BLUE HER N

THEAR UND THE COLONY August 2013

IssuePublication of the DeBordieu Colony Community Association “DCCA” www.debordieucolony.org

DCCA ADMINISTRATION DIRECTORYPhone: 843.527.4436 Fax: 843.546.8704

dcaadmin@debordieucolony.org

Blanche Brown .........................bbrown@debordieucolony.orgAMS, CMCA General Manager

Ayla Hemeon ...........................ahemeon@debordieucolony.orgExecutive Administrator

Amanda Elliott ............................ dcaadmin@debordieucolony.orgMember & Commercial Services (decals & barcodes)

ArchitecturAl review BoArd .................843.527.5033Meg Wilcox ................................mwilcox@debordieucolony.org

ARB Administrator

Grounds MAintenAnce ..........................843.436.3333David Sapp ................................dcagrounds@debordieucolony.org

Grounds Maintenance Manager

coMMunity sAfety “sAfety & security” .... 843.527.4931Mike Grabarz ...........................mgrabarz@debordieucolony.org

Chief of Community SafetyStephanie Johnson .....................sjohnson@debordieucolony.org

Administrative Assistant

GATEHOUSEPhone: 843.546.8520 Fax 843.546.8532

2012-2013 deBordieu colonyBoArd And coMMittee AssiGnMents

Dick Rose .....................................1highhill@gmail.comPresident

Glynn Alexander .............................glynn196@aol.comVice President

David Kossove ..............................phiusa@bellsouth.netSecretary

Marianne Mackey ............mariannemackey@ymail.comTreasurer / Finance

Jim Christian .................................jimc174@gmail.comDirector

Jim Cooper ............................james.cooper@gmail.comArchitectural Review Board

Mason Hogue .......... mason.hogue@nelsonmullins.comLegal & Regulatory

Bill Owen ................................bill@owenrealestate.comInfrastructure

Bill Rentz ................................creekman2001@aol.comGrievance

Dick Schwab .................................rschwab@sccoast.netDirector

Carter Utzig ................cutzig-BeachComm@sccoast.netBeach

Claire Yarborough ...............................plycwy@aol.comDirector

Alligator Safety

S.C.U.T.E. (South Carolina United Turtle Enthusiasts)by Betsy Brabson & Robin Baughn, Coordinators

DeBordieu & Hobcaw S.C.U.T.E. is experiencing a turtle season like we have never had before! Our record season was set in 1995 with 75 nests. As of July 24th, we have 93 nests (DeBordieu 31/Hobcaw 62). We are in hopes of breaking 100 before the end of the nesting season which is usually August 15th. Our dedicated, tireless group of volunteers has been working diligently starting before sunrise by finding, probing, sometimes relocating and protecting nests. Because of all the activity, four volunteers have earned their SCDNR certification bringing our total to 26 certified volunteers.

Our first nest, which was laid on May 24th between DeBor-dieu and Prince George, hatched on July 23rd at 60 days in-cubation. This is the beginning of our nest inventories where we dig out the contents three nights after the initial hatch. We collect data about the success of each nest and report to SCDNR. Sometimes we find live hatchlings that have not made it out of the nest on their own. This is an exciting event as we release them and watch them make their way to the ocean!

Inventory dates and times are posted on our DeBordieu Real Estate sponsored website at: www.debordieuscute.org. You can also check daily activity, photos, links and learn about the Sea Turtle Hospital at the SC Aquarium.

You can help loggerhead sea turtles by removing your beach items nightly. Nesting and hatching turtles need a clear path to and from the ocean. If you must dig holes on the beach, please dig them below the tide line so they will fill in overnight. Please turn off oceanfront lights at dusk. Hatchlings orient to the brightest horizon which we hope will be the moon and fluorescence of the waves, not floodlights of a house. Thank you for your cooperation.

www.debordieuscute .org

deBordieu colony

181 Luvan BoulevardGeorgetown, SC 29440www.debordieucolony.org

Summer is the ideal time for families and friends to visit DeBor-dieu. Visitors to our community almost always are interested in see-ing an alligator. You can play an important role in preserving and respecting their role in the ecosystem by heeding a few simple tips.

Alligators are ectothermic or “cold-blooded” creatures whose pri-mary source of body heat is external. This is why they lie on the banks to bask in the sun for warmth and at times may be seen with their mouths open to keep warm. During the heat of the day, they submerge underwater to cool off.

Safety Tips and Regulations: Never approach an alligator – DeBordieu Colony’s alligator population is allowed to fluctuate naturally unless an individual alligator loses its natural fear of hu-mans (due to illegal feeding and the association of humans to food). When fishing or crabbing in DeBordieu, please do not throw excess bait into the water. If an alligator approaches, use caution and remove your lines from the water.

Alligators are capable of great speed over short distances so keep children and pets away from them. A good-sized alligator sees a dog at the water’s edge as easy prey. The same could happen to a small child. Neither should be allowed near the ponds where alli-gators spend their summers. Otherwise, alligators aren’t aggressive unless threatened, and a mother gator tending her nest may bemore easily threatened. Give them all a wide berth.

Do not feed alligators: It is against state and local law to feed or entice alligators with food. Penalties can include a $200 fine and up to 30 days in prison. It is also against the law to harass or harm an alligator in any way. This includes throwing rocks, sticks or any ob-ject at an alligator. Fines can be up to $5,000 and a year in prison. Anyone witnessing such actions should report them to DeBordieu Safety and Security immediately at (843) 546-8520.

Never disturb nests or young alligators: Alligator mothers are very protective of their nests and their young. They are adept at surprise, so approaching a nest of young alligators is not advised. A mother’s whereabouts may not be apparent even at close range. Also, avoid secluded areas on pond banks, since alligators prefer more remote areas for nesting.

In order to monitor the alligator population, visual surveys are oc-casionally conducted and staff, property owner, and security sight-ings are noted and researched. An alligator is not considered a nui-sance alligator based upon simply size alone. If deemed a potential public safety threat, appropriate steps are taken to obtain a nuisance alligator removal permit from the SC DNR. Alligators removed under these permits are captured and euthanized by authorized personnel.

Well, the recent vote for beach renourishment is past and the results (sorted by community zones) have been sent via email. Our property owners chose not to amend the by-laws to provide for a one-time special assessment to fund beach nour-ishment. While I am disappointed with this outcome, “it is what it is.” I thank everyone for their involvement; we had a tremendous turnout and I believe it indicates our strong overall interest in DeBordieu. I hope we can accept that folks have dif-ferent opinions and that we should respect them. Remember this quote from Benjamin Franklin: “So convenient a thing it is to be a reasonable creature, since it enables one to find or make a reason for everything one has a mind to do.”

There were a number of well-intentioned suggestions for the Board’s consideration. Some had been previously exam-ined and some were simply unworkable. However, this input showed how much owners care about DeBordieu. There were also cases of misinformation being sent and even a few vitriolic

emails. This was unfortunate. It’s fine to disagree, but let’s be factual and respectful.

Your Board had a productive annual strategy meeting in early July. Our committees are developing plans relative to their areas of responsibility for the Board to consider. Finance, Beach and Long Range Planning will generate ideas for preserving and im-proving the community. We know from former board mem-ber Bob Flowers’ strong advocacy, that we must strengthen our reserve fund. Marianne Mackey will lead this effort. Infrastruc-ture will continue to receive focus because we must minimize potential problems. As we continue to grow (and age) more stress will be placed on roads and common areas.

Let’s move forward with fresh ideas and a positive sense of purpose so we can keep this place special. I encourage your input to the appropriate board members.

And thanks again for your interest and involvement.

Letter From the President

Fellow Community Members, I want to thank the previous Beach Committee, other

committees and all the extra volunteers for their hard work evaluating options, recommending a project and getting out the vote. While the proposal to maintain the beach did not pass, we set a record for the number of people voting – by a lot! Engaging each other in dialog and voting are critical components of a healthy community.

Since the majority of the people who voted supported maintaining the beach, there is still a lot to talk about and to decide. Here is how we are going to move forward together:

Because of the magnitude of the beach maintenance ques-tion, the Beach Committee is going to:

• Evaluate new ideas and re-evaluate formally discarded ideas that were on the edge of viability. We are going to

consider groins, back passing, near term smaller projects, doing nothing, etc.

• We are not going to consider something that the law clearly does not allow.

• We are recommending a long term approach to beach maintenance coupled with a funding plan. (Finance and Long Range Planning Committees are responsible for funding.)

• Because this is such an important issue, we are going to increase community engagement. The Beach Committee will be comprised of virtual members and a small core team.

The core team is the decision making body and is com-prised of myself, Wayne Hinman and Bill Bowles.

A virtual member is any community member who wants to engage in addressing our beach issues. These individu-

Beach Committee Updateby Carter Utzig

(Continued)

PRSRT STDUS POSTAGE

PAIDGEORGETOWN, SC 29440

PERMIT NO 270

COMMUNITY BOARD BRIEFS

During the Special Members’ Meeting held on June 15, community members partici-pated in a vote to amend the By-Laws of the DeBordieu Colony Community Associa-tion (“DCCA”) to provide a one-time spe-cial assessment to fund beach nourishment on Debidue Beach. The results of the vote were as follows:

Total number of votes cast: 1013Total votes cast to approve theamendment: 579Percentage of votes cast to approve: 57%

Total votes cast not to approve the amendment: 434Percentage of votes cast not to approve the amendment: 43%

For the proposed amendment to have passed, two-thirds (66.67%) of those Members’ who voted by ballot cast at the Special Meeting must have voted in favor of the proposed amendment.  Therefore the proposed amendment to the By-Laws as presented to the community failed to reach the required vote.The following are highlights from the DCCA June and July Board Meetings:

Approved:•Bob Flowers nomination to fulfill the final 16 months of Dick Rose’s term on the Architectural Review Board. •The following Committee Chair Appointments:•Architectural Review Board – Jim Cooper•Long Range Planning – Wilson Lowery•Beach – Carter Utzig•Finance – Marianne Mackey•Grievance – Bill Rentz•Infrastructure – Bill Owen•Legal & Regulatory – Mason Hogue•Membership – David Kossove•Waccamaw Neck POA – Claire Yarborough

Reported:•The updated online visitor pass link should be enabled shortly; security and website software providers are integrating programs.•Coyote management will not resume during the summer due to the high number of summer residents and guests.

Contact information for Board members is available online at www.debordieucolony.org

als will be part of monthly (or more frequent) communications asking for their input on topics/ideas. We will also be looking for volunteers to tackle specific activities.

We will continue to add and pro-vide access to beach related informa-tion and analysis on our community website. Former Beach Committees have evaluated and discussed with the community just about every option you can think of and a large number of independent experts and professional firms have evaluated our situation and recommended solutions.

Our goal is to present the pros and cons of an option followed by a well thought out factual analysis that leads us to a conclusion or points us in a direction.

Lastly, we would like to bet-ter understand why you voted for or against the last project. We have conducted a short survey or you can email me directly at: cutzig-BeachComm@sccoast.net (or anyone else on the Board or committees).

Cheers,Carter

Beach Committee Update (Continued)

The Club is working on a very exciting series of programs for the 2013-2014 season which begins in late September and concludes in May. Please look for a future email regarding details for our first meeting. Membership dues are $20 per household. You may pay by check and mail it to: Nan Alexander, 3048 Luvan Blvd., Georgetown SC 29440. We are looking forward to seeing you!

If you have any questions please contact: Martha Adams via email at mcadams@sccoast.net or 527-7740Reenee Flowers via email at reebuck1@aol.com or 436-0119

How to Prepare for a HurricanePreparing for a hurricane or tropical storm and following the advice of officials is the best way to

ensure the health and safety of your family and loved ones during an emergency.

For more information or materials, please contact Chief Grabarz at 843-527-4931 or email: mgrabarz@debordieucolony.org.

Hurricanes: Facts at a Glance

The key threats from an approaching Tropical Storm or Hur-ricane are WIND, STORM SURGE, FLOODING, and the potential for TORNADOES.

• HurricaneWINDScanreach74-95mphforaCategory1storm, to above 155 mph for a Category 5 storm.

• TheSTORMSURGEisadomeofoceanwaterthehur-ricane pushes ahead of itself. At its peak, a storm surge can be 25 feet high and 50-100 miles wide. The storm surge can wreak havoc as the water pushes into the marsh, causing water levels to rise.

• The thunderstorms and torrential rains that accompanya hurricane can create dangerous and deadly FLOODS or FLASH FLOODS.

• Tolessenthetensionssurroundinghurricaneseason,startgathering supplies, preparing your home and planning for a possible emergency.

Create a Family Disaster Plan. Identify ahead of time where you will go if you’re told to evacuate. Meet with your family and discuss why you need to prepare for a disaster. Explain the dangers of fire, severe weather, and earthquakes to children. Plan to share responsibilities and work together as a team. Discuss the types of disasters most likely to happen. Explain what to do in each case.

Ask an Out-of-State Friend to be Your “Family Contact.” After a disaster, it’s often easier to call long dis-tance. Other family members should call this person and tell them where they are. Everyone must know your contact’s phone number. Discuss what to do in an evacuation. Plan how to care for your pets.

Prepare your Pets by making sure your cats and dogs are wearing securely fastened collars with up-to-date identifica-tion. If you must evacuate, make arrangements as soon as pos-sible, such as having your pet stay with a friend, family mem-ber, or kennel. Put together a pet disaster kit that includes medical records, medications, veterinarian contact, first aid kit, collars, leashes, food, water, bowls, litter and pan, and a photo of your pets. Keep your pets close by bringing them in-side well in advance of a hurricane so you don’t have to search for them if you have to evacuate.

Locate Important Papers and Documents and have them ready to take with you should you need to evacuate, or protected in plastic storage bags if you’re remaining in your home. Driver’s licenses, Social Security cards, proof of resi-dence, insurance policies, wills, deeds, birth and marriage cer-tificates, tax records and photos of your home (exterior and interior) should be included.

Include the following items in a Basic Emergency Supply Kit:Water-one gallon per person per day for at least three daysNon-perishable food items (minimum three-day supply)Manual can openerBattery powered radioFlashlightExtra batteriesFirst aid kitMatches in a waterproof containerAny prescription medicationsPet foodImportant documentsLocal maps and evacuation routes*Always make sure to have a full tank of gas!

Use the Following Guidelines to Start Preparations Before Disaster Strikes:

Debordieu Home and Garden Club News

The DeBordieu Recycling area is conveniently located off of Wallace Pate Drive on Firehouse Street nestled on the left hand side, across from Boat Storage Lot No. 4.

Community residents and guests can conveniently re-cycle glass, aluminum, steel cans, newspapers, magazines and plastics. Simply place these items in the large 5-door

commingled bin. Please do not place your paper prod-ucts in the large commingled container. We have in-stalled a separate, smaller, stand-alone container specifical-ly for all paper products. This container is located straight across from the large commingled container.

DeBordieu Colony Recycling Area

Please Do Not Place household garbage or other household

material in this area. Contact your waste removal service for

removal of these materials.

DO’S &DONT’S

• Yard debris includes grass clippings, leaves, small branches and limbs a max. of 6” in diameter and not longer than 10’.• Consolidate small piles of debris into larger piles.• Consolidate debris piles with your neighbors.• Place limbs with the large end toward the street.• Place debris piles within 5’ of road.

• Place debris piles away from fire hydrants, water meters or valves, drains and trees.• Do not place debris piles under power lines or low hanging limbs.• Debris from under brushing vacant lots is excluded from roadside pickup and requires a permit from the ARB.

Yard Debris PickupThe DeBordieu Colony Grounds Operations Department provides yard debris pickup for

owners of improved properties on Monday and Thursday as follows:

The DeBordieu Colony Grounds Operations Department does not pickup household trash such as paint cans, discarded windows, etc. Please make arrangements with your trash disposal service.

COMMUNITY BOARD BRIEFS

During the Special Members’ Meeting held on June 15, community members partici-pated in a vote to amend the By-Laws of the DeBordieu Colony Community Associa-tion (“DCCA”) to provide a one-time spe-cial assessment to fund beach nourishment on Debidue Beach. The results of the vote were as follows:

Total number of votes cast: 1013Total votes cast to approve theamendment: 579Percentage of votes cast to approve: 57%

Total votes cast not to approve the amendment: 434Percentage of votes cast not to approve the amendment: 43%

For the proposed amendment to have passed, two-thirds (66.67%) of those Members’ who voted by ballot cast at the Special Meeting must have voted in favor of the proposed amendment.  Therefore the proposed amendment to the By-Laws as presented to the community failed to reach the required vote.The following are highlights from the DCCA June and July Board Meetings:

Approved:•Bob Flowers nomination to fulfill the final 16 months of Dick Rose’s term on the Architectural Review Board. •The following Committee Chair Appointments:•Architectural Review Board – Jim Cooper•Long Range Planning – Wilson Lowery•Beach – Carter Utzig•Finance – Marianne Mackey•Grievance – Bill Rentz•Infrastructure – Bill Owen•Legal & Regulatory – Mason Hogue•Membership – David Kossove•Waccamaw Neck POA – Claire Yarborough

Reported:•The updated online visitor pass link should be enabled shortly; security and website software providers are integrating programs.•Coyote management will not resume during the summer due to the high number of summer residents and guests.

Contact information for Board members is available online at www.debordieucolony.org

als will be part of monthly (or more frequent) communications asking for their input on topics/ideas. We will also be looking for volunteers to tackle specific activities.

We will continue to add and pro-vide access to beach related informa-tion and analysis on our community website. Former Beach Committees have evaluated and discussed with the community just about every option you can think of and a large number of independent experts and professional firms have evaluated our situation and recommended solutions.

Our goal is to present the pros and cons of an option followed by a well thought out factual analysis that leads us to a conclusion or points us in a direction.

Lastly, we would like to bet-ter understand why you voted for or against the last project. We have conducted a short survey or you can email me directly at: cutzig-BeachComm@sccoast.net (or anyone else on the Board or committees).

Cheers,Carter

Beach Committee Update (Continued)

The Club is working on a very exciting series of programs for the 2013-2014 season which begins in late September and concludes in May. Please look for a future email regarding details for our first meeting. Membership dues are $20 per household. You may pay by check and mail it to: Nan Alexander, 3048 Luvan Blvd., Georgetown SC 29440. We are looking forward to seeing you!

If you have any questions please contact: Martha Adams via email at mcadams@sccoast.net or 527-7740Reenee Flowers via email at reebuck1@aol.com or 436-0119

How to Prepare for a HurricanePreparing for a hurricane or tropical storm and following the advice of officials is the best way to

ensure the health and safety of your family and loved ones during an emergency.

For more information or materials, please contact Chief Grabarz at 843-527-4931 or email: mgrabarz@debordieucolony.org.

Hurricanes: Facts at a Glance

The key threats from an approaching Tropical Storm or Hur-ricane are WIND, STORM SURGE, FLOODING, and the potential for TORNADOES.

• HurricaneWINDScanreach74-95mphforaCategory1storm, to above 155 mph for a Category 5 storm.

• TheSTORMSURGEisadomeofoceanwaterthehur-ricane pushes ahead of itself. At its peak, a storm surge can be 25 feet high and 50-100 miles wide. The storm surge can wreak havoc as the water pushes into the marsh, causing water levels to rise.

• The thunderstorms and torrential rains that accompanya hurricane can create dangerous and deadly FLOODS or FLASH FLOODS.

• Tolessenthetensionssurroundinghurricaneseason,startgathering supplies, preparing your home and planning for a possible emergency.

Create a Family Disaster Plan. Identify ahead of time where you will go if you’re told to evacuate. Meet with your family and discuss why you need to prepare for a disaster. Explain the dangers of fire, severe weather, and earthquakes to children. Plan to share responsibilities and work together as a team. Discuss the types of disasters most likely to happen. Explain what to do in each case.

Ask an Out-of-State Friend to be Your “Family Contact.” After a disaster, it’s often easier to call long dis-tance. Other family members should call this person and tell them where they are. Everyone must know your contact’s phone number. Discuss what to do in an evacuation. Plan how to care for your pets.

Prepare your Pets by making sure your cats and dogs are wearing securely fastened collars with up-to-date identifica-tion. If you must evacuate, make arrangements as soon as pos-sible, such as having your pet stay with a friend, family mem-ber, or kennel. Put together a pet disaster kit that includes medical records, medications, veterinarian contact, first aid kit, collars, leashes, food, water, bowls, litter and pan, and a photo of your pets. Keep your pets close by bringing them in-side well in advance of a hurricane so you don’t have to search for them if you have to evacuate.

Locate Important Papers and Documents and have them ready to take with you should you need to evacuate, or protected in plastic storage bags if you’re remaining in your home. Driver’s licenses, Social Security cards, proof of resi-dence, insurance policies, wills, deeds, birth and marriage cer-tificates, tax records and photos of your home (exterior and interior) should be included.

Include the following items in a Basic Emergency Supply Kit:Water-one gallon per person per day for at least three daysNon-perishable food items (minimum three-day supply)Manual can openerBattery powered radioFlashlightExtra batteriesFirst aid kitMatches in a waterproof containerAny prescription medicationsPet foodImportant documentsLocal maps and evacuation routes*Always make sure to have a full tank of gas!

Use the Following Guidelines to Start Preparations Before Disaster Strikes:

Debordieu Home and Garden Club News

The DeBordieu Recycling area is conveniently located off of Wallace Pate Drive on Firehouse Street nestled on the left hand side, across from Boat Storage Lot No. 4.

Community residents and guests can conveniently re-cycle glass, aluminum, steel cans, newspapers, magazines and plastics. Simply place these items in the large 5-door

commingled bin. Please do not place your paper prod-ucts in the large commingled container. We have in-stalled a separate, smaller, stand-alone container specifical-ly for all paper products. This container is located straight across from the large commingled container.

DeBordieu Colony Recycling Area

Please Do Not Place household garbage or other household

material in this area. Contact your waste removal service for

removal of these materials.

DO’S &DONT’S

• Yard debris includes grass clippings, leaves, small branches and limbs a max. of 6” in diameter and not longer than 10’.• Consolidate small piles of debris into larger piles.• Consolidate debris piles with your neighbors.• Place limbs with the large end toward the street.• Place debris piles within 5’ of road.

• Place debris piles away from fire hydrants, water meters or valves, drains and trees.• Do not place debris piles under power lines or low hanging limbs.• Debris from under brushing vacant lots is excluded from roadside pickup and requires a permit from the ARB.

Yard Debris PickupThe DeBordieu Colony Grounds Operations Department provides yard debris pickup for

owners of improved properties on Monday and Thursday as follows:

The DeBordieu Colony Grounds Operations Department does not pickup household trash such as paint cans, discarded windows, etc. Please make arrangements with your trash disposal service.

COMMUNITY BOARD BRIEFS

During the Special Members’ Meeting held on June 15, community members partici-pated in a vote to amend the By-Laws of the DeBordieu Colony Community Associa-tion (“DCCA”) to provide a one-time spe-cial assessment to fund beach nourishment on Debidue Beach. The results of the vote were as follows:

Total number of votes cast: 1013Total votes cast to approve theamendment: 579Percentage of votes cast to approve: 57%

Total votes cast not to approve the amendment: 434Percentage of votes cast not to approve the amendment: 43%

For the proposed amendment to have passed, two-thirds (66.67%) of those Members’ who voted by ballot cast at the Special Meeting must have voted in favor of the proposed amendment.  Therefore the proposed amendment to the By-Laws as presented to the community failed to reach the required vote.The following are highlights from the DCCA June and July Board Meetings:

Approved:•Bob Flowers nomination to fulfill the final 16 months of Dick Rose’s term on the Architectural Review Board. •The following Committee Chair Appointments:•Architectural Review Board – Jim Cooper•Long Range Planning – Wilson Lowery•Beach – Carter Utzig•Finance – Marianne Mackey•Grievance – Bill Rentz•Infrastructure – Bill Owen•Legal & Regulatory – Mason Hogue•Membership – David Kossove•Waccamaw Neck POA – Claire Yarborough

Reported:•The updated online visitor pass link should be enabled shortly; security and website software providers are integrating programs.•Coyote management will not resume during the summer due to the high number of summer residents and guests.

Contact information for Board members is available online at www.debordieucolony.org

als will be part of monthly (or more frequent) communications asking for their input on topics/ideas. We will also be looking for volunteers to tackle specific activities.

We will continue to add and pro-vide access to beach related informa-tion and analysis on our community website. Former Beach Committees have evaluated and discussed with the community just about every option you can think of and a large number of independent experts and professional firms have evaluated our situation and recommended solutions.

Our goal is to present the pros and cons of an option followed by a well thought out factual analysis that leads us to a conclusion or points us in a direction.

Lastly, we would like to bet-ter understand why you voted for or against the last project. We have conducted a short survey or you can email me directly at: cutzig-BeachComm@sccoast.net (or anyone else on the Board or committees).

Cheers,Carter

Beach Committee Update (Continued)

The Club is working on a very exciting series of programs for the 2013-2014 season which begins in late September and concludes in May. Please look for a future email regarding details for our first meeting. Membership dues are $20 per household. You may pay by check and mail it to: Nan Alexander, 3048 Luvan Blvd., Georgetown SC 29440. We are looking forward to seeing you!

If you have any questions please contact: Martha Adams via email at mcadams@sccoast.net or 527-7740Reenee Flowers via email at reebuck1@aol.com or 436-0119

How to Prepare for a HurricanePreparing for a hurricane or tropical storm and following the advice of officials is the best way to

ensure the health and safety of your family and loved ones during an emergency.

For more information or materials, please contact Chief Grabarz at 843-527-4931 or email: mgrabarz@debordieucolony.org.

Hurricanes: Facts at a Glance

The key threats from an approaching Tropical Storm or Hur-ricane are WIND, STORM SURGE, FLOODING, and the potential for TORNADOES.

• HurricaneWINDScanreach74-95mphforaCategory1storm, to above 155 mph for a Category 5 storm.

• TheSTORMSURGEisadomeofoceanwaterthehur-ricane pushes ahead of itself. At its peak, a storm surge can be 25 feet high and 50-100 miles wide. The storm surge can wreak havoc as the water pushes into the marsh, causing water levels to rise.

• The thunderstorms and torrential rains that accompanya hurricane can create dangerous and deadly FLOODS or FLASH FLOODS.

• Tolessenthetensionssurroundinghurricaneseason,startgathering supplies, preparing your home and planning for a possible emergency.

Create a Family Disaster Plan. Identify ahead of time where you will go if you’re told to evacuate. Meet with your family and discuss why you need to prepare for a disaster. Explain the dangers of fire, severe weather, and earthquakes to children. Plan to share responsibilities and work together as a team. Discuss the types of disasters most likely to happen. Explain what to do in each case.

Ask an Out-of-State Friend to be Your “Family Contact.” After a disaster, it’s often easier to call long dis-tance. Other family members should call this person and tell them where they are. Everyone must know your contact’s phone number. Discuss what to do in an evacuation. Plan how to care for your pets.

Prepare your Pets by making sure your cats and dogs are wearing securely fastened collars with up-to-date identifica-tion. If you must evacuate, make arrangements as soon as pos-sible, such as having your pet stay with a friend, family mem-ber, or kennel. Put together a pet disaster kit that includes medical records, medications, veterinarian contact, first aid kit, collars, leashes, food, water, bowls, litter and pan, and a photo of your pets. Keep your pets close by bringing them in-side well in advance of a hurricane so you don’t have to search for them if you have to evacuate.

Locate Important Papers and Documents and have them ready to take with you should you need to evacuate, or protected in plastic storage bags if you’re remaining in your home. Driver’s licenses, Social Security cards, proof of resi-dence, insurance policies, wills, deeds, birth and marriage cer-tificates, tax records and photos of your home (exterior and interior) should be included.

Include the following items in a Basic Emergency Supply Kit:Water-one gallon per person per day for at least three daysNon-perishable food items (minimum three-day supply)Manual can openerBattery powered radioFlashlightExtra batteriesFirst aid kitMatches in a waterproof containerAny prescription medicationsPet foodImportant documentsLocal maps and evacuation routes*Always make sure to have a full tank of gas!

Use the Following Guidelines to Start Preparations Before Disaster Strikes:

Debordieu Home and Garden Club News

The DeBordieu Recycling area is conveniently located off of Wallace Pate Drive on Firehouse Street nestled on the left hand side, across from Boat Storage Lot No. 4.

Community residents and guests can conveniently re-cycle glass, aluminum, steel cans, newspapers, magazines and plastics. Simply place these items in the large 5-door

commingled bin. Please do not place your paper prod-ucts in the large commingled container. We have in-stalled a separate, smaller, stand-alone container specifical-ly for all paper products. This container is located straight across from the large commingled container.

DeBordieu Colony Recycling Area

Please Do Not Place household garbage or other household

material in this area. Contact your waste removal service for

removal of these materials.

DO’S &DONT’S

• Yard debris includes grass clippings, leaves, small branches and limbs a max. of 6” in diameter and not longer than 10’.• Consolidate small piles of debris into larger piles.• Consolidate debris piles with your neighbors.• Place limbs with the large end toward the street.• Place debris piles within 5’ of road.

• Place debris piles away from fire hydrants, water meters or valves, drains and trees.• Do not place debris piles under power lines or low hanging limbs.• Debris from under brushing vacant lots is excluded from roadside pickup and requires a permit from the ARB.

Yard Debris PickupThe DeBordieu Colony Grounds Operations Department provides yard debris pickup for

owners of improved properties on Monday and Thursday as follows:

The DeBordieu Colony Grounds Operations Department does not pickup household trash such as paint cans, discarded windows, etc. Please make arrangements with your trash disposal service.

BLUE HER N

THEAR UND THE COLONY August 2013

IssuePublication of the DeBordieu Colony Community Association “DCCA” www.debordieucolony.org

DCCA ADMINISTRATION DIRECTORYPhone: 843.527.4436 Fax: 843.546.8704

dcaadmin@debordieucolony.org

Blanche Brown .........................bbrown@debordieucolony.orgAMS, CMCA General Manager

Ayla Hemeon ...........................ahemeon@debordieucolony.orgExecutive Administrator

Amanda Elliott ............................ dcaadmin@debordieucolony.orgMember & Commercial Services (decals & barcodes)

ArchitecturAl review BoArd .................843.527.5033Meg Wilcox ................................mwilcox@debordieucolony.org

ARB Administrator

Grounds MAintenAnce ..........................843.436.3333David Sapp ................................dcagrounds@debordieucolony.org

Grounds Maintenance Manager

coMMunity sAfety “sAfety & security” .... 843.527.4931Mike Grabarz ...........................mgrabarz@debordieucolony.org

Chief of Community SafetyStephanie Johnson .....................sjohnson@debordieucolony.org

Administrative Assistant

GATEHOUSEPhone: 843.546.8520 Fax 843.546.8532

2012-2013 deBordieu colonyBoArd And coMMittee AssiGnMents

Dick Rose .....................................1highhill@gmail.comPresident

Glynn Alexander .............................glynn196@aol.comVice President

David Kossove ..............................phiusa@bellsouth.netSecretary

Marianne Mackey ............mariannemackey@ymail.comTreasurer / Finance

Jim Christian .................................jimc174@gmail.comDirector

Jim Cooper ............................james.cooper@gmail.comArchitectural Review Board

Mason Hogue .......... mason.hogue@nelsonmullins.comLegal & Regulatory

Bill Owen ................................bill@owenrealestate.comInfrastructure

Bill Rentz ................................creekman2001@aol.comGrievance

Dick Schwab .................................rschwab@sccoast.netDirector

Carter Utzig ................cutzig-BeachComm@sccoast.netBeach

Claire Yarborough ...............................plycwy@aol.comDirector

Alligator Safety

S.C.U.T.E. (South Carolina United Turtle Enthusiasts)by Betsy Brabson & Robin Baughn, Coordinators

DeBordieu & Hobcaw S.C.U.T.E. is experiencing a turtle season like we have never had before! Our record season was set in 1995 with 75 nests. As of July 24th, we have 93 nests (DeBordieu 31/Hobcaw 62). We are in hopes of breaking 100 before the end of the nesting season which is usually August 15th. Our dedicated, tireless group of volunteers has been working diligently starting before sunrise by finding, probing, sometimes relocating and protecting nests. Because of all the activity, four volunteers have earned their SCDNR certification bringing our total to 26 certified volunteers.

Our first nest, which was laid on May 24th between DeBor-dieu and Prince George, hatched on July 23rd at 60 days in-cubation. This is the beginning of our nest inventories where we dig out the contents three nights after the initial hatch. We collect data about the success of each nest and report to SCDNR. Sometimes we find live hatchlings that have not made it out of the nest on their own. This is an exciting event as we release them and watch them make their way to the ocean!

Inventory dates and times are posted on our DeBordieu Real Estate sponsored website at: www.debordieuscute.org. You can also check daily activity, photos, links and learn about the Sea Turtle Hospital at the SC Aquarium.

You can help loggerhead sea turtles by removing your beach items nightly. Nesting and hatching turtles need a clear path to and from the ocean. If you must dig holes on the beach, please dig them below the tide line so they will fill in overnight. Please turn off oceanfront lights at dusk. Hatchlings orient to the brightest horizon which we hope will be the moon and fluorescence of the waves, not floodlights of a house. Thank you for your cooperation.

www.debordieuscute .org

deBordieu colony

181 Luvan BoulevardGeorgetown, SC 29440www.debordieucolony.org

Summer is the ideal time for families and friends to visit DeBor-dieu. Visitors to our community almost always are interested in see-ing an alligator. You can play an important role in preserving and respecting their role in the ecosystem by heeding a few simple tips.

Alligators are ectothermic or “cold-blooded” creatures whose pri-mary source of body heat is external. This is why they lie on the banks to bask in the sun for warmth and at times may be seen with their mouths open to keep warm. During the heat of the day, they submerge underwater to cool off.

Safety Tips and Regulations: Never approach an alligator – DeBordieu Colony’s alligator population is allowed to fluctuate naturally unless an individual alligator loses its natural fear of hu-mans (due to illegal feeding and the association of humans to food). When fishing or crabbing in DeBordieu, please do not throw excess bait into the water. If an alligator approaches, use caution and remove your lines from the water.

Alligators are capable of great speed over short distances so keep children and pets away from them. A good-sized alligator sees a dog at the water’s edge as easy prey. The same could happen to a small child. Neither should be allowed near the ponds where alli-gators spend their summers. Otherwise, alligators aren’t aggressive unless threatened, and a mother gator tending her nest may bemore easily threatened. Give them all a wide berth.

Do not feed alligators: It is against state and local law to feed or entice alligators with food. Penalties can include a $200 fine and up to 30 days in prison. It is also against the law to harass or harm an alligator in any way. This includes throwing rocks, sticks or any ob-ject at an alligator. Fines can be up to $5,000 and a year in prison. Anyone witnessing such actions should report them to DeBordieu Safety and Security immediately at (843) 546-8520.

Never disturb nests or young alligators: Alligator mothers are very protective of their nests and their young. They are adept at surprise, so approaching a nest of young alligators is not advised. A mother’s whereabouts may not be apparent even at close range. Also, avoid secluded areas on pond banks, since alligators prefer more remote areas for nesting.

In order to monitor the alligator population, visual surveys are oc-casionally conducted and staff, property owner, and security sight-ings are noted and researched. An alligator is not considered a nui-sance alligator based upon simply size alone. If deemed a potential public safety threat, appropriate steps are taken to obtain a nuisance alligator removal permit from the SC DNR. Alligators removed under these permits are captured and euthanized by authorized personnel.

Well, the recent vote for beach renourishment is past and the results (sorted by community zones) have been sent via email. Our property owners chose not to amend the by-laws to provide for a one-time special assessment to fund beach nour-ishment. While I am disappointed with this outcome, “it is what it is.” I thank everyone for their involvement; we had a tremendous turnout and I believe it indicates our strong overall interest in DeBordieu. I hope we can accept that folks have dif-ferent opinions and that we should respect them. Remember this quote from Benjamin Franklin: “So convenient a thing it is to be a reasonable creature, since it enables one to find or make a reason for everything one has a mind to do.”

There were a number of well-intentioned suggestions for the Board’s consideration. Some had been previously exam-ined and some were simply unworkable. However, this input showed how much owners care about DeBordieu. There were also cases of misinformation being sent and even a few vitriolic

emails. This was unfortunate. It’s fine to disagree, but let’s be factual and respectful.

Your Board had a productive annual strategy meeting in early July. Our committees are developing plans relative to their areas of responsibility for the Board to consider. Finance, Beach and Long Range Planning will generate ideas for preserving and im-proving the community. We know from former board mem-ber Bob Flowers’ strong advocacy, that we must strengthen our reserve fund. Marianne Mackey will lead this effort. Infrastruc-ture will continue to receive focus because we must minimize potential problems. As we continue to grow (and age) more stress will be placed on roads and common areas.

Let’s move forward with fresh ideas and a positive sense of purpose so we can keep this place special. I encourage your input to the appropriate board members.

And thanks again for your interest and involvement.

Letter From the President

Fellow Community Members, I want to thank the previous Beach Committee, other

committees and all the extra volunteers for their hard work evaluating options, recommending a project and getting out the vote. While the proposal to maintain the beach did not pass, we set a record for the number of people voting – by a lot! Engaging each other in dialog and voting are critical components of a healthy community.

Since the majority of the people who voted supported maintaining the beach, there is still a lot to talk about and to decide. Here is how we are going to move forward together:

Because of the magnitude of the beach maintenance ques-tion, the Beach Committee is going to:

• Evaluate new ideas and re-evaluate formally discarded ideas that were on the edge of viability. We are going to

consider groins, back passing, near term smaller projects, doing nothing, etc.

• We are not going to consider something that the law clearly does not allow.

• We are recommending a long term approach to beach maintenance coupled with a funding plan. (Finance and Long Range Planning Committees are responsible for funding.)

• Because this is such an important issue, we are going to increase community engagement. The Beach Committee will be comprised of virtual members and a small core team.

The core team is the decision making body and is com-prised of myself, Wayne Hinman and Bill Bowles.

A virtual member is any community member who wants to engage in addressing our beach issues. These individu-

Beach Committee Updateby Carter Utzig

(Continued)

PRSRT STDUS POSTAGE

PAIDGEORGETOWN, SC 29440

PERMIT NO 270

BLUE HER NTH

EAR UND THE COLONY August 2013Issue

Publication of the DeBordieu Colony Community Association “DCCA” www.debordieucolony.org

DCCA ADMINISTRATION DIRECTORYPhone: 843.527.4436 Fax: 843.546.8704

dcaadmin@debordieucolony.org

Blanche Brown .........................bbrown@debordieucolony.orgAMS, CMCA General Manager

Ayla Hemeon ...........................ahemeon@debordieucolony.orgExecutive Administrator

Amanda Elliott ............................ dcaadmin@debordieucolony.orgMember & Commercial Services (decals & barcodes)

ArchitecturAl review BoArd .................843.527.5033Meg Wilcox ................................mwilcox@debordieucolony.org

ARB Administrator

Grounds MAintenAnce ..........................843.436.3333David Sapp ................................dcagrounds@debordieucolony.org

Grounds Maintenance Manager

coMMunity sAfety “sAfety & security” .... 843.527.4931Mike Grabarz ...........................mgrabarz@debordieucolony.org

Chief of Community SafetyStephanie Johnson .....................sjohnson@debordieucolony.org

Administrative Assistant

GATEHOUSEPhone: 843.546.8520 Fax 843.546.8532

2012-2013 deBordieu colonyBoArd And coMMittee AssiGnMents

Dick Rose .....................................1highhill@gmail.comPresident

Glynn Alexander .............................glynn196@aol.comVice President

David Kossove ..............................phiusa@bellsouth.netSecretary

Marianne Mackey ............mariannemackey@ymail.comTreasurer / Finance

Jim Christian .................................jimc174@gmail.comDirector

Jim Cooper ............................james.cooper@gmail.comArchitectural Review Board

Mason Hogue .......... mason.hogue@nelsonmullins.comLegal & Regulatory

Bill Owen ................................bill@owenrealestate.comInfrastructure

Bill Rentz ................................creekman2001@aol.comGrievance

Dick Schwab .................................rschwab@sccoast.netDirector

Carter Utzig ................cutzig-BeachComm@sccoast.netBeach

Claire Yarborough ...............................plycwy@aol.comDirector

Alligator Safety

S.C.U.T.E. (South Carolina United Turtle Enthusiasts)by Betsy Brabson & Robin Baughn, Coordinators

DeBordieu & Hobcaw S.C.U.T.E. is experiencing a turtle season like we have never had before! Our record season was set in 1995 with 75 nests. As of July 24th, we have 93 nests (DeBordieu 31/Hobcaw 62). We are in hopes of breaking 100 before the end of the nesting season which is usually August 15th. Our dedicated, tireless group of volunteers has been working diligently starting before sunrise by finding, probing, sometimes relocating and protecting nests. Because of all the activity, four volunteers have earned their SCDNR certification bringing our total to 26 certified volunteers.

Our first nest, which was laid on May 24th between DeBor-dieu and Prince George, hatched on July 23rd at 60 days in-cubation. This is the beginning of our nest inventories where we dig out the contents three nights after the initial hatch. We collect data about the success of each nest and report to SCDNR. Sometimes we find live hatchlings that have not made it out of the nest on their own. This is an exciting event as we release them and watch them make their way to the ocean!

Inventory dates and times are posted on our DeBordieu Real Estate sponsored website at: www.debordieuscute.org. You can also check daily activity, photos, links and learn about the Sea Turtle Hospital at the SC Aquarium.

You can help loggerhead sea turtles by removing your beach items nightly. Nesting and hatching turtles need a clear path to and from the ocean. If you must dig holes on the beach, please dig them below the tide line so they will fill in overnight. Please turn off oceanfront lights at dusk. Hatchlings orient to the brightest horizon which we hope will be the moon and fluorescence of the waves, not floodlights of a house. Thank you for your cooperation.

www.debordieuscute .org

deBordieu colony

181 Luvan BoulevardGeorgetown, SC 29440www.debordieucolony.org

Summer is the ideal time for families and friends to visit DeBor-dieu. Visitors to our community almost always are interested in see-ing an alligator. You can play an important role in preserving and respecting their role in the ecosystem by heeding a few simple tips.

Alligators are ectothermic or “cold-blooded” creatures whose pri-mary source of body heat is external. This is why they lie on the banks to bask in the sun for warmth and at times may be seen with their mouths open to keep warm. During the heat of the day, they submerge underwater to cool off.

Safety Tips and Regulations: Never approach an alligator – DeBordieu Colony’s alligator population is allowed to fluctuate naturally unless an individual alligator loses its natural fear of hu-mans (due to illegal feeding and the association of humans to food). When fishing or crabbing in DeBordieu, please do not throw excess bait into the water. If an alligator approaches, use caution and remove your lines from the water.

Alligators are capable of great speed over short distances so keep children and pets away from them. A good-sized alligator sees a dog at the water’s edge as easy prey. The same could happen to a small child. Neither should be allowed near the ponds where alli-gators spend their summers. Otherwise, alligators aren’t aggressive unless threatened, and a mother gator tending her nest may bemore easily threatened. Give them all a wide berth.

Do not feed alligators: It is against state and local law to feed or entice alligators with food. Penalties can include a $200 fine and up to 30 days in prison. It is also against the law to harass or harm an alligator in any way. This includes throwing rocks, sticks or any ob-ject at an alligator. Fines can be up to $5,000 and a year in prison. Anyone witnessing such actions should report them to DeBordieu Safety and Security immediately at (843) 546-8520.

Never disturb nests or young alligators: Alligator mothers are very protective of their nests and their young. They are adept at surprise, so approaching a nest of young alligators is not advised. A mother’s whereabouts may not be apparent even at close range. Also, avoid secluded areas on pond banks, since alligators prefer more remote areas for nesting.

In order to monitor the alligator population, visual surveys are oc-casionally conducted and staff, property owner, and security sight-ings are noted and researched. An alligator is not considered a nui-sance alligator based upon simply size alone. If deemed a potential public safety threat, appropriate steps are taken to obtain a nuisance alligator removal permit from the SC DNR. Alligators removed under these permits are captured and euthanized by authorized personnel.

Well, the recent vote for beach renourishment is past and the results (sorted by community zones) have been sent via email. Our property owners chose not to amend the by-laws to provide for a one-time special assessment to fund beach nour-ishment. While I am disappointed with this outcome, “it is what it is.” I thank everyone for their involvement; we had a tremendous turnout and I believe it indicates our strong overall interest in DeBordieu. I hope we can accept that folks have dif-ferent opinions and that we should respect them. Remember this quote from Benjamin Franklin: “So convenient a thing it is to be a reasonable creature, since it enables one to find or make a reason for everything one has a mind to do.”

There were a number of well-intentioned suggestions for the Board’s consideration. Some had been previously exam-ined and some were simply unworkable. However, this input showed how much owners care about DeBordieu. There were also cases of misinformation being sent and even a few vitriolic

emails. This was unfortunate. It’s fine to disagree, but let’s be factual and respectful.

Your Board had a productive annual strategy meeting in early July. Our committees are developing plans relative to their areas of responsibility for the Board to consider. Finance, Beach and Long Range Planning will generate ideas for preserving and im-proving the community. We know from former board mem-ber Bob Flowers’ strong advocacy, that we must strengthen our reserve fund. Marianne Mackey will lead this effort. Infrastruc-ture will continue to receive focus because we must minimize potential problems. As we continue to grow (and age) more stress will be placed on roads and common areas.

Let’s move forward with fresh ideas and a positive sense of purpose so we can keep this place special. I encourage your input to the appropriate board members.

And thanks again for your interest and involvement.

Letter From the President

Fellow Community Members, I want to thank the previous Beach Committee, other

committees and all the extra volunteers for their hard work evaluating options, recommending a project and getting out the vote. While the proposal to maintain the beach did not pass, we set a record for the number of people voting – by a lot! Engaging each other in dialog and voting are critical components of a healthy community.

Since the majority of the people who voted supported maintaining the beach, there is still a lot to talk about and to decide. Here is how we are going to move forward together:

Because of the magnitude of the beach maintenance ques-tion, the Beach Committee is going to:

• Evaluate new ideas and re-evaluate formally discarded ideas that were on the edge of viability. We are going to

consider groins, back passing, near term smaller projects, doing nothing, etc.

• We are not going to consider something that the law clearly does not allow.

• We are recommending a long term approach to beach maintenance coupled with a funding plan. (Finance and Long Range Planning Committees are responsible for funding.)

• Because this is such an important issue, we are going to increase community engagement. The Beach Committee will be comprised of virtual members and a small core team.

The core team is the decision making body and is com-prised of myself, Wayne Hinman and Bill Bowles.

A virtual member is any community member who wants to engage in addressing our beach issues. These individu-

Beach Committee Updateby Carter Utzig

(Continued)

PRSRT STDUS POSTAGE

PAIDGEORGETOWN, SC 29440

PERMIT NO 270