island connection - september 4, 2009

8/14/2019 Island Connection - September 4, 2009

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I n s i d e t h e I s l a n d C o n n e c t i o n . . .

pag 14 Belted Kingfisherspag 10 the nudepag 4 grape stomp

Volume 3 Issue 10 September 4, 2009FREE

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Seabrooker Mary Whyte didnt know

what she was getting into duringa recent visit to Greenville, South

Carolina. While working on the portraito a local bank president, she heard thata nearby textile mill was shutting down.Te person who told her the news sadlyshrugged their shoulders and said, It wasgoing to happen anyway. Tat proession

will be gone in ten years. Tat onecomment caused the wheels in Maryshead to begin turning uriously and withina short period o time, she was whiskingacross the South, gathering the men and

women o Americas dying proessions and

capturing them in watercolor.Her portolio or the series, aptly

entitled Working South, is haunting.Te ull sized paintings are set to be ondisplay in the Greenville Museum in2011, but the eight by eleven images oher major works tell stories that no writercould put in words.

Teres the bent old woman, her wirywhite hair knotted in a tight bun, holdingthe corner o a king sized quilt hangingrom the wall behind her. Her handsare starkly detailed, the blue and purpleveins crisscrossing the bones under apaper thin layer o mottled skin. Her latehusbands wedding ring was sown intothat blanket, said Mary, as she lookedat the portrait. Another shows a jovialround woman with a colorul sweatshirtstanding behind the counter o one o thelast herring smokehouses in the country.Mary pointed at the tip jar sitting slightlyaskew on top o the reezer display case. Iloved the character o that jar, she smiled,pointing at the tears and smudges on thetips label which shed incorporated intothe painting. A detailed dollar bill lay insolidarity in the bottom o the jar.

On this day, however, Mary Whyte was preparing to ship a painting to theGreenville Museum or the WorkingSouth series. Its a large piece, with aaded quality reminiscent o heat and

late summer/early all in the South. Init, a troop o elderly Arican-Americanmusicians are working their way through a

crumbling graveyard underneath the bent,moss-covered limbs o a giant Banyan tree.Te painting, said Mary, is o one o thelast uneral bands in New Orleans. Teymarched two by two into the cemeteryplaying gospel music, she said. And inorder to capture the moment just right,she had them circle her time and again asshe painted uriously on her canvas.

Mary Whyte, known or her masteryo the painting medium watercolor, is tobe the subject o CBS televisions SundayMorning in early September. SundayMorning is a news magazine program,airing rom 9am10:30am ES on Sundaymornings on the local CBS aliate.

Te show actually ollows Whyte asshe works on the New Orleans uneralpainting or the Working South series.Other subjects portrayed in Whytes seriesinclude cotton pickers, boat builders,textile mill workers, crabbers, the shoeshine man, and shrimpers. raveling theSouth or three and a hal years, Whytehas taken the unseen and given them aace we cannot easily orget. Te specicdate o the episode will be posted at www.colemanneart.com as soon as it is madeavailable. For more inormation, please

contact Coleman Fine Art 853-7000.

Mary Whyte is an artist, author andteacher. She is nationally recognized or hergurative watercolor paintings o the ruralpeople o South Carolina. Whytes paintingshave been exhibited in the nations most prestigious shows, and her work hangs innumerous private and museum collections. Mary has been recently eatured in themagazines International Artist, American Artist, and at the Portrait Society o American conerence in Washington, DC.Tis September she will be eatured in the

premier European watercolor magazine Artde LAquarelle.

Immortalizing the dying south

Seabrook Island resident and internationally acclaimed artist Mary Whyte sits in ront o a watercolor rom her recent series Working South.


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www.islandconnectionnews.com

SI Councilcontinued on page 3

Correction:In the August 21,2009, edition, theGreen Canitizer

story listed anincorrect web address.Te web page orGreen Canitizer is:www.greencanitizer.com.

2 September 4, 2009

Ma, Sptmb 7

Labor DayKiawah and Seabrook oces will be closed

Wsa, Sptmb 9

Seabrook Island Planning CommissionAll Planning Commission meetings willbe held at 2:30pm at the own Hallunless noted otherwise on the ownbulletin board.

Ma, Sptmb 14

St. Johns Fire District Commission7pmSt. Johns Commission Building

3327 Maybank Highway, Johns Island

Kiawah Island Environmental Committee3pm - 5pmown Hall - 2nd Floor Conerence Room

Ma, Sptmb 21

Kiawah Island Board o Zoning Appeals4pm - 5pmown Hall Council Chambers

Tsa, Sptmb 22

Seabrook Island own CouncilAll own Council meetings will be heldat 2:30pm at the own Hall unless noted

otherwise on the own bulletin board.

Civic Calendar

Lnn Pierotti

Pblisher

[email protected]

Kristin Hackler

Managing [email protected]

Swan Richards

Graphic Designer

[email protected]

Ali AkhariAssistant Editor

[email protected]

Chelsea Langan

Adertising

[email protected]

Ashleigh McHenr

[email protected]

InternsDlan Sharek

Pal Robinson

Ben Gilbert

Contribtors

Jennifer BarborChris Brooks

Chamber Msic Charleston

Cind CoertPal Coert

Dwight Ies

Sam ReedRosebank Farms

James T. Sears, Ph.D

Pblished b

Lck Dog Pblishing

of Soth Carolina, LLCP.O. Bo 837

Sllians Island, SC 29482

843-886-NEWS

Ft als:

Sptmb 9 f

sbmsss.Op-Ed articles do not necessarily refect theopinion o Lucky Dog News or its writers.

The Island

Connection

Lucky Dog Publishing, LLC

Publishers ofIsland Eye News,

The Island Connection and

The Folly Current.

Kiawah Island own Hall21 Beachwalker DriveKiawah Island, SC 29455Phone: 768-9166Fax: 768-4764Email: [email protected]

Seabrook Island own Hall2001 Seabrook Island RoadSeabrook Island, SC 29455Phone: 768-9121

Fax: 768-9830Email:[email protected]

Johns Island CouncilMeetings are held at the BerkeleyElectric Co-op located at 3351Maybank Hwy, Johns Island.Chairman Chris Cannon: 343-5113

Charleston County Council4045 Bridge View Drive, NorthCharleston(843) 958-4700

City o Charleston75 Calhoun St.(843) 724-3745

Seabrook Town Council August 25, 2009FinancialsTeres not an awul lot to talk about,said Mayor McNulty as he read throughthis months nancial report. Revenuesor this year-to-date are $587,470.46,

which is $118,892.97, or 17%, less thanthis same time last year. However, itsbetter by $54,509.38 than budgeted.Business licenses, local option and

investments are all down, said the

Mayor, but its about what they expected.As or expenses, this year-to-date came to$277,374.36, which is $47,930.01 betterthan what was budgeted. We still haveseveral items that need to go through,like the audit bill and some legal bills, but

were on budget and doing better thanlast year, the Mayor reported. Revenuesover expenditures or this year-to-date

are $310,096.10 as opposed to last years$399,515.40.

Recoding the Municipal CodeFaye Creel o the Municipal CodeCorporation (MCC) presented hercompanys process o recodication to theCouncil, explaining how their employeesgo through all o the Ordinancespassed by the own and check themagainst the County and State laws orinconsistencies, and then check themagainst other own Ordinances or thesame. A proo o the corrected ownCode would then be sent to the Councilbeore the nal electronic code andhard copy were compiled. Creel pointedout that the entire code would also be

made available on the MCC website,along with the codes o 3,500 othermunicipalities, or immediate onlinereerencing. Te online service also comes

with a N.O.W. (New Ordinances onthe Web) service, wherein newly passedOrdinances are posted under electronicupdates on the owns code website. Teonline code is included the rst year, but

would cost $400/ year ater that.

A tree grows in Johns IslandLast week, the South Carolina

Department o ransportation gavea presentation to the Johns IslandCouncil, said the Mayor. Tepresentation, which gave an overviewo several trees which either need to beremoved or signicantly trimmed alongthe narrow Johns Island roads, was givenby arborist and Charleston CountyPlanning Commission representative

Joel Evans, who was present at todaysCouncil meeting to give a similarpresentation. Evans briey walked theCouncil through the criteria or treeremoval and trimming, noting thatthe original number o trees which theDO recommended or removal was 33.Ater examining the trees, said Evans,we ound that only ve trees need to beremoved completely, and six need to betrimmed.

Councilman Holtz asked Evans aboutthe possibility o hiring an arborist tocome out and evaluate all o the treeslining Johns Islands major roads. Itssomething that has to be done and

we cant wait or the bureaucracy; nooense, he said, apologizing to Evans.

I would support it 100%, said Evans.Mayor McNulty stated that he wouldcall Kiawah Island Mayor William Wertand discuss the idea. Well see i we cancome up with a plan, said McNulty.

Disaster continuityBrian Gagnon o Agility RecoverySolutions was the nal speaker at theCouncil meeting, and his presentationaddressed disaster recovery solutions orbusinesses and municipalities. Were like

AAA or businesses, he said. We takecare o power, space and connectivity.

According to Gagnon, Agility is usedacross the nation and is currently indiscussions with the American Red Crossand the ederal government or the useo their services. Agility provides eithermobile oce space or class A oce spaceor their clients in case o disaster, as

well as satellite communications andgenerators o any size, when needed.Were endorsed by Ready.gov andFEMA, said Gagnon. Well have youback up and running in 48 hours.For more inormation, visit www.agilityrecovery.com.

Mayor McNulty thanked Gagnon,noting that the own is working with

Scott Cave at the moment, but stated thattheir services sounded like somethingthey should consider.

Fixin up the oceUnder capital expenditures, MayorMcNulty remarked that there were ahandul o items that needed to be takencare o around own Hall, includinga replacement computer server, therecodication o the Ordinances, thecompletion o the mens room (Wenished the ladies room rst, so now weneed to take care o the mens room,the Mayor smiled), retiling the oyer,new carpet, and a new color copier.Te total o the expenditures comes toapproximately $56,000.

However, we just ound out thatour current generator provides enoughpower to keep our lights going, but notenough power to keep the computersgoing, said the Mayor. We have an

estimate or no more than $40,000 on

a new generator, but that would bringthe total on capital expenditures to$100,000. Ater approving the loanto the Utility Commission (see nextsection), the available general undbalance is approximately $876,300.

Ater the expenditures, but with theinclusion o the emergency und balance,the Mayor stated that there wouldstill be approximately $1,101,300.00available or the owns protection. TeCouncil approved $100,000 or capitalexpenditures unanimously.

rees up or removal on Johns Island.


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SI Councilcontinued rom page 2

here is a peace about Middleton Place that is hard to match. Just ater crossingthe border between Charleston and Summervil le, the right side o old highway61 opens up to manicured pastures, massive live oaks and long lines o elegantly

simple encing. It doesnt take much to encourage anyone who has been to Middleton

Place once to make the short trip back, but i youve never visited this partially workingplantation, the sta at Middleton Place is oering an excellent reason to drop by. Every

Wednesday rom 5:30pm 7pm rom now until the end o November, Middleton Placeis holding wine tastings under the oaks. For only $10, oenophiles, history bus andthose that just enjoy catching sunsets across the marsh grasses and the glassy surace othe Ashley River can enjoy a selection o eight to ten wines in the ormal ront lawn oMiddleton Place. Ater sipping through the samples, attendees are invited to walk thegardens at no cost.

Wine Stroll participants are urged to extend their evening with dinner at the MiddletonPlace Restaurant, which eatures a nice selection o entrees and appetizers prepared withlocal produce, and a signicant wine collection o their own. For more inormation about Middletons wine strolls, visit www.middletonplace.org or call 556-6020. For dinnerreservations, call 266-7477.

Sip and stroll through asouthern aternoon

It is not my nature to respond publicly to citizens who have taken positions

with which I disagree. However, in reading the August 21, 2009, issue oTeIsland Connection, there were some writings which caught my attention. Tis

is probably because I (along with many others) have expended so much time and

eort in pointing out the dangers o the existing Bohicket and River Roads on Johns Island. Tousands o Charleston County drivers regularly traverse theseroads, putting their lives and property in danger. Please check these out-datedroads or yoursel i you have not already done so.

It is amazing that a writer characterized ocial statistics secured rom the SouthCarolina Department o Saety as provided by police ocers on the scenes as notobjectively based on available statistics.

I agree that better driving habits would help, but human nature being what itis, we need to ask our leaders to provide sae driving acilities when possible. It istrue that money is required, but prioritization o what is best or the most peopleshould help with unding.

Te writer urther charges irresponsible conabulation against statementsattributing trac deaths to narrow lanes, sharp curves, lack o shoulders andnearby live oaks. It is my opinion that it is truly irresponsible to ignore thesedeciencies.

In talking about congestion, it is argued that the conclusions reached are

disingenuous and specious. All one needs to do is to drive these roads on aregular basis at various times o day.

A properly designed greenway need not be exceedingly expensive, and certainlyneed not be disruptive to the beauty and natural environment o Johns Island. Itshould enhance the ambiance and attractiveness o this wholesome area.

Tose supporting this needed saety improvement do not plead guilty toobuscation, nor do we eel that we look ooli sh to reali stic users o Johns Islandroads.

Most o the alternative proposals to deal with this well-documented saety issueare likely to be more costly than a new greenway.

oo much time, dedication, and eorts have been invested in this issue to letcounter-positions go uncha llenged.

A roads rebuttalBy SAM REED

Loan to the Utility CommissionMayor McNulty reported that he hadmet with a nancial representative andstated that he is comortable with placingthe $425,000 needed by the UtilityCommission to serve as temporaryinsurance or their bondholders in twoyear CDs. He stated that he spoke withthe own attorney about the situationand the attorney suggested that the

own loan that amount to the UtilityCommission with the expectation ohaving the loan amount plus interestreturned to the own. About seventhings still need to be done, but it

will be handled and insured, said theMayor. Te $425,000 is protected up to$250,000 by the FDIC, and the bank has

agreed to pledge government securitiesor the remaining amount.Also, since the own has historically

given $200,000 each year to the UtilityCommission to distribute back to itscustomers, the Mayor elt that the ownneeded to continue with that practice.We know were down rom last year,but were on sae ground as to where

well be at the end o the year, said theMayor beore suggesting the own give$400,000 to the Utility Commission -$200,000 or la st year, which the ownmissed, and $200,000 or this year.Were still discussing how well do this,but well gure it out, said McNulty.Te motion to give $400,000 to theUtility Commission to be given back toits clients was approved unanimously.

Funding the General FundMayor McNulty applauded own

Administrator Randy Pierceor renegotiating the cost o theComprehensive Plan rewrite rom$10,000 down to $4,530, and requestedapproval or returning the remaining$5,470 to the General Fund. Te motion

was approved unanimously. In the samevein, McNulty noted that the $20,500in the Court Bank Account did not seemuch use except in paying judges and theoccasional class or Council and ownsta. Te Mayor suggested moving allbut $5,000 in that account back intothe General Fund. Te motion was alsoapproved unanimously.

Approval o the Charleston RegionalHazard Mitigation PlanTe own has traditional ly accepted theCharleston Regional Hazard MitigationPlan every year and own AdministratorPeirce pointed out that not much hadchanged in this years plan. By acceptingthe Hazard Mitigation Plan, said Pierce,the own receives credit toward theirood insurance coverage. My oodinsurance keeps going up, but Im sureyoure doing a good job, Councilman

Holtz joked.o read the ull document, visit www.charlestoncounty.org, Te Councilapproved the acceptance o the Planunanimously.

First reading oOrdinance 2009-05:Jenkins Point property rezoningTis went through the PlanningCommission and has been posted ortwo months, said Pierce. Te PlanningCommission recommends approval. TeOrdinance is to rezone .25 acres that isbeing subdivided rom Parcel 149-00-00-059 (residual acreage o Jenkins PointPlantation) rom Agricultural General to

Agricultural Single Family. A parcel willbe then subdivided rom 149-00-00-005and combined with the .25 acres to createLot #62 to make a 1.01 acre lot. Councilapproved the Ordinance unanimously.

Charleston Visitors BureauKatie Chapman o the CharlestonVisitors Bureau was happy to report thattheir press coverage book or Charlestonis getting bigger and bigger each year. Shegave a copy o the book to the Council,as well as a copy o their newly released

wedding book. Chapman also notedthat they have received 22 mentions innational publications as a result o theravel Writers Association visit in June.

Te next Seabrook Island own Council

meeting will be held at 2:30pm in CouncilChambers on September 22, with a PublicHearing on Ordinance 2009-05 takingplace at 2:20pm.


September 4, 2009 3


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4 September 4, 2009


GrapeStomp 09Irvin House vineyards, Wadmalaw Island

August 29, 2009


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September 4, 2009 5


he recession has produced manydicult challenges or the RuralMission during 2009, but He

continues to provide, and this gives us

aith. Te low income rural amilies, theelderly, migrant amilies and the at-riskchildren and youth we serve are sueringgreatly in hardships and poverty. Tepeople with the least are bearing thegreatest burdens o this recession, but oneamily at a time, we are continuing to bringthem upliting hope and assistance.

Te Mission has been tremendouslyblessed and is thankul or the outpouringo volunteers seeking to give o themselvesthis past year. Tey may not be able togive nancially, but they have dedicatedthemselves to discipleship. Many haverenewed their relationship with the RuralMission rom past years and many have

come or the rst time. All denominationsare represented. Not since the outpouringo love in the atermath o HurricaneHugo have they come in such numbersto the rural Sea Islands. Our volunteersknow that people are suering and they

want to help.

One wonderul example o suchcaring and commitment has been thelarge numbers o volunteers who have

worked since the groundbreaking in Juneon a new, sae and adequate home orMrs. Shirley Smiley and her amily near

Hollywood. Teir very old and di lapidatedtrailer home has not only been allingapart; it was also making them sick . Tispicture was taken on August 18, and it

shows how ar we have come. Shirleyand her amily have been there side byside each day with our volunteers. Tesememories and bonds o love, riendshipand respect will stay with everyone or alietime. Volunteers have returned home

with the joy and blessings o giving and with Shirleys endearing smile and hersincere expressions o gratitude. She hasbeen ever present, with bottles o waterand Gatorade and popsicles to make thesehot days a little easier.

Help us to repeat this wonderulstory or the many still waiting to behelped. Te Rural Mission provides aconvenient and secure means to donate

to our outreach ministry online by goingto www.ruralmis sion.org. Te donatenow link is right on the homepage.Do this in memory or in honor osomeone special in your lie! Pleasehelp us to continue providing hope tothese desperate amilies. Please supportour many volunteers who continue tocome. Teir growth through discipleshipdepends upon the contributions and gitso many. Donations can also be mailedto PO Box 235, Johns Island, SC 29457,or by ca lling 768-1720.

Te old beside the new the blessing o hope!

Making a dierencein dicult times

By CHRIS BROOKS

Chamber Music Charlestonis pleased to announce theirinaugural music estival Mozart in

the South, which will take place September10-13, 2009.

Tis estival celebrates classicalmusic in Charleston, [and it will be anopportunity] to share with both visitorsand residents the musical opportunities

which exist in this cultural and historicCity, and the phenomenal talent o theproessional musicians who call Charlestonhome, says Sandra Nikolajevs, Director oChamber Music Charleston and producero the estival.

Te our-day estival will consist o avariety o perormances and educationalevents. Highlighting the estival will bechamber music and orchestral concertsperormed by musicians o the CharlestonSymphony Orchestra and Chamber MusicCharleston.

World renowned pianist Andrew Armstrong will join the orchestra orMozartsPiano Concerto No. 23 in A Major,K. 288. Praised by critics or his passionateexpression and dazzling technique,

Armstrong has delighted audiences aroundthe world. He has perormed solo recitalsand appeared with orchestras in Asia,Europe, Latin America and the UnitedStates, including perormances at Aliceully Hall, Carnegie Hall, the Kennedy

Center, the Grand Hall o the MoscowConservatory and Warsaws NationalPhilharmonic.

While the evening and aternoon

perormances will target classical musicenthusiasts, amilies will be encouraged toexplore the magic o music at the outdoorLittle Mozart Circus on Saturday,September 12. Tis daylong celebration

will create a wonderul environment orall things related to music education rom perormances by Chamber MusicCharleston ensembles and school groupsto interactive musical experiences ledby proessional musicians. Variousarts organizations will be on hand withinormation and demonstrations.

Te most intimate experience othe estival will be Chamber MusicCharlestons annual Chamber MusicSoiree on September 12 at the CalhounMansion, 16 Meeting Street. Teevening begins with a delightul gardenreception ollowed by a perormance inthe mansions music room, an exquisitespace boasting priceless artwork, elaboratechandeliers and a 45 oot covered glassskylight. A post-concert champagne anddessert reception brings the evening to aestive conclusion.

For more inormation, please visit www.MozartInTeSouth.org or call 763-4941.

Mozartin the SouthPROvIDED By CHAMBER MuSIC CHARLESTON


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6 September 4, 2009


A.M. Best Co. has assigned anancial strength rating o A(Excellent) and an issuer credit

rating o a to North Light SpecialtyInsurance Company. Te outlookassigned to both ratings is stable. NorthLight is a wholly owned subsidiary o

Allstate Insurance Company, with bothcompanies having as their ultimate parent,the Allstate Corporation. All companiesare domiciled in Northbrook, IL, unlessotherwise specied.

Te ratings are based on NorthLights solid risk-adjusted capitalizationand operating support provided by thealiates o Allstate Insurance Group.Tis operating support is demonstrated bya 100% quota share reinsurance contract

with Allstate Insurance Company orcountrywide business (excluding Floridaand New Jersey). In the event NorthLight commences writing business inFlorida and/or New Jersey, a similar 100%

quota share reinsurance contract will beimplemented with an Allstate subsidiary.It is anticipated that the Florida business

will be reinsured with Allstate FloridianInsurance Company and the New Jerseybusiness will be reinsured with AllstateNew Jersey Insurance Company prior toNorth Light beginning to write businessin those states. Operating support isprovided by the same underwriting,

pricing and claims inrastructure that isused by Allstate Insurance Group.

North Light oers personal linesproperty coverage on a non-admittedbasis or unique, underserved customersegments or those residing in high riskmarkets such as hurricane, wildre or

earthquake-prone regions. Tereore, thepositive rating attributes are partiallyoset by North Lights signicant grosscatastrophe leverage and the executionrisk associated with underwriting, pricingand handling claims on this highlycatastrophe exposed business. However,the gross catastrophe exposure is reducedto a nominal level on a net basis throughquota share reinsurance currently providedby Allstate Insurance Company.

For Bests Credit Ratings, an overview othe ratings process and rating methodologies, please visit www.ambest.com/ratings. Teprincipal methodologies used in determiningthese ratings, including any additional

methodologies and actors, which may havebeen considered, can be ound at www.ambest.com/ratings/methodology.

Founded in 1899, A.M. Best Company is aglobal ull-service credit rating organizationdedicated to serving the nancial and healthcare service industries, including insurancecompanies, banks, hospitals and health caresystem providers. For more inormation,visit www.ambest.com.

Acouple weeks beore school

went back into session, HebronZion Presbyterian Church was

overowing with school supplies. Shirts,pants, socks, pens, pencils, notebooks,erasers, backpacks and everything astudent could need were careully laidout in the Fellowship Hall. Te items

were collected throughout the year bychurch members, as well as through astatewide program known as the HandsOn Program. As the students arrived,volunteers rom the church walked themthrough the room, helping the shopperspick out school supplies and oering theirsupport in whatever way they could. We

just love up on them, said James Parlor,a senior vestry member and a membero the Hebron Zion John and Mattie

Washington Preschool advisory board.We just want them to know that thereare people who love them and care aboutthem. It means more to them than you

would think.

Its this philosophy that has made the John and Mattie Washington Preschoolat Hebron Zion such a success with theirstudents. Although its a small program,able to host a maximum o 35 childrenunder the age o our at any given time, thepreschool has made signicant impacts inthe lives o both island children and theirparents.

Well never turn a child away because

their parents cant pay, said Parlor. Someo these olks come to us with tears in theireyes, telling us that theyre working ashard as they can, but its a scufe. So eventhough it costs the church money, $125per child/per week in act, they welcomethem with open arms.

Although Hebron Zion does what it

can to keep up with the demand, they arein desperate need o unding. It doesnthave to be big; $20, $25 every little bithelps, said Parlor. Te school does whatit can as a non-prot, and works with theSocial Services ABC program or partialunding, but as with any governmentagency, unds are always slow to arrive andnever make it beore the bills are due.

Te schools enrollment is increasing,and the volunteers and sta at HebronZion are excited about working withthis years students, but they are lookingor whatever help anyone can oer. Wehave our boots on, said Parlor, were justtrying to get the straps up.

For more inormation, you can reachHebron Zion Presbyterian at 559-0865.Teir physical address is 2915 Bohicket Rd, Johns Island and their mailing address isP.O. Box 1143, Johns Island, SC 29457.Hebron Zion will be holding a ood giveawayor needy amilies this September. Check theIsland Connection calendar in upcomingissues or the exact date.

The cost o a good studentAllstate welcomesNorth Light


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September 4, 2009 7


here has been good news on existing home sales in recent weeks. Nationally,sales o previously owned homes have improved and locally pending homesales have increased as rst time buyers take advantage o the ederal tax credit.

However, a Wall Street Journal article, ater previously reporting other improvementsin the U.S. housing market, published a caveat: home sales are improving nationally atthe low and moderately priced range but on the upper end ($750k+), Sales remainmired in a deep slump and price declines are expected to accelerate.

Many o the home sales (especially single amily homes) in island communitieswithin the Charleston area all into the upper range. For somenotably Isle o Palms,Kiawah, and Sullivans Islandeven the median listing price is well above the $750kprice point. And, as I have reported elsewhere (see www.searspartners.com), about athird o Seabrook Island listings are in this high-end range (another 41% also requirejumbo loans being at or above $471k).

Just as home sales vary across the country, so do they across various Lowcountrycommunities and neighborhoods. able 1 compares all houses (single amily and attachedhomes) listed and sold on the Charleston-rident Multiple Listing Service (MLS) orthe rst hal o 2009 compared to the same period a year ago. Tis allows comparisonacross island communities and across time. For purposes o this comparison, it shouldbe noted that only a minority o Kiawah homes are listed/sold through the MLS.

Although some generalized and common sense patterns were ound (generally newlistings were down, median sales prices lower, days on the market higher), dierences

were ound on every dimension among these communities.

able 1: Comparison of All Home Sold through MLS, Jan-Jun 2008 vs. Jan-Jun

2009 for Selected Island Communities:

As shown in able 1, there were more listings on the MLS during the rst six monthso 2009 than in 2008 or Isle o Palms, Sull ivans Island and Kiawah. Further, the lattertwo recorded an increase in the median price o new listings. Sullivans Islandunlikethe othersalso recorded more residential properties sold between this year and last.Te greatest percentage o decrease in the number o homes sold was ound on the Isleo Palms, which as one would expect also evidenced the greatest percentage increase odays on the market (DOM) beore a property was sold (rom 76 to 258). In contrast,

Sullivans Island saw DOM slashed by one-third (rom 257 to 168).Tere were also island dierences in the median price or which a home sold rom

2008 to the same period this year. Te sales price was up on Daniel Island, level on FollyBeach and Sullivans Island, and down on Seabrook, Isle o Palms, and Kiawah. Furtherevidence o the relative strength o the housing market on Daniel Island is apparent

when comparing the dierence between nal list price and sales price. Te averagehome sold on the MLS was 93% o the listed price. Te LP/SP ratio also remainedconstant (but lower, 91%) on Folly Beach. Te greatest absolute drop between 2008and 2009 was on Seabrook (rom 94% to 87%) and the greatest percentage decline wasthe Isle o Palms.

Te relative changes in each community rom the rst hal o 2008 to the sameperiod this year or each o these dimensions is shown in able 2.

able 2: Percentage Change of All Homes Sold Tru MLS, Jan-Jun 08 vs. Jan-Jun09:

So, what do the data show regarding the upper-end o the real estate market? Comparingthe rst hal o 2008 to 2009 across these island communities, a small increase in sharein Sullivans Island and Daniel Island was ound or residential sales at $750k or above.Te ormer increased 5 percentage points (rom 86% to 91%) and the latter by 3 (16%

to 19%). All o the other communities ound market sales at the higher-end shrinkingin comparison to those in the lower ranges. Te most dramatic changes were on FollyBeach with 2009 sales at 43% o the 2008 level and Seabrook at just at hal o thepercentage sold in 2008.

From these data, the Wall Street Journals conclusion that the market or high-endhomes is mired in a deep slump is only partial ly true. Even within the limitedCharleston metro area, there are pockets o improving high-end sales. Further, one canreasonably anticipate improvements in our regional real estate market to be dierentiatedamong the island communities even as national economic conditions improve.

James . Sears, PhD, is a Realtor and Real Estate Analyst. As an Accredited BuyerRepresentative, he specializes in residential real estate on the islands and investment propertiesin Charleston. More data are available at www.searspartners.com and he can be reached [email protected]

Pocket markets or high end home salesBy JAMES T. SEARS, PHD

table 1

table 2


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Island ConnAugust 2

Ta k e a p a g eJohns Island Regional Library3531 Maybank Highway559-1945Hours:Monday Tursday: 10 8Friday & Saturday: 10 6Sunday: 2 5

Wee Reads (under 24 months withadult) Mondays, September 14, 21, and28 at 10:30am

ime or wos (23 years old withadult) uesdays, September 8, 15, 22,and 29 at 10:30am

Preschool Storytime (36 years)Wednesdays, September 9, 16, 23, and30 at 10:30am

Saturday Family Storytime (all ages)Saturdays, September 5, 12, 19, and 26at 11am

Excel Basics (adults/young adults)uesday, September 8 rom 10am 12

Computer Basics (adults/young adults)Monday, September 14 rom 6 8pm

Mail Merge Magic (adults/youngadults) uesday, September 15 rom10am 12 Noon

Keyboard Basics (adults/young adults)Monday, September 21 rom 6 8pm

PowerPoint Basics (adults/youngadults) uesday, September 22 rom10am 12 Noon

Internet Basics (adults/young adults)Monday, September 28 rom 6 8pm

Publisher: Create a Calendar or theSchool Year (adults/young adults)uesday, September 29 rom 10am 12 Noon

*All computer classes are ree. For moreinormation please call 559-1945 andask or the Reerence Department. Classspace is available or 8 participants persession.

Wired (grades 6-12)Wednesdays, September 9 and 23 rom3:304:30pm

oddler ime (1 to 3 years)Tursday, September 10, 17, and 24 at

4pm.

Saturday Movie: Bedtime Stories(allages) Saturday September 12 at 3pmRated; PG; 99 minutes. Learn moreabout the actors and check out booksto take home rom our book display.Sponsor: Te UPS Store, 3575Maybank Highway, Johns Island.

Sea Islands Book Club (adults)uesday, September 15 at 2pm

Well be discussing Who Do YouTink You Are?: a Memoir by AlyseMyers.

L: een Lab ime (grades 6-12)Wednesdays, September 16 and 30rom 4 - 6pm

Big rucks and More! (all ages)Saturday, September 19 at 2pm

Free Legal Clinic: Wills, Estates &Probate (adults)Tursday, September 24 at 6pmLocal attorney, Charles S. Goldberg,

Esq., will provide a 30-45 minutelecture on wills, estates and probateissues ollowed by an open questionand answer session. For moreinormation, call the SC Bar Pro BonoProgram, 1-800-395-3425, ext. 158, orlog on to ww w.scbar.org/clinics.

MOJA Festival (all ages)Tursday, September 24 to Sunday,October 4. Visit the Childrens Desk tolearn more about the MOJA Festival.

We will also have a series o wordsearch activities ocused on Arican

American and Caribbean Arts.

DISPLAYS:Manga ArtOthell Browns art ocuses on manga

he created named Legion. His displaywill consist o twelve pieces withthe main character iavia and anassortment o supporting characters.His manga eatures people o Aricandescent as main characters.

Quilt DisplayLocal master quilter Nora Williams

will display her mud cloth quilt, TeFamily. Her handcra ted quilt depictsan Arican ather, mother, and child.

Wall Hangings DisplayNora Williams will exhibit severalunique, handmade Arican-inspired

wall hangings o various sizes, themes,and patterns.

Attention:Seabrook Island newcomers

Dont miss the October cocktail mixer in the Osprey room o the newSIPOA Lake House on October 23, 2009, rom 5 to 7:30pm. I you havepurchased property in the past year or were unable to attend a previous

party, you are welcome to join us. Tis is a great opportunity to build newriendships, learn about the many specia l interest groups, volunteer opportunities,

and meet rst hand with key Seabrook Island leadership individuals.Invitations will be mailed this month, so please RSVP. I you

would like to join and have not received an invitation, pleasecall Cindy Will is at 768-8301 or Jan McBride at768-3696. Te Newcomers Committee o theSIPOA and the Seabrook Island Clubis eager to welcome you and acilitatea positive transition to our Seabrookcommunity.

Friday, September 4

Last day or Seabrook Island candidacyflingInterested parties may obtain urtherinormation and the necessary orms romthe Municipal Clerk by phoning 768-5320 weekdays or by contacting one o themembers o the Election Commission andarranging an appointment convenient toboth parties.

Saturday, September 5

Flights on the Liberty BelleFlights on the most recently restored World

War II Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress LibertyBelle will be oered at the Charleston

Executive Airport on Johns Island onSaturday and Sunday rom 10am - 5pm.Flights are 45 minutes. For more ino,contact contact Scott Maher at (918) 340-0243.

Te ryal o Major Stede Bonnet alias theGentleman PirateTe perormance takes place both insideand outside o Charlestons HistoricPowder Magazine. Te Powder Magazine,79 Cumberland St. Starting at 4:30pm.

Admission is $8-$12. For more ino, call534-6169, email [email protected], and visit www.puretheatre.org.

Sunday, September 6

Lowcountry Wine and Beer FestivalDoor prizes, wine and beer rom aroundthe world, a live and silent auction, and

jazz music perormed bythe Cobblestone

rio. ickets are $25 (advance) or $30 atthe gate. Purchase locations: First Federalon Folly Road, the Barrier Islands FreeMedical Clinic, Schoen Ace Hardware,Rosebank Farms Ca, Resort Quest, IndigoBooks, Guest Services at Freshelds Village,Seabrook Island Real E state, the own oKiawah oce, and Kiawah Island RealEstate. For more ino, call Eugenia Beach at266-9800.

monday, September 7

Labor Day

WedneSday, September 9

St. Johns Rotary Club

Te St Johns Rotary Club meets regularlyat 7:30am each Wednesday morning in themultipurpose room at Berkeley ElectricCooperative located at 3351 Maybank

Highway, Johns Island. For more incontact Martha Harris at 559-6955.

thurSday, September

Mozart in the South opening day

Opening day kicks o with a chambemusic perormances at 7pm at St.Matthews Lutheran Church, 405 KiStreet. Te concert includes musiciathe Charleston Symphony Orchestra Chamber Music Charleston perormMozarts Flute Quartet in A Major, KHaydns String Quartet in g minor, OpNo. 3 and Mozarts Serenade No. 11 ifat, K. 375. ickets may be purchasat www.MozartInTeSouth.org or bycalling 763-4941.

Friday, September 11

Patriots Day

National Day o Caring

Mozart in the SouthStarting at 7pm at the Cathedral o SLuke and St. Paul (126 Coming Stree


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on Calendarptember 4

ntown Charleston), the Mozart inuth Festival Orchestra will perormerts Symphony No. 5 in B fat Major,5and Mozarts Piano Concerto No.A Major, K. 488. ickets may beased at ww w.MozartInTeSouth.org

call ing 763-4941.

urday, September 12

ook Adopt-a-Highwayat 9am in the SIPOA administrativeparking lot on Landall Way. I you

Seabrooker and are available to help,contact Linda Sivert at sivert.linda@

ast.net.

mber Music SoireeCalhoun Mansion (16 Meeting

) starting at 6pm. ickets are $75roceeds benet Chamber Musicestons educational programs. Limited are available and advance purchase

uired. ickets may be purchased atChambeMusicCharleston.org or byg 763-4941.

Farm Saturdayse Farms will be open one Saturdaymonth to do un activities (hayrides,l eeding, etc.) with children anddepending on the month. Lunch in

cnic area is included. From 9am to. Reservations required. Te cost is

or adults and $15 or children, whiches lunch. For more ino or to make

ations, call 559-0763 or visit www.arms.com.

Mozart Circusday event celebrating classicaland its role in the lives o children!perormances in the Big ent

oessional musicians and schoolbles, participate in a beginningmental class or join a Musik GartenFrom 10am 4pm in Marion Square,town. For more ino, visit www.tinthesouth.org.

Sunday, September 13

Grandparents Day

Mozart it the South closing perormanceAt 4pm at St. Matthews Lutheran

Church, 405 King Street. Musicians othe Charleston Symphony Orchestra andChamber Music Charleston will perormMozarts Symphony no. 29 in A Major,K. 201 and schaikovskys Souvenir deFlorence, Op. 70. ickets may be purchasedat www.MozartInTeSouth.org or bycalling 763-4941.

tueSday, September 15

Seabrook Island Art Guild (SIAG)meeting

Joyce Hall Ahrens will hold ademonstration using oil paints; rereshment

will be served. Te Seabrook Island ArtGuild meets on the third uesday o everymonth at the new Lake House at 7pm.Te Guild also meets each uesday andTursday at 1pm. I you would like to

join the Guild, membership dues are $20/year. For more inormation, please contactRobert McBride at 768-3696 or visit www.seabrookislandartguild.com.

WedneSday, September 16

Shellfsh season begins

Seabrook Blood DriveFrom 10:30am to 4pm at the OysterCatcher Community Center.

Tird annual CAR Blue Ribbon Event

Starting at 12 noon at the Francis MarionHotel, 387 King Street, DowntownCharleston. Featuring guest speaker SallyHughes Smith, the Blue Ribbon Event is anannual undraiser or the Charleston AreaTerapeutic Riding Center ScholarshipFund. ickets are are $60. For more ino,please call 559-6040, email catradmin@

wildblue.net or visitwww.catrarms.org .

St. Johns Rotary ClubSee Wednesday, September 9.

Saturday, September 19

38thAnnual Scottish Highland GamesFrom 9am to 5pm at Boone HallPlantation. Competitions include heavyScottish athletics, piping and drumming,Highland dancing, wrestling, BorderCollie demonstrations, childrens games,Scottish merchandise, ood and more. Seecharlestonscots.org or details and visit

www.boonehallplantation.com to purchasetickets, or call 884-4371.

Jane Austen Society meetingTe S.C. Region o the Jane AustenSociety begins its 16th year today with aroundtable discussion o the novels Jane

Austen (and her characters) read. Please joinus at 1:30 at the Berkeley Electric Bldg.,3351 Maybank Hwy., Johns Island. Formore inormation, call 768-6453.

Kiawah Beach and River SweepTe group will meet at 8:30am at Night

Heron Park and will sweep the beach rontand river side o Kiawah until 12 noon.Gloves, bags and light rereshments will beprovided. o volunteer, email Brad Schmollat [email protected] or call the HeronPark Nature Center at 768-6001.


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As much as we admonish others and remindourselves with the ot quoted saying, the majorityo us are still inclined to judge a book by its cover.

I am ashamed to say that I did just that with a bookthat was given to me or review. As a lover o politicalscience, historical ction and any book rom which Icome away knowing more about the world than I didgoing in, I am the rst to condemn romance novels. Fullo over-embellished similes and metaphors and rie withsituations that leave me blushing or several hours atercompleting a chapter, most o the time I would ratherread a detailed analysis o the use o the Navier-Stokesequation in practical large scale drainage use than opena Harlequin novel.

So it was with heavy judgment and preconceivedopinions that I opened the Regency romance novel TeNude by Folly Beach author Dorothy McFalls: and I waspleasantly surprised to nd mysel completely and utterly

wrong.

Part o my prejudgment error was in assuming thata Regency romance novel is just another name or aHarlequin romance novel. In act, i there were a hierarchyo romance novels, Regency would be considered the mostelite and least sexual o them all. ypically written witha high degree o intelligent, ast paced dialog, Regencynovels are set in the 19th century and are loosely basedon the styles o Jane Austen and Georgette Heyer. Tename Regency comes rom the British Regency era,

when the Prince o Wales (later George IV), ruled atPrince Regent ater his ather, George III, was deemedunt or rule. His rule, rom approximately 1811 1837,

was a time o great excess in terms o the arts and culture,as well as agrant hedonism or the eras beau monde; the

nickname or Britains most afuent amilies.

McFalls novel opens in London, 1814. A desperateartist applies the nely ground, sparkling dust osapphires and rubies to a painting he has struggled orseveral sleepless days and nights to complete. With a nalstroke, the artist, known only as Dionysus, passes out,exhausted, at the base o his creation.

When the painting is nally revealed, however, itssubject has no idea that she has been imagined, prostrateand completely naked, on the artists canvas. Te scandalrocks the town and Elsbeth Mercer, the hapless victim,

is determined to uncover the artists true identity at allcosts.

In the meantime, Nigel Purbeck, the sixth Marquesso Edgeware, takes pity on Elsbeth and determines todo what he can to return her good name. Generallyregarded as a wealthy recluse, Purbeck opens the doorso his country estate to the beau monde or a week-long

party and makes it a point that Elsbeth attends; a socialinvitation that would never been oered to a womano loose morals. Te invitation, coupled with Purbecksconstant attentions, is slowly bringing Elsbethsreputation out o the gutter when disaster strikes. A killeris on the loose and Purbeck is their target.

Although the story starts slowly, the twists and turnsbecome rapid-re once the guests arrive at the Purbeckcountry estate. McFalls has certainly done her homeworkas well, as many o the reerences to era paints, stonework,architecture, customs, language and political activitiesare accurately peppered throughout the novels 350+pages.

Secret chambers, mysterious lockets, illegal smuggling,vicious killers and yes, even a midnight trist, are allexcellent reasons to pick up a copy o McFalls novel,

Te Nude. As i that wasnt enough, youll probably evenlearn something by the end.

Dorothy McFalls is a Folly Beach native, living withher sculptor husband and two dogs. At 28 years old, thisis her sixth book and she looks orward to penning manymore. For more inormation about McFalls or her books,visit www.dorothymcalls.com.

Te Nude is available at amazon.com, Barnes &Noble, as well as your local book stores.

Action and adventure in The NudeBy KRISTIN HACKLER


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he change in the length o daysis slight, but noticeable. Drivinghome in the evening, the bright

orange glow o the setting sun is startingto hit a little earlier each day and maybeits wishul thinking, but the ghost o acool breeze seems to seep into the dusk,

prophesying to the Lowcountry thearrival o autumn and the beginning o

the school year. For Kyra Westerberg,the summer couldnt end soon enough.

Most school age children spend theirsummers playing, either with riends oron the computer/game system, but orKyra, the school-ree hours meant moretime to work on her novel; and shes

already up to chapter seven in a notebooklled rom ront to back with text. Itscalled Earmarks, said Kyra, describingan elaborately detailed plotline that shesstill ardently developing.

A student o Charleston Collegiate,her passions revolve around creative

writing and the study o Greekmythology. She quickly recounted herreasons or liking her avorite Greekgoddess, Artemis, because, She wontmarry because it slows her down. Shelikes Poseidon since hes the god o water,and recalled in detail the early myth othunder being related to the battle o theGreek giant gods, the itans.

When asked what she was lookingorward to most about the upcoming

school year, she grinned and saidLockers! Awesomeness. As or classes,though, she cant wait to take historyand creative writing.

Although shes only eleven and justnow entering the sixth grade, dont besurprised i you see a new novel writtenby one o Americas youngest authorshitting the shelves in the next couple

o years. In the meantime, Kyra will beworking hard at school, absorbing all theinormation she can so she can pour itback into her writing, and occasionallypenning a poem or two to keep hercreative mind busy.

Ready to hit the booksAN INTERvIEW WITH CHARLESTON COLLEGIATE

SIxTH GRADER, KyRA WESTERBERG

DropletsBy Kyra Westerberg

I step outsidebeore the breaking o dawn.I awoke because I heard a sotpitter patter.It was rain.I looked up at the clouds,gray and heavyas the rain was alling out.It looked as i it were crying, notsad,but happy,as i it was relieved o all itstroubles.Ten I looked up at the droplets

like they were jewels allingdownrom heaven above or silverdroplingsmelting into the palms o myhands.I smiled because it was a newday and a new beginning.

he e-mentoring pilot project which

was conducted last spring at Haut GapMiddle School was very successul and

will be expanded this year. Te students romthe pilot will have the same mentors they had

during their eighth grade year, so this year,sixteen more mentors will be needed or thisyears seventh graders. Te program, sponsoredby Communities in Schools o Charleston andthe sta o Haut Gap Middle School, uses adultmentors rom Kiawah, Seabrook and JohnsIsland. While ace to ace meetings are heldoccasionally, the main requirement o the mentoris to e-mail the mentee at least twice a weekusing a secure Internet based system known asGaggle. Tis program is ideal or people whomay not live on the islands u ll time but want tovolunteer with the communitys young people.

Communities in Schools has a history onding the volunteers here to be generous withboth their time and money. Te program atHaut Gap is yet another way to be involved withthe children o Johns Island. Providing middle

grade students with an extra adult in their lives, who cares about their progress in school andextracurricular activities, can oten encouragethe young person to excel in school and beyond.I you are interested in volunteering or ndingout urther inormation, contact Courtney

Winders with Communities in Schools oCharleston (810-6209) or Frances Boyd, aKiawah resident coordinating the volunteers.([email protected])

The ease o

e-mentoringPROvIDED By FRANCES BOyD

Kyra Westerberg


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Pale deer?

Seabrook resident Paul Covert caught this young piebald doe on camera a ewweeks ago. According to Kiawah Island Naturalist Jennier Barbour, piebald is agenetic condition which aects about 1% o the deer population, and a small portiono that population currently lives on Seabrook Island. Indications o a piebald dearinclude stunted leg growth, a curving spine, and a slight downward curve o thenose accompanying the white coloration.

photo By paul Covert

You never know where you might spot a gator on the islands. Seabrook residentCindy Covert saw this gator hanging out in one o the storm drains at Live OakPark. She and her husband, Paul, make it a point to remind people to watch theirchildren and dogs whenever they are walking around on the island, because younever know where youll spot one o these living ossils.

Gators on the island

photo By Cindy Covert

Best-Ever Pear CobblerPROvIDED By ROSEBANK FARMS

(From the September 1982 Southern Living magazine)

Ingredients:4 medium pears, peeled, cored, and sliced (about 4 cups)1 bsp. lemon juice3 bsp. all-purpose our1 c. sugar tsp. ground cinnamon tsp. ground nutmegDash o salt1 bsp. butter or margarineCheddar Cheese Pastry(see recipe below)Directions:

Arrange pear slices evenly in a 10 x 6 x 2-inch baking dish;sprinkle with lemon juice. Combine our, sugar, cinnamon,nutmeg, and salt; stir well, and sprinkle over pears. Dot withbutter.Roll pastry to -inch thickness on a lightly oured surace; cutinto 10 x -inch strips. Arrange in lattice a shion and trim edgesas needed. Bake at 350 degrees or one hour. 6-8 servings

Cheddar Cheese PastryIngredients:1 c. all-purpose our tsp. salt1/3 c. shortening c. (1 oz) shredded sharp Cheddar cheese1 to 3 bsp. cold waterDirections:Combine our and salt; cut in shortening with a pastry blenderuntil mixture resembles coarse meal. Stir in cheese. Sprinklecold water evenly over surace, stirring with a ork until all dryingredients are moistened. Shape dough into a ball. Yield: pastryor one cobbler.

Storm over Seabrook

Its that time o year when storms are constantly passing over our islands. Its beautiul to watch,but its also a good reminder to make sure that youre prepared or hurricane season, as we are nowentering the busiest month or hurricanes in the south.


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he summer sun is beginning to give upits ght, giving way to the cooler days oall. Kids are going back to school, the

marsh grass is beginning to bloom, and amily

vacations at the beach are now sweet memories.For Naturalists on the islands, a sure sign o thecoming all is the arrival o a spunky bird with aloud call.

Te Belted Kingsher (Ceryle alcyon) is astocky mid-sized bird with a large head, thickbill, and shaggy, Mohawk-like crest. Teymeasure between 11-14 inches in length, and havea wingspan between 19-23 inches. Both male andemale have a slate blue head, large white collar,a blue band on the breast and white underneath.Te back and wings are also slate blue with blackeather tips. Females have a rusty band across theupper belly, making it one o the ew bird speciesin which the emale is more brightly colored thanthe male. A distinctive, long clattering rattle

usually precedes a sighting o this sh-eating birdound on sheltered waters.

Belted Kingshers search or prey rom alookout perch on trees or wires and can be seenhovering over the water beore plunge-divingheadrst to capture small sh. While sh makeup the majority o this birds diet, they will alsoconsume aquatic invertebrates, insects, and small

vertebrates. Tey breed along streams, rivers,lakes, and estuaries across most o Canada,

Alaska, and the United States. Te nest o theBelted Kingsher is a long tunnel, 1-8 eet long,

excavated by both parents in a riverbank or sandbank. A slight uphill slope provides an air pocketo saety or the chicks in the event o rising waters.Te emale lays 5-8 eggs and both adults incubatethe eggs and eed the young. Belted Kingsherpairs are territorial, especially during breedingseason. As waters reeze in their northern ranges,Belted Kingshers will migrate to the southernUnited States, Mexico, Central America, the WestIndies, and northern South America.

So while youre out enjoying the Lowcountrysbeautiul all weather, look up when you hear along clattering sound overhead, or take a closerlook with you notice a distinct Mohawk-ed aviansilhouette perched on a cedar snag in the marsh.

You may have caught a glimpse o the Belted

Kingsher during his autumn visit to the islands.

About the Author: Jennier is a Naturalist withthe Kiawah Island Nature Program. o contacther with comments or personal stories, emailher at [email protected]. *Inormation rom Sibleys & Peterson eld guides &Cornells Ornithology web site

Daily Discoveries: Belted KingfshersBy JENNIFER BARBOuR

Te keenness o their eyes gives them vision to spot the tiniest bit o ood, and with alacrity and precision o motion they pick it up Teirs is a worldo instant decisions and quick action.- Gwen Frostic

photos By Jamie rood


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As you may remember rom last

weeks article, I was issued aticket or a cracked windshield

an issue which was dismissed by a city

court judge in Charleston, only to haveit not processed properly by the Clerk oCourt or the same judge. Tis mistakeeventually ended up costing me over$1200 in Christmas unds.

Now it was time to appear beore thecourt to prove, yet again, that I had solvedthis problem over six months prior. odo so, I gathered every shred o evidence:over 50 pages, including out-o-pocketexpenses. I provided a typed, boundnarrative explaining each document. Teinormation was in a logical, linear timesequence with three copies: one or JudgeKoontz, one or Ocer Christmas, andone or mysel.

I arrived early on the designated court

date. I wanted a good seat to be able to getin and out quickly. As luck would have it,my case was one o the last to be heard.But this would prove to be a learningexperience.

Case ater case came beore a mosttolerant and understanding Judge Koontz.

Almost all were guilty. She gave all o thedeendants who were ound guilty as manyalternatives as possible. Some o thoseconvicted elt threatened and becamearrogant; lashing out against the court asthough their error in judgment was thecourts ault. One young man stormedout o the courtroom, only to be quicklyrecovered and ound in contempt.

Ten it was my turn. Both the ocerand the judge were oored when Ipresented the bound argument o myinnocence. Over the years, I was trained

by teams o excellent supervisors todocument, document, document! Gradschool reinorced this point.

Te ocer said, Weve never seenanything like this beore! May we keep acopy?

Sure! I replied. Tat was my purposein a nutshell. I was ound not guilty, andI got the slam dunk I wanted.

With the court now virtually empty,I requested a reund o my money. Te

judge and the ocer looked at each otherand replied, Tat is not this court. Tisis when I aced the harsh reality that Iprobably would not be getting my $1200back. I titled my case wo Christmases

with no Tanksgiving: a result o thetime o arrest, the last name o the ocer,and the act that I had to pay out so muchmoney with no apologies rom anyone.

Next time: Cash in connement (partthree)

Dwight graduated rom the NationalCollege Republican Fieldman School tobecome a political instructor/consultant.Returning rom Washington, DC, he earneddual Masters in Business Administrationand Management. He has done PR work or Crystal Gayle, Frank Abagenal o themovie Catch Me I You Can, and theChristmas Show produced by Brad and Jenier Moranz. Dwight works Security atKiawah Island or KICA.

Beore the court, again(part two)

By DWIGHT S. IvES MA, MA, LuTCF

Sell o your summer clutterLegare Farms Education Foundation is oering ree spaces or a Multi-Family

Yard Sale on Saturday October 3, 2009. Te Yard Sale will correspond with theopening day o Legare Farms Pumpkin Patch and Corn Maze. Te Yard Sale

will open at 8am and run to 12 noon. Te pumpkin patch and corn maze willalso open at 8am but hayrides will not start until 11am. Come out and sell yourextra stu, make a ew dollars and pick a pumpkin. Legare Farms is located onHanscombe Point Road o River Road on Johns Island. o reserve your space callLegare Farms at 559-0788 or e-mail [email protected].

So long, old Island HouseFinal nish and punch list work continue in the new Island House, and its lookinggreat! Meanwhile, back at the old Island House, a ew pictures tell the whole story.

photosBy:WarrenKimBall

AdioS (8/25)

SAyonArA (8/26)

Adieu (8/27)

AS IvES SEES IT


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island connection - september 4, 2009

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