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

page 8 the forgotten coast page 9 seabrook artist at wells gallery page 6 a nutcracker to remember
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F
riends of the Kiawah River are celebrating a battle
win in their war against the sea wall. On November
21, the South Carolina Supreme Court overturned
a lower courts ruling allowing a sea wall to be built
along Captain Sams Inlet. Exuberance and relief spread
across the community, but controversy and conservation
discussion still surround the issue of the sea wall.
Tis ruling marked a small victory for opponents of
the sea wall development. Te Supreme Court supported
its ruling by stating that the Chief Administrative Law
Judge Ralph Anderson, who passed the original ruling
that allowed the sea wall, did not in fact have the authority
to make such a ruling. Another issue lies in the fact that
Judge Anderson went against the decision of the South
Carolina Department of Health of Environmental Control
Board. Te Supreme Court has taken into consideration
the impact that building this sea wall would have on the
public interest of the surrounding coastal area.
Te potential sea wall in question would measure a
half-mile-long, and take up the Kiawah River bank on
the west end of the Kiawah Island beach resort. Te road
surrounding Charleston Countys Beachwalker Park
winds along the erosive sand cape known as Captain
Sams Spit.
Captain Sams Spit is not only a wildlife-rich stretch of
coastal land that dolphins and shorebirds call home, but is
also one of the barrier island spits accessible to the public.
Providing feeding grounds for local birds, baitfsh-rich
waters for the dolphins and other marine mammals, and
a getaway for thousands of Charleston area residents, the
150-acre, teardrop-shaped Spit has become a protected
haven of wildlife and serenity.
Conservation advocates, who want to protect this
area for the wildlife, boating enthusiasts and strolling
pedestrians who enjoy the Spit, called the ruling a decisive
victory. However, the struggle to save the Spit is far from
over, as the Kiawah Development Partners said they will
continue to fght to build the wall.
Sidi Limehouse, a longtime member of Friends of
Kiawah River, was ecstatic over this latest courtroom
victory. It was a lot of hard work, and a lot of people
involved, but when it came down to it, we won. For now,
at least, theyve won- the Spit will not be developed until
appeals and other legal matters have come to a rest.
Te Kiawah partnership has indicated their intention
to fle a petition for a rehearing in the Supreme Court,
stating in a press release the Courts opinion does not
terminate the revetment application. If the [Supreme]
Court does not grant a rehearing, the [Administrative
Law Court] will once again consider whether the permit
should be granted. Conservationists are arguing that the
Spit attracted independent hunters, boaters and other
outdoorsmen for years of undisturbed recreation and
enjoyment for several generations before the homes on
Kiawah Island were developed.
Longtime Lowcountry families consider it a piece of
their natural heritage, and this ruling a decisive victory.
Limehouse believes the most efective piece of the endeavor
was a combination of eforts, but that the environmental
aspect was pretty huge. People didnt want Back Beach
bulldozed or the mid-sand paved. Tat would deny access
to everything they love.
As much as Lowcountry residents love this land, its
fate is not certain yet, and Limehouse is aware of the
continued struggle ahead against further appeals. But
he is optimistic that the Spit will be saved. It will be a
number of years before it gets into public hands, but that
The Great Divide
Sea Wall Courtroom
ControverSy ContinueS
By JaCqueline mCCormiCk
Holiday Horse
Riley Steward, Greystone the Reindeer?, Juliette Cain and Ele Fish are students
and volunteers at Charleston Area Terapeutic Riding.
photo by justin snipe
Volume 5 Issue18 December 16, 2011 FREE
Since May 2007
Seawall continues on page 3
www.islandconnectionnews.com
A
s the holidays approach, the giant
foreign factories are kicking into
high gear to provide Americans
with monstrous piles of cheaply produced
goods merchandise that has been
produced at the expense of American
labor. Tis year should be diferent. Tis
year Americans could give the gift of
genuine concern for other Americans.
Tere is no longer an excuse that, at gift
giving time, nothing can be found that is
produced by American hands.
How about gift certifcates from your
local hair salon or barber? Or go for the
always-popular gym membership. And
who wouldnt appreciate getting their car
detailed? Small, locally owned detail shops
and car washes would love to sell you a
gift certifcate or a book of gift certifcates
for your favorite motor-head. Perhaps
that grateful gift receiver would like his
driveway sealed, or lawn mowed for the
summer, or driveway plowed all winter, or
games at the local golf course?
Tinking about a heartfelt gift for your
mom? Mom would appreciate the services
of a local cleaning lady for a day. If your
computer could use a tune-up, its easy to
fnd some young guy who is struggling to
get his repair business up and running.
If you are looking for something more
personal, local craftspeople may ofer
anything from handmade scarves to
pottery.
Plan your holiday outings at local,
owner-operated restaurants and leave your
server a generous holiday tip. And, instead
of springing for a big night out in the big
city, how about going out to see a play or
ballet at your hometown theatre? Local
musicians need love too, so fnd a venue
showcasing local bands.
In these uncertain economic times,
it is clear more than ever that the true
spirit of Christmas is no longer about
draining American pockets. Christmas
is now about caring for each other, and
encouraging American small businesses
to keep following their dreams. When we
care about and patronize other Americans
and American businesses, we are putting
that care and support back into our
communities. Tis is the new American
Christmas tradition.
Keeping it Local
PROVIDED
2 December 16, 2011
The Island
Connection
Lynn Pierotti
publisher
lynn@luckydognews.com
Bridget Manzella
managing editor
bridget@luckydognews.com

Swan Richards
senior graphic designer
swan@luckydognews.com
Melissa Caloca
graphic designer
melissa@luckydognews.com
Lori Dalton
sales manager
lori@luckydognews.com
journalists
Alexandra Stott
Jacqueline McCormick
Contributors
Bob Hooper
Dimi Matouchev
Mike Arthur (CATR)
Daniel Auerbach
Capt. James T. Ghi
Stratton Lawrence
John Nelson
Capt. Fred Bricketto
Published by
Lucky Dog Publishing
of South Carolina, LLC
P.O. Box 837
Sullivans Island, SC 29482
843-886-NEWS
Future deadlines: December 23
for submissions
for the January 6 issue
Op-Ed articles and letters to the editor do not
necessarily refect the opinion of
Lucky Dog News or its writers.
Lucky Dog Publishing, LLC
Publishers of Island Eye News,
The Island Connection and
The Folly Current.
Ci v i c Cal endar
KIAWAH ISLAND TOWN
HALL
21 Beachwalker Drive
Kiawah Island, SC 29455
Phone: 768-9166
Fax: 768-4764
SEABROOK ISLAND TOWN
HALL
2001 Seabrook Island Road
Seabrook Island, SC 29455
Phone: 768-9121
Fax: 768-9830
Email:
lmanning@
townofseabrookisland.org
JOHNS ISLAND COUNCIL
Meetings are held at the
Berkeley Electric Co-op
located at 3351 Maybank
Hwy, Johns Island.
Chairman Chris Cannon:
343-5113
CHARLESTON COUNTY
COUNCIL
4045 Bridge View Dr, N
Charleston
958-4700
CITY OF CHARLESTON
75 Calhoun St.
724-3745
Saturday, December 17
Ways and Means Committee
Meeting
9 a.m.
Kiawah Town Hall
Monday, December 19
Board of Zoning Appeals
4 p.m.
Kiawah Town Hall
Tuesday, Dec 20, 2011
KICA Finance Committee
Meeting
3 p.m.
Kiawah Town Hall
Tuesday, December 27
TOKI Ways and Means
Committee Meeting
9 a.m.
Kiawah Town Hall
Town Council Meeting
7:30 p.m. 9:30 p.m.
Seabrook Town Hall
Wednesday, January 4
Town Planning Commission
Work Session
7:30 p.m. 9:30 p.m.
Seabrook Town Hall
is where it needs to be. Tere are lots of things that can be done, whether its a national
seashore or some kind of conservation, he says.
Te ideal situation, for some like-minded Spit fans, would be to see it turned over
to the county, where it could be protected and preserved as the natural wonder that it
is. Limehouse says thats really where it needs to be. Te Spit will not be developed.
It seems the long road ahead to conservation is one that Friends of Kiawah Island are
willing to undertake, and according to Limehouse, time is on their side.
Time, legislature, Supreme Court rulings, appeals and other courtroom drama all
appear to necessary components of the project to build a sea wall along the beloved-and
now famously controversial- Captain Sams Spit.
For more information about the court case controversy about the sea wall, visit www.
kiawahriver.org.
L
owcountry Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy (LEAP) is a non-proft organization
that brings horses and experienced therapists together to assist those who are
sufering from behavioral, emotional, or psychological difculties. LEAP ofers
equine-assisted psychotherapy (EAP) as an alternative to traditional therapy with
facilities in Huger, Ridgeville, and Wadmalaw. LEAPs primary aim is to provide
options for children, youth, adults, and families whose needs are not being met in
traditional therapeutic settings. LEAP works with people afected by abuse/neglect, a
range of behavioral/emotional problems, and also with people who are seeking a unique
personal growth experience.
EAP is an experience-based therapy that uses the unique characteristics of horses
to help people fnd success in their lives. Te horse, being a highly sensitive and social
creature, gives immediate feedback to the participant about his or her behavior and
feelings. Tis helps the participant discover efective ways of managing and overcoming
challenges in their lives. LEAP programs are distinct from therapeutic riding and do not
feature riding or teach horsemanship. LEAP activities take place with the participant on
the ground, engaged in purposeful tasks with the horses that are designed to facilitate
a link to challenges in the persons day-to-day life.
Scholarships for services are available to those in need. LEAP depends upon the
Lowcountry community for the fnancial support of these scholarships. Tey will be
holding their annual Art and Oysters silent-auction fundraising event on Sunday,
December 18 from 3 to 6 p.m. at A.W. Shucks in downtown Charleston.
Tickets are $20 in advance or $25 at the door. Admission includes oysters, chili, and
other delicious food. All proceeds of beer and wine sales will be donated to LEAP. Tere
will be many beautiful items that would make great holiday gifts. For more information,
visit www.leapinsc.org.
Art and Oysters
LEAP HoLds AnnuAL FundrAi sEr
ProVidEd
Wanda Johnson, described as a dynamic new face and voice on the global blues
scene and Beverly Guitar Watkins, the 72-year-young singer/guitar slinger, team
up for an evening of unforgettable blues and original ballads, along with a touch
of gospel. Te dynamic duo is coming to Kiawah Islands East Beach Conference
Center on Friday, January 6 at 7:30 p.m.
Wanda Johnson is a natural-born singer and entertainer who has lived with music
all her life and writes many of her own songs. She delivers her passionate vocals with
a powerful stage charisma and her intimate performances have a strong connection
with audiences world-wide. Music critics have described Wanda as possessing
a mellow bluesy vocal style. She is a very talented and imaginative vocalist and a
soulful performer.
Beverly Watkins is a pioneering performer in the blues world. She is a former WC
Handy Award nominee and a Blues Grammy Award winner in France. Beverly has
an amazing vocal range that can go from a low growl to a high trill, depending on
the song. Her guitar style has been
honed through years of performing
before thousands of enthusiastic
blues-loving fans. So when Wanda
and Beverly get on stage, be prepared
to get up and dance to their very
own brand of the blues from hard
driving and foot stomping, to
mellow and smooth.
For more information about tickets
for Wanda and Beverlys performance,
visit www.kiawahisland.org.
Ladies Sing the Blues
ProVidEd
Seawall continues from cover
December 16, 2011 3
4 December 16, 2011
www.islandconnectionnews.com
T
hree families recently celebrated a House Dedication for their new Habitat for
Humanity homes in the Joeva Cove neighborhood of West Ashley. Paulino
Rojo, his wife Tracy, and her parents Timothy & Shirley Shepard are excited
to spend the frst Christmas in their new three bedroom, two bath home. Tey have
a beautifully decorated tree, and the scent of baked goods wafts enticingly through
their house.
Te atmosphere of the recent House Dedication was both joyful and serious.
Approximately 50 people attended the celebration Board Members, staf, volunteers,
family members and friends. A Litany of Dedication blesses the house as a resting
place at the end of the day, a place to nurture family love, and provide
an atmosphere of joy and happiness in developing family
t r a d i t i o n s . Several homeowners talked about how much
their beautiful new homes mean to them. Bibles were
given to each family by SIHH Family Services
Coordinator Maritza Zeisel while
Reverend Bobby Keaton blessed the
homes. Everyone enjoyed the generous
hospitality of the new homeowners.
Many people dont realize how
hard Habitat homeowners work
for their homes. Prospective
homeowners go through a
rigorous screening process
that includes meeting income
guideline criteria, credit and
background checks, and home
visits by the Sea Island Habitat
Family Selection Committee.
Homeowners must also put in
500 hours of sweat equity and make a down payment before they can move into their
homes. Sweat Equity is part of the partnership that prospective families have with Sea
Island Habitat, says Maritza Zeisel. It shows the familys commitment to their new
home, and it also gives them an opportunity to learn new skills that will be helpful to
them as homeowners. At least 200 hours of sweat equity must be on the construction
site and selected families can also put in hours at the Habitat ReStore and ofce.
All the hard work is worth it when families move into their new houses. As frst time
homeowners who thought they wouldnt ever have the opportunity to own a home, the
joy and satisfaction is profound. New homeowner Tracy Rojo sums up her feelings by
saying, It is a Christmas miracle to be in our new home!
For more information on Sea Island Habitat for Humanity or to get involved with the
event, please visit www.seaislandhabitat.org or call Priscilla Quirk.
A Habitat Home for the Holidays
Provided
daily
December 16, 2011 5
www.islandconnectionnews.com
Family Fun for the New Year
A Festive New YeArs CelebrAtioN
L
ooking for the perfect, family-
friendly activity to ring in the
New Year? What better way
than to bring the crew to enjoy the
Holiday Festival of Lights Winter
Carnival on Saturday, Dec. 31 at
James Island County Park.
For this one special night, kids will
have the chance to enjoy childrens
amusement rides as well as infatable
jump castles, beginning at 5:30
p.m. Ten, be sure to experience
the nightly attractions at
the festival, including the
old-fashioned carousel, the
portable climbing wall, childrens
activities and much more. Stay
with us as we welcome 2012 with
a BANG during the freworks
show at 9 p.m.
Not only can you slap on a
wristband and play all night
at the carnival - the Holiday
Festival of Lights will still be
in full swing! Marvel at over
700 light displays and two
million lights, stroll down the
enchanted walking trail, see
the 50-ton sand sculpture and
hop aboard the festival train.
Roast marshmallows and visit
the concessions stands for a
hearty snack or Santas Sweet Shoppe
for a holiday treat. Its a great way
for the whole family to celebrate the
New Year!
Wristbands providing unlimited
rides on the attractions will be available
for $10 (does not include rides on the
festival train). For more information
please call 795-4386 or visit www.
holidayfestivalofights.com.
DAilY
T
is the holiday season, and Charleston is fast
striking its stride with the Charleston Parade of
Boats, a decorated boat parade that traverses the
shore of the Charleston Harbor. It directly follows the
tree lighting in Marion Square and ushers in the holiday
season for the Charleston area.
Te Charleston Parade of Boats has been happening
for twenty-fve plus years and has established itself as an
award winning regional event several times over. Tis
parade of boats distinguishes itself as a beautiful event
with its emphatic participation of boat owners within the
Lowcountry and its seasonal display of holiday jubilee.
Luckily I was able to establish a position on the Coast
Guard boat that agreed to participate in the event and
aid Ray Swagerty of the Charleston Ofce of Cultural
Afairs, and I, an Ofce of Cultural Afairs intern,
organized the participating boats into a parade-worthy
line. Tis particular year there were thirty-three boats
that decided to enter for an award of up to fve hundred
dollars, separated into sail and powerboats. Tese boats
ranged from eighteen to 100 feet in length.
To begin the day, I found myself on the back of a twenty-
fve foot coast guard vessel that helped Mr. Swagerty and
I maintain a strategic position. I organized the thirty-
three boats into a circle that could allow communication
and order for the imminent parade. Establishing a lead
boat was essential, for which Mobjack, an experienced
sailor, was assigned.
Racing the setting sun, we began see the silhouettes
emerging in the distance. Eventually as these silhouettes
became boats, a circle began to take form. Once night fell
and the waters surface had calmed, our lead boat began
to waver. Nonetheless, we had a herd of beautifully lit
boats, power and sail, beginning to create a line of light.
Coming down the Mt. Pleasant side, all the boats
wowed spectators at the new park along Shem Creek
and Patriots Point. Afterwards, we made a hard left at
our marker boats and continued parallel to the Ravenel
Bridge, creating quite the Christmas spectacle.
Approaching the judges table, which was stationed on
the Spirit of Carolina at the Maritime Center, the boats
were welcomed to a resounding cheer from crowds on
the docks. Continuing towards the bay along the Ashley
River and around the Peninsula, crowds enjoyed the
festive lights, gathering at oyster roasts and congregations
along the shore. Little did they know the true thrill of the
event was behind the scenes.
We did have one hiccup when a participant, caught up
in the excitement, found themselves over-board in the mist
of the entertainment. Tis sent those of us maintaining
the event into a momentary frenzy and a courageous group
efort of participants and authorities to maintain the safety
of the person involved. Fortunately the following boat
acted quickly and fshed the person out of the water almost
immediately, unscathed if a little chilly.
All in all, being an intern on a boat helping to
coordinate a lighted, holiday boat parade turned out to
be a very fun and eventful time.
Lighting Up The Harbor For The Holidays
bY DANiel AuerbACh
Photo by Allyn Stott
T
he frst American full length Nutcracker was performed in 1944 by the San
Francisco Ballet and has been an important staple of our Christmas season
since the mid 20th Century. Te Nutcracker now joins the Americas most
popular and well-known balletswith Swan Lake, A Midsummer Nights Dream, and
Coppelia.
Tis month, the Nutcracker will open in most major cities across the U.S. I, myself,
have seen the Nutcracker several times in several cities, including Providence, Rhode
Island, Boston, Massachusetts, and Paris, France. Tus far, every cities Nutcracker has
been markedly diferent. Te choreography, sets, and costumes vary greatly within each
region, city, and even company (two or three companies may ofer the Nutcracker in
any given city).
Although Providence is a much smaller city, its Nutcracker, in my opinion, is the
best I have seen. Part of the magic of their Nutcracker is the venue, which is dripping
in gold leaf and red velvet. Te Providence Performing Art Center (PPAC) was part
of a grand breed of early
movie theatres, built in
the late 1920s. Te rich
and majestic interior has
always added to the special
ceremony of my familys
nearly annual attendance.
Charleston, similar to
Providence, is a small city
with a big appreciation for
the arts. I therefore attended
the Charleston Nutcracker
with high expectations
and all the anticipation of
a great performance. I was
not disappointed.
Charlestons Nutcracker
included several regional
and temporal distinctions,
which afected the
appearance of sets
and costumes. Set in
Charleston in 1855, the
performance called to
mind the glory days of
the Antebellum South.
Te opening backdrop
of a grand plantation
home was followed by the
typical snowscape, which
is assumed to be in the yard
of that same home. Notably, the action stayed within the context of the plantation,
shifting from only from exterior to interior.
Other Nutcrackers have suggested that the Land of the Sweets is a of place, or at least
a place that exists out of the confnes of normal space and time a sort of fantasy-land,
if you will. Te second act of this Nutcracker, however, seemed to take place on the
Fragonard-esque grounds of the plantation itself.
I would be remiss not to include the appearance of dogs on stage. Tats right: live
dogs. As this years frst Muttcracker, the Charleston Ballet Teatre partnered with
the Charleston Animal Society to promote holiday adoption of homeless dogs. In the
opening scene, several dogs looking for their home for the holidays appeared on stage to
the delight and amusement of the audience.
As for other diferences, the inclusion of the drunken, good-humored grandmother
provided added comic relief to the party scene, which usually relies heavily on the maids.
It was fun to watch the dancer puttering around the stage, falling down on at several
occasions, and making a mess of the family portrait.
Drosselmeyer, danced by Stephen Gabriel, departed from the more ominous
portrayals of Drosselmeyer that I have seen. Tis one was younger and far more comely,
and provided a greater contribution to the progression of the narrative. Stephens stage-
magic was captivating and seamless, with wonderful tricks that delighted audience
members of all ages.
I particularly enjoyed the costumes worn by the rats, whose intricate masks and
period costumes contributed to their unanticipated elegance. Te appearance of some
young mice on the stage, a group of children who must have been no older than six,
gave the battle scenes a softer touch. Te choreography here was also very well done.
Watching the rats swinging their tails like feather boas got me laughing aloud.
A Nutcracker to Remember
By Bridget Manzella
Nutcracker continues on page 9
Muttcracker star Yoda with dancer Melissa Blackburn
December 16, 2011
7
www.islandconnectionnews.com
Ti de Char t

Date High Tide Low Tide
Hurricanes, storms, etc., are NOT included in the predictions.
Tidal current direction changes and tide time predictions can be
very diferent. Tide predictions are PREDICTIONS; they can be
wrong so use common sense.
Dec 16
Dec 17
Dec 18
Dec 19
Dec 20
Dec 21
Dec 22
Dec 23
Dec 24
Dec 25
Dec 26
Dec 27
Dec 28
Dec 29
Source: saltwatertides.com
11:45am
12:25am/12:39pm
1:28am/1:40pm
2:33am/2:43pm
3:39am/3:47pm
4:42am/4:50pm
5:42am/5:50pm
6:39am/6:46pm
7:32am/7:40pm
8:23am/8:31pm
9:12am/9:21pm
9:58am/10:09pm
10:43am/10:57pm
11:28am/11:45pm
5:36am/6:08pm
6:35am/7:02pm
7:40am/8:01pm
8:47am/9:01pm
9:53am/10:02pm
10:56am/11:01pm
11:54am/11:58pm
12:49pm
12:53am/1:40pm
1:45am/2:30pm
2:35 am/3:17pm
3:24am/4:03pm
4:12am/4:48pm
5:00am/5:32pm
T
o participate in the spirit of
the holiday season, you may
be thinking of making some
charitable gifts. If so, youll no doubt enjoy
helping a group that does valuable work.
But to begin with, its important to
understand just how necessary your gifts
are to the countrys social fabric. Given
the efects of the Great Recession and the
slow recovery, its not surprising to learn
that charitable giving fell a combined
13% in 2008 and 2009, after adjusting
for infation, according to Te Center on
Philanthropy at Indiana University. And
although 2010 giving increased by 2.1%,
again adjusted for infation, many groups
are seeing tough times as 2011 comes to a
close. So your gift counts.
And it can count for you, too. By
contributing to a qualifed tax-exempt
organization [e.g., a charitable group that
has received 501(c)(3) status from the IRS],
you may earn valuable tax deductions.
Tis is true whether you give cash or
another type of asset, such as stocks or real
estate. And you may be able to get further
tax benefts if the non-cash asset youve
donated has appreciated in value since you
purchased it.
Making charitable gifts now may help you
reduce your taxable estate. As you may know,
the estate tax exemption level has fuctuated
in recent years, so its hard for any of us to
say for sure that we wont be subjecting our
estates to these taxes. However, that doesnt
mean you cant take steps now to plan for
possible future estate taxes.
One such step might involve establishing
a charitable remainder trust. Under this
arrangement, youd place some assets,
such as stocks or real estate, in a trust,
which could then use the assets to pay you
an income stream over a certain period of
time. When you establish the trust, you
may be able to receive tax benefts based
on the amount the charity is likely to
ultimately receive, the charitable groups
so-called remainder interest. Upon its
termination, the trust would relinquish
the remaining assets to the charitable
organization youve named. Keep in
mind, though, that this type of trust can
be complex; to establish one, youll need
to work with your qualifed tax advisor
and estate-planning attorney.
Another popular contribution vehicle
is the donor-advised fund. Heres how
it works: You give cash or appreciated
securities to the donor-advised fund,
with the expectation of receiving a tax
deduction for the contribution in that same
year. You recommend which charities are
to beneft from the contributions to the
fund, and the fund invests and manages
your contribution, along with the other
assets in the fund. Again, youll need to
consult with your qualifed tax advisor
before establishing a donor-advised fund
to help ensure you obtain any expected tax
benefts.
As weve seen, you can follow diferent
charitable giving strategies. But however
you choose to make charitable gifts, you
can take satisfaction in helping worthy
organizations while possibly improving
your own tax picture.
Edward Jones, its employees and
fnancial advisors are not estate planners
and cannot provide tax or legal advice.
Please consult your estate-planning
attorney or qualifed tax advisor regarding
your situation.
Tis article was provided by Edward
Jones, located at 1505 Palm Blvd on the Isle
of Palms. You can reach them at 886-9229
or visit www.edwardjones.com.
Charitable Giving Helps Everyone
Dimi matouchev
financial
Whats Hot
T
he Christmas tree season is in full swing. Although Christmas tree fres are rare,
and there is no known evidence of a Christmas tree spontaneously combusting,
a dry, unkempt tree can contribute signifcantly to the spread of a fre. Typically,
shorts in electrical lights or open fames from candles, lighters or matches, or alternative
heating sources placed too close to a dry tree start tree fres. Well-watered trees are not
a problem. Dry and neglected trees can be.
Te St. Johns Fire District wants to wish you and your family a safe and happy
holiday season, and ofers the following suggestions to keep your holiday safe:
When purchasing a live tree, look for signs of freshness. A fresh tree is green,
the needles will be difcult to pull from branches, and a minimum number of
needles should fall of.
To keep your tree fresh, cut of about 2 inches of the trunk to expose fresh wood
for better water absorption, and check the water level daily. Keep the tree stand
flled with water at all times
When placing your tree in your home, make sure it is kept away from heat
sources like fre places or heater vents. Te heat will dry out the tree, causing it
to be more easily ignited by heat, fame or sparks.
Make sure no exits are blocked by the tree.
Check your lights before placing them on your tree. Look for worn or frayed
wires and broken bulbs.
When you leave your home or go to sleep at night, turn of the lights on the
tree.
Dispose of your tree properly. Never put tree branches or needles in a freplace or
wood burning stove. When the tree becomes dry, discard it promptly. Te best
way to dispose of your tree is by taking it to a recycling center or having it hauled
away by a community curbside pick-up service.
Check your smoke detectors to make sure they are working properly.
For more information about Christmas Tree fre safety, or to view video of a Christmas
Tree contributing to fre spread, visit United States Fire Administration web site at www.
usfa.fema.gov. To reach Captain Ghi, send him an email at j.ghi@stjfd.org.
Pine on Fire!
chri st mas t ree saf et y
By captain James t. Ghi
8 December 16, 2011
www.islandconnectionnews.com
C
ape San Blas frst strikes you with its
color. Streaks of teal and azure green
water, capped by white foam and an
endless expanse of navy out beyond.
Te green dune grasses and tan sea
oats stand out against the blinding white
sand, enhancing everything. Whether
its a deep blue sky or the oranges and
purples of sunset, the efect is an intense
kaleidoscope.
Te topography gets you next. Tis
is Florida its supposed to be fat. But
these stark white dunes rival Kitty Hawk
in grandeur. Some stretch 50 feet into the
sky. Remarkably, their dense foliage rarely
includes a cactus or briar. Barefoot, we are
free to roam.
Ive come to Apalachicola and the
Forgotten Coast to reconnect with home.
My father grew up in Panama City, and
I went to Pensacola High School. But for
the eight years since college, Ive called
Charleston home, and these days, there
havent been enough excuses to return to
the Gulf. Add to that last years oil spill
and the supposed recovery, and the call to
revisit my homeland sounded strong.
Its no small coincidence that Folly
Beach got stuck in my blood; the vibe here
draws strong parallels with the tourism/
fshing-based small-time economies along
the coast.
Despite at least one holiday each year
spent in Panama City, Id never ventured
east in my adult life. Te horn of Florida,
from Mexico Beach over to St. Marks, with
Apalachicola and St. George Island as the
hub, is known as the Forgotten Coast. Its
a ftting moniker. In between towns, miles
of undeveloped wooded coastline borders
Highway 98 and the Gulf of Mexico. Te
land is largely protected by Apalachicola
National Forest and Tates Hell State
Forest, but its surreal to witness so much
untouched yet accessible oceanfront real
estate.
When the pine trees and stretches of
beach give way to a town, its like stepping
back in time.
In Apalachicola, we meet Captain Tony
Phillips, who has run fshing and sight-
seeing charters here for over two decades.
After years working in Atlanta, Phillips
was taken aback by the easy-going, close-
to-the-sea lifestyle when he frst visited, via
boat from Destin, and found a waterfront
hotel room that included a boat slip for
$29 a night. Most of all, in fact, he was
taken aback by the low cost of waterfront
real estate.
Somewhere in those miles between
Destin and Apalachicola, we went through
a 30 year time warp, says Phillips. His boat
never made the return trip up the coast.
Although Apalachicola has changed
since the 1980s, the modern version
still looks more like something youd
have found in another town 30 years
ago. Locals have a choice between a small
Piggly Wiggly and an even smaller IGA for
their groceries. Te neighborhood around
downtown is full of stately homes, mostly
built in the 19th century, with generous
wrap-around porches.
Tire swings dangle lazily from tree
limbs. At one intersection, a man sits on
a bucket with a carefully painted sign
that reads Prayer Corner. He waves and
ofers a huge smile when we drive past.
Te following day, hes still there, smiling
and waving.
Its almost surreal to fnd a place like
this in the south, let alone in Florida,
where most of the coastlines character has
been eroded away by the rush to capitalize
on the pleasant climate and natural beauty.
Maybe its the lack of industry here no
oil refneries, no visible paper mills or
factories just giant mounds of oyster
shells, stretched out along Water Street
where the oystermen and fshing boats
unload. We eat dinner in view of them,
at Owl Cafe.
Oysters are harvested and enjoyed here
year-round, thanks in no small part to the
enviable water quality. Call it blasphemy,
but it only takes one bite of an Apalachicola
oyster, this close to the source, to understand
why we even occasionally import them to
restaurants in Charleston. Floridas sandy
bottomed oyster shoals produce the worlds
best bivalves.
Despite all the history and charm amidst
us in the town, our accommodations were
an education, culturally and historically.
Before weve closed the car door at the
Bryant House Bed & Breakfast, we are
greeted by Einstein, the Blue and Gold
Macaw who occupies the hundred-
year-old homes porch. Brigitte and
Ken Schroeder bought the house in
search of an escape from Tallahassee
in the late 80s. She initially named the
inn Brigittes Romantic Retreat, but
switched it back to Bryant House (after
the prominent African-American man
who built the home in 1897) after male
guests complained that they had to hide
the receipts from their wives because of
the name.
When I visited Apalachicola for the
frst time, I met more people than Id met
the whole time I lived in Tallahassee, says
Brigitte, whose German heritage shows
prominently in her accent. Born in East
Germany and a child during the second
World War, she later married an American
soldier. Tey remained in Germany for
years before moving to Florida.
Today, the Bryant House is a veritable
museum of European antiques. Brigitte
and Ken collected heavily during their
days in Germany, resulting in guest rooms
that are bedecked with incredibly ornate
draperies, king-sized four-poster canopy
beds, and paintings and furniture from
centuries past. Each room boasts incredibly
intricate chandeliers, and the sterling silver
even comes out for the traditional German
breakfast each morning, featuring ham,
cheese, soft boiled eggs, and cherries.
We lost everything in East Germany,
so for me, antiques are something
wonderful, explains Brigitte, seated in
front of a striking 200-year-old German
painting of a nun, with a mysterious bullet
hole in a low corner.
But not everything is formal. In the
evening, Captain Tony and his frst mate
come by to drink Budweisers and chat
with Brigitte. Tony tells of how Hurricane
Dennis devastated the town in July 2005,
only to lose the nations attention when
Katrina hit New Orleans soon thereafter.
Before the storm, claims Tony, Franklin
County (where Apalachicola is the hub)
was the fastest growing county for property
appreciation in Florida. Its reminiscent of
the lack of attention Folly gets when an
unnamed storm rips away three vertical
feet of beach sand in front of our homes.
Despite losing the chance to make a
hefty proft on his waterfront properties,
Tony seems okay with the state of his home
these days. He spent the morning fshing
with his mate, who explains, straight-
faced, how to wrestle an alligator. (Hold
him close, bear hug him, and let him roll
you under. When he comes up for air, hes
gonna lose a lot of energy quick.).
Its fnding people like this that give a
town substance. Developers can fabricate a
town and fll it with accomplished people,
but you cant replicate a man who takes
extreme pride in his ability to leap into
murky water under the darkness of night
and procure a giant reptile.
The Forgotten Coast
L ooki ng f or t he L owcount ry i n nort h f L ori da
By Stratton Lawrence
traveL
Apalachicola continues on page 13
December 16, 2011 9
Tat Maria and the Nutcracker Prince were so well-
matched was also a pleasant surprise. It has been my
experience that many smaller companies lack male
dancers in their twenties. It was nice to see such a lovely
young couple take to the stage and dance as beautifully
as Jennifer Balzac Muller and Alexander Muller. Teir
stage romance could actually be believed! After all, it can
be argued that the Nutcracker is mainly a story about a
girl entering womanhood through her frst experience of
romantic love.
Te Snowfake Fairies, the Mother Ginger, and
the procession of dancers representing Hot Chocolate
from Spain, Cofee from Arabia, Tea from China, and
Marzipan from Germany, were all on par with the
performances of the Nutcracker I have seen at PPAC. Of
note was the stunning performance by Molly Wagner,
the lead Spanish dancer. It was difcult to take your eyes
of her whenever she took to the stage.
Te highlight of the Nutcracker, however, was the
perfection of the Russian dance, performed by Russian
dancer, Alexey Kulpin. Hailing from St.Petersburg,
Alexeys Performance of the Russian Trepak brought
the house down with his efortless execution of classical
Russian moves. Bravo!
At the end of an enchanted evening, I would certainly
say that the Charleston Ballet Teatre has performed a
Nutcracker to rank among the best I have seen. It only
left one thing to be desired: a live orchestra. I hope that
next year we will see the Charleston Symphony Orchestra
and the Charleston Ballet Teatre team up to deliver an
unforgettable performance to thoroughly delight both
the eyes and the ears. Ballet-lovers can look forwards to
the Charleston Ballet Teatres season fnale on March
24, which will be performed with the CS0.
For more information about the Charleston Ballet
Teatre, visit www.charlestonballet.com.
art & StYLE
T
he Wells Gallery at the Sanctuary is featuring Petite Paintings by Seabrook
Island artist, Tina Mayland. Tese paintings highlight Tinas signature palette
knife technique, which brings vibrant color and sumptuous texture to her oil
paintings. Te works are small, yet the images are bold, capturing the uniqueness of the
Lowcountry.
Tina is a native
Charlestonian who, after
thirty years away from the
area, retired to Seabrook
Island to focus on her true love
painting. She is a member
of the Seabrook Island Artist
Guild and has served on the
Board of Directors of the
Charleston Artist Guild for
three years. Tina is also on
the Board of Trustees of the
Middleton Place Foundation,
and she encourages all local
artists to paint en plein air at
our treasured plantations.
More information about
Tinas work can be found
on the Wells Gallery website
at www.wellsgallery.com
or at Tinas website: www.
TinaMaylandArt.com.
Seabrook Artist Featured at the Wells Gallery
PrOVIDED
(above) Tina Mayland painting in Tuscany, Italy. (painting at left) Peek-a-Boo 5x7 oil of a
semi-palinated plover by Tina Mayland.
Nutcracker continues from page 6
Photos by sunhead Projects
Gorgeous backstage view of snow sequence.
T
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Johns Island RegIonal lIbRaRy
3531 Maybank Highway, 559-1945
houRs:
Monday Tursday: 10 a.m. 8 p.m.
Friday & Saturday: 10 a.m. 6 p.m.
Wee Reads (under 24 months with adult)
Mondays, December 19 at 10:30 a.m.
Time for Twos (2 3 years old with adult)
Tuesdays, December 27 at 10:30 a.m.
Preschool Storytime (3 6 years)
Wednesdays, December 28 at 10:30 a.m.
Internet Basics (adults/young adults)
Tuesday, December 20 from 10 a.m. 12
p.m.
Word 2007 Basics (adults/young adults)
Tuesday, January 3 from 10 a.m. 12 p.m.
Computer Basics (adults/young adults)
Saturday, January 7 from10 a.m. 12 p.m.
*All computer classes are free. For more
information please call 559-1945 and ask
for the Reference Department. Class space is
available for 8 participants per session.
Holiday Trivia (grades 6-12)
December 1 - 31
In celebration of the holidays, stop by
the Reference Desk and answer a trivia
question about the various December
holidays for a candy prize!
Book Explorers Preschool Book Club
(up to six years old) Friday, December 16
at 10:30 a.m.
PLAY with DAD: Twas the Night
Before Christmas (all ages)
Saturday, December 17 at 11 a.m.
Come and listen to this classic tale and
then have some fun with a craft.
Sea Islands Book Club (adults)
Tuesday, December 20 at 2 p.m.
We will discuss the classic novel Te War
of the Worlds by H. G. Wells.
PLAY: Jingle Bell Time (all ages)
Wednesday, December 21 at 6:30 p.m.
Join us for some holiday stories and create
a bell ornament to take home.
PLAY: Ring In Te New (all ages)
Wednesday, December 28 at 6:30 p.m.
Preschool Adventure Zone! (ages 3 to 6
years) Friday, December 30 at 10:30 a.m.
Scientifc adventures on a Preschool level!
PLAY with DAD: Fun with
Gingerbreads (all ages) Saturday,
December 31 at 11 a.m.
Martin Luther King, Jr. Trivia (grades
6-12) January 3 - 31. In celebration of
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, stop by
the Reference Desk and answer a trivia
question about Dr. King for a candy prize!
Afternoon Caf (grades 6-12)
Tuesday, January 3 from 4:30 6:30 p.m.
Afternoon Caf features a variety of board
games, including Monopoly, Jenga, Clue,
Uno, Chess, and Checkers. Popcorn and
other refreshments will be provided.
PLAY: Its a Winter-wonderland! (all
ages) Wednesday, January 4 at 6:30 p.m.
Come hear seasonal stories, then cut out a
snowfake to take home.
dIsplays
Heart Gallery Photography
December 1 - 31
Founded in New Mexico in 2001, the
Heart Gallery is a national program
that uses photography to fnd homes for
children lingering in foster care. For more
information, visit www.scheartgallery.org.
Precious Memories Display
December 1 31
Codie Poll will display various pieces of
her Precious Memories collection, which
include holiday ornaments, a pewter
Nativity set, and small fgurines.
December 16
Island Connection Calendar January 6
Fri day, december 16
Wells Gallery at the Sanctuary Juried Art
Show, Kiawah
Te gallery is accepting submissions in the
categories of painting (oil, acrylic, other),
drawing, photography, glass, and jewelry.
Te show runs through Jan 2. For more
information, visit www.wellsgallery.com.
300 Years of Women in Art
Beginning with Henrietta Johnston, the frst
female professional artist in America, and
continuing to the present, this exhibition
examines the challenges faced by women
artists over the past 300 years. Te exhibit
runs though Jan.8 at the Gibbes Museum
of Art. Free- $9. For more information, visit
www.gibbesmuseum.org.
Saturday, december 17
Holiday Open House
Te Plantation Singers will perform at the
Irvin-House Vineyards on Johns Island.
Tere will be food and drinks and local
vendors. Come enjoy the festivities at
the open house from 1- 5p.m. For more
information, visit www.charlestonwine.com.
Sip, Shop, and Be Merry
Stores will serve up a variety of discounts
and special ofers, along with refreshments,
snacks, gift-wrapping, and other benefts
designed to make the yuletide bright. At
dusk, guests are invited to head to the
Village Green for a Holiday Happy Hour
and outdoor movie screening of Christmas
Vacation. Starts at 3 p.m. at Freshfelds
Village on Kiawah. For more information,
visit www.freshfeldsvillage.com.
Pops! at the Gaillard
Celebrate friendship and goodwill with
the Charleston Symphony Orchestra at the
Gaillard Municipal Auditorium at starting
at 7:30 p.m. For more information, call
723-7528.
Wright Brothers Day
Commemorating the day of Orville and
Wilbur Wrights frst fight in Kitty Hawk,
N.C.
Sunday, december 18
Te Holiday Festival of Lights
Come see the Southeasts most beloved
holiday festival. Te journey begins with
a three-mile drive through hundreds
of breathtaking light displays featuring
millions of twinkling bulbs. Stop to stretch
your legs, your spirit, and your appetite at
Santas Village and Winter Wonderland.
Held at the James Island County Park. For
more information, visit www.ccprc.com.
tueSday, december 20
2
nd
Annual Christmas Cocktail
Partyat Hege's
Join Hege's for their 2nd Annual
Christmas Cocktail Party on Tuesday,
December 20 from 6:00p.m.9:00
p.m. Celebrate the holiday season with a
traditional holiday bufet, festive holiday
drinks, wine specials, and door prizes! For
more information or to reserve a spot, call
Hege's at 768-0035 or visit
www.freshfeldsvillage.com.
Social Bridge at Te Island House
Join us at the Island House on Seabrook
Island for drinks at 5pm, dinner at 5:30
p.m. and play bridge after dinner. Dinner
reservations are required, but all may come
to play bridge. Please let the hostess know
that you will be eating dinner with the
bridge group. Call 768-2571 to make your
reservation. For more information, visit
www.townofseabrookisland.org.

WedneSday, december 21
First Day of Winter!
Yoga
Gentle Yoga. Tis is a great way to learn the
yoga positions, increase fexibility, promote
spinal health and reduce stress. Tis class
is perfect for beginners and is open to all
levels. Instructor: Allison Zimmerman
Held Weekly on Wednesday from 9
p.m. 10 p.m. at Lake House (Live Oak
Hall) For more information, visit www.
townofseabrookisland.org.
thurSday, december 22
Gift of the Magi
Te annual music and spoken word
collaboration between Chamber Music
Charleston and the Actors' Teatre of
South Carolina. Held from the 22 through
23 at 7 p.m. at the Dock Street Teatre
in Downtown Charleston. For more
information, visit charlestonstage.com.
Fri day, december 23
Holidays at the Aquarium
Come celebrate with Scuba Claus in the
Great Ocean Tank! Te South Carolina
Aquarium in Charleston is hosting a very
special holiday adventure with our friends
under the sea. While on land, enjoy a 4D
screening of Te Polar Express. Creatures
of all ages will be clapping their fippers
and fns for this fun-flled Friday before
Christmas! www.scaquarium.org.
Saturday, december 24
Christmas Eve dining options
Held at Te Jasmine Porch 5:30 p.m. 10
p.m. and Te Ocean Room 5:30 p.m. 8
p.m. Call Dining Reservations at 768-
6253 to secure a reservation. For more
information, call the Sanctuary at Kiawah
Island Golf Resort at 768-6330.
Equestrian Vaulting Classes
Equestrian vaulting classes for children 6
and up at CART farms on Johns Island.
Vaulting combines gymnastics and dance
on a moving horse. Classes begin at 2
p.m. $20. For more information, visit
CARTfarms.org.
Sunday, december 25
Merry Christmas!
tueSday, december 27
Knitting
Learn the basics of knitting! Already know
and just want a refresher, we can help!!
Knitting is for ages 8 and up! 9 - 10:30 a.m.
For more information, visit
www.kiawahresort.com.
WedneSday, december 28
Glass Fusing:
Come learn how to make a colorful and
unique craft that will last a lifetime! Class
is for ages 12 and up! Wednesdays and
Saturdays from 9-10:30a.m. For more
information, visit www.kiawahresort.com.
Dave Landeo
Come out to Reds Ice House in Seabrook
to hear acoustic rock, pop, and variety
(at Bohicket), 6:30 p.m. Free. For more
information, visit www.redsicehousecom.
Saturday, december 31
New Year's Eve Family Celebration -
Saturday, December 31, 5:30 - 10 p.m. Ring
in 2012 with friends and family, including
live entertainment and freworks at Night
Heron Park. For more information, visit
www.kiawahresort.com.
New Years Eve Event at the Club
Ring in the New Year with a stylish
evening. Te event takes places from 7 p.m.
to midnight at the Island Eye House. Call
768-7849 for reservations.
tueSday, January 3
Fly Fishing Clinic
Join our fshing specialist for a workshop on
the fundamental principals and techniques
of fy rod use. All equipment is provided,
but you are welcome to bring your own.
Classes at 1:30 - 3p.m. $75 per person. For
more information, visit kiawahresort.com.
WedneSday, January 4
Flora and Fauna Festival
Drop in at your convenience and meet with
researchers and specialists on a variety of
subjects pertinent to Kiawahs wildlife and
native habitat. Open and free to the public.
12 - 4:30p.m. For more information, visit,
www.kiawahconservancy.org.
Swimming Lesson
Allow one of our CPR Trained
instructors to help you with your swimming
needs. Instructors are available for both
pool and ocean swimming to teach this
child centered lesson. Ages 4 and up
recommended. Classes are held Monday,
Wednesday, and Friday from 8:30 - 9:30
a.m. For more information, visit www.
kiawahresort.com.
Fri day, January 6
Burning Up!
Learn how to turn an ordinary wood project
into a unique keepsake using wood burning
tools. Wood burning is for ages 8 and up.
Classes are held 9 - 10:30 a.m. For more
information, visit www.kiawahresort.com.
December 16, 2011
13
You can still fnd those types of people
here. Like Apalachicola, were not really
on the way to anywhere. If youre in either
place, you sought it out as a destination.
And for anyone in love with their home
in the Lowcountry but curious about the
real Florida, theres nowhere else left like
the Forgotten Coast.
From the summit of a dune on Cape San
Blas, the lay of the land is fnally evident.
Te cape is a 20-mile sliver stretching
out into the Gulf. Geographically, its
the Outer Banks, or the Cape Cod, of
Florida. But its wilder. Seven miles of
beach and dunes stretch to their terminus
without a building or road. Impenetrable
maritime forest crosses the quarter mile
wide spit, home to coyote, deer, bobcats,
and alligators.
Tis is the real Florida one of few
preserved spots like it (were lucky in
S.C. to have the ACE Basin and Cape
Romain to remind us of our coast before
development). Apart from being named
Dr. Beachs #1 beach in the nation on
multiple occasions, Cape San Blas has
somehow escaped notice, at least enough
that we can have it to ourselves on a warm
autumn day.
Like the whole Forgotten Coast its an
amazing anomaly. Most importantly, its
a reminder of home, and a positive lesson
about retaining our water-based culture
and economy and letting our wild places
thrive.
Apalachicola continues from page 8
health & Wellness
I
nvisiVein is a revolutionary
new technique to cure varicose
veins, says Dr. Eugene Phillips,
a vascular and interventional radiologist
with Imaging Specialists and InvisiVein
of Mount Pleasant. He says that sixty
percent of men and women in America
are afected by varicose or spider veins--
the intensely painful and unsightly purple
veins that often rob people of the activities
and lifestyles they love.
What causes them? In normal veins,
valves in the vein keep blood moving
forward toward the heart. With varicose
veins, the valves do not function properly,
allowing blood to remain in the vein and
causing it to enlarge. Tis process usually
occurs in the veins of the legs, although it
may occur elsewhere. Standing for a long
time and having increased pressure in the
abdomen may make you more likely to
develop varicose veins or may make the
condition worse.
Patients may experience fullness,
heaviness, aching, and sometimes
severe pain in the legs, as well as visible,
enlarged veins, mild swelling and brown
discoloration of the skin at the ankles. At
worst, varicose veins can cause thrombosis,
ulceration and, in some cases, the veins
can burst and bleed profusely.
Dr. Phillips explains that initial
treatment is usually conservative: avoiding
excessive standing, raising your legs when
resting or sleeping, and wearing elastic
support hose. Actual removal of varicose
veins used to be considered a traumatic
procedure with a long and painful recovery.
However, there are newer, noninvasive
treatments for varicose veins that do
not involve surgery: sclerotherapy, laser
ablation, and radiofrequency ablation.
InvisiVein of Mount Pleasant
has performed more varicose vein
procedures than any other facility in
the Lowcountry and ofers a VenaCure
EVLT laser treatment for varicose and
spider veins. Te procedure is essentially
painless and recovery is very quick; within
one or two hours, the patient is up and
walking out of the ofce on brand new
legs, says Phillips.
Te patients skin is numbed where a
tiny introducer or catheter is inserted.
A highly trained radiologist guides a
tiny, gold-tipped laser using ultrasound
technology. When the laser tip fnds its
way to the deep vein that has become
defective, the laser destroys it.
Te tip, known as the VenaCure EVLT
gold-tipped fber, helps insure that only
the intended parts of the vein are afected
by the laser. Once the deep bulging vein
is destroyed, the surrounding veins that
are also afected begin to shrink. Patients
experience only a little discomfort and no
recovery time at all.
So, if painful varicose veins are stopping
you from doing the things you love, or if
unsightly veins are keeping you out of your
skirts, its time to get back in the game.
Start the New Year of pain-free and
proud, with a holiday special for $50 of
your initial consultation for self-pay clients
though January 1. For more information,
call InvisiVein at 881-4020.
Veins Dont Have To Be a Pain
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14 December 16, 2011
www.islandconnectionnews.com
W
elcome to another Computer Corner column. I aim to provide helpful
information for your computer ailments from meltdowns to simple
one-button questions.
It was only a matter of time and I guess the time is now for, believe it or not, your
smartphone to get a virus. Te industry has acknowledged that hackers, bad guys,
whatever you want to call them have started attacking smartphones because of the large
amount of info stored on them. Fox News, Cnet and other online sources report
that smartphone viruses are on the rise. Many companies, including Norton
and MacAfee, ofer packages to secure your phone from malware and
protect it in other ways.
One company has a list of potential problems and I thought I would
share it with you:
On-device anti-malware solution to protect against malicious
applications, spyware, infected SD cards, and malware based
attacks on the device
On-device personal frewall to protect device interfaces
Password protection for device access
Remote locate, track, lock, wipe, backup and restore software to retrieve and
restore a lost or stolen device
Anti-spam software to protect against unwanted voice and SMS/MMS
communications
(For parents) Device usage monitoring software to monitor and control
pre-adult mobile device usage and protect against cyber-bullying, cyber-stalking,
inappropriate use, and other threats, including automated alerting for:
SMS message content 1.
Email message content 2.
Insight into pictures taken, sent, and received by the device, as well as those 3.
stored on the device
Installed applications 4.
Address book and contact lists 5.
Te above list is from an article by Juniper Networks and gives food for thought about
our smartphones and how we use them. Remember that anything stored on a phone,
laptop, tablet or desktop CAN be hacked regardless of the OS (operating system). Just
because its never happened to you or friends does not mean that it wont.
Now for some good news: the packages that are ofered for smartphones are apps
and are in the $30 range from app stores. Even better is one from Lookout Mobile
Security that is FREE and available at www.mylookout.com.
A great feature with most mobile security apps is the ability to locate
a stolen phone, lock it or even wipe it completely. Just think you could
lose your phone, jump on your computer, make it emit a loud siren noise
and fnd it setting next to the shower where you left it! Or even better is
a thief with a screaming phone on his hands, ready to drop it quick. Tat
alone could be worth the price of the software, plus some great parent options for
the young ones.
Se be aware of the potential
malware attacks and do something
about it. See you in the New Year and
have a wonderful holiday with friends
and family. If the need arises I will be
available to help with your computer
problems.
Look forward to some good questions
and helping you out. If you need
immediate assistance you can always call
Rent A Bob at 822-7794 or email at
rentabob@live.com.
Smartphones Get Sick, Too!
By BoB Hooper, AKA rent A BoB
December 16, 2011 15
December 16, 2011 17
nature
T
he American chestnut is a tree that will
be immortalized as a true forest giant of
the eastern US. Often up to 100 feet tall,
and frequently with a trunk diameter of greater
than four feet. It is a species that dominates forest
ecosystems in both the mountains and piedmont
and is highly prized for its valuable lumber. It is
fancifully suggested that at one time long ago, before
the onslaught of European settlers, a squirrel would
have been able to run from Maryland to northern
Alabama along the branches of American chestnuts,
due to their great abundance. Sadly, these mighty
giants have essentially vanished, having fallen away
due to an introduced fungal disease known as
chestnut blight. Occasionally in the forests you can
fnd sprouts of American chestnut, but they never (or
rarely) attain much size.
It is a small tree, usually not more than about
20 feet tall, characterized by sharply-sawtoothed
leaves. It occurs widely in the eastern United States
and in a number of upland, high-ground habitats.
Te fowers are tiny and inconspicuous without any
petals. Separate male fowers and female fowers
occur on the same plant. If all goes well, each female
fower will be able to produce a hard, shiny brown,
sweet nut about an inch long, held tightly in a bright
green spiny bur. Te burs eventually open up in the
fall, releasing the sweet nuts, which are a prized food
for wildlife.
John Nelson is the curator of the Herbarium at the
University of South Carolina, in the Department of
Biological Sciences. As a public service, the Herbarium
ofers free plant identifcations. For more information,
visit www.herbarium.org or call 803-777-8196
Photo by Linda Lee
Mystery Plant
By John nelson
[ A n s w e r : C h i n q u a p i n , C h i n k a p i n , D w a r f c h e s t n u t ,
C a s t a n e a p u m i l a ]
www.islandconnectionnews.com
18 December 16, 2011
CABBAGE
Cabbage is one of my favorite vegetables. For the past week we have eaten it cooked or raw
every night so easy and delicious just quarter it and thinly slice as much as needed and
saute in butter or olive oil. Add a sprinkle of salt. Or slice the cabbage very thinly, cut
crosswise, and add dressing.

Skillet Cabbage
From Sherri Castles Te New Southern Garden Cookbook
3 thick bacon slices cut crosswise into -inch slices
1 small green cabbage, quartered, cored, and shredded (about 8 cups)
3 Tbsp. cider vinegar
1 tsp. sugar, or to taste
1 tsp. kosher salt
1/2 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
Cook the bacon in a heavy skillet over med.-high heat until crisp. Transfer to paper
towels to drain.
Reduce the heat to medium. Add the cabbage and a inch of salt to the skillet and toss
with tongs until lightly coated with fat. (Te cabbage should be only about 1-inch
deep in the skillet. Cook the cabbage in two batches if skillet is too small adding a
little oil to pan if needed). Cover skillet; cook, stirring often, until cabbage is tender,
about 8 min. Transfer into a large serving bowl.
Pour the vinegar into the skillet and bring to a simmer, scraping up the browned glze
from the bottom of the pan. Pour over cabbage and toss to coat. Season with sugar,
salt, and plenty of pepper. Sprinkle with reserved bacon and serve warm.
Cabbage, Pear, and ginger Slaw
cup seasonsed rice vinegar
1 Tbsp. toasted sesame oil
1 tsp. grated fresh ginger
1 tsp. light brown sugar
1 tsp. soy sauce
head cabbage
1 frm mango, peeled
1 apple, pear or Asian pear, halved and cored
1 red Serrano chile
Sea salt and ground pepper
In a small bowl whisk together vinegar, sesame oil, ginger, sugar and soy sauce, Set
aside. Using a mandoline, shave cabbage, mango, and pear into thin slices. (Not
having a mandoline I thinly sliced everything.) Combine in a bowl. Cut chile into
thin rings, remove seeds, and add rings to bowl. Add dressing and toss to combine.
Season to taste with salt and pepper. Serve at once.
COLLARDS
Remove large stem, wash greens until free of grit. Barely cover the bottom of a large heavy
saucepan or cast iron skillet with olive oil. Add one-fourth-cup water. Add greens, flling
pot only one-quarter full. Place cover on pot and cook at fairly high heat, stirring often.
When greens are wilted, move them to side and add more. Repeat until all greens are
cooked. Salt to taste. If there is any liquid left, drain it of. Add butter or olive oil, red
wine vinegar as you wish.
Hot pepper vinegar is preferred by some. Artichoke relish is a delicious accompaniment.
Collard greenS and winter rootS SouP
From Te Lee Brothers, Simple, Fresh, Southern
Any dishwasher who has ever faced the soupy ends of a well-seasoned pot of collards
knows that the cooking broth is positively energizing to drink, packed with vitamins
and a deep, rootsy favor that gives you goose bumps, its so goodWeve developed
our collards soup a stew really to mimic the incomparable long-stewed-greens
favor of that collards pot, but added some roots (turnips and carrots) to sweeten it and
beans to give the dish more protein and rib-sticking potential.
Note from Louise: turnips may be omitted; we used pink-eye peas rather than canned.
1 Tbsp. olive oil
3 oz. slab bacon or 3 strips thick-cut bacon, diced
1 medium yellow onion, chopped
1 large yellow turnip, peeled and diced
2 small carrots, peeled, halved lengthwise, and cut into -thick half-moons
4 cloves garlic, minced
1-1/2 lbs. collard greens (about 1 bunch), ribs removed, leaves fnely chopped
2 Tbsp. white wine vinegar
tsp. kosher salt plus more to taste
tsp. crushed dried red chile fakes
tsp. freshly ground black pepper plus more to taste
1 quart vegetable broth
One 14 oz. can white cannellini or navy beans, drained
Pour oil into stockpot set over med.-high heat. When oil shimmers, add bacon; saute
about 3 minutes. Add onion, turnip, carrots, and garlic. Cook, stirring, about 3
minutes. Add the collards a handful at a time, turning them until they wilt before
adding more.
When all collards have wilted (about 4 minutes), add vinegar, salt, chile fakes and
pepper. Add vegetable broth, beans, and 2 cups water; cover the pot. Bring to a
boil, turn heat to low, and simmer for about 30 minutes until carrots and turnips are
tender. Season with salt and pepper; serve immediately.

QuiCk Collard greenS, Confetti-Style
From Susie Middletons Fast, Fresh, Green
One-half large bunch collard greens
2 Tbsp. olive oil
1 tsp. garlic, minced
Big pinch crushed red pepper fakes
tsp. kosher salt
tsp. sherry vinegar (optional)
tsp. honey (optional)
6 to 8 curls parmigiano-reggiano cheese (optional)
Remove the stems from the collard leaves by holding a stem with one hand and
pulling leaves away from it with the other. Rip leaves completely in half lengthwise.
You should have about 4 oz.-trimmed collards. Rinse the leaves and dry them well.
Stack them up on top of each other, roll them up tightly cigar-style, and using a very
sharp knife, slice them across into very thin ribbons (about one-eighth inch wide).
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and cook about one
minute. Add the red pepper fakes, stir, and add the sliced greens and the salt. Cook,
stirring to incorporate everything in the pan, until greens turn bright green (at frst)
and then a darker green and are wilted, about one minute (dont cook much longer
or they will begin to toughen). Remove the pan from the heat and taste. If you like,
combine the sherry vinegar and honey in a small bowl; mix well, and mix it into the
greens. Transfer to a serving dish. Alternatively, skip the honey-vinegar mix and serve
greens garnished with a few Parmigiano.
Happy cooking for the holidays!
Cabbage & Collards
SeaSonal FavoriteS From roSebank FarmS
20 December 16, 2011
I
recently had a day full of charters with children. Having
raised two great sons around saltwater myself, I get great
pleasure when I hear the cheers and see the smiles when
children catch fsh on the Egret.
Fishing with children can be a challenge because
their curiosity and attention span always seems to get the
best of them. It is important to keep them occupied by
sharing what you are doing, why you are doing it, and
whats happening around them. When I fsh I always
try to share my techniques and stories and tips so the
children will stay entertained while waiting on the bent
rod. Here are some tips that could make that family
fshing trip more successful and less stressful:
Find Productive Fishing First
Any child will become bored if you start the day by
spending a couple of hours trying to fnd a spot where the
fsh are biting. Locate good water structures and know
the best techniques for catching saltwater species. Save
the scouting or experimentation until later, after your
child is hooked on fshing. Your child must catch fsh on
the early trips. Size and type arent nearly as important as
having fun hooking a fsh.
Teach Te Basics
Let the child create his or her own experience. Some
adults do everything for the child and this can be a
mistake. Encourage children to do as much for themselves
as possible. Take the time to explain why you are tying
a certain hook or lure on the line. Younger children will
have trouble mastering a well tied knot on monoflament
line, but they can pick out brightly colored lures or certain
bait. Kids need to develop self-reliance and putting their
own bait on the hook is a start. But dont force the issue.
Some kids dont want to touch slimy bait. Tis will change
with time and experience.
Setting Te Hook
An eager child will likely lose a fsh or two by setting
the hook too hard. Teaching children to set the hook
quickly but gently will improve their technique. I always
try to use circle hooks and I discuss the reason with
children before the bait hits the water. Remember to let
them land a fsh, even if you have to set the hook and
hand them the rod. Coaching them through the battle
is important and it lets them learn.
Choose Fishing Equipment Wisely
Ultra-light rods and reels are excellent for children.
You can purchase less expensive versions that, no doubt,
will be damaged or destroyed eventually. If you let the
child use the gear on a successful fshing trip, you will be
surprised at how prized that fshing rig will become. Note
that some kids still want to learn with a spin cast reel.
Find a small, inexpensive tackle box and stock it with a
few jigs, bobbers, hooks, weights, and other neat stuf.
Teach your child to neatly arrange and organize. Early
attention to organization will pay of in enjoyable trips for
as long as the child fshes.
Properly Fitting Life Vests
I am a huge proponent of safe boating and recommend
that all children, regardless of age or size of the boat, wear a life
jacket. Make sure the vest is correct for the child and meets the
regulations. Visit www.dnr.sc.gov for more information.
Weather
Choose the days you want to your child fshing wisely.
Avoid windy, rainy, or cold days. Blue bird days are the best
for the best childhood memories. Remember to take extra
jackets for weather changes. Be mindful of the sun and
make sure sun block is applied prior to leaving the dock.
Know When To Leave
Boredom in youth may strike at any timeeven when
the fsh are biting. Forcing children to stay out longer
than their attention span allows is a good way to turn
them of from fshing forever. More than one youngster
on the trip will likely end up horsing around or making
unnecessary noise. Tis is a good case for total patience
as an adult. I am not endorsing a complete breakdown
of discipline, but remember that you brought children to
the water to enjoy the same experiences you have had for
many years. Tat child who is scaring the fsh away will
someday become a serious and dedicated angler.
Chances are good that you will spend many enjoyable
hours on the water with this fsherman you created.
Remarkably, the child you take fshing may take you
fshing someday. You both will always remember the
smiles and memories.
(l to r) Tanner, Kevin, and Sullivan Lane of Mt. Pleasant, SC.
Fishing with Family
By Captain Fred BriCketto
Fishing