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

page 8 Christmas Bells page 6 NutCraCker page 5 marathoN

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Volume 5 Issue16 December 9, 2011 FREE
Since May 2007
H
o, ho, ho! Santa Claus is
coming to town early this
year for children living in Sea
Island Habitat for Humanity homes.
On Tursday, December 15, SIHH staf
and volunteers will welcome Santa and
Habitat children to the SIHH ofce for
their 3rd annual Christmas party.
We want to help make this holiday
season a memorable and special time for
our families. Te generous community
support we receive in helping us put
on this event is really incredible,
said Molly Cofey, Advancement and
Communications Manager for SIHH.
We are so excited to spread the Christmas
spirit to our partner families again this
year.
A lot of people contribute to making
this party one of joy and good cheer.
Porter-Gaud school is one of the groups
helping to make this event special for
the children. Te students at Porter-
Gaud will once again be helping Santa
by providing Christmas gifts for children
of Habitat homeowners. Last year they
made sure over 120 children received
a gift by conducting a toy drive at the
school. Tey have already begun their
toy collecting eforts for this year.
A group of eight women from Seabrook
is making dozens of Christmas cookies
for the party, and volunteers will help
with outdoor activities, refreshments and
crafts.
Tis is such a fun event! Te
children were so excited meet Santa and
to receive their gifts last year. Tey
loved the craft projects, and of course
enjoyed the Christmas cookies! said
Charlotte Moran, Sea Island Habitat
Board Member. Its heartwarming to
experience the true spirit of Christmas
and the holiday season with children
from Habitat families.
For more information on Sea Island
Habitat for Humanity or to get involved
with the event, please visit www.
seaislandhabitat.org or call Priscilla Quirk
at 768-0998.
Habitat for the Holidays
Provided
Bobcat Studies Continue
on Kiawah
By JacoB Flannick
Story on Page 2
Sea Island Santa and Andrew Ley. Photo by Rhea MilleR
www.islandconnectionnews.com
K
iawahs wildlife and environmental
experts are making headway
in studies tracking the islands
elusive bobcat population.
Te Town of Kiawah recently agreed to
contribute $5,000 toward Global System
Mobile (GSM) tracking collars for the
felines, in addition to approximately
$16,409 provided by the Kiawah Island
Natural Habitat Conservancy, a nonproft
organization funding the majority of
ongoing wildlife research. Transmitting
GPS data day-to-day on the bobcats
whereabouts, the state-of-the-art device
pinpoints resting, denning and hunting
locations throughout the island.
Justin Core, land preservation
coordinator for the Conservancy, says
the Town and Conservancys progress in
bobcat studies are fostering an eco-friendly
approach toward development on the
island. Preserving bobcats habitat, he
says, is a commonly-held vision among
Kiawah developers and conservationists.
Te Conservancy realizes that
development will continue on Kiawah,
and our mission is to preserve and
manage habitat as needed to protect the
most important areas for wildlife, he
writes in an email. So far, development
has not had a direct impact on bobcats
through habitat lossKiawah has been
developed sensitively, and in a design that
has done a good job in keeping habitat
for bobcats.
Core, who relays data collected from
Town biologists feld studies in to the
Conservancys Geographical Information
System database, says current research
revolves around assessing survival rates
for kittens, as well as examining bobcats
denning behavior and locations --
prevalent near heavily-developed Captain
Sams Inlet and, in particular, Cougar
Island, an area on Kiawahs Eastern end
designated for future development.
If we can protect an ample number
of den sites throughout our preservation
eforts, it is hoped that we will be able
to sustain Kiawahs bobcat population
well into the future, he writes, noting
bobcats prefer to rest along marsh
edges and vegetation areas surrounding
dunes. Te key is that enough
understory habitat is kept in tact to
allow denning and cover to continue in
the future. Te Conservancy believes
that through focused land preservation
eforts and proper management, this
can be accomplished -- even with future
development.
According to Jim Chitwood,
former Board of Trustee member of
the Conservancy, developed property
currently envelopes roughly half of the
island. While he views future growth
on Kiawah as an inevitable course for
developers, he emphasizes consistent,
environmentally-conscious landscaping,
in order to maintain a lush habitat for
bobcats.
While development does replace
natural habitat, the real key is how
development is done and how landscaping
on developed property is designed and
maintained, he writes in an email,
noting research results suggesting a
minimum of fve large-scale denning
areas throughout the island are necessary
to sustain bobcats current population
levels. Kiawah is fortunate that the
natural beauty of Kiawah is highly
valued, and that the developer [Kiawah
Development Partners] has required that
most of a lot be used for landscaping.
Bobcats remarkable ability to adapt
throughout the past 10 years to island
growth is indeed an indicator of the
creatures resilience. However, plans for
residential and commercial expansion
will gradually encroach on the animals
already-shrinking patches of habitat,
potentially thinning the cats population
and, as a result, throwing the islands
delicately-balanced ecosystem of kilter.
According to Jim Jordan, the Towns
senior wildlife biologist, bobcats are a
vital component within Kiawahs diverse
ecosystem. Presiding atop the islands
food chain, the stealthy predators are
responsible for keeping at bay white-
tailed deer and various mammal and
rodent populations permeating the
island, says Jordan. Tey [bobcats] are
one of the biggest reasons why our island
deer numbers remain fairly stable, since
they provide natural control, he writes
in an email.
With an estimated 30 bobcats currently
inhabiting the island, sightings of the
territorial felines are not uncommon
near densely developed areas, according
to Jordan. Bobcats on Kiawah are truly
unique, and they are able to survive
-- and even fourish -- on our island,
he writes, noting the animals are often
spotted resting in the shade underneath
island villas and, during night time
hours, below the pool deck at Night
Heron Park. I am often amazed at how
well bobcats have adapted to people and
development.
Although bobcats are capable of
co-existing in heavily populated areas,
residual efects from island development
2 December 9, 2011
The Island
Connection
Lynn Pierotti
publisher
lynn@luckydognews.com
Bridget Manzella
managing editor
bridget@luckydognews.com

Swan Richards
senior graphic designer
swan@luckydognews.com
Lori Dalton
sales manager
lori@luckydognews.com
interns
Alexandra Stott
Jacqueline McCormick

Contributors
Jacob Flannick
Bob Hooper
Dimi Matouchev
Kyle Barnett
Mike Arthur
Capt. Geoff Bennett
Brain Sanders
Published by
Lucky Dog Publishing
of South Carolina, LLC
P.O. Box 837
Sullivans Island, SC 29482
843-886-NEWS
Future deadlines: December 23
for submissions
for the January 6 issue
Op-Ed articles and letters to the editor do not
necessarily refect the opinion of
Lucky Dog News or its writers.
Lucky Dog Publishing, LLC
Publishers of Island Eye News,
The Island Connection and
The Folly Current.
Ci v i c Cal endar
KIAWAH ISLAND TOWN HALL
21 Beachwalker Drive
Kiawah Island, SC 29455
Phone: 768-9166
Fax: 768-4764
SEABROOK ISLAND TOWN HALL
2001 Seabrook Island Road
Seabrook Island, SC 29455
Phone: 768-9121
Fax: 768-9830
Email:
lmanning@townofseabrookisland.org
JOHNS ISLAND COUNCIL
Meetings are held at the Berkeley
Electric Co-op located at 3351
Maybank Hwy, Johns Island.
Chairman Chris Cannon: 343-5113
CHARLESTON COUNTY COUNCIL
4045 Bridge View Dr, N Charleston
958-4700
CITY OF CHARLESTON
75 Calhoun St.
724-3745
Bobcats continues on page 3
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Pictured on the cover and above, roughly 30
bobcats currently prowl the island.
Wednesday, December 14
Town Planning Commission Meeting
7:30 p.m. 9:30 p.m.
Seabrook Island Town Hall
Communications Committee Meeting
10:30 a.m.
Kiawah Island Town Hall
Tuesday,December 17
Ways and Means Committee Meeting
a9 a.m.
Kiawah Island Town Hall
Tuesday, December 27
Town Council Meeting
7:30 p.m. 9:30 p.m.
Seabrook Island Town Hall

Wednesday, January 4
Town Planning Commission Work
Session
7:30 p.m. 9:30 p.m.
Kiawah Island Town Hall

Thursday, December 19
Board of Zoning Appeals
4 p.m.
Kiawah Island Town Hall

civic
are already endangering the creatures
chances of survival. According to Jordan,
an estimated three to four bobcats are
killed every year by vehicles along island
roadways. Collisions with automobiles
are the biggest mortality factor for our
island bobcats, by far, he writes.
Annual tracking studies throughout
the past fve years have undoubtedly shed
light on the animals behavioral patterns
-- an area of study crucial in devising
conservation strategies.
Te Town, in partnership with the
Conservancy, embarked in 2007 on a Pilot
study of area bobcats, initially outftting
fve cats with GPS collars, in an efort to
periodically track the animals. Steadily
increasing throughout the years the
projects scope, the Town developed the
islands bobcat management guidelines,
a thorough analysis of readily frequented
bobcat habitats speckling the island.
Jordan credits the Town and
Conservancys orchestrated eforts toward
whipping up well-informed preservation
schemes. Te research partnership
between the Town and Conservancy
has worked well over the last fve years,
he writes. Te Town provides the
manpower and logistical support for the
study, and the Conservancy provides
funds to purchase equipment.
In addition to raising awareness
about island bobcats, current research
endeavors tie in to the Conservancys
Habitat Improvement Program, a project
aiming to restore and preserve various
wildlife habitats throughout developed
areas, according to Core.
Core points out bobcats are an
umbrella species, a versatile creature
associated with a wide variety of habitats.
Safeguarding bobcats habitat, he says,
will indirectly protect an abundance of
island wildlife. Tis study will produce
efects benefcial for other Kiawah
wildlife, writes Core. By applying what
we learn about bobcats we will also be
creating and restoring habitat for other
species.
Bobcats, among other wildlife piecing
together Kiawahs vibrant ecosystem, will
remain throughout ensuing years under
the Town and Conservancys watchful
eyes -- an efort to sustain a prosperous,
pristine habitat amidst a growing island,
according to Core.
We gain a better understanding of
their [bobcats] behavior every year, he
writes. It is always interesting to see
exactly where these bobcats travel and
how they move around the islandthey
are one of the resident wildlife species
that help make Kiawah so unique.
Bobcats continues from page 2
daily
F
reshfelds Village invites shoppers to bring their holiday gift lists and enjoy some
seasonal cheer at Sip, Shop & Be Merry on Saturday, December 17. Beginning
at 3 p.m., stores will serve up a variety of discounts and special ofers, along with
refreshments, snacks, gift-wrapping and other benefts designed to make the yuletide
bright. At dusk, guests are invited to head to the Village Green for a Holiday Happy
Hour and outdoor movie screening of the flm Christmas Vacation.
Scheduled events and happenings:
3 p.m. close- Freshfelds Village shopping event with in-store specials, refreshments and
activities
Coastal Footwear, Coastal Palms Island Apparel and SeaCoast Sports and
Outftters - 10 - 15% of all merchandise plus free gift-wrap and shipping on all
gifts. Tastings held at all locations.
Indigo Books - Former Post & Courier columnist, Ken Burger, will sign his
latest book from 3 - 5 p.m. Baptized in Sweet Tea is a collection of essays on
being a Southerner and growing up in South Carolina.
Islands Mercantile Afternoon refreshments while kids take part in a coloring
contest.
Isola and Te Resort Shop Refreshments, sales, and prizes.
Java Java - 3 - 5 p.m. for complimentary snacks.
Leggiadro - View the latest collection and enjoy champagne and strawberries.
Photographics - View new works from featured artists. Sample wine and cheese
beginning at 3 p.m.
Te Spot - Get a free pashmina scarf with any purchase of $30 or more from
3 - 5:30 p.m.
5:30 p.m. - Holiday Happy Hour on the Village Green with hot chocolate, eggnog, apple
cider, wine and beer available for purchase from Java Java.
6 p.m .- Outdoor movie screening of the holiday classic, Christmas Vacation.
Guests are encouraged to bring blankets and chairs. Contact Freshfelds Village at
768-6491 for more information or questions.
Sip, Shop & Be Merry
www.islandconnectionnews.com
December 9, 2011 3
T
his fall, Charleston Area
Terapeutic Riding (CATR)
celebrated 20 years of service to
the Lowcountry. CATR was founded in
1991 by Meta Carter and Eileen McGufe
who wanted to help children with special
needs. Te classes had a humble beginning:
two students, volunteer instructor Andrea
Smith, and a donated horse.
A newspaper ad brought dedicated,
reliable volunteers. CATR soon received
its 501(c) (3) non-proft status and MUSC
contributed tack and equipment. In six
months, CATR had gained national
accreditation, which is now NARHA
Premier status.
Te program grew through the
enthusiasm of teachers, therapists and
parents. In just fve years, CATR had a
Board of Directors and received its frst
grant from the Joanna Foundation. In
1997, CATR hired its Executive Director,
Murray Neale.
In 1998, CATRs Public School
program was launched with one class
from Memminger Elementary. Tis
program continues to serve children with
the greatest need in our community and
has worked with thirty-one self-contained
special education classes from twenty
public schools.
CATR has collaborated for many
years with the College of Charleston,
the Citadel, area private schools and
the occupational and physical therapy
departments of MUSC to provide learning
and volunteer opportunities in therapeutic
riding. Volunteers from Isle of Palms,
Sullivans and Mt. Pleasant make the trip
over to Johns Island just to be a part of
this unique efort.
In the past two years, their programs
have expanded to include Interactive
Vaulting as well as Horses for Heroes.
Tis program serves wounded military
veterans and active service members with
disabilities.
In 20 years CATR has grown to 140
students, 100 volunteers, 9 instructors, and
10 horses. CATR continues to improve the
lives of children and adults with disabilities
at the areas oldest nationally accredited
therapeutic horseback riding center.
For more information, visit www.
catrfarms.org.
4 December 9, 2011
www.islandconnectionnews.com
Daily
CATR Looks Back at 20 Years of Service
By Mike Arthur
(above) 20th Anniversary Celebration at Magnolia Plantation this fall. Current and former staf (l to
r): Andrea Smith, Founders Eileen McGufe and Meta Carter, Meggett Lavin, Murray Neale, Helen
Warren, Elisa Allan. (pictured left and right) CATR students.
December 9, 2011 5
www.islandconnectionnews.com
A
s runners from across the nation
are lacing up to participate Dec.
10 in the 34th annual Kiawah
Island Golf Resort Marathon, a handful
of driven locals are pacing the Sea Islands
in preparation for the 8 a.m. start.
An estimated 35,000 participants
nationwide -- ranging from ages 14 to 88
-- are planning to take foot on the scenic
course winding throughout the island,
including roughly 60 locals from Kiawah,
Seabrook, Wadmalaw and Johns islands.
Featuring a full marathon spanning 26.2
miles, as well a 13.1-mile half marathon, the
race draws in a wide-range of participants
varying in endurance levels.
Among the agile bunch is Kiawah
resident and long-time participant Bob
Schlau, who trains year-round for the event.
A two-time Olympic Trials qualifer
clinching spots in 1984 and 88 the
64 year-old cant help but approach each
race with a competitive outlook. I would
never run just to do it for fun, he says. A
race is a race. Teres no point to run in
one if youre not going to compete.
Schlau, whos won the marathon three
years in a row during the 70s when it frst
took of on the Isle of Palms, says hes
toned down in recent years, now averaging
12-mile runs six days a week, as opposed
to a former twice-a-day running routine.
At this point in my career, Im competing
to win in my age group, he says.
He looks favorably upon the courses
level terrain, saying hes always looking
forward to the brisk December run. Its
really a nice course, says Schlau, whos
preparing diligently for the full marathon.
Its hard to fnd an ugly place to run on
Kiawah.
Kiawahs course, beginning and ending
at the islands East Beach Conference
Center, boasts more than an oak tree-lined
landscape etched by winding marshes
flled abundantly with wildlife.
Certifed by the U.S. Track and Field
organization, the marathon serves as a
qualifed course for the renowned Boston
Marathon and Olympic Trials, according
to Liz King, the Resorts Outdoor Programs
director. King, who is overseeing the
marathon, says the renown race features
Daily
Photos Courtesy of Liz King
Olympic Hopefuls, Determined Locals
RunneRs lace up foR Kiawah islanD MaRathon
By JacoB flannicK
Unique to Kiawahs marathon, children are encouraged to cross the fnish line with their parents.
Marathon continues on page 7
6 December 9, 2011
www.islandconnectionnews.com
T
he Charleston Ballet Teatre will
present Te Nutcracker from
December 10 and 11 at the Gaillard
Auditorium and December 16 and 17 at the
North Charleston Performing Arts Center.
Resident Choreographer Jill Eathorne
Bahr choreographed the Nutcracker
over twenty-fve years ago. Tus, we are
celebrating our 25th Anniversary season
this year along with twenty-fve years of
Te Nutcracker.
What really sets this Nutcracker apart
is that it is set in 1850s Charleston. From
the Victorian colorful costumes to the
epic moving set pieces and backdrops, the
performance comes alive in lavish period
detail. Te opening market scene is set in
the Charleston Market on Market Street
with young Maria shopping for fruits
and gifts among the many merchants
of the market. Te party scene is also
uniquely set in a Charleston home with
familiar family names such as Lowndes
and other Charleston references scattered
throughout.
We have a professional dance company
of over twenty-fve dancers who all appear
in the Nutcracker along with students
from our extensive dance school program
and children from the Dorchester school
system performing in our NPAC shows.
Tis season we are promoting what we
call the Muttcracker, which is a partnership
with the Charleston Animal Society to
promote holiday adoption of homeless
dogs. At each of our public performances
both at Gaillard Auditorium and at
NPAC, we will feature alumni dogs from
the ASCPA adoption program. In the
lobby, the Charleston Animal Society will
have a table about adoption information
as well as available pups for adoption for
the holidays.
It is a beautiful, colorful, epic ballet
with falling snow and moving grandfather
clocks, dancing mice and all kinds of
wonderful choreography. Te Nutcracker
is a holiday classic that everyone will love!
For more information, visit www.
charlestonballet.com.
Stephen Gabriel as Uncle Drosselmeyer and Jennifer Muller as Maria with a Nutcracker.
Photos by scott NilssoN PhotograPhy
A Muttcracker Nutcracker
By Kyle Barnett
Celebrate the Holidays
at the Gibbes
MuseuM Hosts Free CoMMunity Day
ProviDeD
T
he Gibbes Museum of Art
announces a holiday-themed
Community Day on Saturday,
December 10 with complimentary
admission and holiday art-making
activities for children from 10 a.m. to 1
p.m. Community Days, sponsored by
Roper St. Francis Healthcare, are held
quarterly to ofer visitors the opportunity
to experience the Gibbes dynamic
programming free of charge. A special
musical performance by acoustic guitarist
Dr. Johnny Weeks will take place between
10 a.m. and 12 noon. Free cider will
be sampled in the Gibbes Courtyard
throughout the morning.
Visitors can enjoy the exhibitions
Breaking Down Barriers: 300 Years of
Women in Art in the Main Gallery and
Camera Works: Masters in Photography
in the Rotunda Galleries. Beginning with
Henrietta Johnstonthe frst female
professional artist in Americaand
continuing to the present, Breaking Down
Barriers: 300 Years of Women in Art examines
the challenges faced by women artists over
the past 300 years. Camera Works: Masters
in Photography features twentieth-century
masters of photography selected from the
Gibbes permanent collection and local
private collections including works by
Alfred Stieglitz, Margaret Bourke-White,
Alfred Eisenstaedt, and many more. Both
exhibitions are on view through January 8.
For more information visit www.
gibbesmuseum.org.
Photos by Julia lyNN PhotograPhy
Miles Couey participating in Community Day.
art & style
December 9, 2011
7
www.islandconnectionnews.com
financial
Ti de Char t

Date High Tide Low Tide
Hurricanes, storms, etc., are NOT included in the predictions.
Tidal current direction changes and tide time predictions can be
very diferent. Tide predictions are PREDICTIONS; they can be
wrong so use common sense.
Dec 9
Dec 10
Dec 11
Dec 12
Dec 13
Dec 14
Dec 15
Dec 16
Dec 17
Dec 18
Dec 19
Dec 20
Dec 21
Dec 22
Source: saltwatertides.com
6:59am/7:20pm
7:39am/8:00pm
8:17am/8:38pm
8:54am/9:16pm
9:32am/9:55pm
10:11am/10:39pm
10:55am/11:29pm
11:45am
12:25am/12:39pm
1:28am/1:40pm
2:33am/2:43pm
3:39am/3:47pm
4:42am/4:50pm
5:42am/5:50pm
12:28am/1:16pm
1:08am/1:55pm
1:48am/2:33pm
2:29am/3:12pm
3:10am/3:52pm
3:54am/4:34pm
4:42am/5:19pm
5:36am/6:08pm
6:35am/7:02pm
7:40am/8:01pm
8:47am/9:01pm
9:53am/10:02pm
10:56am/11:01pm
11:54am/11:5pm
A
s you know, the holiday season
can be joyous, hectic, celebratory
and expensive. And while you
certainly enjoy hosting family gatherings
and giving presents to your loved ones,
youll fnd these things even more
pleasurable if they dont add a lot more
weight to your debt load. And thats why
youll want to follow some smart money-
management techniques over the next few
weeks.
To begin with, try to establish realistic
budgets for both your entertaining and
your gift giving. When you host family
and friends, dont go overboard on your
expenditures. Your guests will still
appreciate your eforts, which, with a
little creativity, can create a welcoming
and fun experience for everyone. As a
guiding principal, keep in mind these
words attributed to Johann Wolfgang von
Goethe, the famous German poet and
philosopher: What you can do without,
do without. Set a budget and stick to it.
And the same rule applies to your
gifting. You dont need to fnd the
most expensive presents, or overwhelm
recipients with the sheer volume of your
gifts. Tis is especially true if you, like
so many people, have been afected by
the tough economy. Everyone you know
will understand that gifts dont have to be
lavish to be meaningful.
Furthermore, by sticking to a budget,
you wont be tempted to dip into your
long-term investments to pay for fabulous
parties or mountains of gifts. Its never a
good idea to tap long-term investments for
short-term needs, but can be especially bad
when your investment prices are down, as
they may well be this year.
So, if you want to stick to a budget but
you dont want to raid your investments,
how can you pay for your holiday season
expenses? If you can spread out your
purchases, you may be able to pay for
them from your normal cash fow. But
if thats not possible, you might want to
consider plastic your credit card.
Using your credit card does not, by itself,
need to amount to a fnancial setback,
especially if youve chosen a card that
ofers favorable terms and youve already
shown the discipline not to over-use that
card. Just try to minimize your credit card
usage over the holidays and pay of your
card as soon as you can.
Of course, you can make your holiday
season much easier, fnancially speaking,
if youve set up a holiday fund to cover
your various expenses. While its too late
to set up such a fund this year, why not
get an early start on the 2012 holiday
season? All you need to do is put away
some money each month into an easily
accessible account, separate from your
everyday accounts. You dont have to put
in a great deal, but you do need to be
consistent, which is why you may want
to have the money moved automatically,
once a month, from your checking or
savings account to your holiday fund.
When next years holiday season rolls
around, you might be pleasantly surprised
by how much youve accumulated.
But for now, following some common-
sense money management practices can
help you get through the holiday season in
fnancial shape and that type of result
can get your new year of to a positive
start.
Tis article was provided by Dimi
Matouchev at your local Edward Jones on
the Isle of Palms. For more information, call
886-9229 or visit www.edwardjones.com.
Manage Your Money This Holiday Season
Provided by dimi matouchev
this year three contenders qualifed for
the upcoming 2012 Olympic Trials in the
spring, in addition to three participants
aspiring to secure a spot in the trials.
Itll be fun to follow them, she says,
referring to trial qualifers and hopefuls.
Youre running alongside them now and,
hopefully, well get to see them represent
the United States in the Olympics.
Highly-competitive athletes are not
the only ones planning to set foot on
the course, however; novice and leisurely
runners have their sights set on the fnish
line, too.
For Johns Island resident Kathleen
Beck, the marathon is an opportunity to
fulfll a personal goal. She says she caught
wind of the race from her girlfriend and,
with her 40th birthday in the foreground,
decided in Sep. to develop a work-out
routine. Tats been a little kick in the
pants for me, she says, referring to her
approaching birthday. And its kind of
prompted me to other things that are
healthy, too.
Beck, a mother of two who runs a
business out of her bustling household, is
undoubtedly pressed for time; however,
she says crossing the fnish line in the half
marathon is among her top priorities. Its
on the bucket list of things for me to do,
says Beck. Its something not too many
people can say theyve done.
Te marathons location, she says,
leads her to view the race as a short-term
excursion. I have a total love afair with
Kiawah, she says. Im really excited for
this its just so pretty out there.
In addition to spotlighting the islands
enchanting setting, the marathon carries
fnancial value for Kiawahs economy,
according to King.
Island golf courses, restaurants and
rental agencies reap the benefts every
year from visitors fooding Kiawah for the
event, she says. It brings a tremendous
amount of revenue to local business
during an otherwise dead time of the
year. Tey hear about the race come and
down to participate and, hopefully, theyll
eventually come back to vacation here.
Te Resort will distribute for the frst
time a hefty $12,500 among frst, second
and third-place male and female fnishers
in both the half and full marathons.
Incentives for some participants to reach
the fnish line, however, lie solely in the
sport of running.
At 65 years old, Kiawah resident Dottie
Anderson considers herself a life-long
runner, consistently in motion for the past
39 years across various terrains. As a high
school teacher, she says she uses running
as a means to decompress after a strenuous
day at work. I just love running, says
Anderson, a former high school cross-
country coach. Its a big de-stressora
great way to clear and organize your
thoughts.
Although some participants are looking
to make a dash for the fnish line, Anderson
says she is going to set a steady pace for
the half marathon, expecting to fnish
in roughly 2 hours and 15 minutes. She
says shed like to see her knees continue
supporting her running expeditions.
My motto is diferent than others, says
Anderson. I want to run long-term -- Im
in it for the long haul.
For more info visit kiawahresort.com.
Marathon continues from page 5
8 December 9, 2011
www.islandconnectionnews.com
music
C
eltic folk music has infuenced
Christmas and solstice traditions
through the ages and across
cultures to create a diverse body of
Celtic mid-winter repertoire. Te
Taylor Music Group will perform both
sacred and secular selections, with many
taken from their recently released and
critically acclaimed CD, Sing We Now of
Christmas, a choral feast that will linger
long after youve heard it.
Te musics spell is enhanced by the
accompanying instruments, giving it a
Middle Eastern favor that is appropriate
to many of the selections dealing with holy
birth and holy mystery. Besides the catchy
lilt and sway of the Celtic fddle, the guitar,
mandolin, and the Celtic harp, there will
be various whistles and recorders, as well
as a variety of percussion instruments
including fnger cymbals, wood railings,
jingle bells, and bodhran. A bodhran is a
Celtic frame drum with an open end for
the hand to control the pitch.
Te exquisite vocal artistry of the 28
member Taylor Festival Singers will take
your breath away in stylish, imaginative
arrangements of carols and traditional
music. Mary Taylors Na Fidleiri will also
be part of this festive Christmas ofering.
Tis event will be held Sunday, December
11 at 4 p.m. at Holy Spirit Catholic Church.
Sponsored by the Town of Kiawah Island
Arts Council complimentary tickets are
available at Kiawah Island Town Hall. For
more information, please call 768-9166.
Celtic Christmas
on Kiawah
T
his December, the Charleston
Concert Association rings in
the holiday season with style as
the Boston Brass and the Brass All-Stars
Big Band present Christmas Bells are
Swingin! at the Gaillard Auditorium.
Te program sublimely captures the spirit
of the holiday season as the famed Boston
Brass quintet teams up with the Brass
All-Stars Big Band.
With 15 of the fnest musicians in
the business, the Boston Brass & Brass
All-Stars Big Band a veritable whos
who from the brass world performs
the best holiday music of the season,
highlighted by the famous Stan Kenton
Band Christmas Carols, audience sing-
alongs and much more. Te stage is flled
with four trumpets, four trombones, three
horns, a tuba and a rhythm section as the
band serves up the best of the holidays.
So get in the holiday spirit with some
of the old classics and your new festive
favorites, performed by the Boston Brass
and the brass All-Stars Big Band!
To purchase tickets, contact 1-800-745-
3000 or www.ticketmaster.com or for more
information, visit charlestonconcerts.org.
Christmas Bells
are Swingin
Provided
T
a
k
e

a

p
a
g
e
Johns Island RegIonal lIbRaRy
3531 Maybank Highway, 559-1945
houRs:
Monday Tursday: 10 a.m. 8 p.m.
Friday & Saturday: 10 a.m. 6 p.m.
Wee Reads (under 24 months with adult)
Mondays, December 12, 19 at 10:30 a.m.
Time for Twos (2 3 years old with adult)
Tuesdays, December 13, 20, 27 at 10:30 a.m.
Preschool Storytime (3 6 years)
Wednesdays, December 14, 21, 28 at
10:30 a.m.
Keyboard Basics (adults/young adults)
Tuesday, December 13 from10 a.m. 12 p.m.
Internet Basics (adu8ts/young adults)
Tuesday, December 20 from10 a.m. 12 p.m.
*All computer classes are free. For more
information please call 559-1945 and ask
for the Reference Department. Class space is
available for 8 participants per session.
Preschool Adventure Zone! (ages 3 to 6
years) Friday, December 9 at 10:30 a.m.
Scientifc adventures on a Preschool level!
Children will explore science and math
concepts through stories and hands-on
adventures.
PLAY with DAD: Who is Santa? (all
ages) Saturday, December 10 at 11 a.m.
Everyone thinks they know who Santa
really is. Could Santa be a duck, a dog or
even a little girl? Come to storytime to
fnd out who Santa really is.
Saturday Movie Matinee: Te
Zookeeper (all ages) Saturday, December
10 at 2 p.m. Rated PG; 90 minutes.
Sponsor: Te UPS Store, 3575 Maybank
Highway, Johns Island.
Porkchop Productions Present
Christmas, Te Measles and Me (all
ages) Tuesday, December 13 at 12:30 p.m.
Its three days before Christmas and
Santa has the measles. Tis audience
favorite promises charismatic characters,
precarious predicaments and a lesson
about giving that will warm the frostiest
of hearts.
Teen Movie Time: Harry Potter and the
Deathly Hallows, Part 2 (grades 6 - 12)
Tuesday, December 13 from4:30 6:45 p.m.
Rated PG-13, 130 minutes.
Round Table Discussions with
Councilwoman Johnson (adults)
Wednesday, December 14 at 12:30 p.m.
Councilwoman Anna Johnson of
Charleston County District 8 wants
to discuss your concerns and issues.
Representatives from the S.C. Department
of Health and Environmental Control will
discuss health issues, including diabetes
and chronic disease prevention.
PLAY: Baby, Its Cold Outside! (all ages)
Wednesday, December 14 at 6:30 p.m.
Come inside where its warm and hear
stories about cold days.
Book Explorers Preschool Book Club
(up to six years old) Friday, December
16 at 10:30 a.m. Each month the Book
Explorers read a book and do activities to
go along with the book. Tis a fun way to
build those Early Literacy Skills!
PLAY with DAD: Twas the Night
Before Christmas (all ages)
Saturday, December 17 at 11 a.m.
Come and listen to this classic tale and
then have some fun with a craft.
Sea Islands Book Club (adults)
Tuesday, December 20 at 2 p.m.
We will discuss the classic novel Te War
of the Worlds by H. G. Wells. Copies
of the book may be obtained from the
Reference Desk for check out while
supplies last.
PLAY: Jingle Bell Time (all ages)
Wednesday, December 21 at 6:30 p.m.
Join us for some holiday stories and create
a bell ornament to take home.
dIsplays
Heart Gallery Photography
December 1 - 31
Founded in New Mexico in 2001, the
Heart Gallery is a national program
that uses photography to fnd homes for
children lingering in foster care. For more
information, visit www.scheartgallery.org.
Precious Memories Display
December 1 31
Codie Poll will display various pieces of
her Precious Memories collection, which
include holiday ornaments, a pewter
Nativity set, and small fgurines.
Fri day, december 9
Sanctuary Santa Tuck-Ins
December 9, 10, 16, 17, 23 and 24 from
6 p.m. 8 p.m. Advance reservations
required. Please call Leisure Services at
768.6253. Complimentary. Held at Te
Sanctuary at Kiawah Island Golf Resort.
For more information, call 768-6330.
King Street Shop Walk
More than 35 King Street retailers are
ofering a night of discounted shopping,
holiday celebration, and entertaining fun.
Flash your passport for complimentary
treats. Held from 5-8 p.m. at Charleston
Place in downtown, Charleston. For more
information visit kingstreetshopwalk.com.
Saturday, december 10
Holiday Storybook and Tea with
Mrs. Claus
Saturday, December 10 - Sunday,
December 25 - 2:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Holiday Storybook Tea with Mrs. Claus
Join Mrs. Claus for an afternoon of
Christmas stories, hot cocoa and holiday
treats. Dont forget to bring your Christmas
wish-list! Tis is the perfect moment for
holiday photos with Mrs. Claus! Children
must be accompanied by an adult. Includes
a copy of the storybook read by Mrs. Claus.
$26 for adults. $18 for children. Advance
reservations recommended, please call
Leisure Services at 768.6253. Held Dec.
10, 17 and 24 at 2:30 p.m. at Te Morning
Room of Te Sanctuary at Kiawah Island
Golf Resort. For more information, call
768-6330.
Family Craft: Tye Dye
If its hip, if its cool, it must be tye-dye!
Create your Kiawah logo shirt with all the
colors of the rainbow! Dog friendly options
also available. $12. Held from 1:30 p.m.
- 2:30 p.m.at Night Heron Park Pavilion
at Kiawah Island Golf Resort. For more
information, call 768.6002 or ext. 86001.
Charleston Convoy of Hope
Te community outreach event will ofer
free essential goods and services such as
job training, employment opportunities,
groceries, haircuts, and health and medical
education for families in need on and
around Johns Island. Free. Sat., Dec.
10, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Held at the Haut Gap
Advanced Science Magnet School on
Johns Island. For more information, visit
www.charlestonconvoyofhope.org.
Community Day at the Gibbes
Te Gibbes Museum of Art announces
a holiday-themed Community Day with
complimentary admission and holiday
art-making activities for children from
10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. A special
musical performance by acoustic
guitarist Dr. Johnny Weeks will take
place between 10 a.m. and 12 noon.
Free cider will be sampled in the Gibbes
Courtyard throughout the morning. For
more information, visit
www.gibbesmuseum.org.
Te Nutcracker
Te Charleston Ballet Teatre will present
the Nutcracker from December 10 to 11.
It is a beautiful, colorful, epic ballet with
falling snow and moving grandfather clocks,
dancing mice and all kinds of wonderful
choreography. Te Nutcracker is a holiday
classic that everyone will love! Held at the
Gaillard Auditorium at 7:30 p.m. For more
information, visit charlestonballet.com.
Sunday, december 11
Holidays at the S.C. Aquarium
Welcome guest from the North Pole at
their special appearances in the Great
Ocean Tank at select aquarium dive shows
each day, see Scuba Claus swim with the
fsh, and enjoy Te Polar Express 4-D
Experience. Free with general admission.
Held through Dec. 23 at the S.C. Aquarium
in Downtown Charleston. For more
information, visit www.scaquarium.org.
Sunday Jazz Brunch
Tis long standing Kiawah Island tradition
features a collection of seafood specialties,
house-made charcuterie and other unique
crafted items by our very own Chef Ryley
McGillis. Adults: $56: Children: $20.50
(4-12; 3 and under are complimentary).
Reservations are recommended. Please
contact Leisure Services at 768-6253.
Held from 11:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. at Jasmine
Porch at Te Sanctuary Hotel on at Kiawah
Island Golf Resort. For more information,
call 768-6330.
Friends of the Library cart sale
Library discards will be available for sale
for $1 each at the Main Branch Library, 68
Calhoun Street in downtown Charleston,
at the Information Desk from 2 p.m. to
5 p.m. Every second Sunday. For more
information, look for the library on
Facebook.
monday, december 12
Christmas Bells are Swingin
Te Charleston Concert Association
rings in the holiday season with style as
the Boston Brass and the Brass All-Stars
Big Band present Christmas Bells are
Swingin! at the Gaillard Auditorium. Te
program sublimely captures the spirit of the
holiday season. Held at 7 p.m. To purchase
tickets, contact 1-800-745-3000 or www.
ticketmaster.com or for more information,
visit www.charlestonconcerts.org.
tueSday, december 13
Art Guild Open Paint Session
Held weekly on Tuesday and Tursday
from 5:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the Lake
House on Seabrook Island. For additional
information regarding the Art Guild Open
Paint Sessions, contact Colleen Wiessmann
at 768-9837 or Walter Sewell at 768-2436.
WedneSday, december 14
Total Body Toning
Weekly on Monday and Wednesday. Held
from 4 p.m. 5 p.m. at the Lake House on
Seabrook Island. For more information, visit
townofseabrookisland.org.
thurSday, december 15
Habitat for the Holidays
Santa Claus is coming to town early this
year for children living in Sea Island
Habitat for Humanity homes. On Tursday,
December 15, SIHH staf and volunteers
will welcome Santa and Habitat children
to the SIHH ofce for their 3rd annual
Christmas party. For more information on
Sea Island Habitat for Humanity or to get
involved with the event, please visit www.
seaislandhabitat.org or call 768-0998.

Tirsty Tursday at Bohickets Lounge
Held from 4:30 p.m. 6:00 p.m. at
Bohickets Lounge at the Seabrook Island
Club. 50% of bar drinks. For more
information, visit townofseabrookisland.org.
Buy Local Month
Lowcountry Local First, as well as the
three municipalities, encourage citizens
to spend their money in locally owned,
independent businesses. LLF will take
over a vacant storefront at 359 King St.
and set up a Mom and Pop-Up Shop
featuring 30 LLF member businesses with
vendor booths. Held Nov. 15-Dec. 15
Visit website for additional events. www.
lowcountrylocalfrst.org.
Fri day, december 16
Water Aerobics
A fun cardio workout with upper body
strengthening and stretching. Relieve stress
while splashing your way to better health.
Instructor: Carol Weiss Held weekly on
Tuesday, Tursday, Friday at 1:30 p.m.
2:30 p.m. Held at the Lake House Indoor
Pool on Seabrook Island. For more info visit
www.townofseabrookisland.org.
Saturday, december 17
Sip, Shop, and Be Merry
Stores will serve up a variety of
discounts and special ofers, along with
refreshments, snacks, gift-wrapping,
and other benefts designed to make
the yuletide bright. At dusk, guests are
invited to head to the Village Green for
a Holiday Happy Hour and outdoor
movie screening of Christmas Vacation.
Starts at 3 p.m. at Freshfelds Village
on Kiawah. For more information, visit
www.freshfeldsvillage.com.
Wright Brothers Day
Commemorating the day of Orville and
Wilbur Wrights frst fight in Kitty Hawk,
N.C.
Sunday, december 18
Te Holiday Festival of Lights
Come see the Southeasts most beloved
holiday festival. Te journey begins with
a three-mile drive through hundreds
of breathtaking light displays featuring
millions of twinkling bulbs. Stop to stretch
your legs, your spirit, and your appetite at
Santas Village and Winter Wonderland.
Held at the James Island County Park. For
more information, visit www.ccprc.com.
tueSday, december 20
Social Bridge at Te Island House
Join us for drinks at 5pm, dinner at 5:30pm
and play after dinner. You do not need to
make reservations to play bridge, but you
do need to make reservations for dinner.
Please call 768-2571 to make your dinner
reservations. Please let the hostess know
that you will be eating dinner with the
bridge group. Held from 5 p.m. 8 p.m.
Held at the Island House on Seabrook
Island. For more information, visit
townofseabrookisland.org.
WedneSday, december 21
First Day of winter!
December 9
Island Connection Calendar December 21
December 9, 2011
13
fishing
W
hile traditionally this season
conjures up thoughts of
the holidays, dont write
of fshing until the spring. One of our
fsheries greatest phenomenon is taking
place as the temperature drops. Redfsh
are building into huge schools, sometimes
numbering in the hundreds. Casting into
a pod of redfsh so big it looks like a dark
cloud in the water will make any anglers
heart skip a beat.
Tese schools form as the redfshs
metabolism slows down with the dropping
water temperature and they seek protection
in numbers from the faster dolphins.
Te redfsh will try to stay in as shallow
water as possible and come up onto the
fats at low tide in hopes of evading their
predator. In addition, on sunny days, the
mud fats will hold a few extra degrees of
temperature which attracts these schools
as well.
As you might expect, these fsh are
spooky, and if they are chased they will
not eat. Once a school is located, it is often
best to wait until the school eventually
comes close to you. Tere is nothing more
efective now than a chunk of cracked blue
crab putting out a scent trail in the water.
Rig these baits with a size 3/0 circle hook
and it is imperative that the hook point
comes cleanly out of the bait. Put the rods
in a holder and wait until the reel starts
singing before you pick it up.
Bait isnt the only way to catch these
redfsh. Fly fshermen have an advantage
here as fies can land softly and quietly.
Darker fies have been working the best
with a size #2 black wiggler drawing
some fantastic strikes. Should black not
work, dont be afraid to rotate over to a
size #2 white/chartreuse clouser minnow.
As always, aim towards the edges of the
school; a cast right over the middle will
send the fsh running for cover.
Sheepshead are also available and have
begun their seasonal migration ofshore,
although there will still be some stragglers
around. Youll want to target these fsh
around barnacle covered pilings or docks.
Fiddler crabs and pieces of oyster have
been working well. Suspend your bait
vertically next to pieces of structure using
a small sinker weight a short distance
above your hook. Te bite of these fsh,
sometimes referred to as convict fsh
because of their black stripes, can be
difcult to detect. Given their fght and
taste though, anglers fnd them well worth
the challenge.
See you on the water!
Capt. Geof Bennett operates Charleston
Charter Fishing providing fy fshing and
light tackle charters. Clients choose from a
full menu of fy rods, artifcial and live bait
fshing options with charters tailored to their
desires. USCG licensed and insured, Capt.
Bennett is committed to providing a safe and
enjoyable charter to anglers of all skill levels
and ages. For more information, call Capt.
Bennett at 324-3332, visit his website at
charlestoncharterfshing.com or email him
at captain@charlestoncharterfshing.com.
Reds Get Schooled
December fishing report
by capt. geoff bennett
14 December 9, 2011
www.islandconnectionnews.com
Computer Corner
I
ts almost Christmas and the deals they are a-fying! Please shop locally when you
can, especially computers, tablets, cell phones, etc. I know that most computer
gadgets, big or small, are not available from the mom-and-pop shops, but even if it
is a big box or franchise store its still local rather than a website. Sometimes you can
get a good deal online and sometimes that great deal can be beaten right down the road
from your house. A bit of checking, a bit of knowledge and you can fnd a good deal
locally with a place where you can bang on the countertop, if needed.
If a computer is going to break its usually in the frst couple of days, and having
bought it locally, you can take it back or that one fxed. If bought online, you have
to box it up, ship it, and hope it comes back soon. So shop locally! If in doubt use a
professional to help you.
So lets do a bit of education for that perfect laptop or desktop. If you are looking for
something to a bit of everything and not too pricey you should have these minimums:
A dual core processor either Intel or AMD
4 GB of RAM (depending on cost 3GB would do)
300 GB hard drive or bigger.
Tese would be good for any type of normal usage but a bit better would be an i3, i5
or i7 Intel processor - also called the CPU - or a quad core AMD CPU. Each stronger
processor generally comes with more memory and larger hard drive, but also an increase
in price.
For laptops, a good size for travel and use around the house is the 15.6. It has a
decent screen size, not to bulky or heavy, yet can be very good for all general needs. Te
larger 17to 19 have a larger screen and are good for watching movies, but can be a bit
cumbersome to carry around. Te smaller sizes like the 13 or the 10 netbooks are
both portable, yet the screen can be a bit small for viewing movies and some websites.
It all depends on your needs.
Remember: tablets play a big part today. Dont buy a $600 tablet to read books on,
you can fnd them much cheaper for that use. Tere are many popular e-Book readers
that are very reasonable and some that do much more than just allow you to read books.
Te more expensive ones are great but as with any computer products, wait a bit and the
price will come down with competition.
Te Apple products are great, but I just
wish the prices were a bit saner!
I hope your holidays are wonderful, that
all are healthy, wise and full of great cheer.
Tis year is winding down but next year is
right around the corner. If you have any
questions you would like answered just
drop me an email at the address below.
For more information, call Rent A Bob at
822.7794 or email rentabob@live.com.
Computers for Christmas
By BoB Hooper AKA rent A BoB
M
mmmmmm! Shrimp and
Grits, a Charleston specialty,
born from ingredients that
are available in abundance here in the
Lowcountry. Made with creamy stone-
ground grits, perfectly sauted shrimp and
topped with a spicy tomato-esque sauce, it
is served atop the aforementioned creamy
grits. Again, mmmmmmm! Good for
breakfast, brunch, lunch or dinner. I
love this dish, but I have a variation in
mind! Grits and Tenders. Beef that is,
beef tenderloin to be exact. While the
Shrimp & Grits dish is a marriage of
creamy and spicy, this dish is a marriage
of creamy and savory. But, lets start with
the base, the grits - the common ground
in both dishes.
First, submerge grits in cold water
(not any old grits mind you, but stone-
groundcertainly not instant). Tis
submerging in water allows the chaf to
rise to the surface so you can drain it away.
Te chaf is pretty tough and no amount
of cooking will soften it, but if you like
the chaf (and it certainly makes for good
roughage) skip the submersion in cold
water. Otherwise, drain away as much of
the water and chaf as possible.
Tis done, stir the chafess grits into a
mixture of boiling water, salt and butter.
Reduce to a simmer and stir regularly
for about 30 minutes. Grits are made of
corn and will stick, hence burn. Do not
be slack in the stirring. Reduce to a low
simmer and use the time between stirring
to prep other ingredients.
Once grits are swollen and begging for
more liquid, stir in heavy cream, or you
can use half and half. Go with heavy
cream, I say. Cook at a low temperature
and adjust with more cream to reach the
desired consistency think porridge. Tat
is how you cook grits!
Now for the tenders. Beef tenderloin
is where beef meets butter; the resulting
child is named Yummy. Cut tenderloin
into chunks, one inch pieces (or bigger),
and saut in bacon fat (in absence of bacon
fat, use clarifed butter or olive oil). Do
not crowd the saut pan. Its best to cook
no further than mid-rare.
Set tenders aside, covered tightly
with foil. Make roux (French for equal
measures of four and fat) with remaining
fat in same saut pan (add more bacon
fat if necessary) and cook until roux is a
dark brown. Make gravy with warm beef
stock. Toss in a generous amount of sliced
portabella mushrooms, fresh oregano
& thyme and cook until mushrooms
are done. You can also add caramelized
onions, which I highly recommend.
Roasted red bell peppers are good, too.
Portion grits into gracious bowls, or
even onto plates. Top each serving with
trenders and smother with the portabella
gravy. Serve with bread of choice and
tuck in. If cornbread, make it cornbread
mufns, but I prefer a bread you can
sop with, such as a toasted baguette
smothered with garlic, rosemary and
butter. Dont forget an adult beverage of
choice: red wine, dark beer or even a touch
of bourbon.
I havent given measurements for this
recipe, because this isnt baking, or rocket
surgery. Baking is more of a science,
requiring a certain exactness. Cooking is
more of a dash of this and that think
of the American painter Jackson Pollock.
You love thyme? Pile it on! Caramelized
onions? Pile it on! A little more butter,
extra bacon, less saltyou make the call.
If you would like somewhat accurate
measurements for this dish, or more delicious
recipes, you can contact Brian Sanders at
bp.sands1034@gmail.com.
Grits and Tenders
By BriAn SAnderS, tHe LunCH HooK
December 9, 2011 15
16 December 9, 2011
W
ith the fall season upon us I see many people out in their yards raking up
the leaves and putting them nice piles. Over the past few days I have heard
over my department radio companies from various St. Johns Fire Stations
responding unattended outside fres. Tis past spring there were several incidents of
unattended fres getting out of control that spread to nearby property. I would like to
provide some reminders as it relates to outside burning.
Outdoor burning is prohibited in the Towns of Seabrook and Kiawah
County resident should contact the South Carolina Forestry Commission toll
free at 1-800-968-3593 to obtain a residential burn permit.
Consider weather conditions before burning, such as low humidity and wind
conditions.
Te South Carolina Forest Law Handbook, Title 48, Chapter 35 states the
following requirements when burning outdoors:
Proper notifcation shall be given to the State Forester (Call the toll 1.
free number)
Such persons shall have cleared around the area to be burned and have 2.
immediately available sufcient equipment and personnel to adequately
secure the fre and prevent its spread. (Make sure the area where you are
burning is clear from areas you do not want to burn).
Te person starting the burning shall supervise carefully the fre started 3.
and have it under control prior to leaving the area. (Do not leave the area
and have a garden hose available to extinguisher the fre)
Tese simple steps will help reduce the spread of any outdoor burning and provide
for safety of our neighbors.
For more information, contact Captain James T. Ghi, Fire Prevention Specialist, St.
Johns Fire and Rescue Department at j.ghi@stjfd.org or call 296-8392.
Burn with Care
By Captain James t. Ghi, Fire prevention speCialist
A
foggy mountaintop can be pretty
disorienting and really lonely,
especially if you are pining away for a
lost love. For me, going into the Appalachians
for whatever reason is always a treat, but I
always feel, deep down inside, like a stranger.
I guess its because Im basically a fatlander,
something like one of those pesky tourists
always snooping around Hootin Holler and
bothering Snufy Smith. Whether you are
a visitor or a long-time resident, though,
our ancient Appalachians cant be beat for
natural history. Heres a native mountaineer
that is defnitely worth a thought or two.
Its a slender, native tree in the
mountains, found only at relatively
high altitudes. Youll see it in the
higher elevations of northern Georgia,
and western North Carolina, the very
easternmost parts of Tennessee, then
western Virginia and the eastern counties
of West Virginia. Farther north, it is fairly
widespread throughout New England
and into much of Ontario and New
Brunswick. Te trees are sometimes up
to about 30 tall, and they are commonly
seen in forest openings, or along roadsides.
Interestingly, its often a shrubbier plant
the farther north you go, where it may be
found at lower elevations.
Its leaves are prominently divided into
numerous sharply toothed leafets. Small
fowers, each with fve white petals, are
densely clustered as they open in late
spring. Te fowers are followed by brilliant
red fruits, which, anatomically, share many
features with that of an apple, or pear. Te
ripe fruit is about a third of an inch long,
containing mealy fesh and several seeds.
(Te botanical term for this kind of fruit
is pome, which of course sounds a lot like
the French word for apple, pomme.) Tese
fruits are highly prized as a food source by a
great variety of birds and other critters. Plus,
the leaves tend to turn yellow or red in the
autumn, and can put on a terrifc display. It
makes a beautiful plant in cultivation, but
it doesnt take heat very well, so fatlanders
like me wont have much success with it.
Balls ofre!!
John Nelson is the curator of the A. C.
Moore Herbarium at the University of South
Carolina, in the Department of Biological
Sciences, Columbia SC 29208. As a public
service, the Herbarium ofers free plant
identifcations. For more information, visit
www.herbarium.org or call 803-777-8196.
A n s w e r : M o u n t a i n a s h S o r b u s a m e r i c a n a
Mystery Plant
By John nelson
If I was on some foggy mountain top
Id sail away to the West
Traditional bluegrass lyrics
Whats Hot
Toys -for ToTs
Captain James T. Ghi, Fire Prevention Specialist with the St. Johns Fire and
Rescue Department wants to remind everyone that all of the St. Johns Fire
Stations are collecting for Toys-for-Tots. Tere
is a box at each fre station and they will be
collecting until December 8. Te toy should
be a new, unwrapped toy.
Photo by John nelson
18 December 9, 2011
T
he Pileated Woodpecker is the largest woodpecker in the Southeastern US,
except for the Ivory Woodpecker, which is widely believed to be extinct. Te
Pileated Woodpecker is crow-sized and is easily distinguished by its black body
and red crest. Both sexes have a bright red crest and the males have a red moustache,
which is not present in females. Tis species feeds mostly on carpenter ants and
beetle larvae, which are extracted from tree trunks. Tese woodpeckers excavate large
rectangular or ovate holes in trunks in search of insects. Tey often peel of strips of
bark to expose ant colonies. During the breeding season, males excavate large cavities
in tree trunks (usually snags) in order to attract prospective mates. Breeding pairs
are long-term monogamous and both sexes incubate the eggs and feed the young. A
female typically has four young per brood, which fedge when they are about a month
old but will continue to follow their parents for two or three more months to learn
foraging behavior. Te call of this woodpecker is quite loud and sounds like a series of
cackles. Individuals will loudly drum on trunks to advertise their presence and stake
their territories. Pairs will aggressively defend their territories throughout most of the
year but are more tolerant to visitors during the winter months.
Pileated Woodpecker
By Sarah Diaz