The Island Eye News - December 13, 2013

8/13/2019 The Island Eye News - December 13, 2013

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INSIDE THE ISLAND EYE NEWS

Council continues on page 3 Coast continues on page 8

FAR, FARAWAYPG 6

The issue of addressing reghterretention in Isle of Palms appears tohave divided the City Council. The

department has lost 11 members over thepast 12 months, the majority to other higher-paying local departments. After presentingher case to various committees over the lastfew weeks, Chief Graham addressed the Waysand Means committee on Nov. 19 asking forthe addition of one reghter position (3 full-time employees), a 10 percent increase inwages, and an increase of 3 percent to thecity-wide annual merit pool (taking it to 6percent).

The total cost for all recommendations

approached $220,000. According to CityAdministrator Linda Tucker, since the Cityhas historically ended the scal year with apositive net result in the General Fund theFire Department recommendations couldbe absorbed in the scal year 2014 GeneralFunds positive net gain. If those fundsproved not to be enough, Tucker identiedthree potential funding sources for scal

year 2014, including monies from the stateaccommodations tax fund, a portion of the$75,000 budgeted for undergrounding ofutility lines and a portion of the $30,000budgeted for a Disaster Relief Team. Forscal year 2015, possible sources of fundinginclude close to $100,000 saved through theconsolidated dispatch and over $300,000

from the retiring of a beach restoration loanin June 2014.

So, we are doing this based upon projectedsurpluses. Is that correct? Council member

Jimmy Ward said at the meeting.HIstorical [projected surpluses], yes, said

Holding back the ocean is as futile anexercise as trying to move a mountain.Geologists have been warning coastal

communities fordecades that theyneed to retreat fromthe advancing oceanwaves. With sea levelsexpected to rise up to 5feet in the southeast by

the end of the century,it looks likely thatsolutions such as beachre-nourishment wont be implemented quicklyenough to stop the inevitable march of MotherNature.

But such sweeping statements aboutcoastal communities dont resonate well withthe individuals who actually live in those

communities. Especially when the ocean hasalready begun swirling up underneath theirhomes.

For Deron Nettles, 44,the sight of the sea eatingaway at the foundationsof his familys homeon Sullivans Islandprompted him to takematters into his own

hands.The result is a USand international

patents-pending Wave Dissipation System,designed to limit the damage waves inict ona structure and to slow sand erosion arounda property. According to preliminary results

Deron Nettles stands with his Wave Dissipation System outside the Seascape condos on Isle of Palms. Nettles hopes

the system will be an alternative option to the nearby sandbags as a way of preserving and restoring the shoreline.

Saving the coast one home at a timeSTUDY SHOWS WATER DISSIPATION SYSTEM DESIGNED BY SULLIVANS ISLANDNATIVE COULD HELP PRESERVE AND RESTORE OUR SHORES

BY JENNIFER TUOHY

ISLAND EYE NEWS EDITOR

No newreghters forIOP this year

W A G E A N D M E R I T I N C R E A S E S

A P P R O V E D B Y C O U N C I L

BY JENNIFER TUOHY


THE RESULTS SO FAR SHOW THAT THIS IS

AN IDEAL SOLUTION FOR SHORT AND LONG

TERM PROTECTION OF STRUCTURES AND

NATURAL LANDSCAPE FEATURES WITH NO

NEGATIVE SIDE EFFECTS.

~ Dr. Timothy Mays


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2 December 13, 2013

WWW.ISLANDEYENEWS.COM

Message from the MayorD I C K C R O N I N , I S L E O F P A L M S

CIVIC

During the holiday season,I reect on what being amunicipality means. Local

government is the closest to our

homes and families. Home iswhere we rally and feel we havea safe harbor. It is where werest, play, nurture our familiesand strengthen and restore ourspirits. It is a place where weexpect to feel protected.

Our City renders services toour citizens and visitors. Deliveryof those services is what we allcollectively want and expect. Themost key and central role for alocal government is service, andit is the employees of the citywho deliver that service. Everydepartment of the City is essential.Police enforce laws. Public Works

cleans the island. Recreationkeeps us happy and healthy.Building, Planning, and Zoningensures safe construction. CityHall stewards nances, enactspolicy set by Council and ensures

justice. Fire, our largest andmost visible department, keepsour homes and safe and cares for

us during medical emergencies.These people are our everydayheroes.

For several months, the

Personnel and Public SafetyCommittees of Council havediscussed the stafng in the FireDepartment. The Isle of Palmsis such a unique place bothgeographically and seasonally.Fire personnel need to be ableto protect both small and largehomes in a sensitive eco-system,and they need to be able torespond to medical emergencieson land and in water. It isimportant in a community likeour island to have continuityamong trained personnel.Losing experienced personnelto other entities forces the Isle

of Palms to continually trainnew people. Broad inexperiencecreates possible risks both tothose receiving service and thoserendering service.

It is important for the City toinvest in its peopleto makesure they are competitively paid,there are an adequate number of

them to fulll the service demandand they are appropriatelytrained. In order to ensure thatits citizens receive the standard

of service they have come toexpect, City Council has madesteps in that direction. Relatedto these steps, the City will becarefully monitoring expensesand revenues presently and inthe future.

Going forward, City Councilwill also consider the possibility ofadding one more re personnel foreach the three shifts to Station 2,located near the marina, a total ofthree personnel. This would createbalance at the two stations, witha total of ve personnel at eachstation on each shift, and allowfor more consistency in training

and responding. Council will visitthis structure when planning forthe Fiscal Year 15 budget.

The Citys primary role is toprovide services to citizens, anda strong, experienced peopleinfrastructure is necessary,especially in emergencysituations and in the protection of

our homes, families, and health.Allowing our City the ability toretain experienced personnel is

crucial.I hope that the Isle of Palms

makes you feel safe, and you areable to enjoy the holiday seasonwith the assurance that hometown services will be provided for

you and your loved ones. Have ahappy holiday!

Mayor Dick Cronin.


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December 13, 2013 3

Lynn Pierotti

publisher

[email protected]

Jennifer Tuohy

managing editor

[email protected]

Swan Richards

graphic designer

[email protected]

Lori McGee 614.0901

Catherine Lambert 452.9903

advertising executives

Christian LeBlanc

social media

[email protected]

Steve Rosamilia

photographer

Contributors:

Katherine SaengerDick Cronin

Robert Stockdale

Emily Abedon

Lisa Van Bergen

Barbara Millen Patrick

Glenn Thornburg

John Nelson

Bright McConnell

Susan St. Hilarie

Bob Hooper

Published by:

Lucky Dog Publishing

of South Carolina, LLC

P.O. Box 837

Sullivans Island, SC 29482

843-886-NEWS

Submit your letters to the editor to:[email protected]

Future deadline: December 21 for

our January 3 issue

LUCKYDOG P UBLISHING

OFSC, LLCPublisher of the Island Eye News

and theIsland Connection

The Island Eye News, a wholly owned subsidiaryof Lucky Dog Publishing of SC LLC, is a free,independent newspaper published every twoweeks and is for and about the Isle of Palms,

Sullivans Island, Goat Island and Dewees Island.Copies are mailed free of charge to every ac-tive mailbox in our coverage area and are also

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WWW.ISLANDEYENEWS.COMunder advertising.Isle of Palms886.6428www.iop.net

Wednesday, December 18

Municipal Court9 a.m.1207 Palm Boulevard

Sullivan's Island883.3198www.sullivansisland-sc.com

Friday, December 13

Finance Committee of Council4 p.m.2050 Middle Street

Tuesday, December 17

Regular Council Meeting6 p.m.2050 Middle Street

Wednesday, December 18

Coffee with the Chief!Stop by for a chat about SI withPolice Chief Howard at Cafe Medley.8:30 a.m.2213 Middle Street

DRB Meeting6 p.m.2050 Middle Street

Monday, December 9

Council Workshop6 p.m.2050 Middle Street

Civic CalendarRecycle - THURSDAY-HOLIDAY SCHEDULE, December 26 - Recycle


Holiday Schedule

City Ofces CLOSEDIsle of PalmsDecember 24-25

Sullivan's IslandDecember 23-26

Tucker. If yall decide that youwant to do this we should spenda couple of months tracking theimpact on our budget as it maynot be necessary to reallocate thebudgeted money.

Ward responded stating he hada problem funding expendituresnow on the hopes of budgeted

surpluses.You don't consider thisbusting the budget? he asked.No, Tucker responded. I do,countered Ward.

I feel condent we can more

than justify this expenditure,Councilmember Sandy Stonesaid. I feel very strongly thatthis is a safety issue and if its

justiable we need to move

forward for the safety of ourvisitors and residents.

Councilmember RyanBuckhannon voiced his opinionthat this should be worked intothe next budget, as he objected to

the idea of three new reghterscoming out of accommodationstax funds. Weve spent more timededicated to this issue in the lastthree months than we spent onour entire budget, he said. Weneed to wait and look at it in ournext budget cycle.

Councilmember BarbaraBergwerf stated that she feltthe re department had madeits argument succinctly andmade it clear that the city is waybehind other departments withregards to compensation. Theadministration has found a way

to fund it, she said. Its a publicsafety issue and we need to moveforward with it.

Mayor Cronin remarked thatthere is nothing more importantthan the safety of people on theisland and their properties; if theCity has to give up doing certainother things then that is what willbe done he said.

The three requests presentedby Chief Graham were voted on

separately. The motion to hire anadditional reghter for each shiftwas defeated 5-4, Buckhannon,Carroll, Loftus, Thomas andWard cast the negative votes.

The motion to increase wagesby 10 percent passed 3-6, withBuckhannon, Carroll and Wardcasting negative votes.

The motion to increase themerit pool to 6 percent effective

Jan. 1, 2014 passed 5-4, withBuckhannon, Carroll, Loftusand Thomas voting against. Thelatter two motions went on tobe approved at the city councilmeeting that same evening withthe same dissensions.

IOP CITY COUNCIL MEETINGNOV. 19

Seascape Condo ErosionSteve Traynum of Coastal

Science and engineeringannounced that the city hadreceived the requested permitmodication to allow it toproceed with assuaging the

erosion problems at Seascape,Ocean Club and the 18th greenin Wild Dunes. Since the permitapplication however, citizenshave placed sandbags out toprotect their property, which arepermitted through the end of the

year, and could stay longer if theerosion threat continues.

If council proceeds withthe project to move 80,000cubic yards of sand in 2014,the sandbags may have to beremoved, leaving the residents ina vulnerable position once again.Delaying the project until 2015

would allow time for the beachto build out naturally and timefor CSE to come up with a longerterm x to the erosion problem.

At the Nov. 4 meeting of theReal Property Committee it wasagreed the City should delay aproject until the winter 2015.Breach Inlet

Traynm also reported to thecouncil that a quarterly survey ofBreach Inlet in October showed

the beach has been stable sinceJuly and actually gained about30,000 cubic yards of sand.

Tidal Wave Watersports Dock

Because of the decision notto proceed with a completereplacement of the watersportsdock but instead to just x someof the safety issues at this time,$7,250 of the total contractamount awarded has goneunused. The Ways and MeansCommittee recommended thatcouncil use these monies towardsOcean and Coastal Consultantsdeveloping a preliminary marinaredevelopment plan. Councilapproved the motion 8 to 1 withCouncilmember Loftus castingthe negative vote.

Santec SigningA motion to award a contract

to Stantec for Phases III and IVof the waynding sign initiative

in the amount of $15,790 passedunanimously.

Councilmember Bettellireported that to address theproblem of people turning aroundon 46th Avenue because theyare being directed by their GPSto turn right there to enter WildDunes, Stantec is preparing asign to direct drivers to turnleft and Wild Dunes is adopting1 Sundial Circle as its ofcialaddress in resort literature.

Councilcontinues from cover

At a special city councilmeeting held Dec. 3, thefollowing IOP City CouncilMember were appointed

to these committees andboards:Public Safety:Bergwerf,Bettelli, CarrollPublic Works:Ferencz, Loftus,WardReal Property:Bergwerf,Buckhannon, LoftusRecreation:Buckhannon,Carroll, HarringtonPersonnel:Bettelli, Ferencz,Harrington


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4 December 13, 2013

CIVIC

Chief Thomas E.Buckhannon, III,announced last week that

a team of assessors from theCommission on Accreditation forLaw Enforcement Agencies, Inc.will arrive on Dec. 15, 2013, toexamine all aspects of the Isle ofPalms Police Departments policyand procedures, management,operations, and support services.

Verication by the team that theIsle of Palms Police Departmentmeets the Commissions state-of-the-art standards is part of avoluntary process to maintainaccreditationa highly prizedrecognition of law enforcementprofessional excellence.

The Isle of Palms PoliceDepartment has to complywith standards in four basicareas: policy and procedures,administration, operations andsupport services in order to

maintain accredited status,Chief Buckhannon said.

As part of the On-SiteAssessment, agency employeesand members of the communityare invited to offer commentsat a public information sessionMonday, Dec. 16, 2013 at 6 p.m.or by calling (843) 256.5560 onDec. 16 between 1 and 3 p.m.

The session will be conducted inthe City of Isle of Palms PublicSafety Building Training Room,30 JC Long Boulevard.

Telephone comments as wellas appearances at the publicinformation session are limited

to 10 minutes and must address

the agencys ability to complywith CALEA standards. A copy ofthe standards is available at thePolice Department AccreditationOfce. The local contact isCaptain Kimberly Usry (843)886.6522.

Persons wishing to offerwritten comments about the Isleof Palms Police Departmentsability to meet the standardsfor accreditation are requestedto write: CALEA, 13575Heathcote Boulevard, Suite 320,Gainesville, VA 20155 or www.calea.org.

Usry administers theAccreditation Program forthe Police Department. Theassessment team is composedof law enforcement practitionersfrom similar but out-of-stateagencies. The assessors willreview written materials,interview individuals and visit

ofces and other places wherecompliance can be witnessed. Theassessors are Chief Mark Palmerfrom Coventry, Connecticut andDorris Certain of University Park,

Texas. Once the Commissionsassessors complete their reviewof the agency, they report tothe full Commission, which willthen decide if the agency is tomaintain its accredited status.

Accreditation is valid for threeyears, during which the agencymust submit annual reportsattesting continued compliancewith those standards underwhich it was initially accredited

and re-accredited.

IOP Police Department tobe assessed by CALEA

BY ISLE OF PALMS POLICE DEPARTMENT

FOR THE ISLAND EYE NEWS

10/02/13 A vehicle wasstopped for a trafc violation,while conducting the stop it waslearned that the drivers licensewas suspended, the driver wascited and released and hisvehicle was towed.

10/05/13 While on patrol anofcer observed a vehicle withtwo rear at tires, the ofcercontacted the owner and after aninvestigation it was learned thatthe tires had been punctured bywhat appeared to be a knife. Theowner stated that he had had anargument with an ex-girlfriendand had recently red a subjectat work.

10/05/13 A complainantcame into the police station andreported that while driving in avehicle on Sullivans Island theprevious day, her husband hadstruck her in the face severaltimes with the back of his handcausing her nose to bleed. Awarrant was obtained and thesubject was arrested for CriminalDomestic Violence.

10/14/13 Almost Pinkreported a shoplifter inside thestore, ofcers responded and

located the subject, and thesubject was in possession ofthe items and was arrested forshoplifting.

10/16/13 Almost Pinkreported a shoplifter inside thestore, ofcers responded andlocated the subject, and thesubject was in possession ofthe items and was arrested forshoplifting.

10/24/13 Ofcers respondedto a report of a subjectthreatening suicide, on arrivalthe ofcer located the subject inher room; she was evaluated andtransported by EMS.

10/25/13 Ofcers respondedto a medical assist where asubject had cuts to his hands inthe business district, on arrivalthey located the subject andlearned that there had been averbal altercation between thesubject and another party andas the other party was drivingaway the subject slammed hishands through the side windowof the other partys vehicle.

10/25/13 A vehicle wasstopped for trafc violations,

during the stop it wasdetermined that the driver wasunder the inuence of alcohol;the driver was arrested andcharged with Driving under theInuence.

10/26/13 SIPD assisted theCharleston County Coroner witha death notication.

10/29/13 While on patrol anofcer observed two subjectsacting suspiciously while parkedon the side of the road, as theofcer approached the vehiclethe subjects exited the vehicle.

The ofcer stopped the subjectsand observed a bag of what hebelieved was marijuana. Theofcer questioned the subjectsabout whose it was and onesubject admitted it was his,

while retrieving the marijuanaan open container was observedand the other subject admittedit was theirs. Both subjects werecited and released.

Sullivans Island Police Report - October 2013



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December 13, 2013 5

The Isle of Palms

Recreation Department

helped those young at

heart embrace the holiday

season last month with two

fun activities.The KEENagers, a Senior

Social Group which meets

September through May on

the rst Wednesday of the

month, enjoyed a potluck

lunch and entertainment

from The Coastal Belles

Chorus and Santa last week.

Those interested in joining

the group should call the

Recreation Department

886.8294.

Earlier, children decorated

Santa hats in preparationfor the big guys arrival later

this month during the IOP

Recreation Departments

Holiday Craft activity, a

gingerbread house decorating

event on Dec. 18. Register by

calling 886.8294.(top) Mila Hagerty concentrates on her Santa hat project last month at the IOP Rec

Centers Hoilday Craft class. (bottom) Santa and The Coastal Belles Chorus entertain the

KEENagers.

Kids & KEENagersget in the

holiday spiritBY JENNIFER TUOHY




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6 December 13, 2013

The Alaskan ExpeditionThe snowelds had become

streams of crystal clear waterthat owed down from the highpeaks above. Herds of cariboulumbered their way across thesides of mountains in constantsearch for plants that had been

uncovered by the weeks of thaw.It was summer in Alaska andthere I stood witnessing the nalfrontier of American wilderness.

However, I was not there aloneas I was a part of a group that wasbrought together by the NationalOutdoor Leadership School.

NOLS is a provider of wildernesseducation that allows studentsthe opportunity to travel throughremote environments whilelearning rst aid, leadershipand technical skills. Foundedin Lander, Wyoming in 1965,NOLS now operates worldwidewith courses ranging frompaddling up the Amazon River tomountaineering in the Rockies.I came across NOLS a few yearsago, while looking for a gap yearexperience after high school. I

spent a semester with NOLS onthe Baja Peninsula in Mexicoduring which I backpacked,sailed and kayaked. The trip wasbeyond enjoyable and I nishedit with many new friends and afresh outlook on life.

My access to outdoor adventurewas subdued by my enrollmentat College of Charleston and thesubsequent schoolwork, but I

Stockdale completed a 30-day wilderness expedition in Americas wildest state through

the National Outdoor Leadership School.

Witnessing Americas

nal frontierI O P R E S I D E N T R E T U R N S F R O M N A T I O N A L

O U T D O O R L E A D E R S H I P S C H O O L I N A L A S K A

BY ROBERT STOCKDALEFOR THE ISLAND EYE NEWS

DAILY

Frontier continues on page 7

Robert Stockdale, 21, of Isle of Palms, S.C. recently completed a30-day wilderness expedition exploring the beautiful mountainsof Alaska with the National Outdoor Leadership School.

Founded in 1965 by legendary mountaineer Paul Petzoldt, NOLSis the leader in wilderness education, providing awe-inspiring,transformative experiences to 17,000 students each year. Thesestudents, ages 14 to over 80, learn in the wildest and most remoteclassrooms worldwidefrom the Amazon rain forest, to rugged peaksin the Himalaya, to Alaskan glaciers and Arctic tundra. Graduates areactive leaders with lifelong environmental ethics and outdoor skills.

Here, Stockdale writes about his experiences in the shadows of MountMcKinley, the highest point in North America, where Stockdale andhis coursemates began their month long NOLS Alaska Backpackingcourse. Their curriculum included basic wilderness travel andcamping skills, technical outdoor skills, leadership development and

environmental studies and ethics.


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December 13, 2013 7


never stopped thinking about where I wantedto go next. This past summer I was more thanfortunate enough to have my parents offer methe opportunity to take another NOLS course(a gift which I am forever grateful). Afterbrowsing through the multitude of wildernessclassrooms that NOLS offers I decided ona month of backpacking in Alaska. I mademy choice based on the thought that Alaskawould be the most foreign experience I could

face while still remaining in the United States.Once I had signed up for the trip I could dolittle else than think about it. Eventually theday came when I boarded a plane in balmyCharleston and ew into Anchorage, Alaskawhere the sun still hung hazily in the sky at10 o'clock at night.

The next morning I, along with the otherstudents, boarded a bus that took us to theNOLS Alaska branch headquarters. We metour three instructors, had our gear checkedout and rationed out a months worth offood, including more pasta then one couldever imagine eating. With our packs lled tothe brim we were ready to head out to the

Talkeetna Mountains, which lay just east ofDenali. The rst days out in the

eld were tough. We began out ina low area that had become almosta swamp due to the melting snow,and to make it even worse we hadarrived at the height of mosquitoseason in Alaska, which meantthat we constantly were plagued bybuzzing and bites. Thankfully as we made ourway up in elevation the ground became moresolid and the amount of bugs lessened.

Each day of the expedition fell into apattern of waking up for breakfast, headingout into small hiking groups, setting up campat a new location, having a class or two,eating dinner, sleeping, then repeating it all

again the next day. Despite this structureeach day was lled with unique experiencesthat I still vividly recall. There was the time

a simple walk along a creek turnedinto an eleven hour hike over severalsmall mountains and through a thickforest, or there was the moment whenI stood on top of a saddle between twomountain peaks and saw Denali risefrom the horizon towering over everyother mountaintop in sight, despiteits peak being shrouded by clouds. Ofcourse I can never forget crossing theYanert River and feeling the current liftme off my feet as I struggled to hold on

to the backpack of the person in frontof me. These spectacles and challengescontinue to remind me of what I amable to accomplish and of the reward ofhard work.

The most important thing I tookaway from this trip was the friendship Ideveloped with the other students andthe instructors. I feel extremely luckyto have ended up with such a variedgroup of people, each of whom addedsomething completely different and

essential to the trip. The interdependencethat we developed helped us during theexpedition, but it also forged a strongrelationship that is unexpected after onlyhaving known these people for just a month.

So I would like to thank them all again foreverything we did together: Blake Davis, PatShimoko, Anne LaClair, Dan Krzykowski,Amy Rathke, Shane Sager, Stefan Pajaro-vande Stadt, Brian Prescott, Iyla Hopkins, TraskBaughman, Alex Coley, Sean FitzHoward, Ian

Tkach, Chris Peterson and Margaret Legerton(who is from Mt. Pleasant, so shout out toher!).

For more information about NOLS call800.710.6657 or visit www.nols.edu.

Frontier continues from page 6

Robert Stockdale, third from the left, with his NOLS coursemates

in Alaska.

THE MOST IMPORTANT THING I TOOK AWAY FROM THIS

TRIP WAS THE FRIENDSHIP I DEVELOPED WITH THE

OTHER STUDENTS AND THE INSTRUCTORS.

~ Robert Stockdale


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8 December 13, 2013

from the rst study of the system,currently being conducted on theIsle of Palms, it also aids in sandaccretion. Thats right, Nettles,who works as a carpenter inMount Pleasant, has created adevice that could actually helpbeaches replenish themselves.

Constructed of a hollowcomposite polyvinyl resin and

polyethylene plastic, both

of which are highly impactresistant, the system resemblesa tightly-woven log fence both inappearance and implementation.Piles are water-jetted into thebeach and housing units slippedover the top. Multiple log-shapedpanels are then slotted betweenthe units and everything is lockedinto place. Its easy and quick toinstall and the same to remove,making it environmentallyfriendly, and crucially for manylocal residents, turtle friendly.

The results so far show thatthis is an ideal solution for shortand long term protection ofstructures and natural landscape

features with no negative sideeffects, says Dr. TimothyMays, an associate engineeringprofessor at The Citadel, MilitaryCollege of South Carolina, who isstudying the system. This couldbe huge.

Nettles, who lives in MountPleasant with his wife Missy,and two children Matthew andMadison, came up with the ideaabout two years ago. He was

standing in front of his parents'home on Sullivans Islands

Station 30thinkingabout the diresituation itwas in.

Theocean waswashing up

under the house, he said. Itsvery distressing not to be ableto do anything to protect yourproperty.

Under South Carolina law,property owners cannot constructseawalls to protect their homesfrom the powerful impact of the

ocean. While seawalls do protectwhatever is behind them, theyalso allow waves to scouraway the sand in front of them,preventing beaches from naturallymigrating inland, resulting in thebeach disappearing permanentlyunderwater.

Nettles didnt want the beachto disappear, but he also didnt

want his parents' home todisappear. Standing on the beachthat day, tracing outlines of

ways to protect the house in theremaining soft sand, he had hisAh ha! moment, and the WaveDissipation System was born.

My system is designed todissipate wave energy but alsoto allow water and sand to comethrough the wall, he said. Thenthe sand collects on the back sideof the system and slowly builds

up as the water seeps back out tosea. Because the water is allowedthrough the wall, it isnt able to

swirl around in front eating upthe sand.By the time he had established

his company, SI Systems LLC,and built a prototype, hisparents' home had been savedby Mother Natures attempts atsand nourishment. So he chose

Coastcontinues from cover

MY SYSTEM IS DESIGNED TO DISSIPATE WAVE

ENERGY BUT ALSO TO ALLOW WATER AND SAND TO

COME THROUGH THE WALL. ~ Deron Nettles

Coast continues on page 9

Deron Nettles points out traces of sand that have been trapped between the panels on

his Wave Dissipation System.Photos by Jennifer Tuohy


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December 13, 2013 9


In the rst month of the s tudy of the systems effectiveness the accretion of sand on the backside of the system has been over 2 feet.

another needy spot to try outthe contraption, the SeascapeCondos on the northern tip ofthe Isle of Palms. Last month heinstalled 88 feet of the system onthe beach outside the Wild DunesResort condos, right alongside amound of white sandbags that arealso attempting to slow the rapiderosion the area is experiencing.

Initially, its these unsightlysandbags he hopes his system willbecome an alternative to. UnderSouth Carolina law, sandbags,beach re-nourishment andscraping are the only methodsallowed to combat erosion.Nettles would like his system toat the very least become a fourthoption.

Changing state law is a long andconvoluted process, but the rststep was to nd out whether thesystem worked. Working underan exception to South Carolinacode that allows for research intoconservation replenishment bystate agencies and educational

institutions, Nettles partneredwith The Citadel and coastalengineering expert TimothyMays to improve the system andinstall it on the Isle of Palms.

They are currently a third ofthe way through a 90 day studyinto its environmental impacts,functions and aesthetics.

Derons system acts like asolid wall in that it protects whats

behind it, but it doesnt have thenegative properties of one. Itsnot solid. Moving water, wavesand suspended sand particlessplash through it as it deforms.

The wall itself is exible, saysMays. Ultimately it traps enoughwater and sand behind it, aiding

accretion on the land side of thewall.

Thirty days into the study andMays is impressed with whathe sees; over 2 feet of sand hasaccreted behind the systemand more in front, although ituctuates in front.

Its doing an incredible job ofprotecting whats behind while atthe same time not causing anyperformance issues related toerosion, he said. We dont seeany negative side effects.

We are very interested to

see what the results are, saidBlair Williams, manager of thewetland permitting sectionfor the Ocean and CoastalResource Management divisionof the Department of Healthand Environmental Control. Itssomething new that we haventseen before.

According to Williams however,the system currently meetsOCRMs denition of an erosion

control device or a seawall,which is illegal in the state ofSouth Carolina. For it to be usedin future, state law will have tochange.

We are trying to get thisclassied as an alternative systemso that a law can be made as towhether or not its going to beused. Mays said. This could behuge, but the biggest issue is thepolitical climate ... if that werenta road block I think this could begreat for all parties involved.

Id like to see this used up anddown the coast to help people

who are battling erosion, Nettlessaid. The original goal was toprotect my parents' house, butnow its to give other people hopethat they can save their homes.

If the water dissipation systemis approved for use on SouthCarolinas beaches, Nettlesestimates it will cost between$450 and $600 per foot, basedon required height and density- which can be adjusted to suitvarious conditions. This couldrepresent signicant savings.

To put it in perspective, the Isle

of Palms has over $1 million inits 2013/14 budget and reservefunds earmarked for projectsrelated to beach re-nourishment.And that's just one small city onSouth Carolina's coast.

Environmentally, the systemseems very attractive. Notonly does it blend well withthe landscape, but it requiresno heavy machinery to installand can easily be partially or

completely removed, leavingbehind no undesired disturbance.

Practically, if it does protecta home or structure from thedamage of powerful waves andhelp rebuild the beach, Nettles,a carpenter with no backgroundin engineering, will have madea crucial step toward saving notonly his own childhood home,but homes and buildings alongthe entire coast.

WE ARE VERY INTERESTED TO SEE WHAT THE RESULTS ARE.

ITS SOMETHING NEW THAT WE HAVENT SEEN BEFORE.

~ Blair Williams, Ocean and Coastal Resource Management

Coastcontinues from page 8


10/23


10 December 13, 2013

Local artists are giving

mermaids a hand at theIsland Club, this Saturday,

Dec. 14 between 2 and 8 p.m..They will be selling hand-craftedholiday gifts, with a portion ofproceeds beneting MermaidsOn a Missionfor kids.

M.O.M.,which is thebrainchildof critically-acclaimedart quilter,

TorreahCookie Washington, aims to putan end to childhood drownings

in South Carolina.Washington, who curated

the excellently attended BlackMermaids art show at City Gallerylast year, has rallied a talentedgroup of artists working in awide variety of media to supportthe effort, including esteemedindigo-textile artist, Ariane KingComer.

Washingtonalsodesignedandcreateda line ofM.O.M. Helping

Hands, which shehopes will becomethe go-to gift this

year for the holidays,birthdays, teacherappreciation or as a thank

you to anyone who deservesa hand.

The pieces are fabricsculptures in various patternsand colors that say I Love You,in American Sign Language. Eachhand is holding an extra bonus,

such as a pen, an ice cream

scoop, or a ashlight. The YouTake the Cake hand features adessert-serving utensil.

Its a fun way to give a uniquegift that supports local artists,and also helps provide swim

lessons for kids who have fewmeans and little access to water

safety instruction, Washingtonsaid. I hope well get a good

turnout. Its going to begreat!

Hand-crafted holidaygifts support Mermaids

BY EMILY ABEDONFOR THE ISLAND EYE NEWS

ITS A FUN WAY TO GIVE A UNIQUE GIFT THATSUPPORTS LOCAL ARTISTS, AND ALSO HELPS PROVIDESWIM LESSONS FOR KIDS WHO HAVE FEW MEANS ANDLITTLE ACCESS TO WATER SAFETY INSTRUCTION,

~ Torreah Washington.

This Rockin Hand, part of the

M.O.M Helping Hands line by Torreah

Washington, will be for sale at the Island

Club this Saturday.

A

book capturingsome of the most

poignant storiesfrom Florence CrittentonPrograms long historyin South Carolina waspublished this month.Miracles on St. MargaretSt., was written byformer board presidentRuth W. Cupp, andchronicles the roots ofa remarkable programthat has transformedthe lives of thousandsof unmarried pregnantwomen.

Located in downtownCharleston, FlorenceCrittenton Programsof South Carolinahas been serving theentire state of SouthCarolina since 1897.Crittentons mission isto provide young pregnant andparenting women comprehensiveservices to help them becomeself-sufcient and responsiblemothers. The program beganbecause of a news story detailinga Charleston womans suicideattempt in 1897. Thankfully thewoman survived her jump intothe Cooper River, and her actsparked a rescue effort that isnow in its second century.

Cupp, an attorney for 60years, is a former chairman ofthe Board of Directors of the S.C.Childrens Bureau and a formerpresident and board member ofFlorence Crittenton Programs ofS.C., details the persistence anddedication of those who havekept the rescue program alive,coupled with personal accountsfrom mothers who delivered theirbabies at 19 St. Margaret street,and their now grown children.

A graduate of WinthropUniversity with a major in SocialWork, Cupp spent her summersduring college as a recreationworker at the old CharlestonOrphan House. Cupp is also theauthor of Portia Steps up to theBar, which details the history ofearly women lawyers in SouthCarolina and Attorneys fromCharles Town to Charleston.A graduate of the University of

South Carolinas College of Lawin 1954, she was the rst femalelawyer to join the CharlestonCounty Bar Association. Herconcentration has been onreal estate law, which requiresextensive research. Thats whatI love, she notes, and thatswhat Im doing now. She alsois a former state legislator and aformer associate probate judge.

Under her guidance, and theguidance of many dedicatedboard members over the years,Crittenton has evolved from a19th century secret hideawaywhere pregnant unmarried young

women came to be delivered, intobeing a full-edged operationof rescue, rehabilitationand education, Dr. RichardSosnowski, a board president,wrote a decade ago. This is thestory of how that happened.

A book-signing reception willbe held Sunday, Dec. 15 from3-5 p.m. in the chapel at theFlorence Crittenton home. Booksare available for purchase onlineor at the event for $21.99. Allproceeds to beneft FlorenceCrittenton Programs. VisitFlorenceCrittentonSC.org for moreinformation or call 843.722.7526.

Former Florence Crittenton Board President Ruth W.

Cupp wrote Miracles on St. Margaret Street, the story

of how the program has helped pregnant women

since 1897.

Miracles occur onMargaret Street

BY LISA VAN BERGENFOR THE ISLAND EYE NEWS


11/23


Youre busy shopping. Who has time

to wrap? Shop at Barnes & Noble in

Towne Centre and the volunteers of

Feral Cat Care of Mount Pleasant will wrap

your purchases for a donation. Volunteers

will be in the store Saturday, Dec. 21, 9

a.m. to 8 p.m., and Monday, Dec. 23, 2

p.m. to 8 p.m.All proceeds will go to Feral Cat Care

of Mount Pleasant to help provide food

and basic medical needs for the feral cat

colonies that live throughout the town.

These colonies are managed by caregivers,

some of whom feed multiple colonies each

day.

Feral Cat Care of Mount Pleasant is a

charitable and all-volunteer organization

registered in SC and is dedicated to

the humane treatment as well as TNR

(Trap/Neuter/Return) to reduce the cat

population. FFCMP has provided more

than 3,000 pounds of cat food to colony

caretakers who care for approximately 300cats in about 40 colonies. In 2013, the

group has trapped, neutered/spayed and

returned more than 200 cats and kittens.

If you know of a colony or need assistancewith one, please call 475.4141 or [email protected].

Wrap up Christmas for the kittiesBY BARBARA MILLEN PATRICK



12/23

January Island Eye CalendarDecember 13RIDAYDECEMBER13he 24th Annual Holidaystival of Lightsnta is at the festival nightlyrough Dec. 23, the festivalns through Dec. 31, Jamesand County Park. Light up yourlidays with over two million

eaming lights. Open throughc. 31, James Island Countyrk hosts one of the Lowcountrysost beloved holiday traditions.urney down a three-mile drivingur jam-packed with holiday lightsplays, then stretch your legsd enjoy the attractions withinnter Wonderland and Santas

Village. For festival hours and fees,call 843.795.4386 or visit www.holidayfestivaloights.com.

Charleston Symphony OrchestraHoliday PopsFriday and Saturday, 7:30 pm atthe Sottile Theatre, 44 George St.Experience the annual holidaycelebration with the CSO andthe CSO Chorus joining in ontraditional classics and festivesing-a-longs. Guest conductorAlbert-George Schram is ResidentConductor of the NashvilleSymphony. Sing-a-long sheets willbe provided and a visitor from the

North Pole may be in the lobby. Fortickets go to CharlestonSymphony.org/holiday or call 843.723.7528ext. 110.

SATURDAYDECEMBER14Huck Finn School Open HouseAdults only, 5 - 8 p.m., HuckFinn School 1769b, Highway 17,Mount Pleasant. Learn about theprograms on offer at this hands-on school for children. www.hucknnschool.com.

Charleston Symphony OrchestraHoliday PopsSee Friday, December 13.

Breakfast with Santa atThe Sea Island GrillHead to The Sea Island Grill atWild Dunes Resort to enjoy adelicious breakfast with Santa.Adults can follow suit, or orderfrom the breakfast menu. Andonce the whole family is rubbing

their bellies, make sure to get apicture and a special surprise giftfrom Santa. Saturdays, December14 and 21 from 9 a.m.-10:30 am.Cost is $12 for the kids buffet,regular menu pricing for adults.Reservations are required. Call843.886.2200.

SUNDAYDECEMBER15Miracles on Margaret Streetbook signingRuth Cupp will be signingcopies of her new book on theFlorence Crittenton Programfrom 3-5 p.m. in the chapel atthe Florence Crittenton home, 19Saint Margaret Street Charleston.Books are available for purchaseonline or at the event for $21.99.All proceeds to benet FlorenceCrittenton Programs. Visit www.FlorenceCrittentonSC.org for moreinformation or call 843.722.7526.

TUESDAYDECEMBER17Charleston Symphony

Orchestra's Holy City MessiahCathedral St. John the Baptist,Charleston, 7:30 p.m. Hallelujah!The Charleston Symphony onceagain presents its Christmastradition, Handels Messiah, ledby a returning Charleston favorite,Darko Butorac and accompaniedby the CSO Chamber Chorus!There is no better time of year toenjoy Handels sacred oratorio thathas long been associated with goodwill and charity. For tickets go toCharlestonSymphony.org/holidayor call 843.723.7528 ext. 110.

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER18Austin Grace SmithThe Real Estate Studio is hosts ashow by artist Austin Grace Smith,with an Artist Reception from 5-8p.m.. The show remains at theStudio, 214 King St., Charleston,through Jan. 28, 2014. Details:722.5618.

Gingerbread House DecoratingIOP Rec Center, 4 p.m., $5 ages7-14 years. Build and decorateyour own gingerbread house. Allmaterials provided. Register byWed. Dec. 16

THURSDAY, DECEMBER19Mah Jongg Nights (Adults)Poe/Sullivans Island Library hostsMah Jongg Nights at 6 p.m. Learnto play American Mah Jongg. Noexperience necessary.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER20Create Holiday CraftsPoe/Sullivans Island Libraryhosts a crafternoon of creatingholiday crafts. Make angels andgingerbread friends at 4 p.m.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER21Beach Lovers Book Club (Adults)Poe/Sullivans Island Librarybook club meets at 10:30 a.m.

to discuss A Christmas CarolByCharles Dickens.

Breakfast with Santa atThe Sea Island GrillHead to The Sea Island G rillat Wild Dunes Resort to enjoya delicious breakfast withSanta. Juniors cant resist thecombination of Rudolphs pancakebuffet with its loads of sweet-tooth toppings and chocolate milk.Adults can follow suit, or orderfrom the breakfast menu. Andonce the whole family is rubbingtheir bellies, make sure to get apicture and a special surprise giftfrom Santa. Saturdays, December14 and 21 from 9 a.m.-10:30 am.Cost is $12 for the kids buffet,regular menu pricing for adults.Reservations are required. Call843.886.2200.

Make Oyster Shell OrnamentsPoe/Sullivans Island Library hosts

a holiday ornament workshop at10:30 a.m.

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER25Merry Christmas!

Christmas Morning Brunch atThe Sea Island GrillOn Christmas morning, cometo The Sea Island Grill at WildDunes Resort for a deliciousplated Lowcountry brunch. BloodyMary bar available for purchase.For reservations, please call843.886.2200.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER26Little Elves Golf Clinic at WildDunes ResortTreat Santas helpers to a round ofgolf this holiday season! Gather thekids (ages 7-15) for an afternoonof golf instruction at the LinksDriving Range at Wild DunesResort from 2-3:30 p.m. Thursday,December 26. Cost is $25 perchild. Call 843.886.2002.

Little Elves Tennis at WildDunes Tennis CenterTreat Santas helpers to playtimeon the courts! These tennis clinicson December 26, 2013are designedfor children of all ages and skilllevels. Clinics are $50 per session.Book the appropriate clinic belowby calling 843.886.2113: Tiny Tots(ages 4-6) from 8-8:45 a.m. JuniorMasters (ages 7-11) from 9-11 a.m.Future Stars (ages 12-16) from 9a.m. - 11 a.m.

Fowlers Mustache CDRelease Party9 p.m., $10 at The Windjammer.Enjoy a mix of fusion of mainlyrock, blues, folk, jazz and funksounds combined with inspiredand imaginative lyrics from theseve Charleston natives.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER27Piedmont Boysplay Windjammer

Enjoy bluegrass from thisgreenville band, 8 p.m. at TheWindjammer, 1008 Ocean Blvd.Details 843.886.8596.

Bamboo Fishing Pole ClassHuck Finn School hosts a bambooshing pole at The Island Club onSI, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.Parents are encouraged toparticipate. This is an advancedproject that requires extra help.No fee for parents. Kids will takehome a hand-crafted bambooshing pole that really works! $40.Must register www.hucknnschool.com/after-school-classes.

MONDAY, DECEMBER30Dogeball/Snowball FightIOP Rec Center, 1-3 p.m., ages7-14 years. Come and playdodgeball at the Rec for free. Ifweather cooperates, maybe even asnowball ght!

Hunter Education9 - 5 p.m., IOP Rec center.

Participants MUST register withSC Dept. of Natural Resources andhave a social security number toattend. More info: www.dnr.sc.gov.Tuesday, December 31New Years Eve with Spazmatics9 p.m., The Windjammer, 1008Ocean Blvd, IOP, hosts an eveningof 80s music and comedy to seein 2014. $15 at the door, $10 inadvance the-windjammer.com.

Fireworks at the HolidayFestival of LightsCelebrate New Years Eve atthe festival with reworkscomplimenting over two milliongleaming lights. For festival hoursand fees, call 843.795.4386 or visitwww.holidayfestivaloights.com.

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY1Resolution Tennis 2014Make a resolution this year to startplaying tennis or to improve your

game with a Resolution TennisClinic on New Year's Day from 9-11a.m. at Wild Dunes Tennis Center.Lessons will include a voucher fora complimentary Bloody Mary nextdoor at Dunes Deli and 14 percentsavings in the Tennis Pro Shopto get outtted for your new loveof tennis. $59 for adults 21 andolder. Must make reservations 24hours in advance at 843.886.2113.

THURSDAY, JANUARY2Pennies From Heavenamusical revueFundraiser for Crabpot PlayersTheatre Co., featuring a silentauction, live jazz, oysters & BBcash bar. Call 888.303.0763 orvisit www.crabpotplayers/comp.m. at The Windjammer, 1008Ocean Blvd, IOP.

FRIDAY, JANUARY3Stories and Fairy Tales withMozart, Rossini and BarberCharleston Symphony OrchestChamber Orchestra Series, 7:3p.m., Dock Street Theatre. Tickat www.CharlestonSymphony.oor 843.723.7528 ext. 110.

MONDAY, JANUARY6Mount Pleasant Artists GuildRegular meeting at Mount Plea

Town Hall Council Chambers.Speaker for the evening will beColleen Wiessman, an abstractartist whose work may be seenat Studio 151 Gallery on ChurcStreet. Anyone with an interesin art is welcome to join. Formore information, please visitthe guild's website at www.mtpleasantartistsguild.com or the group on Facebook.


13/23


MYSTERY PLANT

Soft, fuzzy Ys glowing inthe late afternoon, thatswhat I think of when I see

this plant in the fall.Its a native grass, of course.

A bunch-grass, to be specic,as it forms stout clumps,not spreading by runners orrhizomes. This species is quitecommon in a wide variety offorest settings throughout allof the Southeastern states. It isusually found in thinly woodedsituations, not too shady, and onrelatively dry sites, thus avoidingtruly wet soils. It is especiallyprevalent on roadsides, rockyoutcrops, and open old elds,those that have been abandonedor have gone fallow. It likes poorsoil, too, and thus makes anexcellent subject for re-vegetation

of old industrial sites.This species has been an

important food source forlivestock in the past, andremains similarly valuable forvarious wildlife species. Its alsoan important ground-cover,providing hiding places for crittersand small mammals, as well asnesting sites for birds, especiallyquail. In the past, and on the

landscape scale, this species is

important as well for supportingnaturally occurring res, as domany native grass species. Thepresence of this one is largenumbers will allow such a re toburn, ultimately clearing awaybrush and generally maintainingopen habitat needed for a varietyof plant and animal species.

Like all grasses, this plantproduces stems (or culms),

round in cross-section, thatare en-sheathed by the basesof elongated leaves. All grassesproduce very tiny, reducedowers. The basic owering

unit of a grass is what we call aspikelet, consisting of at least oneower, and all its associated littlebracts, hairs, bristles, spines,and botanical what-not. Eachower that contains a functioningovary will be capable of producinga grain, which of course is whatwe call the fruit of a grass. (Youwill remember from your botanyclass that a grain is not a seed,rather it is a fruit containing aseed. You may also rememberthat grains, as fruits, dont crackopen to release the seed. Instead,the sprouting seedling growsright through the grain wall.)

Now in our Mystery Plant,a single grass inorescenceconsists of a pair of racemes, eachpair forming a fork. (One of mysoft little Ys.) Each raceme willbear a number of tiny spikelets,these arranged in pairs, and

they are equipped with a lot ofslender, silky hairs, giving thewhole inorescence a decidedlybearded or uffy look. Quitepretty to see.

But grasses are not justpretty. They are incrediblyimportant features of our nativelandscapes, and are historicallyas well as currently essential forfeeding much of humanity. Wederive fuels, paper, fermentedbeverages, building materials,sod, turf, and ornamental plantsfrom the grasses, which truly arethe Staff of Life. Now, not allgrass species around here aregood guys, though: some are badweeds. But this one is real cool.

John Nelson is the curator ofthe A. C. Moore Herbarium at

the University of South Carolina,in the Department of BiologicalSciences, Columbia SC 29208. Asa public service, the Herbariumoffers free plant identications.For more information, visit www.herbarium.org or call 803-777-8196, or email [email protected].

Grasses, not just pretty, but functional tooBY JOHN NELSON


PHOTO BY LINDA LEE

Answer:"Broomsedge,""Splitbeardbluestem,"Andropogonternarius]


14/23

RESEARCH LIFESTYLE, HEALTH IMPROVEMENT ANDPREVENTION BASED PROGRAMS TO GIVE YOURSELFAND SOMEONE YOU LOVE ON YOUR LIST THIS YEAR.

~ Bright McConnell, III, MD

This time of year, many

people are scramblingto get medical services

that are much needed. Whatis the reason for the hurry?It is all about reaching yourdeductible. The deductible in

your healthcare plan representsthe amount of money you mustspend on healthcare servicesbefore your insurance providerwill pay for services rendered infull. If you and your family havemet your deductible, you maybe considering the need to getmedical services you have beenputting off due to expense.

Consider this. You can also

pursue medical services youknow will be benecial, but arenot considered emergent. Are

you overweight and in need ofa physicianmanagedprogram toachieve ahealthierlifestyle? Are

you lookingto havediagnostic,metabolic or similar tests toestablish your baseline forhealth and work toward feelingbetter? A number of medically

based tness, nutrition,hormone management, diseasemanagement and relatedprevention programs canqualify as medical expenses.For example, FitMed Partnersprovides a document thatpatients can self-le with theirinsurance provider.

A growing number of peoplehave high deductible healthplans. Individuals in business forthemselves and small businessowners and employees oftenuse a health savings account forhealthcare coverage. A HSA is atax-advantaged medical savings

account available to taxpayersin the United States who areenrolled in a high-deductiblehealth plan. Others are in largercompanies that have been forcedto raise their deductible in orderto continue to provide healthinsurance cost effectively to theiremployees.

For the high deductible groupdened above, qualied medicalexpenses can be paid for, tax-free. If you meet the deductible,these qualied expenses are fullycovered.

This time of year, amidst allof the holiday parties and treats,

give yourself a gift. Research

lifestyle, health improvementand prevention based programsto give yourself and someone youlove on your list this year. As apreventive medicine physician, Ibelieve that the best investment

you can make is in your healthand longevity. Feeling better andtaking better care of your selfcan be life changing. It beginsby making the time and making

your health a priority regardlessof your age.

When you toast to your healthand happiness this holidayseason, make that wish cometrue with a customized healthprogram. Get a baseline for

your health and address yourindividual risk of disease, idealweight, hormone deciencies,diminishing muscle mass or manyof the other highly preventablemaladies that shorten life span.

Every Thanksgiving,Christmas and broken NewYears resolution that passes

without an investment in yourhealth can reduce your quality oflife in the future.

Dr. McConnells expert adviceis based on scientifc evidenceand three decades of experience.Patient treatment plans areindividualized using diagnostic,laboratory, and one-on-onephysician evaluations to determineeach patients best course ofaction. Contact him at FitMedPartners, Charleston SportsMedicine, 900 Island Park Drive,Daniel Island, 843.284.5200www.ftmedpartners.com /www.

charlestonsportsmed.com.

Take the gift of health and

happiness this yearBY BRIGHT MCCONNELL, III, MD


HEALTH & WELLNESS

BY BRIGHT MCCONNELL, III, M.D


15/23


island eatsAcme Lowcountry Kitchen:Enjoy a great beach atmosphere,casual Americana dining,and fresh-catch seafood forbreakfast, lunch, and dinner.$$886-0024www.acmecantina.com31 J.C. Long BoulevardIsle of Palms, SC 29451

Ben & Jerrys:Enjoy an array of ice creamavors, from Chocolate Therapyto Peach Cobbler on Isle ofPalms Ocean Boulevard$886-6314www.benandjerrys.com1009 Ocean Boulevard,Isle of Palms, SC 29451

Caf Medley:Start your day or end it witha well rounded caf, servingbreakfast, lunch, and a glass ofwine in the evening.

$$793-4055www.cafemedley.com2213 Middle StreetSullivans Island, SC 29482

The CO-OP:Sullivans Islands own GourmetGrocery and Deli. Enjoy made-to-order sandwiches and saladsthat are perfect for everythingfrom quick lunches to a longday on the beach! Patio diningavailable.$882-8088www.thecoopsullivans.com

2019 Middle Street,Sullivan's Island, SC 29482

High Thyme Cuisine:A small island bistro with a widerange of dishes from seafood,tapas on Tuesdays, and abrunch on Sunday mornings.$$$883-3536www.highthymecuisine.com2213 Middle StreetSullivans Island, SC 29482

Home Team BBQ:Not limited to barbeque, thiscasual eatery also serves salads,

wraps, tacos, and quesadillas,as well as Sunday brunch.$$883-3131www.hometeambbq.com2209 Middle StreetSullivans Island, SC 29482

Long Island Cafe:Come in for lunch, dinner,or Sunday brunch and enjoyall your favorite seafood plusso much more at this islandfavorite.$$886-8809www.longislandcafesc.com

1515-A Palm BoulevardIsle of Palms, SC 29451

Luke 'n Ollie's:Come and enjoy made-to-orderpizzas made from the nestingredients.$$242-8121www.lukenollies.com1101-C Ocean BoulevardIsle of Palms, SC 29451

Morgan Creek Grill:Relax with a front row seat onthe Intracoastal waterway whileenjoying fresh seafood andsouthern hospitality.$$$886-8980www.morgancreekgrill.com80 41st AvenueIsle of Palms, SC 29451

Poes Tavern:Famous for their gourmetburgers and chickensandwiches, this Poe-inspiredeatery also features great dealson fresh sh tacos.

$$883-0083www.poestavern.com2210 Middle StreetSullivans Island, SC

SALT at Station 22:Enjoy a fun atmosphere withfresh seafood and southernfavorites, and a fresh, local rawbar.$$$883-3355www.saltstation22.com2205 Middle StreetSullivans Island, SC 29482

Sullivans:Grab a casual dinner of friedounder or crab cakes in a cozyatmosphere, as well as lunch onthe weekends.$$883-32222019 Middle StreetSullivans Island, SC 29482

Taco Mamacita:Enjoy made-from-scratch TexMex soups, salads, tacos,and enchiladas, and quench

your thirst with one of severalspecialty margaritas.$$

789-4107www.tacomamacita.com2213-B Middle StreetSullivans Island, SC 29482

The Windjammer:Isle of Palms home to livemusic, this fun beach clubfeatures unbeatable priceson sandwiches, burgers, andseafood.$$886-8596www.the-windjammer.com1008 Ocean BoulevardIsle of Palms, SC 29451

Dont make me thinkabout it, is your rstreaction, but now

is the time to think about it,

especially this year. Big changesare coming for 2013, and thereis good news and bad news. Itdepends on your Adjusted GrossIncome, your income before

you take most tax deductions.The magic number this year is$250,000. Good news if you areunder that, bad news if you arenot.

The Good News: If you areunder $250,000 AGI, things arepretty much the same. Tax ratesare the same, deductions are thesame, credits like college tuitionstay the same, and other creditssuch as daycare and child creditsare even increased slightly.

The Bad News: Starts withAGI over $250,000. I could bevery specic and put you to sleepreciting numbers, but insteadlet me tell it to you in words and

you will get the idea. Returningthis year is the phase-out rulethat basically says that thehigher your income the more thegovernment is going to limit yourdeductions, i.e. raise your taxes.

New taxes also kick in whenyour AGI exceeds $250,000.Interest, dividends, royalties,rents (yes, that rental house),

sale of stocks and investmentproperty have a new 3.8 percentsurtax on them. There is a newMedicare Tax of 0.9 percent if youare over $250,000. All of thesetax increases are to support thenew Affordable Health Care Act,better known as ObamaCare.

And hold on if your AGI exceeds$450,000. The top end tax rateand capital gain rate will go upfor you signicantly.

Can you do anything to lessen

the tax burden? Well, maybe,but all these things need to bedone before 12.31.2013. Delaytaking funds from retirement

except what is required by law.Hold off exercising stock optionsand selling stocks if it puts youover the mentioned thresholds.

Maximize your 401K, IRA,or income reducing options.Contribute to your favoritecharities. Pay your property taxbill before the end of the year.Pay any anticipated state incometax by making an estimated taxpayment by the end of the year.

Unless you are a numberscrazy person like me, youprobably dont know where youare for 2013. Get with your taxprofessional now and discuss it,or as an alternative, get out last

years tax return, read the rstpage and ask yourself is thosenumbers are going to be higheror lower this year? AGI is the lastnumber on the rst page of yourreturn and you should sensequickly if it is going to be higheror lower.

Bottom line: If your AGI is over$250,000 you are going to owemore taxes. It may be worthwhileto do an estimated tax paymentbefore January 15 to avoid apenalty. Talk to your tax prepareror stop by and see us at Glenn T

Thornburg CPA PC in the CarrollRealty Building on the Isle ofPalms. It is much easier to dealwith tax planning now than besurprised on April 15.

Glenn Thornburg CPA andCarrie Reilly CPA are alwaysavailable to discuss your tax andaccounting needs and concerns.Call us at 843-886-6686. Ourofce is on the Isle of Palms withsatellite ofces in Columbia andAtlanta.

Preparing for tax seasonBY GLENN THORNBURG



16/23

17December 13, 2013


FINANCIAL FOCUS

When Opportunity Knocks, Open the DoorBY DIMI MATOUCHEV


I

f youve been around long-time

investors, youll probably hear

them say, ruefully, If only I

had gotten in on the ground oorof such-and-such computer or

social media company, Id be rich

today. That may be true but

is it really relevant to anyone? Do

you have to be an early investor of

a spectacular company to achieve

investment success?

Not really. Those early

investors of the next big thing

couldnt have fully anticipated

the tremendous results enjoyed

by those companies. But these

investors all had one thing in

common: They were ready,

willing and able to look for good

opportunities.

And thats what you need to

do, too. Of course, you may never

snag the next big thing, but thats

not the point. If youre going to be

a successful investor, you need

to be diligent in your search for

new opportunities. And these

opportunities dont need to

be brand-new to the nancial

markets they can just be newto you.

For example, when you look

at your investment portfolio,

do you see the same types of

investments? If you own mostly

aggressive growth stocks, you

have the possibility of gains

but, at the same time, you do

risk taking losses, from which it

may take years to recover. On the

other hand, if youre overloaded

with certicates of deposit (CDs)

and Treasury bills, you may enjoy

protection of principal but at the

cost of growth potential, because

these investments rarely offer

much in the way of returns. In

fact, they may not even keep up

with ination, which means that

if you own too many of them, you

will face purchasing-power risk.

To avoid these problems, look for

opportunities to broaden your

holdings beyond just one or two

asset classes.

Heres another way to takeadvantage of opportunities: Dont

take a time out from investing.

When markets are down,

peoples fears drive them to sell

investments whose prices have

declined thereby immediately

turning paper losses into real

ones rather than holding on to

quality investment vehicles and

waiting for the market to recover.

But successful investors are often

rewarded when they not only hold

on to investments during declines

but also increase their holdings

by purchasing investments

whose prices have fallen or

adding new shares to existing

investments thereby following

the rst rule of investing: Buy

low. When the market rises again,

these investors should see the

value of their new investments, or

the shares of their existing ones,

increase in value. (Keep in mind,

though, that, when investing in

stocks, there are no guarantees;some stocks do lose value and

may never recover.)

Instead of looking for that one

great hit in the form of an early

investment in a skyrocketing

stock, youre better off by seeking

good opportunities in the form

of new investments that can

broaden your existing portfolio

or by adding additional shares,

at good prices, to your existing

investments. These moves are

less glitzy and glamorous than

getting in on the ground oor of

the next big thing but, in the

long run, they may make you

look pretty smart indeed.

This article was written by

Edward Jones for use by your

local Edward Jones Financial

Advisor.


17/23


18/23


19/23



T

he Real Estate Studio

hosts a show by artist

Austin Grace Smith

from Dec. 18 through Jan.

28, 2014. An Artist Reception

will be held Wednesday, Dec.

18 from 5-8 p.m.

Fresh off a trip to South

America, the Summerville

native and Charleston-based

artist, debuts her latest

collection of coastal paintings

and tide clocks.

Austin Grace Smith

received a new perspective

on the Charleston coast

after taking a trip to South

America. While Peru offered

her the beautiful landscapes

of the Andes Mountains,returning home flled her with

delight as the sunsets and

sunrises bounced colors off

the waves and tidal waters.

These works will be on

display at the new show,

Celebrate the Coast. Each

piece is hand painted on

individually selected wood

panels. This new collection

will feature full-sized

paintings, miniatures and

new tide clocks.

Austin Grace Smith

lives and works in

Charleston. Having grown

up in Summerville, she has

always been inspired by the

Lowcountry and has a deep

appreciation for her roots.

Although she has pursued art

her entire life, she dedicated

her career to her craft in 2010.

In 2012, she was featured in

Piccolo Spoleto and has since

held many solo and group art

shows. Her tide clocks andpaintings on wood panels are

all inspired by the sand, sea

and sky.

The show is at The RealEstate Studio, 214 KingStreet, call 843.722.5618 formore details.

Celebrate the CoastT H E R E A L E S T AT E S T U D I O S H O W C A S E S T H E W O R K O F A U S T I N G R A C E S M I T H

BY SUSAN ST. HILARIE


ART & STYLE


20/23

PETS21December 13, 2013


Breach Inlet Tide Chart

Date High Tide Low Tide

Hurricanes, storms etc., are NOT included in thepredictions. Tidal current direction changes and tide timepredictions can be very different. Tide predictions arePREDICTIONS; they can be wrong so use common sense.

Source: www.saltwatertides.com

Dec 13

Dec 14

Dec 15

Dec 16

Dec 17

Dec 18

Dec 19

Dec 20

Dec 21

Dec 22

Dec 23

Dec 24

Dec 25

Dec 26

4:36am/4:56pm

5:25am/5:44pm

6:10am/6:29pm

6:52am/7:11pm

7:31am/7:52pm

8:09am/8:31pm

8:45am/9:09pm

9:21am/9:46pm

9:55am/10:24pm

10:31am/11:03pm

11:10am/11:47pm

11:54am

12:38am/12:45pm

1:35am/1:42pm

10:49am/10:52pm

11:39am/11:38pm

12:25pm

12:22am/1:07pm

1:04am/1:47pm

1:43am/2:25pm

2:21am/3:01pm

2:58am/3:35pm

3:36am/4:10pm

4:16am/4:46pm

4:59am/5:25pm

5:48am/6:10pm

6:44am/7:01pm

7:46am/7:58pm

According to a surveyof pet owners by theAmerican Animal Hospital

Association, more than 53percent of dog and cats will

travel with their owners. Withthe upcoming busy travel season,lets talk about some of the bestways of traveling with your bestfriend.

Of the four major travelchoices that Americans have,pets are not allowed to travel onhalf of them. According to theAmerican Veterinary MedicalAssociation (www.avma.org), petsare prohibited from traveling bybus or train in most states. Thatmeans that our friendswill either be yingthe friendly skiesor rolling downRoute 66 with

us during ourtime away fromhome. In bothcases,

there are many simple thingsthat you can do to insure yourpet's comfort and safety duringthe trip.

First, make sure that your

pet has proper identication onhim or her at all times. This canbe something as simple as anID tag on his collar, but a morepermanent solution would be theuse of an implantable microchip.Next, make sure you havecopies of vaccination recordsand needed medications easilyaccessible during the trip. Youmight even google a veterinaryemergency hospital near your

destination. And nally,do your homework.

Some airlinesand travel

sitesmay

require a health certicate foryour pet. This document must bedated within 10 days of the startof your travels.

For pets who will be ying with

their owners, good communicationwith the airlines is a must. In allcases, your four legged friendneeds to be over 8 weeks old andweaned for at least 5 days. Mostairlines will require the abovementioned health certicate andall recommend arriving at theairport early to insure the smoothcheck-in of your pet. Kennels thatwill be checked into the cargo areamust be non-collapsible, largeenough to allow the pet to standand have a leak-proof bottomcovered with absorbent material.Be sure to check the weather athome and at your destination.Airlines may refuse to transport

pets if the temperature exceeds

85 degrees in the cargo hold oris less than 45 degrees anywherealong the itinerary. AmericanAirlines, for example, requires aveterinarian's statement that the

pet is acclimated to cold weatherif the temperature drops below 45degrees.

Many owners are very worriedabout the safety of their petsin ight and during boardingprocedures. According to thewebsite, www.dryfur.com, themajority of accidents and injuriesthat happen to pets are the resultof poor quality carriers or kennelsthat are missing pieces. Again, afew moments of preparation by theowner can avoid a loss or deathof their pet. And for those ownerswho have contemplated sedation

Travelling with petsBY KATHERINE SAENGER


Pets continues on page 23


21/23

COMPUTER CORNER

IF YOU BUY A $79 NO-NAME TABLET ITS GOING TO

CONSTANTLY HAVE PROBLEMS.~ Bob Hooper

With the season upon

us, shopping is infull gear and I wouldsuggest shopping local, but withknowledge. You can always geta good deal online, but nding a

similar deal in town can enhanceboth your shopping experienceand the local merchant's bottomline.

Let's review some optionsfor laptops, tablets andsmartphones. You essentiallyhave three options: Apple,Android or Windows.

Apple products are availableonline orthrough its

stores (theresone on KingSt.) With Appleproducts theprice is xed

and, except forcertain promotions, is the sameacross all shops. Target, Wal-Mart and Best Buy for examplehave offered gift cards back forpurchasing an iPad which cango as high $100. Last year Targetoffered around $50 in gift cards acouple of weeks before Christmasand I would not be surprisedif it happens again this year,

specically on iPad and iPods. Ifconsidering an Apple computer Iwould suggest going to Best Buyor the Apple store to check themout rst. If you are looking for a

deal on an Apple, one option isthe refurbished section of theonline store, where you can nd

fully warranted laptops, iPadsand iPods same as a new oneand generally 15 to 40 percentless. Buying through the storedowntown does give some perks,such as assistance with setup, soI would suggest checking it out.

Android products are huge

in the smartphone arena, butthere is also an Android laptopcalled "Chromebooks." Theycan be bought online or locally,mostly through big box storessuch as Best Buy. The laptoprelies heavily on an internetconnection however, as mostprograms run in the cloud and bydefault your data is stored in thecloud. They are relatively cheapand are gaining in popularity.Smartphones are available inso many combinations, carriersand prices that is truly is mind-boggling. Decide what kind of

plan and carrier you want andthen pick the Android that ts

you. Same with tablets, the

variety can overwhelm. Onenote of caution about no-nametablets, you pay for what you get.If you buy a $79 no-name tabletits going to constantly haveproblems, does not have the latest(not even close) operating systemand has very little memory. Itmay not even have a camera,and if it does it's probably prettyshoddy. Samsung, Acer andNexus are some to consider. Onsale a good tablet should start inthe $200 range. One note abouttablets verus e-readers, e-readers

can be had in the $50-100 rangeand serve a very specic service,

namely reading. If you havesomeone wanting a tablet justto read consider these, both forprice and how easy they are to"read" in broad daylight or partialdaylight. This goes for any type ofe-reader versus a true tablet.

Windows products come

in many shapes, sizes andcongurations, so surely one will

be just right for you. Windows 8.1is with us and here to stay, at leastlocally. Sadly that is the only OS

you can purchase locally, onlineyou can still buy Windows 7 OSlaptops and desktops. Windowstablets and smartphones still lagway behind Android and Appleproducts, but do offer somedistinct advantages for businessusers. Ofce products like

Word, Outlook, PowerPoint andExcel work well on the tabletsand seamlessly trade between

tablets, laptops/desktops andsmartphones. I have for the past

year cautioned about gettingWindows 8 (and 8.1) laptopsand desktops, but tablets andsmartphones are just ne. When

using a touch screen on tabletsand smartphones the panesmake sense and are in line withother OS products. You tap awayon your tablet or smartphoneregardless of the type, and thesame with Windows-basedproducts. It's the laptops thatdon't make sense, you pay for atouch screen and then after the

Will it be Apple, Windows

or Android under the tree?BY BOB HOOPER

FOR THE ISLAND EYE NEWS EDITOR

Computers continues on page 23


22/23

for their pets, the answer is no.The AVMA, and the AmericanHumane Association both agreeempathically that sedation duringight is a risk pet owners shouldnot take, however I occasionallymake an exception to this for petsthat will be ying in the cabinwith their owners.

Traveling by car may be lesscomplex than air travel, butdue to the longer time frames,

owners need to plan rest stopsand exercise times. Keep a jugof fresh water in the car to avoidtimes when reliable water sourcesmay not be available. Pets willtravel better with small amountsof food and water in their systemfrequently rather than allowingthe pet to eat his or her normalration. Pets should be kept incarriers or cages during travel toavoid potential accidents if thepet gets "underfoot" of the driver.

Before you reach yourdestination, be sure that you areaware of pet-friendly hotels or besure that your hosts are awarethat you are bringing your petalong. Also, be "considerate" andhave a kennel or crate available.

There are many sites online thatcan help you nd lodging thatallow pets. At www.petswelcome.com, over 25,000 hotels andother locations that allow pets arelisted.

So, as the busy travel seasongets underway, remember thatmany problems and potentialinjuries can easily be avoidedwith a little bit of preparation andhomework. Be sure and talk with

your veterinarian about your pet'sspecial travel needs and what heor she recommends for traveling.

Katherine Saenger co-foundedBees Ferry Veterinary Hospital in1993. Dr. Saenger started a vetspay-neuter clinic while living inMbabne, Swaziland and has alsolived in Cairo, Egypt and Maribor,Slovenia. As a member of theAmerican Association of FelinePractitioners, she strives to keepBees Ferry on the cutting edge ofveterinary medicine and is oneof the ultrasonographers at BeesFerry. For more nformation, visitwww.beesferry.com or call 769-

6784.

Pets continues from page 21

novelty wears off you nd yourself

using the mouse and keyboard

that you have been reaching

OVER to use that touch screen.

Unless you are a weatherman,

or have an 80 inch display that

you walk up to and "touch," I

would suggest saving the money

and getting a laptop without the

touch screen. If considering a

Windows 7 OS, Dell, HP, Lenovo

and others still offer them onlineand at good prices. Microsoft

still allows these manufacturers

to make and sell the 7 OS. One

last note about Windows and

Windows 8.1, if you buy the Pro

version instead of the Home you

can legally get a "downgrade" to

Windows 7 Professional. They

don't promote it much but it is

available online through the

Microsoft website.

Bob would love to hear fromyou and answer your questions.

If you need assistance call843.822.7794 or email [email protected].

Computers continues from page 22


23/23

S S S S C

Call Chuck & Edy Mimms

843-224-9507

The Island Eye News - December 13, 2013

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Transcript of The Island Eye News - December 13, 2013