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

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Volume 6 Issue 17 December 07, 2012 FREE
Since May 2007
Kiawah Caring continues on page 6
The Caring Nature
of Kiawah
I SL ANDERS CHANGI NG
L I VES F OR 3 0 YEARS
AT RONAL D MCDONAL D
HOUSE OF CHARL ESTON
A
lmost everyone is familiar with
the Ronald McDonald House.
Some associate it with the fast-food
mogul while others simply know that
the organization helps children in need.
Te intricacies behind the organization
far exceed general household knowledge.
Every day, dedicated staf and volunteers
at the Ronald McDonald House of
Charleston work unceasingly to meet a
vital need within the greater Charleston
community.
First founded by Charles Darby in
1983, the Ronald McDonald House
began out of the goodwill of a dedicated
man from Kiawah Island. He was tired
of seeing families sleep in the hallways
just to be near their children, Bert Hefke
explains, current Chairman of the Board
at the house.
Te house itself is a 27-bedroom home
away from home on Gadsden Street
downtown where families can stay while
their child undergoes intense medical
treatment at MUSC. Te house works to
provide a hospitable environment for these
families while they deal with unimaginably
trying times. Already burdened with
the costs of medical treatment, at the
Ronald McDonald House, the families
are welcomed in with a room, meals, and
plenty of places to rest and relax, all at
no cost. Just minutes from the hospital
housing their child, parents and siblings
have a safe haven. We want to be there to
take the edge of their worries, explains
Barbara Bond, Executive Director of the
House. Te interior of the house mirrors
an upscale home flled with family and
friends. Te living room is decorated with
comfortable couches from La-Z-Boy, a
reading room is flled with books for all
ages, and playrooms provide big screen
TVs for watching movies, exercising, or
playing video games.
He, another resident of Kiawah, was
recently named Chairman of the Board.
After spending thirty years working at JP
Morgan in New York City, Hefke and his
wife retired to the lowcounty. I was very
active at the Ronald McDonald House
in New York, he explains. Te more
I became a citizen of South Carolina as
opposed to New York, I knew I had to
get involved. Hefke decided to continue
his work with the Ronald McDonald
Foundation. Hefke recalls the day
he decided volunteer at the house.
I basically showed up and said,
here I am! His commitment
and dedication to the families
in need help keep operations
running smoothly. Te
27 rooms at the house are
continually full with a growing
waiting list.
Bond tells a story of a
mother who stayed at the
Ronald McDonald House
of Charleston 27 years ago
while her daughter received
treatment at MUSC. Her
child recently passed away,
and the Ronald McDonald
House was one of the frst
places the mother called to tell
them of the news. Since she
and her family left, we didnt
really keep in touch, Bond
explains. As time goes on,
the calls become less frequent.
We maybe talked once every
fve years. With the passing
of her daughter, however, the
mother wanted to make sure
the staf and volunteers at the
Ronald McDonald House
knew the diference they
made in the life of her child
and of her family. A simple
BY HANNAH DOCKERY
The Island
Connection
Lynn Pierotti
publisher
lynn@luckydognews.com
Hannah Dockery
managing editor
hannah@luckydognews.com

Swan Richards
senior graphic designer
swan@luckydognews.com
Lori McGee
sales manager
lori@luckydognews.com
Jerry Plumb
graphic designer
jerry@luckydognews.com
Contributors
Oliva French
Nick Steehle
Kerry Rissetto
Martha Zink
Bob Hooper
Charleston Restaurant Association
Ashley Richardson
Charleston Ballet
Katherine Saenger
Published by
Lucky Dog Publishing
of South Carolina, LLC
P.O. Box 837
Sullivans Island, SC 29482
843-886-NEWS
Future deadlines: December 12
for submissions
for the December 21 issue
Op-Ed articles and letters to the editor do not
necessarily refect the opinion of
Lucky Dog News or its writers.
Lucky Dog Publishing, LLC
Publishers of Island Eye News,
The Island Connection
Ci v i c Cal endar
KIAWAH ISLAND TOWN HALL
21 Beachwalker Drive
Kiawah Island, SC 29455
Phone: 768-9166
Fax: 768-4764
SEABROOK ISLAND TOWN HALL
2001 Seabrook Island Road
Seabrook Island, SC 29455
Phone: 768-9121
Fax: 768-9830
Email:
lmanning@townofseabrookisland.org
JOHNS ISLAND COUNCIL
Meetings are held at the Berkeley Electric Co-op located at
3351 Maybank Hwy, Johns Island.
Chairman Chris Cannon: 343-5113
CHARLESTON COUNTY COUNCIL
4045 Bridge View Dr, N. Charleston
958-4700
CITY OF CHARLESTON
75 Calhoun St.
724-3745
CIVIC
Tuesday, December 11
Seabrook Town Council
2:30 p.m.
Seabrook Town Hall
Wednesday, December 12
Kiawah Communications
Committee
10:30 a.m.
Kiawah Town Hall
Seabrook Planning
Commission
2:30 p.m.
Seabrook Town Hall
Monday, December 17
Kiawah BZA
4 p.m.
Kiawah Town Hall
Tuesday, December 18
Kiawah Ways & Means
Committee
9 a.m.
Kiawah Town Hall
Te following is a synopsis of some of the
activities of the Charleston County Sherifs
Department during the month of November
2012.
November 4
Kiawah Island Someone stole a red
kayak valued around $450 from a boat
area in Kiawah between November 4 and
November 9. Te lock was cut. No further
information.
November 10
Mullet Hall An ofcer responded in
reference to a vandalism report. Someone
used an unknown object to bust out the
front window of the business. No evidence
was recovered.
November 10
Johns Island An ofcer received a
call in reference to a stolen camera, valued
at $300. Te victim was helping friends
(now ex-friends, according to the victim)
remove property from the house and then
took them to Money Man Pawn. Te
camera went missing during this time.
November 11
Johns Island An ofcer responded
to a call regarding to men trespassing
on private property with 4-wheelers
around 6:30. Te men stopped at the
victims house and said that they were
lost and did not know how to get of the
property. When the victim began asking
the trespassers questions, they left on their
4-wheelers and the victim could not see
where they went.
November 11
Kiawah Island At 4 a.m., St. Johns
Fire Department received a call that a
resident smelled smoke in his residence.
When the fre department arrived,
the house was in fames and severely
damaged. Te point of origin was unable
to be determined.
November 12
Johns Island An ofcer responded to
a call from a man stating that he found
guns inside his sons room. He didnt
know how or why the guns got there and
wanted them out. Te man stated that his
son was not present and that he shouldnt
own one because he is a convicted felon.
Te ofcer checked to see if they were
stolen but they were not. Te guns were
taken to the Sherrifs Department.
Police Reports
P
earlstine Distributors and Rural
Mission once again joined together
today to bring Tanksgiving dinners
to hundreds of families in the Lowcountry.
Volunteers from the Rural Mission
and Pearlstine Distributors distributed
the boxes on
November 20, at
2:00 p.m. at the
Rural Mission
complex (located
at 3429 Camp
Care Road,
J o h n s
I s l a n d ) .
Families from Johns, Yonges, Edisto and
Wadamalaw Islands will be present to
receive the dinners.
Te dinner included a frozen turkey
and sides that will feed a family of eight.
Pearlstine Distributors purchased the food
item and provided the volunteers who
packaged the dinners in recycled boxes.
Te Rural Mission staf work with the
So Much to be Thankful For
PEARL ST I NE DI ST RI BUTORS AND RURAL MI SSI ON
BRI NG T HANKSGI VI NG TO SEA I SL AND FAMI L I ES
SPECIAL TO THE ISLAND CONNECTION
Being Thankful continues on page 3
www.islandconnectionnews.com
Sea Island communities to place the meals
with families who need them most.
Distributing these meals at the Rural
Mission is a 28-year old tradition for the
two organizations. Pearlstine Distributors
and Rural Mission are proud to honor
these decades of tradition once more.
Te Rural Mission fosters many human
service programs that improve the quality
of life for Sea Island residents.
Founded in 1865, Pearlstine Distributors,
Inc. has an overall goal of providing fresh, high
quality products to consumers throughout the
Lowcountry. Tey provide a complete range
of distribution services to beverage retailers
of all kinds: bars, restaurants, grocery stores,
discounters and other types of product
outlets. Pearlstine Distributors, Inc. operates
a climate controlled distribution warehouse
in Charleston, to serve nearly 2,300 retail
outlets in seven counties of the South Carolina
Lowcountry. For more information, please
visit us at www.pearlstine.net.
Being Thankful continued from page 2
December 07, 2012 4
www.islandconnectionnews.com
COLLEGIATE
T
he 9
th
graders at Charleston
Collegiate School partnered with
Rural Mission on Johns Island
to give back to the community and assist
with renovations at a local residence. Te
house they repaired is on Plowground,
just down the road from the school.
Six people currently live in the home
and the condition made it unsafe for the
family. Te foors were not level, and in
some places were barely existent. Te
students pulled up the old fooring and
began constructing a new foor. Te house
didnt have insulation, so our students
added it wherever they could. Te roof
had some leaks, so the students climbed
on top of the house and patched the
holes. Tey also pulled of old siding and
replaced it with new siding. Tey worked
incredibly hard and we are so proud of
them for helping their neighbors in need.
Te 9
th
graders defnitely got just as
much, if not more, out if it than they put
into it. It feels good to give.
Charleston Collegiate School is a
nonsectarian, independent day school
(PS-12) which strives to recognize,
nurture, and challenge each of its
students through innovative teaching
methods. Te mission of Charleston
Collegiate is to have a positive impact
on the lives of all of our students so that
they positively impact the world around
them. For more information, visit www.
charlestoncollegiate.org.
The Season of Giving
CHARL ESTON COL L EGI AT E ST UDENT S
REPAI R A HOME ON J OHNS I SL AND
BY OLIVIA FRENCH
PHOTOS PROVIDED BY CHARLESTON COLLEGIATE SCHOOL
T
he Charleston Collegiate School
Chapter of the National Honor
Society inducted six new members
for the 2012-2013 academic year in a
tapping ceremony on November 26.
Congratulations to Andre Coaxum, Noah
Adkin, Mary Grace Bowers, Cher Yuan,
Yang Zhibin, and Maxwell Lu for their
outstanding achievement.
Current members are Mia Blunt,
Hayes Crumbley, Will Free, Trevor
Grosse, Hunter McCoy, and Miguel
Salcedo. We are very proud of our teachers
and students for their achievements of
being involved with such an excellent
organization that prides itself on four
main quailities: scholarship, leadership,
service, and character.
Charleston Collegiate School is a
progressive, nonsectarian, independent
day school (PS-12) which strives to
recognize, nurture, and challenge each of
its students through innovative teaching
methods. Te mission of Charleston
Collegiate is to have a positive impact
on the lives of all of our students so that
they positively impact the world around
them. For more information, visit www.
charlestoncollegiate.org.
Top Honors
CHARL ESTON COL L EGI AT E ST UDENT S I NDUCT ED I NTO
T HE NAT I ONAL HONOR SOCI ET Y
BY OLIVIA FRENCH
December 07, 2012 5
Remember the Three Rs
of Your School Days
EXCHANGE CL UB PRESENT S
L I BRARY WI T H CHECK
BY SAM REED
T
he Kiawah-Seabrook Exchange
Club is helping to promote
reading improvements
in the early grades of our
schools, and even for
pre-schoolers. Te
Johns Island Branch
Library is
the facilitator,
thanks to a $2,500
grant from the
Exchange Club.
Te Charleston
County School Board
has declared literacy its
top priority, and with good
reason. More than 22 percent
of our incoming 9
th

graders at St. Johns
High School read at or
below a 4
th
grade level.
Over 25 percent of
our kindergarten and
frst grade students are
defcient in reading
and writing.
Te main thrust of
the grant is a Reading
Buddies Program, to
beneft both public and
private schools, as well
as day care centers and
the home-schooled.
Good reading is
modeled when two or
more individuals read
together. Te young
children are brought
to the Library so that
they can read with
older students from
Haut Gap and St.
Johns High School.
Parents also often
participate.
Tere are approximately 850 children
under the age of 5 years living on Johns,
Wadmalaw,
Kiawah, and Seabrook
Islands. So the task is
large, but manageable.
Te grant money
is used to purchase
childrens books, CDs,
a reference collection,
and a
storytime collection.
Te Club presented
the $2,500 check to the
Branch Library on November
16, 2012.
6 December 07, 2012
phone call during a difcult time speaks
volumes to the mission of the house. Not
only is it a home away from home, but it
is also a community of support, care, and
kindness. Were more than just food and
shelter, Bond says. Were counselors.
Were a part of the family.
Tough much has changed at the
house over the last thirty years, the heart
and soul of the place remains the same.
Its not what has changed. It is what
has stayed the same, Bond says. Te
hospitality, the caring, the compassion
those things havent gone anywhere. As
2013 marks their anniversary, both Bond
and Hefke look towards the future. As the
new Chairman, Hefke hopes to bring his
experience on boards to continue and
increase the infuence of the house.
Te main issue we have to look at as
a board is how we are going to deal
with future needs. Te needs continue to
increase and we want to meet them as best
as possible.
As Hefke, Bond, and the team at the
Ronald McDonald House continue to
dedicate not only their time, but also their
hearts, lives of families all over South
Carolina will continue to be forever
changed.
For more on the Ronald McDonald
House of Charleston and ways that you can
get involved, visit www.rmhcharleston.org.
Te Ronald McDonald House is located at
81 Gadsden Street, Charleston.
Kiawah Caring continues from Cover
Executive Director Barbara Bond and Chairman of the Board Bert Hefke Pictured with Ronald
McDonald
December 07, 2012
7
LANDSCAPING
Ti de Char t
Date High Tide Low Tide
Hurricanes, storms, etc., are NOT included in the predictions.
Tidal current direction changes and tide time predictions can be
very diferent. Tide predictions are PREDICTIONS; they can be
wrong so use common sense.
Dec 7
Dec 8
Dec 9
Dec 10
Dec 11
Dec 12
Dec 13
Dec 14
Dec 15
Dec 16
Dec 17
Dec 18
Dec 19
Dec 20
Source: saltwatertides.com
1:47am/1:59pm
2:49am/3:00pm
3:52am/4:02pm
4:53am/5:03pm
5:52am/6:02pm
6:49am/6:59pm
7:45am/7:55pm
8:39am/8:50pm
9:32am/9:45pm
10:25am/10:41pm
11:18am/11:37pm
12:11pm
12:34am/1:04pm
1:31am/1:57pm
7:59am/8:19pm
9:05am/9:19pm
10:09am/10:18pm
11:10am/11:16pm
12:08pm
12:12am/1:03pm
1:07am/1:56pm
2:01am/2:48pm
2:55am/3:40pm
3:48am/4:31pm
4:43am/5:22pm
5:39am/6:14pm
6:38am/7:06pm
7:39am/7:59pm
O
ne of the treats for the holidays
is to kiss your sweetie under the
mistletoe. In 1820, Washington
Irvings Te Sketch Book of Geofrey
Crayon, writes of the mistletoe, Te
mistletoe is still hung up in farm-houses
and kitchens at Christmas, and the young
men have the privilege of kissing the girls
under it, plucking each time a berry from
the bush. When the berries are all plucked
the privilege ceases. Tis and many other
folklore traditions have been around for
several centuries, but are there any real
uses for this parasite?
Parasite?
Mistletoe is specifcally Phoradendron
serotinum and grows here in the US, while
there are other types/species in Europe.
Tere are more than 200 tree and shrub
species, which the mistletoe can use as a
host, but the host is rarely killed unless
the infestation is heavy. Each plant can be
accompanied with long clusters of ten or
more berries. Tat could be a lot of kissing
for the young boys.
Te mistletoe will start to grow after
the birds have deposited their fecal matter
on the tree branches. Being a parasite,
most of the nutrients required by the plant
will come from the host as the mistletoe
will root into the plant and draw sugars
from the host vascular system.
Te plant was once considered to be a
parasite, which could be removed from
the ecosystem because there did not seem
to be a purpose. More recently, researchers
are fnding out the leaves, berries, and the
structure high up in the trees are well used
by many birds, trees, and shrub species.
Animals, especially birds, are
consuming the leaves and young leaves and
shoots as a food source. Teir movements
high in the trees and feeding are assisting
in pollination. Te animals are also using
the plant structure to use as a platform for
building their nest high up in the trees.
Tese locations are providing excellent
nesting locations for Northern Spotted
Owl. Even the Navajo have their own
name for Mistletoe, which is basket on
high. Some cultures even use the sticky
nature to place on the trees the catch the
birds as a food source.
For medical purposes, there are many
which use the mistletoe for treating
circulatory and respiratory system
problems and attempt to treat cancer. Like
the announcement of Suzanne Somers
to use Iscador (mistletoe extract) instead
of chemotherapy for treatment of breast
cancer.
While there might be many diferent
uses for the parasite, I still like the old
folklore the best. Happy kissing and
happy holidays.
Hang All the Mistletoe
WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT EVERYONE S FAVORI T E KI SSI NG PL ANT
BY NICK STREHLE
W
hile winter has ofcially arrived,
the redfsh havent gone into
hibernation. On the contrary,
they are very active. Tey are continuing
to form bigger and bigger schools that
make for awesome sightfshing. With
temperatures in the 60s, fshing conditions
can be quite pleasant so dont write of
fshing until the spring.
Redfsh are schooling up for protection
from dolphins. Te redfshs metabolism
slows down as the water temperature
drops into the 50s and evading predators
becomes more of a challenge. Redfsh will
fock to the mudfats where shallow water
will ofer a measure of safety. Once you
have located one of these schools, they will
likely stay in the same place for the next
few months.
While they may be slowing down,
redfsh are still inhaling artifcial plastic
lures. Lures shaped like small minnows
are proving to be most efective and jerk
shad in grey and black hues are the ticket.
Make sure you approach these spooky
schools with extra caution. Focus your
casts on the outside edges of the schools; a
cast placed right in the middle will often
send the entire school feeing.
Trout are still present but the bite is
fading and will likely be gone by the end
of the month. Both jerk shad and curly
tail grubs fshed on jigheads are producing
well. Darker colors work great here too.
Trout have begun to become somewhat
sluggish. Youll want to use a really slow
retrieve as you work your lures.
Tis time of year can be a fy fshermans
dream. Te fyrod with its ability to softly
land fies can be a real advantage. Casting
to pods of a hundred or more fsh in close
range can make your knees weak. Weve
been having the most success timing our
charters around low tide when the redfsh
are in plain sight. Our go-to fy has been
a size #2 black wiggler which has drawn
some fantastic strikes.
See you on the water!
Capt. Geof Bennett operates Charleston
Charter Fishing providing fy fshing and
light tackle charters. Clients choose from a
full menu of fy rods, artifcial and live bait
fshing options with charters tailored to their
desires. USCG licensed and insured, Capt.
Bennett is committed to providing a safe and
enjoyable charter to anglers of all skill levels
and ages. For more information, call Capt.
Bennett at 324-3332, visit his website at
www.charlestoncharterfshing.com or email
him at captain@charlestoncharterfshing.
com.
December
Fishing Report
BY GEOFF BENNETT
FISHING
www.islandconnectionnews.com
8 December 07, 2012
C
ANCER. A breath-stopping,
life-changing, world-altering,
6-letter word. Regardless if this
word is in reference to your mother,
your father, your aunt, your child, or
your dog, it is devastating. With our
human family members, there is usually
very little discussion about options: we
do what we need to do for as long as we
need to in order to prolong life, all too
often, unfortunately, at the expense of
quality of life.
What do we do if that diagnosis occurs
in our four-legged family members? 25
years ago the answer probably wouldhave
been humane euthanasia, because
wesimply did not have enough experience
with cancer treatment (i.e. Oncology)
in animals. Today, however, veterinary
Oncology is its own specialty, treating
animals with cancer just as easily as
treating those with diabetes or high blood
pressure.
Tismight be the part where you put
down this article or fip the page to read
something that you think may be more
applicable to you. Who would ever put
their dog through that? you might ask.
Tis is not an uncommon knee-jerk
reaction for people to have because of
what we know about human Oncology.
Because cancer commonly afects people
in their middle age, every efort is made to
be as aggressive as possible and cure the
disease so that the patient may go on to live
30 or 40 more years to their expected life
span. Te goal is to provide a reasonable
cost: beneft ratio. Meaning, that patient
endures a poor quality of life during their
treatment protocol, but are hopefully able
to experience cancer remission and live to
see their grandchildren grow up.
In veterinary medicine, our patients
have an anticipated lifespan of 8-14 years
depending on the breed. Tis makes
any extended, aggressive, or unpleasant
treatment seem like a very poor use of
that pets time left on this earth. Tis is
the reason why veterinary oncology is
immensely diferent from that in humans.
Because we cannot guarantee a dog will
live 30-40 more years, the PRIMARY goal
of cancer treatment is to provide quality of
life both DURING and after the course
of that treatment. Te dogs and cats that
come into CVRCs Cancer Center should
always feel BETTER under our care than
they did prior to treatment. Te treatment
should never be worse than the disease.
Well, what is the treatment you ask?
Te simple answer is, it depends. Cancer
is not a specifc disease, it is an umbrella
term used to describe numerous diseases
that can afect every organ system in the
body. Terefore, treatment is tailored
to the patient based on the exact type
of cancer diagnosed and likelihood to
spread to other organs. So, for example,
if a tumor is removed and discovered to
be cancerous but not likely to metastasize
(spread), that patient may not need any
further treatment. If, however, the cancer
is known to have a high metastatic rate,
further treatment with chemotherapy will
greatly decrease the risk of that tumor
spreading to other organs (like lungs,
lymph nodes, and liver).
Here are the top 10 things that you,
as an educated pet owner, should know
about cancer:
Cancer predominantly occurs in
dogs and cats over 7 years of age
but can occur in animals of ANY
age.
Cancer is one of the Great
pretenders: it can masquerade as
absolutely anything from a large
mass to a small swelling, from
difculty urinating to occasional
vomiting. Tese are all symptoms
that should not be ignored.
Large breed dogs are at a very
high risk for bone cancer and any
limping or pain noticed in these
dogs should be investigated.
Unfortunately, Golden Retrievers,
Labrador Retrievers, and Boxers
are at a very high risk for cancer
and owners of these breeds should
be very vigilant when it comes to
noticing new lumps and bumps on
their pets.
Some types of cancers can be cured
by simply removing the tumor
itself. However, it is imperative
that the tissue/biopsy be evaluated
by a pathologist to confrm that
further therapy is not needed.
Chemotherapy is the use of
injectable or oral drugs to treat
cancer or to reduce the risk of
certain cancers from spreading
once they have been removed.
Chemotherapy in animals is VERY
DIFFERENT than chemotherapy
in humans. Te majority of dogs
and cats DO NOT get sick from
chemotherapy. Of those patients
that do experience side efects of
chemotherapy, this is most often
manifested as decreased appetite
or 1-2 episodes of vomiting
or diarrhea for 2-3 days after
treatment. However, with new
anti-nausea medication less than
1 in every 10 dogs will experience
vomiting or diarrhea.
In general, MOST dog breeds
DO NOT lose their hair while
undergoing chemotherapy. Dogs
and cats may lose their whiskers
but only a select few dog breeds
will experience noticeable hair loss.
When polled, 95% of owners are
glad that they decided to pursue
chemotherapy for their pet and are
extremely happy with the outcome
and both the QUANITITY and
QUALITY TIME they got to
spend with their pet.
In most cases, the sooner cancer is
diagnosed, the better the chances
of survival for the animal, so if you
see a swelling or mass, DO NOT
WAIT! Bring it to the attention
of your veterinarian as soon as
possible.
The Scary C Word
HOW TO COPE WI T H PET CANCER
BY KERRY RISSETTO, DVM, DACVIM (ONCOLOGY)
www.islandconnectionnews.com
December 07, 2012 9
O
n December 10, at the Sandcastle,
there will be a Kiawah Island
Garden Club meeting at which
gardeners who have moved to our milder
climate from harsher conditions in the
North will learn how to best manage
our gardens here. Jim Martin, who is
Executive Director for the Charleston
Parks Conservancy, will give the tips
and ideas. He was the Vice President
of Horticulture at Brookgreen Gardens
and served as Director of Horticulture at
Riverbanks Zoo and Botanical Garden
in Columbia. He was a key element in
developing the 90-acre garden there. Jim
was one of the founding members of the
Charleston Horticulture Society and is
beginning a new business venture called
Compost in My Shoe, where he focuses
on boutique farming, garden/foral design
and education.
Jim will give us information to help
understand what to expect of our plants
over the winter, including colorful
camellia blossoms and glossy evergreen
ferns, and to prepare for our wonderful
spring gardens. We are blessed with four
seasons, and Jim will help us understand
and adapt our fowers as well as ourselves.
He will also provide information on the
Low country Local First food program.
Tere will be a question and answer
period after Jim speaks. As an added
bonus Jim will bring some of his favorite
winter plants to give away to some lucky
members.
Christmas refreshments will be served
at 9:30. Te presentation begins at 10 a.m.
and there is no charge for the program.
Please see our brand new, beautiful website
at www.kiawahislandgardenclub.org.
The Bones of the Winter
Garden on Kiawah
UPDAT ES F ROM T HE
KI AWAH GARDEN CL UB
BY MARTHA ZINK
10 December 07, 2012
Island Connection Calendar
December 23
FRI DAY, DECEMBER 7
Seabrook Island Club Holiday Party
Enjoy heavy appitizers and socializing
with your neighbors. A DJ will provide
music. Bring unwrapped toys to donate to
the Marines Holiday Toys for Tots Drive
and receive a ticket for a free drink. Open
seating event. Call Michelle at 768-7849 for
reservations. Seabrook Island Club Atlantic
Room. 6:30 9:30 p.m.
Organist Jay Yau
Organist Yau will perform a beneft concert
at 7 p.m. at Holy Spirit Catholic Church.
Yau is currently the organist at the church
and funds will help him travel for college
auditions in February. Works will include
J.S. Bach, Alain, and Widor. Te concert
is free and open to the public, with a
suggested donation of $10. 3871 Betsy
Kerrison Pkwy, Johns Island.
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 8
Kiawah Island Marathon
Athletes from around the world will be
competing in this years Full and Half
Marathon. Pick up race packets beginning
at 6:30 a.m. Race begins at 8 a.m. For more
information, visit www.kiawahresort.com/
recreation/Kiawah-island-marathon/
Holiday Open House at Irvin House
Irvin House Vineyards will host two
Holiday Open Houses. Event will feature
local vendors, seasonal gifts, and a
complementary glass of homemade, hot
mulled wine. Live music by Te Plantation
Singers and De Gullah Singers. Food by
Stono Caf. 1 5 p.m. 6775 Bears Bluf
Road, Wadmalaw.
Open House at Legare Farms
Legare Farms will hold an open house at
the farm from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. Crafters
will have booths for shopping as well as the
farm will ofer their jams, jellies, pickles,
salsas, honey, and syrup for sale. Antibiotic
and hormone free meat will be available for
purchase. Boiled peanuts, BBQ, hamburgers
available for purchase. Hayrides for a
behind the scenes tour of the farm will be
ofered to everyone free of charge. Te farm
barnyard will be open to visit with the farm
animals. For more info call 559-0788 or
e-mail legarefarms@bellsouth.net. 2620
Hanscombe Pt Rd, Johns Island.
Holiday Extravaganza at Charleston
Collegiate
Get in the holiday spirit and come out
to Charleston Collegiates Holiday
Extravaganza. Art and fne crafts will be
for sale. Santa, food, door prizes, singing,
a marshmallow roast and more will
be available. 10 a.m. 5 p.m. $5
admission fee. 2024 Academy Drive,
Johns Island.
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 9
Christmas at the Sottile
Celebrate the holidays with the
Charleston Mens Chorus. Sing along
with favorite carols and religious
hymns. Tickets are available online. 3
p.m. $15. 66 George Street, Charleston.
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 11
Indiana Day at Seabrook
Seabrookers with Indiana connections
are invited to attended the second annual
Hoosier Day on Seabrook. If you
participated last year, you are already on the
list for this year. If you know someone who
should be included, contact Max Willis at
768-8301. December 11 is the day Indiana
became a state. Committee Members
include: Alan Armstrong, Pat Greubel, Jim
Bannwart, Sam Reed, and Cindy and Max
Willis. Oyster Catcher Community Center.
6 9 p.m.

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 12
Te Life of a Collection: Vanderhorst
Family Papers at SC Historical Society
Mary Jo Fairchild, senior archivist at
the SC Historical Society, will share the
life story of the Vanderhorst Family
manuscript collection. Fairchild will also
discuss the role of the Vanderhorst family
in the history of Kiawah Island. Following
the presentation, guests will enjoy a
complimentary wine and cheese reception.
RSVP by Dec. 10 with Sandcastle Member
Services at 768-3875 or sandcastle@kica.us.
1 Shipwatch Road, Kiawah. 5 p.m. 7 p.m.
Charleston Collegiate Holiday Concert
Please join us for the Holiday Concert
presented by Charleston Collegiates
Lower School Choir and Glee Club. Free
admission. 6 7 p.m. 2024 Academy Drive,
Johns Island.
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 13
Christmas 1782
Step back in time at Middleton Place to
Christmastime in the 1700s. Candlelit
torches will light the way and costumed
interpreters will share stories of what
Christmas was like at the end of the
Revolutionary War. After, sit by the fre
and enjoy a Southern style bufet dinner.
$45/adults, $20/children, $35/foundation
members. 6 8 p.m. 4300 Ashley River
Road.
Sip & Shop at Gibbes Museum
Te Museum Store at the Gibbes Museum
of Art will host a shop and sip from 5:30 8
p.m. Event is free and open to the public.
Te store will be open late and ofer tons of
shopping options and holiday gifts. Local
artists and artisans will be available to talk
about their work. Wine and light snacks
provided. 135 Meeting Street, Charleston.
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 15
Holiday Open House at Irvin House
Irvin House Vineyards will host two
Holiday Open Houses. Event will feature
local vendors, seasonal gifts, and a
complementary glass of homemade, hot
mulled wine. Live music by Te Plantation
Singers and De Gullah Singers. Food by
Stono Caf. 1 5 p.m. 6775 Bears Bluf
Road, Wadmalaw.
Blessing Basket Distribution
Te Blessing Basket of Stono Baptist
Church distributes food to needy families
on a monthly bases. Kiawah Cares will help
distribute the baskets. Volunteers will meet
at the Family Life Center at Stono Baptist
Church. 8:30 a.m. 953 Main Road, Johns
Island.
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 18
Charleston County Bookmobile
Te Charleston County Bookmobile willbe
at Freshfelds Villagethe frst and third
Tuesday of every month from 10 a.m. -
11:30 a.m. Te Bookmobile will be parked
behind Heges and Java Java. For more info,
call Guest Services at 768-6491.
Sea Islands Book Club
Join a discussion of Te Call of the Wild by
Jack London, a story of survival depicted
through dog named Buck. Stolen from his
domestic home and thrown forcibly into the
harsh and wild northern environment, Buck
must learn how to withstand the elements
and fght to endure. Copies of the book
may be obtained from the Reference Desk
for check out while supplies last. 2 p.m.
3531 Maybank Hwy, Johns Island.
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 22
Chamber Music Charleston Presents Te
Night Before Christmas
Chamber Music Charleston will continue
the Classical Kids Series with a special
holiday concert featuring the well-loved
childrens classic Te Night Before
Christmas. 1 p.m. Sottile Teatre, 44
George Street. Tickets free for children
3 and under, $5 for ages 4-16, $10 for
adults. Purchase at door or online at www.
chambermusiccharleston.org.

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 23
Christmas in Wales
Actors Teatre of South Carolina and
Chamber Music Charleston are bringing
back to Charleston the highly acclaimed
and engaging Christmas memoir of famous
Welsh poet, Dylan Tomas. Dylan
Tomas Christmas In Wales is a dramatic
performance of Tomas 1955 beloved radio
story A Childs Christmas in Wales. Dock
Street Teatre, 135 Church Street. Shows
at 3:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Tickets $17 in
advance and $20 at door. Senior, student,
group rates available. For more info, visit
www.chambermusiccharleston.org.
T
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Johns Island Regional Library
3531 Maybank Highway
Monday Tursday 10 a.m. 8 p.m.
Fridays and Saturdays 10 a.m. 6 p.m.
559-1945
Family Fun and Games (all ages)
Saturdays, December 1, 8, 22 and 29 from
11 a.m. 1 p.m.
Bring the family to the library to play various
board-style games.
Childrens Movie: Arthur Christmas (all
ages)
Saturday, December 1 at 2 p.m.
On Christmas night at the North Pole,
Santas youngest son looks to use his fathers
high-tech operation for an urgent mission.
Rated PG; 97 minutes.
Afternoon Caf (grades 6 12)
Tuesday, December 4 from4:30 6 p.m.
Featuring a variety of board games,
including Monopoly, Clue, Connect Four,
Jenga, Sorry, Uno, chess and checkers.
Refreshments will be provided.
PLAY: Fun in the Tub (all ages)
Wednesday, December 5 at 6:30 p.m.
Lets go a-splishin and a-splashin in this wet
and wild storytime as we celebrate Bathtub
Party Day.
Knitting and Crocheting Group (adults)
Tursdays, December 6 and20 from6 7p.m.
Enjoy the company of other crafters
and meet to exchange ideas. Bring your
projects and knit or crochet with friends.
Please join us, beginners welcome.
Art All Day (all ages)
Fridays, December 7 and 21, all day
Enjoy an array of art activities all day
on select Fridays during the month of
December.
Saturday Movie Matinee: Secret of the
Wings (all ages)
Saturday December 8 at 2 p.m.
Journey with Tinker Bell and her fairy
friends into the forbidden world of the
Mysterious Winter Woods. Curiosity
and adventure leads Tink to an amazing
discovery and reveals a magical secret that
could change her world forever. Rated:
PG: 92 minutes. Sponsor: Te UPS Store,
3575 Maybank Hwy, Johns Island.
Wadmalaw Island: A Timeless
Representation of a Bygone Era (adults)
Saturday, December 8 from4:30 6 p.m.
Meet the authors of the recently published
Images of America: Wadmalaw Island.
Michelle Adams and Kate Di Silverstre
share stories about island residents and
their journey to collect photographs and
create this Lowcountry pictorial history.
Round Table Discussions with
Councilwoman Johnson (adults)
Wednesday, December 12 at 12:30 p.m.
Councilwoman Anna Johnson of
Charleston County District 8 wants to
discuss your concerns and issues. Each
month a diferent speaker will be invited
to address topics of interest expressed by
you.
PLAY: Tis the Season (all ages)
Wednesday, December 12 at 6:30 p.m.
Come and hear some great stories about
the real meaning of giving.
Club Anime (ages 12 19)
Tursday, December 13 from4:30 6 p.m.
Natsume is a seemingly normal teen who
can see monsters. Unfortunately for him,
most of the monsters are trying to steal a
particular item from him. Dont miss this
meetings viewing of Natsumes Book of
Friends.
Short Film Fridays (all ages)
Fridays, December 14and28from46p.m.
Looking for ways to expand your
imagination and practice those problem-
solving skills? Enjoy a variety of quality
short-flms for children, followed by
thought-provoking discussion at the
library.
Deck the Halls (all ages)
Saturday, December 15 from 11 a.m. 1
p.m.
Share some holiday cheer with a tree
lighting, crafts, and holiday snacks.
Sea Islands Book Club (adults)
Tuesday, December 18 at 2 p.m.
Join a discussion of Te Call of the Wild by
Jack London, a story of survival depicted
through dog named Buck. Stolen from his
domestic home and thrown forcibly into
the harsh and wild northern environment,
Buck must learn how to withstand the
elements and fght to endure. Copies
of the book may be obtained from the
Reference Desk for check out while
supplies last.
December 7th
December 07, 2012
12
December 07, 2012
13
www.islandconnectionnews.com
COMPUTER CORNER
W
ith the Holiday Shopping
Season upon us we should
be aware that security does
not always mean viruses and electronic
software. People will try anything to
get your dollars from you and into their
pockets. I wanted to make you aware of
some buzz words and what is happening
every day plus remind you to be physically
aware of your surrounding both in the
world and at home.
Lets start with the physical and some
real basics. When out shopping for all
those wonderful gifts be sure to lock car
doors, put packages in locked trunks or
under some sort of covering in the back
seat. A coat or even a blanket keeps thieves
from noticing tempting items. Be careful
with credit cards, sign the back (I know,
who does that?), and keep your wallet in
a safe place. For women guard the purse,
be very aware of your surroundings during
the evening. At home lock the door(s) and
realize that even though your thoughts are
on others and gift giving thieves never take
a vacation. Hooky as it sounds, it is good
advice anytime of the year and especially
during the holidays. Social engineering
is a buzzword nowadays and includes
the person that wants to talk to you as
you log on at work (shoulder surfng),
walk through the gate with you without
using their credentials (tailgating) or ask
for their password by calling the front
desk/human resources (phishing). All are
another way to either harm you or your
employer and is another form of stealing
straight from your wallet.
In the realm of electronic you have that
email from your favorite friend from
Nigeria that has $20 million just waiting
for you to the email that just needs your
password to reset your lost account at
Yahoo or a dozen other places (phishing).
Malware is the term that encompasses
all sorts of nasty stuf including viruses,
worms, trojans, logic bombs, etc. All are
attempts to either steal data, corrupt it or
take over your computer. When shopping
online make sure that when checking out
that the site is secure. Te line that shows
the website address will start with https
with the s showing that the site is secure.
Another way is to look for lock symbol
in the address or VeriSign symbol in the
webpage. Make sure your Malware (virus)
software is up to date, paid for (or use a
free one) and running in the background.
For shopping at work you need to be
aware that the company can and will
track you on the internet and could be
using software to record every keystroke
you make, which could include personal
info, credit card numbers, etc. If you use
a personal computer at work your internet
usage can still be tracked and recorded.
Even at home data miners are on many
websites and can track you as you traverse
the net. Tats how you end up with ads
on your home page or receive unsolicited
emails about something you were looking
at. Its almost common nowadays to track
your every move online, but you can do
something about it! By using Firefox with
add-ons like Ghostery, adblock, etc. or
privacyfx. Some are available for Internet
Explorer, you can just google the names.
Social Engineering is used in many ways
and some are considered OK by retailers,
although they are loath to give info about
themselves so just be aware that in todays
economy information is gold.
Look forward to some good questions
and helping you out. If you need immediate
assistance you can always call Rent A Bob at
822-7794 or email at rentabob@live.com.
Security and Safety this Season
BY BOB HOOPER, AKA RENT A BOB
December 07, 2012 14
LANDSCAPING
W
eighing in at an average of
20,000 pounds and a height of
69 to 100 feet the Rockefeller
Center Christmas Tree has help to kicked
of the Holiday Season celebration since
1933. Millions of people each year watch
the lighting of the tree live on NBC and
others are lucky to even see the tree in
person. Much care goes into growing and
selecting the tree, which is donated each
year from families in states including
Connecticut, Vermont, New York, New
Jersey, and (even for the Ohio people here)
Ohio. With a tree with such high regard
and popularity, I started to really question
why Charleston could not be on the list
for the next tree or 50 years from now.
Te tree selected each year is a Norway
Spruce (Picea abies), which is originally
from Northern and Central Europe in
hardiness zones 3b to 7. Te Norway
Spruce grows at a medium to fast rate
when young, but like most trees slows
with age. Most trees are around 75 feet
around 50 years of age, so the tree selected
for Rockefeller Center each year is fully
grown and then some. Te national
champion is 120 feet by 66 at Hamilton
College in Clinton, New York.
Te growth structure and habit is
perfect for the ideal large Christmas tree
and for the weight it must hold. Te star
on top is 9.5 feet in diameter and weighs
550 pounds. Plus do not forget the 30,000
lights and 5 miles of wire the tree must
support. Te tree is able to hold all of
this by its pyramidal to conical shape.
Tese upward reaching branches allow
the weight the rest on the branches while
it fexes and not break. Tank Mother
Nature for thinking ahead, but this still
does not answer my question.
According to world renowned tree
expert Michael Dirr all Picea species,
prefer a moderately moist well-drained
soil although performs well in the clay
soils of the Midwest and East. Tey do
not grow well under hot, dry, polluted
conditions. Spruces are not adapted to
culture in the Southeast (Zones 8 to 11)
although on occasion Norway Spruce will
show prosperity. Occasional prosperity
was not what we were looking for in order
to grow the next coveted Rockefeller
Center Christmas tree.
According to the expert, it does
not look like a Norway Spruce from
Charleston will be selected at least in the
next 50 years. Too many factors are going
against the tree in order for it to fourish.
For the Spruce in zone 8, we are just not
right for the correct soil type, humidity
level, sun intensity, enough cool day and
nights, or even the preferred soil moisture.
Oh, Christmas Tree
WHY CHRI ST MAS T REES AREN T GROWN I N T HE L OWCOUNT RY
BY NICK STREHLE
ns
16
www.islandconnectionnews.com
PHOTO BY ANDREA HENSON
J
ust in time for the holidays and the
rush to fnd gifts and stocking stufers,
the Charleston Restaurant Association
(CRA) has announced the dates for the next
Charleston Restaurant Week. Te event
is set for January 10 -20, 2013. For those
wishing to give the gift of good food, gift
certifcates from participating restaurants
may be your solution. Restaurants that are
currently participating are listed on the
Charleston Restaurant Association website
and gift certifcates are allowed to be used
during Restaurant Week.
As the holiday bills start rolling in,
Charleston Restaurant Week will make it
easier to continue to dine well with specially
priced menus. Restaurants will ofer prix
fxe menus consisting of three items for
one price: $20, $30 or $40. Te event is
an opportunity to try new restaurants and
visit old favorites knowing what you will
be paying before you enter. For the January
Restaurant Week over 120 of the areas
fnest restaurants have already committed.
For a list of participating
restaurants, please go to the CRAs
bite at CharlestonRestaurantAssociation.
com. Te January Restaurant Week
menus will also be available online as the
event gets closer, so be sure to check back
often.
Filling Up
Stockings and Stomachs
J ANUARY S CHARL ESTON
RESTAURANT WEEK COUL D
SPARK GI F T I DEAS
PROVIDED BY CHARLESTON RESTAURANT ASSOCIATION
www.islandconnectionnews.com
18 December 07, 2012
F
ounded in 2006 and centered
on Johns Island, Te Point
Is is a womens non-proft,
community service organization
dedicated to increasing the
quality of life for women in the
lowcountry. We accomplish this
by coordinating fundraising
events and providing fnancial
and voluntary services to other
non-proft organizations that share
our vision. Over the last 6 years
Te Point Is has donated more than
$150,000 in cash gifts to non-proft
organizations including: Hollings
Cancer Center, Charleston Breast
Center, LEAP, Barrier Islands
Free Medical Clinic, Meals on
Wheels, My Sisters House,
Susan G. Komen and Dragon
Boat Charleston and countless
volunteer hours to Simply Divine
Gardens and Sea Island Habitat
for Humanitys Womens Build.
Camp for a Cause is an annual
event with all proceeds donated
to an organization that supports
breast cancer treatment and
awareness. Camp participants
enjoy opportunity drawings, hear
survivor stories and compete in
a tent decorating contest. Tis
past October at the 6
th
annual
Camp for a Cause more than
100 women came together and
collectively raised $18,500 for the
Hollings Cancer Center outreach
program. At the camp, Dr. Megan
Baker of Hollings Cancer Center
beautifully described how these
dollars are saving the lives of
lowcountry women!
Te Points next event is Te
Amazing Island Race and is
scheduled for Sunday, April 21,
2013. Teams of 4 (men & women)
compete for awesome prizes while
raising money for Te Points
fundraising projects. You will not
want to miss this fun and exciting
event!
To learn more about Te
Amazing Island Race and to see
pictures from the 6
th
Annual
Camp for a Cause, please visit our
website at www.thepointis.org and
check us out on Facebook.
The Point Is
LOCAL NON-PROFIT PRESENTS CHECK TO HOLLINGS CANCER CENTER
ASHLEY RICHARDSON
www.islandconnectionnews.com
December 07, 2012 19
L
owcountry audiences will once
again be treated to the most famous
holiday ballet adventure the world
over when Charleston Ballet Teatres
production of Te Nutcracker takes the
stage for three evening and matinee
performances. Te enormously popular
full-scale production returns for the fourth
year to North Charleston Performing Arts
Center. Te ballet, which is performed by
hundreds of ballet companies worldwide
primarily during the Holiday season,
includes such well-known characters
as Herr Drosselmeyer, the Nutcracker
Prince, the Sugar Plum Fairy, Maria, and
the Mouse King.
In conjunction with the 26
th
Annual
Nutcracker, homeless dogs may fnd a new
home in time for the holidays when the
Charleston Ballet Teatre and Charleston
Animal Society join forces for a 2
nd
annual
adoption promotion and fundraiser, billed
as Te Muttcracker.
Te 2012 Nutcracker performances
take place on Saturday December 15 at
2 p.m., 7:30 p.m. and Sunday December
16 at 3 p.m. at the North Charleston
Performing Arts Center located at 5001
Coliseum Drive North Charleston.
Tickets can be purchased by calling 1-800-
745-3000 or online at www.ticketmaster.
com. Tickets Prices $29-$49. Groups of
10 or more receive discounts. For group
sales please call: 573-7859. Audiences can
look for the dogs at all of the CBT public
performances of Te Nutcracker as well as
the school matinee on Friday December 14.
Charleston Ballet Teatres production
of Te Nutcracker features Jill Eathorne
Bahrs own choreography, which infuses
the classical traditions of Marius Petipas
Te Nutcracker with fresh, neo-classical
style, giving it a vibrant and energized feel.
Childrens Dances are staged by Patricia
Cantwell and feature the spectacular
sets designed by Ron Steger, Colleen
Balance and Jerry King, and intricate and
whimsical costumes by Don Cantwell,
Claudia Folts and Travis Halsey. Original
Lighting Design is by Ruth Hutson with
production direction by Dany Kapp.
Highlights of this seasons production
will be the new Chinese Dragon designed
by Travis Halsey. Featuring the famed
Tchaikovskys score, this years production
boasts a seasoned cast with Crystal
Wellman and Jose Gonzalez Amaya,
in the roles of Cavalier and Sugar Plum
Fairy, the role of Maria will be danced by
Kate Simpson and debuting in the role of
Drosselmeyer will be well-known local
actor Steve Lepre.
Te 90 childrens roles in Nutcracker
are performed by rotating casts of
Charleston Ballet Teatre School as
well as other dance students from other
schools throughout the Lowcountry that
auditioned through an open audition last
September. Rehearsals have been ongoing
since that audition.
During Nutcracker performances at
the North Charleston Performing Arts
Center, alumni dogs from the Charleston
Animal Society will appear in the opening
street scenes of the show and in the
following party scene. Dancers will be
walking the dogs across the stage as part
of the holiday market atmosphere of the
beginning of the Nutcracker, which takes
place in Charleston in the 1850s. Before
the show and at intermission, audience
members will have the opportunity to
meet the star dogs as well as others who
are in search for a home for the holidays.
Te Charleston Animal Society will be
present at all shows, ensuring the safety
of their wonderful friends on and ofstage.
For more information, visit www.
charlestonballet.com.
Clara and the Mouse King Return
CHARL ESTON BAL L ET PRESENT S T HE NUT CRACKER
PROVIDED BY THE CHARLESTON BALLET
20 December 07, 2012
W
hen the snow is gone and
the season is spring you can
trade this in for the real
thing. Tis was the note on the hobby
horse that I found under the tree on that
very special Christmas day when I was 13
years old. I had hurdled all of the obstacles
that my parents had set for me. Tey of
course never thought that I would actually
become an accomplished rider, learn to
care for a horse in every way, get a job at
a farm and even take on the responsibility
of caring for other peoples horses every
day just to prove that I could do it for my
own. Tey had fnally run out of excuses
to deny me my greatest wish.
My parents must have done a little
research about how to fnd a horse for a
young girl, because they did not make the
mistake of picking out an animal without
my input and tying it up out front in the
snow which is, of course, what I always
dreamed of: one Christmas morning there
would be my new friend and companion
out in front of the house waiting for a
carrot. Tis, I know was unrealistic, but
you wouldnt believe how many well-
meaning parents do make this mistake.
Not so much the horse-in-the-yard thing,
but they faithfully pick out a pet for their
children, present him on Christmas day
and are then left with the reality of caring
for an animal and a young, needy family.
By presenting me with the promise of my
new pet, we were able to spend the next
few months deep in research, reading my
new books about fnding the perfect horse
and talking with my mentors about this
prospect. In the end, we all found the
right four-legged addition to our family at
a time when school was ending and the
weather was appropriate for walking to
the barn every day.
Parents must put a lot of thought into
bringing a new pet into their home, and
holiday time may not be the best time for
this. Before you think about a Christmas
pet, remember that pets are not toys. Tey
are living, breathing, pooping and peeing
beings who need a lot of attention. Winter
can be a hard time to raise a puppy who
needs to be taken outside in the cold to
housebreak him. Even a thirteen- year
old child who has promised to care for
the new pet will likely be asleep when he
or she needs his fnal walk of the day. In
reality, the addition of a pet ultimately
becomes the responsibility of the parents,
and usually Mom. So, if you are going to
bring a pet into your household, Mom and
Dad have to want this pet. Tey have to
want to care for him when kids are asleep,
at a baseball game, on a road trip and
eventually away at college.
Te frst few months of a new pets life
are crucial as bad habits are far easier to
prevent than they are to break later. For
some people, it may be easier to put the
time into caring for a new pet or training
a dog while the kids are in school, but,
if your child really wants to be the new
trainer, then this is another reason to wait
until spring or summer to adopt.
Purebred puppies will be more expensive
and of lower quality at Christmas time.
For this reason, unless you have a unique
relationship with a very good breeder, I
would avoid them all together at this time
of year. Shelters are by far the best places
to adopt a pet at any time. You may even
decide that you want to avoid kitten hood
or puppyhood. Tere are many adults
available at shelters all year around, so
maybe you can begin your search after
Christmas, but dont be compelled to
come home with a pet on your frst visit.
Shelters also have puppies, kittens, guinea
pigs, rabbits, ferrets and hamsters all year
around. What better Christmas than the
promise of saving a life? It is the promise
to do this that counts, not the timing.
So, re-think the idea of a Christmas pet
standing under the tree and use the time
instead to give the gift of learning to love
and care for another being forever and
ever.
Santa Paws
ADVI CE BEF ORE BUYI NG A PET T HI S CHRI ST MAS
BY KATHERINE SAENGER
EDUCATION