Since May 2005

PRESORT STANDARD
US POSTAGE PAID
CHARLESTON, SC
PERMIT NO 437
Volume 6 Issue 17 FREE December 17, 2010

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

Ye s , I sl e of Palm s , th er e i s a Sant a
BY KRISTIN HACKLER

W
hat makes all of the plays
performed by Crabpot
Players exceptional is not
just the quality of the actors on
stage, but their radiant passion,
and the Players’ most recent
performance, Miracle on 34th
Street, was a perfect example of
this.
Working with a simple stage set
due to the large number of scene
changes in the popular Christmas
play, the first scene opens with
Santa, played by director Jimmy
Ward, being released from his
home at the Maplewood retirement
community due to their concern
over his mental status. Soon, Santa
- or Kris Kringle as he’s known in
the play – finds himself strolling
through Macy’s Department Store
shortly after a very drunk and
partially beardless Santa, played
by Isle of Palms Council member
Ryan Buckhannon, is kicked
unceremoniously to the streets.
When asked by desperate store
workers if he can replace the old
Santa, Kris replies that, “I’m not
in the habit of substituting for
spurious Santa Claus.” th
However, as we all know, Kringle Cast members of Miracle on 34 Street.
does take the job and eventually, the question of whether or not Santa perfect picture of an honest young attorney kicking off a career in New
really does exist becomes not only an issue for the lovely young store York City, provides a bright and hopeful contrast to Doris’ skepticism
manager, Doris Walker (played by Caitlyn Miller), it becomes an issue over the existence of a real Santa and together, they truly bring the
for the state as the case is brought to court by the bright young lawyer, story to the heart of the audience.
Fred Gailey (played by Conner Sheets). But not without the help of a stellar cast. Clarke Brunson, who
Both Caitlyn and Conner shine in their leading roles, and Caitlyn’s played Doris’ maid, Cleo, is precious and precocious in her role, often
affectation of the early 1950s silver screen pronunciation only helps shouting out little ad-libs which
to draw the audience in to the time period of the play. Conner, the caused rolls of laughter to ripple Miracle continued on page14

Inside Island Eye

Don't idle! stop at the bridge PAGE 4 Shop locally! PAGES 8-9 Sweet holiday treats PAGE 10
2 December 17, 2010

Letters to the editor...
Dear Editor,
The problem of mini-hotels still
exists. Although well meaning by
the city council, the following are
the results of the weak changes
and the issues dealing with this
problem:
I applaud so very much the idea
and successful creation of the
IOPNA. What a team of dedicated
people who want to preserve our
neighborhoods! They are trying
hard. They do good things. They
are a group that demands good
government for the good of the
most residents of the IOP.
Those of us living with the
problem of mini-hotels which are
the ruining of our neighborhoods
by new owners who have no
intention of caring about our
island except to make money
while many are suffering or have
left or are leaving the island,
these are good solid citizens who
just gave up.
Those of us in houses that could
benefit from the elimination of a
“mini-hotel program” or a rental
code that is almost impossible
to properly police finding that
they and their neighborhoods are
unprotected by permitting new
owners who never had a license
simply to apply.
This neighborhood killing
practice has caused at least
three of my friends to leave the
IOP. We lost these folks who
lost their dream house and still
miss it today. These were the
kind of folks who were interested
in our island and spent many
months searching for their dream
location.
I was told that “there can’t be
a problem because the police
have received very few calls.” I’m
afraid that those who don’t feel
or understand the problem just
don’t have the problem. They have
never experienced being woken
up late at night or early morning
by the behavior of those renting
these homes such as fraternities -
even some church groups can be
noisy. We applaud folks having
fun on our island, but not to the
extent as some renters’ behavior.
There is a reason the police
are not called more often due to
the noise of the partying taking
place in the late evening. Can one
imagine being woken up at 2:00
in the morning from a sound
sleep? One of my neighbor’s is in
their late 70’s or 80’s.
By then, it’s too late to call the
police - the damage is done. It’s
not a pleasant situation. If one
has never experienced it, I ask –
“Have any of you been woken up
while in a hotel with a noisy next
door room?” You call security
and finally it stops but you are
wide awake. The next time you
pick you won’t pick the problem
so you move to another hotel. We
don’t have that solution.
Limiting the number of persons
allowed in a rental sounds good.
But in practice it is difficult or
almost impossible to police. It
is not unusual for “guests” to
take cheap motel rooms, leave
their cars and stay in the IOP
rentals. This is especially true
when fraternities rent the homes
during spring break or other long
weekends. It is also true when a
church rents the homes for beach
and night parties.
Owners who have large families
and “overload” the house present
no ongoing problem. It works out
well as the neighbors know the
owners who generally lay down
the rules even if they are not
present.
We have had that experience
when my in-laws owned a home
on this island many years ago.
They are neighbors not strangers
rather than those who might live
many miles away and don’t care
as long the house is rented.
With the city council making
up the many members of the
IOPNA, we thought that
finally we had the ammunition
and understanding of the
problem to solve it: to save our
neighborhoods.
Thus many of us were most
disappointed with the results in
which the real estate brokers won
again.
There is a solution. Thus we
implore the council to revisit the
problem.
Below are only some of our
suggestions to solve the problem:
Grandfather in those who
already have a rental license
which is what Sullivan’s Island
did with no repercussions. In
fact, brokers who work on both
islands say that they have trouble
selling a house that has a mini-
hotel nearby or a vacant house
that can easily be converted to a
rental – nobody but nobody wants
to live next to a rental house
with absentee owners; houses on
Sullivan’s Island command more
money as this island is an island
of neighborhoods.
Houses inside the gates of Wild
Dunes to be excluded if Wild
Dunes objects. This permits the
many rentals inside the gates to
continue if desired by the owners
living inside the gates.
A study to be made determining
Letters continued on page 3

PUBLIC NOTICE
TO RESIDENTS OF ISLE OF PALMS

All City Offices will be closed on Thursday, December 23

and Friday, December 24, 2010 and January 3, 2011.

Garbage pickup will be as follows:

Tuesday, January 4, 2011 Breach Inlet through 30th Avenue
Wednesday, January 5, 2011 30th Avenue through Wild Dunes

Remember that roll-out carts cannot be placed at the curb before

5:00 p.m. the evening before collection and must be rolled back
to the house or enclosure by 9:00 a.m. the morning following
collection. Violators may be ticketed and/or fined.

www.islandeyenews.com
December 17, 2010
Letters from page 2
just how much revenue would be
lost with the updated program.
Is the amount so vast that IOP
neighborhoods suffer?
Members of the city council,
please, please help us. Please
talk this thing through. I bet
you come up with a satisfactory
solution.
Herb Rothschild
56th Ave. IOP
____________________________
Dear Mayor Cronin and the IOP
City Council members:
I am writing because I think
changes should be made in the
animal control enforcement
program.
I love the Isle of Palms and have
chosen to make it my home for
24 years. Lately, I don’t feel like
I’m living on an island paradise
when I go to the beach and see
the animal control trucks driving
ON the beach.
I feel like beach-goers and tax
payers are being violated when
I see the officers driving on the
beach or sitting in the idling
full-sized pickup trucks with
the heat or air-conditioner on
while the officer is scoping the
beach through his binoculars. I
understand that he is hoping to
catch some unaware dog owners
breaking the leash law to collect
the high fine, but it just doesn’t
seen necessary to drive expensive
trucks on the beach.
This time of year I regularly
walk between the IOP pier and
The Citadel Beach House. I Isle of Palms Animal Control truck on the beach.
have counted as few as seven
Isle of Palms
 Recycle - Wednesday, December 29 - Recycle
886-6428
www.iop.net
December 23 & 24
City Offices CLOSED
Thursday and Friday for the
Holidays
Monday, January 3
City Offices CLOSED for
Holiday and there will be no
garbage collection
Tuesday, January 4
City Council Special Meeting
6 p.m.
1207 Palm Boulevard
Wednesday, January 5
Accommodations Tax
Advisory Committe
11 a.m.
1207 Palm Boulevard
3
for several years. It appears Lucky Dog Publishing
people and as many as sixteen,
o f SC , LL C
but the animal control truck is a to me that this behavior could Publisher of the Island Eye News, The
constant. jeopardize our chances of Island Connection and The Folly Current.
I have noticed that metered continuing to be awarded this
parking is not operational during prestigious award if the panel Lynn Pierotti
publisher
the winter months. Maybe the knew we were allowing vehicles
lynn@luckydognews.com
beach-patrol should be limited on the beach.
to the summer months, also. The cost of the animal control Kristin Hackler
Most people have cell phones to is another consideration in the managing editor
make a call if there is a problem. current, weak economy. We kristin@luckydognews.com
During the summer months, a should consider making this
bicycle patrol should be sufficient position part-time or work with Swan Richards
senior graphic designer
and provide the appropriate Charleston County to share
swan@luckydognews.com
interaction with the public services when needed. In the
and protection to the public. winter we should consider Lori Dalton
Motorized vehicles should only eliminating the regular animal sales manager
be employed in an emergency control patrols. In the summer we 614-0901
situation or when called by the should consider only responding lori@luckydognews.com
bicycle officer. to calls from the public and/or
I don’t think it is necessary for calls from the bicycle patrol. Ellie Smith
graphic designer
tax payers to support the animal Please consider keeping
control and the police driving vehicles off our beautiful beach, Daniel Bein
trucks on the beach. I have seen eliminating costly animal control graphic designer
one of the officers swing wide during off-season, and saving bein.daniel@gmail.com
making a turn and drive the truck our environment as well as our
IN the salt water—something we tax dollars. Blake Bunch
would never consider doing with I plan to share this open letter reporter
blake@luckydognews.com
our personal vehicle. and hope that other citizens
What about the environmental will express their concerns and Meredith Powell
damage to the beach? I am recommendations with you. reporter
proud that the IOP has won the meredith@luckydognews.com
Blue Wave Beach award, an Thank you.
environmental certification for Nancy Guss •
beaches based on cleanliness, Contributors
Erica Harris
IOPNA
Cathy Critser
Jenny Harper
Jennifer Woody
David Farrow
Dr. John Nelson
Elizabeth Beckmann
Dimi Matouchev
Published by
Lucky Dog Publishing
PHOTO BY NANCY GUSS
of South Carolina, LLC
P.O. Box 837
Sullivan’s Island, SC 29482
843-886-NEWS
Civic Calendar Submit your letters to the editor to:
Public Works Committee

Sullivan's Island
info@luckydognews.com
Future deadlines:
December 29 for all submissions
Meeting 883-3198
4 p.m. www.sullivansisland-sc.com
1303 Palm Boulevard
Tuesday, December 21
Personnel Committee Meeting Regular Council Meeting The Island Eye News, a wholly owned subsid-
5:45 p.m. 6 p.m. iary of Lucky Dog Publishing of SC LLC, is a
1207 Palm Boulevard 1610 Middle Street free, independent newspaper published every
two weeks and is for and about the Isle of
Thursday, January 6 Wednesday, December 22 Palms, Sullivan’s Island, Goat Island and De-
Real Property Committee wees Island. Copies are mailed free of charge
Tree Commission-Cancelled to every active mailbox in our coverage area
Meeting
and are also available at area businesses and
8:30 a.m.
December 24, 27 & 28 by subscription to non-islanders. Subscriptions
1207 Palm Boulevard are $39/year for non-residents.. Contributions
City Offices CLOSED Friday,
of information, pictures and articles are wel-
Recreation Committee Monday and Tuesday for the
comed and are used according to space limita-
4 p.m. Holidays tions and news value and cannot be returned
24 Twenty-eighth Avenue except by special request. Op-ed articles and
Tuesday, January 4 letters to the editor do not necessarily reflect
Livability Court Municipal Court the opinion of Lucky Dog News, or its writers.
5 p.m. 10 a.m.
1207 Palm Boulevard All advertising rates are listed at:
1610 Middle Street
www.islandeyenews.com
under “advertising”.
www.islandeyenews.com
4 December 17, 2010
Stop, don’t idle at the bridge
A
s every Sullivan’s Island
resident and visitor knows,
the Ben Sawyer Bridge has
recently undergone some fairly
extensive renovations, along with
its complete span replacement,
and the changes, however
necessary, have posed some
inconveniences for commuters.
The speed limit was reduced from
45 to 40 miles per hour for the
construction zone, and the bridge
has had to be opened and closed
manually on a few occasions,
which stopped traffic in both
directions for more than an hour.
Even when the bridge is
operating normally, however,
drivers find themselves idling
in their cars for roughly seven
minutes at a time as they wait for
the swing span to close. Carolyn
Theidke is one of those drivers,
and recently she found herself
wondering about what else she
was using up besides the minutes
of her day.
At the Sullivan’s Island
Council meeting on November 16,
Carolyn shared her own concerns
about idling while waiting on the
S AV E T H E E N V I R O N M E N T A N D Y O U R WA L L E T
BY MEREDITH POWELL
bridge, such as the amount of car
emissions being released into the
air. Through her own research,
Carolyn has discovered that she
is not the only one interested in
an anti-idling movement. Others
in New York City, California,
Canada and even here in South
Carolina have also been taking
the initiative to aid in decreasing
this damage to the environment.
Even though she does agree
with having a swing span bridge,
Carolyn pointed out that it can
contribute to drivers wasting both
gasoline and money, but only if
we allow it. On an average, the
www.islandeyenews.com
bridge opens five times a day for
seven minutes, stopping between
120 and 180 cars which is equal
to roughly 14 to 18.5 hours of
idling each time. Considering
that each hour of idling wastes
one gallon of gas and each gallon
of gas releases 20 pounds of CO2
into the environment, the total
waste from idling while the bridge
is open is equivalent to 25,000
gallons of gas a year and 36,000
pounds of CO2.
And if we are emitting all
of that pollution into our air,
said Carolyn, what about our
wetlands?
Obtaining signage is certainly
one of the most helpful efforts
in the movement to encourage
others to turn off their engines
while idling on the bridge. Even
though this concept was well-
received by Council, Carolyn
recognizes it is ultimately an
SCDOT decision as to whether, if
any, signs are to be placed by the
bridge.
So the next time you are idling
at the bridge for more than 10
seconds, you are wasting gas.
so why don’t you try turning off
your vehicle’s engine to enjoy
and preserve nature? Stoplights,
drive-thrus, even the carpool
line at your child’s school and
especially the Ben Sawyer Bridge
are all perfect opportunities
to save your health and the
environment.
For more information on her
anti-idling idea, contact Carolyn
Theidke at 883-9583 or carolyn.
thiedke@gmail.com.
December 17, 2010
WINGS for Kids founder awarded
with highest civilian honor
G
inny Deerin was honored
with the Order of the
Palmetto at a special
celebratory luncheon this past
Tuesday, December 7, at High
Cotton restaurant in downtown
Charleston. The award is
considered to be the highest
civilian honor in the state and
is awarded by the Governor to
recognize a person’s lifetime
achievements and contributions
to South Carolina.
In a letter from Governor Mark
Sanford, Ginny was praised for
her tireless efforts and service
to many children in the state.
She was specifically recognized
for her ability to teach kids the
value of hard work, how to cope
with anger and stress, and for
investing a newfound confidence
into WINGS children.   successor.
“It is no small wonder that
WINGS has been recognized by
numerous organizations,” wrote
Governor Mark Sanford. “For its
best practices, and for all you
have done along the way to teach
thousands of kids to soar, we
extend our heartfelt gratitude.”
5
BY ERICA HARRIS
Ginny began WINGS in 1996, optimism and confidence that To learn more about WINGS for
and since then, more than WINGS will continue to grow so kids, visit www.wingsforkids.
3,100 kids have benefitted that it may serve many more org or call 743-1381.
from the program. WINGS is an children in the future.”
education program that teaches
kids how to behave well, make
good decisions and build healthy
relationships.  
The Order of the Palmetto was
presented to Ginny by Chad
Walldorf, Founder of Sticky
Fingers Restaurants, who has
served on the WINGS board
since 2007. The first Order of the
Palmetto was given by Governor
John C. West in 1971.
Ginny will take flight from
her role of WINGS CEO on
December 31 after serving
nearly 15 years in the position.
Executive Director of WINGS,
Bridget Laird, will serve as her
“WINGS was born in Charleston;
however, it has always had a
national scope,” says Deerin.
“It is particularly rewarding to
be recognized here in our birth
WINGS founder Ginny Deerin accepts the Order of the Palmetto from Chad Walldorf,
state for our accomplishments. Founder of Sticky Fingers Restaurants, who has served on the WINGS board since
As I move out of my leadership 2007.
position, I feel a great sense of
6 December 17, 2010

IOPNA spreads  Pet Helpers 

holiday cheer Pets of the Week
Kyra is a five-year-old white
PROVIDED BY THE ISLE OF PALMS NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION collie mix with black markings.
She is docile, wonderful with

F
other dogs, and good with
illed with the spirit of the season, Isle of Palms Neighborhood
children. Unfortunately,
Association (IOPNA) elves delivered assorted homemade
her previous family had to
cookies to each city department this past Monday, December surrender her and she’s fairly
13. The IOPNA wants to thank Isle of Palms city staff for their great new to the shelter. You can
work this past year and celebrate the holiday season with them. tell she is more accustomed
May this Christmas be filled with joy and this New Year blessed to family life.  She is spayed,
with peace for all on the Isle of Palms. vaccinated, microchipped and
ready for her FURever home!
Kyra
April
April is a one-and-a-half-year-
old shorthaired black and
apricot Tortie.  She was found
on Folly Beach back in April,
and wouldn’t it be great for her
to find a home on Folly!  She is
well socialized with other cats,
but it might take her a little
bit of time to adjust to her new
surroundings when adopted. 
But never fear, she is as sweet
as can be.  She’d make a lovely
addition to your family!
Adoption fees include spay, Pet Helpers is located at 1447 Folly Rd
neuter, vaccinations, testing, Hours: Mon. – Fri. from 11am – 6pm
and microchip ID. Sat from 11am - 5pm.
Pet Helpers Spay Neuter Closed: Sundays and Holidays.
Clinic - 843 302 0556 For more information, call 795-1110
For low cost spay/neuter or go to www. pethelpers.org.
services!

Wherever you are in life, whatever your goals happen to be, a disciplined financial plan
can help you pursue your most important personal and financial goals.

We can help you:

• Articulate and prioritize your financial planning goals
• Increase your understanding of your overall financial position
• Create a plan that you can follow now and in the future

For information, contact

The Coleman Dunleavy Group

Dennis V. Coleman Thomas D. Dunleavy, CRPS®

First Vice President-Investments Account Vice President
Wealth Advisor Advisory and Brokerage Services
dennis.coleman@ubs.com thomas.dunleavy@ubs.com

Lisa C. Layne
Registered Client Service Associate
lisa.layne@ubs.com

158 Meeting Street, 2nd Floor

Charleston, SC 29401
843-577-9700 colemandunleavygroup@ubs.com
December 17, 2010 7

Kobrovsky named to State Education Board

PROVIDED BY CATHY CRITSER

L
arry Kobrovsky of Sullivan’s Island was recently
appointed to the State Board of Education.
The joint legislative delegation for Charleston
and Berkeley countries picked Kobrovsky from 20
applicants. Kobrovsky will represent Charleston and
Berkeley counties on the State Board of Education for a
four year term beginning in January 2011.
Larry formerly represented the East Cooper area on
the Charleston County School Board from 1993 to 1998
and was a Chapter member of the South Carolina Public
Charter School Board from 2007 to 2009.
The State Board of Education has among its statutory
powers the responsibility to establish standards of
conduct and behavior that must be met by all students
as a condition to the right to attend the public schools
of our state, to prescribe scholastic standards of
achievement and to set the criteria for promotion of
students to the next higher grade.
Kobrovsky believes that one earns self-esteem through
hard work, delayed gratification and self-discipline. No
matter how much money we spend per student, what a
student gets out of his or her education will always be
proportionate to the effort he or she puts into it.
Kobrovsky notes that there is a need to ensure
discipline in the classroom and respect for our teachers
as the foundation of any education reform.

Larry Kobrovsky

www.islandeyenews.com
8 December 17, 2010
Shop locally this holiday season
Pelican Cleaners:
keeping the islands clean
BY BLAKE BUNCH
P O
elican Cleaners’ three
locations - 2019 Middle St.
on Sullivan’s Island; 2700
Highway 17 N. Ste. 230 near
Brickyard; and1521 Palm Blvd.
on Isle of Palms - have been the
providing the residents of our
barrier islands with fantastic dry
cleaning service for years.
Open from 7 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Monday through Friday, and
8:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. on
Saturdays, Pelican Cleaners is
owned by island resident Lucas
Smith, who is also owner and
captain of the 49 passenger
USCG certified charter boat,
Osprey (ospreycharters.com).
Smith’s business is very
service-oriented, and offers
same-day service if garments
are brought in by nine in the
morning. Smith is also currently
working on creating a “local/
islander discount” for the new
year.
“The first step will definitely
include more involved service,”
said Smith. “We are looking
to help people out during the
busy holiday season, so we are
also offering free delivery as
available.”
Pelican Cleaners is also offering
a 10% discount on formal wear
(for whatever may have spilled
on you at a holiday party) during
the season.
Pelican Cleaners can be
reached at: 886-4200 on IOP;
883-1010 on Sullivan's; and 881-
9292 in Mount Pleasant.
www.islandeyenews.sc
Simmons Seafood: providing
your saltwater goodies
BY BLAKE BUNCH
yster roasts, shrimp
boils, fish stew, and
other warm comfort
foods of the Lowcountry are
necessities for keeping local
bellies full this time of year.
Since the temperature has
dropped quite dramatically since
November, most boating has
come to a halt and few residents
are braving the cold of the water
on an early morning to “pick”
their own shellfish. Luckily for
locals, Simmons Seafood is here
to service your catering needs
and seafood cravings.
The familiar smells of brine,
fish, shrimp and shellfish fill the
air in Simmons, and the rotation
of available seafood changes on
an almost hourly basis, though
the southern staples are always
available when in season.
“We mainly do a lot of oyster
roasts during this time of year
and aside from that, we’re selling
a lot of shrimp,” said manager
Chris Moylan. “Fish really isn’t
the seasonal choice right now,
so we tend to place our focus on
selling bushels of McClellanville
clusters, Folly River Select
clusters, and the occasional
Texas Single
Gulfs,
although
the
Gulfs are relatively pricey. We
really want to keep everything
local.”
“Local” is a term that seems
to be tossed around a lot these
days, but the staff at Simmons
Seafood on Isle of Palms will
inform you, in detail, when their
catch was caught and where.
“Shrimp are still in season
until the first of January,
maybe a little longer, since
we’ve had such a good season,”
said Moylan. In regards to their
catering events, Moylan said that
they provide everything from the
bushels of oysters to cookers,
tables … basically the whole nine
yards. “We tend to cater oyster
roasts about once a week and
at most we can do maybe two or
three oyster roasts a week,” said
Moylan, emphasizing the shop’s
dedication to keeping their
product both local and fresh.
With Christmas and New
Years drawing closer each day, it
is certain that this mollusk will
be in extremely high demand. If
you would like to use Simmons’
service for an oyster roast, a
week or so advance notice is
appreciated. However, if you
would like to pick up the bushels
yourself, a few hours will suffice.
If you are planning to have an
oyster roast New Year’s Day, it
would be courteous to give the
boys at Simmons Seafood at
least twenty-four hours
notice before picking up
your bushels.
Simmons Seafood is
located on 1400 Palm Blvd.
on Isle of Palms. 886-6449.
December 17, 2010
Shop locally this holiday season
Morgan Creek:
an island staple
BY BLAKE BUNCH
D
uring these very chilly
nights, it is quite
understandable that
islanders would rather stay
by fires with their families in
their own homes rather than
venture out against the bitter
winds blowing off the ocean.
However, there are still plenty of
cozy places on the Isle of Palms
which are very well heated
and are constantly providing
opportunities for great food and
libations.
According to Carla Pope,
manager for Morgan Creek Grill
at the Isle of Palms Marina, the
restaurant has several upcoming
events for the holidays and the
new year. Despite the fact that
winter months are typically
slower than the spring and
summer months, Morgan Creek
Grill has found several ways to
boost morale for residents and
visitors alike. Stepping out of the
cold and into the warmth and
charm of the restaurant may
cause one to reminisce about
stepping out of the snow and
directly into a ski lodge. The
atmosphere is tastefully nautical
and relaxed, and the staff
genuinely wants their customers’
to have a memorable experience.
The food at Morgan Creek Grill
is always phenomenal, ranging
from Lowcountry specialties to
fine steaks and other innovative
daily specials. During the
holiday season, Morgan Creek
Grill offers gift cards - as they
have in past years - as well as
spice rubs, candied pecans,
and desserts made-to-order by
the pastry chef. This coming
Tuesday, the Grill will be holding
a complimentary wine tasting in
their second-story dining room
from 5:30 p.m. until 7:30 p.m.
They will also be serving lunch
and dinner on Christmas Eve,
as well as staying open for New
Years Eve.
Winter specials for Morgan
Creek include “Prime Rib
Thursdays,” as well as “Crab
Feast Sundays.” The Crab Feast
Sunday will involve all things
crustacean: snow crab legs,
stone crab claws, crab cakes,
and a Lowcountry favorite - she
crab soup. Pope also noted that
the Upper Deck (second story
dining room) is still open for
lunch throughout the week, but
will only serve dinner on Fridays,
Saturdays, and Sundays. The
restaurant’s Sunday Brunch
features crab Cake Benedict,
Oyster Po’ Boys, as well as
the necessary build-your-own
Bloody Mary bar.
Morgan Creek Grill is readily
available to make reservations
for your holiday work party.
Come dressed for the weather,
but know that you can warm up
very quickly inside with some
of their great food, drinks, and
southern hospitality.
Morgan Creek Grill is located
at 80 41st Ave. on the Isle of
Palms. For more info, visit www.
morgancreekgrill.com or call 886-
8980.
www.islandeyenews.sc
9
Local businesses provide all
your holiday needs
BY MEREDITH POWELL
S
ullivan’s Island offers more to its residents than gorgeous
beaches and breathtaking views; a large portion of their
friendly community includes the local businesses. Fitness,
food and art are all available on the island, and by supporting them
during the holidays, you’re not only getting someone a great gift,
you’re also doing your part to support our local economy.
Island Eats
The need for good food around the holidays goes without question,
and Sullivan’s Island offers several tasty options for both family
get-togethers and stocking-stuffer gift cards. From the nationally
renowned burgers at Poe’s Tavern to slow-roasted barbeque at Home
Team BBQ; High Thyme’s fresh and innovative cuisine; coffee, tea,
wine, pasta, ice cream and more at Café Medley; award-winning
meals at Atlanticville Restaurant; comfort food and perfect pints at
Dunleavy’s Pub; the local atmosphere and sinfully good coconut cake
at Station 22 and the wonderful brunch and fresh-from-the-creek
steamer pot at Sullivan’s Restaurant, it’s no wonder that Sullivan’s
Island has become known for its variety as well as its fine cuisine.
For more tangible gifts besides the warm feeling of a full tummy,
Sullivan’s Island also offers other options for gift buying:
Island Art
The Island Gallery (2214 Middle Street) and Sandpiper Gallery
house a majority of Sullivan’s most exquisite art. Since 2002, Julie
and her husband, Mark Sweat, have owned Sandpiper Gallery at
2019-C Middle Street and have helped bring art to Sullivan’s Island.
The gallery has displayed local artists’ work and sold unique pieces
The Island Gallery.
Sullivan's shopping continued on page 11
10
A showy, snowy
holiday pie
PROVIDED BY JENNY HARPER, FAMILY FEATURES
I
t’s true – the kitchen is the heart of the home. Ever notice how
people always gather there? Whether baking treats, making
dinner or spending time with family and friends, the kitchen is
my favorite place to be. When it comes to entertaining, especially
during the holidays, I love to finish the party off with a beautiful
dessert; and this one is as easy as it is pretty, which just makes
my holiday even merrier.
Gorgeous to look at and scrumptious to eat, the Peppermint
Snow Pie is very easy to make. And here are a few tips to make it
even easier:
• Just the right crust. I like making a fresh graham cracker
crust – and it’s a snap, too. Prepare your chocolate graham
cracker crumbs by either whizzing them in the food processor
or putting broken graham crackers in a resealabe bag and
crushing them with a rolling pin. To help you press the
crumb mixture evenly into the pie plate, use a flat-bottomed
measuring cup.
• Getting gelatin right. Putting the gelatin in a small amount
of water to soften is called “blooming.” It’s best to use the
bloomed gelatin right away, before it starts to set into a solid.
If it does start to set, put the bowl in a small saucepan filled
with an inch or so of water. Warm it over medium-high heat
until it softens again.
• Pretty peppermint pieces. Put your peppermint candies
into a resealable bag and break them up with a rolling pin or
the flat side of a meat mallet. You can crush extra candies
and keep them in the freezer for the next time you make this
show-stopping pie.
For more fantastic holiday dessert recipes, go to www.
VeryBestBaking.com.
December 17, 2010
PEPPERMINT SNOW PIE
Makes 8 servings
CRUST
1 1/4 cups chocolate graham cracker crumbs (8 crackers)
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1/3 cup butter, melted
FILLING
1 envelope (7 grams) unflavored gelatin
2 tablespoons boiling water
1 can (12 fluid ounces) evaporated milk
1 cup (6 ounces) Nestlé white chocolate morsels
1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
1 container (8 ounces) frozen whipped topping, thawed, divided
1/2 cup coarsely chopped hard peppermint candies (about 24),
divided
PREHEAT oven to 375° F. Grease 9-inch deep-dish pie plate.
FOR CRUST:
COMBINE crumbs and sugar in pie plate. Stir in butter. Press
crumb mixture onto bottom and up sides of prepared pie plate.
BAKE for 8 minutes. Cool completely on wire rack.
FOR FILLING:
PLACE gelatin in small bowl; stir in water. Let soften for 1 minute.
HEAT evaporated milk and softened gelatin in small saucepan
over medium heat; stirring constantly with whisk until mixture
is dissolved and hot. Remove from heat; stir in morsels and
peppermint extract until completely melted and smooth. Pour
into medium bowl. Refrigerate uncovered for 30 minutes, stirring
occasionally, until cool to touch. Gently whisk in 2 cups whipped
topping. Sprinkle 1/4 cup candies over bottom of crust. Pour filling
over pie crust.
REFRIGERATE for 2 hours or until set. Spread remaining whipped
topping over center of filling. Sprinkle with remaining 1/4 cup
candies. Serve immediately.
Jenny Harper is Consumer Test Kitchen Project Manager for the
Nestlé Test Kitchens and VeryBestBaking.com.
December 17, 2010 11
Sullivan's shopping continued from page 9
such as paintings, sculptures, pottery, jewelry, woodworks and metal
American Holly (Ilex opaca)
art. Along with supporting the local art community and participating BY JENNIFER WOODY, KIAWAH ISLAND CONSERVANCY
in charitable events, Sandpiper Gallery also hosts art classes,
welcoming amateurs and encouraging fellow artists to partake.

Fitness for the New Year

Prime Time Fitness, located at 2120 Middle Street, provides the
best workout in town. Meredith Nelson opened the center in 2000
“as a way to utilize her experience and expertise, and to help others
reach their fitness and wellness goals.” Her degree in rehabilitation
and caring personality has certainly contributed to Prime Time’s
success and the success of those who seek Meredith’s assistance.
For those interested in pursuing their New Year’s resolution goals
or would like to purchase a gift certificate, Prime Time offers a wide
range of fitness from Boot Camp to spinning class, online training
and much more. Let 2011 be the year achievements are within reach!
So for those on your list who seem to have everything, remember
that gift certificates are always a perfect gift option, and they also
help to support your island neighbors.

T
For more info on Sandpiper Gallery, call 883-0200 and Prime Time
Fitness at 883-0101. he evergreen leaves and red
fruit of the American Holly,
which lasts from August
through June of the next year,
are often collected for Christmas
decorations, and the prickly-
pointed, leathery, evergreen
leaves of this tree make it one of
the most easily distinguishable
trees in the maritime forest. It is
commonly found near flood plains
in moist, yet well-draining soils in
mixed hardwood forests. However,
as a result of over harvesting, this
plant has become less common in
some of its natural ranges. The
Prime Time Fitness.
whitish, fine-textured wood of the
American Holly is also in demand
for products including piano
keys, ship models and cabinetry.
Although reported to be toxic to
humans and some animals, holly
berries serve as an important
source of food for resident and
migratory songbirds. Holly
berries are very hard throughout
the fall and early winter, and are
unattractive food source until the
mid- to late- winter when they
soften and become edible.  This
makes it an ideal late winter food
supply when many other foods
are no longer available. 

www.islandeyenews.com
12
Friday, December 17
Wright Brothers Day
Sunday, December 19
Sunrise Presbyterian presents: A
Night in Bethlehem
From 5 – 7 p.m., drop by Sunrise
Presbyterian to visit a Bethlehem
village, live nativity with animals,
Christmas carols and hot
chocolate. Free. 3222 Middle St.,
Sullivan’s Island.
Fifth Annual Festival of Wreaths
for MUSC Children’s Hospital
Enjoy savory hors-d'oeuvres,
bubbly champagne and festive live
music amidst holiday designer
wreaths available for auction.
Palmetto Café at Charleston Place
from 6 - 9 p.m. Tickets are $15
in advance and $20 at the door,
at the Orient-Express Boutique
in Charleston Place Hotel or by
calling 937-9142. Complimentary
parking available. For more details,
visit www.CharlestonPlaceShops.
com/FOW.
www.islandeyenews.com
Monday, December 20
Home for the Holidays all
night Adopt-a-Thon
From 11 a.m. Monday to 6
p.m. Tuesday, December 21,
Pet Helpers will be hosting an
all-night Adopt-A-Thon at their
headquarters on James Island,
1447 Folly Road. 105.5 The Bridge
will be onsite broadcasting all
night long. Come by to find your
new best friend, and enjoy food
and beverage, including food from
3 Little Birds Cafe, Smokey Oak
Tavern, and McDonalds. For more
info, visit www.pethelpers.org or
call 795-1110.
Wild Dunes delivers
Holiday Feast
Try a Christmas meal designed
to get you in the spirit, delivered
right to your door! Dinner includes
traditional fixings, turkey or ham.
Feeds 10 – 12 people. Reservations
must be made by 6 p.m. on
Monday, December 20. Cost is
$250. 886-2020 Extension 2200.
Tuesday, December 21
First day of winter
Wednesday, December 22
Sunrise Presbyterian
Hallelujah Holiday
Have some last minute shopping or
wrapping to do, but can’t find the
time because the kids are out of
school? Drop them by from 9 to 1
p.m. to enjoy the Christmas story,
sing songs, and make fun arts and
crafts! Lunch will be served. FREE.
3222 Middle Street, Sullivan’s
Island. For more info, call 883-
3888.
Thursday, December 23
Happy Festivus!
The Heart of the Caregiver small
group meeting
A small group for women caring for
family members who are affected
Is l a nd E y e C a l e nda r
December 17 - January 25
by disabilities, chronic illness or
age related issues. Every Thursday
from 12 - 2 p.m. at Seacoast
Church on Long Point Road in
Mount Pleasant. For more info,
visit www.theheartofthecaregiver.
com or e-mail the.caregiver@
comcast.net.
Saturday, December 25
Merry Christmas!
Sunday, December 26
Happy Kwanzaa!
Thursday, December 30
The Heart of the Caregiver small
group meeting
See Thursday, December 23.
Friday, December 31
New Year’s Eve
Snyder Grand Ball at the SC
Aquarium
Join Quiana Parler and Friends
in the Great Hall, and DJ Natty
Heavy spinning tunes in the
Great Ocean Room. Enjoy heavy
hors d’oeuvres and an open bar
while celebrating the New Year.
The Francis Marion Hotel will be
offering packages for those who to
stay downtown. Tickets: $125/pp.
www.snydergrandball.com.
Wild Dunes Countdown to Noon!
Why wait until midnight to
celebrate the promise of a new
year? With Countdown to Noon at
the Wild Dunes Grand Pavilion,
we provide a fabulous party for
our guests of all ages. There will
be all sorts of wacky games with a
balloon drop at noon. Plunge into
the Atlantic. 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
886-2020 ext. 2292.
New Year’s Eve at Home Team
Live Music from Gaslight Street
(New Rock, Funk & Soul).
Complimentary champagne toast
at midnight. Doors: 8 p.m., Band:
9:30 p.m. $12 ADV, $15 DOS.
Available at www.etix.com.
Saturday, January 1
New Year's Day
Dunleavy’s Pub Polar
Bear Plunge
The party starts at 11 a.m. at
Dunleavy’s Pub on Sullivan’s
Island (2213 Middle Street)
and the plunge takes place at
2 p.m. Plungers are asked to
help raise funds for the Special
Olympics by gathering pledges
for their plunge. For a pledge
form and more info, visit www.
dunleavyspubpolarplunge.com.
Sunday, January 2
New Year’s Day 5K Beach Run/Walk
Join us at the Grand Pavilion at 8
a.m. for a run on the beach! Prizes
will be awarded for the top male
and female finisher. Entry fee is
$25 and includes a t-shirt. Please
pre-register at the Fitness Center
on The Village Plaza 24 hours in
advance. Call 886-2020 ext. 7008
for more info.
13
synonymous with delivering great
entertainment and enjoyment
Center at 6:30pm. For more
info, visit pleasantspeakers.
for the whole family.  Tickets: freetaosthost.org or contact:Carol
Tuesday, January 4 $8/adults, $5/family, $3/kids Ann Embler at 884-6449 or email
AARP Mount Pleasant
East Cooper Chapter
(4 – 12). For more info, visit
TheCharlestonBoatShow.com
pleasantspeakers@bellsouth.net.
The chapter will meet
at 5:30 p.m. at the East Cooper
Senior Center (Card Room) on Von Tuesday, January 25
Kolnitz Road in Mount Pleasant. 
Pleasant Speakers Toastmasters
For more info, call Debra Whitfield, Club
president at 849-9548.
Toastmasters is dedicated to
helping people achieve goals
and become better speakers
Tuesday, January 11 and leaders. The club will meet
Pleasant Speakers Toastmasters
Club
at Wando High School Media
Toastmasters is dedicated to
helping people achieve goals
and become better speakers
and leaders. The club will meet
at Wando High School Media
Center at 6:30pm. For more
info, visit pleasantspeakers.
freetaosthost.org or contact:Carol
Ann Embler at 884-6449 or email
pleasantspeakers@bellsouth.net.
Saturday, January 15
Total Health Fair
Learn about all aspects of
better health with information
from organic food companies,
to massage therapists, organic
salons, chiropractors, gyms,
doctors and much more! Omar
Shrine Convention Center, 176
Patriots Point Road, Mount
Pleasant. Ample free parking. First
250 attendees will receive free
goodie bags at the door. 10 a.m. to
5 p.m on Saturday, and 12 noon to
4 p.m. on Sunday. Free event! For
more info, call 402-0310 or visit
www.CharlestonHealthFair.com.
Friday, January 21
31st Annual Charleston Boat
Show
January 21 – 23 at the North
Charleston Convention Center.
With a longstanding tradition as
the Lowcountry’s largest boat
show and sale, The Charleston
Boat Show has also become
www.islandeyenews.com
14
Miracle from cover
through the audience. Psychologist Mrs.
Sawyer, played by Katheen Brunson, was
just as funny, with her thick German
accent and playfully graffiti-ed clipboard
which read “Freud Rocks!”. Her knack for
widening her eyes and rolling her fingers
like a cartoon villain as she schemed the
taking down of Kris Kringle caused giggles
every time.
Even little Susan Walker, played
by Joleah McComb, with her serious
expression beneath hopeful eyes, made
the audience want to believe that just
then, just for that night, that Santa really
could exist. As Doris looked out into the
audience on opening night and said softly
to herself, “I believe in him,” a child from
the audience couldn’t help but shout
back, “I believe in him, too!”
With an astounding cast of more than
50 characters and help from set designers
Doctors (MacKenzie Fowler, left, and Hailey Ross, right)
consider whether Kris Kringle (Jimmy Ward) is sane.
December 17, 2010
Dave Melsopp and Trish Perrine, as well
as sound and light design by Collin and
Ryan Buckhannon, the Crabpot Players’
performance of Miracle on 34th Street
was a Christmas treat that will hopefully
become an island holiday tradition.
The next play by Crabpot Players will be
Peter Pan, to be performed May 25 – 28,
2011. Auditions will be held on Tuesday,
March 22 at 6:30 p.m. at the Isle of Palms
Recreation Center (24 28th Ave., Isle of
Palms). Youth ages 10 and up, and adults
are needed. Those wishing to audition
must register in advance by calling 886-
8294. Also, director Jimmy Ward will be
offering Acting Classes at the Rec. Center
starting January 26 and running through
Kris Kringle (Jimmy Ward) earns the belief and love of young Susan
March 2. Participants will learn basic
Walker (Joleah McComb).
theater skills of movement, voice dictation,
script reading, monologues, scene work
and improvisation skills. The program
will build confidence in performance skills
while students learn different acting styles
and auditioning techniques. A final
class production will be held on
March 4. Classes for youth ages 10
to 14 will be held Wednesdays from
6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., and adult
classes will be held Wednesdays
from 7:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Cost
is $60 for residents/$65 for non-
residents for the full session. For
more information or to register, call
the Isle of Palms Recreation Center
at 886-8294.
Postman Al Golden (Ryan Mackie) surprises Judge Harper (Melanie
Carson) with Santa letters during Kris Kringle’s hearing.
PHOTOS BY MIC SMITH, MIC SMITH PHOTOGRAPHY
www.islandeyenews.com
December 17, 2010
Sunrise Presbyterian Church
3222 Middle Street
Sullivan's Island
883-3888
sunrisepcusa.org
Sunday, December 19:
5 to 7 p.m.: Live Nativity &
Bethlehem Village. See and
pet real animals and hear the
story of the first Christmas.
Tuesday, December 22:
9 to 1 p.m.: Hallelujah
Holiday! Have some last
minute shopping or wrapping
to do, but can’t find the time
because the kids are out
of school? Drop them by to
enjoy the Christmas story,
sing songs, and make fun
arts and crafts! Lunch will be
served. FREE.
Christmas Eve Services:
4 p.m.: Family Service*
7 p.m.: Candlelight Service*
*Childcare will be provided.
Isle of Palms Baptist
14 - 24th Avenue
Isle of Palms, SC 29451
886-6762
iopbaptistchurch.com
Christmas Eve service:
7 p.m. Bring a tray of cookies
for our cookie exchange
afterwards.
St. Marks Lutheran
300 Palm Boulevard
Isle of Palms
886-8557
Christmas Eve service: Christmas Eve services:
5:30pm, Candlelight service
Christmas Day: Sunday, December 26:
8am Worship
Stella Maris Catholic
1204 Middle Street
Sullivan's Island
883-3108
www.catholic-doc.org/
stellamaris
Christmas Eve mass:
5:30 p.m. – Vigil Mass
7 p.m. – Traditional Latin
Mass 12 a.m. - Midnight
Service
Christmas Day: and Communion Service
8:30 a.m. – Mass
10:30 a.m. - Children’s Mass
15
Church of the Holy Cross
Episcopal
2520 Middle Street
Sullivan's Island
883-3586
www.holycross.net
Christmas Eve services:
4 p.m. Children’s Family
Service in the Traditional
Building
5 p.m. Contemporary
Worship Service
(Communion) in the Great
Hall.
7 p.m. Traditional Worship
Service (Communion),
Traditional Building
11 p.m. Traditional Worship
Service (Communion),
Historic Church Building
Saturday, December 25:
10 a.m. Traditional Worship
Service (Communion),
Historic Church Building
Sunday, December 26:
Regular Weekly Sunday
Services with Carols.
Sullivan’s Island Baptist
Church
1753 Middle Street
Sullivan’s Island
883-3601
www.sibc.us
Sunday, December 19:
5 p.m.: Christmas Music
Special by First Baptist
Church, Mount Pleasant
choir under the direction of
Ken Lee.
5 p.m.: Christmas celebration
9:45 a.m.: Discipleship
11 a.m.: Worship
First United Methodist
12 - 21st Avenue
Isle of Palms
886-6610
iopmethodist.com
Christmas Eve services:
3 p.m. Family Praise Service
with Carols and Communion
5:30 p.m. Festival Candle-
light and Communion Service
9 p.m. Festival Candlelight
Sunday, December 26:
10:45 a.m. Carols and
Homily, one service only.
16
Do You Know Your Charleston
Christmas on King Street
T
wenty years ago, King
Street was closed off from
Wentworth to Market by
now. The Christmas tree was
firmly planted on the engraved
bricks embedded in the street
which people bought to the tune
of $75 a pop. Oddly enough,
more people paid for their names
than there was room for bricks;
darnedest thing, that.
This was praised as visionary
and a new tradition. This was
after the hurricane, and the
population began to burgeon.
I have always maintained that
history doesn’t begin until you
walk into the room. After five
years it was a tradition, much
like the Blessing of the Fleet
became twenty years earlier, or
the Colonial Lake tree became
ten years before that.
Indeed, the elves and the
wrapped presents, wide-eyed
children grasping dreams on
Santa’s lap, parents from Ladson
to Awandaw, from Seabrook to
Spruill Avenue taking pictures
BY DAVID FARROW
King Street today.
of their children who by now
have reached the age of majority,
made the Christmas tree in the
middle of  King Street a valued, if
not time-honored, tradition.
In those days, I was a tad bit
www.islandeyenews.com
heavier than I am today (245
lbs. in 1992, 170 lbs. today. I
want to thank the producers at
NBC …). My ex-wife got it into
her head that I would make a
great Santa and insisted at every
turn, practically stopping perfect
strangers on the street, to point
out my qualities as a Santa.
This, among other things
across the safety of time, has
made me question whether I had
qualities that seem to elude my
self-awareness. Let’s see, I drank
and smoked heavily. I have a low
tolerance for idiocy and some
might even go way out on a limb
and hint that I was a cynic.
I knew some of the elves.
Among the fresh-faced kids from
the College of Charleston were
guys one step away from a condo
under the interstate working
to get beer money. I know that
because I would see them at
AC’s.
Although it came up every
year, I would be exhorted to
engage the little tots on my lap.
I was to listen to the outrageous
requests (I came from a well-
to-do family and I was lucky to
get a Davy Crockett coon hat)
for presents that would make
their parents take out second
mortgages to get little Johnny
the latest technology or fashion.
My ex-wife was right about one
thing. Had we bred, our children
would have thought we were
Amish.
I won’t go into the whole
materialism thing, but I was
struck by the sense of entitlement
December 17, 2010
and expectations these children
had and have passed onto their
children. One might imagine
how long I would have lasted
after a couple pops listening to
a child carp about what they
didn’t have. My philosophy is to
want what you have. I never got
the latest anything. I managed to
muddle through alright, and so
did the rest of my generation.
I think any conception of my
playing Santa on King Street
may have been a mistake of
gargantuan proportions -- to
place so many people within
range of so much that could
go so terribly wrong seems
irresponsibly dangerous.  
Because of that decision,
the tree on King was fun. A lot
of times, it was where you met
friends and family to go out to
dinner infused with that ‘ring-
a-ling’ sort of feeling. Before you
entered the Greek’s, your posse
would have broken out into “Joy
to the World.”
It really was fun. It was a great
idea until it wasn’t.
You see, by blocking off the
street, access was also blocked
to all of the shops south of
Market. Places like Birllant’s or
Gibson’s – local businesses – lost
business year after year, which
was a tradition they were more
than willing to forsake.
The only people who remember
the King Street experience were
those who bought bricks with
their names on them. They are
still looking for them.
Merry Christmas.         
David Farrow is a native
Charlestonian and veteran
journalist. Read more of his
work at davidfarrow.wordpress.
com or www.thecharlestontimes.
com. David can be reached at
housebios2@aol.com.
David Farrow, Charlestonian.
December 17, 2010
Shedding some light on this Mystery Plant
CAN YOU GUESS THIS WEEK’S MYSTERY PLANT?
Sweet is the swamp with its secrets,
until we meet a snake; / ‘Tis then we
sigh for houses, and our departure take.
~Emily Dickinson
I
must here disagree with Ms.
Dickinson. A swamp has
plenty of secrets and snakes
are one of their wonderful
aspects. Visitors to swamps
and other wetlands should
learn to appreciate the snakes
of our outdoor places, as well
as the other animal life present.
It’s good to remember that
snakes are a natural part of our
landscapes, and their presence
in natural systems indicates
healthy biological diversity.
Yes, some are venomous and
need to be respected, but in
your day-to-day experiences,
you are more likely to be hurt
backing out of your driveway
than dealing with a snake.
Another living being which
enjoys swampy places is this
issue’s Mystery Plant, which
is one of the characteristic
wetland forest trees of the
south. It is found naturally on
the Atlantic coastal plain from
Maryland to Texas, and well
into the Mississippi River valley
and into southern Illinois. It is
a conifer and being a conifer
it, of course, bears cones. The
cones are small, only 1-2” long,
and shaped much like the cones
on the giant coast redwoods of
California, to which our Mystery
Tree is related. Curiously, our
plant is a deciduous conifer,
which is unusual as most
conifers are evergreen plants.
Its leaves are needle-shaped,
and arranged in two rows on
either side of a narrow stem. In
the autumn, the needles tend to
turn a rich, warm brown-orange
and the entire assemblage
of stem with attached leaves
falls away as a single unit.
This species also tends to
produce prominent knees, as
well. The knees are vegetative
structures whose function isn’t
Answer: “Bald cypress,” Taxodium distichum
17
BY DR. JOHN NELSON
exactly known. Tree-watchers
sometimes confuse the trees,
without foliage, with gum
trees (or tupelo) with which it
commonly occurs. Tupelos have
relative smooth bark, whereas
our Mystery Tree tends to have
bark which appears shredded
and somewhat orange beneath
the shreds.
The tree pictured is from
the edge of a marsh along
the beautiful Cuckold Creek
in Colleton County, South
Carolina. The largest known
example of this tree in
South Carolina, however, is
at Congaree National Park
in Richland County and it
represents the state champion
at some 131 feet tall with a PHOTO BY JOHN NELSON
circumference of 26 feet. (It
takes seven adults joining
hands to reach around its base!
The national champion is in
Louisiana, and although wider
at the base than ours, it reaches
upwards “only” 83 feet.) These
trees, wherever they grow, are
an integral part of Lowcountry
landscapes, and are often
draped with Spanish moss.
The wood of this tree is strong
and durable, fine-grained, and
has been valued for flooring
and furniture, as well as its
nearly indestructible shingles.
It is also valued as a landscape
tree, is adaptable to a variety of
soils, and is widely cultivated.
John Nelson is the curator of
the A. C. Moore Herbarium at
the University of South Carolina,
in the Department of Biological
Sciences. As a public service,
the Herbarium offers free
plant identifications. For more
information on this service, visit
www.herbarium.org or call 803-
777-8196.
www.islandeyenews.com
18 December 17, 2010

Isle of Palms Recreation Dept. Ages 13 & up: Tuesdays, 5:15 4, at 4 p.m. Everyone welcome! Companion – Dog Training (6
www.iop.net p.m. Come see what this new class is mos & older)
843-886-8294 $100$/$105 month all about. January 10 – February 28
    Mondays, 7:30 p.m.
Friday Night Hoops Hoops (6-12 yrs) Hip Hop (5-12yrs) $115/$120
Friday, January 7 January 11- February 15 January 4 – February 8  
6 p.m. - 8 p.m. Tuesdays 5 p.m. - 6 p.m. Tuesdays, 6:15 p.m. – 7 p.m.  
  $40/$45 $70/$75 New programs starting in
Basketball Day   January! Go to www.iop.net to see
Monday, December 29 Hula Hoop dance class Kinderpuppy – Dog Training
a full list of classes and activities.
1 p.m. - 3 p.m. Free Class: Tuesday, January (8wks – 5mos)
  4, at 5 p.m. Everyone welcome! January 10 – February 28
Dodgeball Day Come see what this new class is Mondays, 6:30 p.m.
Tuesday, December 21 all about. $115/$120
1 p.m. - 3 p.m.    
  Hoops (Adult Class)
Relays & Tag January 11- February 15
Wednesday, December 29 Tuesdays, 6 p.m. - 7 p.m.
1 p.m. - 3 p.m. $40/$45
 
Ballet (2-5 yrs) Hula Hoop dance class
January 10 – March 21 Free Class: Tuesday, January
Mondays, 12:30 p.m. - 1 p.m. 4, at 6 p.m. Everyone welcome!
$115/$120- 10 week session Come see what this new class
  is all about
Kensington Etiquette Classes  
(6-12 yrs) Hoops (Senior Class)
January 12 – February 16 January 11- February 15
Wednesdays, 4 p.m. - 5:15 p.m. Tuesdays, 4 p.m. - 5 p.m.
$85/$90 $40/$45
 
Guitar Lessons Hula Hoop dance class
January 4 Free Class: Tuesday, January
Ages 8-12: Tuesdays , 4:15 p.m.

First place winner of the Isle of Palms Holiday Card Decorating contest by
Lindy Garrett, age 10.
www.islandeyenews.com
20 December 17, 2010

Ashley’s ready for

some football!
C
ongratulations
to islander
Ashley Mitchell,
who recently won
the regional semi-
finals for the NFL’s
Punt, Pass, and Kick
Competition for nine-
year-old girls. In order
to compete in the
regional competitions,
Ashley first won the
Mount Pleasant, then
sectional competitions.
The regional semi-finals
were held at the Bank
of America Stadium at
Sunday’s Panthers/
Falcons game.

PHOTO BY MARK MITCHELL

Do you know what this is?

Eye Spy
No one guessed last week's Eye Spy! It was lighthouse on the
SI Fire Department sign. The first one to send in the correct
answer for the Eye Spy will receive a coupon for a free ice
cream at Café Medley on Sullivan's Island.

Kids, send your guess for this week’s Eye

Spy to: info@luckydognews.com
or call 886-NEWS. Please include your
mailing address with your submission.
December 17, 2010 21

The following is a synopsis of
some of the activities of the Isle of
Palms Police Department during
the month of November 2010:
Patrol
November 1: Officers responded
to a residence on 25th Avenue
where a possible domestic
dispute was reported by a
third party. Officers spoke to
both subjects who confirmed
they had been arguing, but no
physical contact was involved.
The incident was only verbal in
nature, and both parties agreed
that they had things worked out
for the remainder of the evening.
November 2: An officer on
patrol stopped a vehicle on 30th
Avenue after observing that
none of the three occupants
were wearing a seatbelt. The
officer determined that the
driver did not have a license
to operate a vehicle and was
charged with No Driver’s
License, No Insurance, and No
Seatbelt. The passengers were
cited for No Seatbelt.
November 4, 2010: A citizen
reported a reckless driver on the
Police Blotter
Connector that proceeded onto
Palm Boulevard. The vehicle was
located and identified, and the
determination was made that
the driver had an outstanding
Arrest Warrant for Contempt of
Court through the Charleston
County Sheriff’s Office. The
driver was taken into custody
and released to a Charleston
County Deputy.
November 9, 2010: An officer
on patrol observed a vehicle on
Palm Boulevard that appeared
to be speeding. The vehicle then
turned onto the Connector,
and pulled over to the shoulder
where the passenger door
opened. When the officer
observed this he stopped to
investigate. The vehicle drove
away, then pulled over to the
shoulder again and again
the passenger door opened.
The officer approached the
vehicle to get the attention of
the driver, who was unable to
provide the proper paperwork
for the vehicle. Since the officer
detected a strong odor of alcohol
he asked the driver to exit the
vehicle. The driver had to use
the vehicle for support and
performed poorly on several
Field Sobriety Tests. The driver
was transported to police
headquarters and administered
a Datamaster Test, where
he registered a .15% level of
alcohol. The driver was charged
with DUI and transported to the
Detention Center.
November 13: While an officer
was responding to a reported
accident at the intersection
of Palm Boulevard and 14th
Avenue, he was advised by
dispatch that one of the
vehicles involved had left the
scene driving north on Palm
Boulevard. While responding,
the officer encountered the
suspect vehicle at the corner of
Hartnett Boulevard and 30th
Avenue with fresh front end
damage and stopped it. While
speaking to the driver, the
officer immediately detected
a strong odor of alcohol. The
driver had difficulty standing
and performed poorly for
several Field Sobriety Tests
given at that location. He
was transported to the Police
Department and administered
a Datamaster Test, where he
registered a .32% of alcohol in
his system. He was charged with
DUI, Leaving the Scene of an
Accident, and Open Container
and lodged in the Charleston
County Detention Center.
November 14: While on patrol
of the Front Beach, an officer
observed a male subject arguing
with management on the front
porch of an establishment.
The officer determined that
the suspect had been asked to
leave the premises for being a
nuisance to other customers.
The officer approached the
suspect, determined that he was
extremely intoxicated and had
no one to assist him in leaving
the area. Due to his inability to
care for himself he was taken
into custody and charged with
Public Intoxication.
November 19: Officers
responded to Sparrow Drive
where a citizen reported a
female in the street yelling. An
officer encountered a couple in
a parked vehicle and made the
determination that they had
been in the street arguing just
prior to the officer’s arrival.
Both parties agreed to resolve
their issues and not cause any
further problems for the rest of
the evening.
November 19: An officer
responded to the area of
Palmetto Drive near Twin
Oaks Lane where an accident
had been reported. The officer
determined that the incident
was an auto-pedestrian
incident. The injuries to the
pedestrian were minor, and
the driver of the vehicle was
charged with Failure to Yield to
a Pedestrian.
Reports continued on page 22.

Breac h Inlet Tide Char t

Date High Tide Low Tide
Dec. 24 9:45am/10:14pm 3:20am/4:01pm
Dec. 25 10:34am/11:10pm 4:13am/4:50pm
Dec. 26 11:26am 5:09am/5:41pm
Dec. 27 12:09am/12:21pm 6:10am/6:36pm
Dec. 28 1:12am/1:21pm 7:14am/7:34pm
Dec. 29 2:16am/2:22pm 8:20am/8:33pm
Dec. 30 3:19am/3:24pm 9:25am/9:33pm
Dec. 31 4:20am/4:24pm 10:26am/10:31pm
Jan. 1 5:17am/5:22pm 11:22am/11:26pm
Jan. 2 6:10am/6:15pm 12:14am
Jan. 3 6:59am/7:03pm 12:17am/1:02pm
Jan. 4 7:44am/7:49pm 1:05am/1:46pm
Jan. 5 8:26am/8:31pm 1:49am/2:29pm
Jan. 6 9:06am/9:12pm 2:32am/3:08pm

Hurricanes, storms etc., are NOT included in the

predictions. Tidal current direction changes and tide time
predictions can be very different. Tide predictions are
PREDICTIONS; they can be wrong so use common sense.
Source: www.saltwatertides.com

www.islandeyenews.com
22 December 17, 2010
Financial
How to choose a financial professional
BY DIMI MATOUCHEV

A
s you navigate the financial world,
you’ll most likely deal with a wide array
of investment choices, constantly
changing tax laws, estate-planning issues
and other areas. And then, to make things
even more complex, you’ll have to consider
your own risk tolerance, time horizon and
individual goals. If you’re like most people,
you don’t have the time and expertise to
create, monitor and adjust your investment
strategy by yourself, so you’ll need to
get some help. But how can you choose a
financial professional who is right for you?
You’ll need to do some research, possibly
by interviewing a few candidates. Here are a
few questions you may want to ask:
• Do you have experience working
with people like me? Ideally, you’d
like to work with someone who has
experience in helping people like you
— that is, people with similar income
and asset levels, family situations,
goals and so on. The more familiar a
financial professional is with people
like you, the better that person will be
at helping you identify the appropriate
investment moves.  professional, so if you’re interviewing
• Do you have a particular investment
philosophy? Look for someone with
a thoughtful, reasoned philosophy
on investing. As a general rule, be
suspicious of anyone promising you
big, quick gains. The best financial
professionals seek to help their clients
achieve positive long-term results
through disciplined, persistent and
sensible investment moves.  investment and money management
• How often will you communicate with
me? If you’re going to entrust your
hard-earned financial resources with
someone, you’ll want that person to
communicate with you regularly as to
how you’re doing and what changes
you may need to make. How often will
you receive investment statements?
How many times a year will you meet
to review your progress? Can you have
face-to-face consultations whenever
you need them? These are the types
of questions you’ll want to ask any
prospective financial advisor.
• Will you be my primary contact? If you
seek a one-on-one relationship with a
financial professional, you’ll want that
person to be your main contact, if not
your exclusive one. You deserve the
attention and expertise of a financial
someone who seems as if he or she might
try to “pass you along” to subordinates
in the office, keep looking.  their website at www.edwardjones.com.
• What services do you offer? If you want
your financial professional to help you
create a unified investment strategy,
you’ll also want that person to help
you implement it — which means he
or she needs access to a full range of
products and services.
• How are you paid? Financial
professionals are compensated in any
of a number of ways.  They may work
on a fee-only basis, with the fee either
agreed upon in advance or based on
the level of assets under management.
And some financial professionals work
in a combined fee-and-commission
arrangement. From an investor’s point
of view, one method of compensation
may not be “better” than the others;
nonetheless, it’s important for you to
fully understand how your financial
advisor will be paid.  
By doing your homework in advance,
you can develop a solid relationship with a
qualified financial professional — someone
who will be with you far into the future.
This article was written by Edward Jones,
located at 1505 Palm Blvd., Isle of Palms, SC
29451. For more information, please call the
Edward Jones offices at 886-9229 or visit

Police Blotter continued from page 21

November 21: An officer
responded to a condominium
unit on Palmetto Drive to
investigate a complaint of loud
noise coming from a unit. The
officer investigated and located
the two female subjects who
were responsible. The officer
made the determination that
both were under the age of 21
and in possession of a quantity
of beer. Both were charged with
Underage Possession of Beer.
November 24: A male subject
reported that he was assaulted
by two male subjects near
the Exchange Club on Palm
Boulevard, and that they had
stolen his cellular telephone.
This incident has been assigned
to an Investigator for follow-up.
November 26: An officer on
patrol stopped a bicyclist on
25th Avenue to speak to the
rider and determined that he
was wanted by the Charleston
County Sheriff’s Office. He was
taken into custody and released
to the custody of a Charleston
County Deputy.
November 26: Officers
responded to a residence on
32nd Avenue where a family
member reported that her
daughter was suicidal. Once
the officers arrived they were
advised that the subject had
just left the residence running
through a neighbor’s backyard
and was in possession of a
steak knife. All available officers
conducted a thorough search
of the area, but called off the
search when a family member
reported that they had made
contact with the female and
she was being taken to a local
hospital for evaluation.
November 26: An officer
responded to Palm Boulevard
and 21st Avenue to investigate
an accident. The officer
spoke to both drivers and
witnesses, and determined
that the female driver of the
vehicle at fault was under
the influence of alcohol. After
performing poorly on several
Field Sobriety Tests, the driver
was taken to headquarters to
be administered a Datamaster
Test, where she refused to
provide a sample. The driver
was charged with DUI and
transported to the County
Detention Center.
November 27: After stopping
a vehicle on Palm Boulevard
for speeding, the officer made
contact with the driver who
was in possession of a route
restricted license, due to
previous narcotic convictions.
The driver was taken into
custody for Driving Under
Suspension. A pill bottle was
located in the front seat area
and found to contain a white
rock substance and green
plant material which later
tested positive as cocaine and
marijuana. Also located in
the vehicle was a Glock .40
caliber handgun. The driver
was charged with Speeding,
DUS, Illegal Transport of
Liquor, Simple Possession
of Marijuana, Possession of
Cocaine, and Unlawful Carrying
of a Pistol. The driver was
transported to the Detention
Center to await a Bond Hearing.
November 29: As a result of
an investigation into missing
funds from a local business
an employee was charged with
Breach of Trust (over $2,000).
The Investigator made an
arrangement with the suspects
attorney to turn herself in
at the Charleston County
Detention Center for processing
and a Bond Hearing.
Personnel/Community Relations
November 6: PFC Baldrick,
who is a Certified Child
Safety Seat Officer, installed
a child safety seat at police
headquarters for a resident.
November 10: PFC Chavez
received a letter of appreciation
from a citizen who inquired
about transporting a newly
purchased boat and trailer from
Connecticut to South Carolina.
PFC Chavez researched the
requirements from out of state
police agencies and provided
the helpful information to the
citizen.
November 30: For the
month of November, officers
discovered three businesses
and four homes with open
or unsecured doors. Three
Victim of Crime Forms were
issued to homeowners for
various violations noted, and
one Property Security Check
Form to advise business or
homeowners that an officer
checked their property during
the night.

www.islandeyenews.com
December 17, 2010 23

Holiday shipping tips

G E T Y O U R G I F T S T O L O V E D O N E S S A F E LY A N D Q U I C K LY
BY ELIZABETH BECKMANN

W
hile Santa gets the reindeer into
top physical condition, his mortal
helpers in the pack and ship
industry have geared up for their annual
holiday shipping rush. With the highest
expected package volume in recent years,
US post and parcel carriers have braced to
support an overwhelming 20.5 billion pieces
of holiday mail and packages this year.
Between the combination of a recovering
economy and online retail sales projected
at $21.6 billion, gift shipping this year will
reach all time records. Between December
1 and 24, domestic carriers FedEx and UPS
will deliver more than 700 million packages
to consumers across the country. Early
bird shoppers and shippers have already
completed their gift purchases, but for the
procrastinators out there, the last day you
will be able to send out packages for delivery
before December 25 is Thursday, December
23; and that’s at the more expensive Next
Day Delivery rate.
FedEx and UPS will all offer next day
delivery for Christmas Eve, but the peak
day for shipping volume will be Monday,
December 20, so plan ahead. If you’re
sending packages internationally, you’ll
need to get your shipments off no later than
this date. the package in case the outside is
Here are some tips to remember when damaged during shipping, or the
preparing to ship your gifts: outside label becomes obliterated.
• Ship early. To avoid disappointment, • Utilize carriers like UPS or FedEx who
we recommend shipping ground service offer the ability to track packages from
packages by December 17. After that, origin to destination.
air service is recommended. • The professionals at Pack & Mail Etc.
• All carriers have size and weight are always willing to provide packing
restrictions, but complete information guidance, or to handle the whole
is always available from Pack & Mail packing job.
Etc. at 762-0123. Elizabeth Beckmann is the owner of
• All items should be packaged in new, Pack & Mail Etc, an
sturdy boxes using no brown paper; independently
no string; no “Scotch”, masking owned and operated
or duct tape; and no Pack & Shipping
newspaper for fragile store at 915
item protection. Folly Road.
• Bulky, lightweight December
items may be subject to holiday hours
oversize charges. Items that for Pack & Mail Etc
are fragile should be double are Monday through
boxed with at least two inches Friday, 9 a.m. – 5:30
of packaging between the inner p.m.; Saturdays. 9 a.m. –
and outer boxes. 4 p.m.; and they may be
• Consider calling ahead, or reached by phone at 762-
shipping to a business address, 0123 for special shipping
to be sure someone is there to appointments!
receive the package.
• Enclose an extra address label inside

www.islandeyenews.com
24 December 17, 2010