Since May 2005

PRESORT STANDARD US POSTAGE PAID CHARLESTON, SC PERMIT NO 437

Volume 7 Issue 22 Sullivans Island

FREE Isle of Palms

March 2, 2012 goat Island Dewees Island

Sea Turtles on the Big Screen

team tortuga hopes to help out sea turtles with film fundraiser
by Kristin hacKler
very year, students at East Cooper Montessori Charter School are given a very interesting assignment: over the course of a semester, they must find a way to give back to the community by participating in charitable activities, or, in the case of a group of twelve innovative students, form an organization to raise money for a very worthy cause. Dubbed Team Tortuga by its members, who range in age from first through fourth grade, the organization was founded to raise enough funds so that the team could adopt a sea turtle from the South Carolina Aquarium. It takes $1,000 to adopt a sea turtle, and all of the funds will go toward expert care and treatment, daily food and vitamins, and opportunities for animal enrichment. As active members of Team Tortuga, Cooper (7) and Bronson (8) Fabrizio are already helping to spread the word about their organization and in particular, a new fundraising event that will be taking place this Thursday, March 8, at the Cinebarre in Mount Pleasant. "Were going to put out fliers in stores and hand them out to people. Hopefully they'll see them and go," said Bronson as he handed a copy of a flier to a patron at Caf Medley on Sullivan's Island. Sea turtles are a big part of South Carolina and theyre in danger, said Cooper, pointing out that Turtle team continues on page 6

Winter Sunsets

IOP resident John Rector hates to miss a sunrise or sunset on the island. Here he shares two of his favorite shots of the sunset near the IOP Pier.
photos by John rector

Inside Island Eye

Dewees ferry christened Pg 8

Lighthouse Island tour Pg 15

Say cello to to the CSO Pg 18

CiviC
By Kristin HacKler

March 2, 2012

IOP Planning, City Council Discuss Parking Proposals

uring a special city council meeting on Monday, February 20, the Isle of Palms City Council and Planning Commission discussed the Planning Commissions proposed short and long term goals for parking on the island and how they might approach the proposed solutions. In a vote of 7 to 1, the council approved a plan that will assign different aspects of the proposed solutions to separate standing committees for further investigation and cost analysis. The Planning Commission stated that they will be happy to work with the individual committees should they need additional insight or information, and Isle of Palms mayor Dick Cronin noted that the chair of each committee would be responsible for the structure of how each proposed solution will be investigated. Committee assignments are as follows: Public Safety: A form of parking control system and line-of-sight clearance at intersections Public Works: Signage recommendations, obstructions in right-of-ways, and a proposed path at the Citadel Beach House Real Property: areas for beach visitor parking, parking on the ocean side of Ocean Boulevard, and a potential AM radio station that could update visitors on parking status, etc. Recreation: Bike rack and golf cart provisions and the possibility of a bike path on both sides of Palm Boulevard

Their [the committees] job is to see if these proposals are even viable, and if so, to try to put a number on them, said Cronin. The beach access parking goals as identified by the Planning Commission on January 11, 2012, are:

Removing obstructions in the right-of-ways

The proposed Beach Parking Seasonal Pass System (updated February 8, 2012)
Beach visitors who are not residents or property owners must have a seasonal pass or daily pass to park on the edge of the roadways. Any beach visitor without a pass will be limited to the parking in the commercial area Residents and property owners will need to buy guest passes for any guest that needs to park on the right-of-way The number of seasonal passes will be limited to 1,000 The cost of a seasonal pass will be $65 The requirement for a seasonal pass will be enforced only during the days when existing parking meters are enforced (March through September) and only during peak beach hours (10 a.m. to 5 p.m.) Beach visitors without seasonal passes will be able to buy daily passes (numbers issued, cost and locations to be determined)

Short term goals

Creating an annual pass system and requiring that non-resident/nonowners pay to park in areas outside of the commercial district Delineating areas that are appropriate for beach visitor parking Attempting to add a path at the Citadel Beach Club with associated parking Blocking parking at intersections to ensure that a driver can safely see oncoming traffic

Long term goals

Constraining parking to key areas like beach paths Allowing parking on the ocean side of Ocean Boulevard Limiting parking to the ocean side of Palm Boulevard Providing bike racks and golf cart provisions at the parking areas

For more information on the meeting and to view video of the discussion, please visit www.iop.net.

www.islandeyenews.com

March 2, 2012

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3 Lucky Dog PubLishing o f sc , LL c

Isle of Palms Honors Island Hero

S A L E m r E S I D E N T r E C O G N I z E D w I T h AwA r D f O r L I f E S Av I N G
PrOvIDED by CITy Of ISLE Of PALmS

Publisher of the Island Eye News, The Island Connection and The Folly Current.

sle of Palms City Council bestowed a Signal 30 award for citizen service to Bill Pennington of Salem, South Carolina, at its January 24 meeting. Pennington was visiting the Isle of Palms on November 2, 2011, when he observed a seventyyear-old male in full cardiac arrest on a tennis court in Wild Dunes. During the three to four minutes it took first responders to arrive on scene, Pennington swiftly and heroically performed Cardiopulminary Resuscitation (CPR) and used an Automated External Defribillator (AED) on the man. Isle of Palms Mayor Dick Cronin said, Bill, I believe, saved this mans life. Both Scott Krein, Director of EMS, and Scott Walker, Chief of Rescue Squad 22 for Oconee County where Pennington volunteers, surprised him by attending the presentation by Mayor Cronin. They joined his wife, Jan Pennington, to show support for the award. The prior Signal 30 award was given in 2008. Signal 30 is an Isle of Palms public safety communications code for citizen service. For more information on the Signal 30 awards,

Lynn Pierotti publisher lynn@luckydognews.com Kristin Hackler managing editor kristin@luckydognews.com Swan Richards senior graphic designer swan@luckydognews.com graphic designers Melissa Caloca melissa@luckydognews.com Jerry Plumb jerry@luckydognews.com Mayor Dick Cronin (left) awards Salem resident Bill Pennington (right) with Signal 30 award Lori Dalton sales manager 614-0901 lori@luckydognews.com Catherine Davis sales catherine@luckydognews.com journalists Jacqueline McCormick resident photographer Leo Fetter Contributors Bob Hooper Dimi Matouchev John Nelson Sarah Diaz Mike Horan City of Isle of Palms Town of Sullivan's Island Published by Lucky Dog Publishing of South Carolina, LLC P.O. Box 837 Sullivans Island, SC 29482 843-886-NEWS Submit your letters to the editor to: info@luckydognews.com Future deadline: March 7 for our March 16 Issue

visit www.iop.net/Departments/Administration_ Signal30.aspx.

PhOTO by CITy Of IOP

Letters to the Editor...

Time to Build Its not the critic who counts. This is a letter to publicly thank and applaud our local elected officials on the Sullivans Island Town Council (SITC) and on the Charleston County School Board (CCSB) for repeatedly, transparently, and democratically voting yes for our children and for moving forward with the continuation of excellent elementary public school education in this community. As residents of Charleston County representing three generations of raising kids and growing family, we are enthusiastically in favor of supporting the

public education of our county elementary school age children in compliance with the current standards. As residents of Sullivans Island, we are enthusiastically in favor of educating these children in and about the dynamic and distinctive barrier island environment which protects the lowcountry. The time and energy for your leadership on SITC and the CCSB over the last several years has been thoughtful and exhaustive and is appreciated. Thank you for considering input from local residents on the final design of the school so that it best addresses current neighborhood concerns. It is time to build. The thousands of Charleston County children to walk through the new schools Letters continues on page 4

Isle of Palms 886-6428 www.iop.net

Civic Calendar
Recycle - Wednesday, March 7 - Recycle
Real Property Committee Meeting 5p.m. 1207 Palm Boulevard

Tuesday, March 6 Board of Zoning Appeals 5:30p.m. 1207 Palm Boulevard Wednesday, March 7 & 14 Municipal Court 8:30a.m. 1207 Palm Boulevard
Public Works Committee Meeting 4p.m. 1207 Palm Boulevard

Monday, March 5 Council Workshop 6p.m. 2050-B Middle Street Tuesday, March 6 & 13 Building & Construction Meeting Topic: SIES 5p.m. 2050 Middle Street
Municipal Court* 5:30p.m. 2050-B Middle Street

Wednesday, March 14 Recreation Committee Meeting 4p.m. 1207 Palm Boulevard

Planning Commission 4:30p.m. 1207 Palm Boulevard

Tuesday, March 13 Personnel Committee Meeting 9a.m. 1207 Palm Boulevard

Thursday, March 15 Public Safety Committee Meeting 5p.m. 1207 Palm Boulevard
Sullivan's Island 883-3198 www.sullivansisland-sc.com

Thursday, March 8 Council Workshop 7p.m. 2050-B Middle Street Wednesday, March 14 Planning Commission 6:30p.m. 2050-B Middle Street

The Island Eye News, a wholly owned subsidiary of Lucky Dog Publishing of SC LLC, is a free, independent newspaper published every two weeks and is for and about the Isle of Palms, Sullivans Island, Goat Island and Dewees Island. Copies are mailed free of charge to every active mailbox in our coverage area and are also available at area businesses and by subscription to non-islanders. Subscriptions are $39/year for non-residents.. Contributions of information, pictures and articles are welcomed and are used according to space limitations and news value and cannot be returned except by special request. Op-ed articles and letters to the editor do not necessarily reflect the opinion of Lucky Dog News, or its writers.
www.islandeyenews.com

* Bench Trials will be at a temporary Town Hall facility located behind the Fire Station, next to the Stith Park (2050 Middle Street). Contact SI Clerk of Court directly at 883-5734 (Maria LoRusso) for payments or questions.

All advertising rates are listed at: under advertising.

4 that replacing the old school site with a new Sullivans Island Elementary School is critical doors are our future and we recognize that to the character of our island. I for one am they are our most valuable resource. They are tired of being silent and decided to state my the stewards of our land and community to view for the record. come. Thank you for being responsible and The question confronting us is whether conscientious stewards and elected officials Sullivans Island will continue being a of our land and community now. community, or will it simply become a neighborhood. We all bought into the Tamatha M. Psenka, MD island being a community. And what is a Michael J. Psenka community? In my view, a community is 2907 Middle Street made up of primarily full-time residents from a diverse group, whether married or Pamela M. deVito not, with or without children and retirees Peter C. deVito, MD from the newborn to those that exceed over 2873 Marshall Blvd. one hundred years of age. And a community includes parks, activities, and events and not Lucy F. deVito the least, a school. The presence of a school 2256 Middle Street is a key factor that differentiates our island, _________________________________________ creating the community we all seek and come to expect on Sullivans Island. Our community Mayberry by the Sea has a demand for this lifestyle, which in the end, provides a sense of companionship and To Sullivans Island residents: renewal among its residents, in contrast to For the past year, I have idly sat by and other areas, in and outside of the Charleston watched the volleys between Islanders for a area. It is the diversification of all ages Smaller School, Town Council, and school coming together to form a community. And if supporters regarding the proposed size of the we dont have a school, what message do we new Sullivans Island Elementary School. At send to new, young families who desire that first, like many on the island, I felt that with community? Without these young families my children in a Catholic school, or those moving to our island, we lose that sense of who dont have school age children anymore, renewal and diversification. When we moved here from Virginia over six it was not an issue about which I could be years ago, we looked at several neighborhoods strongly passionate. However, over this past year, I have come full circle to realize in the Charleston area. There were many fine neighborhoods, but none that had the uniqueness and COMMuNITY WOrKSHOp FOr sense of community NEW SullIVANS ISlAND ElEMENTArY SCHOOl of Sullivans Island. When we heard Charleston County School District will hold a community that Sullivans was workshop to share information and receive feedback on design nicknamed Mayberry standards for the new Sullivans Island Elementary School: by the Sea, that sense of community 6:00pM Thursday, March 15, 2012 Sunrise presbyterian Church, 3222 Middle Street drew our family to the island. And for Please make plans to attend; your input is very those that have been important. Project information is available long time residents online at www.ccsdschools.com. of the island, I thank and applaud you for perpetuating the sense of community by limiting short-term rentals, declining chain retailers and hotels, and warmly welcoming new families from all over the country who are seeking just such a community. Whether it is the May Fair, Halloween on Ion Avenue, potluck bonfires on the beach, the Independence Day parade, the Christmas lighting of the fire house, musical concerts in the park or simply having a bite or a pint at Dunleavys, these all help create and foster our community. It is these attributes, Letters continues from page 3
www.islandeyenews.com

March 2, 2012 which include a school, that make Sullivans Island this unique community and not simply a neighborhood. You see, the school insures that this sense of community is renewed not only for us on the island, but for future islanders in search of a community and a place that is a little slower, and a little more nostalgic from the busy lives we lead, while providing our children with alternative activities rather than the continued proliferation of electronic machines and social media. Community is about families seeing their children walking to and from school and playing in our parks. Community is about retirees seeing children and remembering their childhood. And community is about everyone on the island continuing to feel young. With no Sullivans Island school, I sense that over time, the island will become a neighborhood and not a community. And while a neighborhood is nice in this day and age, how fortunate are we to actually have something better. I hope all of us on the island, especially the silent majority, will consider the unthinkable of a community without a school. And for those of you like me who may have felt that this is not a discussion because you have children attending other schools, or do not live adjacent to the school, lets keep the island a community and not transition to a neighborhood. Keep it Mayberry by the Sea.

Patrick Marr

Sullivans Island _________________________________________ Dear Editor, I am writing (again) to try to bring facts, not rhetoric, to the issues regarding rebuilding Sullivans Island Elementary School (SIES). If one wants to examine the facts, it is very clear to see why the Charleston County School District (CCSD) and the Town of Sullivans Island (TOSI) are proceeding. The problem with us supporters of SIES is that facts are boring, they dont sell newspapers, and they dont make headlines. With that in mind, please excuse the following: In 2009 CCSD voted unanimously in public to fund the rebuilding of SIES for 500 students. In January 2010 and May 2011, SITC unanimously signed two resolutions approving a school for up to 500 students. In September 2011, CCSD voted to reaffirm its support for rebuilding SIES.

Since May 2011, there have been countless meetings in public for the community to express their opinion on the school. I have been at virtually all of these meetings. The discussions have been passionate, theyve been long, and they have reaffirmed the basis of what a democracy is. Some comments were beneficial to the design. Some were not. Nonetheless, all community members have been heard. All of our elected officials have listened, and they have voted. All of this in full public view. Sadly, those opposing the school are not Letters continues on page 5

March 2, 2012 Letters continues from page 4 getting the answer they want. They have used every excuse they can think of. Unfortunately, they still do not feel they are being heard and have asked for a referendum. A referendum, of course, is a part of our democracy and should be dealt with in a respectful and legal manner. Unfortunately, again, this opposition group has chosen to write a petition for a referendum that states two things which are not possible. The first is that the new school should comply with established design guidelines for neighborhood compatibility... The problem is that the land the school sits on is not zoned. As such, there are no established guidelines. If there were guidelines for neighborhood compatibility, please note that the school sits behind two large, historic concrete bunkers. The second problem with the petition/ referendum proposal is the demand that the new school not be built with more square footage than the previous school... Okay folks, lets stop with the word games. The old school has (all numbers approximate) 34,000 square feet sf. The new school is proposed to be 73,000 sf for up to 500 students. To build a school for 400 students under today's educational building standards would necessitate 65,000 SF. To build a school of 34,000 sf, using todays standards, would probably house only 150 to 200 students. CCSD has a well-established and well-reasoned policy that it will not build elementary schools for fewer than 500 students. If you vote for a smaller school, you are voting for no school. CCSD will not build it, it is that simple. For the small school supporters to say they want a school, just a smaller one, is truly disingenuous. A judge will soon rule on the merits of their petition for a referendum. I believe a debate should be open and forthright. If we have to vote on the school, it is really all about 500 or zero. It is not about anything else. Our elected leaders have listened, theyve voted, and are now acting. Surely, we have debated this issue long enough. As a community, we need to join together as one, recognize the importance of our school, and rebuild it for this and future generations of children. Sincerely,

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Sullivans Island Asks for Judgement on School Referendum

n Monday, February 13, 2012, The Town of Sullivans Island filed a lawsuit seeking a declaratory judgment on the petition for a referendum on Sullivans Island Elementary School. Town Council is asking the court to review the petition under applicable laws and to advise the town how to respond to the petition. The court will be asked to decide whether an administrative decision of Town Council, in a zoning-type matter, to allow the new school building and to approve a lease for the new school, are the kind of council decisions which are covered by the state statute authorizing a referendum. Town Council authorized the suit for declaratory judgment at its November 15, 2011 meeting. There was a delay in bringing the case in order to identify the proper parties and to expand on the legal positions asserted in the towns filing. The defendants in the lawsuit will have an opportunity to file answers to the complaint. Because all concerned benefit from a quick determination, it is expected that the parties will agree to an expedited hearing before the court so that a ruling on the petition for rseferendum can be obtained as soon as possible. Even though Town Council has received two legal opinions, both concluding that the Petition was defective and that the Town should not proceed with the requested referendum, Town Council has unanimously decided to ask a judge for a final ruling on whether the referendum should be held, in the interest of fairness and clarity, so that all parties have an opportunity to present their views, and to assure full participation and an open and impartial process. We do not want to waste taxpayers money on a referendum with ineffective and inconclusive results, but we also want to make certain that residents who want the referendum are given the opportunity to know their opinions have been heard through an open and impartial process, said Councilman Jerry Kaynard when asked why the council had filed the lawsuit for the declaratory judgment. The petition for a referendum asks council to do three things: 1. To have the Towns Design Review Board review the design of the new school under neighborhood compatibility standards; 2. To build the new school within the old schools 30,000 square foot footprint; and 3. To revoke the new lease agreement for the school. A majority of town council members (six of seven) have concluded that the demands in the petition for referendum cannot be performed for the following reasons: 1. There is no zoning on the current school parcel, which predates the zoning ordinance, so there are no design standards for the school in the zoning ordinance which the petition asks the Design Board to consider. 2. The Charleston County School District is responsible for school size and has voted against building a smaller school in the old Sullivans Island Elementary School footprint because a smaller school cannot serve the needs of the schools student population within state standards. 3. A prior lease exists on the school property from 1954 for a 99-year term which allows for the building of the new school, even if the new 2011 lease is revoked.

Provided by SullivanS iSland Town CounCil

Loren Ziff

SIES School Improvement Council School Rebuilding Chair

www.islandeyenews.com

Turtle team continues from cover trash on the beach is Team TorTuga also a big danger to these TurTle movie Fundraiser gentle sea creatures. We stopped using Thursday, March 8 plastic bags because if 4:30 p.m. they get into the water, Cinebarre sea turtles could eat 963 Houston Northcutt Blvd, them and it could kill Mount Pleasant them, she added. Recommended donation: The event at the $5 per person Cinebarre will hopefully help to make more All donations benefit the SC people aware of the Aquarium Sea Turtle Hospital plight of the sea turtles. Check out our website at A special movie about seaturtlerescue.blogspot.com sea turtles will be shown at the theater starting at 4:30 p.m. and while Cinebarre is donating the use of the facilities for free, a donation of $5 is requested of each attendee, all of which will go toward the Team Tortuga goal of $1,000. Food and drink will be available for purchase during the event, and other features will likely include a sea turtle information table, and crafts created by the students that will be for sale to supplement the fundraiser. I hope we can adopt Jammer, Bronson smiled, referring to a large loggerhead that was found near the Windjammer on the Isle of Palms in late April of last year. While the team is hoping to raise a fair amount toward their goal during the Cinebarre event, they are already planning their next fundraiser at Menchies, a frozen yogurt shop located off of Long Point Road. During the weekend of April 27, the shop will donate 20 percent of sales to Team Tortuga if the purchaser mentions sea turtles or Team Tortuga. Were hoping this goes well and just becomes bigger and bigger, smiled Cooper and Bronsons mom, Lynn Fabrizio. For more information about Team Tortuga, visit seaturtlerescue. blogspot.com.

(above) Bronson (left) and Cooper Fabrizio of East Cooper Montessori's Team Tortuga. (right) Bronson (left) and Cooper hand out fliers for the event at Cafe Medley.

March 2, 2012

CiviC

School Design Taking Shape

p u b l i c i n v i t e d t o pa r t i c i pat e i n w e e k ly c o m m i t t e e m e e t i n g s
n Tuesday, February 14, the Town of Sullivans Island Building and Construction Committee held the first of six scheduled public meetings to gather input regarding the design of the new Sullivans Island Elementary School (SIES). Jerry English, the architect charged with designing the new school, and Ed Strack, senior project manager for Southern Management and project manager for the new school, were on hand to present design changes garnered from feedback received from surveys conducted during a recent community workshop, along with specific suggestions from Historic Charleston, members of council, the chair and vice chair of the Design Review Board, and the town mayor. The focus of the agenda at each of these meetings is limited to the design elements of the approved school. The size dimensions and the schools placement are not up for discussion during these committee meetings. Committee chairwoman Hartley Cooper, Sullivans Island council members Pat ONeil and Jerry Kaynard, and Steve Herlong, vice chair of the Design Review Board and one of the top architects on the islands, reviewed the changes for the town. Some of the suggestions that the architect had addressed between last week and this meeting included a more pronounced break between buildings C and

D and an additional study of roof lines to make them more visually appealing. Additionally, the main entrance to the school is being developed further to incorporate specific suggestions from the last council workshop. Many felt the first version of the entrance design was not pronounced enough. The new version has an Architectural rendering of school with suggested changes. open, covered welcome area that signifies SIES public meeting schedule: an obvious entrance point. One of the most noticeable changes is along the corners of building B. The corners have evolved from a Tuesday March 6 - Fire Station Training solid wall to cascading windows along both Room ( upstairs SIFD 5 p.m.) sides which Herlong commented as reading Tuesday March 13 - Fire Station Training Room ( upstairs SIFD 5 p.m.) much better than the earlier version. Tuesday March 20 - Town Hall, 2050B (4 All of these changes were based on p.m.) constructive, design-specific comments For more info on the design of Sullivan's provided during previous public meetings. The public is invited to attend the next five Island Elementary School and the Town of meetings, each of which will last approximately Sullivan's Island Building and Construction one hour. Agendas will be posted on the town Committee, please visit sullivansisland-sc.com. website the Friday before each meeting.

www.islandeyenews.com

Daily
by Reggie FaiRchild

March 2, 2012

Dewees Christens the New Dewees Islander Ferry

s part of a year-long celebration of its twentieth year, the Dewees Island community christened the new Dewees Islander ferry on Sunday, February 19. Homeowner Jack Saueracker blessed the new ferry before a large crowd gathered at the Dewees Island Marina, located at 41st Street on the Isle of Palms, during the 3 p.m. ceremony. After toasting the brand new catamaran, the crowd enjoyed a cruise up the Intracoastal Waterway to Dewees Islands main dock. The new fifty-foot ferry called the Dewees Islander was constructed in Florida by Corinthian Catamarans. Featuring two decks and a large cargo area, the ferry can carry up to forty-nine passengers plus a captain and mate. It will make the run from the Isle of Palms to Dewees Island every hour on the hour and back on the half hour, allowing easy access to and from the island, just north of the Isle of Palms. Island president Artus Moser said, Our whole community is so excited to have this beautiful new boat. We are proud to have our new logo emblazoned on the side.

of-the-art safety features. With the new ferry, people will begin to relax the minute they step aboard, said community member and real estate agent, Judy Drew Fairchild. They can enjoy the dolphins splashing in the Waterway and visit with friends on the way to Dewees. When the boat arrived at Dewees, Connie Drew said, We were greeted by a bald eagle circling over the Dewees Landings building. It landed on a nearby pole and then took off again right over the ferry. It was spectacular. The Dewees community Photos by Reggie FaiRchild is celebrating its twentieth anniversary with a number of events The new ferry replaces the Aggie Grey, which was throughout 2012, including a birding contest, decommissioned last year a new ferry, a new logo, and a new website after the bottom of the hull address: DeweesIslander.com. Some of the began to rust out. According upcoming events are the Property Owners to port captain Paul Zobel, meeting in March, the Dewees Homecoming All of the ship crews are over Memorial Day, and the Fourth of July thrilled about the new ferry. Golf Cart Parade. Corinthian Catamarans are For more information on Dewees Island and very seaworthy and easy to the Dewees Islander, please contact Reggie maneuver. Twin Yamaha Fairchild at 259-1717 or email ReggieFairchild@ engines power the ferry, gmail.com. To read more about Dewees Island which includes many state- happenings visit deweesislandblog.com.

www.islandeyenews.sc

March 2, 2012

The Best Camellias in the World are Right Around the Corner
Provided by Herb Fraizer, Magnolia Plantation and gardens

Co-Open!
tHe Co-oP reoPens witH Flair
by CHris allen

agnolia Plantation and Gardens has been awarded the prestigious Camellia Garden of Excellence with honors by the International Camellia Society (ICS). The award was announced recently during the ICS biennial congress in Chuxiong, China. Magnolia is the fifth garden in the United States, the only garden in South Carolina, and one of eighteen gardens worldwide to receive the honor since the first award was given in 2001. Tom Johnson, director of gardens, said the honor validates Magnolias on-going effort to collect and preserve ancient varieties of camellias to restore the gardens to the style envision by the Rev. John Grimke Drayton. Miles Beach, director of Magnolias Camellia Collection, and a team of master gardener volunteers have spent the last three years developing the camellia collection to meet the strict requirements to receive the award. Johnson said the work by Beach and the master gardeners made it possible for Magnolia to garner the honor. Magnolia has twenty-five thousand camellias growing throughout the gardens, making it one of the largest camellia collections in the world. Magnolia Plantation and Gardens is located at 3550 Ashley River Road in West Ashley, Charleston, SC. For more info call 571-1266 or visit www. magnoliaplantation.com.

he Co-Op has returned from a January vacation and is approaching its first year anniversary on Sullivans Island. We have been overwhelmed with support and dedication from our local customers, and we look forward to many more years of serving our neighbors, friends, and island visitors. Open Tuesday through Saturday, The Co-Op has become a go-to location for lunch, takehome dinners, beer and wine, fresh local produce, and much more. Daily madefrom-scratch soups and sandwiches are featured on the website (www. thecoopsullivans.com), and we welcome call in orders. Inspired by a recent visit to a winery in Mendoza, Argentina, The Co-Op is sporting

a new neon red floor, and new 8 a.m. weekday and 9 a.m. weekend opening hours. Daily fresh and locally made sushi is another fun new addition. What hasnt changed is our homemade, local, and fresh food offerings and easy to serve take home meals for your family. Stay tuned for details on our Beach Delivery Program that will begin this summersure to be a hit with visitors and locals alike.

Kate and Greg Hammond, coowners of the Co-Op.

Hours: Tuesday Friday 8 a.m. 7 p.m. Saturday Sunday 9 a.m. 6 p.m.

The Co-Op offers a fresh selection of locally grown produce.

Co-op

2019 Middle Street, Sullivans Island thecoopsullivans.com

882-8088

www.islandeyenews.sc

10

nature & wildlife

March 2, 2012

Avid Weather Watchers Wanted

C o u n t y o f f e r s f r e e s K y WA r n W e At h e r s p o t t e r C l A s s M A r C h 7
Class is required to become a certified NWS SKYWARN weather spotter. The training is provided by the NWS and will include a brief introduction to the NWS; the different types of hazardous weather and how to safely observe them; and the types of severe weather to report and how to send those reports to the NWS. No prior knowledge of weather or weather observing is necessary to take this class. Register for the two-hour, free class by email at jtarter@ charlestoncounty.org or by phone Charleston County needs your help with spotting severe weather around the lowcountry. at 202-7405. Basic Weather spotter class Date: Wednesday, March 7, 2012 Time: 6:30-8:30 p.m. Location: Charleston County Public Services, Building, room 339 (Emergency Operations Center); 4045 Bridgeview Drive; North Charleston. To register for the basic and/or advanced classes, contact James Tarter, Training Coordinator for the Charleston County Emergency Management Department, by email at jtarter@charlestoncounty.org or by phone at 202-7405.

harleston County Governments Emergency Management Department is offering a free class for citizens who want to help warn officials about local weather changes. SKYWARN is a voluntary program developed by the National Weather Service (NWS). The NWS needs real-time reports of hail size, wind damage, flash flooding, heavy rain, and tornadoes in order to effectively warn the public. SKYWARN volunteers serve as storm spotters for the NWS and local emergency management programs. Volunteers serve as the eyes and ears for the whole community. Anyone interested in becoming a SKYWARN weather spotter can attend the NWS Basic Weather Spotter Class, which is hosted by Charleston County Government. The class is free and lasts approximately two hours. The Basic Weather Spotter

American Avocet
By sArAh DArgAn DiAz

he American Avocet is a tall, medium-sized shorebird which can be found in the lowcountry during the winter months. This species has a distinctive upwardly-curved beak, which the birds swing back and forth rapidly in shallow water in search of aquatic insects, crustaceans, and other invertebrates. Avocets forage in fresh and salt water wetlands, including mud flats and old rice fields. This species spends winters in Mexico and the Gulf, and along the southern-most Atlantic coasts of the US. Populations migrate to the interior western US and parts of Canada for the breeding season. In breeding plumage, the heads, necks, and chest turn a rusty brown. Plumage is similar with both sexes. Females lay four eggs in a simple nest, which is no more than a scraped- American Avocet. out indentation in the ground that is sometimes lined with grasses. As with many shorebirds, the chicks are highly precocial (well-developed) and hatch out covered in down and are able to stand within minutes of hatching. In less than a day, chicks are able to run and swim to evade predators! Day-old chicks are capable of foraging, so the adults never need to feed their young. American Avocets will occasionally lay eggs in other birds nests of the same species or different species, including gulls. The American Avocet is sometimes a victim itself of nest parasitism: During the Sullivan's Island Council meeting on this species has been seen raising the chicks of Black-necked Stilts, Tuesday, February 21, PrimeTime Fitness owner which are in the same family as Meredith Nelson presented the council with a piece of framed artwork from a local resident as a thank you from Avocets. the Charleston Running Club.
www.islandeyenews.com

Runners say thanks

March 2, 2012

nature & wildlife

11

Mystery Plant
Care to plaCe a bet on the name of this oak?
he other day my class and I trooped out to beautiful Peachtree Rock Heritage Preserve, located not too far from downtown Edmund, South Carolina. Heres one of the permanent residents of the area. Its an oakmost often seen as a small tree and usually not any taller than about forty feet high. It occurs in a broad area, from New Jersey well into the Midwest, and south to lower Texas and the Florida panhandle. It is one of the red oaks, and thus features tiny bristles on the tips of young leaves, as well as acorns which remain on the tree for two seasons before falling. (Species in the white oak group lack leaf bristles and their acorns mature in one season.) This time of year nearly all of its leaves are on the ground, as it is a deciduous species. Mature examples of this species commonly have an irregularly-shaped crown, and Ive often noticed that the crowns frequently have a lot of dead, persisting branches hanging on. In very poor sites it may be a somewhat stunted plant, and more like a big bush than a tree. The bark is roughly fissured and very dark (nearly black), and its wood is quite hard, tough, and durable. Because of the irregular crown, though, and its slow growth, this oak is not important for timber or lumber. Its wood has been used rather unglamorously for fence posts, railroad ties, and as a source

by Dr. John nelson

of charcoal. Unfortunately, perhaps, this species isnt going to be winning many beauty contests, nor does it seem to have become popular for landscaping. After all, its one of a series of species that most people refer to as scrub oaks, growing in poor upland soils in what most people would think are rather desperate, hardscrabble habitats. On the other hand, these trees have plenty of their own peculiar charm. There are several in yards around my neighborhood, which is indeed an urbanized sandhill ecosystem. The trees look quite a bit different from their relatives and given enough time, can exhibit a sort of bold, craggy look. The leaves are especially handsome, and somewhat unusual for oaks. The leaf blades are prominently widened toward the tip, usually exhibiting three (sometimes five) broadly rounded humps or shoulders. The leaves are relatively thick and sturdy and because of this, they tend to remain on the ground intact rather than crumbling as many other oaks dried leaves do during the winter. The lower surface of the leaf blade is somewhat dull, soft, and felty, but the upper surface of the living leaves, fully expanded, is a bright, lustrous green. My students will have to wait until well into the semester to see the new leaves, which start unfolding around the beginning of April in our area. (But Ill

photo by John nelson

save some of these old ones for their final exam. Dont tell!) Dr. John Nelson is the curator of the Herbarium at the University of South Carolina, in the Department of Biological Sciences. As a public service, the Herbarium offers free plant identifications. For more info, visit www. herbarium.org or call 803-777-8196.

[Answer: Blackjack oak, Quercus marilandica]

March 2
Friday, March 2
Charleston Wine & Food Festival March 1 4. Events held at Marion Square, downtown, and throughout Charleston. For more info or to purchase tickets, visit www.charlestonwineandfood.com 2012 Read Across America Come enjoy readings of our Dr. Seuss favorites as the Poe Library celebrates his 108th birthday with our celebrity reader and author Blair Hahn. Blair is an awardwinning local author of books for young readers including My Purple Toes and My Purple Kisses. 1:30 p.m. Open to all ages. Edgar Allan Poe Library, 1921 Ion Ave., Sullivans Island. For more info, call at 883-3914. Morgan Creek Music: Nikki Talley and Jason Sharp Join Nikki Talley (guitar, banjo, and vocals) and Jason Sharp (bass, guitar) of Asheville, NC, for a live show at Morgan Creek Grill, 41st Avenue, Isle of Palms. For more info, visit www.morgancreekgrill. com or call 886-8980. The 3 Dudes and John Cusatis. Tickets: Adults $25, children 6 12 $5, children under 6 free. Funds benefit the Begin with Books program on Johns and Wadmalaw islands. To purchase, visit www.brownpapertickets.com, email beginwithbooks@gmail.com or call Ashley at 345-5372. Charleston Symphony presents: cellist Joshua Roman Masterworks concert Schumann, Tchaikovsky, and Dvok at 7:30 p.m. at the Gaillard Municipal Auditorium, 77 Calhoun St. Tickets available at the Gaillard, the City Gallery (34 Prioleau St.), online at www. CharlestonSymphony.org, by calling 723-7528, or at any Ticketmaster outlet. DIY Arts and Crafts at Poe Library Girls and boys, bring your family and friends to make St. Patrick Day crafts with Ms. Grace. All materials will be provided. 10 a.m. Edgar Allan Poe Library, 1921 Ion Ave., Sullivans Island. For more info, call at 883-3914. Wildlife Hike at Sewee Center March with Ranger Rustin to Nebo Ponds and check out both the wetland and forest creatures. Call 928-3368 to register. Sewee Visitor & Environmental Center, 5821 Hwy. 17 N, Awendaw. For more info, visit www.fws.gov/ seweecenter.

Is l a nd E y e C a l e nda r
tueSday, March 6
SIES Public Forum hosted by Sullivans Island Building and Construction Committee Public forum to discuss design elements of the approved school. Size dimensions and the schools placement will not be discussed. Meeting will last approximately one hour. Agendas posted the Friday before at www.sullivansisland-sc. com. Meeting located in the SI Fire Station Training Room, 2050 Middle St. and will start at 5 p.m. Family storytime at Poe Library Reading begins at 10:30 a.m. Edgar Allan Poe Library, 1921 Ion Ave., Sullivans Island. For more info, call at 883-3914. Master Naturalist Course Master Naturalist candidates complete a thirteen-day field study course led by a variety of experts in some of the state's most beautiful natural areas as they learn and practice skills naturalists use to "read" the natural world. March 6-June 5 (meets weekly on Tuesdays) 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Course # 27271. Caw Caw Interpretive Center, 5200 Savannah Highway, Ravenel. $625. Call 795-4386 or visit ccprc.com for more info.

March 19
Family storytime at Poe Library See Tuesday, March 6.

Sunday, March 4
Charleston Symphony presents: cellist Joshua Roman at Waterfront Park The CSO ensemble will perform An Afternoon of Chamber Music with Joshua Roman at the City Gallery at Waterfront Park at 4 p.m. Tickets available at Gaillard Municipal Auditorium (77 Calhoun St.), the City Gallery (34 Prioleau St.), online at www. CharlestonSymphony.org, by calling 723-7528, or at any Ticketmaster outlet.

showing of The Help. Based on the bestselling novel by Kathryn Stockett. Rated PG-13; 146 minutes. 5:30 p.m. Edgar Allan Poe Library, 1921 Ion Ave., Sullivans Island. For more info, call at 883-3914. Team Tortuga Turtle Movie Fundraiser 4:30 p.m. at the Cinebarre, 963 Houston Northcutt Blvd, Mount Pleasant. Enjoy a movie about sea turtles, with all funds going toward the SC Aquarium Sea Turtle Hospital. $5 per person donation suggested. For more info, visit seaturtlerescue.blogspot.com.

thurSday, March 15
Mount Pleasant Catch the Leprechaun Run Enjoy a St. Patty's-inspired 5K run at Mount Pleasant Memorial Park. After the race, there will be live music, a great post race party, a pot of gold for the winners and prizes for everyone who finishes before the Leprechaun. All proceeds will benefit Pattisons Academy. 6:30 p.m. $25 entry fee. 99 Harry M Hallman Jr. Blvd, Mount Pleasant. Visit www.active. com to register or for more info. St. Patty Pot of Gold Hunt on IOP Starting at 4 p.m. at the Isle of Palms Rec Dept. Children are welcome to come decorate their own pot to fill with gold. For more info, call 886-8294, email willm@ iop.net, or visit www.iop.net. IOP Recreation Dept is located at #24 28th Avenue, IOP. Popcorn Theater at Poe: Diary of a Wimpy Kid 2 Rodrick Rules Based on the novel written by Jeff Kinney. Rated PG; 99 minutes. 4:30 p.m. Open to all ages. Edgar Allan Poe Library, 1921 Ion Ave., Sullivans Island. For more info, call at 883-3914.

advance for this program. 1 4 p.m. Course # 27349. $6. For more info, call 795-4386 or visit ccprc.com.

Saturday, March 17
Happy St. Patricks Day! St. Patricks Day Celebration at the Poe Library Come one, come all to celebrate St. Patricks Day with arts and crafts, trivia facts, and stories about Ireland at the Edgar Allan Poe Library, 1921 Ion Ave., Sullivans Island. Starting at 10:30 a.m. Open to all ages. For more info, call at 883-3914. Sewee Center presents: Forked-tailed Kites Come to the Sewee Center for a presentation on CitizenScience for Swallow-tailed Kites: A Conservation Success Story. Researchers and educators from The Center for Birds of Prey will give an update on the birds status and conservation efforts. For reservations, call 928-3368. Sewee Visitor & Environmental Center, 5821 Hwy. 17 N, Awendaw SC. For more info, visit www.fws.gov/ seweecenter. 3 p.m. Sewee Center presents: Wildflower Auto Tour The Francis Marion Wildflower Auto Tour

commences on FS Road 202 and winds through the mixed pine and hardwood forests seven miles from the Sewee Center. Maps will be provided. For reservations, call 9283368. Sewee Visitor & Environmental Center, 5821 Hwy. 17 N, Awendaw SC. For more info, visit www.fws.gov/ seweecenter. 10 - 1 p.m.

Sunday, March 18
Visit County Parks for Free Enjoy all the play with none of the pay during Customer Appreciation Day at Charleston County Parks. Check www.ccprc.com for more info on free programs and activities during this event. Charleston Mens Chorus presents Love is in the Air All-male group will sing various love songs and arrangements. Tickets available at www. cmchorus.com, Royall Hardware (Mount Pleasant), and at the box office the day of the concert. Admission is $15 plus $1 surcharge; free to ages 6 and under. 3 p.m. at the Sottile Theater, 44 George Street.

Monday, March 5
Friends of the Library Board Member Visit Poe Library Meet members of the Charleston County Friends of the Library and learn how this volunteer group is making a difference at your local library. Get info about 2012 events and find out how you can become a member. 10 11 a.m. Edgar Allan Poe Library, 1921 Ion Ave., Sullivans Island. For more info, call at 883-3914. Preschool storytime at Poe Library For ages 3 6 years. Reading begins at 11 a.m. Edgar Allan Poe Library, 1921 Ion Ave., Sullivans. For more info, call at 883-3914. Mount Pleasant Artists Guild Mount Pleasant Town Hall Council Chambers, 100 Ann Edwards Blvd. Social hour begins at 6:30, meeting at 7 p.m. Local artist Ann Lee Merrill will speak about her experiences with watercolor and oil. See www. mtpleasantartistsguild.com for more info, or call Betsy Chambers at 884-1180.

Saturday, March 10
Nature Printing at Poe Library Enjoy the fun in creating beautiful pictures using leaves, fruits, and flowers by pressing or printing them onto card stock paper for framing, journals, or stationary. All materials will be provided. 10:30 a.m. Open to all ages. Edgar Allan Poe Library, 1921 Ion Ave., Sullivans Island. For more info, call at 883-3914. Birding Basics Learn birding essentials, from proper attire and gear to basic terminology, characteristics of bird groups, and more. We then move into the field to spot and identify our winged friends. 9 11 a.m. Course # 27191. James Island County Park. $6. For more info, call 795-4386 or visit ccprc.com.

Saturday, March 3
Begin with Books Oyster Roast 2 5 p.m. at the Island House, 2658 Swygert Blvd., Johns Island. Oysters, hot dogs, cash bar, childrens activities. Live music by

Monday, March 19
Preschool storytime at Poe Library See Monday, March 5.

WedneSday, March 7
Free Weather Spotter Class by Charleston County Charleston County Governments Emergency Management Department is offering a free class for citizens who want to help warn officials about local weather changes. Register for the twohour class by email at jtarter@ charlestoncounty.org or by phone at 202-7405.

Friday, March 16
Voxie Celtic Duo with Harp and Voice at the Poe Library Enjoy this fantastic duo for your Friday listening pleasure. 4:15 p.m. Edgar Allan Poe Library, 1921 Ion Ave., Sullivans Island. For more info, call at 883-3914. Explore Your Parklands - Laurel Hill Plantation Amid increasing development east of the Cooper River, over 700 acres of natural beauty have been preserved adjacent to Park West. All participants must register in

Monday, March 12
Preschool storytime at Poe Library See Monday, March 5.

thurSday, March 8
Popcorn Theater at Poe: The Help Enjoy a mother-daughter day at the Poe Library with a free

tueSday, March 13
SIES Public Forum hosted by Sullivans Island Building and Construction Committee See Tuesday, March 6.

Happy Birthday, Leola

sle of Palms resident Leola Hanbury was pleasantly surprised on Sunday, February 12, when she walked into a surprise 85th birthday party at Acme Cantina. Guests enjoyed good company and a specially-made chocolate peanut butter cake

Jimmy Carroll and Leola Hanbury at Leola's surprise birthday party on February 12.

March 2, 2012

New Opportunity to Visit Grant for Lowcountry Look Lighthouse Island gRiffith/ReyBuRn loWCountRy aRtist
aWaRd announCed foR ninth yeaR
re you an artist who enjoys creating works that convey the look and feel of the lowcountrys unique life, culture, or environment? If so, then the Griffith/Reyburn Lowcountry Artist Award of Coastal Community Foundation invites you to submit your application for their annual grant. This $5,000 grant is intended to support the artist during the creation of a work of art, which will then be the personal property of the artist to keep, show, or sell at his or her own discretion. This is the ninth year of what is expected to be an annual competition. Applicants must be citizens or residents of Charleston County in South Carolina and must be at least fifteen years of age. The proposed work of art may be done in oils, acrylics, watercolors, pastels, drawing, or a combination of those media, or it may be a work of three-dimensional fine art sculpture. Specific guidelines and applications may be downloaded from the Community Foundation website at www.coastalcommunityfoundation.org or requested directly from richard@coastalcommunityfoundation.org. The application must be postmarked on or before March 15, or handdelivered to the Foundations office downtown at 635 Rutledge Ave, Suite 201, no later than 5:30 p.m. on March 16. There will be an open meeting to give prospective artists the opportunity to ask questions about this award at the Community Foundation's office at 635 Rutledge Avenue, Suite 201, on Saturday, March 3, 2012, from 1 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. Seating will be limited, so please contact Richard Hendry, Program Officer, at richard@coastalcommunityfoundation.org or 723-3635 if you wish to attend.

Art & style

15

pRovided By Coastal Community foundation of sC

By Cape Romain national Wildlife Refuge

n Sunday, April 1, the Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge will host its historic tour to Lighthouse Island. Tommy Graham, tour guide and Mcclellanville native, will give a slide presentation on the history of the two lighthouses at the Sewee Visitor and Environmental Education Center at 11 a.m. Following the forty-five minute presentation, participants will drive to Mcclellanville and board the Coastal Expeditions Island Cat ferry at 12:30 (Ferry ride is approximately one hour). Please Note: Lighthouse Island is located in a national wilderness area. There are no facilities or docks on the island and participants must wade ashore in water ranging from ankle to knee deep and continue on an uneven dirt path to the lighthouses. Wear appropriate shoes for water and pluff mud! Things to bring include water, snacks, insect repellent and an extra layer of clothing for the weather. The ferry will leave Lighthouse Island for the return trip to Mcclellanville at 2:30 p.m. Transportation fee is $45 per person. These tours normally fill up, so please reserve your spot early. Reservation is by credit card only. Cash, check, or charge payable to Coastal Expeditions at the boat dock on the day of the trip. Reservations may be made by calling the Sewee Visitor Center at 928-3368, Tuesday Saturday, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. The Sewee Visitor Center is located at 5821 Highway 17 North, Awendaw.

www.islandeyenews.com

16

Mark Your Calendar for the Annual Easter Egg Hunt

provided By tHe iop recreAtion depArtment

Computer Corner

March 2, 2012

Security, Security and Yes, Security!

ne of the most important things to remember about your online experiences is to secure yourself from harm. Regardless of the sites you visit, the type of computer you use, and the operating system, there are bad people out there. No one is specifically targeting you personally, but the outcome is the same if they steal your personal data. In years past, hackers and their ilk did a lot of hard drive wiping, data corrupting, and worse. Nowadays they are much more insidious, wanting to steal data about you and your bank accounts, personal data that can be used against you rather than do harm to your system. By having the knowledge that they really are out to get you helps in lots of ways. For example, never bank at a hotspot such as a coffee shop or fast food spot with wireless internet; always be aware that places like that have an open wireless system. When you use an unsecured wireless network, someone can actually capture everything

he Isle of Palms Recreation Department will host the Annual Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday, April 7, at 10 a.m. sharp. Located at #24 28th Avenue, children ages twelve and under are invited to the recreation grounds to participate in an Easter Egg Hunt and visit the Easter Bunny. Participants can enjoy Easter candy, pony rides, jump castles, ice cream and much more. Different age divisions will be set up for children. This is a free event. For more information please contact Will McElheny at 886-8294 or visit www.iop.net.

By BoB Hooper, AKA rent A BoB

This Dog Can Twitter and Mingle

e would like to announce that Lucky Dog Publishing is now on Twitter. You can follow updates and breaking news from Island Eye News, Island Connection, and Folly Current using your Twitter account. Along with Facebook, Twitter will enhance connectivity and interactions with our papers and the wider community. Follow Island Eye News at @IslandEyeNews or www.twitter.com/islandeyenews. Follow Island Connection at @ IslandConnect1 or www.twitter.com/islandconnect1. Follow Folly Current at @FollyCurrent or www.twitter.com/follycurrent. We also now have Mingle Forums on our sites where readers can post topics and replies on issues in our communities. We will be posting new forum categories often with questions dealing with current events in our area. You can access the Mingle Forums in the link bar under our website banners. We look forward to new discussions on our sites: www.islandeyenews.com www.islandconnectionnews.com www.follycurrent.com

your SSID. A professional can assist you in making your home network secure, even for guests. Make sure you are using some sort of personal virus/malware security software, whether it's freeware (like Microsoft Security Essentials) or something you pay for (Norton, Mcafee). If you have a Mac, be very wary of the common statements that viruses dont attack Macs. It may have been somewhat true years ago, but every day I read about new attacks on Apple products. Many purveyors of security software offer Mac security software now. Windows-based computers should never venture out on the web without some sort of protection. I look forward to some good questions and helping you out. If you need immediate assistance you can always call Rent A Bob at 822-7794 or email rentabob@ live.com.

being sent by you over the network. Same thing at home always use your wireless network in a secure manner. The best protection is WPA2 encryption, plus turning off

www.islandeyenews.com

18

music

March 2, 2012

Classical Rock Star Joins CSO

Joshua Roman PeRfoRms foR two shows on maRch 3 & 4
harleston Symphony Orchestra (CSO) will present two concerts in March featuring guest cellist Joshua Roman. A Masterworks concert, Schumann, Tchaikovsky, and Dvok, will be performed on Saturday, March 3, at 7:30 p.m. at the Gaillard Municipal Auditorium. On Sunday, March 4, a CSO ensemble will perform An Afternoon of Chamber Music with Joshua Roman at the City Gallery at Waterfront Park at 4 p.m. Joshua Roman, who landed the position of Seattle Symphonys Principal Cellist in 2006 at the age of 22, will perform Dvoks Silent Woods and Tchaikovskys Variations on a Rococo Theme at the Saturday Masterworks concert with the CSO. Hailed by the San Francisco Chronicle as a cellist of extraordinary technical and musical gifts and a classical rock star by the Lexington Herald-Leader, Roman is currently enjoying a successful solo career. Recently, Roman performed duos with Yo-Yo Ma at a State Department event and performed during New Yorks Mostly Mozart Festival at Avery Fisher Hall. Along with Dvok and Tchaikovsky, the concert will include Smetanas The Moldau, from the symphonic poem composition M vlast, and Schumanns Symphony

PRovided by nicole waRd, chaRleston symPhony

No. 3, Opus 97, Rhenish. Christopher Wilkins will conduct the concert. Wilkins was recently named music director of the Boston Landmarks Orchestra, and he also serves as music director of both the Orlando Philharmonic and the Akron Symphony. In addition to his solo work, Roman is an active chamber music performer that has appeared with the Seattle Chamber Music Society and the International Festival of Chamber Music. Roman will perform on March 4 with members of the CSO string section, including concertmaster and artistic advisor Yuriy Bekker and principal viola Jan-Marie Christy Joyce, supplemented by Charleston pianist Irina Pevzner. The ensemble will perform Mendelssohns "Piano Trio" and Schumanns "Piano Quartet". There will be a complimentary reception following the concert. Presenting sponsors for the March 3 Masterworks are MeadWestvaco and SCE&G. There will be a pre-concert talk from the stage led by Dr. William Gudger at 6:30 pm prior to the March 3 performance at Gaillard Auditorium. Tickets for the Masterworks concert start at $20 for reserved seating. Student tickets are $10 with valid ID. Morgan Stanley Smith Barney is contributing sponsor for the March 4 CSO Chamber Music concert. General

admission tickets for the Chamber Music concert are $25. The Gaillard Auditorium is located at 77 Calhoun St. and the City Gallery is located at 34 Prioleau St.; both venues are in downtown Charleston. Tickets may be purchased in advance online through www. CharlestonSymphony.org, by calling the CSO at 723-7528, and at the Gaillard Auditorium Box Office or any Ticketmaster outlet.
coveR Photo by RichaRd bell PhotogRaPhy | Photo by JeRemy sawatzky

Love is Still in the Air

he Charleston Mens Chorus will present Love is in the Air on Sunday, March 18, at 3 p.m. in the Sottile Theater, located at 44 George Street. The concert will feature the all-male group singing various love songs and arrangements. Interim director Ricard Bordas says, Our goal is to serenade the audience and remind them of what love is all about. Proceeds from this, as well as the groups other concerts, benefit music scholarships given to students studying vocal music and/or choral conducting at the College of Charleston and Charleston Southern University. The concert will feature current scholarship recipients. Interim Director Ricard Bordas will conduct, and Pamela Nelson will accompany on piano. Tickets for the concert are available at www.cmchorus.com, Monster Music & Movies (West Ashley), Royall Hardware (Mount Pleasant), and at the box office the day of the concert. Admission is $15 plus $1 surcharge; free to

Photo PoRvided by chaRleston's mens choRus

ages 6 and under. The Charleston Mens Chorus is a non-profit group of about seventy experienced and talented male singers who perform in the tri-county area and are devoted to promoting choral music in the lowcountry and giving a portion of their proceeds back to the community through music scholarships. For more information, call 7208505 or visit www.cmchorus.com or their Facebook page.

www.islandeyenews.com

March 2, 2012

19

2012 Doggie Day at the Rec

ongratulations to all of the pups who participated in the annual Doggie Day at the Rec this past Saturday, February 25, at the Isle of Palms Recreation Department. For more pictures from the event, visit www.iop.net.

2012 Doggie Day winners Best Rescue - Female: Linda Hank With Maisey Best Rescue - Male: Jeff Goland With Mojo (Picture 1043) Cutest Puppy: Sandy Ferencz With Chino Most Attractive (one year and older): Kay Burner With Max Mystery Mutt - Small Breed: Nathan Gray With Marty Mystery Mutt - Large Breed: Abbigaile Hunsucker With Sunshine Most Ear Resistible: Sherry Knight With Lola Best Dressed: Nicole Frazier With Penny Lane Best Eyes: Kara Melin With Ethan Best Smile: Alysia Norton With Santee Most Creative Name: Becky Kocher With Blinkin Most Unusual Breed: Aspen Nestler With Lola Best Of Show: Kara Melin With Ethan

Photos by the Isle of Palms Rec DePaRtment

www.islandeyenews.com

20

March 2, 2012

Explore Your County Parks for Free

C o u n t y pa r k s o f f e r f r e e g at e a d m i s s i o n s u n d a y, m a r C h 1 8
provided by Charleston County parks and reCreation

ome enjoy all the play with none of the pay during Customer Appreciation Day at Charleston County Parks. On Sunday, March 18, Charleston County Park and recreation Commission says "thank you" by offering free gate admission to ravenel Caw Caw Interpretive Center, North Charleston Wannamaker, Mount Pleasant Palmetto Islands, and James Island County Parks. Plus, enjoy free parking at Kiawah Beachwalker Park, Isle of Palms County Park, and the folly Beach Edwin S. Taylor Fishing Pier, where fishing is free for the day! The Mount Pleasant Pier will also offer complimentary fishing on March 18, but parking fees will still apply. If you have never visited your county parks, this is a great opportunity to explore them at no cost. Whisk the family away to palmetto-lined vistas, savor a picnic lunch along tidal creeks, or stroll leisurely on self-guided nature trails. March 18 could also be your lucky day! Park visitors may register for a chance to win a Gold Pass membership. (register on-site at Caw Caw Interpretive Center, Palmetto Islands, Wannamaker or James Island County Parks, Isle of Palms County Park, Kiawah Beachwalker Park, the folly Beach fishing Pier, or the Mount Pleasant Pier.) Charleston County Parks Gold Pass affords pass holders many privilegesfrom unlimited vehicle gate admission into seven county park facilities and park special events for one full year, to receipt of a VIP coupon booklet full of park-related discounts. Plus, enter to win waterpark passes and fishing passes at select facilities as well. Visit www.ccprc.com or call 795-4386 for more information on free programs and activities that will be hosted at the parks during this event.

Do you know what this is?

Fishing is free for the day at the Folly Pier on March 18.
photo by Charleston County parks and reCreation

Eye

Spy

No one correctly guessed last issue's Eye Spy. The first person to send in the correct answer for this issue will receive a coupon for a frEE ice cream at Caf Medley on Sullivan's Island.

Kids, send your guess for this weeks Eye Spy to: eyespy@luckydognews.com Please include your mailing address with your submission.
www.islandeyenews.com

March 2, 2012

financial
By Dimi matouchev

21

Put the Power of Tax Deferral to Work

s an investor, you may sometimes feel frustrated. After all, your portfolio seems to be at the mercy of the financial markets, whose volatility is beyond anyones control. Yet you can control the quality of the investments you own and the diversification of those investments to improve your chances of attaining your long-term financial goals. One way in which to do so is to put as much as you can afford, year after year, into tax-deferred investments. When you contribute to a taxdeferred account, your money has the potential to grow faster than it would if you placed it in a fully taxable investmentthat is, an investment on which you paid taxes every year. Over time, this accelerated growth can add up to a big difference in your

accumulated savings. For example, if you put $200 each month into a taxable investment that earned a hypothetical 7 percent a year, youd end up with about $325,000 after forty years, assuming you were in the 25 percent federal tax bracket. If you put that same $200 per month into a tax-deferred investment that earned the same hypothetical 7 percent a year, youd accumulate about $515,000or nearly $200,000 more than youd have with the taxable investment.* Of course, you will eventually have to pay taxes on the taxdeferred investment, but by the time youre retired, you might be in a lower tax bracket. Furthermore, depending on how much you choose to withdraw each year from your tax-deferred account, you can have some control over the amount of taxes youll pay. Clearly, tax deferral can be a smart choice, but what sort of tax-deferred vehicles are available?

One of your most attractive choices will be your employersponsored retirement plan, such as a 401(k). Your earnings have the potential to grow on a taxdeferred basis, and since you typically fund your plan with pre-tax dollars, the more you put in, the lower your annual taxable income. If youre lucky, your employer will even match some of your contributions. Consequently, its almost always a good idea to put as much as you can afford into your 401(k), up to the contribution limits, and to boost your contributions every time your salary increases. In 2012, you can contribute up to $17,000 to your 401(k), plus an additional $5,500 if youre fifty or older. Even if you participate in a 401(k) plan, you can probably also contribute to a traditional IRA. Your earnings have the potential to grow tax-deferred and your contributions may be tax deductible, depending on your income level. In 2012, you can put up to $5,000 into a traditional IRA, or $6,000 if youre fifty or older. (If you meet

certain income guidelines, you might be eligible to contribute to a Roth IRA, which offers taxfree earnings, provided you dont start taking withdrawals until youre fifty-nine-and-a-half and youve had your account at least five years.) Finally, if youve maxed out on both your 401(k) and your IRA, you may want to consider a fixed annuity. Your earnings grow taxdeferred, contribution limits are high, and you can structure your annuity to provide you with an income stream you cant outlive. The more years in which you invest in tax-deferred vehicles, the better. So start putting the power of tax deferral to work soon. *This hypothetical example is for illustrative purposes only and does not represent a specific investment or investment strategy. Dimi Matouchev is a financial advisor with Edward Jones, located at 1505 Palm Boulevard, Isle of Palms. For more information, call 886-9229 or visit www. edwardjones.com.

Breac h Inlet Tide Char t

Date
Mar 2 Mar 3 Mar 4 Mar 5 Mar 6 Mar 7 Mar 8 Mar 9 Mar 10 Mar 11 Mar 12 Mar 13 Mar 14 Mar 15

High Tide
2:09am/2:43pm 3:11am/3:44pm 4:10am/4:40pm 5:05am/5:32pm 5:55am/6:22pm 6:42am/7:09pm 7:28am/7:56pm 8:14am/8:43pm 9:00am/9:33pm 10:48am/11:25pm 11:40am 12:21am/12:36pm 1:23am/1:38pm 2:30am/2:44pm

Low Tide
8:32am/8:38pm 9:32am/9:40pm 10:27am/10:38pm 11:17am/11:32pm 12:04pm 12:23am/12:49pm 1:13am/1:34pm 2:03am/2:19pm 2:53am/3:05pm 4:44am/4:54pm 5:38am/5:45pm 6:34am/6:41pm 7:35am/7:44pm 8:39am/8:5pm

Hurricanes, storms etc., are NOT included in the predictions. Tidal current direction changes and tide time predictions can be very different. Tide predictions are PREDICTIONS; they can be wrong so use common sense.

Source: www.saltwatertides.com
www.islandeyenews.com

22

March 2, 2012

The Paris Wife

Topic of nexT Beach Lovers Book cLuB
provided By connie darLing
n Saturday, March 24, the Edgar Allan Poe Librarys Beach Lovers Book Club will hold their monthly meeting at the library starting at 10:30 a.m. Everyone is welcome to attend the discussion, which will focus on The Paris Wife by Paula McLain. For more information, contact the Edgar Allan Poe Library at 8833914. The library is located at 1921 Ion Ave., Sullivans Island. Hours: Monday and Friday, 10 a.m. 6 p.m.; Tuesday and Saturday, 10 a.m. 2 p.m.; Thursday: 2 p.m. 8 p.m. Closed Wednesday.

IOP First Pitch Half Rubber Tournament

ign up now for the Isle of Palms First Pitch Half Rubber Tournament. The tournament will take place on Saturday, March 24, at the Isle of Palms Recreation Center, 24 Twentyeighth Ave. Captains meeting begins at 7:30 a.m. and games begin at 8 a.m. Registration is $20 per person and teams may be comprised of three and four players. Ages sixteen and up are welcome to participate. Awards will be given for first and second place. For more information, call the IOP Rec Center at 886-8294.

The Paris Wife

Taking place in 1920s Chicago, The Paris Wife centers around the lives of Ernest Hemingway and his wife, Hadley. An evocative story of ambition and betrayal, the book captures a remarkable period of time and a love affair between two unforgettable people. (information provided by Goodreads.com)

phoTo By iop rec depT

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March 2, 2012

photo of the month

by Eric horan

23

Fish Haul Creek in February

all brings southbound shorebirds escaping the unfriendly winter climates of the Arctic region. They begin arriving in October, and depending on the weather up north they may still be arriving in December. The birds that come to our beaches travel thousands of miles in the Eastern Flyway against all odds, both natural and manmade. On arrival they find a friendly, ecorich environment with a plethora of food choicesfrom insects and invertebrates to small fish and horseshoe crab eggs. These foods restore and sustain them for their long return journey north in the spring. When they are not feeding, which they do mostly over the high tide, they congregate on high sandbars and oyster banks to rest. As the tidal waters Photo Tip: These sandbars and oyster begin to recede, banks are great places to observe and photograph shorebirds, but great care must be taken not to stress the lowcountrys them or keep them from this vital resting period. I have found that it is best to get set in position before the rich food supply high tide as the birds are still coming in. This way the birds are more apt to consider you part of the natural once again becomes environment and will accept you sooner than if you attempt an approach after they are settled. But you available and the also can work your way closer to birds that are still. It takes patience, keeping a low profile (lying down is birds disperse and best), and slow forward movements. This may allow you to get inside their initial comfort zone. Again, both begin feeding again. methods require moving slowly and being absolutely quiet. For more information about Eric Experience has taught me big flocks of birds will periodically take to the air, naturally. They also have Horan Photography, natural triggers, like when a bird of prey comes too close or, when one species takes off, it may cause all birds to take flight within the blink of an eye. So if flight shots are what you are after, patience is key. If Inc., Lowcountry you wait quietly the birds will take to the air by natural causes. There will be times in your attempts to Wildlife Photo Safaris, work around these birds that causes them to take flight, but if you are sensitive to keeping a light step and or to order your becoming, to the best of your ability, part of the their environment, then the natural world will repay you 2012 Lowcountry with an unforgettable outdoor experience and maybe even a few great images. Calendar, visit www. horanphoto.com.

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