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Volume 10 Issue 24

March 27, 2015

FREE

Sullivans Island

Isle of Palms

Goat Island Dewees Island

Rare
leatherback
returns to
the wild

SWINGING
INTO
SPRING

ONE OF THE WORLDS

LARGEST REPTILES
S U C C E S S F U L LY
RELEASED ON IOP

Spring has sprung and the

islands are blooming as
residents and visitors
came out of hibernation
this weekend to embrace
the warm weather.

BY KATE DITTLOFF

FOR ISLAND EYE NEWS

Leatherback continues on page 7

The Sims Family strolls on the beach

PHOTOS BY STEVE ROSAMILIA

awkey,
an
endangered
leatherback
sea
turtle
found washed ashore in the
Lowcountry last week is headed
back to open water. The turtle was
released on the Isle of Palms, by the
South Carolina Aquarium Sea Turtle
Rescue Program and the South
Carolina Department of Natural
Resources.
Representatives from the Sea
Turtle Rescue Program and SCDNR
worked together to transport the
massive animal from the Aquarium
to the Isle of Palms. The team carried
Yawkey in a custom container,
donated by C-Con LLC, to the
waterline and released the turtle
back into the Atlantic Ocean. To
ensure the safest return of Yawkey
to the wild, the release was not open
to the public.
The rare sea turtle, found by
SCDNR on Yawkey-South Island
Reserve near Georgetown, S.C.
last Saturday, March 7, is one of
the few live leatherback strandings
reported in the United States, and
the first in South Carolina history.
Despite being lethargic, there were
no signs of external and trauma
and blood work showed the animal
to be in overall good shape. Sea

Owen Collins snares a frisbee thrown by his mom, Sterling Eason

Pam Anderson and Kaycee fly their kite.

INSIDE THE ISLAND EYE NEWS

I'M TELLING
YOU, I'M A
LEPRECHAUN
PG 8

SNEEK A
PEEK OF
DEWEES
PG 19

THERE'S
SOMETHING
FISHY HERE
PG 26

CIVIC

March 27, 2015

Sullivans council tackles lawsuits, parking,

off-shore drilling at March meeting
BY JENNIFER TUOHY

he Town of Sullivans Island

is currently involved in seven
lawsuits it was revealed at
the March 17, 2015 Town Council
meeting. This fact has prompted
Town Administrator, Andy Benke
to recommend council increase
the Towns litigation insurance
to $235,000 for the coming year.
As of March 17 the Town had
spent $20,000 out of pocket on
litigation, after its current policy
maxed out.
The seven lawsuits the town is
currently defending include two
that originated in 2010 and 2012,
(known as the SIES Referendum
lawsuit and the Accreted Land
lawsuit respectively), as well as
five that originated in the last 12
months. Of those 5, three have
been brought by private citizens,
Hal Coste regarding the building
of his treehouse, Paul Boehm
regarding a building expansion,
and John Doe over a decision
on a contiguous property. The
remaining two are related, having
been filed by The Obstinate
Daughter restaurants parent

ISLAND EYE NEWS EDITOR

companies in relation to outdoor

seating for the restaurant and its
sister business Beardcats Coffee
Shop.
For the Town [this number of
cases] is larger than what we are
normally accustomed to, Andy
Benke said in an interview with
Island Eye News. As of the last
council meeting we had spent
$120,000 on litigation, and our
policy covers us up to $100,000.
So we are $20,000 out of pocket.
Council has agreed to increase
the policy limits and as of April 1
we will have $235,000, he said.
Paid Parking
When council is not dealing
with the numerous litigation
matters on its plate, it has been
working hard to come up with a
solution to the issue of parking
on the island during the summer
time.
Police
Chief
Howard
and
Zoning
Administrator
Joe
Henderson
have
been
inventorying all the available
parking spaces on the island
to identify any problem areas;

areas where parking is unsafe, or

where parking should be allowed
but currently isnt feasible due
to non-conforming obstructions.
This preparation work was
originally being undertaken with
the view to implementing a paid
parking solution this summer,
however council has determined
that there is not enough time to
achieve that goal and, like the
Isle of Palms, is working towards
implementation in 2016.
In the interim however, the
Town is looking to institute a
wheels-off-the-pavement rule
where if all wheels of a vehicle
are not off the road it is not a
legitimate parking spot. Once the
inventory is done the Town will
know how many fewer parking
spots will be available on the
island.
We are looking at some
management measures, such
as right of way obstructions
and areas where we will require
all wheels of the vehicles to be
off the pavement, and certain
areas where we will no longer

www.islandeyenews.com

allow parking for safety reasons,

Benke said in an interview.
A
wheels-off-the-pavement
ordinance would need the
permission of the SC Department
of Transportation to go ahead.
Once the inventory is finished the
Town plans to schedule a public
meeting on the issue, potentially
for late April.
On the issue of parking, the
proposal to re-instate no parking
on one side of Middle Street,
which was experimented with
last summer, was once again
raised. Fire Chief Stith has said
that the way cars are configured
currently means that a fire truck
cannot get through Middle Street
in a safe manner.
Its a year round concern, said
Public Safety Chair Chauncey
Clark. But summer is busier.
Historically weve done it Fridays,
Saturdays and Sundays in the
summer.
Before any such plan is
considered again however, a
SI Council continues on page 4

CIVIC

March 27, 2015

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Comfort in a House Away from Home

Reconsider Paid Parking

Dear Editor,
In regards to the paid parking ordinances
under review for IOP and Sullivan's Island. I read
with more and more concern about the parking
ordinances proposed for IOP and Sullivan's Island.
While I agree that something has to be done about
the "day trip" traffic, I am concerned about how
residents will be impacted.
We own a house on Isle of Palms. As we are from
Illinois, when we are on IOP we are in a rental car.
Also we like to go to dinner on Sullivan's as well as
IOP. On Sullivan's the only restaurant with a sizable
parking lot is Poes Tavern. Dunleaveys, Sullivan's,
Obstinate Daughter and others have virtually none.
Will we have to buy a day pass to spend 2 or 3
hours at a Sullivan's Island restaurant?
When we are not in residence on IOP we rent our
house. What will happen to our renters who stay for
a week or a month do to visit various areas of the
two islands?
Can a system be implemented that identifies
island addresses, not autos, with dashboard passes
like Wild Dunes uses? These passes identify the
property address for owners in rental cars, renters,
personal guests, and properties where home
healthcare workers, housekeepers, nanny's, etc.
come on a regular basis, but not to use the beach.
In Chicago, where many neighborhoods have
more cars than parking spaces, restricted parking
street residents have windshield decals. They also
have an allotted number of guest parking dashboard
passes that are dated. Could something on this
order be instituted for Island owners, renters, their
guests, and regular visitors?

Dear Editor,
When my son Adam Simon was injured in
Afghanistan over two years ago, he was transported
to the Army hospital at Fort Bragg in Fayetteville,
NC. The wounds he sustained required numerous
surgeries and a hospital stay that lasted nearly 2
months. Fortunately, Fort Bragg has a Fisher House
just two blocks from the hospital there. For those of
you who arent aware, a Fisher House is best known
as a network of comfort homes where soldiers and
veterans family members can stay at no cost while
a loved one is receiving treatment.
My experience at the Fisher House could not have
been more comfortable. The staff was exceptional
in every way, and the rooms were outstanding.
Having the availability of this accommodation made
it possible for me or Adams dad to be with him
every day, without the added expense of a hotel. We
were able to give constant support to our son and
be continuously informed of his progress by all of
the medical staff, and thus be a part of his healing
process.
There are currently 66 homes that provide free
lodging in and around military hospitals, but none
in Charleston. Approximately 60,000 Veterans
are treated downtown at the Ralph A Johnson VA
Hospital. Some come from a distance with little
resources for overnight accommodations. The need
for a Fisher House in Charleston is undeniable.
Please think about this opportunity to honor
our veterans and support our troops by giving to
such a worthwhile cause. The website is: www. Beth Bowden
fisherhousecharleston.org, and donations can Isle of Palms
be mailed to:
Fisher House
Charleston, PO Box 829, Johns
All letters submitted to The Island Eye News must bear a full name,
Island, SC 29457-0829.I thank address and phone number for verification. Only the authors name and
God for our Veterans and your city will be printed. Submissions are accepted via email to jennifer@
luckydognews.com or mail to PO. Box 837, Sullivans Island, SC 29482.
support.
Letters may be edited for length and readability. The Island Eye
News reserves the right to reject letters that are libelous, unseemly,
Darragh Dunleavy
not individually addressed to The Island Eye News or that have been
Isle of Palms
previously published elsewhere. The Island Eye News will not publish
letters endorsing political candidates.

Civic Calendar

Recycle - WEDNESDAY, APRIL 1 - Recycle

Isle of Palms
886.6428
www.iop.net

Tuesday, March 31
City Council
6 p.m.
1207 Palm Boulevard
Wednesday, April 1
Accommodations Tax
Advisory Committee
12 p.m.
1207 Palm Boulevard
Monday, April 6
Recreation Committee
9 a.m.
1207 Palm Boulevard
Tuesday, April 7
Board of Zoning Appeals
5:30 p.m.
1207 Palm Boulevard
Wednesday, April 8
Personnel Committee

10 a.m.
1207 Palm Boulevard
Planning Commission
4:30 p.m.
1207 Palm Boulevard
Real Property Committee
5:30 p.m.
1207 Palm Boulevard

Thursday, April 9
Public Safety Committee
9:30 a.m.
1207 Palm Boulevard
Public Works Committee
5:30 p.m.
1207 Palm Boulevard
Sullivan's Island
883.3198
www.sullivansisland-sc.com

Wednesday, April 1
Coffee with the Chief!
Stop by for a chat about SI with
Police Chief Howard at his weekly
coffee "klatsch" with Island

residents.
8:30 a.m.
Cafe Medley, 2213 Middle Street

Monday, April 6
Council Workshop
6 p.m.
2050-B Middle Street
Tuesday, April 7
Municipal Court
6 p.m.
2050-B Middle Street
Wednesday, April 8
Coffee with the Chief!
See Wednesday, April 1.
Planning Commission
6:30 p.m.
2050-B Middle Street

Thursday, April 9
Board of Zoning Appeals
6 p.m.
2050-B Middle Street

* Bench Trials will be at a temporary Town Hall facility located behind the Fire Station, next to the Stith
Park (2050 Middle Street). Contact SI Clerk of Court directly at 883-5734 (Maria LoRusso) for payments
or questions.

Lucky Dog Publishing

o f SC, LL C
Publisher of the
The Island Eye News
and The Island Connection

Lynn Pierotti
publisher
lynn@luckydognews.com
Jennifer Tuohy
managing editor
jennifer@luckydognews.com
Swan Richards
graphic designer
Lori McGee 614.0901
advertising executive
Christian LeBlanc
social media
christian@luckydognews.com
Steve Rosamilia
photographer

Contributors:
Kate Dittloff
Amanda Wooddy
Sarah Harper Diaz
Marilyn Markel
Kathryn Casey
Dimi Matouchev
Arielle Alpino
Connie Darling
Bob Hooper
Carol Antman
Jason M. Mengel

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: APRIL 1
for our APRIL 27 issue
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 active
mailbox in our coverage area and are also available at area businesses. Contributions of information, pictures and articles are welcomed and are
used according to space limitations and news
value and cannot be returned except by special
request. Op-ed articles and letters to the editor do
not necessarily reflect the opinion of Lucky Dog
News, or its writers.
All advertising rates are listed at:
www.islandeyenews.com under advertising.

March 27, 2015

Park Foundation is contributing $41,500
to the cost of the courts and construction
is scheduled to be completed this summer.
With this project almost complete the Park
Foundation, a private, non-profit corporation
whose purpose is the development and
maintenance of the parks on Sullivan's Island,
is turning its attention towards a master plan
for the development of the mound and other
park improvements.

Renderings of Sullivans new Town Hall.

SI Council continues from page 2

Public Safety Committee meeting will be
convened and the commercial district tenants
will be invited to discuss their concerns.
Off-Shore Drilling Condemned
Council
unanimously
approved
a
resolution expressing the Towns opposition
to seismic testing and off-shore drilling
activities. Councilmember Jerry Kaynard
spoke at length on the issue, deploring
the negative impact it would have on the
environment and natural beauty of the area.
He urged council to write a letter expressing
its disapproval and also encouraged citizens
who feel similarly to do likewise. The
deadline for online comments is Monday,
March 30, visit www.boemoceaninfo.com
and make comments at www.regulations.

gov. The Town has produced a flyer to help

residents understand the implications and
commenting process, which can be viewed
here bit.ly/1CQKwV6.
Town Hall Moves Forward
The next phase of the construction of the
new Town Hall has begun, and a complete
set of construction drawings are at Town
Hall for public viewing. These are the final
drawings which the general contractor will
use to gather bids from sub-contractors.
We hope to have the bids back by mid-April
and finalize the contract with the builder by
the end of April, Benke said in an interview.
This timeline would put groundbreaking on
track for late May.
In other construction news, work will
begin on the rebuilding of the Poe Avenue
Park tennis courts located between Citadel
St. and Artillery Dr. The Sullivans Island

www.islandeyenews.com

Planning Commission Puts Kibosh on

7 Fences
The Planning Commission recommended
that council not move forward with amending
the ordinance for fence heights. A proposal
put forward by citizens concerned about the
possibility of coyotes jumping their fences
had asked that the allowable height be raised
from 6 to 7 feet.
In related news, Chief Howard reported that
coyote sightings have once again dropped off
substantially, even on the cameras he has
out, sightings of the animals have been few
and far between.
The seat left vacant by the resignation of
Planning Commission Chair Rusty Bennett
was filled at the March 17 council meeting by
the unanimous decision of council to appoint
Charles Cole to serve out the remainder of the
term. Gary Visser has assumed the position
of Chairman.
An update on the proposed development
in Mount Pleasant at the mouth of the Ben
Sawyer Bridge. The project, known as The
Atlantic, went before the Mount Pleasant
Planning Commission again this month,
only to receive a tie vote for a second time,
meaning the 15 acre mixed-use development
will now go back to the Town Council Planning
Committee without a recommendation.

5March 27, 2015

CIVIC

Public Works Facility stirs discussions

COUNCILMEMBER PROPOSES FACILITY MOVE TO MOUNT PLEASANT
BY KATHRYN CASEY

ISLAND EYE NEWS STAFF WRITER

he issue of whether to move

the City of Isle of Palms
Public Works Facility to
Mount Pleasant has been raised
by councilmember Jimmy Ward.
The facility is currently located
directly to the right as you come
onto the island off the connector.
Dumpsters and garbage trucks
are visible from the road and can
be seen as people drive past the
location on their way to Front
Beach or Sullivans Island.
The current facility is in the
gateway to the island and some
feel that is less than ideal, Linda
Tucker, City Administrator, said.
But a suitable alternative site
does not exist on the island.
Councilmember Jimmy Ward
is one of those people.
It seems obvious to me that it
should be moved. That is not the
best use for the property right off
the connector.
The Public Works Facility has
been under scrutiny from the City
lately due to the improvements
the current site needs in order
meet State standards.

The current Public Works

site needs some improvements
related to managing run-off
from the site, and in the next
couple of years, regulations will
require that the City replace the
underground fuel storage tank
as well, Tucker said.
The Public Works committee
has been weighing the cost
of improving the current site
versus moving the site to Mount
Pleasant. Ward, chair of the
committee, feels that it is more
cost effective to move the facility
to an entirely new location
that does not require so many
improvements.
However,
councilmember
Michael Loftus disagrees, and
believes changing locations of
the facility would in fact be more
costly. Not only would the city
have to purchase a new location,
the added mileage accrued by
garbage trucks could lead to an
increase in taxes.
It is not a good idea and will
definitely lead to a tax increase,
and I am 100 percent against

a tax increase for the citizens, This will provide an estimate

Loftus said. Loftus thinks the against which to weigh pros and
location is not
the issue, and
the city instead
needs to make
the necessary
THE LOCATION HAS BECOME LIKE
improvements
to the already
WALLPAPER, PEOPLE DONT NOTICE IT.
existing
~Michael Loftus
location
and
put
this
discussion to
rest.
The location has become like cons when discussions continue
wallpaper, people dont notice it. on the matter. Although both
Our staff are chasing windmills councilmembers are against a tax
on this project and their time increase for IOP citizens, the real
could be better spent preparing costs will need to be measured in
for the beach management order to determine if moving the
parking program or another city facility is actually cost effective
initiative.
or not. The recommendation to
Regardless of whether or continue to look for affordable
not the move is to take place, locations in Mount Pleasant
the Public Works committee will be brought to council at the
concluded at its March 12 March 31 meeting.
meeting that the staff should
continue to look for a suitable,
affordable location off the Island
for the facility to relocate to.

www.islandeyenews.com

Pete & Pat: Generations

celebrating green

PHOTO BY VINCENT MUSI

n the December 1947 issue of National Geographic magazine,

Police Chief Pete O'Neil was pictured at the St. Patrick's
Day parade in Thibodaux, Louisiana. Last week, National
Geographic photographer and Sullivans Island resident, Vincent
Musi photographed Petes grandson, Pat O'Neil, the mayor of
Sullivan's Island, in the very same B-flat hat, vest and Blackthorn
Shillelagh in honor of Saint Patricks Day. For pictures from the
islands Irish celebrations turn to page 8.

March 27, 2015

Leatherback continues from cover

Turtle Rescue Program team members are
unsure of what caused the turtle to strand.
During Yawkey's stay in the hospital, the
animal was given antibiotics, fluids and
vitamins. Over the course of a few days, the
turtle immediately responded to treatments,
enabling the Aquarium's veterinarian to clear
him/her for release. Due to the fact that
leatherback sea turtles do poorly in a captive
environment, it was priority for Sea Turtle
Hospital team members to return Yawkey to
the wild as quickly as possible.
Despite being cold-blooded reptiles,
leatherback sea turtles can generate some
body heat and can endure much cooler
temperatures than other sea turtle species.
Coastal water temperatures off Charleston
are approximately 58 degrees F, so Yawkey
was acclimated to coastal temperatures in
his/her tank by use of a water chiller. The
turtle has been tagged by SCDNR with a PIT

tag (microchip) as well as flipper tags.

As patients such as Yawkey receive
treatment and are released, it is important
now more than ever to execute the planned
expansion of the Aquarium's Sea Turtle
Hospital. In 2016, the Aquarium will open
a state-of-the-art Sea Turtle Hospital on
the Aquarium's first floor. This project will
significantly grow the capacity to rescue,
rehabilitate, and release threatened and
endangered sea turtles such as Yawkey.
The new facility will be equipped with triage
units, a private intensive care unit, deeper

www.islandeyenews.com

tanks, an exercise pool, laser technology,

and additional laboratory and life-support
space. The expansion of the hospital onto
the Aquarium's first floor will expose this
transformational learning experience to
430,000 annual visitors (only 16,000 visitors
currently tour the hospital annually). As
a non-profit, the Aquarium looks to the
community to support the construction of
this hospital. To help expand the sea turtle
hospital
visit
donate.scaquarium.org/
donate.

March 27, 2015

May the leprechauns be near you,

To spread luck along your way.
And may all the Irish angels,
Smile upon you St. Patrick's Day.

PHOTOS BY STEVE ROSAMILIA

Sullivan's celebrates
St. Paddy's Day in style

www.islandeyenews.com

March 27, 2015

www.islandeyenews.com

10

Sullivans Islanders host bird

migration workshop

March 27, 2015

BY SARAH HARPER DIAZ

arly April is peak migration

time for many bird species.
Some species of birds
are departing the Lowcountry
to begin their journey north
for the breeding season. Many
species of ducks and sandpipers,
Yellow-rumped Warblers, and
Cedar Waxwings will soon be
departing. At the same time,
many
neotropical
migrants
are beginning to arrive. Barn
Swallows, Common Nighthawks,
many warbler species, and
Ruby-throated
Hummingbirds
will soon be arriving and
establishing territories for the
breeding season. Other birds
are simply passing through our
area and never actually breed
here, such as Yellow Warblers
and American Redstarts. Early
April and early October are two
of the best times of the year for
bird watchers to see the largest
variety of bird species.
During the peak of this years
Spring Migration, The Sullivans
Islanders group is hosting a
Bird Migration Workshop on
Saturday, April 11. Bird walks
will be led by two local biologists,
Pamela Corwin Holbrook and
Sarah Harper Daz. Bird walks

FOR ISLAND EYE NEWS

are separated into age groups

(Children 5-12, Students 1317, and Adults 18+). At the end
of each bird walk, there will be
a bird banding demonstration
led by master bander Jennifer
Tyrrell. The workshop is free of
charge, but participants must
sign up in advance because there
are a limited number of spaces
available.
The bird walks will begin at
the Station 16 beach access
path (behind Battery Logan) and
will cover a variety of habitats.
Participants will explore the
different habitats of the accreted
land, the beach, and the open
field and will learn about the
migratory and resident birds
that rely on these habitats for
food, shelter, and for breeding.
Jen Tyrrell will explain in her
banding demonstration how
and why migratory birds are
safely captured, studied, and
released and how scientists use
this data in local and worldwide
conservation studies.
The
Sullivans
Islanders
Group
was
interested
in
hosting the bird walks because
promoting bird conservation is
one of the many aspects of their

groups mission. Group

member Julia Khoury
explained that the group
promotes conservation
of our natural resources
and
preservation
of
historic
structures. A black-throated Blue Warbler is safely banded and
The Sullivans Islanders released by a permitted bird bander.
group
promotes
maintaining and improving the
quality of life for all its citizens
through the safeguarding of
lands, maritime forests and
beaches. It is also against the overdevelopment of commercial and
private properties and its goals
lie in protecting historic homes
and public structures through
conscientious preservation.
The Sullivans Islanders group
has several videos posted on its
website about the importance of
the maritime forest ecosystem in
the accreted land on Sullivans
Island. The group has hosted
past events such as a trolley tour
The prothonotary warbler is found locally
of the island with Roy Williams,
during the spring and summer months.
nature talks with Billy McCord,
PHOTOS BY SARAH HARPER DIAZ
and live flight demonstrations
with the Center for Birds of Prey. please email Sarah Diaz at
dargan3484@gmail.com or call
For more information visit 843.478.3322.
sullivansislanders.com.
To
reserve a space for a bird walk,

12

Then there were 7

F I E L D F O R S U L L I VA N S C O U N C I L C O N D E N S E S
BY JENNIFER TUOHY

ISLAND EYE NEWS EDITOR

ennifer Holland and Paul Boehm

announced this week that they
are withdrawing their names
from the race for Sullivans Island
Town Council.
After further consideration of the
upcoming election, I have decided
to withdraw my name from the list
of candidates, Holland said in a
statement. With a new business
and young children, I feel it is best
to keep my family a priority. I know
four years will go quickly! I sincerely
appreciate all of your support and
encouragement and look forward to
the upcoming election."
Holland was running for one of
three open seats that will serve a 4
year term on council. Paul Boehm,
who was running for the 2 year seat,
also announced Monday that he had
decided not to run.
When I initially decided to run, it
was because of concerns I had for the
island. Although the school was a past
divisive issue, I think the Protected
Land is even more so, Boehm said
in an e-mail to The Island Eye. With
the necessity for a paid parking plan,
more potential development in the
commercial district, coyotes, fiscal
responsibility and new town projects,
we have many issues coming up that
may also be divisive, but need to be

resolved. Since I wasn't sure who was

going to run for council, I threw my
hat into the ring.
Now that I see who else is running
and how my fellow candidates have
my same concerns for the protection
of our precious island and way of life,
I no longer feel the necessity to run.
The other two candidates running for
the two year term should be able to
help resolve these tricky issues and
set the course for the island's future,
so I am bowing out. I want to thank
my fellow islanders who encouraged
me to run, Boehm wrote.
I had also hoped that my lawsuit
against the town would be over by
now and that is not the case. In
fact, based on the information I have
gathered, I think it is likely that more
lawsuits will be filed against the town
and likely that I will be asked to
testify in those cases. I think it would
be best to wait until my property
issues are resolved before I consider
running again.
This leaves five candidates running
for the three 4 year seats; Rita
Langley, Mark Howard, Bachman
Smith, Jerry Kaynard and Mary Jane
Watson, and two running for one 2
year seat; Sarah Church and David
Spurgin. The election will be held
Tuesday, May 5.

March 27, 2015

Domestic dispute
results in death on IOP
POLICE HAVE BUSY WEEKEND ON ISLAND
BY JENNIFER TUOHY

ISLAND EYE NEWS EDITOR

shooting on Isle of Palms Saturday, March 21, resulted

in the death of one man and the arrest of his wife for
murder.
We received a 911 call from the subject who stated over
the phone that she had shot her husband, Captain Usry of
the IOP police department told The Island Eye News. We
responded to a call at 21 24th avenue from a female later
identified as Doris Spann Argoe.
She told dispatch she had shot the victim, who was later
identified as Johnathon Arden Argoe. When we arrived we
found the victim on the floor with visible gunshot wounds.
He was still breathing and was transported by ambulance to
MUSC where he succumbed to his injuries, Usry said.
There were no other injuries reported and no further
impact on the neighborhood, Usry confirmed. Doris Argoe
was arrested that evening and charged with murder. She
had a bond hearing the following day, Sunday, where bail
was denied. According to court documents the shooting
happened during a heated argument between the couple
who were married in 2002.
The following evening, Sunday, March 22, a drunk driver
rear-ended one of the IOP Police Departments SUVs.
Last night we had a possible intoxicated driver run into
one of our officers SUVs causing that vehicle to flip over,
Usry said. The officer was able to get out and just has bumps
and bruises. He was released from hospital last night.
Highway Patrol worked the collision, and subsequently
arrested the subject, Townes W. Moore, charging him with
DUI and simple possession of marijuana, Usry said. The
accident occurred about 11 p.m. on Palm Boulevard between
10th and 9th Sunday night, the vehicle is out of commission.

March 27, 2015

13

Sullivans Police Report, January, February

01/03/15 Officers responded
to a residence in reference to a
domestic disturbance, on arrival
the officers located a male and
female who had been drinking
and admitted to being involved
in a physical altercation. Both
parties stated that the other had
assaulted them and were very
uncooperative with the officers,
both subjects were arrested
and while first responders were
treating their injuries the female
subject kick the firefighter and
the police officer in the face.
01/18/15 A complainant
reported that two male subjects
jumped the neighbors fence
and removed a kayak; the
complainant was able to give a
description of the subjects and
the vehicle. The next day the
vehicle was located at the Sta.
26 boat landing and officers
watched the vehicle until the
subjects returned and placed a
kayak matching the description
of the one stolen the day before
on top of the vehicle. The
subjects were stopped and after
the owner and witness were

summoned to the scene the

subjects admitted to taking the
kayak. The owner declined to
pursue with charges.
01/19/15 A complainant
reported that two ladders were
removed from the construction
project he was working on
and he believed an employee
had taken it. The investigator
confronted the employee and he
admitted that he had taken the
ladder; the complainant did not
wish to pursue charges if the
ladder was returned.
01/26/15 A complainant
reported that someone removed
an iPad from his unsecured
vehicle while it was parked on
Marshall Boulevard.

reported that his vehicle had

been stolen from his yard, but
after the complaint was issued
the vehicle was found near the
residence and the complainant
believed some friends had
tricked him by moving the
vehicle.
02/09/15 Officers responded
to an argument between a
mother and son, on arrival it
was learned that the female
was highly intoxicated and had
smashed a wine glass and cut
her hand. The female agreed to
go to the hospital and the son
agreed to leave the house.

02/06/15 A complainant
reported that someone entered
his unsecured vehicle and
removed a pistol.

02/09/15 Officers responded

to an accident, on arrival the
officer learned that a white van
had struck a parked vehicle.
The officer located the vehicle
and the driver, after speaking
to the driver it was learned that
the driver was intoxicated and
advised EMS that she wanted
to hurt herself. EMS transported
the subject to the hospital and
the subject was cited.

02/08/15 A complainant

02/25/15 Officers responded

02/06/15 A complainant
reported that someone removed
a watch from her vehicle while it
was parked in her yard.

www.islandeyenews.com

to a report of a house fire, on

arrival the officer observed
the house engulfed in flames
and smoke, fire department
personnel extinguished the fire,
the officer maintained traffic and
crowd control.
02/25/15 A complainant
reported that he had received
a letter from the IRS stating
that his income tax was not
completed, the complainant
had not file his taxes and when
he contacted the
IRS realized that
someone had
attempted to use
his identity and
file his taxes

Is l a nd E y e C a l e nda r

March 27

ONGOING

Mondays
Memoir Writing Circle
Every Monday at 10:30 a.m.
Come, write and share your
stories. CCPL Poe Branch
Library, 1921 Ion Avenue.
883.3914.

Tuesdays
Time for Twos
Every Tuesday at 10:30 a.m. Join
Mrs. Mac for stories, songs and
crafts. Suggested ages 24-36
months. Poe Branch Library, 1921
Ion Avenue. 883.3914.

Wednesdays
Cafe Medley Wine Tasting
Every Wednesdays, 6-8
p.m., $5, $13 with cheese
plate. 2213 Middle St. Middle
Street, Sullivans Island. Call
843.793.4055.

Barn Jam
6 10 p.m. The Awendaw Green
Barn every Wednesday, 6-10 p.m.
$5 at the door, all ages welcome.
Enjoy a night of diverse music
from around the globe on the
uniquely bohemian ground of the
Sewee Outpost. Wood fired pizza
and fresh grilled oysters (while in
season) will be available as well
as libations. www.facebook.com/
awendawgreen.

Thursdays
Mah Jongg Nights (adults)
Poes Library hosts Mah Jongg
Thursdays at 6 p.m. Learn to
play American Mah Jongg. No
experience necessary. 1921 Ion
Avenue, 883.3914.
Fridays
Party at the Point
Charlestons premier happy hour
concert series, Party at the Point,
is back for its 15th season. The
spring/summer concert series is
set to kick-off on Friday, April 24
with Departure, The Ultimate
Journey Tribute Band. The
weekly outdoor concert takes
place every Friday afternoon from
5:30 p.m. until 9:30 p/m/ at the
Charleston Harbor Resort and
Marina on Patriots Point and
features a full cash bar, including
draft specials. The 2015 summer
season will run from Friday, April
24 through Friday, June 26.
DAILY
Weeki Wachee Mermaids
March 27 - April 5. This spring
break be sure to include the World
Famous Weeki Wachee Mermaids
in your plans. A total of four
mermaids will entertain guests
at the South Carolina Aquarium.
During each show, the mermaids
will delight guests with a highly
technical and choreographed
routine to a musical number
inspiring visitors of all ages. The

shows take place at 11 a.m., 1

p.m., and 3 p.m. daily and are
included with general admission
to the Aquarium.
Hogs
Crabpot Players presents Hogs.
The play will run for three
weekends, from March 12 to
March 28. For more information
and to purchase tickets, visit the
Crabpot Players website at www.
crabpotplayers.com or give them a
call at 888-303-0763. The theatre
is located at 1137 Johnnie Dodds
Blvd. in the Stuckey Furniture
shopping center off Highway 17 in
Mt. Pleasant.

Saturday, March 28
The Cooper River Bridge Run
This 10k race, one of the largest
in the Southeast, attracts tens
of thousands of runners and
walkers and begin in Mount
Pleasant, spans the Ravenel
Bridge and ends downtown with
post-race festivities in Marion
Square. For more information go
to bridgerun.com.
Youth Football Tryouts
Tryouts for a new youth football
traveling team to be known as
the Mount Pleasant Mayhem.
The Mayhem will field three
teams with children between 7
and 13 years of age, including
a 12U team (ages 11-13), a 10U
team (ages 9-11) and an 8U team
(ages 8-7). The March 28 open
combine tryouts will be held at
the Long Point Community Field,
574 Needlebrush Parkway, Mt.
Pleasant, or email mpmayhem@
yahoo.com.
PLAY: How Does Your
Garden Grow?
10:30 a.m. Take a tour of the
Community Garden and plant
some seeds to start your own
garden. Poe Branch Library, 1921
Ion Avenue, 843.883.3914.
Local Living: Tips from the
Community Garden
12 p.m. Want to know what
grows best in island soil? Tour

the Community Garden and have

your questions answered by our
wise botanical caretakers. Poe
Branch Library, 1921 Ion Avenue,
843.883.3914.

Sunday, March 29
Lowcountry Cajun Festival
12 - 6 p.m. James Island County
Park. Bringing Louisiana to the
Lowcountry, Cajun Fest is a
full-day of foot-stompin tunes,
hot and spicy foods, childrens
activities and all around ragin
Cajun entertainment. Throughout
the day, enjoy live music
performed on stage by Roux du
Bayou Cajun Band and Jeffrey
Broussard & the Creole Cowboys.
No coolers, outside beverages,
or pets permitted. Festival
admission: $15 for adults (13 and
up); free for children 12 and under
and Gold Pass holders.

Wednesday, April 1
U.S. Relations with Russia
and Eurasia
6 p.m. The World Affairs Council
of Charleston will present its
fifth speaker of the season at
the Citadel Alumni Center.
(Social Reception begins at
5:15.) The speaker is former U.S.
Ambassador to Russia, James F.
Collins. More information can be
found at www.wacharleston.org or
by calling 843.729.6743.

Friday, April 3
Aging Gracefully: Your Plan for
Aging in Place
10:30 a.m. The Greater Charleston
Aging in Place Council continues
a 3-part series on anticipating
future needs and creating a
plan for successful aging at
home. Reservations requested,
call 843.883.3914 or email
schweitzerd@ccpl.org. Poe Branch
Library, 1921 Ion Avenue.

Saturday, April 4
Easter Eggstravaganza
9 11 a.m. Blackbeards Cove

Family Fun Park will celebrate

Easter on Saturday, April 4
with an Easter Eggstravaganza
featuring Breakfast with the
Easter Bunny and a park-wide
Easter Egg Hunt. Tickets are
$10 for adults and $8 for kids.
For more information visit www.
BlackbeardsCove.net
PLAY: DIY Arts and Crafts with
Ms. Grace
10 a.m. Ms. Grace helps young
hands create fun paper and felt
projects. Poe Branch Library,
1921 Ion Avenue, 843.883.3914.

Sunday, April 5
Easter Sunrise Service at
Magnolia Gardens
Old St. Andrews Parish Church
and St. Andrews Mission Church
will gather for an Easter Sunrise
Service at Magnolia Plantation
and Gardens on the banks of
the Ashley River. The 6:30 a.m.
service on Sunday, April 5, will
be held on the lawn outside The
Carriage House. Parking is free.
Following the service, attendees
will be offered free admission to
the gardens.

Tuesday, April 7
TECH TUESDAY:
Discovering Zinio
12 p.m. Download your favorite
magazines to your tablet or
computer for free though CCPLs
website. Poe Branch Library,
1921 Ion Avenue, 843.883.3914.

Saturday, April 11
Bird Migration Workshop
See story page 10. For more
information about the workshop
and to reserve a space or spaces
for a bird walk, please email
Sarah Diaz at dargan3484@
gmail.com or call 843.478.3322.
Pet Fest
April 11 and April 12. Pets, their
owners, and those in search
of a new pet are invited to join

May 30
Charleston County Parks for
a full weekend of exhibits,
demonstrations, experts,
entertainment, and more at the
Lowcountrys premier pet festival,
10 a.m. 4 p.m. each day at
Mount Pleasant Palmetto Islands
County Park.
PLAY: STAR Therapy Dogs
10:30 a.m. Share books with a
furry friend. CCPL Poe Branch
Library, 1921 Ion Avenue.,
843.883.3914.
Civil War 150th
Fort Sumter National Monument
will host four days of events
to commemorate the 150th
anniversary of the re-raising of
the United States flag over Fort
Sumter. Civil War reenactors will
be stationed at Fort Sumter from
April 11-14, and the 8th Georgia
band will perform period music
at Fort Moultrie at 2 p.m. on April
11. Special evening excursions to
Fort Sumter will be offered from
April 10-12. For more details on
these and other events visit www.
fortsumtertrust.org

Saturday, April 18
Round on the Mound
Come out and support the
Sullivan's Island Park Foundation
by buying a ticket for the 2nd
Annual Round on the Mound.
Music will be provided by the
Nashville Songwriters. Beer and
wine provided by Bottles and
Palmetto Brewery. For more
information and tickets visit:
SullivansIslandParkFoundation.
org
18th Annual Palmetto Pump &
USA Climbing Competition at
the Climbing Wall
James Island County Park
will host the largest outdoor
climbing competition in the
Southeast. Climbers of all ages
and abilities are invited to
compete, and no competition
experience is necessary. The
competition will take place from
8 a.m. - 2 p.m. Spectators are
free of charge with the parks

$1 per person admission fee.

Competition is open to ages 4
and up. Registration is open
through April 16. Register at
CharlestonCountyParks.com or
come out April 18 to witness this
show of strength, balance and
endurance from some of the best
climbers in the region. For more
information, call The Climbing
Wall at James Island County Park
at 843.406.2003.
Beachlovers Bookclub
The Edgar Allan Poe Library will
be discussing Hemingways A
Moveable Feast at 10:30 a.m. at
the library.

Saturday, April 25
Run for Adela
The 6th annual RUN FOR ADELA
will be held Saturday, April 25,
2015 at 8:30 a.m. on Sullivans
Island, Station 16. This family
friendly 5K (3.1 miles) is the only
race in Charleston that allows
participants to enjoy the beaches
of Sullivans Island while running
or walking. The race starts and
finishes at Station 16.

Saturday, May 2
Night at the Races
4 - 9 p.m. Junior League of
Charleston will host Charlestons
only derby gala at the Daniel
Island Club. The event includes

live Kentucky Derby coverage,

silent and live auction, live music,
derby-inspired food, an open bar,
and of course, high fashion and
hats! Tickets prices are $100. VIP
tickets are available for $175. To
purchase tickets please visit www.
jlcharleston.org.

Saturday, May 16
Charleston Beer Garden
12 - 8 p.m. The 4th Annual
Charleston Beer Garden will
take place at its new home, The
Grove at Patriots Point in Mount
Pleasant. The festival will feature
more than 30 craft beers on tap
from breweries across the U.S.
Advance Tickets $25 for General
Admission and $50 for VIP
Grove Admission through May
15. For more information visit:
CharlestonBeerGarden.com.

Saturday, May 30
14th Annual Lowcountry Splash
On May 30 swimmers from
around the world can Getting
Under It during Charlestons
premier swim event. The recently
added 5 mile swim across the
Cooper River is an addition to
the original 2.4 mile swim along
the Mount Pleasant shoreline. To
sign up or for more information
on the Lowcountry Splash and
swim camp visit the new updated
website at lowcountrysplash.com.

16

March 27, 2015

COMPUTER CORNER

Apple Watch and Microsoft Windows 10 are coming

BY BOB HOOPER

FOR ISLAND EYE NEWS

pple came out with their

big news this month, the
Apple Watch will be in
stores next month. I'm sure all
Dick Tracy Fans will just have
to have one, but you still need
to have your iPhone in your
pocket/purse (or nearby) to use
the watch as a phone. At $350
for the cheapest version I'm
not sure having something that
needs something else to work is
what I need or want.
On a related note, iOS 8.2
update has hit your phones and
pads, its supposed to fix a bunch
of bugs but what most people are
talking about is the new app
that cannot be removed. Its
purpose is to link your iPhone
with your new Apple Watch, and
thus only useful to those who are
planning on spending $350 (or
$10,000 for the edition version)
on the watch.
It seems now that Windows 10
release date will be late 2015 and
still (at this time) will be a free
upgrade from 7 or 8/8.1. The
upgrade will be free for a year after
its release, and I would suggest
waiting at least a few months to

see what kinds of bugs are in

the new software prior to
doing the update. It's
supposed to marry
the best of 7 and 8
along with major
updates and fixes
that will help with
all the attacks
on your data.
Regardless
of
what operating
system you use
in the future
remember
to
always consider
carefully what you
allow out onto the
internet, as far as
personal data goes.
Malware seems to
be going through some
changes lately, with all the
old stuff still around ready to
pounce on the unsuspecting,
plus new variants try to run
in the background without
showing themselves. Many of the
hackers or bad guys really just
want data, yours or someone
you correspond with, they don't
care, just data. How long you

are

on the internet,
where you go, what
you buy, who you
send emails to,
who you like
or
dislike
and on and
on.
The
amount
of
information
being
stored
by
companies
as
anonymous
data
is
being rivaled
by the info
being gathered
about you by
bad people or even
just advertisers. I
don't remember how
many eggs I bought last year
but my local grocery store does

and I'm not sure I like it. If your

computer seems sluggish or
just not working like it should
consider getting a pro to comb it
for malware.
Finally,
Pixelmator
and
iTranslate are two neat apps for
your iPad/iPhone. Pixelmator is
Photoshop for those of us who do
not spend all day fixing photos.
It does not take long to master
and is just $9.99. iTranslate is
free ($4.99 for premium) for up
to two languages (say Spanish
and English) and will allow two
iPad users to converse easily in
their own language. Both are
available in the App Store.
As with all of my columns if
you want help or have questions
don't hesitate to call Rent A Bob
at 843.822.7794 or email at
rentabob@live.com.

Enjoy A
Moveable Feast
BY CONNIE DARLING

FOR ISLAND EYE NEWS

IF YOU ARE LUCKY ENOUGH TO HAVE LIVED IN PARIS AS A YOUNG

MAN, THEN WHEREVER YOU GO FOR THE REST OF YOUR LIFE, IT
STAYS WITH YOU, FOR PARIS IS A MOVEABLE FEAST.
~Ernest Hemingway

ublished posthumously
in 1964, A Moveable
Feast remains one of
Ernest Hemingway's most
beloved works. It is his
classic memoir of Paris in the
1920s, filled with irreverent
portraits of other expatriate
luminaries such as F. Scott
Fitzgerald and Gertrude
Stein; tender memories of
his first wife, Hadley; and
insightful recollections of
his own early experiments
with his craft. It is a literary
feast, brilliantly evoking the
exuberant mood of Paris
after World War I and the
youthful spirit, unbridled
creativity, and unquenchable
enthusiasm that Hemingway
himself epitomized.
The Beachlovers Book
Club
will
discuss
A
Moveable Feast on April
18 at 10:30 a.m. at the Poe
Library. All are welcome,
there will be coffee, treats
and great conversation.
For more information contact Connie Darling at Darlingc@ccpl.org
or call 843.883.3914.
www.islandeyenews.com

March 27, 2015

Family Circle Cup player field announced

17

E I G H T O F T H E T O P 2 0 I N T H E W O R L D F E AT U R E D ; F I V E W I L D C A R D S L E F T
BY ARIELLE ALPINO

FOR ISLAND EYE NEWS

he preliminary main player draw for the Family Circle Cup is

officially complete for the 43rd tournament, April 4 12. The
world-class player field forming for the Family Circle Cup on
Daniel Island is headed up by eight of the top 20 players in the world.
Five additional players will join the field via wild card entry, to
be announced at a later date.
The Family Circle Cups 56-player draw is made up
of 43 direct entries into the tournament, five wild
cards and eight qualifiers.
The depth in our player field is what we strive
for each year, said Eleanor Adams, Tournament
Manager for the Family Circle Cup. From
top-ranked players like Ekaterina Makarova
and our champion Andrea Petkovic, to the
next generation of talent, we are certain the
diversity of players within the field this year
will bring fierce and entertaining competition
on the courts.
Highlights from the Main Draw include:

20
countries
represented
in
the
international player field

Eight players in the top 20 in the world:
Ekaterina Makarova, Andrea Petkovic, Lucie Safarova,
Sara Errani, Anqelique Kerber, Madison Keys, Shuai Peng,
Barbora Zahlavova Strycova

Four past Family Circle Cup Champions: Andrea Petkovic
(2014), Samantha Stosur (2011), Sabine Lisicki (2009) and Jelena
Jankovic (2007)

Nine Americans in the field

Local Charleston player Shelby Rogers qualifies for the 2015
Family Circle Cup main draw

Madison Keys, top ranked American player in the field,
currently World No. 18 after reaching the Australian Open semifinals

At the top of the Family Circle Cup player field is Ekaterina

Makarova. 2015 will mark her first time playing Charleston in five
years. She broke into the WTA singles top 10 for the first time in her
career in January 2015, stemming from a standout 2014 season that
included a singles quarterfinals appearance at Wimbledon, and
her first Grand Slam singles semifinal at the US Open.
Current Family Circle Cup champion Andrea Petkvoic
had a major comeback during the 2013-2014 season.
After her Family Circle Cup win, Petkovic reached
her first career Grand Slam semifinal at the French
Open. She went on to reach the semifinals in
Stanford, before taking home an additional WTA
title at Bad Gadstein. Petkovic started the 2015
season with a win in Antwerp in February 2015.
Safarova will play Charleston for her fifth time
in 2015. After making the finals in both singles
and doubles in 2012, losing to Serena in singles
before taking the doubles win, she has gone on
to make the Family Circle Cups quarterfinals the
last two years. Safarova reached an additional four
quarterfinals following the 2014 Family Circle Cup,
as well as the semifinals at Wimbledon and Moscow.
Most recently, she won the title in Doha in February 2015.
Rounding out the top-four in Charlestons player field is Sara
Errani. This years tournament will be her third time playing the
Family Circle Cup. Errani reached the quarterfinals at two Grand
Slams in 2014, the French and US Open, as well as the finals in
Rome and Paris. Errani won her first title of 2015 in Rio de Janeiro.
The Family Circle Cup takes place April 4 - 12 on Daniel Island.
Tickets for the event can be purchased via the Family Circle Cup
website. For more information on the event, visit familycirclecup.com.

www.islandeyenews.com

18

March 27, 2015

Isle of Palms police officers met with residents at

ACME Lowcountry Kitchen for Coffee with a Cop,
March 18.
PHOTOS BY STEVE ROSAMILIA

www.islandeyenews.com

20

ROADTRIPS CHARLESTON

Dewees Island: A beach

vacation without the crowds
BY CAROL ANTMAN

FOR ISLAND EYE NEWS

f your vacation calls for a detox from

the debilitating effects of modern life,
if youre craving a big dose of nature,
youll be happy to hear that your remedy
is only a 20 minute boat ride from the
Isle of Palms. Step aboard the hourly
ferry and exhale. Youll feel like the King
or Queen of the Nile as you cruise the
Intracoastal Waterway to the parallel
universe of Dewees Island. No traffic
lights, just trees; no cars, just golf carts;
no noise, just birdcalls and lots of peace
and quiet. Over 95 percent of the 1,200
acre island is in its natural state with
only 64 secluded houses flanked by one
of the most pristine and private beaches
in the country.
In 1989 Hurricane Hugo decimated
the coast and left Dewees Islands habitat
in tatters. Two years later John Knott
surveyed the damage and claimed that
the environment and development are
natural allies. He envisioned building
a
community
with
environmental
considerations as the cornerstone.
Dewees website brags that all the rules
of traditional beachfront real estate
development were broken, in a process
driven by restoration, preservation, not

destruction and removal. Private boat

docks, golf courses and manicured
lawns are prohibited. Homeowners
are required to use indigenous plants,
natural surfaced driveways and energyand water-efficient designs. Dunes were
re-nourished using boardwalks, sand
fencing and the requirement that all
houses be built away from the shore.
The result is a self-selected group of
environmentally attuned homeowners.
About 12 families live full time on the
island. Two or three even send their
children to school on the mainland,
commuting by ferry. The kids unique
perspectives are derived from a
combination of learning with their peers
and running barefoot in the freedom of
their island home. Luckily, many of the
homes are available for vacation rental.
Some of the allure of visiting Dewees
is the proximity of Charleston, especially
for those who live elsewhere. But many
locals take advantage of the destination
for romantic weekends or extended family
gatherings. Often theres a matriarch or
Roadtrip continues on page 21

www.islandeyenews.com

March 27, 2015

5March 27, 2015

Roadtrip continues from page 19
patriarch who has the means to be the
host and the desire to create priceless
family memories.
Kids love it out there. They feel like
Huck Finn, says Emily Watson of
Dewees Rentals. Readers whove envied
the lifestyle of island children growing up
in the 1950s as described in Josephine
Humphreys Sullivans Island will find it
here. Kids can run around unattended,
crabbing and fishing and exploring
without danger. Family time might
include hitting the beach at sunrise with
the islands turtle team to identify nests
or help hatchings scamper to the water.
Kayaks sit ready to grab and explore
for alligators and birds in the marshes.
The resident naturalist and two summer
interns lead programs like creek floats,
fishing, crabbing and a colorful golf cart
parade. Adults can enjoy concerts, art
shows and happy hours in the beautiful
Huyler House community room. A salt
water swimming pool, tennis courts,
game room with ping pong, a nature
center, fishing and crabbing docks and
picnic tables on most beach boardwalks
add to the fun.
Every house is unique. Right beside
the Huyler House community room are
one-bedroom condos that adjoin the pool
and can comfortably sleep two for under
$2,000 a week. The top of the line Ocean
Retreat provides three bedrooms (two
are master suites), a gourmet kitchen,
exquisite artwork, sprawling screened
porches and an ocean view for $4,000 per
week. Most houses have a few staples in
the kitchen but vacationing on Dewees
requires planning and simplifying. Few

21
clothes are needed but packing the food
is tricky. Ferry passengers are often
hauling carefully packed bins knowing
they cant run down to the corner for
milk or juice. There are wheeled carts at
the boat docks to help load the luggage
and two hospitality interns are on hand
during the summer to greet new arrivals.
Once on the island, all transportation is
by golf carts which are included as part
of the house rental fee. Bicycles are also
a great way to experience the island and
can be transported on the ferry. One
guest remarked, The lack of automobiles
alone brought me back several shades
of sanity. Summer rentals fill up fast,
often six months in advance.
The inconveniences of the location
have been minimized as much as
possible. In the case of emergency, there
are fire and medical responders on the
island and a helipad. Trash and recycling
is handled by barge. Some things just
require patience. Ive often seen painters
and plumbers on the ferry headed to do
repairs and barges of building materials,
even bulldozers, en route. But Dewees
visitors and residents happily accept
these obstacles as the trade-off for the
simplicity, luxury and seclusion of
Dewees.
Roadtrips
Charleston
presents
adventurous and interesting destinations
within a few hours drive of Charleston, S.C.
Carol Antmans passion for outdoor and
artistic experiences feeds her wanderlust
for exotic and nearby adventures. For
hot links, photographs and previous
columns or to make comments please see
peaksandpotholes.blogspot.com

www.islandeyenews.com

PHOTO BY JOE MARIE BROWN

22

March 27, 2015

Seasons
of the

South

BY MARILYN MARKEL

FOR ISLAND EYE NEWS

Gourmet Pigs
in a Blanket

veryone remembers the simple pig in a blanket from

childhood. Mom probably took a cocktail weenie or bright pink
hot dog and wrapped it in dough that came out of a refrigerated
can. Well, its time to update it a bit and create an adult version that
is fun to make and perfect to share at any gathering.
Ingredients
1 15 oz pizza dough mix or 1.5 lbs pizza dough
2, 12 oz packages of sausage links, there should be four in each
package, 8 total
Egg wash
Extra sharp cheddar cheese
Grainy mustard for serving
Directions
1. Prepare dough according to package directions or allow store
bought dough to come to room temperature.
2. Preheat oven to 425 degrees.
3. Divide the dough into four pieces. Divide each of the four pieces
into 8 pieces. Divide each sausage link into 4 pieces. You should
have 32 pieces of sausage links and dough.
4. Stretch the dough out to cover most of the sausage. When dough
surrounds the sausage brush with egg wash and seal.
5. Place on a line sheet pan and bake for about 15 to 20 minutes
until dough is browned. Brush with olive oil or butter and serve
with grainy mustard and chunks of cheddar.
WINE PAIRING
Vina Pomal Crianza: The seasonings in the sausage
will harmoniously interact with the mellowed flavors
and structure of this Tempranillo-based wine. From
aging for 6 months in 100 percent American oak barrels,
this Crianza has aromas of black fruits and licorice with
notes of cinnamon and cocoa.

www.islandeyenews.com

24

March 27, 2015

Yorktown Pinewood
Derby
S U L L I VA N S I S L A N D C U B S C O U T S
COMPETE ABOARD AIRCRAFT CARRIER
STAFF REPORT

Members of Sullivans Island Cub Scout Pack 59 celebrate their Pinewood Derby race
in the flight deck aboard the USS Yorktown.

FOR ISLAND EYE NEWS

embers of the Pack 59

Cub Scouts gathered
aboard
the
USS
Yorktown to compete in their
annual Pinewood Derby Tuesday
night. This memorable annual
event is a highlight of the year
for many Cub Scouts as each
boy works with an adult partner
to discover what can be created
from a simple block of wood, four
nails (which serve as axles) and
four Boy Scouts of America tires.
In the contest for Speed, Dan
Eller took first place with his
car, Mario, Tommy van Tiems
Flame Tank took second, and
Collin Browns Dixie came
in third. Wilson Swenson and
Steven Black finished fourth and
fifth with their cars Ford CT
(the CT stands for Cub Truck)
and Stevens F Ford 150 and
all advance to the District Derby,
the Etiwan Cup, held in Mount
Pleasant on March 21.

www.islandeyenews.com

In addition to the race to

determine the fastest car in the
pack, a design contest was held
to determine the Coolest Car.
In that contest, Collin Brown
came in first, Wilson Swenson
took second and Dan Eller took
third. Each of these Scouts will
advance to the District Derby as
well.
Cub Scout Pack 59 is
chartered by the Sullivans
Island Elementary School. For
more information about Pack 59,
please call the school at 883.3118
or visit www.cubscout59.com.
For more information about
Scouting in the Lowcountry, visit
the Council website at www.
coastalcarolinabsa.org or contact
Etiwan District Executive William
Etheridge at 763.0305 or via
aetherid@bsamail.org.

5 March 27, 2015

FINANCIAL

25

Converting Your After-Tax 401(k) Dollars to a Roth IRA

BY JASON M. MENGEL

FOR ISLAND EYE NEWS

ere's the dilemma: You have a traditional 401(k) that contains account is $100,000, consisting of $60,000 (six tenths) of pre-tax
both after-tax and pre-tax dollars. You'd like to receive a dollars and $40,000 (four tenths) of after-tax dollars. You request
distribution from the plan and convert only the after-tax dollars a $40,000 distribution. Of this $40,000, six tenths, or $24,000,
to a Roth IRA. By rolling over/converting only the after-tax dollars to will be taxable pre-tax dollars, and four tenths, or $16,000, will be
a Roth IRA, you hope to avoid paying any
nontaxable after-tax dollars. What this
income tax on the conversion.
means is that you can't, for example,
For example, let's say your 401(k) plan
NEW RULES ALLOW YOU TO ACCOMPLISH YOUR GOAL simply request a distribution of $40,000
distribution is $10,000, consisting of
OF ROLLING OVER ONLY THE AFTER-TAX PORTION OF consisting only of your after-tax dollars.
$8,000 of pre-tax dollars and $2,000 of
The Notice requires that you treat all
YOUR 401(K) PLAN DISTRIBUTION INTO A ROTH IRA. distributions you receive at the same
after-tax dollars. Can you simply instruct
the trustee to directly roll the $8,000 of
time as a single distribution when you
pre-tax dollars to a traditional IRA and
perform this pro-rata calculation (even if
the remaining $2,000 of after-tax dollars to a Roth IRA?
you subsequently roll those distributions into separate IRAs).
In the past, many trustees allowed you to do just that. But in
Taking this example a step further, could you now direct the
recent years the IRS had suggested that this result could not be trustee to directly transfer the $16,000 of after-tax dollars to a Roth
achieved with multiple direct rollovers. Instead, according to the IRS, IRA (with no conversion tax) and send the remaining $24,000 to
each rollover would have to carry with it a pro-rata amount of pre-tax you in a taxable distribution? The answer is no, and this leads to a
and after-tax dollars. The legal basis for this position, however, was second basic rule described in the Notice: Any rollovers you make
not entirely clear.
from a 401(k) plan distribution are deemed to come first from your
And while some experts suggested that it might be possible to pre-tax dollars, and then, only after these dollars are fully used up,
achieve a tax-free Roth conversion of after-tax dollars using 60- from your after-tax dollars. If you're rolling your distribution over
day rollovers, the process was fairly complicated, and it required into several different accounts, you get to decide which retirement
taxpayers to have sufficient funds outside the plan to make up the vehicle receives your pre-tax dollars first.
20% mandatory withholding that would apply to the taxable portion
It's these new rules that allow you to accomplish your goal of rolling
of the distribution.
over only the after-tax portion of your 401(k) plan distribution into a
IRS Notice 2014-54
Roth IRA. Going back to our example, these rules make it clear that
Thankfully, in Notice 2014-54 (and related proposed regulations), you can instruct the 401(k) plan trustee to transfer only your prethe IRS has backed away from its prior position. The Notice makes tax dollars$24,000to your traditional IRA, leaving the remaining
it clear that you can split a distribution from your 401(k) plan and $16,000all after-tax dollarsto be rolled over to your Roth IRA in
directly roll over only the pre-tax dollars to a traditional IRA (with no a tax-free conversion.
current tax liability) and only the after-tax dollars to a Roth IRA (with
This commentary is not intended as investment advice or an
no conversion tax). The IRS guidance, which took effect January 1, investment recommendation. It is solely the opinion of our investment
2015, also applies to 403(b) and 457(b) plans.
team at the time of writing. Fusion Capital is a Registered Investment
When applying Notice 2014-54, it's important to understand some Advisor firm. If you have comments or questions, please contact Jason
basic rules (also outlined in the Notice). First, you have to understand Mengel at jmengel@fusioncapital.net or call 843.972.0065, www.
how to calculate the taxable portion of your distribution. This is easy fusioncapital.net.
if you receive a total distributionthe nontaxable portion is your
after-tax contributions, and the taxable portion is the balance of
your account. But if you're receiving less than a total distribution,
you have to perform a pro-rata calculation.
This is best understood using an example. Assume your 401(k)

Breac h Inlet Tide Char t

Date

High Tide

Low Tide

Mar 27
Mar 28
Mar 29
Mar 30
Mar 31
Apr 1
Apr 2
Apr 3
Apr 4
Apr 5
Apr 6
Apr 7
Apr 8
Apr 9

2:14am/2:50pm
3:13am/3:49pm
4:11am/4:45pm
5:05am/5:38pm
5:55am/6:25pm
6:40am/7:10pm
7:22am/7:51pm
8:01am/8:29pm
8:38am/9:05pm
9:13am/9:39pm
9:47am/10:11pm
10:21am/10:44pm
10:57am/11:22pm
11:39am

8:35am/8:44pm
9:34am/9:45pm
10:30am/10:42pm
11:21am/11:35pm
12:06pm
12:23am/12:47pm
1:08am/1:25pm
1:49am/2:01pm
2:29am/2:35pm
3:07am/3:09pm
3:44am/3:43pm
4:23am/4:19pm
5:04am/4:58pm
5:48am/5:44pm

Hurricanes, storms etc., are NOT included in the

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

Source: www.saltwatertides.com
www.islandeyenews.com

More fins, more fun!

WORLD FAMOUS WEEKI WACHEE
MERMAIDS RETURN TO THE
SC AQUARIUM
BY KATE DITTLOFF

FOR ISLAND EYE NEWS

his spring break be sure to include the World Famous

Weeki Wachee Mermaids in your plans. A total of four
mermaids will entertain guests at the South Carolina
Aquarium March 27 through April 5, 2015. The mermaids
come from Weeki Wachee Springs State Park in Spring Hill,
Florida. During their time at the Aquarium, they will swim
among hundreds of animals, including 8-foot sharks, during
three daily performances in the Aquariums largest exhibit, the
Great Ocean Tank. During each show, the mermaids will delight
guests with a highly technical and choreographed routine to a
musical number inspiring visitors of all ages. The shows take
place at 11 a.m., 1 p.m., and 3 p.m. daily and are included with
general admission to the Aquarium.
Guests may also participate in a photo opportunity with a
mermaid and explore interactive areas focused on conservation
efforts to sustain the beauty of the ocean.
The World famous mermaids of Weeki Wachee Springs State
Park in Florida have been a commercial success since the smalltown park opened in 1947. Over the years, they have
continued to delight visitors from all over the world.
The performances at the South Carolina Aquarium are
included with general admission.

island eats

Ben & Jerrys

Enjoy an array of ice cream flavors,
from Chocolate Therapy to Peach
Cobbler on Isle of Palms Ocean
Boulevard
$
886-6314
www.benandjerrys.com
1009 Ocean Boulevard,
Isle of Palms, SC 29451

Morgan Creek Grill

Relax with a front row seat on
the Intracoastal waterway while
enjoying fresh seafood and southern
hospitality.
$$$
886-8980
www.morgancreekgrill.com
80 41st Avenue
Isle of Palms, SC 29451

Caf Medley
Start your day or end it with a well
rounded caf, serving breakfast,
lunch, and a glass of wine in the
evening.
$$
793-4055
www.cafemedley.com
2213 Middle Street
Sullivans Island, SC 29482

Poes Tavern
Famous for their gourmet burgers and
chicken sandwiches, this Poe-inspired
eatery also features great deals on
fresh fish tacos.
$$
883-0083
www.poestavern.com
2210 Middle Street
Sullivans Island, SC

High Thyme Cuisine

A small island bistro with a wide
range of dishes from seafood, tapas on
Tuesdays, and a brunch on Sunday
mornings.
$$$
883-3536
www.highthymecuisine.com
2213 Middle Street
Sullivans Island, SC 29482

SALT at Station 22
Enjoy a fun atmosphere with fresh
seafood and southern favorites, and a
fresh, local raw bar.
$$$
883-3355
www.saltstation22.com
2205 Middle Street
Sullivans Island, SC 29482

Home Team BBQ

Not limited to barbeque, this casual
eatery also serves salads, wraps,
tacos, and quesadillas, as well as
Sunday brunch.
$$
883-3131
www.hometeambbq.com
2209 Middle Street
Sullivans Island, SC 29482
Long Island Cafe
Come in for lunch, dinner, or Sunday
brunch and enjoy all your favorite
seafood plus so much more at this
island favorite.
$$
886-8809
www.longislandcafesc.com
1515-A Palm Boulevard
Isle of Palms, SC 29451
Luke N Ollie's
Enjoy speciality pizzas, subs, burgers,
wings, salads and a full bar. Delivery
daily after 5 to IOP and Sullivan's.
$$
242-8121
www.lukenollies.com
1101 Ocean Boulevard
Isle of Palms, SC 29451

SaltWorks Dockside Deli

Located inside the Isle of Palms
Marina Market, come enjoy fresh
breakfast, smoothies, & sandwiches.
Open from 7AM-3PM daily.
$
www.saltworkscc.com
50 41st Avenue
Isle of Palms, SC 29451
Sullivans
Grab a casual dinner of fried flounder
or crab cakes in a cozy atmosphere,
as well as lunch on the weekends.
$$
883-3222
2019 Middle Street
Sullivans Island, SC 29482
Taco Mamacita
Enjoy made-from-scratch Tex Mex
soups, salads, tacos, and enchiladas,
and quench your thirst with one of
several specialty margaritas.
$$
789-4107
www.tacomamacita.com
2213-B Middle Street
Sullivans Island, SC 29482

off-island eats
Crave Kitchen & Cocktails
Located just over the bridge from IOP,
Crave's National Award Winning Chef
proudly serves Low Country visitors
and residents a unique casual fine
dining experience!
$$$
(843) 884-1177
www.cravekitchenandcocktails.com
1968 Riviera Drive
Mt. Pleasant, SC 29464
Gilligan's Seafood Restaurant
For Family Friendly Fun- Gilligan's
is the One! Patio and private dining
available as well as daily and happy
hour specials.
$$
(843) 849-2344
www.gilligans.net
1475 Long Grove Dr.
Mt. Pleasant, SC 29464
Southerly Restaurant & Patio
Open for breakfast, lunch, dinner,
and weekend brunch, boasts a fresh
seasonal menu highlighting local
ingredients and contemporary cuisine,
all with Southern flair. Our scenic
outdoor patio is a lovely setting to
savor a meal, while our elegant indoor
spaces are perfect for receptions,

parties and meetings.

$$
(843) 416-3965
www.southernseason.com
730 Coleman Blvd,
Mt. Pleasant, SC 29464
Sewee Restaurant
See Wee Southern Style local Seafood,
local farm to table veggies, sinful
homemade desserts.
$$
(843) 928-3609
www.seeweerestaurants.com/
4808 N Hwy 17,
Awendaw, SC 29429
Stack's Coastal Kitchen
Come join us for lunch where we offer
fresh soup, salads and sandwiches.
Enjoy dinner in a casual
bistro-style setting with a nice wine
selection, full bar, and outdoor dining.
$$-$$$
(843) 388-6968
www.stackscoastalkitchen.com
1440 Ben Sawyer Blvd #1107
Mt Pleasant, SC 29464

March 27, 2015

A party with a view

27

S U L L I VA N S PA R K F O U N D AT I O N R A I S E F U N D S T H R O U G H F U N , U N F O R G E T TA B L E E V E N T
BY AMANDA WOODDY

FOR ISLAND EYE NEWS

ark your calendars for Saturday, April 18

for the fourth annual Round on the
Mound. With sweeping views of
the intracoastal, the party site atop the
mound at the Marshall Stith Park
provides the perfect backdrop for
sharing an evening of live music
and amazing food with friends.
With only 350 tickets available,
the evening promises to be an
intimate one.
This year the Park Foundation
is especially excited to include
three of Nashvilles brightest
songwriting
stars,
Matt
Alderman, Phillip Lammonds
and Kylie Sackley. All three
storytellers at heart, our featured
performers are equally renowned
for their talent and narrative
gift. Pauleys Island native Phillip
Lammonds is best known for his role
as a songwriter for the Blue Dogs. But
in his career of writing over 500 songs, he
has also written songs for Darius Rucker, Edwin
McCain, Blake Shelton, Lou Reid, Jupiter Coyote and
countless others. Aussie import Kylie Sackley has written or cowritten chart-topping songs for Faith Hill, Leann Rimes, Alan
Jackson and other country music superstars and was recently
named Breakthrough Songwriter of the Year by the Australian
Performing Rights Association.
Set on a stage under the stars, these three soulful singers will

be joined by a special guest star whose identity will

be revealed the night of the event.
Food will be provided by Island
favorites
including
Sullivans,
Poes, Dunleavys, The Obstinate
Daughter, High Thyme, Home
Team BBQ, Taco Mamacita,
Triangle Char and Bar, Beard
Cats Sweet Shop, My Fathers
Mustache and the Co-Op.
Beer by Palmetto Brewery
and Edmunds Oast will be
offered as well as a specialty
cocktail collaboration from
Titos Vodka and O&O Hooch.
The only thing that will
outshine the event is the
cause itself. The Sullivans
Island Park Foundation was
established in 1990 as a private,
non-profit organization with the
mission of developing and improving
island parks. As the Park Foundations
premiere event, the Round on the Mound
aims to raise thousands of dollars that will be
put towards creating and improving our island parks.
Last years event raised $41,000, contributing to 26 percent of the
total cost of refinishing the Citadel Street Tennis Courts. This year
the Park Foundation has plans to continue those improvements
as well as work on a master plan for Stith Park.
For more information about the Round on the Mound and to
purchase tickets, please visit sullivansislandparkfoundation.org.

www.islandeyenews.com