ien-2-6-09

Happy Valentine's Day!

Love,

Rosie

PRESORT STANDARDUS POSTAGE PAIDFOLLY BEACH, SC

PERMIT NO 27 February 6, 2009Volume 4 Issue 20

Barefoot Bistro page 11 Whetstone wine tasting page 14 Happy trails page 17

I n s i d e I s l a n d E y e

Valentine’swines

By AndreW HArris

I was trying to figure out a good name for this column and nothing seemed to make sense, or was just too cheesy (“Wining and Dining

with Drew Harris”, ha!). Then Jack Johnson’s song “Better Together” interrupted my thoughts (it’s my ring tone for my wife, Michelle) and eureka! I had the title of the column.

I’ve been drinking wine for a long time and eating, well, my whole life. About ten years ago, I started to seriously get into wine and from then on, things just spiraled into an obsessive hobby and, subsequently, a career. I love good wine. I love good food. But most of all, I love good wine paired with good food.

Wine comes in a multitude of types, varieties, flavors, etc., so choosing the right bottle can often prove to be difficult. That’s where this column and I come in. I hope to provide a little guidance through the sometimes difficult task of pairing wine with food.

There is no exact science to pairing, and the only rule of thumb I have is this: If you like it, pair it. If you don’t like it, don’t! It can be that simple. However, try to stay within some guidelines since the right wine can enhance an already delicious dish and the right food can bring out the best qualities of a wine, but the opposite is also true. The wrong wine can kill a dish and vice versa (Imagine a hearty Cabernet with a delicate piece of white fish - yuck!).

I will do my best to provide suggestions for pairing food and wine. I intend to go beyond the obvious pairings: A big Cabernet (Cliff Lede $59.99) with a hunk of grilled meat or a

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2 February 6, 2009

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see Council on page 3

The Sullivan’s Island Town Council held their regular meeting on January 20.

Ben Sawyer project underwayAfter all the talk and planning, it seems that residents should be seeing the first signs of the replacement of the famous Ben Sawyer Bridge. “This is a great day,” Council member Everett Presson stated before recalling the battle over whether the bridge should have been a fixed or swing span bridge. The decision for a swing span bridge, he argued, is probably responsible for the Isle of Palms’ decision to build the Connector. Leland Colvin, SCDOT Assistant Construction Engineer, stated that construction was expected to begin once they receive all of their permits, which they expect to have by early February. They have been planning since November, 2008, and waiting for a land disturbance permit from the State’s Ocean and Coastal Resource Management office. They estimate the project will take 18 months to complete.According to Colvin, the new bridge will be built on site next to the old bridge. Once they are ready to exchange the two, tidal shifts instead of cranes will lift and lower the bridge into place. The old bridge will be demolished afterwards. Access to Sullivan’s Island via the Ben Sawyer will be closed for about seven

days while the new bridge is put in place. The first of November is the estimated date for that closure as it would be near the close of the tourist/hurricane season.At a cost of $31.5 million, the project is being funded completely by federal dollars. The new bridge is expected to look much like the old one. There will also be a functional bike path. The causeways approaching the bridge on either side will remain untouched. However, it was mentioned that Mount Pleasant may do some work on the bike paths on their side of the bridge.There will be a couple of on-site offices for the project team. You can visit www.bensawyerbridge.org for more information and updates. The website was expected to be completed by February 1. The organizations involved with the project are the Department of Transportation, Parsons Brinkerhoff, PLC, and Civic Communications.

What noise?The Council backed off their attempt to pass a noise ordinance after some discussion. Council member Mary Jane Watson reiterated her conclusion that there is very little noise in the commercial district in the morning when deliveries to the Kangaroo have drawn some complaints. She stated that drivers are being made aware of better places to

unload. Mayor Carl Smith announced that a committee made up of interested parties has been developed to discuss the issue of noise. The Council failed to make a motion to vote on the noise ordinance, effectively killing it.

Paid parkingCouncil member Everett Presson stated that his Streets and Maintenance Committee had come together on a few details regarding paid parking and suggests moving ahead with the idea in order to have things ready by summer. He expects to present the idea to the rest of Council at their February meeting of the Committees of Council. However, details were not available by our publication deadline.

Money woesWays and Means Chairperson Mike Perkis reminded the Town that it is still in the throes of the financial depression infecting the whole country. According to Perkis, interest rates have dropped significantly in the various accounts holding the Town’s funds and they are looking at other options to move the money. In addition, even with the increase in business license fees, the Town is projecting a budget shortfall of $128,000. While he argued against using the Town’s reserve funds over the past few months, it appears there may be little

recourse. “That’s what it’s there for,” he said.However, the Water Department may be in deeper trouble. The department is projected to have a $184,000 budgetary shortfall this year. It also has a much smaller surplus to cover the difference. The department would have to use nearly 30 percent of its $650,000 surplus in order to cover it. “At this point, there are only so many things you can do,” Perkis said. He pointed out that raising water rates would have little effect on the shortfall this late in the financial year. Instead, he suggested spreading out the Town’s capital projects over a longer period of time. Council member Buddy Howle pointed out that permits and construction continue to be in decline from previous years.

Growing the Planning CommissionAs he stated at the January Committees of Council meeting, Jerry Kaynard re-introduced an ordinance that would add two more members to the Planning Commission. The ordinance was chugging its way through Council as members were consistently split 4-3 on every vote. However, the absence of one Council member at the December

Sullivan’s Island Town Council

Dear Editor:

With the Isle of Palms Mayoral race under way, I was surprised to see some information from Dick Cronin. To quote him from this newspaper, “I would work with the balance of Council to make sure our spending does not exceed our income. The key step in this is listening to our community and setting priorities. At this time, we need no new physical facilities and need to resist cannibalizing our emergency fund.” I think the only person that needs to take this advice is Dick Cronin himself. Last January, when City Council pledged $2 million to help pay for the beach renourishment on Wild Dunes, Dick Cronin wanted to “cannibalize’ the Accommodations and Hospitality Tax reserve funds. He wanted to spend an extra $700,000 on top of the $2 million pledged! He was quoted as saying, “We’re sitting on $1.6 million in Accommodations and Hospitality Taxes.” He proposed this on January 10 in the special City Council meeting, but the motion failed because none of the other eight Council members seconded the motion. After Mr. Cronin wasn’t able to tack on his extra $700,000 expenditure, he was the only person to vote against the entire thing. That’s a little childish if you ask me. So maybe Mr. Cronin should try to be honest with the residents of the Isle of Palms as to how he wants to spend island funds. J.P. Parks Isle of Palms

Dear Editor, As an Isle of Palms resident, I know a side of Dick Cronin that most do not get a chance to see and he has my vote for Mayor.

My career as a teacher included training future teachers prior to their graduation from the state teacher’s college. Recognizing strong leadership qualities was clearly part of my job. In 2008, I served as co-captain of the Isle of Palms tennis team. Dick was a team member along with players from IOP and Mt. Pleasant. Dick provides a calm, competitive personality dedicated to doing his best, and most importantly, he is a team player.

As a team player, Dick will listen to the needs of all residents in a fair and unbiased manner. He is absolutely committed to the Isle of Palms. In my opinion, such skills and qualities are essential in a leader.I encourage all Isle of Palms residents to vote for Dick Cronin for mayor on February 10. Sincerely, Rick Howell Isle of Palms

Dear Editor, A very worthy service project is being completed next week to help MSgt Don Eagle, a former Air Force colleague of mine from Charleston Air Force Base's 17th Airlift Squadron. Don was severely injured when he was struck by an uninsured motorist last year. He has steadily recovered, but will now be confined to a wheel chair for the rest of his life. I would like to thank the many local citizens, both military and civilian,

who have spent the last few months dedicating their time and money to help make his home handicap accessible. In particular, I would like to offer my thanks to Ryan Buckhannon of the Isle of Palms. His donation of all the ceramic tile to the construction of a new 100 square foot wheel-in handicap bathroom and shower was integral to the success of the project. I approached him several months ago with a lofty request for a large commitment of time and money. After being denied by several other tile suppliers, I expected the same result. However, Ryan enthusiastically agreed to help the project by simply saying "It's the right thing to do". In the months since he made the commitment to this effort he also chose to run for the office of IOP mayor. I thought it was important for the residents of IOP to know what type of person we have on our ballot for the upcoming runoff. As a military veteran, I greatly appreciate those who support our Armed Forces and its veterans. As a resident of Isle of Palms, I also appreciate a high level of integrity in our leaders as they make decisions daily for the well-being of our community. When I go to the polls again on February 10, I will vote for Ryan Buckhannon, and I hope those who read this will consider doing the same. "It's the right thing to do." If you would like to learn more about the project for MSgt Don Eagle or donate to his ongoing care and expenses please visit http://msgtdoneaglefund.com/. Thank you, Rob HamillIsle of Palms

February 6, 2009 3

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Letters to the Editor

meeting killed the ordinance with a 3-3 tie. Given that there are no more absences of Council members in the next couple of months who are in favor of Kaynard’s ordinance, the goal to add two more members to the Planning Commission looks to be right back on track. The ordinance passed first reading by a 4-3 vote with Mayor Carl Smith, Pat O’Neil and Mike Perkis casting the dissenting votes.

Hard waterWe’ve experienced a few really cold days in the Lowcountry and we’re always told to drip our faucets when temperatures drop below freezing. Greg Gress, Director of the Water Department, stated that five or six outside showers had pipes that burst because of freezing water. However, there were no incidents of major pipes bursting because of the icy weather.In addition, he also stated that there had been several reports of “red water”, which he believed to be associated with the transition back to the Charleston Water System service and the adding of “polyphosphates”.The next Sullivan’s Island Council will be held at 6pm on February 17, 2009 at Sullivan’s Island Town Hall.

Council from page 2

Serving Sullivan’s IslandSTAff REPORT

Once again, Sullivan’s Island residents have the opportunity to step up and use the

democratic process to influence the Town’s future.

The Town of Sullivan’s Island will be holding a municipal election on May 5, with three Council seats and the Mayoral seat up for grabs. The Council seats up for re-election are those of Councilmen Everett Presson, Mike Perkis, and Pat O’Neil. Candidate filing was opened on January 23 and interested candidates will have until noon on February 19 to file their petition and statement of economic interests.

A valid petition will have the signatures of five percent of the island’s registered voters. That number typically fluctuates as the population fluctuates,

but the Town says the population is pretty stable and the required number will probably be around 100 signatures or less. The actual number will be based on the amount of registered voters as of March16, nearly a month after the petition is due. Council member Jerry Kaynard, who was elected to Council in the last election, suggests getting more signatures than you need ... just in case.

Polls will open at 7am and close at 7pm on the day of the election. This will be a non-partisan election. For more information, visit Charleston County’s Board of Elections website at www.charlestoncounty.org, then click on “Departments”, then “Voter Registration/Elections. You can also contact Town Hall for more information.

4 February 6, 2009


CivicIsle of Palms City Council

by brittany urbach

The City Council meeting was held at 7pm, Wednesday, January 28. All members of Council were

present.Mayor Pro Tem Rice for one more month

The Council voted to have Mayor Pro Tem Rice serve in her current position for another month until a Mayor has been chosen. Councilman Duffy requested to extend Mayor Pro Tem Rice’s position as Mayor Pro Tem for the rest of the year. “I’m very honored,” replied Mayor Pro Tem Rice. “I would be willing and I certainly have experience at this point.”Charleston Visitors Bureau attracting tourists

Perrin Lawson of the Charleston Visitors Bureau (CVB) presented an overview of the CVB’s efforts to make Isle of Palms a popular destination for tourists.

“The Isle of Palms in many ways is like downtown Charleston,” says Lawson. “There needs to be a real balance between the concerns and needs of the residents, as well as this being an open and welcoming community from the business perspective.”

The CVB’s goal is not to bring in more people, but bring in more people who are willing to spend more money. They try to actively recruit people who blend in with the community of Isle of Palms, says Lawson.

There are many economic concerns for travelers, which causes a great problem in tourism levels. Lawson says there’s a national hype fueling

the negativity of tourists. The CVB has noticed that booking windows have shortened, with people waiting much longer to book their traveling arrangements.

“Overall, we’ve actually fared pretty well compared to the competition,” says Lawson. “Our marketing efforts are full throttle. We’re working harder than we ever have.”

Charleston county overall sold 2.6% fewer hotel rooms this past year than 2007, but were up 4.2% in the daily rate—a great accomplishment. Part of this success is due to CVB’s advertising in magazines with a high-end target market. “We have stayed away from the word ‘discount,’” says Lawson. “We firmly believe that the word ‘discount’ doesn’t really move people—what does is value.”

The CVB is trying to encourage people to come down for long weekends and visit. The newest package they’re launching is called “Good Neighbor Getaways”. This package is going to reach out to residents of neighboring states, such as Georgia, North Carolina, and other areas of South Carolina, in order to attract a market that can drive to Charleston. “Really getting that driving market is so very, very important to us,” says Lawson.

Southern Living magazine is one such place in which the CVB advertises. Recently, Isle of Palms was listed as one of the magazine’s top 10 beaches. The CVB encourages people to spend more money when they come to visit, persuading them to visit the Visitor’s

Center to learn more about the exciting activities to do in Charleston. They inform visitors on the best places to eat, shop, go to the beach, and more.

Mount Pleasant is expected to have a Visitors Center opening in the near future. Fraternities and mini hotels on the Isle of Palms?

Isle of Palms’ definition in their comprehensive plan for what a “family” means seems to be causing a ruckus. Residents are fearful that mini hotels and fraternities would fall under the definition of what a family means. They fear for the well being of the neighborhoods they live in.

“If I’m not mistaken, the definition says, ‘a group of unrelated people, not limited to four, which used to be on our current code, constitutes a family in a short term residency,” says resident Beverly Ballow. “That would include a fraternity.”

Barbara Bergwerf, a member of the Planning Commission, was also concerned with the definition of what a family means. “I personally think the change is inappropriate,” she says. “It’s not appropriate for our comprehensive plan.” Furthermore, no other state has any definition in their code of what constitutes a family, she says.

Resident Jane McMackin was

upset by the change in definition as well. “I think that definition is a cynical action, and it’s about as cynical as I think I can imagine a City Council taking,” says McMackin in response to the new definition of what a family means.

“It seems this language is a twisted attempt to make right what we believe is wrong on the Isle of Palms,” says McMackin. “I think our residents want the Council to protect them and their way of life. Instead, it seems like our single family neighborhoods are eroding, slowly, for the sake of what? Some more accommodations tax money?” Money situations causing drama

Councilman Dee Taylor spoke on behalf of the Ways and Means Committee. The first order of business was the recommendation from the Accommodations Tax Advisory Committee to approve $3,000 to General Government to produce 5,000 maps of the Isle of Palms. The motion passed unanimously.

Councilman Taylor’s next point was the recommendation to the Real Property Advisory Committee to award the Front Beach Parking Lot lease

see Council on page 22

February 6, 2009 5


Daily

California Chardonnay (Stephen Ross $24.99 or Michael Sullberg $10.49) with roast chicken in a butter or cream sauce. I’ll also barely touch on regional pairings such as Chianti (Felsina $27.99) with a rich Italian pasta marinara, Pinot Noir (Belle Pente $34.99 or 1000 Foot $17.99) with beef bourguignon, or an Australian Shiraz (Flinder’s Run $34.50) with a beautifully braised leg of lamb.

The focus of this first installment is Valentine’s Day selections and there will be more to come! And remember, all wines in this section are available from your local island wine (and more) shop, Café Medley.Wine and chocolate

Candles? Flowers? A baby-sitter and hotel reservation? There are a number of integral components to a successful Valentine’s Day. One such component that shouldn’t be overlooked is the pairing of wine and chocolate.

It’s almost impossible to screw up a Valentine’s Day if it includes wine and chocolate. A general rule of thumb is that the wine should be at least as sweet, if not a touch sweeter, than the chocolate. Dark chocolates do well with big, in your face, bold Reds such as Zinfandels, Cabernets and Syrahs, while milk chocolate works with Pinot Noirs and even a Muscat. Now for some pairing suggestions:

Sparkling Shiraz (The Black Chook $18.99) is a sparkling wine made of the typically spicy and jammy Shiraz grape. Strawberries, raspberry jam…yeah. Delicious with dark or milk chocolate.

Port (Trentadue Chocolate Amore Port $31.99) pairs especially well with dark chocolate due to the sweet, but refined raisin-like flavors.

Petite Sirah (Peirano Estate $14.99) has a deep, jammy quality with cassis and spice tones that pair well with dark chocolate.

Muscat (Signal Hill Vin de l’Empereur $19.99) has orange peel, maple, and clove notes that complement white chocolate or even light milk chocolate very well. Also, I know it’s not chocolate, but recently I had an Oatmeal Raisin Cookie with Muscat…wow!

Pinot Noir (Tarrica $14.99 or Siduri $29.99) does spectacularly with milk chocolate or lighter chocolate mousses

and cheesecakes. The medium tannins, dried cherry, cranberry, and vanilla notes bring out the sweet essences of milk chocolate.

Shiraz (Shotfire $23.99) works especially well with dark chocolates and truffles. The jammy, spicy, fruity nature of Shiraz (especially a Wine Spectator Top 100 Shiraz like Shotfire) accented by oaky vanilla tannins when paired with dark chocolate is “slap your momma” divine.

Now, if your Valentine’s Day plans (Since it’s on a Saturday this year) include breakfast in bed or a romantic brunch, sparkling wine (Brut de Charvis $10.99), Champagne (Duval-Leroy $43.99), and dry Roses (Petale de Rose $23.99) work especially well with any variety of breakfast cuisine.

Finally, I’ll briefly touch on some of my wife’s personal Valentine’s Day special pairings: oysters and a crisp, dry white (Xarmant Txakoli $17.99), crab (in any form) (awesome with Barranc dels Closus $25.49) and a medium-rare filet (one of her favorites: Orin Swift’s The Prisoner $43.99).

I hope that you have a fantastic Valentine’s Day and enjoy whatever you end up doing; but remember, you can’t go wrong with wine and chocolate!

Café Medley is located at 2213-C Middle Street, Ste. 2, Sullivans Island. We hold a wine tasting from 6 to 9pm every Wednesday and are open Tuesday – Friday from 7am to 9pm, Saturday from 8am to 9pm and Sunday from 8am to 6pm. For more info or to hear about our specials, call 793-4055.

A general rule of thumb is that the wine should be at least as sweet, if not a touch sweeter, than the chocolate.

Better Together from front page

After the January 27 special election on Isle of Palms, the City was still without an inte-

rim mayor. Despite eclipsing the other two candidates with almost double the votes, Dick Cronin fell just short of being declared the outright winner after receiving 49 percent of the 1210 votes that were cast.

Cronin says that his early success is a reflection of the residents’ confidence in and understanding of how he can serve them as Mayor. He believes the confidence is a result of his approach to politics, which residents have seen firsthand during his time as a member of the City Council.

“Over the years, I have met and listened to a large number of residents. I believe my dedication to understanding our community is my strongest asset,” Cronin says. In addi-tion, his presence as a member of the community might help identify him with voters. “I can be found biking all over the island all year long,” he adds.

Ryan Buckhannon came in second with 27 percent while Marty Bettelli finished with nearly 24 percent. As a

result, Buckhannon will face Cronin in a run-off election scheduled for February 10.

Buckhannon expected to split votes with Bettelli and believes the majority of Bettelli’s supporters will back him instead of Cronin in the runoff. He also pointed out that a large portion of Cronin’s support came from Wild Dunes. He expects the runoff to be much closer as a result.

“I would like to believe that the residents of the Island would like someone who plans to serve in the City's highest office to represent the entire Island and not just one particular area or interest group,” Buckhannon said. “I work at all levels of the City to ensure that the residents and the community are being served in a manner to which they deserve.

“My commitment to you is to approach each and every one of your concerns with open dialogue among Council to reach objective decisions that our administration and staff can effectively act upon. An unbiased

Buckhannon to face Cronin in run-offBy Ali AkhyAri

see Run-off on page 6

6 February 6, 2009

www.islandeyenews.sc

Daily

A hush fell over the children at Sullivan’s Island Elementary as musicians from Chamber Music Charleston settled behind their instruments. All eyes in the packed auditorium were focused on the four performers, who in turn

looked toward program director and founder Sandra Nikolajevs as she introduced the quartet. “In string quartets, the two violins always play together,” said Sandra. “Does anyone know how sound is made on a violin?” The violinists, Frances Hsieh and Megan Allison, demonstrated their sound by playing a G major scale in thirds. “What’s this instrument?” she asked the crowd. “A cello!” said a student, excitedly. “Close!” said Sandra. “It’s a viola, and it plays the very rich notes in the quartet.” The violist, Gretchen Frazier, played a short phrase to demonstrate. Finally, Sandra introduced the cellist, Tim O’Malley, who played a series of low notes that made the kids laugh out loud.

“What is a march?” she asked the crowd. “Is it fast? Is it slow? Or is it right in the middle?” The group agreed that a march is right in the middle, and to demonstrate, the quartet played “The Emperor’s March” from the movie Star Wars.

Sandra went on to describe the different types of music that they would be performing that day in their multimedia presentation of A Circle Unbroken, the musical adaptation of local author Margot Theis Raven’s critically acclaimed children’s book of the same name set to the music of William Grant Still. Local musicians from Chamber Music Charleston, a local basket maker and additional local figures (the narrator and her “grandchildren”) appear in this film, produced by ArtsMusic Productions (a new company I formed so that I could take on this project).

Reader Rachel Dowling read the story aloud as the quartet performed, playing happy music; “water” music which involved pizzicato, the musical technique of plucking strings; and lullabies. She told the tale of the basket children in Africa, who made baskets with reeds in an unbroken circle for fanning rice and gathering water. She told how they were stolen from their land and taken to America, where they continued to make baskets and teach the method to their children. The story continued through wars and into modern times. Each part of the story was illustrated with beautiful paintings projected on a screen to the left of the musicians. The performance was almost half an hour long, but the time seemed to fly by. When the quartet finally lifted their bows from their strings for the last time, the crowd erupted in applause.

If you missed the Chamber performance on January 28 at Sullivan’s Island Elementary, Chamber Music Charleston will give the performance again on Saturday, February 7, at 2pm at the Children’s Museum of the Lowcountry, 25 Ann Street, Downtown Charleston. They will begin with a sing-along to “The Bear Necessities” followed by “Circle Unbroken”. Then on Sunday, February 8, at 3pm at Johns Island Presbyterian Church, 2550 Bohicket Road, Chamber Music Charleston will give a brief introduction to the string quartet followed by an introduction to the American spiritual and demonstrations of its influence on classical music. The string quartet will then perform three movements from Antonin Dvorak’s “American” String Quartet while images of the America that so influenced the work are displayed on a screen. The concert concludes with “Circle Unbroken”. This concert is free as well, but reservation for the free tickets are encouraged. For more information, please call 559-9380.

How is sound made?By Kristin HacKler

"Whet" your appetite

On Thursday, January 22, Atlanticville on Sullivan's Island hosted a fantastic wine dinner, featuring former Charlestonian Jamey Whetstone, founder and wine maker for Whetstone wine cellars. The wines were excellent and the food was expertly paired. For more information about Atlanticville's wine dinners, please call 883-9452.

approach to problem solving, welcoming public input and reasoned discussion among residents would be a refreshing approach for the City and is a goal that I believe we can achieve.”

Buckhannon says that he will continue knocking on doors and telling voters why he’s running for Mayor. It is an important part of the election process, he says and encourages voters to ask “why not” if a candidate is not doing so.

“I took on this challenge because of my love for this City,” Buckhannon says. “I truly enjoy being a part of this City, and want to serve as this Island’s next Mayor.”

Run-off from page 5

February 6, 2009 7


Daily

For more information call 886-6397

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Recent winner of the Nancy Stogner Award, Diane Oltorik, explains how she became

involved with the Isle of Palms Neighborhood Association (IOPNA). It all began four years ago, when the property across the street from her Beachside Community home was purchased by a developer. Plans to demolish the existing house and build a multi-level residence/rental property were to proceed without question, even though the actions violated set bylaws and covenants. Mrs. Oltorik fought for the city to uphold their established laws and not allow the proposed development. The developer filed a lawsuit against the Oltoriks that lasted for three years. Finally, the developer dropped the suit, and the property was bought by private residents.

The Beachside Homeowners Association was already in effect during this affair with Mr. Oltorik as the president. But, Mrs. Oltorik wanted to protect the rest of IOP from developers and rental properties, especially the inner city part of Forest Trail and Hartnett Boulevard. When the inner city residents came around with a petition for City Council against potential development, Mrs. Oltorik signed it willingly. The residents were informed that the matter had been disposed of, but

had it really?The IOPNA held its first official

meeting in January of 2008. Prior to that meeting, however, a group of residents, including Mrs. Oltorik, organized to fill the four City Council seats that were up for election. They were able to fill three, forcing the opposition to take note. Mrs. Oltorik then helped to establish the Observer Corps, of which she is the chairperson. Two members of the Corps attend every city meeting held each month in order to observe and know immediately what is happening in their community. The observers take note of what is happening, and Mrs. Oltorik compiles the information and presents it on their website, www.iopna.org.

Mrs. Oltorik rightly received the Nancy Stogner Award for her involvement in the IOP community. All she wants is for city government to hold up its covenants and laws that maintain single family dwellings on the island. She hopes that IOP can achieve a balance between residents and tourists, making it a “place to come home to,” the association’s motto. The Award is given in honor of a truly special individual, Nancy Stogner, who always fought for what was best for the IOP community. Mrs. Oltorik certainly earned it.

Fighting the good fightBY Bri HoraHan

Diane Oltorik holds up her first annual Nancy Stogner Award.

8 February 6, 2009


Red-Tailed HawkBy Sarah Dargan harper

The Red-Tailed Hawk (Buteo jamaicensis) is our most common hawk and perhaps

the most easily recognizable, with its large, stocky body and conspicuous tail. They are found as far north as Alaska and their range extends south to Panama. They feed mostly on small mammals, but will occasionally feed on snakes, birds, rabbits and perhaps the neighborhood Chihuahua (or Yorkie). But don’t pull out your bb gun just yet: these birds are protected by federal law. The handsome Buteo in my photograph is a juvenile. He (or she) has somewhat lighter plumage, a brown striped tail and lighter irises. Be careful not to confuse a Red-Tailed Hawk with a Red-Shouldered Hawk, which is slightly smaller, more evenly streaked, and lacks the speckled breast band of the Red-Tailed Hawk.

You may recall the raspy, screeching call of the Bald Eagle often heard in movies and TV shows. These are actually recordings of Red-Tailed Hawk vocalizations which have been inserted to make the Bald Eagle sound

more appealing (or perhaps more intimidating or powerful?). In

reality, the call of the Bald Eagle is a faint chirping which sounds more like a whistle. So next time you are driving around the islands, keep an eye out for this beautiful bird. In the last couple of weeks, I have seen a Kestrel, a Merlin, ospreys, Red-Shouldered and Red-Tailed Hawks on the Sullivan’s Island causeway. I’ve also

spotted a Cooper’s Hawk and a Sharp-Shinned Hawk while

driving down Middle Street. It’s a miracle I haven’t caused a head-

on collision…All pictures by Sarah Harper. Sarah

is a Sullivan’s Island resident, an avid bird watcher and a passionate bird care advocate. If you have any questions or need help with bird identification, you can contact Sarah at [email protected].

My friend Doug Gardner and I passed through the Sea Pines Plantation gate on Hilton Head just before sun up this spring morning. We were headed to Lake Mary in the Forest Preserve to photograph wading birds.

They spend long hours, days even, gathering nesting materials and preparing for their chicks to arrive. In another month, the island will be filled with hundreds of birds, tending to their clutch of chicks full time. But this trip, we were intent on photographing their nest building.

The rookery in the Forest Preserve used to be on a small island in the middle of Lake Mary. For a few months each spring it served as home to egrets, herons and ibis. We launched our kayaks into the glass-smooth water in a heavy fog, counting on the fog lifting with the sunrise. The fog did eventually lift; but while waiting, I got this nice image of my friend paddling.

Eric Horan publishes a calendar of his work every year and his columns discuss the picture for each month. You can view and/or purchase his 2009 calendar at www.southernlight.biz.

Morning fog By eric horan

Photo tip: With each situation you encounter outdoors, plan your gear and how you want to approach your subject. You need to pay close attention to the weather, light direction and quality for the time you will be out. When in coastal waters, study the tides. (Check with local papers, tourist guides or my annual wall calendar Lowcountry 2009, South Carolina.)

Once in the field, remain open to the unexpected. Your spontaneity can bring new opportunities. In our case, we could have sat in our boats, grumbling while waiting for the sun to burn through the fog. Instead, we managed to capture some nice kayaking shots.

Extra precaution should be used when shooting birds on the nest and extreme care taken when they have chicks. You do not want to scare birds off their nests or worse, startle young chicks to flee the nest prematurely. The chances for their survival would not be good. The local waters are full of alligators with others predators on land such as raccoon, fox and bobcat, waiting for such a mishap. With nesting birds, it’s best to use a photo blind or position yourself with a long lens far enough away to prevent disturbing any natural behavior.

February 6, 2009 9


Daily

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selection and prices.

You’ve probably seen this warning on your toothpaste. When I found my 2-year-old

daughter happily ingesting toothpaste right out of the tube, I scrambled to find the number for poison control, who concluded that the amount ingested would probably not cause any significant harm. It was enough for me to switch to using fluoride-free toothpastes.

I was surprised to learn that there is enough fluoride in a tube of toothpaste to kill a small child. So, I’ve started to question the use of fluoridated toothpastes and the addition of fluoride to our drinking water. I was pleased to see Ali Akhyari’s article in the last issue

of the Island Eye News and to learn that we have a temporary respite.

History: In 1939, the American Water Works

Association decided there was sufficient evidence about fluoride to classify it as a hazardous material, like lead and arsenic.

Before the push for fluoridation began, the dental profession recognized that fluorides were not beneficial but detrimental to dental health. In 1944, the Journal of the American Dental Association (ADA) reported: "With 1.6 to 4 ppm fluoride in the water, 50 percent or more past age 24 have false teeth because of fluoride damage to their own."

What happened to shift fluoride from a drinking water hazard to a commonplace additive by the late

40’s? The full history might make your blood boil just a little (visit http://www.zerowasteamerica.org/FluorideChronology.htm for an extensive chronology of events). In the 1930’s, fluoride was a toxic waste by-product of the production of aluminum and fertilizer, and the key compound used in the production of the atomic bomb.

In the late 40’s, the ADA shifted its opinion on fluoride and began to support fluoridation of water supplies. In 1952, the ADA journal instructed its dentists not to discuss their personal opinions about fluoride. In 1972, the ADA reports in its journal that dental incomes and dental costs per person are higher in fluoridated communities.

Relative Toxicity

Based on LD50 data from Robert E.Gosselin et al, Clinical Toxicology ofCommercial Products 5th ed., 1984

Maximum Contaminant Levels

Standards established by theU.S. Environmental Protection Agency

More from the great fluoride debateBy Mary Gatch

see Debate on page 10

10 February 6, 2009


Although it sounds strange, you may encounter situations in which you have to accept

money, even if you’d rather not. Such is the case with required minimum distributions (RMDs) from your traditional IRA, 401(k) or other employer-sponsored retirement plans. But thanks to recent legislation, you can ignore the “required” part of RMDs — at least for a year.

Specifically, lawmakers recently placed a one-year moratorium on taking (RMDs) for 2009. If you’re not familiar with the rules governing RMDs, here’s a little background: Generally, the IRS requires you to begin taking RMDs in the year in which you turn 70 1/2, or no later than April 1 of the following year. For example, if you turn 70 1/2 in 2009, you would normally be required to take your first RMD by April 1, 2010. You must also think about RMDs if you are a beneficiary of someone else’s IRA, 401(k) or other retirement account, because when the account owner dies,

regardless of age, you must generally begin taking RMDs. This is also true if you are the beneficiary of a Roth IRA, even though Roth IRA owners are never required to take RMDs.

But thanks to the new legislation, you can skip the required 2009 distribution if you reach 70 1/2 in 2009 or if you’re a beneficiary currently required to take RMDs. You also have until December 31, 2010, to accept the 2010 RMD, which will be based on your retirement account balance at the end of 2009.

Why did Congress decide to provide

this RMD “holiday” for 2009? For the answer, you need look no farther than your IRA or 401(k) account balance. As you are well aware, 2008 was not a stellar year for the stock market. Consequently, as 2008 draws to a close, the market value of your IRA or 401(k) is probably considerably lower than it was in earlier years. This could have been a problem for you if you had to start taking RMDs in 2009, because these distributions are based, in part, on your account balance at the close of the previous year — which means you

may well have had to sell some stocks or other investments in your retirement plan when their price was down. To help people avoid having to “sell low”, Congress acted.

Ultimately, you will have to end up taking distributions again. But before that happens, take some time to decide how large a distribution you should accept each year. If you need the money, you might have to take out more than the RMD. But if you can get by on just the minimum distribution, you may want to do so, thereby keeping as much of your retirement account as possible in a tax-deferred account.

But for now, if you have any questions about taking RMDs in 2009, contact your financial and tax advisors.

This article was written by Edward Jones, located at 1505 Palm Blvd., Isle of Palms, SC 29451. For more information, please call the Edward Jones offices at 843- 886-9229 or visit their website at www.edwardjones.com.

Enjoy a one-year financial “holiday” By Dimi matouchev

Too much of a ‘good’ thing:The most readily apparent symptom

of too much fluoride is dental fluorosis and decay. Fluorosis causes yellowing of teeth, white spots, and pitting or mottling of enamel, which is caused by an excess of fluoride while the permanent teeth are developing – generally between three months and eight years of age.

Rates of fluorosis have been steadily climbing in all areas of the country. One reason that fluorosis levels are so high is that we are ingesting fluoride from many sources. In addition to the fluoridation of water, most Americans are using fluoridated toothpaste, and many use mouthwashes and rinses with fluoride. Some are taking supplements. And, we are ingesting fluoride through food and drink due to the fluoride pesticide residue and the use of fluoridated water in agriculture.

In my research for this article, I

checked information on websites both promoting and opposing water fluoridation. From one of the sites promoting fluoridation (the Linus Pauling Institute), I learned the following:

• The ‘adequate intake’ (AI) of fluoride for children ages one to three is .7 mg/day; the AI level is the amount which is believed to reduce dental caries without causing unwanted side effects

• A child drinking three cups of water per day will consume about .71 mg/day based on recommended ‘optimal’ fluoridation levels

• Researchers estimate that children under six years of age ingest an average of 0.3 mg of fluoride from toothpaste with each brushing

• A sippy cup filled with grape juice could contain .5 mg of fluoride

So a child who brushes his teeth twice a day with fluoridated toothpaste, drinks three cups of fluoridated water, and one cup of grape juice will be at 1.81 mg (far above the AI level of .7

mg). Consumption of other foods in our modern world will further increase this child’s intake.

What can you do?Many cities in the U.S. have been

able to keep fluoridation out of their water systems based on public votes and outcry. Most countries in Western Europe have banned fluoridation.

You can choose a fluoride-free toothpaste. Tom’s of Maine and Peelu offer some good options.

Reverse-osmosis and distillation purifiers are expensive, but they will remove most of the fluoride from your drinking water.

Choose organic foods and juices as they will contain less of the fluoride from pesticide residue.

Breast-feed infants or use fluoride-free water to mix with formula. One 4oz bottle of formula mixed with fluoridated water is going to put them over that amount.

Eat a diet rich in iodine and consider supplementation. Iodine is an essential trace element and is necessary for

the production of our hormones including thyroid, adrenal, and sex hormones. Researchers have found that supplementation with iodine may help to flush fluorides and other toxins from our body.

The good news:Thanks to the grass roots efforts of

thousands of people, concerns over fluoride are coming to light. In the meantime, I’ll hope that Charleston Water System will take a further look before continuing with costly repairs and allow its dependent citizenry to make its own choices about whether or not we want to add fluoride to our own systems.

Mary Gatch is an owner of DwellSmart, a one-stop shop for healthy and environmentally-friendly products. Mary lives on Sullivan’s Island with her husband James, daughter Julian, and son Adam. You can contact her by e-mail at [email protected] or by visiting the store at 615 Johnnie Dodds Blvd., Mount Pleasant (between Eco Fitness and Twin Rivers Bowling).

Debate from page 9

February 6, 2009 11


Put your best food forward

Let’s discuss hidden gems. You know what I mean … that place you pass by and wonder what lies within or you hear about it from a friend of a friend of a friend who’s actually been there. Well, head to Isle of Palms because this unexpected surprise awaits you … the name: Barefoot Bistro. This Euro-American bistro embodies downtown quality, but is conveniently located at the beach.

Chef/owner Justin Garrison relocated from the D.C. area in March of 2006 to open Barefoot Bistro, where the old pizza place resided in the IOP business district. During college, Justin pursued a degree in business, all the while keeping his hand in various kitchens. Upon graduating, he traveled to Spain and Italy to study food and fell in love with Mediterranean cuisine that focuses on freshness and local resources. When looking to open his own restaurant, he searched for a city that would offer these attributes, and the Charleston area fit the mold. His food philosophy maintains that the entire food/dining journey should show the love its creator put into it. All of his creations, from the flavor to the presentation, are bursting with originality and innovation. The staff exceeds all expectations in terms of affability, service and attention to every

detail. The menu changes and evolves

with the seasons, ensuring you will experience a new sensory explosion. If available, request the Roasted Pear Salad. The pears are poached in a molasses apple cider and served over warm wilted baby spinach and topped with prosciutto, crumbled Danish bleu cheese and spiced pecans. The sweet/salty combination in this salad is heavenly. Pair this with the Rose Sangria. While in Spain, Justin examined various sangrias recipes and has adapted them into his signature sangria with two different rums, Paisano wine, lime and local berries.

Looking for a true Maryland Crab Cake? Look no further. Justin does not play around with filler … this is the real deal; pure lump crab, baby. Many places make the sad, sad mistake of adding peppers, onions and bread crumbs, but the simple ingredients Justin remains true to are lump crab, salt, pepper, lemon and some egg whites. Then, to give us a presentation boost, the crab cakes are layered on top of a skillet cornbread and surrounded by a sweet corn, squash, zucchini and red onion confetti. Barefoot Bistro specializes in seafood and uses local Crosby’s Seafood for all of its fish needs. Another

excellent find is the Pan Seared Swordfish served with local shrimp over roasted winter vegetables and a saffron mussel broth, accompanied with a small nest of roasted tomatoes and folded pecorino Romano cheese and a side of steamed asparagus. Cooked to perfection, the swordfish stands proud, moist and meaty; a delightfully rich dish, without being overpowering.

Come on over on any Sunday for a good old fashioned Southern brunch featuring Eggs Benedict with a Shrimp-Crawfish Etouffee, Ice Cream Battered French Toast and a classic BLT. In the warmer months, enjoy live jazz on the patio. If you need an event catered, look no further. Barefoot Bistro will surpass your wildest expectations. They specialize in private events, holiday parties and company events. Hours of operation are: lunch - Wednesday

thru Saturday noon-2:30pm; dinner -Wednesday thru Saturday 5-9pm; and Sunday brunch 10am-2:30pm. For more information, call 843-886-4445.

Fun Fact: Justin and his wife Julie have a newborn at home.

Becca Finley ([email protected])is a freelance writer and marketing/branding specialist (www.bayoulogic.com) who recently moved to Sullivan’s Island from Dallas, Texas.

Photo by Kim thomPson

Barefoot Bistroby becca Finley

Chef/Owner Justin Garrison.

14 February 6, 2009


On January 22, The Isle of Palms Exchange Club presented checks to national and area

agencies who work towards the Exchange Club’s goal of preventing child abuse. Checks for $2200 each were given to HALOS, Windward Farms, the Dee Norton Lowcountry Children’s Center, Parent’s Anonymous, and the Low Country Orphan Relief Fund. A check for $700 was presented to the National Exchange Club Foundation for the prevention of

child abuse. The funds were raised in 2007 and 2008 from the Isle of Palms Connector Race for the Child, which is held each year by the Isle of Palms and Mount Pleasant Exchange Clubs. All of the funds raised at this event are dedicated to helping local non-profits battle the problem of child abuse. The IOP Connector Race is held the first Saturday in October every year, and the 2009 race will be held on October 3, 2009. For more information, please visit http://www.ioprun.com.

(Left to right) Dan McQueeney, President of the SC District Exchange Club, who accepted a check on the behalf of the National Exchange Club’s “Campaign for Kids”; Susie Lee, Board Member, for Lowcountry Orphan Relief; Kim Clifton from HALOS; Jim Raih, President of the IOP Exchange Club; Donna Slipko from Dee Norton Lowcountry Children’s Center; Deborah McKelvey, Executive Director of Windwood Farm; and Elizabeth Grantham, Prevention of Child Abuse committee chair for the IOP Exchange.

IOP Exchange Club helps the children of the Lowcountry

Provided by dimi matouchev

Water conservation efforts are extremely helpful to the environment, but are

contributing to a $184,000 budget shortfall for the Sullivan's Island Water Department. Several factors

The island’s water conservation efforts have had a $30,000 - $40,000 impact on the water department’s budget, says Gress. When the pipeline in the harbor was being repaired and Sullivan’s Island was using water from the Isle of Palms, the Town asked residents to use as little water as possible. Residents were also asked to put a hold on water irrigation, such as watering their lawns. After realizing their lawns were still thriving when less water was being used, residents have developed a more long-term water conserving mind-set. This has resulted in less revenue for the Water Department.

“We encourage people to do that,” says Gress in reference to people conserving water despite effects on revenue.

In addition, fixtures, which expel less water have also contributed to the impact on the budget. Although the impact is small, it adds up over time.

And, of course, the economy has had

an immeasurable impact. With fewer people visiting the island and renting, less water is being used. The department doesn’t have a price estimate on this impact, but is sure it has made some contribution to the budget deficit.

In addition to the troubled economy, a delayed rate increase for services which was implemented last year has also contributed to the shortfall. The increase wasn’t put into action until a month after the fiscal year had begun—a mistake which cost them an estimated $15,000 - $20,000 in revenue.

Unexpected invoices from capital projects carried over from the previous year added $40,000 to the budget loss. Employees working overtime have also been an issue. The department tries to reward employees who work overtime, but when calls come in for work, they’re required to respond. This, in turn, costs money.

The Department has hired a rate consultant to help them restructure their fees and other budget issues. Gress anticipates that there will be a public meeting in the near future to discuss the results with the public.

"I don't think this (the deficit) is going to carry over to next year,” says Gress. “I don't think we're going to have

Fired up

Sullivan’s Island Mayor Carl Smith swears in the Town’s two newest fire fighters: Jody Cox (left) and John “J.C.” Gypin (right).

Water: quite the troublemakerby brittany urbach

15February 6, 2009


Fitness

Someone recently said to me, “I just don’t get the whole heart rate thing”. That made me stop and

think: how often do instructors say to their clients or classes, “You should be working around 70 to 75%!”, “Today’s workout will be in the fat-burning zone!” or “We’re going to keep the intensity low today in our endurance ride!” What exactly does all this mean?

All three of the preceding statements generally refer to the same thing. Training with a heart rate monitor can be extremely helpful to those wanting to get more from their workouts. A heart rate monitor can tell you if you are working too hard or not hard enough to accomplish your goals. True, a heart rate monitor is not necessary, but it can tell you if you need to work harder or back off a bit.

Your heart rate is an indicator of your effort, and is measured in the number of beats per minute (bpm). The harder you work, the higher your heart rate goes and the higher the bpm. Depending on how hard you are working, your body has certain ways of obtaining the energy required to do the work you are asking it to do.

Once you are exercising hard enough to breathe a little more deeply, become slightly breathless, and find it difficult to speak in complete sentences, you have probably raised your heart rate to about 65 – 75% of your maximum capabilities, or your maximum heart

rate. Your maximum heart rate is generally determined for the average population by subtracting your age from the number 220 for men, and 226 for women. The number you get is equal to your maximum heart rate. Then you can multiply that by .65 and .75 to find your 65 – 75% range.

When you are working within this range, you are utilizing fat to obtain the energy needed to exercise. This is known as the aerobic, fat-burning, cardio or endurance zone. At this level of exertion you should be able to go for over one hour. Unfortunately, you need to go for at least that long, because although your body is using fat for energy, not much energy is required and therefore not many total calories are being burned. However, this range is important to train in for several reasons.

Beginning exercisers should stay within this range and gradually increase their intensity over time. Weeks, even months, may go by before a new exerciser is able to increase their intensity higher than 75% of the MHR. Older individuals may find it necessary to exercise within this range all the time. Seasoned exercisers and competitive athletes need to work within this range at least once or twice a week to maintain their aerobic base and ensure that their bodies are efficient at burning fat for energy. Working at a lower intensity will not stress your system enough to warrant any adaptations . . . i.e. results!

Once you have established your aerobic base and have acquired a reasonable degree of fitness, you are ready to begin working in higher ranges. The 75 – 85% range is known as the strength zone, anaerobic threshold, or lactate threshold. This is the point at which your body switches the source of energy from fat to carbohydrates. When you are unable to speak more than a word or two a once, are very breathless, or feel like you are working at an eight on a scale of one to 10, you have arrived at this range. This range is important because it is here that your heart actually becomes stronger. Your body is burning the source of energy that is most accessible: the sugars in your blood. Generally you can hold this intensity for a while, but not as long as you can hold the aerobic state.

Working even harder requires another fuel from another system: the ATP. Adenosine triphosphate is immediately accessible in the body and is used for short, intense bursts of energy. Sprinters require the use of the energy system. You may find your heart rate climbing to 92% or more of your maximum heart rate, but you won’t be able to sustain this effort for much longer than about 90 seconds.

Wearing a heart rate monitor can help you make sure you are working within the appropriate ranges for your specific goals. Work at too low of an intensity and you don’t reap the cardiovascular

benefits. Work too hard and you risk an injury and/or burnout, and you may find that your workouts are too difficult to complete. Many people are guilty of seldom working in the lower ranges because they want every workout to be challenging. Although higher intensities usually result in a feeling of success and increased endorphins, the lower intensities are necessary to train your body to be effective at burning fat. Many people, however, interpret this to mean that they can workout on a machine and remain in the prescribed “fat-burning zone” for thirty minutes and be successful at their goals. As I said earlier, working in this range burns fewer calories overall and therefore, you need to exercise in this range for at least one hour. Otherwise, fewer calories overall will be used for energy.

With all this said, I do want to make clear a few seemingly contradicting points. Heart rate monitors are not the end-all, be-all to working out and losing weight. If you are just getting started on an exercise program, I encourage you to do something – anything - for 30 minutes daily. For someone just starting out, exercising in the correct zone is not terribly important. What is important is that you are exercising at all.

Secondly, don’t let this make you think that working out in your lower ranges is not beneficial at all. Actually,

Listen to your heart (rate) this Valentine’s Day!By MereDith NeLsoN, M.eD

see Heart Rate on page 18

16 February 6, 2009


The Edgar Allan Poe library recently held an essay contest in honor of Martin Luther King

Day on January 19, and President-elect Barack Obama’s inauguration on January 20. Students at Sullivan’s Island Elementary were asked to write a story, telling how they think that President Barack Obama is living the dream that Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. spoke of in his famous 1963 “I Have a Dream” speech. The first prize essays are reprinted below and were written by Gillian Armstrong, Devon Lee, Matthew Haigler and Marion (last name unknown). Honorable Mention winners included Will Eudy, Christen Kaul, Bobby Gardner, Lauren Medich, Michael Wolf, Reid Haigler, Kate Harper, Michael Ulrich, Carly Edwards and Michael Reilly.

First place – class 5-CBy Devon Lee

Martin Luther King, President Obama: two name America will know for the rest of its days. In the 1960s, Dr. King had a monumental dream; one that he believed would one glorious day come true. He dreamt that Black, White, Catholic, Jews and all faiths and colors would join together and walk on the road of freedom. He died fighting

discrimination and injustice in the world.

Many years later, long after Dr. King was gone, something happened that would change America forever. The forty-fourth President of the United States Barack Obama was elected, the first African American President ever in the nation’s history. Barack Obama isn’t just living the dream. I believe he is the Dream.

First place – class 5-SBy Gillian Armstrong

President-elect Barack Obama is living the dream of Dr. King in many ways. First of all, he became a leader for the public and in a way, they were both spiritual leaders. Both of them have brought change to America by uniting two different cultures.

Another way President-elect Obama

has shared the dream with Dr. King is by inspiring others to make a difference. They are also great pubic speakers and very caring family men who take responsibility. Dr. King and President-elect Obama are amazing men who care for everyone, not just their friends or African Americans.

Both of these men are American icons who spoke to the public about

problems and fixed them. I think Dr. King and President-elect Barack Obama have changed the world by using their dream that all of us would be united.

First place – class 5-MBy Matthew Haigler

President-elect Barack Obama is fulfilling Dr. King’s dream by winning the election because of his character rather than the color of his skin.

In Dr. King’s day, black people were not given the same rights as white people. They had to go to different

schools, use different bathrooms and drinking fountains and had to sit in the back of the bus. Today, due to the efforts of many Civil Rights leaders like Dr. King, black people and other minority people can do the same things that white people can do.

Black, white, male, and female individuals can vote, go to college, and even become President of the United States of America. This is a miracle and definitely a dream come true for many people!

Most original essayBy Marion, class 2-U

President-elect Barack Obama is living the dream of Doctor Martin Luther King Jr. How? I know. Barack Obama had a fair and square chance of becoming President of the United States of America. It’s equal because back then, African American people couldn’t even get anywhere close to being President of the United States of America. President-elect Barack Obama was as lucky as ice cream that nobody ate and didn’t melt. I voted for Barack Obama. Barack Obama is living the dream of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. PS – Barack Obama is the first African American President.

Martin Luther King Day essay contest

17February 6, 2009


The Cub Scout Pack 59 Webelos, chartered by Stella Maris Catholic Church on Sullivan’s Island, re-dedicated the

Sullivan’s Island Elementary School Nature Trail on Friday, January 30, in a brief ceremony recognizing the importance of this natural asset to our community. Fourth and fifth grade Webelos Cub Scouts Christopher Diamond-Hettinger, Matthew Dodds, Wynn Fabrizio, Kyle Harris, Clayton Johnson, John Jones, Andrew Killough, Devon Lee, Jack Marino, Price Nimmich, Michael Psenka, AJ Schmidt, and Elliott Suggs, along with their families, spent two Saturdays in November and one day over the Christmas break cleaning up the trail, which has been neglected for some 14 years.

“The importance of children understanding and caring for our natural environment cannot be underestimated,” said Sullivan’s Island Elementary School principal Susan King. “I am extremely proud of the Webelo’s efforts to revive this very special trail. Sullivan’s Island Elementary School is extremely fortunate to have an ‘outdoor science classroom’ just beyond our back door! I look forward to seeing this educational resource used by our students and others for generations to come.”

After a few outings to confirm the existing path placement and post markers, (all of which were reclaimed and restored), the Webelos den was put to work trimming and raking aside limbs, vines and weeds, all in accordance with the Town’s existing beach path ordinances. Following the Boy Scouts of America Outdoor Code, the scouts did not remove anything from the site except trash found. No foliage was completely removed from the trail. Instead, it was raked aside to allow wildlife to continue using the berries and branches as food and as nesting sources.

The Sullivan’s Island Nature Trail was created in

1985 by former SIES Principal Fleming Harris and former SIES teacher Judith Cummings Reese. At that time, with the assistance of many government agencies and individuals including the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, a booklet trail guide was created to highlight the flora and fauna of the trail, completely illustrated with pen and ink drawings by Mrs. Reese. Soon after, the trail was utilized not only by island children; students throughout the state of South Carolina enjoyed field trips to the trail to see and learn their coastal science lessons first hand. Some of these children had never seen the beach, despite living within miles of the ocean. Webelos den leader Carol Killough is heading up an effort to redesign and reprint the now depleted booklets this spring, with the help of Billy McCord from the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, Mary Pringle from the Island Turtle Team and island resident Robbie Kennemur of ProLegal Copies, who is donating his printing services. Artwork and photography of native species located on the trail is needed. “After walking the nature trail, I was very impressed with the diversity

of plant and animal life in such a small area,” said Island Turtle Team project leader Mary Pringle. “I can’t think of any other school that has a setting as rich in maritime and coastal flora and fauna as Sullivan’s Island Elementary. I commend the Scouts for their very hard work in clearing the paths and bringing the trail back to life.”

The Sullivan’s Island Nature Trail has 15 stations which allow students and teachers to see first hand the coastal landforms, plants and animals which make up our fragile ecosystem. The Trail starts at the school playground, which backs up to the maritime forest. From the maritime forest, students traverse through the secondary and primary dunes, out to the beach to

tidal pools and back through a separate trail to see wax myrtles, “toothache” trees, the effects of the salt spray and more.

“It is our hope that the Pack 59 Webelos dens of the future will continue to adopt this trail as their community service project and that it will be annually maintained and regularly utilized by children throughout the state for years to come,” said Killough.

Pack 59 is a Cub Scout pack with the Coastal Carolina Council of the Boy Scouts of America and is chartered by Stella Maris Catholic Church on Sullivan’s Island. Scouts from Isle of Palms, Sullivan’s Island and Mount Pleasant are members of Pack 59, with active dens for each grade first through fifth. If a boy is interested in becoming a Cub Scout, or would like more information, he may contact the Council Service Center at 843-763-0305.

School groups interested in arranging use of the nature trail may contact Trudie Cantrell at SIES at 883-3118.

PHOTO BY CAROL KILLOUGH

Cub scouts revitalize island nature trailPROvIded BY CAROL KILLOUGH


February 6, 200918

Heart Rate from page 15

As a practicing dentist, a member of the American Dental Association, and a caring

island resident, I hope that I can utilize my educational background, clinical experience, and knowledge base to identify some important facts regarding fluoridation. I will reference the American Dental Association’s library to help support the concepts in this article.

In 2005, the ADA celebrated 60 years of water fluoridation with a 72 page article identifying facts and dispelling myths regarding water fluoridation. Water fluoridation, while not perfect, is so important that in 1999, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention recognized it as one of the 10 most important public health achievements in the 20th century.

The practice of dentistry and the decisions made regarding public dental health are evidence based. This is a strong and important concept. It means that dental treatments, and decisions regarding dental health, are based upon scientific studies. Such studies have generally and internationally accepted guidelines so that we can generate valid, credible evidence from which we can attempt to help people. In our dynamic information age, “pseudo-scientific” information is passed along readily and consumers may be tempted to formulate strong opinions that may potentially

be inaccurate or even harmful.

It is documented by the ADA that after more than 60 years of community water fluoridation, this process has dramatically improved our oral health. Of course, it has not perfected it. In 1995, the United States Public Health Service stated that water fluoridation is the most cost effective, practical and safe means for reducing the occurrence of dental decay in a community.

Because of water fluoridation, adults have retained their teeth with greater longevity. In my clinical experience, this has not only had a positive physiological effect, it has also had an important effect on the functionality and emotion of the individual. Together, these effects can help to improve our overall quality of life in a cost effective way.

Fluoride ingested systemically is very important to the developing tooth. This is true as early on as in the womb. Pregnant women benefit their fetus by drinking fluoridated tap water,

as do mothers who are nursing their infants. Children also benefit from water fluoridation by drinking tap water. This is because, as fluoride ions are incorporated into the developing tooth structure, the fluoride enhances the tooth’s structural integrity and makes the enamel (the tooth surface visible when we smile) more resistant to caries (also known as tooth decay). Did you know that dental caries are the most widespread disease in the world?

Dental caries occur as bacteria in our mouths feed on food particles and make waste in the form of enzymes. These enzymes are acidic and erode our enamel (and root surface, if exposed). In our mouths there is a constant process of demineralization and re-mineralization. This is a natural, healthy tug of war. By

ingesting fluoridated water, fluoride ions pump into our saliva, helping the re-mineralization effort. As we age, our salivary function (quality and quantity/ output) decreases. This is why it is important for us to continue to drink fluoridated water throughout life.

Fluoride applied topically (at home and in the dental office) further helps to strengthen tooth structure. Did you know that fluoride is used topically to help reduce dental sensitivity? It is also used as a component in some restorative materials so that it can impregnate tooth structure and again help fight de-mineralization.

Too much of anything can be harmful. Infants should not use fluoridated toothpaste and children over the age of 18 months should use toothpaste with limited fluoride. It is true that if fluoride levels in water become too high, it can harm teeth. This happens not by causing dental caries, but by mottling teeth, weakening them and making them unpleasant in appearance.

Can optimally fluoridated water supplies or naturally fluoridated water supplies pose a health risk to an individual or a community? According to the ADA, “In August 1993, The National Research Council, a branch of the National Academy of Sciences, released a report for the EPA that confirmed that currently allowed fluoride levels in drinking water do not pose a risk for health problems such as cancer, kidney failure or bone disease.”

Scientific studies on fluoride and fluoride consumption have been performed and scrutinized for decades. There will always be more research on the same subject. We will always learn more and we will, from time to time, improve on what we know and experience paradigm shifts, but it’s about trying. That’s what we do, we try. It is healthy to question ourselves, our leaders and those who take care of us, but it is most healthy to be respectful, especially when it comes to respecting yourself. You can do the most for yourself by delving deep into the facts that research indicates to be true, not by making important decisions based on “pseudo-scientific” data.

Community water fluoridation from my perspectiveBy Jason H. CoHen, DMD

op-ed

An example of dental caries, commonly known as tooth decay.

every once in a while, even once or twice a week, it is helpful to exercise in your lower ranges for even thirty minutes. Rest and recovery is a very important part of your overall fitness, and more gains may actually be made during times of rest than during your workouts.

Heart rate training can be intimidating at first, but once you have learned how to use this helpful gadget, your heart rate monitor can be a true reflection of your heart.

Meredith Nelson, M.Ed, is the owner of PrimeTime Fitness, Inc, on Sullivan’s Island. Offering group fitness classes, PrimeTime Spin, private yoga, personal training, and monthly gym membership, Meredith divides her time between the gym on Sullivan’s Island and limited in-home training on Daniel Island, where she resides along with her husband Mark. Meredith can be reached with your fitness questions at 883-0101, or [email protected].

19February 6, 2009


The Big One is Coming

SATURDAY, FEBUARY 14th“Under the Big Tin”

5-8 p.m.Rain or Shine

$20.00 Advance $25.00 Day of EventAll You Can Eat SingleBring Bring Your Own Knife

Hot Dogs and Fish Stew

Tickets available at Fire Station, Town Hall, Piggly Wiggly at Sea Island Shopping Center,

Simmons Seafood and Exit Realty

SULLIVAN’S ISLAND FIRE AND RESCUE

OYSTER ROAST

LIVE BAND, T-SHIRTS, JUMP CASTLE

The IOP Neighborhood Association is introducing a new reach out program for

new residents on the Isle of Palms; whether they’re owners or long term renters. The “New Resident Outreach Program” will feature a gift bag filled with information about the island. “Each bag will contain a welcome letter and will highlight our wonderful eating establishments, right here on the island. We believe that if you are living here, then you should be eating here,” says Dee Weilbacher, Chairperson of the program. “There is a restaurant here that suits anybody’s taste, and the IOPNA wants to encourage everyone to stay on the island for any dining experience: formal, informal, eat in or eat out!” Ms. Weilbacher is really enthused by the response from our restaurant owners and managers. “So far, there are 12 restaurants participating in this venture, and discount coupons and menus from each restaurant are ‘in the bag’! We believe they understand that we are trying to build a cohesive community of residents, starting with our eating establishments”.

The gift bag will also include The Pelican (a brief guide to IOP), a map of IOP, Turtle Team information, a Recreation Department guide, the Fall/Winter IOP Neighborhood Association Newsletter, an IOPNA membership

card, the Island Eye newspaper, important phone numbers, an eco-friendly grocery bag, a local tide chart, and koozies.

The participating restaurants so far are:

Huck’s (JJ Kern), Banana Cabana (Gary Hart), Coconut Joe’s (John Parker and David Buganaski), The Windjammer (Bobby Ross and Malcolm Burgis), Barefoot Bistro (Justin Garrison), Long Island Cafe (Patti and Buddy Thomas), Budiroes (Kim and Ronnie Johnson), Quiznos (Hans Zithshi), Taste of China (Ann and Ricky Ching Tin), and Morgan Creek Grill (Carla Pope). In Wild Dunes, participating restaurants include Hudson’s Market and The Lettered Olive (Becky Golden).

“Our participating restaurants are willing to offer their discounts on an ongoing basis,” says Ms. Weilbacher, “and my Committee and I hope we can continue to work together to make the IOP ‘a great place to come home to.’ That is the IOP Neighborhood Association logo and making the IOP a great place to come home to is our goal.”

If you hear of any new residents or long term renters that are moving or have recently moved to the Isle of Palms, please contact Diane Oltorik at 886-6114.

It’s in the bag!By Diane OltOrik

20 February 6, 2009


Do you know what this is?

Send in your answer to [email protected]. If you’re the

first one to get it right, we’ll recognize you in our next issue!

Color the picture.

The year of the Ox The tops of freshly cut bamboo branches strung with colorful ribbons could be seen bouncing through the air at Sullivan’s Island Elementary on Friday, January 23. Below the gold-green branches, children from the Kaleido-scope group sported handmade masks, Chinese �ags, lanterns and wind catchers. They marched to the sound of a drum, circling in the parking lot and stopping just in time to welcome the star performance: a Chinese lion dance, performed by members of the Masters Studio of Self Defense.

According to tradition, the lion is seen as a guardian creature and the dance is performed to exorcise evil spirits by stirring up the old dust of the past year. The rhythmic beat of the drums and dancing scatters the dust to the winds and invites in the good luck of the New Year. A cabbage is fed to the lion as an o�ering and to pay homage to the guardian animal. The students at the school laughed as the lion “spit” the cabbage to the ground as the performers behind the mask pretended to eat the o�ering. The lion dance is often confused with the dragon dance, with the main di�erence being that the dragon dance usually involves ten or more people, while the lion dance only uses two.

The dance was followed by displays of skill by the Masters Studio of Self Defense students, including a double sword demonstration by Wendy Burkhardt, a single sword demonstration by Hansje Gold-Kruuk, a Kwan-do demonstration by Kalev Kruuk and a fan dance featuring �ve of the Studio’s students.For more information about the Masters Studio of Self Defense, visit www.mastersstudios.com.

Luck in the Chinese New Year

Good luck*Opening windows and/or doors invites good luck.*Switching on lights scares away ghosts and spirits of misfortune.*Cleaning the house from top to bottom invites the good spirits to take up residence.*Wearing a new pair of slippers that were bought before the New Year, because it means that you step on the people that gossip about you.

Bad luck*Washing your hair washes away your own luck.*Avoid clothes in black and white, because black is the symbol of bad luck and white is the color of Chinese funerals.*Sweeping the �oor is forbidden on the �rst day of the New Year, as it sweeps away the good luck that has settled.*Do not o�er anything in fours, as the pronunciation in Chinese of the number four sounds like the word for “death”.

Isle of Palms Recreation Centerwww.iop.net843-886-8294

Youth Baseball RegistrationFast Start, T-Ball, & Machine PitchIOP residents only: January 20 - 23 Open: January 26 – February 6 $30 resident/$35 non-resident$20/$25 Fast start

Alice in WonderlandThursday, Friday & Saturday, February 19-21Starting at 7pmDirected by Jimmy Ward$5 General AdmissionAdvance Tickets available at the Recreation Department

Men’s Spring SoftballRegistration February 2-27 $425 per teamGame days Monday & WednesdayCaptain’s meeting March 5, 6pm

Men’s 3 on 3 BasketballRegistration February 2-27$60 per teamGame days Tuesday and ThursdayCaptain’s meeting March 4, 6pm

Salsa DancingAges 12 Yrs. +No partner neededThursdays, 7:30pm-8:30pm$35 residents/$40 non-residentsNew session begins March 5

CanastaFirst and third Tuesday of the month11:30am-2:30pm

Free

Friday Night HoopsFebruary 66pm-8pm 7-12 Yrs.$10

Yoga (16 Yrs. +)12:30pm to 2pmTuesdays & Thursdays $80 resident/$85 non-resident/session$10 per class

Sports ConditioningTuesdays & Thursdays5:15pm to 6:15pm class $40 resident/$45 non-resident$7 per class

Evening Yoga (12 Yrs. +)5:30pm to 6:30pmMondays & Wednesdays $60 residents/ $65 non-residents/6 weeks$7 per class

Lowcountry Blues BashSaturday, February 75pm-8pmSunday, February 8 2pm-5:30pm$5 admissionChildren under 12 Yrs. FreeDoors open 30 minutes prior to 1st performance

Gymnastics (3+ Yrs.)Tuesdays, 3:30pm-4:15pm$70 resident/$75 non-residentNew session begins February 10Cheer/Dance Class

Ages 8-12 Yrs.New session begins February 24

Total Body ChallengeTuesday thru Friday8am-9amEveryday a different challenge$7 per class or purchase # of classes

KinderpuppyMondays, 6:30-7:30pmNew session March 2Learn basic commands.Must have DHLPP and Kennel Cough vaccinations to participate.$90 residents/$95 non-residents

Companion DogMondays, 7:30-8:30pmNew session March 2Taught good manners and further commands.$90 residents/$95 non-residents

Youth DrawingAges 7 to 12 Yrs.Wednesdays, 4-5pmNew session in February$50 residents/$55 non-residents

BalletAges 2-5 Yrs.Mondays, 12:30-1pmNew session February 23$115 residents/$120 non-residents

Youth TennisTuesdays & Thursdays6-8 Yrs. old 4-5pm9-12 Yrs. old 5-6pmNew session begins February 17$80 residents/$85 non-residents

Adult Co-Ed TennisThursdays, 6-7pmNew session February 19 $45 residents/$50 non-residents

Women’s Beginner TennisTuesday & Thursday10-11am

Learn the fundamentals$85 resident/$90 non-resident

Women’s Intermediate TennisTuesday & Thursday9-10amTennis experience needed.$85 resident/$90 non-resident

Mat & FloorWednesdays, 1:45-2:45pm50+ Yrs.Focusing on Pilates, floor exercises$10 per class/or pay for the session

Senior Sports ClassicTuesday, February 1010am-12 noon

Bocce BallPre-register by Feb.6th Socialize and learn to play.

Speaker CourseWednesday, February 11, 2pmFamily Matters with Long Term CareLearn how Long Term Care Insurance can play a role in preserving your assets.

Cupid’s Card ShoppeWednesday, February 114-6pmMake a Valentine for the one you love.12 Yrs. & underFREE

Doggie Day at the Rec.Saturday, February 28 9amRabies ClinicAnnual IOP Dog Licenses 11amBest In Show CompetitionMust pre-register by Friday, February 27 Registration CLOSED day of the event.

Poe Library1921 Ion AveSullivan’s Island883-3914

Hours:Monday & Friday: 2 – 6Tuesday, Thursday & Saturday: 10 – 2

Guessing jar of chocolate kissesCome in and guess how many kisses! Jar will be available until counted on Valentine’s Day.

Story time for the Tuesday morning toddlers and preschoolers10:30 to 11amFebruary 10, 17 and 24. Ages 2-5.

Story time for Thursday morning preschoolers10:15-11:15amFebruary 12, 19 and 26. Ages 3-5.

Do-it-yourself crafts with Grace DunbarFebruary 7, 10:30am. Valentine’s Day crafts. Drum CircleFebruary 13 at 7pmSponsored by Creative SparkAdande African Dance and Drum Ensemble.Authentic dances performed in colorful dress, accompanied by a lively troupe of drummers. KaleidescopeKindergarten through third grade will meet 3:30-4:30pm.Fourth and Fifth grade will meet 4:30-5:30. Beach Lover's Book ClubSlipknot by Linda Greenlaw. Please call the library (883-3914) for details.

21February 6, 2009


Isle of Palms Rec Center

Poe Library events

Surfing for trashThe Surfrider Foundation is dedicated to keeping our marine environments

as clean as possible and our local Charleston Chapter is no exception. The Charleston Surfriders conduct regular beach sweeps and have dedicated

themselves to keeping Sullivan’s Island clean throughout the winter and spring. If you have ever wanted to be a part of Surfrider and/or help protect one of our greatest natural resources, then this is terrific opportunity .

The Charleston Chapter of Surfrider will be conducting beach sweeps every fourth Saturday morning throughout the 2009 winter and spring. Their next sweep will be held on February 28 at 10am. If you’re in unfamiliar territory, just show up on Sullivan’s Island at Station 22 1/2 and ask for Amy Black or Sallie Miller, who will hand you some gloves and trash bags. Don’t miss this chance to have an impact on our local environment while meeting new, like-minded people at the same time. This is the only Earth we have and there’s only one Sullivan’s Island on it.

contract to Schupp Enterprises for $68,000 for 2009 and $85,000 for years 2010 through 2012. Councilman Taylor commented that it would be more economical to hire professionals to take care of the parking situation.

The motion was for $68,000 for the 2009 calendar year and $85,000 for the calendar year of 2010 through 2012 with a 15% of all revenue in excess of $85,000 coming back to the City.

Councilman Ralph Piening took the floor after hearing this. “I’m going to vote against it,” he says. “I voted yes for it at the Ways and Means meeting but unfortunately, before that meeting I didn’t have time to study it—this was all coming together very quickly.”

Councilman Piening continued saying in the past year the contract generated about $132,000 a year. The original bid this year at $68,000 is a substantial decrease from what they received last year, an area of concern for Councilman Piening. The City is looking at a 12% decrease in the number of parking lot spaces, and a 12% decrease on $132,000 would be about $16,000, says Councilman Piening.

Councilman Piening proposed the City make the contract span a shorter period of time. He suggested a two year contract, as oppose to a four year contract. “We’re looking at a substantial decrease of revenue for the City,” says Councilman Piening.

Mayor Pro Tem Carol Rice responds to Councilman Piening’s concerns saying, “I would beg to differ with some of those figures. I just really feel we’re in a great situation working with Schupp enterprises. I’m looking forward to this relationship.”

Councilman Taylor then says the 12% reduction, which Councilman Piening mentioned, could be a correct figure. “Right now there’s probably about a 40% reduction,” says Councilman Taylor. He also mentions that the City doesn’t want to raise fees on parking to generate more revenue because the high parking price could cause people to park in neighborhoods.

At this point, Councilman Michael Loftus spoke up. He also didn’t have time to look over the proposal. “Quite frankly, we’re going to lose money every year of this contract, from actual historic numbers that we received,” says the Councilman. “So we’re going to have to cut other services, or, you know, we’re going to have to come up with that income some other way.”

Councilman Loftus then made a motion that the Council negotiate the contract for one year. “I’d like to make the motion that we go with the current one year ‘till the end of the fiscal year, and see what the numbers are, and then re-negotiate the contract based on that.”

Mayor Pro Tem Rice put the amendment motion on the table to go one year with Schupp Enterprises and re-negotiate after 12 months. Council

members Duffy, Piening, and Loftus vote in favor of the amendment, while the other Council members voted no. The motion did not pass.

After the motion failed, Mayor Pro Tem Rice says, “Going forward with the public safety building, we knew we were going to reduce our revenue in parking because we were taking spots from the parking lot—so that was a given that we were going to lose revenue.” She then commented that the standing committees work hard for months and months towards the best interest of the City. She says the Ways and Means Committee has the best intentions for the City.

Councilman Taylor says that if anyone has any questions, to contact him. He can be reached a variety of ways and would be happy to respond to any inquiries. “But you need to respect the process,” he says.

Councilman Loftus was upset by the conversation and attempted to speak against it once again. He was denied the floor and Mayor Pro Tem Rice called for the vote. Council members Duffy, Piening, and Loftus voted against the motion, while the other Council members voted for the motion. The motion passed 6-3.

Electrical junction box to be movedThe Approval of the Bulkhead

replacement change order #1 to relocate above ground electrical junction box passed unanimously. At the Ways and Means meeting held on January 20, Administrator Tucker explained that if the box were to remain where it is now, it would sit in the center of the sidewalk. Chris Moore of Jon Guerry Taylor also commented that if the box stayed in its current location, there wouldn’t be enough cable to go through the bulkhead. If they were to purchase more cable, it would be fairly expensive.

New block on the streetAt the previous Public Safety

Committee meeting held on January 13, citizen Chris Donovan spoke out against the barricade recently placed on her 25th avenue property. She encouraged the Committee to come up with a solution for vehicles parking on her yard for long periods of time.

If the Isle of Palms blocked off the street, the Department of Transportation would make the Isle of Palms fully responsible for the street, which would be a huge burden for the City. The situation is still being evaluated.

On the radio—Whoa-a-a-a on the radio

Councilman Buckhannon brought to the attention of Council a discussion of a draft ordinance on Radio Communications within Commercial Buildings. The idea is that any new construction builders must adapt the building so that radio transmissions can adapt outside of that building. Older buildings do not need to follow this rule, but if they were to be renovated, they would need to follow the regulations in the ordinance.

In regards to the recent move from analogue radio to digital radio, Councilman Buckhannon raises some concerns. “We’re having some issues with digital radio transmission. Some communications are being garbled.” He assures Council that both the Chiefs and the City Administrator are working diligently to try and work out the problem. “We’re kind of on the outskirts of that radio band, and it’s somewhat difficult for our public safety to get messages,” says Councilman Buckhannon.

Hard work pays offThe Personnel Committee is working

diligently to come up with a new pay rate system for City employees. The City’s employees have been compensated with a cost of living allowance. Councilman Piening says the Committee may possibly change an increase in pay to a merit based agenda, so that the best employees could be rewarded and encouraged to stay on in the City.

“This is a pretty big change and a pretty big project,” says Piening. “For that reason, it’s not something you want to rush through. We’re going to spend quite a bit of time working on this and hopefully we’ll have a plan to rule out this fall.” The Committee is looking to implement this agenda starting in 2010.

Discussion regarding height restrictions

City Administrator Linda Tucker introduced new bills, resolutions, and proclamations. She presented the First Reading of Ordinance 2009-01: An Ordinance Amending Section 1-3-31 of the City of Isle of Palms Code of Ordinances to Create a Standing Committee Known as the Real Property Committee. Councilman Taylor moves to pass this motion. Motion passed unanimously.

Next was the First Reading of Ordinance 2009-02: An Ordinance Amending Section 5-4-58 of the City of Isle of Palms Code of Ordinances Relating to the Granting of Zoning Variances, which was coupled with the First Reading of Ordinance 2009-03: An Ordinance Amending Sections 5-4-2 and 5-4-12 of the City of Isle of Palms Code of Ordinances Relating to the Height of a Structure. These two ordinances are companions, which were born out of the November discussions about height restrictions on elevator shafts, says Tucker.

If people need to reconstruct buildings after this time, they must follow current rules, not rules from when they were originally built. For example, if a building needs reconstruction and has an elevator shaft higher than current height restrictions from when the time it was built, they must follow today’s rules—even if that means they have to eliminate a floor.

Councilman Taylor moved to pass ordinances 02 and 03 to the Planning Commission before the first reading. Motion passed unanimously.

22 February 6, 2009


Council from page 4


23February 6, 2009

It was a full house at the Sweetgrass Pavilion on Saturday, January 17, for the Author’s Luncheon sponsored

by the Wild Dunes Club, benefiting the Trident Literary Association and the College of Charleston’s School of Education, Health and Human Performance. Featured authors included Mary Kay Andrews, Billie Letts, Bret Lott and Mary Alice Monroe, who were led in discussion by moderator and South Carolina Poet Laureate, Marjory Wentworth.

Two of these authors, Bret Lott and Billie Letts, are Oprah Book Club selection winners. At the luncheon, they discovered that they had been awarded the honor within one month of each other. Mr. Lott had written his winning book, Jewel, ten years before the award. It was out of print and had fallen to number 1,069,713 on the New York Times book list. By the end of the day, when it was announced by Oprah as her selection, it had rocketed to number one on the best-seller list.

When Mary Alice Monroe was asked how she decided to become a writer, she responded that the biggest problem for people who want to write is time. With full time jobs, families and other activities, finding the time to write is a challenge. Ms. Monroe’s opportunity

presented itself when she became pregnant. With a difficult pregnancy, the doctor had ordered her to stay in bed. Her husband took the TV away, gave her a yellow pad and pencil and said, “Now is your chance. You’ve always wanted to write.” With this gift of time and a heart full of stories, she became an author.

Asked how they write; that is, whether they write on computers or by pen and pencil, the answers varied. Mr. Lott said that his first three novels

were written in longhand, and now he types his stories on the computer. Mary Kay Andrews said that she sketches out her plot with a felt tip pen in black and white marble composition books. She used to write in the car pool line while everyone else was complaining about the teachers. Ms. Letts still types on an electric typewriter; she likes to hear the hum and the clack, clack of the keys.

When the question was posed as to how the authors came up with their titles, Ms. Andrews declared that one of

her favorite titles came to her before the book was written. While she was in the bathtub shaving her legs, she thought of the words, “hissy fit” and decided they would make a great title for a book. She got out of the bath and called her agent; a conversation ensued, and the leg never did get shaved that day.

There were various answers about how the authors invent characters for their books, but the general consensus was that many characters are blends of people in their lives, including mothers, fathers, children, schoolmates and even people they read about in the newspaper.

Two of the featured authors are local. Ms. Monroe lives on Isle of Palms and writes stories that include issues about the local ecology. Mr. Lott teaches fiction writing at the College of Charleston. Ms. Andrews lives in Atlanta, and Ms. Letts is from Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Attendees were pleased with the lively discussions during the event and left feeling inspired. The event coordinators were just as happy with the luncheon’s turnout. “We’re just honored to be able to host this event year after year,” said Elizabeth Kelly, the marketing communications manager for Wild Dunes, “And we’re pleased that it’s been such a growing success.”

IOP ladies: (L to R) Bridget Bettelli, Linda Bettelli, Loraine Sottille, Amy Sottille and Marcie Cronin.

PHOTOS BY Jane McMackin

Wild Dunes Authors Luncheon a great successBY Jane McMackin

Documents

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