Since May 2005

PRESORT STANDARD
US POSTAGE PAID
FOLLY BEACH, SC
PERMIT NO 27
Volume 4 Issue 20 FREE February 6, 2009

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

Better together
Happy
Valentine’s Valentine's
wines Day from
By Andrew Harris
was trying to figure out a good name for this Lucky Dog
I column and nothing seemed to make sense,
or was just too cheesy (“Wining and Dining
with Drew Harris”, ha!). Then Jack Johnson’s
Publishing
song “Better Together” interrupted my thoughts
(it’s my ring tone for my wife, Michelle) and and the crew
eureka! I had the title of the column.
I’ve been drinking wine for a long time and at Island
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 Eye News!
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
sDay!
tine'
with a delicate piece of white fish - yuck!).
n
I will do my best to provide suggestions for
pairing food and wine. I intend to go beyond p y Vale
the obvious pairings: A big Cabernet (Cliff Hap Love,
e
Lede $59.99) with a hunk of grilled meat or a Rosi
see Better Together on page 5

Inside Island Eye

Barefoot Bistro page 11 Whetstone wine tasting page 14 Happy trails page 17
2 February 6, 2009
Sullivan’s Island Town Council
The Sullivan’s Island Town Council held
their regular meeting on January 20.
Ben Sawyer project underway
After 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
Civic
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
www.islandeyenews.com
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 parking
Council 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 woes
Ways 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 Commission
As 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
see Council on page 3
February 6, 2009
Letters to the Editor
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.  bathroom and shower was integral to the
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
Council from page 2
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 water
We’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.
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.  swan@luckydognews.sc
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,
Serving Sullivan’s Island
Staff Report
O
nce 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,
www.islandeyenews.com
3
Luck y D o g P ubl i sh i n g , L L C
who have spent the last few months Publisher of the Island Eye News, The
dedicating their time and money to help Island Connection and The Folly Current.
make his home handicap accessible.
Lynn Pierotti
Publisher
In particular, I would like to offer lynn@luckydognews.sc
my thanks to Ryan Buckhannon of the
Isle of Palms. His donation of all the Kristin Hackler
Editor
ceramic tile to the construction of a
kristin@luckydognews.sc
new 100 square foot wheel-in handicap
Swan Richards
success of the project. I approached him Graphic Designer
several months ago with a lofty request
for a large commitment of time and
Ali Akhyari
money. After being denied by several Assistant Editor
other tile suppliers, I expected the same ali@luckydognews.sc
result. However, Ryan enthusiastically
agreed to help the project by simply Heather Boggs Holbrook
saying "It's the right thing to do". Contributing Editor
heather@luckydognews.sc
In the months since he made the Becca Finley
commitment to this effort he also chose Copy Editor/Reporter
to run for the office of IOP mayor. I info@luckydognews.sc
thought it was important for the residents
Brittany Urbach
of IOP to know what type of person we Reporter
have on our ballot for the upcoming brittany@luckydognews.sc
runoff. As a military veteran, I greatly
appreciate those who support our Armed Chelsea Langan
Forces and its veterans. As a resident Advertising
chelsea@luckydognews.sc
of Isle of Palms, I also appreciate a high
level of integrity in our leaders as they Interns
make decisions daily for the well-being Jennifer Millar
of our community. When I go to the Bridget Hinkebein
polls again on February 10, I will vote Bri Horahan
Ashley Anderson
for Ryan Buckhannon, and I hope those •
who read this will consider doing the Contributors
same. "It's the right thing to do." Jason H. Cohen
Becca Finley
If you would like to learn more Mary Gatch
Sarah Harper
about the project for MSgt Don Eagle or Drew Harris
donate to his ongoing care and expenses Eric Horan
please visit http://msgtdoneaglefund. Carol Killough
com/. Dimi Matouchev
Meredith Nelson
Diane Oltorik
Thank you,
Rob Hamill Published by
Isle of Palms Lucky Dog Publishing
of South Carolina, LLC
P.O. Box 837
Sullivan’s Island, SC 29482
843-886-NEWS
Submit your letters to the editor to:
info@luckydognews.com
Future deadlines:
but the Town says the population is February 11 for all submissions.
pretty stable and the required number
will probably be around 100 signatures The Island Eye News, a wholly owned
subsidiary of Lucky Dog Publishing of
or less. The actual number will be based South Carolina LLC, is a free, independent
on the amount of registered voters as newspaper published every two weeks and
of March16, nearly a month after the is for and about the Isle of Palms, Sullivan’s
petition is due. Council member Jerry Island, Goat Island and Dewees Island.
Copies are mailed free of charge to every
Kaynard, who was elected to Council in active mailbox in our coverage area and are
the last election, suggests getting more also available at area businesses and by
signatures than you need ... just in case. subscription to non-islanders. Subscriptions
Polls will open at 7am and close at are $30 per year for non-residents and are
available by sending a check to Lucky Dog
7pm on the day of the election. This Publishing, LLC, P.O. Box 837, Sullivan’s
will be a non-partisan election. For Island, SC 29482. Contributions of information,
more information, visit Charleston pictures and articles are welcomed and are
used according to space limitations and
County’s Board of Elections website
news value and cannot be returned except
at www.charlestoncounty.org, then by special request. Our editorial content is
click on “Departments”, then “Voter primarily dedicated to the area of distribution;
ad space is open to all businesses who want to
Registration/Elections. You can
reach the Island Eye News market. Complete
also contact Town Hall for more ad creation is $50, however, changes of up to
information. 30% of the original ad are included at no extra
cost. All advertising rates are listed at www.
islandeyenews.sc under “advertising”.
4 February 6, 2009
Isle of Palms City Council
T
he 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
Civic
by Brittany urbach
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
www.islandeyenews.com
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
Better Together from front page
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
5
Daily
and cheesecakes. The medium tannins,
dried cherry, cranberry, and vanilla notes Buckhannon to face Cronin in run-off
bring out the sweet essences of milk
chocolate. By Ali Akhyari
A
Shiraz (Shotfire $23.99) works fter the January 27 special result, Buckhannon will face Cronin
especially well with dark chocolates and election on Isle of Palms, the in a run-off election scheduled for
truffles. The jammy, spicy, fruity nature City was still without an inte- February 10.
of Shiraz (especially a Wine Spectator rim mayor. Despite eclipsing the other Buckhannon expected to split votes
Top 100 Shiraz like Shotfire) accented two candidates with almost double with Bettelli and believes the majority
by oaky vanilla tannins when paired with
the votes, Dick Cronin fell just short of Bettelli’s supporters will back him
dark chocolate is “slap your momma”
divine. of being declared the outright winner instead of Cronin in the runoff. He
after receiving 49 percent of the 1210 also pointed out that a large portion
Now, if your Valentine’s Day plans
(Since it’s on a Saturday this year) votes that were cast. of Cronin’s support came from Wild
include breakfast in bed or a romantic Cronin says that his early success is Dunes. He expects the runoff to be
brunch, sparkling wine (Brut de Charvis a reflection of the residents’ confidence much closer as a result.
$10.99), Champagne (Duval-Leroy in and understanding of how he can “I would like to believe that the
$43.99), and dry Roses (Petale de Rose serve them as Mayor. He believes the residents of the Island would like
$23.99) work especially well with any confidence is a result of his approach someone who plans to serve in the
variety of breakfast cuisine. to politics, which residents have seen City's highest office to represent the
Finally, I’ll briefly touch on some firsthand during his time as a member entire Island and not just one particular
of my wife’s personal Valentine’s Day
of the City Council. area or interest group,” Buckhannon
special pairings: oysters and a crisp, dry
white (Xarmant Txakoli $17.99), crab “Over the years, I have met said. “I work at all levels of the City
(in any form) (awesome with Barranc and listened to a large number of to ensure that the residents and the
dels Closus $25.49) and a residents. I believe my dedication to community are being served in a
medium-rare filet (one understanding our community is my manner to which they deserve.
of her favorites: Orin strongest asset,” Cronin says. In addi- “My commitment to you is to
Swift’s The Prisoner tion, his presence as a member of the approach each and every one of your
$43.99). community might help identify him concerns with open dialogue among
I hope that you have with voters. “I can be found biking all Council to reach objective decisions
a fantastic Valentine’s over the island all year long,” he adds. that our administration and staff can
Day and enjoy whatever
Ryan Buckhannon came in second effectively act upon. An unbiased
you end up doing; but
remember, you can’t go with 27 percent while Marty Bettelli
see Run-off on page 6
wrong with wine and finished with nearly 24 percent. As a
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.
www.islandeyenews.com
6 February 6, 2009
Daily
"Whet" your appetite How is sound made?
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.
www.islandeyenews.sc
By Kristin Hackler
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.
Run-off from page 5
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.”
February 6, 2009
Fighting the good fight
BY Bri Horahan
R
ecent 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
Let us start your day.....
And wine you down.....
2213 Middle Street Sullivan’s Island  843.793.4055  cafemedley@gmail.com
Where to......
do everything on the islands!
Island Eye News is
now selling spots in its
spring / summer map.
For more information call 886-6397
7
Daily
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
Diane Oltorik holds up her first annual Nancy Stogner Award.
earned it.
www.islandeyenews.com
8 February 6, 2009

Morning fog Red-Tailed Hawk

By Eric Horan By Sarah Dargan Harper

M
y friend Doug Gardner and I passed through the Sea Pines Plantation
gate on Hilton Head just before sun up this spring morning. We were

T
he Red-Tailed Hawk (Buteo
headed to Lake Mary in the Forest Preserve to photograph wading birds. jamaicensis) is our most
They spend long hours, days even, gathering nesting materials and preparing for common hawk and perhaps
their chicks to arrive. In another month, the island will be filled with hundreds of the most easily recognizable, with its
birds, tending to their clutch of chicks full time. But this trip, we were intent on large, stocky body and conspicuous tail.
photographing their nest building. They are found as far north
The rookery in the Forest Preserve used to be on a small island in the middle of as Alaska and their range
Lake Mary. For a few months each spring it served as home to egrets, herons and extends south to Panama.
ibis. We launched our kayaks into the glass-smooth water in a heavy fog, counting They feed mostly on
on the fog lifting with the sunrise. The fog did eventually lift; but while waiting, I small mammals, but
got this nice image of my friend paddling. will occasionally feed
Eric Horan publishes a calendar of his work every year and his columns discuss on snakes, birds,
the picture for each month. You can view and/or purchase his 2009 calendar at rabbits and perhaps
www.southernlight.biz. the neighborhood
Chihuahua (or
Photo tip: With each situation you encounter outdoors, plan your gear and
Yorkie). But don’t
how you want to approach your subject. You need to pay close attention to
pull out your bb
the weather, light direction and quality for the time you will be out. When in
gun just yet: these
coastal waters, study the tides. (Check with local papers, tourist guides or my
birds are protected
annual wall calendar Lowcountry 2009, South Carolina.)
by federal law. The
Once in the field, remain open to the unexpected. Your spontaneity can bring
handsome Buteo in
new opportunities. In our case, we could have sat in our boats, grumbling while
my photograph is a
waiting for the sun to burn through the fog. Instead, we managed to capture
juvenile. He (or she)
some nice kayaking shots.
has somewhat lighter
Extra precaution should be used when shooting birds on the nest and
plumage, a brown striped
extreme care taken when they have chicks. You do not want to scare birds
tail and lighter irises. Be
off their nests or worse, startle young chicks to flee the nest prematurely.
careful not to confuse a Red-Tailed
The chances for their survival would not be good. The local waters are full
Hawk with a Red-Shouldered Hawk,
of alligators with others predators on land such as raccoon, fox and bobcat,
which is slightly smaller, more evenly
waiting for such a mishap. With nesting birds, it’s best to use a photo blind or
streaked, and lacks the speckled breast
position yourself with a long lens far enough away to prevent disturbing any
band of the Red-Tailed Hawk.
natural behavior.
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 dargan3484@
gmail.com.

www.islandeyenews.com
February 6, 2009
More from the great fluoride debate
Y
ou’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
 Pet Helpers
Pets of the Week
RIBBONS: Hi!  I’m a 4-year
old dark brown tabby female.
I’m sleek and silent and I like
my peace and quiet.  I would be
happier in a childless and dog free
home.  Spayed, vax, chip, fee.
Pet Helpers is located at 1447 Folly Road, James Island.
Hours: Mon – Fri from 11am – 6pm and Sat from 11am - 5pm.
Closed: Sundays and Holidays.
For more information, please call 843-795-1110.
Daily
By Mary Gatch
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
GRETCHEN:  Hi!  My name
is Gretchen.  I was brought in to
Pet Helpers because my previous
owner passed away.  I’m sweet,
playful and housebroken.  I really
don’t like being in a kennel.  I
need a nice warm house where I
am loved.  Spayed, vax, chip, fee. 
www.islandeyenews.com
9
40’s? The full history might make Based on LD50 data from Robert E.
your blood boil just a little (visit Gosselin et al, Clinical Toxicology of
http://www.zerowasteamerica.org/ Commercial Products 5th ed., 1984
FluorideChronology.htm for an
extensive chronology of events). In the Maximum Contaminant Levels
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
Standards established by the
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
see Debate on page 10
Spring Cleaning? Redecorating?
BUY OURS - CONSIGN YOURS
Upscale consignments for the
home. Check us first for BEST
selection and prices.
1214 Fairmont Mt Pleasant
next to GDC off Coleman
We're here mon-sat 10-5:30
or call 843-216-0056
10
Enjoy a one-year financial “holiday”
A
lthough 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,
Debate from page 9
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
By Dimi Matouchev
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
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
www.islandeyenews.com
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
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
February 6, 2009
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.
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 marygatch@dwellsmart.com or by
visiting the store at 615 Johnnie Dodds Blvd.,
Mount Pleasant (between Eco Fitness and
Twin Rivers Bowling).
February 6, 2009
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
11
Put your best food forward
Barefoot Bistro
By Becca Finley
Photo by Kim Thompson
detail. excellent find is
The menu changes and evolves the Pan Seared
with the seasons, ensuring you will Swordfish served
experience a new sensory explosion. with local shrimp
If available, request the Roasted over roasted winter
Pear Salad. The pears are poached vegetables and a
in a molasses apple cider and served saffron mussel broth,
over warm wilted baby spinach and accompanied with a
topped with prosciutto, crumbled small nest of roasted
Danish bleu cheese and spiced pecans. tomatoes and folded
The sweet/salty combination in this pecorino Romano
salad is heavenly. Pair this with the cheese and a side of
Rose Sangria. While in Spain, Justin steamed asparagus.
examined various sangrias recipes and Cooked to perfection,
has adapted them into his signature the swordfish stands
sangria with two different rums, Paisano proud, moist and
wine, lime and local berries. meaty; a delightfully
Looking for a true Maryland Crab rich dish, without
Cake? Look no further. Justin does not being overpowering.
play around with filler … this is the real Come on over Chef/Owner Justin Garrison.
deal; pure lump crab, baby. Many places on any Sunday for thru Saturday noon-2:30pm; dinner
make the sad, sad mistake of adding a good old fashioned Southern brunch -Wednesday thru Saturday 5-9pm; and
peppers, onions and bread crumbs, but featuring Eggs Benedict with a Shrimp- Sunday brunch 10am-2:30pm. For more
the simple ingredients Justin remains Crawfish Etouffee, Ice Cream Battered information, call 843-886-4445.
true to are lump crab, salt, pepper, French Toast and a classic BLT. In the Fun Fact: Justin and his wife Julie
lemon and some egg whites. Then, to warmer months, enjoy live jazz on the have a newborn at home.
give us a presentation boost, the crab patio. If you need an event catered, Becca Finley (beccafinley@
cakes are layered on top of a skillet look no further. Barefoot Bistro will mail.com)is a freelance writer and
cornbread and surrounded by a sweet surpass your wildest expectations. They marketing/branding specialist (www.
corn, squash, zucchini and red onion specialize in private events, holiday bayoulogic.com) who recently moved to
confetti. Barefoot Bistro specializes parties and company events. Hours Sullivan’s Island from Dallas, Texas.
in seafood and uses local Crosby’s of operation are: lunch - Wednesday
Seafood for all of its fish needs. Another
www.islandeyenews.com
14 February 6, 2009

IOP Exchange Club helps the

Fired up
children of the Lowcountry
Provided by Dimi Matouchev

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

Water: quite the troublemaker

By Brittany Urbach

W
ater 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
(Left to right) Dan McQueeney, President of the SC District Exchange Club, who
which was implemented last year has
accepted a check on the behalf of the National Exchange Club’s “Campaign for Kids”;
also contributed to the shortfall. The Susie Lee, Board Member, for Lowcountry Orphan Relief; Kim Clifton from HALOS; Jim
increase wasn’t put into action until a Raih, President of the IOP Exchange Club; Donna Slipko from Dee Norton Lowcountry
month after the fiscal year had begun—a Children’s Center; Deborah McKelvey, Executive Director of Windwood Farm; and
mistake which cost them an estimated Elizabeth Grantham, Prevention of Child Abuse committee chair for the IOP Exchange.
$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

www.islandeyenews.com
 February 6, 2009
Listen to your heart (rate) this Valentine’s Day!
S
omeone 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
Fitness
By Meredith Nelson, M.Ed
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!
www.islandeyenews.com
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
15
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,
see Heart Rate on page 18
16
Martin Luther King Day essay contest
T
he 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-C
By 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
February 6, 2009
discrimination has shared the dream schools, use different bathrooms and
and injustice in with Dr. King is by drinking fountains and had to sit in the
the world. inspiring others to back of the bus. Today, due to the efforts
Many years make a difference. of many Civil Rights leaders like Dr.
later, long after They are also great King, black people and other minority
Dr. King was pubic speakers and people can do the same things that white
gone, something very caring family people can do.
happened that men who take Black, white, male, and female
would change responsibility. Dr. individuals can vote, go to college, and
America King and President- even become President of the United
forever. The elect Obama are States of America. This is a miracle and
forty-fourth amazing men who definitely a dream come true for many
President of the care for everyone, not people!
United States just their friends or
Barack Obama African Americans. Most original essay
was elected, Both of these By Marion, class 2-U
the first African men are American President-elect Barack Obama is
American icons who spoke living the dream of Doctor Martin
President ever to the public about Luther King Jr. How? I know. Barack
in the nation’s history. Barack Obama problems and fixed them. I think Dr. Obama had a fair and square chance
isn’t just living the dream. I believe he King and President-elect Barack Obama of becoming President of the United
is the Dream. have changed the world by using their States of America. It’s equal because
dream that all of us would be united. back then, African American people
First place – class 5-S couldn’t even get anywhere close to
By Gillian Armstrong First place – class 5-M being President of the United States of
President-elect Barack Obama is By Matthew Haigler America. President-elect Barack Obama
living the dream of Dr. King in many President-elect Barack Obama is was as lucky as ice cream that nobody
ways. First of all, he became a leader for fulfilling Dr. King’s dream by winning ate and didn’t melt. I voted for Barack
the public and in a way, they were both the election because of his character Obama. Barack Obama is living the
spiritual leaders. Both of them have rather than the color of his skin. dream of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
brought change to America by uniting In Dr. King’s day, black people were PS – Barack Obama is the first African
two different cultures. not given the same rights as white American President.
Another way President-elect Obama people. They had to go to different
www.islandeyenews.com
February 6, 2009
Cub scouts revitalize island nature trail
T
he 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
Provided by Carol Killough
PHOTO BY CAROL KILLOUGH secondary and primary dunes, out to the beach to
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 of the future will continue to adopt this trail as
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 and is chartered by Stella Maris Catholic Church
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
www.islandeyenews.com
17
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
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
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
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.
18 February 6, 2009
op-ed
Community water fluoridation from my perspective
By Jason H. Cohen, DMD

A
s 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 An example of dental root surface, if exposed). In
greater longevity. In caries, commonly
my clinical experience, known as tooth decay. process of demineralization
this has not only had a
positive physiological
effect, it has also had an important effect ingesting fluoridated water, fluoride
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
our mouths there is a constant
and re-mineralization. This is a
natural, healthy tug of war. By
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.

Heart Rate from page 15 Meredith Nelson, M.Ed, is the owner

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.
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
Meredith@primetimefit.net.

www.islandeyenews.com
February 6, 2009
It’s in the bag!
By Diane Oltorik
T
he 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.  Malcolm Burgis), Barefoot Bistro
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”.  a great place to come home to is our
 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
19
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
(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
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.
The Big One is Coming
SULLIVAN’S ISLAND FIRE AND RESCUE
OYSTER ROAST
SATURDAY, FEBUARY 14th
“Under the Big Tin”
5-8 p.m.
Rain or Shine
$20.00 Advance $25.00 Day of Event
All You Can Eat Single
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
LIVE BAND, T-SHIRTS, JUMP CASTLE
www.islandeyenews.com
20 February 6, 2009

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 flags, 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 offering 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 offering. The lion dance is often
confused with the dragon dance, with the main difference 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 five 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 floor is forbidden on the first day of the New Year, as it sweeps
away the good luck that has settled.
*Do not offer anything in fours, as the pronunciation in Chinese of the
number four sounds like the word for “death”.

Color the picture.

Do you know what this is?

Send in your answer to

info@luckydognews.com. If you’re the
first one to get it right, we’ll
recognize you in our next issue!

www.islandeyenews.com
February 6, 2009 21

Isle of Palms Rec Center

Isle of Palms Recreation Center Free Ages 8-12 Yrs. Learn the fundamentals
www.iop.net New session begins February 24 $85 resident/$90 non-resident
843-886-8294 Friday Night Hoops
February 6 Total Body Challenge Women’s Intermediate Tennis
Youth Baseball Registration 6pm-8pm Tuesday thru Friday Tuesday & Thursday
Fast Start, T-Ball, & Machine Pitch 7-12 Yrs. 8am-9am 9-10am
IOP residents only: January 20 - 23 $10 Everyday a different challenge Tennis experience needed.
Open: January 26 – February 6 $7 per class or purchase # of classes $85 resident/$90 non-resident
$30 resident/$35 non-resident Yoga (16 Yrs. +)
$20/$25 Fast start 12:30pm to 2pm Kinderpuppy Mat & Floor
Tuesdays & Thursdays Mondays, 6:30-7:30pm Wednesdays, 1:45-2:45pm
Alice in Wonderland $80 resident/$85 non-resident/session New session March 2 50+ Yrs.
Thursday, Friday & Saturday, February $10 per class Learn basic commands. Focusing on Pilates, floor exercises
19-21 Must have DHLPP and Kennel Cough $10 per class/or pay for the session
Starting at 7pm Sports Conditioning vaccinations to participate.
Directed by Jimmy Ward Tuesdays & Thursdays $90 residents/$95 non-residents Senior Sports Classic
$5 General Admission 5:15pm to 6:15pm class Tuesday, February 10
Advance Tickets available at the $40 resident/$45 non-resident Companion Dog 10am-12 noon
Recreation Department $7 per class Mondays, 7:30-8:30pm
New session March 2 Bocce Ball
Men’s Spring Softball Evening Yoga (12 Yrs. +) Taught good manners and further Pre-register by Feb.6th
Registration February 2-27 5:30pm to 6:30pm commands. Socialize and learn to play.
$425 per team Mondays & Wednesdays $90 residents/$95 non-residents
Game days Monday & Wednesday $60 residents/ $65 non-residents/6 Speaker Course
Captain’s meeting March 5, 6pm weeks Youth Drawing Wednesday, February 11, 2pm
$7 per class Ages 7 to 12 Yrs. Family Matters with Long Term Care
Men’s 3 on 3 Basketball Wednesdays, 4-5pm Learn how Long Term Care Insurance
Registration February 2-27 Lowcountry Blues Bash New session in February can play a role in preserving your assets.
$60 per team Saturday, February 7 $50 residents/$55 non-residents
Game days Tuesday and Thursday 5pm-8pm Cupid’s Card Shoppe
Captain’s meeting March 4, 6pm Sunday, February 8 Ballet Wednesday, February 11
2pm-5:30pm Ages 2-5 Yrs. 4-6pm
Salsa Dancing $5 admission Mondays, 12:30-1pm Make a Valentine for the one you love.
Ages 12 Yrs. + Children under 12 Yrs. Free New session February 23 12 Yrs. & under
No partner needed Doors open 30 minutes prior to 1st $115 residents/$120 non-residents FREE
Thursdays, 7:30pm-8:30pm performance
$35 residents/$40 non-residents Youth Tennis Doggie Day at the Rec.
New session begins March 5 Gymnastics (3+ Yrs.) Tuesdays & Thursdays Saturday, February 28
Tuesdays, 3:30pm-4:15pm 6-8 Yrs. old 4-5pm 9am
Canasta $70 resident/$75 non-resident 9-12 Yrs. old 5-6pm Rabies Clinic
First and third Tuesday of the month New session begins February 10 New session begins February 17 Annual IOP Dog Licenses
11:30am-2:30pm Cheer/Dance Class $80 residents/$85 non-residents 11am
Best In Show Competition
Adult Co-Ed Tennis Must pre-register by

Poe Library events Thursdays, 6-7pm

New session February 19
$45 residents/$50 non-residents
Friday, February 27
Registration CLOSED day of the event.

Poe Library Do-it-yourself crafts with Grace

1921 Ion Ave Dunbar Women’s Beginner Tennis
Sullivan’s Island February 7, 10:30am. Valentine’s Day Tuesday & Thursday
883-3914 crafts. 10-11am

Hours: Drum Circle

Surfing for trash

Monday & Friday: 2 – 6
Tuesday, Thursday & Saturday: 10 – 2
Guessing jar of chocolate kisses
Come in and guess how many kisses!
February 13 at 7pm
Sponsored by Creative Spark
Adande African Dance and Drum
Ensemble.
Authentic dances performed in colorful

Jar will be available until counted on
Valentine’s Day.
Story time for the Tuesday morning
toddlers and preschoolers
10:30 to 11am
February 10, 17 and 24. Ages 2-5.
Story time for Thursday morning
preschoolers
10:15-11:15am
February 12, 19 and 26. Ages 3-5.
dress, accompanied by a lively troupe
of drummers.
Kaleidescope
Kindergarten through third grade will
meet 3:30-4:30pm.
Fourth and Fifth grade will meet 4:30-
5:30.
Beach Lover's Book Club
Slipknot by Linda Greenlaw. Please
call the library (883-3914) for details.
T
he 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.

www.islandeyenews.com
22
Council from page 4
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
www.islandeyenews.com
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 moved
The 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 street
At 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.
February 6, 2009
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 off
The 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.
February 6, 2009
Wild Dunes Authors Luncheon a great success
I
t 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
By Jane McMackin
IOP ladies: (L to R) Bridget Bettelli, Linda Bettelli, Loraine Sottille, Amy Sottille and
Marcie Cronin.
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
www.islandeyenews.com
PHOTOS BY Jane McMackin
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
23
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.”