PRESORT STANDARD

US POSTAGE PAID
CHARLESTON SC
PERMIT NO 437
Volume 3 Issue 6 FREE July 10, 2009

Kayaking for the future

By Kristin Hackler

“A nice little pond. It was clean. It was neat. The water was warm, there was plenty to eat. The turtles had everything turtles might
need. And they were all happy. Quite happy indeed.” ~ Yertle the Turtle by Dr. Seuss

D
r. Seuss had such a wonderful way of teaching
children to look outside of the box. In his short
story Yertle the Turtle, an overly ambitious turtle
demands that all of the other turtles in his pond stand on
each other’s back and create a tower on which he could
sit and observe his kingdom. But one turtle, at the base
of the tower, grew tired after standing for hours with so
many turtles on his back and said to King Yertle, “I don’t
like to complain, but down here below, we are feeling
great pain. I know, up on top you are seeing great sights,
but down at the bottom, we, too, should have rights.”
Those words could be the ongoing motto for the
Friends of the Kiawah River organization. Formed by
island residents with a passionate interest in protecting
Captain Sam’s Spit, as well as the health and wellness
of the aquatic and mammalian residents of the Kiawah
River, the Friends of The Kiawah River have organized
two fundraising kayak trips over the past few months.
Both trips launched from Mingo Point and meandered
down the river to Captain Sam’s Inlet, where paddlers
disembarked and explored the shoreline and bare sand
at the tail end of Captain Sam’s Spit. During the trip,
naturalists and knowledgeable citizens shared information
about the resident species of the river, and pointed out
where future developments would be built should the
Steel Sheet Pile Wall request by Kiawah Development
Partners be approved by the Office of Coastal Resource
Management.
Battling 100 degree weather, the last kayaking group
took off from Mingo Point on June 20 and spent an hour
or so floating along the inlet in swim trunks and life
preservers, enjoying the cool water and tranquility of the
uninhabited end of the island.
On their return, the kayakers enjoyed pulled pork
barbeque and Johns Island tomato sandwiches (with Dukes
mayonnaise, of course) at Rosebank Farms while Marilyn
Blizzard introduced the group to a young diamondback
Kiawah River continued on page 7

I n s id e t h e I sl a nd Con nection. . .

page 4 Fire festival page 5 Unsafe at any speed page 10 island osprey nests
2 July 10, 2009

Seabrook Town Council – June 23, 2009

Financials For the year-to-date, revenues are only problem with looking into signs on either Symphony Orchestra. Both motions were
Revenues for the month of May were $32,282.93 behind budget, but with the side of the road, “but I don’t imagine approved unanimously.
$37,539.70, which was short $45,098.15 check added in, the Mayor noted that the the one in the middle of the road lasting
according to the budget. However, Town is actually about $15,000 ahead. very long,” he remarked. Councilman Off leash laws
Mayor McNulty noted that this was “Last year our year-to-date revenues were Holtz suggested putting in signs on either Councilman Holtz reported that
mainly due to a late check for the $422,707.07 compared to $285,241.19 side of the road first and watching what Councilman Cummin had received a
Municipal Association in the amount of this year,” said McNulty. “So we’re about happens. “We need to do what we can to letter about two dogs playing off leash
$50,000, which came in on June 2. “It’s 33% behind, which is pretty much where make it better,” he said. McNulty asked in the designated “off leash” area of the
all a matter of timing,” said the Mayor. we thought we’d be.” As for expenses, Town Administrator Peirce to look into beach; however, they were there at 3pm,
“Right now, we’re practically on budget.” the Town is $16,031.17 under budget for the costs of signs as soon as he could. and island leash laws forbid dogs from
this year-to-date, but the Town is still being off-leash between 10am and 5pm
waiting on an auditing bill, which should Mayor’s report: making music no matter what during the summer
The Island be in some time this month. Overall,
however, expenditures are doing well,
“Just a couple of things,” said Mayor
McNulty. “First, I would like to consider
season. “The signs are confusing,” Holtz
empathized. “One says ‘Dogs off-leash
with $227,970.76 spent last year-to-date revising the budget for this year.” The area’ and another says ‘on-leash between
Connection and only $109,349.88 this year. way the Town currently handles road
maintenance is to mainly draw from
10am and 5pm’.”
Mayor McNulty recommended creating
Lynn Pierotti Bumps in the road Accommodations Tax funds, which a smaller sign that could be hung from
Publisher Ed Dear from Bohicket Marina asked is a legitimate use of the funds, but, the off-leash signs from Memorial Day
lynn@luckydognews.com Council what their thoughts are on according to the Mayor, it uses up almost to Labor Day, stating the on-leash hours
slowing traffic around the crosswalk all of the funds so that there’s very little of 10am to 5pm. Holtz noted that there
Kristin Hackler on Seabrook Island Road between the left for anything else that might come had been no incidents to date, but it is
Managing Editor Marina and bikepath. “I’m concerned up. “If we put a line item for roadway an ordinance. Administrator Pierce said
kristin@luckydognews.com about the speed of vehicles,” said Dear. maintenance in the budget and spend that he would speak with the Property
“People go pretty fast on that road and between $50,000 and $60,000 for the Owners Association about adding
Swan Richards a lot of the pedestrians move slowly year to maintain the roads, that would detachable time signs to the off-leash
Graphic Designer across that crosswalk; especially mothers free up the Accommodations Tax signs. “It’s not earth shattering,” said
swan@luckydognews.com and their young children.” Dear noted funds,” said the Mayor. Funds from Holtz, “I just want to take care of it
that a rumble strip would be too noisy ATAX are usually around $40,000 for before it gets too busy.”
Ali Akhyari and a speed bump would probably be a the year. “We’ve already spent $10,000
Assistant Editor hazard at 35 mph. Instead, he suggested on fireworks and about $3,000 on the Utility report
ali@luckydognews.com that signs be placed 500 yards before bridges; what do you say about allocating Joe Hall of the Water Utility
the crosswalk on both sides of the road $17,000 for the Charleston Symphony Commission could not be at the meeting
Brittany Urbach reading “Yield to Crosswalk”, as well Orchestra to come out to the island?” as he had been hospitalized due to
Reporter as a rectangular sign at the center line Seabrook Island Real Estate, which internal bleeding. However, “I tried to
brittany@lukcydognews.com of the road directly on the crosswalk normally sponsors the CSO summer talk with him,” said the Mayor, “and
which would indicate its location. “We performance on the Real Estate lawn at typical Joe, all he wanted to do was talk
Chelsea Langan can’t just let the entrance to the island, can not afford about Utilities.” Hall reported to the
Advertising it go because to bring the Symphony out this year and Mayor that an issue has come up with the
chelsea@luckydognews.com something if the sponsorship is taken out of the Utilities insurance provider. The Utility
843-327-2662 is going to ATAX funds, it would still leave roughly Commission has a clause in its bond
happen,” said $10,000 for the Town to use if anything which guarantees the highest dividend
Interns Dear. “I hope else should come up. to its bond holders and $435,000 is
Micah Brown you consider The Mayor split the vote into two as high as it can go. Typically, the
Ellie Smith these ideas.” sections: one for the approval of insurance covers that amount, but due
Evans Craddock Mayor including a line item of $55,000 for road to the insurance company’s coverage of
Chris Marchewka McNulty maintenance in the Town budget and the several homes which fell into default, the
stated that he second to spend $17,000 of the ATAX
Contributors didn’t have a funds on a concert by the Charleston Council continued on page 3
Jennifer Barbour
Chris Brooks
Joe Croughwell
Lisa Hillman
Civic Calendar
Dwight S. Ives Monday, July 13 Kiawah Island Town Council
Sam Reed St. Johns Fire District Commission 2pm - 4pm Kiawah Island Town Hall
Paul Roberts 7pm Town Hall Council Chambers 21 Beachwalker Drive
Barbara Winslow St. Johns Commission Building Kiawah Island, SC 29455
3327 Maybank Highway, Johns Island Kiawah Island Ways and Means Phone: 768-9166
Committee meeting Fax: 768-4764
Published by Tuesday, July 20 8am Email: cwilson@kiawahisland.org
Lucky Dog Publishing Kiawah Island Municipal Center’s 2nd Floor
of South Carolina, LLC Kiawah Island Public Safety Committee Conference Room Seabrook Island Town Hall
P.O. Box 837 Meeting 2001 Seabrook Island Road
Sullivan’s Island, SC 29482 3pm – 5pm Wednesday, August 5 Seabrook Island, SC 29455
843-886-NEWS Town Hall – 2nd Floor Conference Room Phone: 768-9121
Kiawah Island Planning Commission
3pm - 5pm Fax: 768-9830
Future deadlines: Kiawah Island Board of Zoning Appeals Email:
4pm - 5pm Town Hall Council Chambers
July 15 for lmanning@townofseabrookisland.org
submissions. Town Hall Council Chambers
Seabrook Island Planning Commission –
work session Johns Island Council
Tuesday, July 28 Meetings are held at the Berkeley
All Planning Commission meetings will
Seabrook Island Town Council be held at 2:30pm at the Town Hall unless Electric Co-op located at 3351
All Town Council meetings will be held noted otherwise on the Town bulletin Maybank Hwy, John’s Island.
at 2:30pm at the Town Hall unless noted board. Chairman Chris Cannon: 343-
otherwise on the Town bulletin board. 5113
Thursday, August 6
Monday, August 3 Charleston County Council
Johns Island Council Meeting 4045 Bridge View Drive, North
Kiawah Island Environmental 7pm – 8pm Charleston
Committee Berkeley Electric Co-Op on Maybank Rd. (843) 958-4700
Lucky Dog Publishing, LLC 3pm - 5pm
Publishers of Island Eye News, Town Hall - 2nd Floor Conference Room Kiawah Island Arts Council City of Charleston
The Island Connection and 3pm - 5pm 75 Calhoun St.
Tuesday, August 4 Town Hall - 2nd Floor Conference Room (843) 724-3745
The Folly Current.
www.islandconnectionnews.com
July 10, 2009 3

Give a smile T
his old mobile home was purchased by Mrs. the home to a framed and dried-in condition, fully
Shirley Smiley in 1975. It is beyond repair, roofed and sided. Locally, those generously giving
with numerous deficiencies that make it of their time and expertise are Stubbs, Muldrow

to the Smiley family very unsafe, unhealthy and completely inadequate

By Chris Brooks
The Smiley family currently lives in this very unsafe, unhealthy trailer.
for her family. Mrs. Smiley lives in this home with
her husband, a son and two grandchildren. The only
heat is a small propane heater in the living room
with no heat in the bedrooms. Only one window
air conditioner works. The roof leaks extensively
and the floors and walls have numerous holes
which are blocked with boards and rags to keep
out the rain. The home has impacted the health of
her son, who has severe allergies and asthma. The
deteriorated conditions of the home, especially the
problems from cold and moisture, also compromise
her respiratory conditions significantly during the
winter and damp weather.
The efforts to assist Mrs. Smiley have been
adopted and embraced by St. James Parish
Episcopal Church in Warrington, Virginia. They
have pledged to contribute funds and labor to bring
and Herrin Architects and E.M. Seabrook, Jr.
Engineers. The plans specify that Structural
Insulated Panels (SIP) from Global Building
Solutions on Daniel Island be used to complete the
exterior walls, floor and ceiling of the home. This
product is extremely durable, maintenance free,
energy efficient and is quickly put into place. St.
James Parish Church has raised $10,000 for this
effort, but the cost of meeting their construction
goals will be $15,000. Their week-long mission trip
will bring 75 volunteers to work on this home, but
it will also require about $10,000, which still needs
to be raised. If you wish to make a donation to help
this family, please contact the Rural Mission at
768-1720 or by mail at PO Box 235, Johns Island,
SC 29457. Learn more about the Mission at:
www.ruralmission.org

Council continued from page 2
company can no longer make any of the
Utility’s payments, which is in violation
of the bond covenant. “So something
has to be done to come up with the
$435,000,” said the Mayor. “Joe talked
to some banks for a loan guarantee. They
don’t have to put up any money; they
just need to have it as a line of available
credit. However, if they go that route
and want to change halfway through,
they can’t; they’re locked in.” The other
possibility, said McNulty, would be for
the Town to put $435,000 in escrow for
the Utility Commission. “The cash flow
for the Commission is usually fine
and five years from now, they should be
able to handle it on their own,” said the
Mayor. “That way, they’re not locked in
and they could take it over themselves
as soon as they were able.” McNulty
noted that this was just a suggestion, but
stated that no insurance company will
touch the Utility Commission right now.
“It’s not just us, either,” he explained.
“There are a lot of municipalities in
this same boat. We’re not unique, but
we’re fortunate that we might be able
to handle it ourselves.” Even though a
vote was not taken at the time, Mayor
McNulty remarked that, according to the
Commission’s lawyers, they would have
to do something soon.
What a racquet Charleston Visitor’s Bureau report
Council unanimously approved the set Katie Chapman of the Charleston
up of a 20 x 30 foot tent on the front Visitor’s Bureau thanked the Town for
lawn of the Racquet Club “to provide hosting several members from a recent
shade relief for the players and spectators travel writers conference, noting that the
between matches and during lunch” attendees thoroughly enjoyed their visit
between October 7 and October 11, to the island and to the new Beach Club.
2009, for the Alan Fleming Senior Clay In attendance were writers for National
Court Tennis Tournament. Geographic and USA Today, as well as the
incoming president of the travel writers
Ordinance 2009-04: Seabrook organization. Chapman noted that they
Comprehensive Plan had already received some articles from
With a few minor editorial changes, the attending writers and expected more
Seabrook Council unanimously approved throughout the coming year.
the first reading of the Seabrook Island
Comprehensive Plan, which is required
by the State “to be reviewed every five
years to determine whether changes
in the amount, kind or direction of
development of the area or other reasons
make it desirable to make additions or
amendments to the plan, and further
requires the Comprehensive Plan,
including all elements of it, to be updated
at least every ten years.” A public hearing
on the ordinance will be held ten minutes
before the 2:30pm Town Council
meeting on Tuesday, July 28. Copies of
the Comprehensive Plan are available at
Town Hall.

Ordinance 2009-03: clarification of

Town Council succession
Council approved the second reading
of ordinance 2009-03 unanimously.
The ordinance specifies that the most
senior “in terms of age” would take the
chair as presiding officer of all Town
Council meetings if neither the Mayor
pro tempore nor the Public Safety The Council celebrated Mayor McNulty’s 21st
chairperson was available. birthday (again) after the meeting.

www.islandconnectionnews.com
4 July 10, 2009

One festival
F
ire engines were parked left and right around the Freshfields Village Green on
Thursday, July 2, but they weren’t there on business. Along with two ladder
trucks, a smoke house simulator and a gigantic inflatable fire truck slide, the
St. Johns Fire Department spent Thursday evening celebrating their first festival
of the year in honor of the department’s 50 year anniversary. Children at the event
received coloring books with firefighting facts and fire safety instructions, as well as
red firefighter hats and pins to commemorate the event. T-shirts were also available for
sale, and hot dogs and drinks were provided, complimentary, by the fire department.
Demonstrations were provided by the St. Johns Combat Challenge Team, who showed
off their skills by running various obstacle courses, in many cases carrying a 165 pound
practice dummy. Most of the firefighters present had been with the department for
their whole working career and jokingly referred to the people who had been with the
department for ten years as “newbies”. All were happy to share their knowledge, and
it was encouraging to hear the passion in their voices as they talked about the days in
the life of a firefighter.
The next festival will be held in October on the official 50 year anniversary of the
St. Johns Fire Department.

(far left) Holly Nourigat and Chris Curran of the St. Johns Combat Challenge Team. (left) Engineer
Steven Corbett, firefighter with St. Johns since 1989. (top) Firefighters Stormy Haynes, Justin Riley and
David Thames. (above) Tom Kulick of the St. Johns Fire Commission, Wendy Kulick and Chief Carl
Ristow.

www.islandconnectionnews.com
July 10, 2009 5

Johns Island roads: unsafe at any speed

By Joe Croughwell, Kiawah Island Director of Safety &
Paul Roberts, Chairman, Kiawah Island Community Association Board of Directors

L
ast year, the Post and Courier
carried an article reporting on a
study prepared by a non-profit
Washington D.C. transportation research
group, T.R.I.P., showing that two of the
major routes on Johns Island, Bohicket/
Main/Betsy Kerrison and River Road,
were among the most dangerous in the
state. Accident data from the South
Carolina Department of Public Safety
found that from 2003 through 2006,
there were 22 fatalities on Johns Island
roads. Of these, nine of the victims were
residents of Johns Island, eight were from
Charleston, and the remaining five were
from other communities in the region. In
addition to the 22 dead, 11 were seriously
injured. These accidents can be directly
attributed to the engineering, congestion
and condition of the roads themselves.
Unfortunately, limitations in the data
available from the Department of Public
Safety at the time of the original article
made it impossible to know where the
accidents occurred or what caused them.
However, new data on accidents in
2007 and 2008 are now available from
the Department of Public Safety. This
new data, reported by police officers on
the scene, are quite detailed. The 1023
observations of automobile accidents on
Johns Island and its approaches from the
past two years answers several of the most
frequently asked questions concerning
Johns Island traffic safety: where did these
accidents occur? When? Why?
Note that the island had approximately
15,000 residents in 2007 and 2008,
yet more than 50,000 vehicle trips were
recorded on the island each day. By 2030,
the volumes crossing the Stono Bridge
alone are forecast to reach 60,000 vehicles
per day. This is clearly a recipe for disaster.
With this growth in traffic, it is not
surprising that these grim statistics have
continued, and the need to understand
the accidents, what caused them, and what
can be done to improve this situation has
become imperative.
In the two-year period covered by
the new data, there were 1023 recorded
accidents, 343 of which led to a total of
507 injuries. Most importantly, there
were 14 deaths. The overall accident
rate on Johns Island is just short of 10
accidents per week. Eighty-seven percent
of the accidents take place on four roads:
Maybank, Main, River and Bohicket.
Maybank Highway and Main Road had
more accidents and more injuries than the
other roads, but River Road had the most
deaths. The four deaths on River Road can
be attributed to its narrow travel lanes,
sharp curves, lack of shoulders, and the
fact that the shoulders are overgrown with
century-old live oaks growing at the edge
of the pavement.
Most of the accidents and deaths took
place on dry pavement, in clear weather,
and during the daylight hours, though
darkness seems to play a slightly larger role
at dawn/dusk/dark. The most frequently
cited cause of accidents is that the driver
was distracted or inattentive. Surprisingly,
in this database the category “exceeded
speed limit” is not even in the top ten of
the list of probable causes of accidents on
Johns Island. In fact, it does not appear
until number 15 on the list, below a number
of other common probable causes.
A not too remarkable fact that comes
out of the data is that trees play a major
the area grows. If something unexpected
happens, there is no place to go: the
vehicle inevitably hits one of the roadside
trees. The greater the traffic density, the
more likely there is to be an accident and
the higher the death and injury rates. The
irony is that no one wants to cut down
the trees. They are one of the aspects that
define the rural character of Johns Island
and the reason most of us live here.
What can be learned from the new
data that will help slow the accident rate
on Johns Island roads? Two things appear
to emerge from the data: First, it should be
apparent that increasing police enforcement
for speeding on Johns Island roads would
help, but it will not stop inattentiveness,
failure to yield the right-of-way, following
too closely, animals in the road, fatigue,
medical problems, faults with the vehicle,
driving under the influence or any of the
29 other probable causes of accidents
reported in the database.
Second, the widening of existing roads
will increase capacity on the roadways and
make driving easier and safer, but unless
we are willing to cut down the roadside
trees, they will still threaten driver safety.

Going greenway
role in half of the accidents involved when
there is a death. This is due to the nature
of the tree-lined roads on Johns Island.
In fact, “hitting a tree” comprised 89 of
By Sam Reed
One must consider the growth potential
of the area, the rate of growth over the
past years and the wishes of present
residents on the island who want to retain

T
the accidents, 58 of the injuries and 7 of the island’s rural character. With this in
he major roads on southern Johns Island are among the most dangerous and
the 14 recorded deaths. The problem is mind, the solution that makes the most
accident-prone in South Carolina. These are Bohicket Road, River Road, obvious. The roads on Johns Island have sense is the one recommended by five
and Main Road. They have averaged more than one and a half accidents the same antiquated design standards separate engineering studies over the past
per week over a recent two year period (2007 and 2008). And, as development they had when they were upgraded from 20 years: remove traffic from the existing
occurs – as it certainly will – the congestion and safety hazards multiply. the two-lane gravel roads built at the roads by diverting it to a new alignment
Representatives from Johns Island, Kiawah Island, and Seabrook Island, along turn of the last century. Traffic volumes constructed to modern standards. This
with others, have been attempting to reach some acceptable plan to alleviate this -- already heavy on these beautiful tree- will improve safety and accommodate
canopied roads -- continue to increase as current and anticipated traffic levels.
situation, which really impacts much of Charleston County.
Most of the drivers arriving at Freshfields Village, at the south end of Betsy
Kerrison Parkway, are from locations other than Kiawah or Seabrook.
County, Town, and City officials are now seriously examining the concept of a
limited-access greenway, with a possible biking and hiking path alongside, which
would preserve the natural beauty and environmental sanctity of the area. This
greenway could run between, and roughly parallel to, Bohicket and River Roads.
The marvelous tree canopies on these roads would be preserved.
Heavy traffic could be removed from Bohicket and River Roads. This new
greenway would be less costly to develop, and would involve much less disruption
of property than would a widening of Bohicket and/or River Roads.
Concerned citizens from southern Johns Island are working diligently to
promote this project so as to save lives and reduce accidents in the area.

www.islandconnectionnews.com
6 July 10, 2009
Attend a presentation on July 15 at
4pm at the Kiawah Sandcastle and find
out what the options are for I-526.
Discussion about the I-526 Extension
has been going on for what seems like
decades. The longer it’s talked about,
the more complex the issue becomes.
Thirty-six alternate routes were considered
by the SC Department of Transportation,
its consultants Wilbur-Smith and the
Corps of Engineers.
Those thirty-six have been narrowed
down to the following alternatives:
wAlternative 1: Extends from the
existing interchange at 1-526/US 17,
across the Stono River, to intersect
Maybank Highway on Johns Island and
then across to James Island to end at
the existing James Island Connector/
Folly Road interchange. It will use 14.1
acres of wetlands and require 7 business/
residential relocations.
wAlternative 8: Extends from the
existing interchange at I-526/US 17,
across the Stono River, to intersect
Maybank Highway on Johns Island and
then across to James Island to end at the
existing James Island Connector/Folly
Road interchange. It will use 6.8 acres
of wetlands and require 39 business/
residential relocations.
wAlternative 10: Extends from the
existing interchange at I-526/US 17,
across the Stono River, to intersect
What are the I-526 choices?
by BarbarA Winslow
Maybank Highway on Johns Island and wTransportation System Management an opportunity to learn more about the
then across to James Island to end at the wNo-Build different choices and be able to have his/
existing James Island Connector/Folly Public hearings were held this spring her questions answered by an expert.
Road interchange. It will use 6.6 acres so that anyone interested could attend, Join SCDOT Project Manager David
of wetlands and require 28 business/ view all the alternatives and have a Kinard; Karen Hadley from consultants
residential relocations. representative from each of the firms Wilbur-Smith; Dr. Richard Darden,
wAlternative 11: Follows the alignment answer questions and comments on a Project Manager, and an SCDOT Liaison
of alternative 15 from I-526/US 17 to the one-on-one basis. from the Corps of Engineers on July 15 at
James Island Connector. This alternative KPOG thought bringing the display 4pm at the Sandcastle on Kiawah as they
provides two spurs on Johns Island, 11a boards and people to Kiawah for this discuss the Alternate Routes, explain why
and 11b. These partial interchanges are same kind of personal presentation they were selected and answer questions
located at Maybank Highway and River would give everyone on the Sea Islands from the audience.
Road north of Maybank Highway (11a)
and/or River Road south of Maybank
Highway (11b). It will use 26.4 acres
Rural Mission Sea Island Celebration
of wetlands and require 18 business/ and Blues on the Common
residential relocations.
Friday, August 7, 2009
wAlternative 11a: Follows the alignment
of alternative 15 from I-526/US 17 to the Put this date on your calendar for a wonderful evening to support
James Island Connector. This alternative the outreach programs of the Rural Mission.
provides a partial interchange at Maybank
Highway and River Road north of
Maybank Highway. It will use 21.7 acres
of wetlands and require 15 business/
residential relocations.
wAlternative 36: Is a combination
of alternatives 11 and 18. It follows the
mainline of alternative 18 as a parkway
concept. It has an interchange ramp
north of Maybank Highway at River
Road and one at-grade intersection south Enjoy a memorable Sea Island dinner on the lawn as you listen to blues
of Maybank at River Road. It will use 7.1 from local favorite Shrimp City Slim and participate in a terrific auction/raffle
acres of wetlands and require 13 business/ with great items to tempt every taste and wish.
residential relocations.
wAlternative 25 (mass transit)
www.islandconnectionnews.com
 July 10, 2009 7

Kiawah River continued from cover

terrapin. While the turtle was not from the Shedding light
on child abuse
Kiawah River, Blizzard stressed the need
to protect the few that were left. “Whether
we’re here or not, the animals need this land,” said Blizzard, speaking of Captain Sam’s
Inlet. “We need to ensure that it will be here so that we can keep the biodiversity of this
land and preserve places for these native turtles to nest. The preservation of Captain
Sam’s is our priceless, precious gift to the future.”
For more information about upcoming kayak trips or to learn more about the Friends
of Kiawah River, visit www.kiawahriver.org.
(left) Marilyn Blizzard
holds up a juvenile
diamondback terrapin,
a species which once
filled the Kiawah River
and is now in danger of
becoming locally extinct.
(below) Sidi Limehouse,
along with several other
kayakers, took a break
from the heat and floated
in the Kiawah River once
they arrived at Captain
Sam’s Spit.

(l to r) Elizabeth Huggins of Darkness to Light, Fred Ristow of the Kiawah/Seabrook Exchange Club and
Carol Hogue, presenter for Stewards of Children.

“W
e can’t assume because
of someone’s role in the
community that they’re
safe,” said speaker Carol Hogue of the
Darkness to Light program, Stewards of
Children. “These people often go out of
their way to be trustworthy.”
Amidst such cautionary notes, Hogue
showed the 34 islanders in attendance a
three part film, outlining the many ways
in which one can not only spot a sexual
predator, but how to prevent potentially
compromising situations and what to do
if you suspect someone of sexually illicit
behavior.
As part of the national Exchange
Club’s mission, preventing child abuse,
Exchangite Fred Ristow was instrumental
in bringing the Stewards of Children
training program to the island. Though
he wished that more people had attended,
he was thrilled with those that did come
to this important training session. “So
far, over 160,000 people around the
world have attended these lectures,”
said Ristow. “And 10,000 of them
were in the tri-county area.” The next
Exchange Club project, he noted, will
be to create brochures listing the seven
steps to prevent child abuse, English
on one side and Spanish on the other,
and pass them out to local doctor’s offices
and charity health organizations. “We
need to get all of the Exchange Clubs in
the state involved,” Ristow said. “This is
right up their alley.”
Before the end of the session, Elizabeth
Huggins of the local Darkness to Light
chapter announced that their organization
is holding a Prevent-a-thon throughout
the month of August. “We’ll be hosting
a Riverdogs game and giving free training
through the community,” said Huggins,
pointing out that free training would also
be given to 3,000 school teachers in the
Charleston County school district during
the month-long promotion.
Special thanks go to the Seabrook
Town staff for providing the use of the
Town Hall for the meeting. Ristow asked
that attendees donate toward the cost
of the booklets, literature and training
provided by the session and thanked
everyone for attending such an important
information session.
For more information on Darkness to
Light and the Stewards of Children program,
or to make a donation to support further
training, please visit www.darkness2light.
org.

Seven steps for preventing child abuse

Step 1: Learn the facts and understand the risks. Realities – not trust – should
influence your decisions regarding children.
Step 2: Minimize opportunity. If you eliminate or reduce one-adult/one-child
situations, you’ll dramatically lower the risk of sexual abuse for children.
Step 3: Talk about it. Children often keep abuse a secret, but barriers can be
broken down by talking openly about it.
Step 4: Stay alert. Don’t expect obvious signs when a child is being sexually
abused. Signs are often there but you’ve got to spot them.
Step 5: Make a plan. Learn where to go, whom to call, and how to react.
Step 6: Act on suspicions. The future well being of a child is at stake.
Step 7: Get involved.Volunteer and financially support organizations.

For full details on each step, visit

www.darkness2light.org/7steps/7steps_bibliography.asp.

www.islandconnectionnews.com
8 July 10, 2009
Rotary turns to a new year
J ohns Island Rotary celebrated an exceptional past year
under the guidance of president Tumiko Rucker this
past Wednesday, June 24. Following a delicious dinner
prepared by Reginald Simmons of Professional Catering,
Rucker took a moment to reflect on her year as president
of the Rotary Club, thanking her family for putting up
with so many early Wednesdays so she could make it to the
7:30am meetings on time, and thanking the members and
officers who served with her over the past year, including
Treasurer Kenneth Gunnells, Secretary Martha Harris,
and Vice President Mauricio Esparza. “Last year, I wanted
to grow the Club and this year, we grew by a net total of
seven new members,” said Rucker. “We’re glad to have you
all as part of the Club.” She also applauded the Club’s efforts
and completion of several service projects, including the
Dictionary Drive, which provided new dictionaries to several balance. “I’m looking forward to working with all of you,”
local schools; the annual Senior Citizen’s Christmas Dinner, he grinned.
which served a holiday meal to over 100 seniors at Our Lady Kenneth Gunnells will continue to serve as Club treasurer
of Mercy Outreach; expanded the Club’s scholarship base and Martha Harris will continue to serve as Club secretary.
and began the Interact Club at St. Johns High School. “We Both were inducted by Pardee following Esparza’s speech.
could not have accomplished all of this without you here in
this room,” smiled Rucker. “Thank you for your confidence For more information about St. Johns Rotary, visit www.
and support this past year.” rotary7770.org. The St Johns Rotary Club meets regularly at
7:30am each Wednesday morning in the multipurpose room
Following her reflections, Rucker welcomed members
at Berkeley Electric Cooperative located at 3351 Maybank
of the St. Johns High School Interact Club to the dinner,
Highway, Johns Island.  Visitors are always welcome as a guest
noting that members of the Club will be working with
at the Club. For more information regarding meetings, please
Rotary on several upcoming service projects this year. She
contact Martha Harris at 559-6955.
also announced that, of the $5,000 awarded in scholarships
by Rotary this past year, $2,000 went to Capers Prep and
Baptist Hill, with the final $3,000
divided evenly between three
students who will be attending
college this August: Amy
Martinez of Baptist Hill, Nigel
Capers of Capers Prep and Jerai
Green of St. Johns High School.
Finally, it was time to hand
over the reins as Rucker welcomed
Rotary Assistant District
Manager and President of St.
Andrews Rotary, Gene Pardee,
to the podium. With pleasure,
he inducted the newest president
of Johns Island Rotary, Mauricio
Esparza. “Thanks for coming
tonight,” said Esparza, giving his
first speech as president. “This
is a real honor and I am happy
to announce that the theme for
Rotary this year is: The Future
of Rotary is in your Hands.”
Esparza’s goals for the 2009-2010
year include completing at least
four service projects, including
the Literacy Program, the Holiday
Dinner, playground improvements
and building handicap ramps for
veterans; continuing the Club’s
quarterly newsletter; advertising;
attending other Rotary Clubs
and meetings in the community;
completing the District Simplified
Grant Application Process; full
board participation in the Rotary
Leadership Training; increase the
number of Paul Harris Fellows;
build a succession plan; support (top)Rotary President Mauricio Esparza presents Past President Tumiko
the success of the St. Johns Interact Rucker with a plaque, thanking her for her past year of service to the Club.
Club and increase the Club Fund (above) Past President Tumiko Rucker presents a scholarship check to St.
Johns High School student, Jerai Green.
www.islandconnectionnews.com
 July 10, 2009
Taking “green” one step further
K
iawah Island has been lauded time
and again for its amazing array of
architectural interests. From the
meticulously crafted Sanctuary to many
of the private homes on the island, the
structures’ eclectic styles are ultimately
a reflection of the residents’ love for the
outdoors. Vaulted ceilings, large windows
and wide porches are common throughout
the hermitically tree-shadowed homes and
sub rosa subdivisions.
With so many people wishing to live
comfortably close to the blissful natural
environment of Charleston’s barrier islands,
the next step in island home construction
was inevitable; but it took the foresight of
Dyal Compass LLC, Christopher Rose
architects and Royal Indigo Construction
to make the first leap.
LEED certification is a third-party
verification system created by the US Green
Building Council which certifies that a
building or community was designed and
built using strategies aimed at improving
performance in energy savings, water
efficiency, CO2 emissions reduction,
improved indoor environmental quality,
and stewardship of resources and sensitivity
to their impacts.
Although not yet certified (buildings
(l to r) Royal Indigo Development project manager Ben Daley, owner Candace Dyal and Craig Gentilyn of Royal
Indigo Development Company.
9
can not be LEED certified until they are guest quarters, a one and a half story tower
109 Flyway Drive, Kiawah
complete and thoroughly inspected), the houses a fairytale bathroom, complete with
owner and architects of 109 Flyway Drive on full tub and glassed-in shower with a direct
Kiawah Island are hoping, not only to attain view of the ocean and 180 degrees of sunlight
the coveted green building status for their pouring in from the windowed turret.
7,363 square foot oceanfront building, but For more information about 109 Flyway,
to achieve the stringently regulated LEED contact Leize Bennett at Kiawah Island Real
Silver status; a certification which requires Estate, 768-5230. For more information on
the approval of an additional 40 points of LEED certification, visit www.usgbc.org/
environmentally aware elements. leed.
To achieve their goal, the builders of
109 Flyway have rebuilt from the ground
up, using materials such as closed cell foam
insulation, FSC certified Garapa exterior
wood decking, a Velux solar hot water heater
(the first on the island) and formaldehyde
free plywood for the cabinetry and built-ins.
Almost all of the building materials came
from no more than 500 miles away and
many of the building’s original elements
were refinished and reused in order to cut
down on waste.
However, this doesn’t mean that the
architects skimped on the features. With
a 100 foot view of the ocean, the building
stresses outdoor living with a 12’ x 28’
saline pool, a double sided masonry outdoor
fireplace, two outdoor showers and a summer
kitchen. One of the home’s most fascinating
features isn’t even in the main house. In the
www.islandconnectionnews.com
10 July 10, 2009

Daily Discoveries: Osprey

By Jennifer Barbour

P
erched high on a pine tree on Seabrook’s Long Island bulky stick nests atop trees, rocky cliffs, and – on a few completed their 2009 nesting survey. Check out the map
was an osprey. We were sailing on the Kiawah islands free of mammalian predators – on the ground. of nest locations and see if you can locate them in trees
River on our way to the Atlantic through Captain While some continue to use such natural sites, many and on manmade structures while the ospreys are still
Sam’s Inlet when a distinct “cheep! cheep!” brought my have shifted to artificial sites. Channel markers along the nesting. Remember, a female will lay two to four eggs,
gaze upward in search of this legendary sea hawk. Had waterways, cell towers, and thousands of nesting poles and then both male and female will incubate the eggs
I not heard its call, I would have never seen him there in erected just for this species have all helped breeding pairs for about five weeks. After hatching, it takes a good two
the tree. The dark brown and white coloration offered of osprey in recent decades. Like many species effected by months before the young are able to fly. Stay updated
excellent camouflage amidst the pines. Just as I spotted pesticides (especially DDT), the osprey population took with our nesting ospreys and other wildlife sightings by
him in the tree he took flight, allowing the rest of my a dive between the 1950s and 1970s. With the ban of visiting the Nature Program’s Wildlife: As We See It
group to see this bird of prey in action. Soaring gracefully persistent pesticide use and the addition of artificial nest website: www.kiawahwildlife.com.
in the air over the water, he paused and hovered like a sites, the osprey population has made a rapid comeback.
hummingbird, still high in the air. Catching sight of a In fact, Cornell’s Ornithology Lab states that the shift to About the author: Jennifer is a Naturalist with the
fish in the shallow water below, his wings bent and down artificial nest sites has been dramatic in many regions, Kiawah Island Nature Program. To contact her with
he went, dramatically diving for his prey. In an instant with 90 – 95% of pairs choosing artificial sites, where comments or personal stories, email her at Jennifer_
he was back out of the water with a fish flipping wildly “Predation, loss of trees, and development of shorelines Barbour@kiawahresort.com.
in his talons. With the added weight and awkward have been [the] driving forces behind the change.” * Information from Cornell’s Lab of Ornathology was used
movements beneath him, the osprey no longer soared in The Kiawah Island Community Association has in this article.
flight. His wet feathers gave him somewhat
of a wild and crazy appearance as he flew
back to the pine tree to feast on the fish he
had caught.
Many residents and guests of our islands
enjoy the sight of this spectacular bird of
prey. The osprey (Pandion haliaetus) is the
continent’s only raptor which eats live fish
almost exclusively, and the only raptor that
plunges into the water. Its toes are of equal
length, the outer being reversible, allowing it
to grasp its prey with two toes in front and
two toes behind. They also have backwards-
facing scales on the pads of their toes which
act as barbs, helping to hold their slippery
catch. The osprey is well adapted and
perfectly designed for its diet of fish.
We receive many calls at the Nature
Center inquiring about osprey nest sites on
Kiawah. Historically, ospreys built their
For a larger, printable version of this map, visit www.islandconnectionnews.com

Kiawah Island Golf Resort Recreation

Below is a condensed list of activities available.  Please visit www.kiawahnatureprogram.
com for more information on all our nature tours and family activities, or call the Heron
Park Center, 843.768.6001, to make a reservation.
Adult Sunset Cruise: Mon - Sat - $60
Adult Twilight Paddle: Mon, Wed, Fri
- $50/$55
All About Snakes: Sun, Tues. - $7
All About Turtles: Thurs. - $7 Recycle Cycle: Wed- $15
Alligator Adventure: Sun., Tues., Sat. - $20
Alligator Feeding: Thurs. - Free
Back Island Birding: Tues., Fr.i- $25
Birds & Butterflies Walk: Wed., Sat. - $10
Deep Sea Fishing Charters: Daily
Dolphin Encounters (motorboat):
Daily- $60
Family Game Night: Thurs - Free
Fly Fishing Charter: Daily - $450
Gator Walk: Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri - $12
Happy Hour! (motorboat): Mon - Sat- $50
Inshore Fishing (motorboat): Daily -
$150
Jr. Naturalist-Animal Care: Tues - $15
Jr. Naturalist-Herpetology: Fri - $15
Kamp Kiawah: Mon - Sat - $42-$82
Kayak Rentals: Daily - $45/$65
Kayaking Fishing Tour: Daily - $65-$100
Kayaking Tours: Daily- $30-$55
Kiawah Night Exploration: Tues.,
Thurs.- $20
Kiawah’s Deadliest: Wed., Sat.- $7
Kiawah’s Deadliest Catch (crabbing):
Daily - $65
Kid’s Night Out: Mon, Tues, Thurs -
Sat- $42/$62
Loggerhead Crawl: Wed - $15
Morning Fun Run: Daily - Free
Mosaic Mania: Thur- $10
Near Coastal & Reef Fishing: Daily- $150
www.islandconnectionnews.com
Night Beach Walk: Mon, Wed, Fri - $10
Ocean Seining: Mon. through Fri. - $10
Organic Beach Bag Coloring: Wed - $10
Pick Up Games: Daily - Free
Reptile Round Up: Mon, Wed - Fri- $7
Sandy Pt. Get-a-Way (motorboat):
Daily- $65
Shark Fishing Charter: Daily- $100
Snake Feeding: Tues. - Free
Soccer Demo & Games: Thurs. - Free
Sundaes w/ Rick Hubbard: Sun. - Free
Sundown Festival: Wed. - Free
Surf Fishing: Sun., Tues., Wed. - $25
Surf Kayaking: Mon, Wed, Fri- $50/$55
Stepping Stones: Tues- $10-$15
Teen@2: Mon - Fri- $20
Teen Night: Gamers’ Network: Thur- Free
Teen Night: Kiawah Quest!: Wed. - $20
Teen Night: This is my Jam: Fri. - Free
Teen Night: Pool Party: Sun. - Free
Teen Night: Street Games: Mon. - Free
Teen Night: 3-on-3 Basketball: Tues. -
Free
Tideland Treasures (motorboat): Daily
Turtle Talk: Wed. - Free
Tye Dye: Mon., Fri. - $12
Walkin’ in the Wild: Thurs - $10
Watersports Day: Tues. - $150
Wickets and Wine: Sat. - $15
Wildlife in the Wetlands (bike tour):
Tues., Thurs., Sat. - $20
3-on-3 Basketball: Tues. - Free
  
July 10, 2009
An artistic afternoon
A
s if Rosebank Farms couldn’t become any more colorful this time of year, June
27 saw a prismatic explosion as artists from across the islands presented their
works during an evening of wine, food and excellent taste. Artistic idioms
ranged from rich oils to watercolors to wood carvings, sculptures and pottery. Almost
all of the artists were present and were happy to explain each piece; detailing where
each landscape was inspired, where each dark-eyed turtle resided and how they came
to work with their particular medium. Rosebank Farms provided the wine and to
top it all off, author and former food writer for the Post and Courier, Holly Herrick,
signed copies of her new book Southern Farmers Market Cookbook, which features
75 recipes focusing on fresh produce, fruits, and products grown in southern states.
Appetizers from Herrick’s new book were available for sampling as well, each created
with Rosebank produce. Works of art from the various artists are still available for sale
at the farm.
Artist Olessia Maximenko sits in front of a few of her paintings at the Rosebank Artfest.
www.islandconnectionnews.com
11
Savoring the last dance
Kiawah Arts Council celebrates
another great year
B
each music drifted through the air at the Sandcastle on Kiawah as dancers
moved to and fro, laughing as they cautiously stepped out the new moves they
learned during the shag lessons held earlier in the evening. It was a comfortable,
casual and thoroughly enjoyable end to the Kiawah Arts Council season. Squeezed
in before the obligatory evening thunderstorm on June 27, the group The Islanders
performed several beach favorites while dancers took turns between the dance floor
and the colorfully decorated poolside tables. Charles Lipuma, Chairman of the Arts
Council, also took a moment to thank everyone for their attendance, both that evening
and throughout the year. “This past season has been one of the best because of you and
the people who have come to our events,” he said. “Thank you, and thank you to the
members of the Arts Council who helped to pull off these events. It took a lot of effort,
but we couldn’t have done it without you.”
He noted that the Council had spent $125,000 this past year on events, and had
no plans of slowing down for the 2009-2010 year. Twenty events have already been
lined up, kicking off on September 30 at 7:30pm with the Fred Moyer Jazz Arts Trio
at Church of Our Saviour. “Thank you for a job well done,” Lipuma smiled. Before
joining the bevy of eager dancers, however, he happily announced that today was the
50th wedding anniversary of Kiawah Islanders Bill & Marilyn Blizzard, and wished
them a happy anniversary from both him and the rest of the Arts Council.
Sneak peek at upcoming 2009-2010 Arts Council events …
Wednesday, October 7, at 5pm: Piano Bar 1 with Bill Howland – Sandcastle
Wednesday, October 14, at 5pm: Piano Bar 2 with Show & Stedman – Sandcastle
Wednesday, October 21, at 5pm: Piano Bar 3 with Bill Howland - Sandcastle
Thursday, October 15, at 7:30pm: Duda Lucena Trio – Sandcastle
Friday, October 23, at 7:30pm: Rob Faust Masked Pantomime - EB Conference Center                                           
Saturday, November 7, at 5:30pm: Charleston Symphony with David Stahl - Freshfields
Thursday, December 3, at 7:30pm: Charleston Symphony Holiday Strings Concert -
Holy Spirit Catholic Church
July 10, 2009 13

4th of July

www.islandconnectionnews.com
 Island Connection Calendar
Friday, July 10
Music on the Green
From 6 – 9pm at the Freshfields Village
Green, enjoy the music of Plane Jane.
Six vocalists harmonize to form a
trademark vocal sound while two multi-
instrumentalists rev up the audience.
Sponsored by the Town of Kiawah
Island. For more info, contact Guest
Services at 768-6491.
Saturday, July 11
Habitat Wall Raising event
From 8am—4pm in Brownswood Place,
1104 Revelation Court, Johns Island, join
Lowcountry Lutherans and volunteers,
Sea Island Habitat for Humanity staff
and AmeriCorps members, local pastors
and community leaders as they help raise
the walls on a new home for the Wittrell
family. The event is free and open to the
public. For more information or to get
involved with the build, please contact
Molly Coffey at Sea Island Habitat for
Humanity at 843-768-0998 x112.  battle on July 18, 1863.  The event
Grass on the Green
A Benefit for Windwood Farm Home for
children and Lowcountry pet helpers,
Grass on the Green takes place July
11 and 12 at Awendaw Green, next to
Hidden Ponds nursery at 4879 Hwy 17
N Awendaw. Join us for a full schedule of
bluegrass and Americana music, featuring
over 30 of the Southeast’s finest acoustic
talents. Noon – 10am both days. Tickets:
$20 both days/$15 one day at etix.com,
Shem Creek Music, 52.5 on King Street
and at the Sewee Outpost. Respectful
overnight camping is welcome. For more
info, 452-1642 or email awendawgreen@
gmail.com.
July 10 - July 26
Monday, July 13
Farmers & Art Market at the
Freshfields Village Green
From 4 – 8pm, visit local farmers,
artisans, and food vendors who offer
a variety of the freshest local produce
and unique handmade crafts, including
honey, flowers, handmade jewelry,
sweetgrass baskets, food, and much more.
Various stores will feature local artists
each week. For more info, call Guest
Services at 768-6491.
Tuesday, July 14
Bastille Day
Wednesday, July 15
Starlight Cinema: Bedtime Stories
Starting at 9pm at the Freshfields Village
Green. Rated PG. 99 minutes. Sponsored
by SeaCoast Sports and Outfitters. For
more info, call Guest Services at 768-
6491.
St. Johns Rotary Club
The St Johns Rotary Club meets regularly
at 7:30am each Wednesday morning
in the multipurpose room at Berkeley
Electric Cooperative located at 3351
Maybank Highway, Johns Island.  For
more info, please contact Martha Harris
at 559-6955.
Friday, July 17
Music on the Green
From 6 – 9pm at the Freshfields Village
Green. Music from the Rum Punch
Bandits, playing a variety of genres such
as beach, classic rock, Tex-rock, gulf-
n-western, troop-rock and jam-rock.
www.islandconnectionnews.com
Sponsored by the Town of Kiawah
Island. For more info, call Guest Services
at 768-6491.
Fourth Annual Palette and Palate
Stroll
Fine art and food connoisseurs will stroll
through the historic streets of downtown
Charleston, sampling tastings from
thirteen of the finest local restaurants
in the beautiful setting of thirteen
prestigious galleries. The Palette and
Palate Stroll starts at 5:30pm and ends
at 7:30pm. Tickets are $30 each and
reservations are required. Tickets can be
purchased by calling 819-8006 or on-line
at www.cfada.com.  Thursday, July 23
Battery Wagner reenactment at Morris
Island
On the 146th anniversary of the Assault
on Battery Wagner, volunteer reenactors
from Company I, 54th Massachusetts
Reenactment Regiment will honor the
men that participated in that historic
will occur on Morris Island and boat
will leave at 3pm, and return at 5pm.
Reservations: Joseph McGill 408-7727.
Cost: $25 each.
Saturday, July 18
Folly to Kiawah Kayak Tour
We’ll depart the Folly River boat landing
and paddle to Sandy Point on Kiawah
Island.  Along the way, there will be
opportunities for possible shorebird and
dolphin sightings.  Once there, you’ll
be able to hike on this unique barrier
island.  Pre-registration required. Meet at
Charleston County Parks Headquarters.
Ages 16+. Fee: $54. Course #20513. 9am
– 5pm. For more info or to register, call
795-4386.
Monday, July 20
Farmers & Art Market at the
Freshfields Village Green
See Monday, July 13.
Tuesday, July 21
Seabrook Island Art Guild (SIAG)
meeting
The Seabrook Island Art Guild meets on
the third Tuesday of every month at the
Property Owners Association building at
3pm. If you would like to join the Guild,
membership dues are $20/year. For
more information, please contact Robert
McBride at 768-3696.
Wednesday, July 22
Starlight Cinema: Madagascar: Escape
2 Africa
Starting at 9pm at the Freshfields Village
Green. Rated PG. 89 minutes. Sponsored
by SeaCoast Sports and Outfitters. For
more info, call Guest Services at 768-
6491.
St. Johns Rotary Club
See Wednesday, July 15.
Seabrook Island Camera Club
Professor Donna Hurt: “History of
Photography”. The Seabrook Island
Camera Club meets on the fourth
Thursday of every month at 7pm at the
SIPOA Community Center. For more
info, please call Judy Bailey at 768-4142.
Friday, July 24
 Betsy’s Bash
In honor of the rescued Staffordshire
Terrier who was found with a missing
paw. From 6pm - 10pm at Necter Bar
and Grille located at 951 Folly Road,
James Island. $10 Donation/Cover at the
Door, cash only. All proceeds will go to
Pet Helpers. Free food, live music and
amazing drink specials! For more info,
call Pet Helpers at 795-1110.
Freshfields Spring Concert Series
From 6-9 pm, the Spring Concert series
wraps up with Congdon & Company.
Led by John Congdon, the band
performs a variety of tunes from pop,
rock and roll, rhythm & blues, jazz, and
beach music. For more info, call 768-
6491.
Kicking it for Habitat
The Charleston Battery meets the
Carolina Railhawks in Blackbaud
Stadium in a match that will benefit area
Habitat for Humanity organizations.  
Kickoff is at 7:30pm. Tickets are $15/ea.
and can be purchased by contacting Sea
Island Habitat for Humanity at 768-
0998. 
Sunday, July 26
Parent’s Day
July 10, 2009
Volunteerism: A way of
life on Seabrook
By Lisa Hillman
O
n a warm Wednesday afternoon at
the end of May, a “changing of the
guard” took place as the Seabrook
Island Natural History Group (SINHG)
board, led by Don Smith, handed the reins
to the new 2009-2010 officers headed by
president Pete Hubbard.
The Seabrook Island Natural History
Group is an educational and social group
that provides members with field trips
and lectures involving topics of natural
and historical significance. SINHG has
grown in popularity and membership
through the hard work of many dedicated
volunteers.
Kathy Maher, a former co-chair of the
Trips Committee, stated that, “The spirit
of this island is volunteerism. It is about
doing your part.” This is why a band of
thirteen stepped up to fill the big shoes of
the outgoing board.
Ta k e a p a g e
Johns Island Regional Library
3531 Maybank Highway
559-1945
Hours:
Monday – Thursday: 10 – 8
Friday & Saturday: 10 – 6
Sunday: 2 – 5
Wee Reads (under 24 months with
adult)
Mondays, July 13, 20, and 27 at
10:30am
Time for Twos (2 – 3 years old with
adult)
Tuesdays, July 14, 21, and 28 at
10:30am
Preschool Storytime (3 – 6 years)
Wednesdays, July 15, 22 and 29 at
10:30am
Saturday Family Storytime (all ages)
Saturdays, July 11, 18, and 25 at 11am Tuesday, July 21 at 2pm
*Word: Beyond the Basics (adults)
Tuesday, July 14 from 10am – 12 Noon
*Excel Basics (adults)
Tuesday, July 21 from 10am – 12
Noon
*Excel: Beyond the Basics (adults)
Tuesday, July 28 from 10am – 12
Noon
*All computer classes are free. For more
information please call 559-1945 and
ask for the Reference Department. Class
space is available for 8 participants per
session.
Wired (rising 6-12 graders)
Wednesday, July 22 from 2:30 –
4:30pm
Knitting Group (adults)
Thursday, July 23 from 6 – 7:30pm
SINHG strongly believes in doing their
part to keep the Lowcountry a special
place to live, and many local programs
benefit as a result. Besides serving on the
board of SINHG, these individuals also
volunteer their time and effort with the
Turtle Patrol, Haut Gap Middle School,
Mount Zion Elementary School, Habitat
for Humanity, the Garden Club, The
Green Space Conservancy, The Exchange
Club, the Town Planning Commission,
villa regimes, local churches and property
owners and club committees.
When asked why he became involved
in leading SINHG, Pete Hubbard replied,
“I love the idea of educating members, as
well as the local school children about our
unique habitat. This is an opportunity
to learn about and give back to these
wonderful people and this beautiful
place.”
Saturday Movie: Hotel For Dogs (all
ages)
Saturday, July 11 at 3pm
Rated: PG: 100 minutes. Sponsor: The
UPS Store, 3575 Maybank Highway,
John’s Island.
Art Project from Redux Art Studios
(ages 11 years old and younger)
Monday, July 13 at 2pm
Local Artists from Redux Art Studios
will bring a fun art project for us to
complete!
Club Anime! (ages 12-19)
Saturday, July 18 from 3 - 4:30pm
 
Houdini 2: the Magician (ages 11
years old and younger)
Monday, July 20 at 2pm
Sea Islands Book Club (adults)
We’ll be discussing Water for Elephants
by Sara Gruen.
Summer Reading Finale (ages 11
years old and younger)
Monday, July 27 at 2pm
Displays
Quilted Wall Hanging
May-July. A quilted wall hanging
entitled “Three Generations” was
designed and quilted by Master
Quilter, Nora R. Williams.  The Cut and also Elliott’s Cut), passing my Grandmother’s house to the Stono,
Low Country Dolls
June-July. Beautifully sculptured
Lowcountry dolls.
Photography Exhibit
July 1-31
Kiawah Island Photography Club will
display photographs covering a broad
range of subject.
www.islandconnectionnews.com
15
Back row:  Shirley Hanson Smith, Betsy Turner, Janet Gorski, Cindy Cornwell, Harry Clark,
Pete Hubbard. Front row:  Kimber Smith, Pat Greubel, Lisa Hillman. On vacation (missing
from photo): Bob Fisk, Paula Adamson, Roberta Boatti, Dick Clarke.
As IVes sees it
Something in common
By Dwight S. Ives MA, MA, LUTCF
T
his article is dedicated to the fine people associated with the
Mediterranean Shipping Company, the largest privately owned shipping
company in the world whose local office is located in Mt. Pleasant, SC. 
But, the home office is located in the country of my ancestors, Italy!  Thanks
for reading either by the Internet or local papers.
In the very early 1800s, my great great-grandfather, Captain Joseph Bee,
left Genoa, Italy, for the promise of a better life in America.  Either during the
voyage or shortly thereafter, he met and married the red haired and very Irish
Mary Brighton. Upon arrival, Captain Joe lost his true Italian name due to
misunderstandings with Immigration officials.  His name was Americanized,
as was common in the day, and he became Joseph Bee forevermore.
My great-great grandparents had two sons, Peter Bee (my great grandfather)
and Joe Junior.  Both became ship captains like their father, plying the waters
of the Ashley River while hauling cotton, rice, etc. from the plantations along
the way to the mills in Charleston.  Eventually, they participated in the historic
Dixie Run by hauling sugar cane (Dixie Crystal sugar) from various ports to
Savannah, Georgia, for processing. 
How the South became known as the land of Dixie is a matter of debate,
but the most logical explanation ties in perfectly with historical events.  Prior
to the Civil War, The Citizens Bank of Louisiana used ten-dollar French notes
known as Dix (or ten dollar bills) as currency.  During the war, according
to sources, this monetary unit was not only stronger than that of that of the
Confederacy, but also universally recognized throughout the South and abroad. 
Hence, the South became known as the land of the Dix-ie (a name change just
like my ancestor’s).  
It seems to be a well-known fact in my family that my great-great grandfather
had problems speaking the English language.  The attraction between himself
and his wife must have been great to overcome the language barrier.  At any
rate, according to family legend, the Confederate Army marched passed their
modest house in Stallsville, a suburb of Summerville, SC.  The soldiers were
about to burn their house down, thinking that the couple was of Yankee origin
due to their accents. At the last minute, one of the soldier realized their error
and said in effect, “Hold it boys! They are not Yankees but some of our people!” 
The army marched on, leaving the house intact.  Maybe they discovered that
Joe Junior was also serving in the Confederate Army.
My family’s love of sailing and the ocean in general continued into the last
century with my great uncle, Captain Jessie Bee, who operated a charter fishing
boat service just a few hundred yards north of the Limehouse Bridge on Johns
Island.  He would take fishermen from the dock up the Stono River and out
to the Atlantic Ocean.  Meanwhile, a distant cousin was serving as a tug boat
captain, pushing huge barges up the Ashley River thru the Wappoo Cut (a.k.a.
and down the Intracoastal Waterway.  The giant tug, standing several stories
tall, could push two or three barges lashed together at a time.   As my cousin
maneuvered thru the tight sliver of water in The Cut, we would frantically flash
a huge spotlight visible from the water, hoping to elicit his response from the
wheelhouse.  Upon seeing our light, he would swing his huge searchlight right
in the window where we stood until we were out of range or he needed to see
what lurked ahead.  My grandmother’s house was located at the merging of The
Cut and the Stono River.
Those days are gone, but my family’s love of the sea has never diminished. 
It’s in our Italian blood!