grouper/
Possession Limit: 5/person/day; excluded person/day limit; no more than 1 per vessel
from 10 snapper/person/day limit. per trip; may not be sold or traded; no
Size Limit: 12” min. transfer at sea.
Size Limit: None
Red Snapper
Open Season: May 1 - December 31 Please note possession of a de-hooking
Possession Limit: Included in 3 grouper/ device is required when fishing for snapper/
person/day limit. grouper species. Sale of snapper/grouper
Size Limit: 20” min.
under recreational bag limit is prohibited unless
the vessel owner has a Federal Commercial
Coney, Grasby, Red and Rock Hind
Snapper Grouper permit and applicable South
Carolina commercial licenses. Check the S.C.
Possession prohibited through June 2, 2010 Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Web
and may be extended 186 days. site for complete saltwater regulations: www.
dnr.sc.gov/regs/saltwaterregs.html.
March 5, 2010
Habitat gears up for the 2010 Women Build
E
very year, women from across the
Lowcountry look forward to Sea Island
Habitat for Humanity’s annual Women
Build event. This year, Habitat celebrates the
10 year anniversary of Women Build, and
the eleventh house built by the Women Build
group. To gear up for the event, and to raise
the necessary funds to build this year’s home,
Sea Island Habitat will be hosting a variety of
events around the islands; all designed with
women in mind.
The fundraising series kicks off with
Cocktails for a Cause at Robert Lange
Studio in downtown Charleston on March 12.
Enjoy beer, wine, cocktails, beautiful art and
heavy hors d’oeuvres from 6:30 – 9 p.m. while
listening to the live music of pianist Gary
Pecorella. Tickets are only $50 each.
Next, the much-anticipated Habitat for
HumaniTEA Party will be held on Saturday,
April 17, at the Charleston Tea Plantation
on Wadmalaw Island from 2:30 – 4:30 p.m.
Wear your best hat and enjoy an afternoon
of sweet tea, lemonade, fabulous door prizes
and scrumptious tea foods sponsored by the
Hat Divas of Charleston.  There will also be
an opportunity to bid on luxurious auction
items, with all of the proceeds going to the
Women Build project.
New this year, Habitat will be hosting an
event called Finders Keepers. From 1 – 6
p.m. on Friday, May 7, and 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
on Saturday, May 8. Shop ‘til you drop with
an incredible selection of upscale gently
used clothing, sportswear, “feet repeats”
and accessories at the Sea Island Habitat
headquarters on Johns Island. Sea Island
Habitat is currently looking for clothing
www.islandeyenews.com
19
donations for the event, so if you come across
some extra outfits while spring cleaning,
please bring them by!
Finally, from now until the May start date,
Sea Island Habitat will also be offering the
“Buy a Beam” program. $10 buys you one
beam from the 2010 Women Build home to
decorate as you please. Return the beam
prior to the Build and it will be used in the
construction of the home.
2010 Women Build will be held the week
of May 1 – 8 in Brownswood Place, located
off of Brownswood Road on Johns Island.
Construction hours will be from 8 a.m. – 4
p.m. each day. 25 – 30 volunteers will be
needed each day, as well as three hospitality
volunteers from 7:30a.m. – 2:30 p.m. to staff
the registration and merchandise table, as
well as to organize lunch, water and snacks.
To sign up for the Build or to receive
updates, please contact volunteer coordinator
Anne Randall at 768-0998 ext.109 or email
Anne at volunteer@seaislandhabitat.org.For
more information on any of the listed events
or to purchase tickets, please call 768-0998 or
log-on to www.seaislandhabitat.org. The Sea
Island Habitat for Humanity office is located
at 2545 Bohicket Road on Johns Island.
20
The wildflowers of Sullivan’s Island
But turn and turn / the crisp petals remain / brief, translucent, greenfastened,
barely touching at the edges: / blades of limpid seashell. ~ William Carlos Williams
S
tarting in late February,
early morning visitors to
Sullivan's Island began to
notice a person quietly watering
David DeAntonio points out new wildflower
growth along Station 22 1/2.
By Kristin Hackler
both sides of the sidewalk for
almost a block along Station 22
½. Residents know what he's up
to, but it seems curious until the
first warm days start to descend
on the Lowcountry.
As the days grow longer and
the sunlight gently toasts the
sandy soil of Sullivan’s Island,
hundreds upon thousands
of native wildflowers begin
springing up along this faithfully
watered section of sidewalk;
black eyed susans bursting
with sun-bright yellows, Indian
blankets radiating every shade
of the warm color spectrum
from blood red to beaming
yellow, and daisies dancing,
snow-white heads nodding in
the ocean breeze.
No one pays him to do it,
but David DeAntonio has been
taking care of this small patch
of native island wildflowers for
many years.
“It reminds me of how the
island used to be,” said David.
“We used to come out here, me
www.islandeyenews.com
and my family, and we would go
for long walks around the island.
My mother especially loved the
wildflowers.”
David grandfather first bought
a house on Sullivan's in 1928,
and David believes that his Uncle
Joe was probably one of the last
people on the island to have a
chicken coop. As a tribute to this,
David has a small concrete rooster
statue in his front yard. It makes
him smile every time he sees it.
David himself has lived in a few
homes around the island, but
this home, located on the bridge
side of Doctor Durst's office, is
probably one of his favorites. It's
small and comfortable with a
yard perfect for growing flowers;
and his location along the busy
road of Station 22 ½ allows him
to share his love of wildflowers
with residents and visitors alike.
As the season slowly but surely
shifts from winter to spring,
David has been walking along his
yard and sidewalk, checking for
the new growth of wildflowers.
March 5, 2010
Even though the plants may only
be an inch or so tall with only
a handful of pale green leaves
to their name, David can spot
them as easily as one might pick
a solitary bird out of the sky. If
the plants are in a less-than-ideal
location, such as in a common
walkway or in a spot that will
be shady when the leaves come
back to the trees, David carefully
uproots them and moves them to
a place where they’ll prosper. Dry
plants from last year are shaken
to loosen the seed pods, and he’s
already prepping to begin the
process of daily watering so that
the beautiful sun flowers will
once again smile on the residents
of the island.
Keep your eyes open for the
first blossoms along Station 22
½. David expects the first flowers
to start opening in mid-March
and from there, it will only be a
matter of time before passerby
are smiling along with the native
blooms and warming themselves
in a little patch of island history.
www.islandeyenews.com
 Sullivan’s Island
Business District Directory
Join us for Locals-Only Specials
this fall and winter. Walk-ins always
welcome in the dining room or on Sul-
livan’s only enclosed and heated deck!

883-9452 2063 Middle St

Island Gallery
2214 Middle Street

Selected items from the new spring menu...

Here to start your day
BLT Bisque with Bacon, Tomato, Sweet Leaf Basil - $7 and wine you down

always showing multiple artists and mediums Casino Style Toby Clams “Chowdah” - $9 793-4055
2213 Middle St
882-8005
Sautéed Chicken Livers with Bacon, Madeira, & Sage
Beauty Gina Rowe Cream - $9
and the Julie Nestler Braised Short Rib with Butternut Squash Ravioli - $11
Beach
hair salon Grilled Peri-Peri Prawns with Thai Cucumber, Tomato,
Cilantro Salad - $10
883-5030
Mon-Fri: Lunch & Dinner 11am - 10pm
Hickory Smoked Duck Breast over Spinach with Dried
Sat-Sun: Brunch 8am - 2pm,
Cranberries, Chestnut Honey Vinaigrette - $12
Now offering and Lunch & Dinner 11am - 10pm
Keratin Complex Smoothing Therapy Off the Hook Bar open 11am-last call
883-9101 2205 Middle Steet Tomato “Carpaccio” with Baby Arugula, Lemon Scented
Goat Cheese Ganache, Black Eyed Pea Relish - $9

Grilled Swordfish Topped with Dijon Rosemary Compound

Butter, Root Vegetables & Squash Puree —$26 Burgers
Fish Taco’s
Roasted Scottish Salmon with Oven Cured Tomatoes, 20 draft beers
Country Ham & Butterbean Carbonara over Pappardelle
Pasta —$26
Owned and Operated by
Sullivan’s Island Residents
Laurie and Dawn Ulmer
Now offering Small Plate Specials in addition to our well 883-0083
portioned appetizers and scrumptious salads 2210 Middle Street

Carl B. Hubbard
Attorney at Law
debt harrassment ~ credit report errors
credit denials ~ credit privacy invasion
identity theft ~ unfair bills & charges
debt collection lawsuit defense

882-8130
2201 Middle St, Suite 5
chublaw@comcast.net
Member of the National Association
of Consumer Advocates

Dunleavy’s Pub $10 Sullivan’s $10

Family owned and operated
for 20 years
Ten Dollar Gift Certificate
Upscale cuisine served in a casually
Monday - Thursday 5-9pm only.Cannot be
30¢ Wings elegant setting combined with any other offer.
Lunch & dinner-dine in only
Minimum $25 food purchase. Dine
in only. 18% gratuity added before
5-7pm 1/2 off Nachos 2063 Middle St 883.8492 www.atlanticville.net discount. Expires April 30, 2010.
Dine in only
883-9646 2213 Middle St www.islandeyenews.com
883-3222 2019 Middle St
24 March 5, 2010

Create-a-Flavor
F
amily Circle Cup has announced on the stadium court
partnered with Wholly Cow on Tuesday, April 13.
Ice Cream, a premium ice Fans age 21 and older can
cream manufacturer based in send in their submissions at
Charleston, to launch the Family www.FamilyCircleCup.com.
Circle Cup  & Wholly Cow Ice Each “recipe” should include

S
Cream Create-A-Flavor Contest.  the new ice cream’s name, a prouts shows are designed take a vain Emperor and his
The contest allows the public to base flavor of ice cream and up
for children ages 4 and court for an invisible ride... with
submit personally-designed ice to two additional ingredients. An
cream flavors for a chance to win example would be “Bananarama - up, although adults have chilly consequences.
prizes, including tickets to the banana ice cream with chocolate been known to come without
tournament this April 10 – 18, chips and marshmallows.”   children to get in on the fun! Show times are:
2010. The winner will also have Specific ingredient proportions There is a “Small Sibling Show” Friday, March 12 at 7 p.m.
the chance to perform an on- or assembly instructions are not for each production, at which • Saturday, March 13 at
court pre-match coin toss in the required.  Multiple entries per children under the age of 4 are 1p.m. & 3p.m.
Family Circle Stadium.  Family person are allowed.  Submissions welcome, along with their older • Sunday, March 14 at 3 p.m.
Circle Cup fans and players will will be accepted until midnight on siblings. Most shows contain five • Friday, March 19 at 7 p.m.
judge submissions, with player Friday, March 12, 2010.  to nine musical numbers, and • Saturday, March 20 at
votes constituting a large portion For tickets or more info on each show has lively audience • 1 p.m. & 3 p.m. (ages 2 &
of the winning decision.   the Family Circle Cup or Tennis up) 
participation sequences, as well
Judging will take place on Center, call (843) 856-7900 or visit • Sunday, March 21 at 3 p.m.
March 15, with Wholly Cow and FamilyCircleCup.com. The Family as high-energy chase scenes,
both of which are SPROUTS Sprouts is a company of
a panel of judges selecting the top Circle Cup, a Sony Ericsson WTA
three finalists based on look (10%) Tour Premier Event, will be held hallmarks. Shows typically last professional artists performing
and taste (90%). Finalists will be April 10-18, 2010, at the Family between 45 minutes and an for children. Tickets are $10
notified on March 31 and will Circle Tennis Center. hour.  per person and are available at
receive two tickets In this month’s performance, www,creativespark.org or by
to the Family Circle two con-artists posing as tailors calling 881-3780.
Cup at 7:00 p.m. on
Tuesday, April 13,
2010.
The final round
of judging will take
place during the
Family Circle Cup,
where the three
finalists’ flavors will
be offered as free
samples from April
10 – 12. Fans and
players will vote
on their favorite
flavor and the grand
prize winner will be What new flavor of ice cream will you create?

Eye Spy
Do you know what this is?
Kids, send your guess for this week’s Eye Spy to:
info@luckydognews.com or call 886-NEWS. Please include
your mailing address with your submission. The first one to
send in the correct answer will receive a coupon for a free
ice cream at Café Medley on Sullivan's Island.

Send your guess for this week's

Eye Spy to:
info@luckydognews.com.

www.islandeyenews.com
March 5, 2010
The Lucky Dog is missing! Can you find him?
S
omething terrible has occurred. The
Lucky Dog has gone missing! I am the
Island Investigator, and I have been
assigned to find the Lucky Dog and bring him
safely home. I began my search at Sullivan’s
Island Elementary. While searching up and
down the hallways, my magnifying glass in
hand, I learned that looking at the ground and
walking is not a good idea and may cause you
to run into a second grader. After I helped
him up, and explained who I was looking for,
Jake Fairfax told me he saw the Lucky Dog
just two hours before I got there.
“He was running down the hall,” said Jake.
“He was wearing green beads and had a four
leaf clover in his mouth. He looked like he was
ready for St. Patrick’s Day. I watched him run
out the door, and after he went down the
slide on our playground a couple of times,
he ran off.” I asked Jake which way he
went and ran out the same door Lucky did.
I continued my search (after a couple runs
down the playground slide, of course)
down to Middle Street, and entered
Station 22. I met up with a waiter,
Carl Canteberry, and explained my
problem.
“He was in here a while ago,” said
Carl. “He had some fried oysters
and then ran out. I heard him say he
wished he had one of those headbands
with the four leaf clovers on top. I think
By Shea Stanley
he was ready to party.”
This was very interesting... the Lucky
Dog wants to party! Keeping my eyes open
for dogs wearing beads, I ran into Café
Medley. I ordered a hot chocolate, and then
walked back out. That’s
when I remembered
I was looking for the
Lucky Dog. I went back into
Café Medley, and asked the
cashier, Carly, if she had
seen him. “Actually, I have,”
she reported. “He came in
here about an hour ago.
He came up to the
counter and
ordered
wings.
www.islandeyenews.com
25
When I told him we didn’t sell wings, he
walked out in a huff. I have no idea why he
would ask for wings here.” I thanked Carly
for the information and, after ordering a cup
of chocolate ice cream, moved across
the street to Poe’s. The place smelled of
burgers and fries. It made me extremely
hungry, but I had to resist. I started
to ask one of the cooks if he’d seen
Lucky. “Oh yeah, I saw him!” he
told me. “He bought one of our
green T-shirts. It was kind of big,
so I helped him cut it up and make it
smaller. He looked really hungry, but he
didn’t order any food. Said what he really
wanted was a Shepherd’s Pie, or maybe
some corned beef and cabbage. It was
weird.”
I was getting really sad now. Where could
the Lucky Dog be?
We need your help! Do you know where
the Lucky Dog is? Become an Island
Investigator, and find the Lucky Dog! He’s
hiding somewhere on Sullivan’s Island and
The Island Eye News is offering some great
rewards for whoever finds him. If you see
him, let us know immediately by calling 886-
6397 or emailing info@luckydognews.com
with a picture of where ol’ Lucky is hiding.
Keep your eyes open!!!

26
Put these estate-planning moves to work
L
ike everyone else, you want to leave a
legacy. To make it happen, though, you
need to do some estate planning. For
most of us, that sounds like a scary task,
but it doesn’t have to be — as long as you
break it down into a few key moves. Here, in a
nutshell, are some of the broad-based moves
you’ll want to consider:
• Communicate your wishes. When drawing
up your estate plan, you can’t leave anything
to chance — so you need to communicate
your wishes in writing. This means you need
to draw up the appropriate legal documents,
such as a will and a living trust. If you die
intestate (without a will), your belongings will
be distributed to your “heirs” as defined by
state laws — and these distributions may not
be at all what you had in mind. If you want
to avoid probate and possibly draw up more
complex instructions — for instance, leaving
different amounts of money to different heirs
at different points in their lives — you may
also need to create a trust.
• Protect your family. When you hear the
words “estate planning,” your first thoughts
may be of what you can leave behind to
grown children, grandchildren and even
great-grandchildren. But if you develop your
Financial
By Dimi Matouchev
estate plan while your children are young —
and you certainly should — you should name
a guardian for them in case you and your
spouse were to die prematurely. Of course,
you’ll also need to consider having the right
type and amount of life insurance for survivor
income and loan repayments.
• Position your investments to benefit your
heirs. You can arrange for some of your
investments to provide significant benefits
to your heirs. For example, you can stretch
your IRA to extend its key benefit — tax-
deferred earnings —
over a period of several
years. You should
also make sure you’ve
updated beneficiary
www.islandeyenews.com
March 5, 2010
designations on various accounts, such as
annuities and 401(k) plans, so that the assets
go to the right people. These designations are
very important, as they can supersede even
the instructions in your will.
• Protect against incapacity. None of us
can predict the shape of our physical and
mental well-being in the years to come. But
to protect your family, you’ll certainly want to
be prepared for everything. That’s why you’ll
want to make the appropriate arrangements,
such as establishing a power of attorney
and health care directive, while you’re still
healthy. These types of documents will
empower family members, or other people
close to you, to take the necessary steps to
carry out your wishes even if you become
incapacitated. As with other aspects of your
estate plan, however, you’ll want to review
these arrangements periodically to make sure
they still reflect your current thinking.
To consider making these moves — in
fact, to make any moves related to estate
planning — you’ll need to work with a team
of professionals, including your tax, legal
and financial advisors. Comprehensive estate
planning can be complex — but it’s worth the
effort.
This article was provided by Edward Jones,
located at 1505 Palm Blvd on the Isle of Palms.
You can reach them at 886-9229 or visit www.
edwardjones.com.
March 5, 2010
“Frond” of a good mystery
L
et’s take a look at an aquatic
plant. This one is actually
a miniscule fern designed
specifically for floating on water.
It has tiny roots hanging into
the water and the branches bear
scale-like leaves. As with other
ferns, no flowers or seeds are
produced; the plants reproduce
by spores. Our plant is a native
species, occurring mostly in the
coastal plain counties of the
Southeast, and it may be found
widely in eastern North America.
It’s an annual, which means
that the plants last for only one
season.
This plant is most often green,
but sometimes the leaves become
red, especially in very sunny
settings, or perhaps when the
water gets hotter than usual. It
is most commonly seen in the
summer, but it is also present in
the winter. It is often mistaken
for one of the duckweeds, and
although it often grows with
them, the two plants are not at all
related. Generally, our mystery
plant grows on the surface of quiet
ponds or ditches, as it doesn’t
take to living in rapidly flowing
water. The plants are easily
carried around by untidy ducks
Early March fishing report
T
here are a lot of things
to consider when fishing
in the Lowcountry, but I
never thought I would have to
worry about whether or not the
weight of snow would cause the
tarp covering my boat to collapse!
Valentine’s Day weekend brought
the first real snowfall that
Charleston has seen in quite some
time. Fortunately, the snow was
followed by a stretch of brilliantly
sunny days with temperatures
reaching into the 60s. Fishermen
weren’t the only people
celebrating the good weather; the
redfish were pretty darn happy,
too. As the water temperature
warmed, the reds really turned
on. It seemed everybody on or in
the water really appreciated a few
hearty days of sun.
While the redfish have become
more active, they are still
somewhat wary and cautious.
They continue to huddle in large
schools (sometimes numbering in
the hundreds), and will continue
to do so into March. As I wrote
earlier this year, fly fishermen
enjoy a distinct advantage in these
conditions since the presentation
27
By Dr. John Nelson
or other waterfowl (and boats), a mat on your pond. As a pest, off, as well as the trailer, to get
which easily explains its sudden however, it is not nearly as bad as those unwanted hitchhikers out
appearance in a pond in which other non-native aquatic invaders and prevent infesting another
it was absent the previous year. such as the dreadful water-fern, lake.
The pond in which it grows may, Salvinia molesta. Remember, one John Nelson is the curator of the
during parts of the year, develop of the best ways for aquatic plants Herbarium at the University of South
a layer of it on the surface, often to hitchhike from one lake to Carolina. As a public service, USC
showing up as a green or reddish another is on boats and/or boat offers free plant identifications.
mat. trailers, and it only takes a few For more information about the
Some of you may have heard plants to infest a pond. After you herbarium, visit www.herbarium.
that this plant will cause more pull a boat out of a pond or river, org or call 803-777-8196.
mosquitoes to breed, which is not it’s always a good idea to spray it
true. Actually, it is conceivable
that a dense, floating mat of this
plant (along with duckweeds and
other tiny plants) may make it
more difficult for mosquitoes to
lay their eggs, and for larvae to
hatch and emerge.
Interestingly, this plant and
those of its related species are able
to concentrate nitrogen in their
leaves. In fact, a related species
in Asia has been used for years
as a green organic fertilizer after
it has been harvested and dried.
Unfortunately, there are reports
that this Asiatic species has found
PHOTO BY John Nelson
its way to North America (though
not by a duck), and it may become
an aquatic pest.
Although this week’s Mystery
Plant is a native species, it can
grow fairly quickly and make Answer: “Mosquito fern,” Azolla caroliniana
By Captain Geoff Bennett
of flies can be so delicate. A well- redfish. It takes some patience and enjoyable charter to anglers of
cast fly landing in the water is to get to them, but casting to all skill levels and ages. For more
almost imperceptible to the fish massive schools of fish can send information, call Capt. Bennett
and can be cast within feet of a your heart racing. The water at 324-3332, visit his website at
school without spooking them. temperature is now firmly on the www.charlestoncharterfishing.
Fly patterns with gold and other upswing and is setting the stage com or email him at captain@
flashy colors work well. When for our fisheries to roar back to charlestoncharterfishing.com.
redfish refuse these, we’ll often life. It will be here before you
go to smaller flies in lighter colors know it.
that resemble minnows. See you on the
If you aren’t fly fishing, you’ll water!
still need to consider the impact Capt. Geoff
your lure makes when it hits the Bennett operates
water. Redfish are defensive right Charleston
now and will flee rather than Charter Fishing
investigate a strange sound or a providing fly
lure that makes a big splat when fishing and light
it hits the water. The standard ¼ tackle charters.
oz. jigheads that you could bomb Clients choose
into a school of fish in the fall and from a full menu
draw aggressive strikes will now of fly rods,
send the entire school fleeing. artificial and
Try using the least amount of live bait fishing
weight possible to get your lure options with
in front of fish. You might have charters tailored
to try casting lures with almost to their desires.
no weight at all, which may alter USCG licensed
your casting range. and insured,
Keep practicing the stealth and Capt. Bennett
slow deliberate movements that is committed to
you’ve been using throughout the providing a safe
winter to sneak up on schools of This angler pulled a massive spot-tailed bass out of the water in
late February. What are you waiting for?
www.islandeyenews.com