Island Eye News - May 25, 2012

I n s i d e t h e I s l a n d Ey e
S u l l i v a n s I s l a n d I s l e o f P a l m s G o a t I s l a n d D e w e e s I s l a n d
Since May 2005
May 25, 2012 Volume 8 Issue 2 FREE
Volleyball continues on page 5
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N
ot far from the Edgar Allen Poe Library on
Sullivans Island, bright young leaves are
starting to sprout. In early April Sullivans
Island local Carlsen Huey took the nice idea to
have a community garden to mayor Carl Smith
and after approval at a planning meeting, choose
the site for a community garden in front of Battery
Gadsden. Once it was approved, Huey and several
islanders began planting.
Generosity became the root for this community
garden. The town of Sullivans Island provided
the land, water, and a modest budget to begin the
garden, but donations have allowed the garden
to grow into a community effort. Other donations
were accepted as well, from the wooden boards
that Huey assembled into the boxes for the plants
to a Bobcat loader to fll them in with soil. Seeds,
tools, and a wheelbarrow were also given to the
project. In addition to the donations, volunteers
have contributed to planting and maintaining the
garden.
Because of the gardens late start, Huey was in a
hurry to sow the gardens seeds. Here on Sullivans
Island, you could plant tomatoes in March and
here we are in May! he said. So this seasons crop
may not be neatly organized in the boxes, but he
hopes it will be an abundant harvest from which
the residents of Sullivans Island can beneft. At
this point, Im still more interested in getting the
garden in then worrying about how well divvy up
the food.
Huey carefully chose vegetables and fowers that
could still be planted at this late date. In the months
to come, locals can look forward to tomatoes,
onions, zucchini, crookneck squash, okra, lima and
pole beans, a variety of peppers, corn, eggplants,
cucumbers, watermelons, cantaloupes, basil, and
rosemary, as well as marigolds and sunfowers.
According to Huey, there are still three vacant
beds. Id love to have some more fowers to plant,
Huey said. Hes also already thinking ahead in
planning a fall and winter garden. There are still
opportunities to participate or voice any questions
or interest in the community garden.
To keep up with the progress of the garden,
like the page on http://www.facebook.com/
SullivansIslandGarden. For more information,
contact Carlsen Huey at hueyjc@yahoo.com or at
442-1594.
PHOTO BY MADELEINE MCGEE
Local Idea Sprouts into Community Garden
BY ALLISON YOUNG
A
volleyball club scrutinized
in recent weeks for
commercializing beaches
on the Isle of Palms and Sullivans
Island without a license was
penalized this weekend for
stepping out of line.
The Charleston Beach and
Volleyball Social Club, barred two
weeks ago by Isle of Palms and
Sullivans Island from running
oceanside volleyball matches with
$50 per-player entry fees that
were later refunded , was slapped
Sunday evening with a roughly
$1,000 fne by the Sullivans
Island Police Department for
allegedly violating commerce
policies.
Reports from residents
claiming the club was charging
participation fees during a
match led police to the islands
oceanside park, according to the
clubs organizer, Jeff Hefel.
Hefel, who was issued the fne
as police disbanded the group,
contends allegations likely emerged
from registration forms left in plain
sight at what he says was a pick-
up game with 14 adults.
Theyre digging deep to get
after me, Hefel said hours after
the incident. I mean come on, we
just went to the park with friends
to play volleyball -- its a hobby.
Police Chief Daniel Howard
was unavailable for comment.
Legal issues surrounding
Hefels club, which billed fees
to about 150 teenage girls and
between 50 and 100 adults to
cover costs for supplies, have
sharpened the dividing line in
the past couple weeks between
unauthorized and permissible
soliciting on the beach.
Both Isle of Palms and
Sullivans Island have in place
In Bounds
BY JACOB FLANNICK
Volleyball Club
Struggling To Stay
Bobbie Rose for US House
District One
I am writing to complete the
picture of the US House First
District Race reported in the
Island Eye News May 11, 2012,
edition. Bobbie Rose is also
running for US House District One
this November. Bobbie is a highly
accomplished woman running
as the Democratic candidate in
this race. Her website is www.
bobbieroseforcongress.com for
voters interested in learning
about her. She is running against
Tim Scott, a Republican, and
Keith Blandford, a Libertarian.
Thank you.
Steph Holdridge
Isle of Palms
___________________________
Dear Editor,
Its great to see the return of the
Lucky Dog Club in the Island Eye.
Marla and I lost our dog Taz in
2010 (he was 15 1/2) and have fond
memories of him being profled as
a Lucky Dog in 2007. The Islands
are a great place for people, and
even a better place for dogs. Dogs
certainly add to the quality of our
lives.
It was nice to see Buddy Myatt
in the last issue enrolled in an
elite group of island dogs in the
Lucky Dog Club.
Mike Loftus
Isle of Palms
Editors Note: Thats great to
hear! We love featuring pups from
around the island. If you have a
Lucky Dog, please send a favorite
picture and a little information on
why your dog is a Lucky Dog to
info@luckydognews.com.
____________________________
Town Should Hold Referendum
In the May 2, 2012, edition
of the Moultrie News, a story
with the by-line Staff Report
appeared about the Charleston
County School District Board
meeting on April 23, 2012. While
reading this article, I noticed it
mentioned that three Sullivans
Island Council members spoke
in favor of the proposed new
Sullivans Island Elementary
School (SIES); however, the article
did not mention that I spoke,
pointing out that Sullivans
Island has had three important
referendums since becoming the
Town of Sullivans Island in 1975
and these three referendums
contributed to defning what the
island is today. My remarks at
the April 23 meeting concluded
that the proposed new SIES is
just as important to the island
now, and the Town Council
should acknowledge the certifed
petition for a referendum and
hold a referendum regarding the
proposed SIES.
In the May 11, 2012, edition
of the Island Eye, an expanded
version of the selective reporting
of the April 23 meeting appeared
under the by-line Sullivans
Island Town Council. This
expanded version included
information that would lead the
reader to think that only advocates
for the proposed new school
attended the April 23 meeting
when, in fact, there were equally
as many in attendance who
spoke in favor of a referendum.
Attorney William Want defended
the language of the petition and
the validity of this referendum.
Attorney Larry Kobrovsky , who is
a member of the SC State Board
of Education, pointed out that
2 May 25, 2012
WWW.SLANDEYENEWS.COM
CIVIC
Letters to the Editor...
Letters continues on page 3
T
his past year, the
Sullivans Island Town
Council has continued
to work on a comprehensive
plan for management of our
Accreted Land Trust area
based on site visits, the plan
developed by Coastal Systems
and Engineering consultants,
and extensive citizen input. The
Town Council will next review
their draft plan in a workshop
session on Friday, May 25, at 3
p.m. at Sullivans Island Town
Hall, 2050 B Middle St. The
public is welcome to attend and
observe this working session
of Town Council. This is not a
public hearing but
an opportunity
to observe your
Town Council
members at
work on this
diffcult and
relevant Island
issue.
AC C R E T E D L A ND
MA NAGE ME NT P L A N
WOR K S HOP MAY 25
May 25, 2012
3
Monday, May 28
City Offces for both islands
will be CLOSED for the Holiday
Isle of Palms
886-6428
www.iop.net
Tuesday, June 5
Board of Zoning Appeals
5:30
1207 Palm Boulevard
Wednesday, June 6
Municipal Court
8:30a.m.
1207 Palm Boulevard
Thursday, June 7
Livability Court
5p.m.
1207 Palm Boulevard
Sullivan's Island
883-3198
www.sullivansisland-sc.com
Monday, June 4
Council Workshop
6p.m.
2050-B Middle Street
Special Council:
FY13 Budget 3rd Reading
Special meeting of Council to
consider 3rd reading of Ord
2012-04, Ordinance to Adopt
Municipal Budget for FY 13 (July
1, 2012 - June 30, 2013).
6p.m.
Monday, June 4
Municipal Court
5:30p.m.
CIVIC
Lynn Pierotti
publisher
lynn@luckydognews.com
Kristin Hackler
managing editor
kristin@luckydognews.com
Swan Richards
senior graphic designer
swan@luckydognews.com
Jerry Plumb
graphic designer
jerry@luckydognews.com
Christian LeBlanc
Social Media
christian@luckydognews.com
Allison Young
allison@luckydognews.com
Lori McGee
sales manager
614-0901
lori@luckydognews.com
Catherine Davis
sales
catherine@luckydognews.com
reporter
Jacob Flannick
resident photographer
Leo Fetter
Contributors:
CCPRC
Carol Antman
Bob Hooper
Dimi Matouchev
Mary Pringle
Judy Drew Fairchild
Susan Johnson
Dr James T. Sears
Published by:
Lucky Dog Publishing
of South Carolina, LLC
P.O. Box 837
Sullivans Island, SC 29482
843-886-NEWS
Submit your letters to the editor to:
info@luckydognews.com
Future deadline: May 30 for our
June 8 issue
Lucky Dog PubLi shi ng
of sc, LLc
Publisher of the Island Eye News, The
Island Connection and The Folly Current.
The Island Eye News, a wholly owned subsidiary
of Lucky Dog Publishing of SC LLC, is a free,
independent newspaper published every two
weeks and is for and about the Isle of Palms,
Sullivans Island, Goat Island and Dewees Island.
Copies are mailed free of charge to every ac-
tive mailbox in our coverage area and are also
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not necessarily refect the opinion of Lucky Dog
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All advertising rates are listed at:
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Civic Calendar
Recycle - Wednesday, May 31 - Recycle

Letters continues from page 2
the State often awards waivers
to schools seeking a reduction in
building requirements for items
that include classroom size.
Many other island residents also
spoke eloquently in favor of a
referendum to allow the residents
of Sullivans Island to have their
say in this very important issue
to the island.
I have learned that Councilman
Kaynard is the author of these
two articles regarding the April 23
meeting, and as a member of the
Sullivans Island Town Council, I
am surprised that the frst time
I saw these articles was in the
print media. In the future, Mr.
Kaynard should identify himself
as the author, not Sullivans
Island Town Council, as he
certainly does not represent my
opinion regarding the proposed
new SIES.
Mayor Carl J. Smith
Town of Sullivans Island
_____________________________
Civil Discourse?
In view of all of the recent talk
about engaging in civil discourse
and setting good examples for
our children, I was appalled by
the labeling and name-calling in
Loren Ziffs letter to the editor
(There is No Perfect). Mr. Ziff is
the School Rebuilding Chair on
the School Improvement Council
at Sullivans Island Elementary
School.
It is absolutely not a fantasy
that school districts can apply
to the State Superintendent of
Education for a waiver to build
a smaller school! State School
Board member Larry Kobrovsky
spoke to this issue at the April 23
school board meeting. These sorts
of waivers are often requested by
school districts and are routinely
granted.
Obstructionistsnothing
more? Why should residents
asking for answers to very
basic questions about traffc,
storm water management, and
waste water capacity be labeled
obstructionists? Impact studies
have not been done, which is very
strange for a project of this size
and scope.
A very public engagement
process? Hardly. In spite of what
Mr. Ziff describes as endless
public meetings, there have
been no changes in the footprint,
scale, or height of the proposed
school as a result of any of those
meetings. So, reallywhat is the
point of the public meetings? And
compare Mr. Ziffs statement with
the August 15 letter from Michael
Bobby, CCSD Chief Financial
Offcer, which states, Over the
past several months [CCSD staff
and project architects] have
been working with the Town of
Sullivans Island to resolve, in
advance, any potential issues the
Town of Sullivans Island could
impose that would affect the
design or construction of the new
facility. Mr. Bobbys letter is
posted on the Town of Sullivans
Island website, along with the
signed lease.
Mr. Ziff also uses the terms
reckless and destructive to
characterize what is in actuality
a strong and growing number of
Sullivans Island residents who
have attended Town Council
meetings and voiced concern
since the school site plan was
frst made public almost a year
ago. Here are the facts:
The site plan was frst made
public at the May 17, 2011,
Town Council meeting,
two weeks after the Town
Council election on May 3.
The height, massing,
and square footage are
specifed in the terms of the
lease, most of which were
negotiated in Executive
Session at Sullivans Island
Town Council meetings.
The lease with CCSD was
approved at a meeting of the
Charleston County School
Board on August 15, 2011.
The frst reading of the lease
was approved by Sullivans
Island Town Council one
day later, on August 16.
Mayor Carl Smith had
been invited by the school
board to attend the August
15 Executive Session and
discuss details of the lease.
Just prior to the start of the
Executive Session, however,
Mayor Smith was denied
access to the meeting.
What is truly misleading is the
statement that alternatives to
the current plan have not been
presented. A number of less
expensive alternatives have been
suggested over the past three
years, but the answer seems
always that the train has left
the station. It is not at all clear
when the train was actually at
the station!
A project this massive will
affect every resident of Sullivans
Island for generations to come.
We deserve answers and common
sense alternatives, not name-
calling and labeling.
For more info, visit http://
www.sullivansisland-sc.com/
Files/ORDINANCES/2011%20
Ordinances/Ordinance%20
2011-05%20FINAL_RATIFIED_
Property%20Lease%20
CCSD0002.pdf.
Barbara Spell
Atlantic Ave, Sullivans Island
__________________________
Dear Editor,
Sullivans Island Elementary
(SIES) is a treasure to our
community. It is an institution
where children develop reading
skills, learn how to think, and
build friendships that will last
a lifetime. Our kids learn how
to treat each other with respect,
how to study and how to dream.
SIES does not succeed without
the tremendous input from our
residents, on many different levels.
It has a tradition of achievement
that is demonstrated not only in
quantitative scores, but also in
the qualitative accomplishments
of its graduates. Our schools
success is an amazing community
effort, and it has been year after
year for over 60 years.
Interestingly, those that either
Letters continues on page 10
4 May 25, 2012
DAILY
M
ore than 100 years ago, the Isle of
Palms started as a summer party
place in 1906 with a 50 room
resort, which was followed in 1912 by the
construction of a beach pavilion with a Ferris
wheel. In 1953, the island was incorporated
as the City of the Isle of Palms and is known
now as either Isle of Palms or simply, IOP.
With the islands 60
th
anniversary coming
next year, it seems the City is in good hands
and will continue to provide a great place to
live year-round and part-time for our tourists
and local friends.
Each year, Memorial Day weekend is the
Lowcountrys offcial start to summer. Places
such as the IOP Front Beach will be flled
with sun worshippers, swimming kids, dogs
(on leashes!), and kites of all kinds. This time
of year, IOP is in full swing and provides all
kinds of activities to celebrate Memorial Day
all over the island. Just in the Front Beach
area you have live music all weekend long
at several establishments including The
Windjammer, Coconut Joes and Banana
Cabana beachfront, and the Acme Cantina
nearby. The oceanfront VFW welcomes
all active duty to visit this Memorial Day
weekend. In fact, on May 26, the VFW will
be hosting a Fish Fry from 6 to 8 p.m.
Front Beach also has all kinds of local shops
including Island Time, My Favorite Things,
and Splash to name a few, along with Luke
n Ollies for great, quick food. Outside of the
Front Beach area are plenty of other activities
including dining and live music all weekend
at Morgan Creek Grill, and fne food at the
Long Island Caf and restaurants within Wild
Dunes. Also remember that the Windjammer
Bikini Contest starts on May 27.
The Isle of Palms supports a wide mix
of people and interests with all kinds of
water sports. Also on Front Beach you can
fnd swimmers, kayakers, surfers, and kite
surfers, with kayakers on the back of the
island and boaters of types. Down at the
Marina you can fnd all kinds of day trips
from inshore fshing to Gulf Stream charters.
Memorial Day starts the real sports season
and brings out the angler in all of us.
Finally, remember what Memorial Day is
about and take time out to remember our
fallen who make it possible for us to enjoy
the day or week at the beach. Our brave
soldiers are putting their lives in harms way
for us every day with a son, brother, father,
daughter, sister, or mother dying every day
for our freedom. Memorial Day is just that -
a day to remember and never forget what it
takes to stay free.
Memorial Day on
the Isle of Palms
BY BOB HOOPER
I
n an effort to keep state waterways safe
during the upcoming Memorial Day
holiday weekend, the S.C. Department of
Natural Resources Law Enforcement Division
will again be conducting courtesy safety
inspections at some public boat landings.
The Memorial Day holiday weekend is
considered the frst blast of summer and one
of the busiest weekends of the year on state
waters. DNR boating safety and enforcement
offcers will perform a quick, but thorough,
inspection for items such as required safety
equipment and proper boat and motor
registration. Those who are not in compliance
with safety regulations or registration
requirements will not be ticketed during
the complimentary inspections.
Boaters will be given an opportunity
to correct the problem before they
launch their boat.
Boaters should pay special
attention with keeping their safety
equipment up to date. Boaters
should inspect their lifejackets
to ensure that they are in good
serviceable condition and without
tears or holes. The boat operator
is responsible for having a proper
ftting U.S. Coast Guard type II lifejacket
for all passengers on board. It is especially
important to check the size and ft of lifejackets
for children. Our courtesy boat inspections
are a proactive way
to give boaters this
opportunity before
launching their
vessels, said Col.
Chisolm Frampton,
deputy director of
the S.C. Department
of Natural
Resources (DNR)
Law Enforcement
Division. DNR offcers
will also be available
to answer questions
and give boaters tips
on how to stay safe on
the water.
To report boating
violations such as
reckless operation or an intoxicated boat
operator, call the DNR toll-free, 24-hour hotline
at 1-800-922-5431. For a copy of South
Carolinas boating regulations, to fnd out
about local boating safety courses or to obtain
a free foat plan form contact the DNR Boating
Safety Offce at 1-800-277-4301.
Boat Inspections this Memorial Day
BY SC DNR
Courtesy safety inspections for
Charleston County will be held at
the following locations and times:
May 26
John P. Limehouse Landing
ICW on Stono River
10 a.m. to noon
May 27
Garris Landing (Morres)
ICW on South End of Bulls Bay
10 a.m. to noon

Wappoo Cut Landing
CW south of Charleston Harbor
10 a.m. to noon
May 25, 2012
5
DAILY
Volleyball continues from cover
policies restricting commerce to
licensed organizations, according
to Isle of Palms city administrator
Linda Tucker, who views the laws
as high priorities so that the
beach remains natural, safe, and
family friendly.
The pay-to-play volleyball club,
which did not seek approval
from either municipality, violated
ordinances that were outlined for
Mr. Hefel on numerous occasions,
Tucker wrote in an email.
If the city were to allow any of
these types of businesses, it would
also then create the possibility
of business on the beach such
as selling ice cream, sun screen,
beach equipment, she wrote, citing
groups prohibited in years past from
selling merchandise. If the activity
had not involved a feethere would
have been no problem.
Hefels group, which hosted
front beach matches outside
Isle of Palmss Windjammer
since forming 10 years ago,
came under fre at the end of
April after Windjammer general
manager Bobby Ross questioned
the groups authority to request
participation fees outside the
high-volume locale.
Ross, whose establishment
throughout the years lent to
the club volleyball nets during
matches, claims his daughter,
among other Windjammer
patrons, were unable to
participate without paying the
$50 fee.
What (Hefel) was doing was
basically charging people to
play on my nets, said Ross,
who refrained from lending his
daughter money. Theyre there
for everyone to play on; you
cant come out here and charge
somebody to play on our nets.
After notifying the Isle of Palms
-- which shortly thereafter relayed
the violation to Sullivans Island
where the group also ran pay-to-
play matches on the beach near
Station 22 -- Ross exchanged
with Hefel a string of emails that
he says exacerbated the prickly
disagreement. Ross says Hefel
slipped under the radar as the
club continued to grow.
It was just like he was trying to
pull everything under the covers,
he says, adding participation
remained uncapped.
But Hefel contends his
nonproft club, which showcased
at matches a Windjammer logo,
was like all the other clubs that
go to the beach.
Weve never had any
problems, says Hefel. Just
because one person is angry with
me, this is all happening. We
were not commercializing the
beach and we dont feel like weve
done anything wrong.
Hefel will appear in court on
June 6, when he likely will contest
Sundays violation. Police warned
the group that they will seize
recreational
supplies if confronted again.
In the meantime, the club will
continue meeting throughout the
week as Hefel seeks legal advice
to determine whether to apply for
a business license.
We want this to be a win-win
for everybody involved; we want to
work with (the cities) and provide
a healthy lifestyle for our kids,
he says. Its really unfortunate
this all happened, but we want to
continue working with [the cities]
and provide a healthy lifestyle for
our kids.
Ross, who in recent weeks has
formed a pick-up volleyball club
that meets every Wednesday
outside the Windjammer, urges
everybody to put pressure on
us and the city to uphold beach
policies.
The winner out of all this, he
says, is going to be our kids.
Members of the Charleston Beach Volleyball & Social Club,
Be Sun-Wise With Your Eyes
MAY I S U V A WA R E N E S S MO N T H
PROVIDED
T
he same sun rays that lead to skin cancer and premature
aging of the skin are just as bad for your eyes, according
to Dr. Brad Bodkin, optometric physician. The culprit is
ultraviolet (UV) rays and because May is National UV Awareness
Month, Dr. Bodkin encourages everyone to be sun-wise with
your eyes.
Unprotected exposure to UV radiation can cause photokeratitis,
which is basically sunburn of the eyes marked by painful, red eyes
and a sensitivity to light, Dr. Bodkin said. The symptoms usually
clear up quickly and cause no permanent damage to the eyes.
Growing evidence, however, suggests that long-term exposure to
UV rays can lead to macular degeneration and cataracts - serious
eye conditions that can cause vision impairment or loss.
Dr. Bodkin suggests the following to protect your eyes from
serious damage:
If at all possible, limit your time in the sun
Wear a wide-brimmed hat
Wear sunglasses that flter at least 99% of UV rays
Dont forget the children, Dr. Bodkin said. Children are
especially susceptible to eye damage from the sun. The lenses in
their eyes do not block as much UV radiation as in adults. Follow
the same precautions as you would for an adult, but be sure
to choose sunglasses that ft their smaller faces, have impact-
resistant lenses, and have lenses large enough to shield the entire
eye.
Dr. Brad Bodkin
owns and practices
at The Vision Center
at Seaside Farms,
located at 1956
Long Grove Drive in
Mount Pleasant. He
is a Fellow in the
American Academy
of Optometry as
well as a member
of the American
Optometric
Association.
Dr. Brad Bodkin.
PHOTO BY JEFF HEFEL
6 May 25, 2012
WWW.SLANDEYENEWS.SC
ROADTRIPS CHARLESTON
Q
uick - whats the strongest
memory of your childhood
schooldays? I bet you
didnt fash to your social studies
assignments. Class trips to the
Detroit Symphony Orchestra come
to my mind. My friend Ruthie on
her air trombone sliding out
her arm and puffng her cheeks
in unison with the trombonist.
Being transfxed by a cartoonist
drawing along to Peter and the
Wolf. For some of the thousands
of performers who are in the
mind-boggling array of 700 shows
during Piccolo Spoleto, these
experiences changed their lives.
Stan Gill saw a production of
My Fair Lady at the age of twelve
and was hooked! He never forgot
the feeling of excitement of the live
production. Now he aptly conveys
this excitement in his Sprouts
Theatre shows such as Cinderella
and when portraying Mark Twain,
both during this years Piccolo.
Many of his young audience
members are similarly hooked.
Discovering theater was a 180
degree turn from not wanting
to go to school to wanting to
go - it changed everything, for
Theatre 99s improv innovator
Greg Tavares. During the festival,
Theatre 99 will host over 60
performances including the
Upright Citizens Brigade, the
Shock Ts, and his group The
Have Nots, which is celebrating its
seventeenth year of performing.
Laura Rikard, who is
performing in David Mamets
Boston Marriage, began tap
dancing on stage at age four
and never stopped performing.
The happiest days during high
school were as an apprentice at
Trustus Theater. A graduate of
the College of Charlestons theater
program, she has appeared in
flms, on stage, taught drama,
and won VA Film Festival 2011s
Best Actress Award.
It didnt stop Margaret Coleman
when she got into big trouble for
climbing up and playing the piano
during an historic house tour. I
crawled up on any piano I was
in a room with, she remembers.
Recently nominated to be part
of Charlestons musical Mt.
Rushmore, Margaret plays every
Monday at High Cotton as well as
in rock and classical ensembles.
She still remembers the rush
of excitement when she was
invited onto the stage to sing with
Whitfeld Simms as a teenager.
Many stage appearances and years
as a musical theater accompanist
later, Margaret continues to
inspire her piano students.
Pure Theatre may have been
prompted when Sharon Graci
was rebuffed for a larger part
in kindergarten. I received the
role of a party guest. It was not
a big role. I was not pleased. My
mother told me there were no
small parts, only small actors.
It infuenced me to get bigger
parts And she has. She and
her husband Rodney Lee Rogers
appear in regional and national
productions and flms, and
produce their own well attended
theatrical seasons. Festival
performances include the Tony
Award winning Red and Next Fall.
They recently moved Pure Theatre
to upper King Street where it is
part of the revitalization of the art
and design district.
For J.W. Rone, who is directing
Natalie Daise in Piccolos
Becoming Harriet Tubman, theater
flls his childhood memories. After
attending dozens of professional
theater performances with his
classmates, he auditioned and
got a part with the Nashville
Childrens Theater. When I went
into theater, it transformed my life
he says. Now he is transforming
the lives of countless others as
the executive director of Artworks
in Beaufort, SC.
Charlestons music scene
would be quite different without
Gary Erwin. Producer for over 22
years of Blue Bash here and in
four other cities, lead keyboardist
of Shrimp City Slim, and long-
time Piccolo producer, Gary was
inspired early by the frequent
park concerts in his hometown.
When his older brother sneaked
him into a nightclub to hear
Howlin Wolf, it was profoundly
infuential.
So, any regrets? After all,
working in the arts can be
challenging. Id be a miserable
soul without this, Margaret
Coleman insists. I dont know
who I would be without it,
states Laura Rikard. For Gary
Erwin, the Blues has opened the
world, including sixteen shows in
Eastern Europe last year touring
with Wanda Johnson. And despite
the sacrifces, Sharon Graci says,
I am blessed beyond measure by
a career in theatre. Sometimes
I do fantasize about the more
lucrative aspects of acting. But I
chose the path of an artist, and
the benefts of this life may not be
as readily apparent as a mansion
in Bel Aire, but they are worth
sacrifcing for. Greg Tavares
insists that Improv saved my
life and every once in a while I
get to save someones life, too by
introducing them to theater. This
fall he will release his new book,
Improv for Everyone.
My own early arts experiences
led me to begin Creative Spark
Center for the Arts 21 years ago.
Ive been privileged to watch the
arts inspire many people. For
some its been transformative.
Spoleto and Piccolo Spoleto are
the best chances of the year
to absorb some of the creative
energy and inspiration that is
the lifeblood of these performers.
It will probably entertain you. It
may change your life.
Carol Antman is covering the
festival for Lucky Dog Publishing.
Her artistic pursuits have included
the life-long study of classical
piano and recently as a travel
journalist. She is an avid patron
of the arts, producer and arts
entrepreneur as the founder of
Creative Spark Center for the Arts.
For suggestions or comments,
email her at cantman@aol.com
Get Inspired, Change your Life at Piccolo Spoleto
BY CAROL ANTMAN
The Have Nots.
May 25, 2012 7
P
atrick McMillan, host, co-creator,
and writer of the popular and award-
winning SCETV nature program
Expeditions with Patrick McMillan is
coming to Cape Romain National Wildlife
Refuge, on Saturday, May 26 and Sunday,
May 27. Patrick will be at the Sewee Visitor
and Environmental Education Center
Saturday evening at 7p.m. where he will
share his experiences and refections on the
continuous changes found in nature. In his
presentation, Nature on the Move, Patrick
looks at man as an integral part of nature
and change. In fact, the most signifcant
force of change on the planet, even in areas
we consider natural or untouched by man.
From the South Carolina forests to the coast
and Cape Romain NWR, from the Arctic and
into the past, join Patrick as he looks at our
infuences that still remain thousands of
years later.
On Sunday, May 27, travel with Patrick
and Coastal Expeditions to Bulls Island,
a 5000-acre barrier island known as the
crown jewel of Cape Romain NWR. Within
the islands maritime forest, managed
wetlands, sandy beaches, and salt marsh
can be found an abundance of fascinating
wildlife including threatened Loggerhead sea
turtles, American alligators, and a recorded
293 species of resident and migratory birds.
This is a great time of the season to explore
the island with Patrick and look for Black-
necked stilts, Painted Buntings, endangered
Wood Storks, and whatever else catches his
eye! The refuge manages the island habitats
to preserve the native maritime forest
and provide a haven for threatened and
endangered species and migratory birds.
Sponsored by Coastal Expeditions, the Bulls
Island tour with Patrick is a fund raising event
for Cape Romains management programs.
There are two tours with departures from
Garris Landing at 9:00 a.m. and 10:30
a.m. A bag lunch and bottled water will be
provided. The tour fee is $75 per person.
Over the past 15 years, Patrick has
worked as a professional naturalist,
biologist and educator. Patrick received his
Ph.D. in Biological Sciences from Clemson
University and serves as the Director of the
Campbell Museum of Natural History at
Clemson University. In addition to hosting
"Expeditions", Patrick spends his time at
Clemson University fulflling his teaching,
outreach, and curatorial duties. He is a
member of the SC Association of Naturalists,
the Southern Appalachian Botanical
Society, SC Native Plant Society and the SC
Entomological Society.
Please call the Sewee Visitor Center at 928-
3368 to register for Patricks presentation
Nature on the Move on Saturday and to
register for the Sunday tour to Bulls Island.
Expeditions Star Shares Experiences
PAT R I C K MC MI L L A N C O MI N G T O C A P E R O MA I N
Patrick McMillan.
8 May 25, 2012
WWW.SLANDEYENEWS.SC
C
harleston is paradise at
your doorstep, and this
belief shines through in
author Kelly Sheehy Degroots
Princess Charleston of the Isle of
Palms. A beautifully illustrated
childrens book with paintings
by illustrator Sara Japanwalla,
Degroot found inspiration for
her fantastical island story from
her own daughter. The character
of Princess Charleston enjoys
nature and the animals that live
around her, and the story takes
place on scenic Isle of Palms.
As princess, Charleston
was responsible for
protecting her friends
in the ocean, sky,
and land. But as
a threatening
storm approaches,
Charleston has to
fnd a way to get
all of her animal
friends to safety.
Calling to each of
her friends from
her magic window,
she sings a special
song. But will it be
enough to save all
of the island animals?
This heartwarming story
is a perfect bedtime tale for
children of all ages. The lessons
of hospitality, kindness, and
friendship are all woven into
the charming story of Princess
Charleston and her life on the
Isle of Palms.
Princess Charleston of the Isle
of Palms is available at Amazon.
com and BarnesandNoble.com.
Princess Charleston
BY CHRISTIAN LEBLANC
May 25, 2012 9
WWW.SLANDEYENEWS.SC
DAILY
SI Lighthouse
Celebrates 50 Years
BY NPS
J
oin Fort Sumter National
Monument as we celebrate
the 50
th
anniversary of the
Sullivans Island Lighthouse on
Saturday, June 16. The special
public event takes place 25p.m.
on the grounds of the U.S. Coast
Guard Historic District at 1815
IOn Avenue on Sullivans Island.
The grounds, quarters cupola,
and boathouse will be open to
the public. The program begins
at 2p.m. with live music by
Ward and Joel of Sol Driven
Train. Lighthouse architect Jack
Graham will join local offcials
for a short formal program at 3
p.m. Martha Graham and Helen
Hammond will release their new
childrens book on the lighthouse,
Standing Straight and Tall, The
Charleston Light at Sullivans
Island and The Adventures of
Scoops the Seagull. They will sign
copies of their book, along with
local authors Cindy Lee (History
Press: A Tour of Historic Sullivans
Island) and Margie Clary and Kim
McDermott (Arcadia Press: South
Carolina Lighthouses). The books
will be available for purchase on
site.
Enjoy light refreshments and
take home a commemorative
poster designed by Amelia Millar.
A special invitation is issued
to anyone with interest in the
U.S. Life-Saving Service or ties
with the U.S. Coast Guard on
Sullivans Island. The afternoon
event will include opportunities
for the public to have input on
park management alternatives for
the Coast Guard district and the
lighthouse. Because of serious
health and safety concerns the
lighthouse itself will not be open.
All activities are free and open to
the public. For more information,
call the park at 883-3123.
More than 20,000 National
Park Service employees care for
Americas 395 national parks and
work with communities across
the nation to help preserve local
history and create close-to-home
recreational opportunities. Learn
more at www.nps.gov.
PHOTO PROVIDED BY NPS
L
ocals are already raving about the delicious sushi now
featured on the menu at Station 22 Restaurant on
Sullivans Island. Prepared by award winning Golden Lion
Sushi professional sushi rollers, Station 22 is now featuring
a wide selection of super fresh sushi every Sunday, Monday,
Thursday, and Friday starting at 5 p.m. Current island favorites
include the Island Tower, an impressively bright color stack of
crab salad, rice, sashimi tuna and avocado, and the Ebi Roll,
a crunchy blend of tempura shrimp, avocado, and cucumber.
Prices range from $5 - $17.
For more information and to view the full sushi menu , visit
www.station22restaurant.com. Station 22 Restaurant is located
at 2205 Middle Street, Sullivans Island. Reach the restaurant
at 883-3355.
Sushi on Sullivans
The Island Tower.
10 May 25, 2012
D
espite the early appearance
of tropical storm Alberto,
the 2012 Atlantic basin
hurricane season is expected to
be calmer than it has been over
the past 20 years. According to
William Gray of Colorado State
University and Philip Klotzbach,
two of the most highly regarded
hurricane forecasters in the United
States, the tropical Atlantic has
anomalously cooled over the past
several months and the chances
of a summer/fall El Nio event
are relatively high.
Based on 29 years of past data,
Klotzbach and Grays most recent
forecast released on April 4
predicts that the probability of a
major hurricane landfall is 80% of
the long range average. However,
they are quick to point out that it
only takes one hurricane making
landfall to make it an active
season and coastal residents
should prepare themselves the
same as every season, regardless
of how much activity is predicted.
The climatologists estimate
that we will have about 10 named
storms (average is 12), 40 named
storm days (average is 60.1), 4
hurricanes (average is 6.5), 16
hurricane days (average is 21.3), 2
major (category 3-4-5) hurricanes
(average is 2.0), and 3 major
hurricane days (average is 3.9).
Specifcally for Charleston
County, Klotzbach and Gray
predict a 4.2% probability of
hurricane impact compared to
an average of 5.5%, and a 1.2%
probability of a major hurricane
impact, compared to an average
of 1.6%. Regional predictions
include a 32.9% chance of a
named storm making landfall in
our area, and a 22.9% chance of
one or more hurricanes making
landfall. Over a period of 50 years,
it is more than 99.9% likely that
one or more hurricanes will make
landfall in our region, and with
Hugo striking land more than
20 years ago, its time to start
thinking about your personal
plan of action in the event of a
hurricane.
Despite the great amount of
research and analysis which
Klotzbach and Gray introduce
into their predictions, however,
even they say that it is impossible
to accurately predict with any
certainty what the Atlantic has in
store for us this early in the season.
To view Klotzbach and Grays
2012 hurricane season predictions
in full, visit http://typhoon.atmos.
colostate.edu.
Calmer Seas Ahead This Hurricane Season
C L I MAT O L O G I S T S P R E D I C T A Q U I E T E R - T H A N - AV E R A G E S T O R M Y E A R
Name that Cane 2012

There are six lists of names
that rotate every year for
naming hurricanes. Names
are typically removed from the
lists each year as signifcant
storms names are retired, like
Hazel (1954), Fif (1974), Hugo
(1989), Andrew (1992) and
Katrina (2005). Since there
were no signifcant hurricanes
in 2006 the last time this list
was used the 2012 hurricane
name list remains the same.
The only hurricane name to
be retired last year was Irene,
to be replaced with the name
Irma.
Since tropical cyclones were
frst named in 1953, 76 names
have been retired, the frst two
being Carol and Hazel in 1954.
The naming of hurricanes has
been traced back to a tradition
in the West Indies that is still
practiced today, where storms
were named for the Catholic
Saints Day on which they
landed. For example, hurricane
San Filipe struck Puerto Rico
on September 13, 1876. When
another storm struck exactly
ffty years later, the storm
was christened San Filipe the
Second.
Hurricanes are named
alphabetically, although the
letters Q and U are always
left out and the lists only go to
W. If the list is used up for
the year and storms are still
forming, the storms are then
named alphabetically from
the Greek alphabet, Alpha to
Omega.

do not want SIES to return, or
say they want a smaller school,
never discuss the merits of
what having an excellent public
elementary school means. Not
just to Sullivans Island, but also
to our neighboring island, the
Isle of Palms. An excellent public
elementary school is a vital part
of a community fabric, not just
because it helps sustain real
estate values, but more important,
because it brings young families
to our islands. Without a high
performing school, families would
choose to go elsewhere and take
all of their energy and vitality with
them. Not all families that live on
Sullivans Island and IOP use our
school, but many do and have over
the years. Its a common bond.
We also must defne
community as residing in
Charleston County. As such, we
have to adhere to our County
School District leaders as they
strive to balance local community
needs with fscal responsibility.
As much as many of us would
prefer a smaller school, it is not
within our grasp due to fscal and
operational constraints. These
facts were made clear to our
elected leaders well before the
CCSD (Charleston County School
District) committed to rebuilding
our school years ago.
And yet the debate continues
So, I am compelled to call out
Mayor Smith, who has graciously
served our island for twenty-plus
years. At the very beginning of
the school rebuilding issue (in
2009), he was asked privately
by leaders of CCSD if there
was a broad level of support
to rebuild SIES as a school for
500 students. The unequivocal
answer was YES! Not only were
the private discussions positive,
but he signed a unanimous
Resolution with SI Town Council
in support of a 500-student
school in January 2010. He also
knew at that time that it would
be approximately the size of Mt
Pleasant Academy, and that it
would have to be raised, as it sits
in a V food zone.
In December 2010, I met
with two SI residents and two
members of SI Town Council.
We made an impassioned plea
to discuss the merits of moving
the school to the mound area.
The two councilmen were open
to discussing its merits, and ran
it up the fagpole to the Mayor.
Sadly, it was deemed by the
Mayor to be dead on arrival and
not worthy of further discussion.
Please note, whether this location
was the right spot or not, with all
of its pluses and minuses, the
leadership of our town refused to
enter into a public dialogue. It is
and was incredibly disappointing
to me that this did not occur
18 months ago, before a new
lease was signed and all of the
development work occurred.
Furthermore, in May 2011,
Mayor Smith signed the second
unanimous Resolution in favor of
a 500-student elementary school.
Now, its a full year later in May
2012, and our Mayor is standing
up against a 500-student school.
Please note that the renegotiated
lease gives him and other school
neighbors 70-foot buffers where
there were none before. It also
returns +/-6 acres of land to
the Town to be protected by
our deeded land trust -- a gift
to current and future islanders
alike. It gives design approval to
the Town, where we had none
before. For all of these reasons,
we are much better off than
before by signing this lease.
SI Town Council is frmly in
favor of our new school by 6 to
1 majority. It is and has been
unanimous for years, with the
recent exception of Mayor Smith.
After all of the private and public
discussions, the two unanimous
resolutions (which he signed), and
the support of CCSDs Trustees,
why are we still debating the
viability of our school? Furthering
the angst of SIES supporters
is that our Mayor, who blessed
this school in public and private
meetings, is now trying to
delay the construction of SIES
because of its size. Given the
facts from CCSD, it is completely
disingenuous at this point to
insist that you want a school, only
a smaller one. It cant happen
and it will not happen We must
recognize the reality. For three
years, the CCSD message has
been clear. The number is 500 or
0 thats it.
I look forward to our old school
being demolished this week, and
the planning and construction
of our new school. When this
journey began, we were told that
we would be out of the building
for 3 years. For lots of reasons, we
are now looking at 4-plus years,
while all of Charlestons other
seismic schools will be open in
3, as promised. Some facts speak
for themselves.
If you feel the way I do, please
let our Mayor and Town Council
know. Wouldnt it be nice to
get this school completed and
children in its classrooms so we
can discuss something else for a
change?
Loren Ziff
Thompson Ave, Sullivans Island
Alberto
Beryl
Chris
Debby
Ernesto
Florence
Gordon
Helene
Isaac
Joyce
Kirk
Leslie
Michael
Nadine
Oscar
Patty
Rafael
Sandy
Tony
Valerie
William
2012 Hurricane Names
Letters continues from page 3
May 25, 2012 11
NATURE & WILDLIFE
I
f you are a sea turtle, most of the
things you do are not taught to you
but instead come naturally with
instinct. Just in case you need some
pointers, though, here is a list for you
to follow:
1. Stick your head up from the
surf and check out the beach.
Be very sure to look for a dark
beach without lights shining
from houses. If you see lights, go
somewhere else and try again. Be
very careful!
2. Look for a beach that is not eroded
by storms or high surf. A nest laid
at the foot of a steep, scarped dune
can easily be fooded. Try to fnd
a beach that is not too wide and
fat or you will have to crawl forever
to fnd an elevated dune. Dont nest too
close to Breach or Dewees Inlet or your
hatchlings could be swept behind the
island on an incoming tide. Its easier to
lay a nest at high tide but any time will
do. A full moon is not necessary either.
Just be sure it is dark so you wont be
seen on the beach.
3. You might want to fnd the beach
where you were hatched, but this is
not mandatory. The same general area
of the coast is fne if you prefer Folly
or Dewees Island or even Seabrook or
Edisto. With the recent genetic studies,
some of us have been found to be nesting
every two weeks during a summer,
laying our eggs in locations many miles
apart. But others are faithful to our
natal beaches, laying four to fve nests
there and nowhere else.
4. In choosing a nest site, crawl above the
spring tide line and fnd a place that is
not too high on the dune where the sun
will be hot. Try not to destroy the sea
oats and dune grasses. This is against
the law!
5. Once youve found a good spot, dig a
body pit with all four fippers to
lower your profle on the beach
when you lay your eggs. With your
rear fippers, dig alternately until
youve carved out an inverted light
bulb-shaped cavity almost two
feet deep.
6. Drop the eggs, two or three at
a time, into the egg chamber until
you are fnished. Dont worry, they
are like soft, leathery ping pong
balls and should not break when
they fall against each other. You
will probably have well over 100 of
them each time.
7. Carefully fll the hole using
your rear fippers. Pack the sand
down and crawl around, throwing
sand everywhere with your long
front fippers. No one (except the Turtle
Team) will ever be able to fnd the eggs
if you disguise it well enough. They will
move the nest to a safe spot if you dont
follow these rules.
8. Turn around and head back down the
beach. I know you are tired after all
this, but your job is done. Go back into
the ocean, rest up, and wait two more
weeks. Then repeat steps 1-7.
These directions were inspired by the book
Sea Turtles, An Ecological Guide by David
Gulko and Karen Eckert, but modifed for our
turtles on the IOP and Sullivans Island.
Directions for Laying a Nest
BY MARY PRINGLE
A sea turtle buries her nest.
July 9 May 25 Is l and Eye Cal endar
Friday, May 25
Spoleto Festival USA
May 25 June 10
www.spoletousa.org
Piccolo Spoleto
May 25 June 10
www.piccolospoleto.com
AccretedLandManagement Workshop
Sullivans Island Town Council
will review the Accreted Land
Management Plan for Sullivans
Island starting at 3 p.m. This
is not a public hearing, but the
public is welcome to observe the
Councilmembers at work. 2050
B Middle St. For more info, visit
www.sullivansisland-sc.com.
Saturday, May 26
Play: Born to be Wild
This documentary flm narrated
by Morgan Freeman illustrates
the love, dedication and the
remarkable bond between humans
and animals. Rated G; 40 minutes.
10:30 a.m. All ages. Edgar Allan
Poe Library, 1921 Ion Ave.,
Sullivans Island. For more info,
call at 883-3914.
Memorial Day Weekend Fish Fry
Join us from 4:30-7 p.m., for an
old fashioned Fish Fry sponsored
by the United Methodist Mens
Club. Tickets are $6 each which
includes golden fsh flets,
coleslaw, hushpuppies, grits, plus
a drink. Homemade desserts also
available. Dine-in, carry out, or
drive-thru. All proceeds beneft
local charities. 21st Avenue and
Palm Blvd. IOP. More info at www.
iopmethodist.com or 886-6610.
Monday, May 28
HAPPY MEMORIAL DAY!
tueSday, May 29
Algar Rhythms at Atlanticville
Every Tuesday from 7 - 10 p.m.
enjoy the sweet acoustic sounds of
Jim and Whitt Algar as they cover
a wide variety of popular songs
from Elvis to Eric Clapton. 2063
Middle Street Sullivans Island.
For more info, call 883-9452 or
visit www.atlanticville.net.
thurSday, May 31
Music at Home Team: Dynamic Duo
Drop by Home Team Barbeque
every Thursday for live music
9 p.m. to midnight. Free show.
For more info, visit www.
hometeambbq.com or call 883-
3131. 2209 Middle Street,
Sullivans Island.
Popcorn Theater at Poe:
The Muppets
With the help of three fans, the
Muppets reunite to save their old
theater from a greedy oil tycoon.
Rated PG; 103 minutes. 2 p.m.
All ages. Edgar Allan Poe Library,
1921 Ion Ave., Sullivans Island.
For more info, call 883-3914.
Popcorn Theater at Poe: Iron Lady
An elderly Margaret Thatcher talks
to the imagined presence of her
recently deceased husband as she
struggles to come to terms with his
death. Rated PG-13; 105 minutes.
6 p.m. Adults/young adults. Edgar
Allan Poe Library, 1921 Ion Ave.,
Sullivans Island. For more info,
call 883-3914.
Saturday, June 2
IOP Sand Sculpting Competition
How are your sand sculpting
skills? Sign up to compete in
this years Piccolo Spoleto Sand
Sculpting competition starting
at 9 a.m. on IOPs front beach.
Categories include: Adult, Family,
Young Adult, Children, Best
Architectural and Most Creative.
For more info and to sign up, visit
www.iop.net or call 886-8294.
Mount Pleasant Pier
Fishing Tournaments
Enjoy fantastic fshing at the
foot of the Ravenel Bridge on
Charleston Harbor! Tournaments
end at 4 p.m. and prizes are
awarded at 4:15. On-site
registration is available beginning
at 6 a.m. 6 a.m. 4 p.m. Age: 3 &
up. Fee: $12. For more info, call
the Mount Pleasant Fishing Pier at
762-9946.
Bikinis and Boardshorts 5K Run
This premiere 5K race will take
place on the trails of Laurel Hill
Plantation in Mount Pleasant.
Run in swim attire and enjoy a
fun awards ceremony with light
food and beverages, an infatable
water slide, and live music! On-
site registration on race morning
8-9:30 a.m. Race begins at 10 a.m.
Fee: $34. For more info, call 795-
4386 or visit ccprc.com.
Parent and Child Trips:
Charleston Harbor Sea Kayak
Paddle a tandem kayak on this
excursion from Sunrise Park to
a nearby beach. Experience the
sights and sounds of the harbor,
with views of Fort Sumter, and a
seaside picnic. Pre-registration
required. 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Course #
27934. Age 8 and up. Fee: $36. For
more info, call 795-4386 or visit
ccprc.com.
Sunday, June 3
High Thyme Sunday Afternoon Music
From 5:30 to 8:30 every Sunday,
enjoy live music at High Thyme
restaurant on Sullivans Island.
This Sunday will feature Doug
Jones of Craven Melon. 2213 C
Middle Street. For more info, visit
www.highthymecuisine.com or call
883-3536.
Local Sea Kayak Trips: Fort
Sumter and Charleston Harbor
Everyone should paddle to Fort
Sumter at least once. Well depart
from Sunrise Park and paddle
through Charleston Harbor to our
most historic fort. Pre-registration
required. 11:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
Course # 27827. Age: 16 & up.
Fee: $48. For more info, call 795-
tueSday, June 5
See Tuesday, May 29.
thurSday, June 7
Yappy Hour at James Island
County Park
Dogs and their owners are invited
to join in after work for a party at
the James Island County Dog Park!
Live music by Folk Grass. Free
with regular park gate admission.
4 8 p.m. For more info, call 795-
Summer Entertainment Series
This exciting presentation about
snakes, turtles, and alligators that
live in the Lowcountry will be fun
for your entire group. Best suited
for ages 3-12. Only 300 seats sold
for each show at James Island
County Park Edisto Hall. Course #
27624. $5. 10 11 a.m. Call 795-
4386 for more info or to register.
Surf Seining on IOP
Gain a new perspective on the
creatures of the surf zone at Isle
of Palms County Park. Anchovy,
pompano, kingfsh, stingray, crab,
and even a squid have shown up in
our net. Pre-registration required.
5-6 p.m. Course # 27888. Age: 6
& up. Fee: $9. For more info, call
795-4386 or visit ccprc.com.
Sunday, June 10
See Sunday, June 3.
Boo Radley Foundation Dog Day
game night at the Joe
Join the Charleston Veterinary
Refferal Center and the Boo
Radley Foundation for a Dog Day
game at Joe Riley Stadium to
learn more about the Boo Radley
Foundation, meet the CVRC staff,
and fght human and canine
cancer. For more info, visit www.
rileyparkevents.com.
tueSday, June 12
WedneSday, June 13
Starlight Cinema on the Green
Every Wednesday through the end
of August, drop by the Freshfelds
Village Green for a free family-
friendly movie starting at 8:30
p.m. This Wednesday will feature
The Muppets (2011), PG, 103
min. For more info, visit www.
freshfeldsvillage.com or call Guest
Services at 768-6491.
Friday, June 15
Outdoor Concert Series on the Green
Free outdoor concert series on the
Freshfelds Village Green every
Friday in June! From 6 - 9 p.m.,
enjoy the music of CoastRunner.
Food and drink available for
purchase. Dont forget your
blanket and chairs! For more info,
visit www.freshfeldsvillage.com or
call Guest Services at 768-6491.
That Summer Book Sale
Friday Sunday. Books, DVDs,
and CDs for sale with prices
starting at $1 for paperbacks and
$3 for hardback books. 9 5:30
p.m. today at the Main Branch
Library, 68 Calhoun Street,
downtown Charleston.
Saturday, June 16
Floppin Flounder 5K
Presented by the Charleston
Running Club, the race starts at
the intersection of Middle Street
and Station 15 on Sullivans Island
at 8 a.m. Proceeds will go toward
the Sullivans Island Fire Dept.
and the Charleston Running Club.
$25/runner. To register, visit www.
charlestonrunningclub.com.
Friday Sunday. Books, DVDs,
and CDs for sale with prices
starting at $1 for paperbacks and
$3 for hardback books. 9 5:30
p.m. today at the Main Branch
Library, 68 Calhoun Street,
downtown Charleston.
Sunday, June 17
Books, DVDs, and CDs for sale
with prices starting at $1 for
paperbacks and $3 for hardback
books. 2 4 p.m. today with
special Sunday pricing at the
Main Branch Library, 68 Calhoun
Street, downtown Charleston.
See Sunday, June 3,
tueSday, June 19
Sunday, June 24
From 5:30 to 8:30 every Sunday,
enjoy live music at High Thyme
restaurant on Sullivans Island.
This Sunday will feature Jordan
Igoe and Aaron Firetag. 2213 C
Middle Street. For more info, visit
www.highthymecuisine.com or call
883-3536.
tueSday, June 26
WedneSday, July 4
Happy Fourth of July!
Monday, July 9
Petite Picasso Camp
July 9 13 for ages 5 7. Centered
on the theme Lowcountry
Scenes, kids will enjoy activities
from acrylic painting on canvas
to watercolor weaving and surfer
dude bracelets. 9 a.m. noon.
$195. Fear No Easel, 1960 Riviera
Dr Suite E. For more info, visit
www.fearnoeasel.com.
14 May 25, 2012
I
n celebration of the new partnership between the Charleston
Veterinary Referral Center (CVRC) and the Boo Radley
Foundation, the CVRC will be sponsoring the Boo Radley
Foundation Dog Day game night at the Charleston Riverdogs game
on June 10. 3,000 baseball fans are welcome to bring their dogs to
the park that night, learn more about the Boo Radley Foundation,
and meet the CVRC staff.
The partnership will be a critical community resource for pet
owners whose dogs are diagnosed with glioblastoma, a particularly
aggressive form of cancer, and whose pets may be candidates to
participate in clinical trials to fnd new treatments for the disease
in both dogs and humans.
When I was introduced to the Boo Radley Foundation and its
founder, Ken Johnson, I was excited to be able to create a relationship
that was meaningful, says CVRC Chief of Staff Alan Green, DVM.
Having personally lost a family member to glioblastoma, and
understanding the valuable potential for ongoing research on this
deadly form of cancer, I was motivated to have
Charleston Veterinary
Referral Center become a
sponsor. I am confdent
and optimistic that
our combined efforts
will contribute to the
improvement of survival,
if not cure, of this terrible
disease.
Specifcally, the
foundation and support
from Charleston
Veterinary Referral
Center will assist by:
Counseling dog
owners whose dogs have
been diagnosed with brain
tumors as to their options
regarding clinical trial
opportunities for their pets.
Defraying the costs
of initial neurological
diagnostic screening for
promising candidates
whose owners lack the
fnancial resources to do
so unilaterally.
Actively recruiting potential trial subjects from the most at-
risk breeds.
Paying for transportation to and from clinical trial locations,
as well as lodging and meals at the sites for dog owners
whose dogs are enrolled in clinical trials.
Providing direct fnancial support to clinical trials.
Conducting outreach to local veterinarians in general, as
well as specialty practices to inform them of the various
clinical trial options for their clients.

Boo Radley was a seven- year-old black Labrador Retriever who
was diagnosed with an aggressive glioma in the late fall of 2009.
Beginning in January 2010 and ending in August of 2010, Boo
traveled more than 12,000 miles to be treated in three separate
brain tumor clinical trials, earning him a unique place in both
veterinary and human medical history. His contribution helped
two of the canine trials transition to human trials.
Tickets to the Boo Radley Foundation Dog Day game night can
be purchased at http://cr1.glitnirticketing.com/crticket/web/
logingroup1.php?refresh= Type in the password "cvrc2012". For
more information about CVRC, visit www.charlestonvrc.com. For
more information about the Boo Radley Foundation, visit www.
booradleyfoundation.org.
Fight Cancer with Dog Days at the Joe
BOO RADL EY FOUNDATI ON TEAMS UP WI TH CVRC TO FI GHT CANI NE AND HUMAN GL I OBL ASTOMA
SPECIAL TO THE ISLAND EYE
Boo Radley.
15 May 25, 2012
W
hen you get to the dock
on the Isle of Palms side
of the Dewees Island
ferry run, an unlikely pair will
probably greet you. Meet Top Cat,
who moved into the Isle of Palms
Marina in early spring. He will be
very interested in pets you bring
with you. He is not afraid of dogs
and likes to look in cat crates to
see who is home. Top Cat sleeps
at the dock or under your bench
while you wait, and he seems
to know the timing of the ferry,
because he heads over to the
captains offce whenever the boat
comes in. I have even seen him
take a nap on the ferry if there is
no run.
Top Cat also has a friend named
McNugget. McNugget showed up
a few months ago and has grown
very comfortable with all the
comings and goings of the Marina.
McNugget is a funny-looking cat.
She looks like a chicken, but of
course she cant be because there
are no chickens allowed on the
Isle of Palms. Judging from her
comfortable friendship with Top
Cat, we are guessing that she is
just a confused cat impersonating
a chicken that can even lay eggs.
One morning, in fact, there
were two under Dewees Island
residents Jim and Annes car.
Jim had an omelet for breakfast.
McNugget likes to look in cars,
and has even been known to climb
into cars that are being loaded
for departure. If this happens to
you, grab a buddy and encourage
McNugget to fy on out of your
car. She wont eat much, but you
probably dont want her in there
for long.
There are other feral cats near
the marina, but Top Cat chases
them off, especially when they
get curious about McNugget and
begin stalking her. Top Cat rousts
himself from his nearly constant
napping and chases them off,
before dozing off again.
To read more about the life and
activities on Dewees Island, visit
www.deweesislandblog.com.
The Dewees Greeting Team
T O P C AT A N D MC N U G G E T
BY JUDY DREW FAIRCHILD, REPRINTED FROM WWW.DEWEESISLANDBLOG.COM
McNugget Top Cat
16 May 25, 2012
COMPUTER CORNER
W
hen you are looking for a new
computer, there are several
things to remember including
price, processing speed, memory, laptop or
desktop, and what you want it for. One other
consideration in that you will have to transfer
your data from your old computer to the
new one and install any third party software
including Microsoft Offce.
So lets go through some of these steps and
help you get the best upgrade deal for your
purposes. Prior to getting that new computer,
take a few moments to decide why you are
upgrading. If your computer just seems
slow and it is less than three years old, you
might want to contact a professional to clean
your computer, and check for the amount
of memory that is installed and the type of
CPU (central processing unit). You may be
surprised to fnd out that your computer is
just fne and only needed a tune-up.
If it is fve-plus years old, your best bet is
to take some time, learn about the new types
of computers on the market (or consult a
professional), and decide prior to shopping
what you are looking for. In todays market,
an i3 processor is the least you should look
for with a minimum of 4GB of memory and at
least a 500GB hard drive in the price range
of $400-500. If you fnd a faster processor in
the same price range, thats even better!
Remember that you need to decide
on a price range beforehand. The
manufacturer used to be a big deal
but now price really does matter.
Dell, HP, Acer, Lenovo, and Gateway
are all decent brand names, but if
you fnd a great deal, say an i5 with
6GB memory and 7500gb HD no-
name in the $400-450 range, I
would take it.
And now that you have purchased
the hardware, Its time to consider
the software.
Again, if the software is less than
three to fve years old, consider
reusing it. But how do you reuse
Offce when its on the other
computer? When you purchase a
license for Offce or any other software, you
can use it on any computer as long as you
remove it from the older computer. In some
cases it can be on three computers at the
same time as long as it is for home use. So
how do you put Offce 2007 with everything
you need onto your new computer? It does
take a bit of work and I would suggest using
a professional to transfer all of the data and
install the software onto your new computer.
You can check online at Microsoft.com for
specifcs and learn how to re-install third
party software.
The best way to get what you want is to
do a bit of research beforehand, stick to a
price, realize that in the store the info can
be confusing on purpose, and have a plan
prior to buying. Also remember that you do
not necessarily need to buy the latest third
party software and you can reuse the existing
software you currently have.
I look forward to some good questions
and helping you out. If you need immediate
assistance, you can always call me, Rent-A-
Bob, at 822-7794 or email rentabob@live.com.
Back to the Basics
BY BOB HOOPER, A.K.A. RENT-A-BOB
C
harleston County
Parks is introducing
a new 5K perfect for
the summertime runners
are encouraged to sport their
bathing suit! The premiere of
the Bikinis and Boardshorts
5K run will take place on the
trails of Laurel Hill Plantation
in Mount Pleasant on Saturday,
June 2.
But, there is more to the race
than running around in swim
attire. After the 5K, runners
are encouraged to cool down
on an infatable water slide on
site. Also following the race
will be a fun awards ceremony
featuring complimentary light
food, beverages and live music.
A prize will also be awarded for
the best costume at the race.
Online registration for the
Bikinis and Boardshorts 5K is
open now through June 1. Late
registration and packet pickup
will be available on site on race
day from 8 9:30 a.m. The race
will begin on June 2 at 10 a.m.
Fees to participate are $34, or
$28 for residents of Charleston
County. Ages 10-15 must
be accompanied by an adult
chaperone. Dogs and strollers
are not allowed at this event.
Laurel Hill Plantation is located
at 1400 Highway 41 in Mount
Pleasant. The property is owned
by the Charleston County Park
and Recreation Commission.
Register for the race online at
www.ccprc.com or call 795-4386.
Bikinis and Boardshorts
S U MME R T I ME F U N R U N AT L A U R E L H I L L
19 May 25, 2012
O
n Friday, April 20,
the Sullivans Island
Kaleidoscope afterschool
program participated in the Tri-
County Youth Service Day. Kids
Council representatives were
asked how they wanted to give
back to the community and
they chose MUSCs Childrens
Hospital. According to Emily
Wallace with MUSC Childrens
Hospital Volunteer Services, the
therapy dolls are used by Child
Life Specialists to help prepare
children for medical procedures.
The patients are allowed to
practice medicine on their doll
to learn about whats going to
happen to their own body. Patients
are encouraged to decorate and
personalize their dolls, which
serves to develop a good rapport
between children and hospital
staff through play and activities.
They are also useful tools in
preparing children for their
individual treatment processes.
Volunteers Bridget Lyle and
Judy Pezanowski assisted the
students with the sewing and
together they completed eleven
dolls that were delivered to doctors
and nurses at MUSC. In addition
to making the dolls, a cleanup of
the school grounds took place.
The day was a huge success
and the kids really took ownership
of their projects says Jackie
Meade, Kaleidoscope Director at
Sullivans Island Elementary. It
meant a lot to them to see the dolls
they made in the hands of doctors
and nurses at MUSC who will help
children who are their patients.
The following students
participated in the projects: Skylar
Taylor, Julie King, Mary Bradley
Heath, Alex Lyle, Nevin Murphy,
Meredith Day, Anna Galy,
Ameline Stewart, Angeline Krupa,
Catherine Curtis, Alexander
Liberatos, Chase Spicer, Dominic
Hugo, Thomas Fogle, Ross
Hamburger and Anna Short.
PHOTO BY JACQUELINE MEADE
Stitching New Relationships
S I E S S T U D E N T S MA K E T H E R A P Y D O L L S
F O R MU S C S C H I L D R E N S H O S P I TA L
BY SUSAN JOHNSON
EVENTS AT THE IOP REC
Isle of Palms Recreation Center
www.iop.net
843-886-8294
Kids Night Out
Friday, June 8, 6 p.m. 9 p.m.
$10 resident/ $15 non-resident
Activity includes movie, games,
pizza, and snacks. Supervision
provided by Recreation Staff

Youth Tennis
Mondays & Wednesdays. 5 p.m.
6 p.m. June 4 June 27
$90 resident/ $95 non-resident
Instructor: Corinne Enright

Youth Tae Kwon Do
Saturdays. 9 a.m. 10 a.m.
Open enrollment in the youth
Tae Kwon Do program month
of June. Youth students can
enroll June, September, and
January. $30 resident/ $35
non-resident.

Summer Table Tennis League
Register now! Captains
Meeting: June 5, 4:30 p.m.
Game Days: Tuesday Evenings,
4:30 p.m. 6:30 p.m. $5 per
person. Ages 18 and up.

Yoga Camp (5-10 years)
August 6 August 10, 9 a.m.
noon. $125 resident/ $130 non-
resident. Campers will be guided
on a developmental journey
through yoga. Each day will
bring a different yoga adventured
theme followed by an art project,
creative writing experience, and
a snack. Parents and guests
are invited to the last hour of
class on August 10 for a special
demonstration. Instructor: Mary
Moore, Yoga Mama Studios.

BOSU Training *NEW CLASS*
Morning Session: Wednesdays
& Fridays, 10:30 11:30
a.m. $64 residents/ $69 non-
residents. $10 drop in space
is limited!
Evening Session: Mondays &
Wednesdays, 5:30 p.m. 6:30
p.m. $64 residents/ $69 non-
residents. $10 drop in space
is limited!
Spike Nights
Co-Ed Ages 5-9: Thursdays 6
p.m. 7 p.m.
June 7 June 28
Co-Ed Ages 10-16: Thursdays 7
p.m. 8 p.m.
June 7 June 28
$40 resident / $45 non-
resident.
Instructor: Laura Togami.
20 May 25, 2012
Do you know what this is?
Kids, send your guess for this weeks
Eye Spy to: eyespy@luckydognews.com
Please include your mailing address with
your submission.
No one correctly guessed last issue's Eye Spy so we are going to
give you another chance. The frst person to send in the correct
answer for this iss ue will receive a coupon for a FREE ice cream at
Caf Medley on Sullivan's Island.
Eye Spy
Children plant fowers and enjoy donuts for Earth Day at the Edgar Allan Poe Library.
Library Earth Day
Celebration
C
ongratulations to the 2012 Isle of Palms Rec Center Youth
Baseball Season Champions and Runners Up! This year,
Charleston Party Booth coached by Jim Anderson took the
silver while Hughey Law Firm coached by Rick Strickland brought
home the gold. Way to go, teams!
PHOTOS BY ISLE OF PALMS RECREATION DEPARTMENT
Way to Play Ball
Youth Baseball
Season Champions
Hughey Law Firm
coached by Rick
Strickland.
Youth Baseball Season Runners
Up Charleston Party Booth
coached by Jim Anderson.
PHOTOS BY CONNIE DARLING
21 May 25, 2012
FINANCIAL
Breach I nl et 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 different. Tide predictions are
PREDICTIONS; they can be wrong so use common sense.
Source: www.saltwatertides.com
May 25
May 26
May 27
May 28
May 29
May 30
May 31
Jun 1
Jun 2
Jun 3
Jun 4
Jun 5
Jun 6
Jun 7
5:20am/5:19pm
6:02am/6:08pm
6:47am/7:03pm
7:38am/8:05pm
8:32am/9:10pm
9:29am/10:16pm
10:28am/11:20pm
11:26am
12:20am/12:23pm
1:17am/1:19pm
2:12am/2:13pm
3:06am/3:08pm
3:58am/4:02pm
4:50am/4:56pm
11:28am/11:35pm
12:12pm
12:20am/1:03pm
1:11am/2:00pm
2:08am/3:01pm
3:08am/4:02pm
4:10am/5:03pm
5:11am/6:03pm
6:12am/7:01pm
7:12am/7:58pm
8:10am/8:54pm
9:07am/9:48pm
10:04am/10:42pm
11:00am/11:34pm
N
ow that another school year
is drawing to a close, your
young children are a step
closer to the day when theyll be
heading off to college. Of course,
as youre probably aware, higher
education doesnt come cheap
and the costs seem to continuously
climb. You can help your children
or even your grandchildren
meet these expenses by investing
in a 529 plan. And this college
savings vehicle offers estate-
planning benefts.
As a college funding vehicle, a
529 plan offers some signifcant
benefts. When you contribute
to a 529 plan, your earnings
accumulate tax free, provided
they are used for qualifed higher
education expenses. (Keep in
mind, though, that 529 plan
distributions not used for qualifed
expenses may be subject to
federal and state income tax and
a 10% IRS penalty.) Furthermore,
your 529 plan contributions may
be deductible from your state
taxes. However, 529 plans vary,
so be sure to check with your
tax advisor. And the lifetime
contribution limits for 529 plans
are quite generous; while these
limits vary by state, many plans
allow contributions well in excess
of $200,000. Plus, a 529 plan is
fexible: If the child, grandchild,
or other benefciary decides
against college, you can transfer
the unused funds to someone
else, tax and penalty free.
Now, lets turn to a 529 plans
estate-planning benefts. If you
think that you may need to
reduce the size of your taxable
estate, and you also want to
create a legacy you may be able
to enjoy during your lifetime, you
may fnd that the 529 plan offers
a solution for you. When you
establish and contribute to a 529
plan, the assets leave your estate,
but they dont leave your control.
If your named benefciary decides
against college and you dont have
another family member to whom
you can transfer the account or
if you simply change your mind
about funding the 529 plan
you can get your money back at
any time, although, as mentioned
above, youll have to pay taxes,
and possibly a 10% IRS penalty,
on the earnings.
Your contributions to a 529
plan also qualify for the $13,000
annual gift tax exclusion, so you
can give large amounts each year
without incurring the gift tax.
In the investment world, you
can fnd many vehicles that will
help you make progress toward
one goal. But its far less common
to fnd something that may give
you a boost toward two. And when
the two goals are helping a child
or grandchild go to college and
lowering the value of your taxable
estate while still maintaining
control of your assets youve got
an investment worth considering.
So consult with your tax and
fnancial advisors to determine if a
529 plan is right for you. And if it
is, think about taking action soon,
because the more years you can
contribute to a 529 plan, the better
the outlook for both your future
student and your estate plans.
Edward Jones, its employees
and financial advisors are not
estate planners and cannot
provide tax or legal advice. You
should consult your estate-
planning attorney or qualified
tax advisor regarding your
situation. This article was
written by Edward Jones for
use by your local Edward Jones
Financial Advisor.
529 Plan for College Funding and
Estate-planning Considerations
BY DIMI MATOUCHEV
22 May 25, 2012
U
S News and World Report
identifed the ten top
retirement spots last year;
seven of those were in Central
and South America: Central
and South America offer the
unbeatable combination of
warm weather and inexpensive
real estate. In an International
Living analysis of the worlds top
retirement havens in 2012, six of
the top ten locations were also in
this region of the world.
What in the world is going on
and why would anyone wish to
live outside the United States
even part time? I have spent the
past 18 months researching and
traveling to seek answers, which
I hope to share with readers here
from time-to-time.
Many persons at or nearing
retirement age are experiencing a
deterioration of their investment
funds, an increase in health care
premiums (along with taxes), and
the certainty of increases in taxes
and commodity prices. Some are
thinking outside the box and
beyond our national borders.
When people learn I invest
and work with clients in Central
America, the most often spoken
questions are those concerning
property prices, health care,
safety and security, and the
process of acquiring overseas
property.
Generally, this retirement and
investment sector is focused
on resorts, condominiums, and
gated communities along the
coasts, in select mountain areas,
and upscale or gentrifying urban
neighborhoods. From the white
sand beach of Roatan, Honduras,
to the unparalleled breaking
surfs near San Juan del Sur,
Nicaragua, to the Aspen-like
village of Boquette, Panama, to
the laid back beachfront of Costa
Ricas Manuel Antonio, to the
Charlestonesque-charm of the
colonial enclave Casco Antiguo in
Panama City or a high-rise unit
in the newly built Trump Tower
overlooking Panama Bayall of
these are just a three or four hour
fight from Atlanta.
Along with uncertainties in the
global economy, the real estate
downturn has resulted in lower
prices and increased inventory
in many regions within emerging
international property markets. The
prospect of acquiring residential real
estate at an affordable price within
an emerging real estate market with
favorable conditions (e.g., cheap cost
of labor, government retirement/
investment incentives for foreigners),
and then selling property for
maximum proft (assuming a 10
year outlook) is good.
There are terrifc opportunities
(as well as a myriad of potential
landmines) for the intrepid buyer.
Beachfront homes near Leon,
Nicaragua, can be bought for
under $150,000, a hundred acres
with 200 meters of beachfront
and all ocean views are in the
$750,000 range, and a ffty-fve
acre piece of close ocean goes
for around $250,000. Similarly,
mountain land with stunning
views (even of the Pacifc on a clear
day) can be found in Boquete for
about $25 per square meter, and
the list goes on.
In todays market, constructing a
high-end home in Central America
should run between $60 and $80
square foot. And, for those who
simply want the convenience of
walking into their new home, there
are a wide range of excellent gated
communities under development,
such as Monte Cristo overlooking
on Nicaraguas Pacifc coastline
with its golf course, or Bahia Lomas
Estates with its Marina at Bocas del
Toro on Panamas Carribean side.
Some countries, like
Nicaragua and Panama, also
provide signifcant incentives for
individuals retiring. Perks may
include purchase of a vehicle tax-
free every other year, $50,000
tax-free purchase of building
materials, a 20-year property tax
holiday, along with discounts
for travel, utilities, etc. These
incentives are open to persons
with only modest verifable
income (e.g., Panamas pensiado
program is $1400 a month) and
do not require home ownership.
Personal safety in any country
is dependent on various factors,
ranging from where you are (or
should not be), to just plain luck.
However, despite the violence
associated with drug cartels
in Mexico and those countries
bordering it, personal and
property safety in Panama, Costa
Rica, and Nicaragua is less of
an issue. In fact, a recent article
in the Economist (Jan 2012)
reported: Nicaragua, the poorest
country in mainland Latin
America, is remarkably safe. It
is now less violent than booming
Panama, and may soon be safer
than Costa Rica, a tourist haven.
And, last years Crime and
Safety Report, issued by the US
Department of State, observed:
Panama remains relatively safe
when compared to other Central
American countries. A similar
report on Costa Rica noted that
crime is on the uptake in the
capitol city of San Jose and that
violent home invasions and
express kidnapping are also
prevalent in certain areas of
Costa Rica but not rampant.
Thus, owning or even leasing
property in Central America
requires a different approach
to home safety than in the
Charleston area. For instance,
unless one lives within a gated-
community, it is advisable in
any of these countries to have
someone residing or guarding
your home if you are gone for an
extended period of time. Many
homes have live-in maid quarters
and the cost for this service (or for
a night guard) is negligible$35
week for the former and $25 for
the latter.
Health care in countries
where I currently work with
clientsPanama, Costa Rica,
and Nicaraguais excellent.
All three countries do a brisk
business in medical tourism
with outstanding hospitals (with
US/European trained, English-
speaking doctors) such as Vivian
Pellas in Managua and Hospital
Punta Pacifca, in Panama City,
which is affliated with the Johns
Hopkins Medicine International
and maintains the same high-end
standards in facilities, services,
and staff. Health insurance can
be easily purchased for a fraction
of the cost in the US. For example,
using Costa Ricas national health
care system, El Caja, members
pay just $40 a month or nearly
full coverage is offered through
the Club de Salud at Vivian Pellas
for less than $700 annually. And,
the actual prices for procedures
(including dentistry) can be a
third of that in the United States.
Cost of living is also low. For
example, in the picturesque
colonial city of Granada,
Nicaragua (where I own a
home) even with its large expat
community and a thriving tourist
business, I can go to one of the
best restaurants for dinner and
(with wine and tip) pay less than
$20. The cost of rum, coffee, and
beer (which are thriving exports)
is also embarrassingly cheap.
Nearby Panama has earned
the title as the Dubai of the
Americas due to its signifcantly
lower cost of living with food and
commodities only slightly more
The village of Boquette, Panama.
Central America: Real Estate Haven
BY DR. JAMES T. SEARS
Real Estate continues on page 23
23 May 25, 2012
the title as the Dubai of the
Americas due to its signifcantly
lower cost of living with food and
commodities only slightly more
expensive than in Nicaragua.
The process of acquiring
property (and foreigners can own
property without being residents
of the country) is different than
what buyers experience in the
United States. For example,
licensing laws in these countries
are generally loose, not enforced,
or non-existent (e.g., Nicaragua
has no licensing requirement to
sell another persons property or
represent a buyer). The concept
of fduciary duty requiring
confdentiality, due diligence,
loyalty, and accountingamong
other dutiesis generally absent
in any meaningful manner.
Further, an important element
of a competitive market
transparencyis absent as there
is no centralized market system
such as the Multiple Listing
Service. Many countries also
have different processes for a real
estate transaction (e.g., countries
which observe Civil Law rather
than Common Law). And, while
title insurance is generally
available through reputable
international companies, the
past history in some countries of
agrarian reform and bureaucratic
ineffciency requires extreme
diligence on the part of buyers
(and their agents).
Although there are recognized
real estate franchises operating
in these countries, their agents
are bound by their countrys
laws, or lack thereof, and cultural
expectations. In the United
States, fewer than 8% of all
Realtors work in the international
markets. Even fewer are certifed
as international specialists,
which is in part, due to the
enormous learning curves and the
absence of professional overseas
relationships with competent
and honest attorneys, real estate
agents, and others commonly
needed for a successful real
estate transaction.
Despite these drawbacks,
whether it is for a change in
lifestyle, to enjoy an excellent
standard of living for less money,
or for investment purposes, when
someone asks, What in the world
is going on, you may now have a
better response.
James T. Sears (property@
searspartners.com), a Realtor
and Real Estate Investment
Analyst, and Broker Associate
with AgentOwned Realty, lives in
Seabrook Island, South Carolina
and Granada, Nicaragua. As an
Accredited Buyer Representative
and a Certifed International
Property Specialist, he works
with clients interested in second
homes and real estate investment
(including real estate tours) in
the Charleston area and Central
America. More information can be
found at www.searspartners.com
Granada, Nicaragua, the town center.
Real Estate continues from page 22
View of downtown Panama City and Panama Bay from the Casco.

Island Eye News - May 25, 2012

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