DAUFUSKIE ISLAND, SC
THE FRONT PORCH Neighborly News for Residents and Visitors
www.DaufuskieIslandFrontPorch.com
Holiday Issue 2015
Issue No. 86
Wine and Woodworks Open for Business
I
t all started 12 years ago with a visit to a small coffee shop in Connecticut. Mike Loftus, owner of Daufuskie Island Wine and Woodworks explains, “My kids and I answered an ad placed there for a kayak building class. It took about four months of sneaking off after school and on Saturdays, but on Christmas we all surprised my wife, Joanne with a 17 foot wooden kayak.” He was immediately hooked on woodworking and more specifically on wooden boat building. “In the years since, I tried to learn as much as I could about building things with wood,” Loftus says. “Three summers ago I convinced Bill Greenwood to take a two week course at the Wooden Boat School on the coast of Maine and we both really enjoyed it.” With plans to retire on Daufuskie, he and Joanne began thinking about building a woodworking shop 5 years ago. They later came up with the idea of selling wine and beer out of the shop. “We have always enjoyed finding good wine at reasonable prices,” Loftus says. “In recent years we have looked for wines made from organically grown grapes, usually from small vineyards. The recent surge in our country of small craft breweries fit right in to our ‘sweet spot.’ ” “We began searching for a company that could design a barn for us made from sustainable wood in a post and beam design and found what we wanted in the New England Barn Company based in northern CT,” Loftus continues. “What we have now is a very cool building where I can teach local people how to build some really neat small wooden boats and have some fun selling interesting wines and craft beers.” Loftus is still trying to figure out what the hours of operation for the Wine and Woodworks will be, but he is currently there most days from around 10:30am to 4:00pm. See WOODWORKS on page 2
Above: The “barn” of Daufuskie Island Wine and Woodworks on a recent morning. Below: A look inside the woodshop at Daufuskie Island Wine and Woodworks.
In This Issue Best & Strangest of the Year, 5 Save the Date: Trot & Gobble, 5 Photo Contest, 11 Council News, 12 Birds of Daufuskie, 12 Daufuskie Dundee, 14 DI Historical Foundation News, 14 Get to Know an Islander, 15 Mindstream School’s Holiday Eating Tips, 16 LoCo Motion, 17 DI Fire District News, 18 DI Farm News, 19
Behind the Scenes Interested in submitting photos or articles to the Daufuskie Island Front Porch? For submission information or rate sheet, email us at: info@daufuskieislandfrontporch.com PUBLISHER Paula Nickels info@daufuskieislandfrontporch.com DESIGN Heather Bragg heather@braggmedia.com 77 Fuskie Lane Daufuskie Island, SC 29915 www.daufuskieislandfrontporch.com ©2015 DAUFUSKIE ISLAND FRONT PORCH All rights reserved by copyright. The Daufuskie Front Porch is published quarterly and distributed on Daufuskie Island. While we have made every effort to ensure information contained herein is accurate, no warranty implied or otherwise is made. This newsletter or parts thereof must not be reproduced in any form without written permission from the publisher. The publisher does not make any representation to opinions and facts.
2
Holidays 2015 | DAUFUSKIE FRONT PORCH
Above: Beer and wine for sale at Daufuskie Island Wine and Woodworks. Below: A couple of kayaks stand inside the woodshop.
WOODWORKS continued from page 1 “Four people are already signed up to start building their own kayaks in early December and all four should have them ready to go in the water next Spring,” Loftus says. But theirs will not be the first vessels produced there. “My son Matt had the honor of building the first boat to leave the wood shop. While spending two weeks with us early last summer, he built a beautiful 9 foot wooden surfboard with the words ‘Marry Me Kristina’ painted on the bottom. She said yes!” As for the wine shop side of the barn, Loftus says, “We have a great selection and are currently dealing with two wine suppliers who specialize in the types of wines we like, along with a craft beer supplier who deals with many of the southern small craft beer makers in the Carolinas and Georgia. Thus far we are carrying wines that range in price from $10 to $40 per bottle and beers ranging from $10 to $18 for a six pack along with some large format beers. After I finish building out the wine shop, we will carry some more expensive items for special occasions.” While still insisting on quality, when possible, Loftus hopes to accommodate spe-
cial orders if they are requested. These days he continues to be busy finishing both the woodworking and wine shops. He hopes to get an email list going soon to update customers. Says Loftus, “Come on by and check it all out. I’m pretty sure you will like what you see!” For more information contact Mike Loftus at mikeloftus@daufuskiewineandwoodworks.com or (203) 810-8115.
To receive a weekly email update on Daufuskie events and happenings, sign up for our email list at info@daufuskieislandfrontporch.com Be sure to check out the new service directory page on our website! Go to www.daufuskieislandfrontporch.com
DAUFUSKIE FRONT PORCH | Holidays 2015
3
3 Wood Duck Court Large private Lot 4 Bedrooms/4.5 Baths $678,000
Susan Taylor Cell: 302-528-4855
susantaylor@charteronerealty.com
www.daufuskieislandforsale.com 4
Holidays 2015 | DAUFUSKIE FRONT PORCH
18 Lighthouse Court
15 Carnoustie Court
Great lot directly on the Calibogue Sound. $249,000
HP, 5 BR, 5.5 BA, Lagoon view, furnished, 1st floor master, open floor plan. 3,225 Sq. Ft.,. $525,000
The Best and Strangest Things That Happened to Daufuskie Islanders This Year in New York City, I am not used to the acts of kindness and the generosity I have experienced in the few months we have lived on Daufuskie Island. Craig Rollins: The best thing that happened to me this year was that I can move and last year I couldn’t. Chuck Henry: The best thing that happened this year is the great work being done by the Daufuskie Island Council. Ron Gwyn: The best thing for me was getting our dog, Summer. Mary Fowler: The best thing this year was our vacation in Oregon — everything was perfect. Carol Humpherys: The strangest thing for me was when I had my banana bread mistaken for meatloaf by Art Helmus. Art Helmus: The strangest thing was when, thinking it was meatloaf, I put that banana bread between two slices of bread,
added chili sauce and it still tasted good! Also, my wife continued to put up with me — that is both the best and strangest thing. Reagan Hull: The best thing was celebrating my 50th wedding anniversary with a great party. Laura Duggan: The best thing that happened this year was adopting Coco the goat which will give me a forever connection to the Daufuskie Community Farm. Sara Lamping: The best thing for me this year was moving to Daufuskie Island. The strangest thing was seeing 6 sharks in one day in the same place. Debbie McKeeman: The best thing was that my son graduated from college. Chip Wiggins: The strangest thing for me this year was witnessing actual waves on Beach Road in Haig Point. See BEST/STRANGEST on page 6
O G B D B L N E A 2 T 01 O R
5
T
Elizabeth Boedecker: The best thing that happened to me this year was spending time in Europe, making friends and getting to experience other cultures. Gwen Henry: The best thing that happened this year was that our grandson graduated from SCAD… on time! George Rafferty: I think the best thing that happened this year was making the decision to sell our home in Rockville Centre N.Y. and buy a home on Daufuskie Island, after only visiting the Island on one occasion. The strangest thing that happened this year: My wife called me in Beaufort to explain that the golf cart had a flat tire and was stuck on Masters Drive in Melrose. I returned home 2 hours later to find the golf cart tire changed and the cart sitting in front of our home. A very good neighbor changed the tire and pushed it to our house, without even telling us. Growing up
Celebrate 10 Years of the Front Porch with us! Work off your Turkey Dinner and Save the Date For the DI Front Porch Annual 5K and Taste of Daufuskie Fundraiser, Saturday, November 28th. For more information go to www.daufuskieislandfrontporch.com. DAUFUSKIE FRONT PORCH | Holidays 2015
5
BEST/STRANGEST continued from page 5
Dee Johnston: The strangest thing that happened when I came to Daufuskie, though it didn’t happen this year, was when I first got off the ferry I met a woman who introduced herself saying “Hi, I’m Bea.” Since I am Dee, I wondered where the C was. Sharon Havird: The best thing that has happened to me is that my son got engaged and I’m gaining another daughter next summer! Mac Johnston: The best thing that happened this year was semi-retirement. John Kimball: The best thing for me was celebrating our 35th wedding anniversary. Mark Ettinger: The best thing this year for me was the fun I had with visiting grandchildren. Susan Taylor: The best thing for me this year is that my daughter got married and I guess the strangest thing is that my daughter got married.
6
Holidays 2015 | DAUFUSKIE FRONT PORCH
Gary Baum: The best thing this year was moving to Haig Point. Sarah Ferreira: The best thing was that a Canadian girl, (me) was married to a professor from Atlanta Georgia in an African Baptist church by a justice of the peace from Savannah. Dave McKeeman: My son got an interview at MUSC. Geoff & Jodee Brunning: The best thing is that we are so happy and excited that our son Hampton asked his sweet girlfriend Jamie to marry him, and she said “Yes Yes Yes”! She will be a wonderful addition to our family, especially since she loves Daufuskie too. Debbie Miller: The best thing that happened to me this year was when I drove 3 hours one way and finally found an important item for a doll house I am going to build for my granddaughter. Steve Humpherys: The strangest thing was a story I heard while visiting a huge castle overlooking the small medieval town of Césky Krumlov on the Vltava River in the Czech Republic, we were admiring the ram-
parts from which the castle guards would fight off attacking armies. As our guide was describing such a battle, she stopped and asked us if we knew the origin of the raised and extended middle finger? She went on to explain that the main armament was the long bow and to pull the string/arrow back to launch the arrow, the middle finger was used and so attacking armies would try to shoot or cut off that finger, thus disabling the individual from further shooting. So, as the attacking armies approached the ramparts and began their attack, the defending guard upon the ramparts would look down and out at them and tauntingly extend and raise their middle finger showing that they were very capable of letting loose the arrows that would follow. We thought it was a credible story. Gayle Silver: My friends were the best thing for me this year. Chris Butler: The best thing that happened this year was celebrating my 40th wedding anniversary with my wife. See BEST/STRANGEST on page 8
DAUFUSKIE FRONT PORCH | Holidays 2015
7
BEST/STRANGEST continued from page 6
Linda Blanchette: The best and strangest thing that happened this year was that I stroked an asteroid. Bayne Birckenstaedt: The best thing that happened this year is that my son is getting married. Pat Huff: This best thing for me has been being able to spend a lot more time with my grandchildren than usual. Eileen Pojednic: The best thing that happened to me this year were all the celebrations for Len’s 70th birthday both on Daufuskie and the Jersey shore. I love that man! Gerri Howe: The best thing that happened this year is that I got a new knee. Ernestine Smith: The strangest thing happened a month or so ago when my car was wrecked in Bluffton. I had liability insurance but not collision insurance which ended up being a huge problem because my car was totaled. I put together a few dollars and was trying to buy a car. With the help of a friend I went on Craigslist. Low and behold we found a 2003 Camry in the Bluffton/Hilton Head area. The post included pictures of a beautiful black Camry for only $300. We contacted the owner and were instructed on how to proceed with the payment. The car was owned by this woman’s son who had passed away recently. Just before purchasing the pre-paid cards we were instructed to load money onto for payment of the car, we called the owner to see where the car was located and were informed the car was in Idaho! The woman said she would ship the car to me as soon as she received the prepaid cards. Evidently she must have thought I didn’t get off the island often. Mary Ettinger: The best thing that has happened this year is feeling so lucky to have made such good friends on the island. I have made the best friends of my life here. Mary Ellen Hill: The best thing that has happened this year was going to California to see our granddaughter. John Coulter: The best thing that happened this year was all the rain for my flower garden. Nancy Kimball: The best, most wonderful and strangest thing is that my Dad is 8
Holidays 2015 | DAUFUSKIE FRONT PORCH
still with us when we nearly lost him 3 or 4 times this year. Dave Hutton: The best and strangest thing that happened this year was helping move Rob Hunter out to Wyoming and having 300 yard drives while playing golf in the Colorado Rockies. Arden Small: The best thing for me will happen next Sunday when my son gets married. Brian Dozier (Daufuskie Island Fireman): The best and strangest thing was responding to an alarm at the firehouse in the middle of the night and there was an actual fire. Tony Geyston: The best thing to happen this year is that we got two new kids. (horses) Virginia Livingstone: The best thing that has happened this year is that Alana McCallion got her drivers license. Ravi George: The best thing this year was moving to Daufuskie full time. Through a strange series of coincidences, I was offered a job here. Lori McNiff: The best thing for me this year has been a continuation of my recovery and the support of the wonderful people here. Wayne Huff: The strangest thing for me this year was going down to Beach Road for my morning run and finding the water on the road was up to my knees. Cheryl Morgan: The best thing that happened is that both of my children got to go to Israel together. The strangest thing that happened is that I played tennis…once. Jorgen Moller: The strangest thing that happened this year was that I nearly lost to Bill Nickels and Sara Lamping playing tennis. Camille Tighe: The best thing this year is that my granddaughter got married on the island. The strangest thing is that being a Jersey girl, I had an alligator under my house. Pat Beichler: The really best thing was signing up to WWOOF (World Wide Organization of Organic Farmers) and having my first WWOOFers to help with the Daufuskie Community Farm. Now I have signed up many more that will be with us through March of 2016. This will help us get the farm and artisan village to the next level. Stay tuned. Pete Meyers: The best thing is that my wonderful, strong wife has beaten breast cancer.
Rebecca Watts: The strangest thing happened a few weeks ago when we were contacted to do an upscale rehearsal dinner and wedding reception. Turns out the bride’s father was an old family friend whom we had not seen in twenty years. The bride’s father and one of my brothers built and opened one of the first bars and restaurants in Columbia S.C. This was where chef Brad got his start in the food and beverage industry. He was twelve years old and grew up fast under the tutelage of this gentleman. Was the father ever surprised when he learned that the twelve year old boy that he used to teach was in charge of one of the most important events of his and his daughter’s lives! Doug Young: The best thing for me this year was a career change that has allowed me to spend more time on Daufuskie. Jan Crosby: The best thing that has happened to me this year is that I was able to pursue my own handcrafted bath and body business full time. This has allowed more time and flexibility for family fun! Nancy Ludtke: The best thing for me has been the addition of so many new people moving to Daufuskie, adding new friends every month. How blessed can a girl be?! Kerry Markowski: The best thing is that we came to here looking for a retirement area and wound up buying a house the same weekend. Charlie Small: Both the best and strangest thing is the overwhelming support given the Daufuskie Island Council and the work they are trying to do. My only wish for the new year is that more people from throughout the island would continue getting involved. Kristi Nelson: What is the weirdest thing? I found a nipple cover on the ladies room floor at the distillery. Then the lady who lost it and her friends pulled up out front while I was on the phone and yelled at me “Hey- did you find a nipple cover? I need my nipple cover!!” Yep- it is in the trash. She picked it out of the trash, rinsed it off and popped it right back on. Mike Beidenbaugh: The best thing for me was Joe McGill coming to Daufuskie and staying at the Frances Jones House. The strangest thing was finding and getting rid of 6 rat snakes in the Community Farm’s chicken house. See BEST/STRANGEST on page 10
2015 Daufuskie Island Sales & Listings Sold To Date: 128 Benjies Point - 272 Old Haig Point Road - 24 Maryfield Lane -95 Haig Point Rd-5 Beauregard Blvd - 12 Cedar Cove - 40 Cedar Cove – 58 Maryfield Lane -42 Cedar Cove - 282 Old Haig Point Rd -11 Hinson White - 24 South Beach Field-8 Volunteers Ridge - 305 Old Haig Point Road - 28 Masters Drive - 50 Masters Drive 1 Maryfield Lane, Yes the House with the wonderful wraparound porches and tin roof!!!
Featured Listings
Deepwater & Water View 137 Carvin Road $68,750 119 Carvin Road $160,000 4 Mungin River $115,000 Dock 68 Pappy’s Landing $129,900 Dock 32 Haig Point Rd $179,000 53 Carvin Rd $239,000 3 Mungen River $295,000 Dock 77 Maryfield $235,000 18 Maryfield $107,000
Ocean Front
Melrose
33 Beauregard $399,000 for one acre in Oakridge 44 Aprils Way Melrose Lot 13 $299,000 Short Sale
51 Masters Drive $17,500 3 Sportsman Drive $17,500 3 Spring Tide Ct $23,000 21 Rosebud Ln $24,000 25 Rosebud Ln $24,000 47 Masters Drive $24,500 49 Volunteers Ridge $25,000 20 Money Mongin Ln $35,000 30 Masters Drive $100,000
Oakridge Walk to the Beach 263 Oakridge Lane $20,000 271 Oakridge Lane $20,000 281 Oakridge Lane $30,000
Historical District 112 School Road .44 Acres $18,000 288 School Road 1 Acre $24,900 0 Pappy’s Landing Road .3 Acres $25,000 13 Haig Point Road .44 Acres $25,000 273 School Road 1.21 Acres $59,900 283 School Road 1.21 Acres $64,900 18 Bryan Road 5 Acres $95,000 10 Amber Lane 5.07 Acres $147,500 4 Maryfield Lane $97,500 3 Christina’s Court .43 Acres $24,900
Cedar Cove A dock is everything on Daufuskie Island. In Cedar Cove every lot has its own deeded dock, water & sewer, and paved roads. Wooded acre lot starting at $99,000, ICW deep water views lots from $140,000 and your own private island for $175,000.
Tom Richardson 843-384-4882 www.DaufuskieRealtyInc.com DaufuskieRealty@gmail.com DAUFUSKIE FRONT PORCH | Holidays 2015
9
BEST/STRANGEST continued from page 8
Rhonda Davis: The best thing that has happened this year, for our family, is completing our first full year on the island! Melissa Lehmberg: The best thing for me has been learning to fly with my husband. It has been amazing! The strangest thing that has happened to me this year involves my youngest child entering school. Those few hours a day when both children are away at school remind me that one day they may live in a different time zone and these years are precious. Martha Hutton: The best thing that happened to me this year was how the entire community “wrapped its arms around me” after my husband’s sudden passing. I am eternally grateful for the financial and emotional support which was given to me by all my neighbors. We live in a truly special place. Karen Rafferty: The strangest thing was an owl landing in front of my car. The best thing has been moving, discovering & meeting many wonderful people here on DI. Laura Leigh Miles: The strangest thing that happened to me this year was watching my children grow up so fast and develop their neat little personalities. I now have a 7 and 8 year old...that’s strange!! The best thing that happened to me this year was taking my kids on a plane for the first time for a great family vacation in Austin, TX. We all had such a wonderful time together! Steve Hill:This is my strangest experience: In August, Mary Ellen and I received an unexpected letter from the IRS. With a little bit of dread we opened it and read they had reviewed our 2013 tax return and determined we were due a refund of $8,200! We were quite surprised and very pleased. We filled-out the acceptance form, sent it in, and waited. Fortunately, we did not make any plans for the money. Sure enough, after a couple of months, we received a second letter from the IRS -- they apologized. Seems the first letter was sent in error. Not only are we not due a refund, but after a further reevaluation of our 2013 return, we owe $750, and we have 30 days to pay. Thank-you very much. Milton Deitch: The best thing that hap10
Holidays 2015 | DAUFUSKIE FRONT PORCH
pened to me this year is that Sara and I are still here and healthy so far as we know. The strangest is that we succumbed to the wiles of a puppy doggie that captured our attention at the HH Humane Society and now have added to our household Bagel, a 5 month old beagle mix who is actively in the process of training us. Holger Opderbeck: Here is the best thing that happened to me: As a juror in a St. Helena Island murder trial at the court house in Beaufort, I was able to convince the jury after a long and sometimes contentious debate that the defendant was not guilty given the evidence presented and the applicable law as explained by the judge. Barb Heenan: This best thing for me this year has been a trip to Disney World with my daughter and grandkids and my son & family moving from Chicago to Atlanta! These 2 equal 5… Grandkids I spent more time with this year!! Its kind of cliche, but the best thing that happened to me… the blessing of another year in our sweet, unspoiled corner of the world, closer friendships and time with my family. Daufuskie Island Fire District: The best thing is the construction and soonto-be completion of the helicopter landing zone about 200 yards from the fire station on Haig Point Road. The helipad will provide a site for 9-1-1 emergency transports as well as a landing zone for the National Guard in the event of a disaster or training exercises with emergency personnel, the Coast Guard and the SC Forestry Commission. The completed landing zone will be a significant addition to the Fire District’s emergency system and benefit all island residents. Thanks go to Terry Lee Construction and the Daufuskie Island Utility Company for their dirt donations that made this site possible. Chief Ed Boys: The strangest thing that happened this year was rescuing a Great Horned Owl that had fallen from its nest and was too young to fly. I sent photos on my cell phone to the vet at Birds of Prey in Charleston who advised bringing it to Hilton Head where it would be met by a volunteer and brought to their facility for examination. Donning gloves, covering it with a sheet and putting it in a box, I drove to the Haig Point dock and found Haig Point resident Debbie Hull ready to board the ferry who agreed to
transport the owl with her to Hilton Head. The volunteer met Debbie at the ferry and drove the owl to the vet where it was examined, nourished and cared for over the course of several hours. The next morning the vet released the owl back to the volunteer driver and, through some coordinated efforts, the owl was brought back to Daufuskie Island and released within 50 feet of where it was originally found. The next day the same owl was seen perched in a live oak overlooking the marsh and Calibogue Sound. The Daufuskie Island School: Daufuskie Island Elementary is very thankful for all of the generous support and love that we get from our community. Most recently Melrose on the Beach hosted their Annual Fall Festival that benefited our school. The funds raised will make possible many wonderful field trips to enhance our learning on and off of the island. It will also be used to purchase supplies and books to enrich all of our students knowledge. A big thank you to the management and staff of the Melrose Beach Club for going above the call of duty to make this a wonderful fun filled exciting festival. Also, thanks for all of the items that were donated to the Silent Auction, Cake Walk, Jazzy Jars, and thank you to all those who attended this event. It was a perfect day to remember. Responses from Daufuskie Elementary School Students Reece: The best thing was Discovery and reading the Goosebumps book series. The strangest thing was hearing singing coming from the school bathroom. Destiny: The best thing was visiting family in Atlanta that I haven’t seen in three years. The strangest thing was the golf cart stopping in the middle of nowhere when it was fully charged. Michael: The best thing was Ricky moving to Bluffon. The strangest thing was my tablet downloading games all by itself without me doing it. Presley: The best thing that happened to me was going to The World Of Coke in Atlanta. The strangest thing that happened to me this year was boys were asking me to marry them. Justin: The best thing was going to the SC State Fair. The strangest thing was discovering my older brother watching Dora the Explorer on TV.
Kade: The best thing was getting treats from the teachers. The strangest thing was watching the Diggery Digger Dino show. Tony: The best thing was Ricky moving closer to us. The strangest thing was finding a tepee in the woods. Trinity: The best thing was the Whoopi Pie cake that I won at the Fall Festival. The strangest thing was waving to all the middle school students on the dock during the DI Historical Day. Savanna: The best thing was going into the fifth grade. The strangest thing was walking down the dirt road in the woods and everything seemed to stop. Barbie: The best thing that happened was that I lost a tooth. The strangest thing is that my neighbor’s dog keeps going in my house to get my cat’s food. Kennedy: The best thing was going to the Fall Festival. The strangest thing was that I moved to an island and never got to swim in a pool. Cheyanne: The best thing was learning how to read. The strangest thing was that I ran into my teacher and her kids at
a restaurant. I didn’t expect that. Clinton: The best thing that happened to me was my birthday. The strangest thing was that my Lego helicopter I built tore apart randomly while I was watching TV. Harmon: The best thing was playing the drums for the first time. The strangest thing was having to go back and forth on a boat. Kinsley: The best thing that happened was that I lost a tooth. The strangest thing is that I fight with my sisters. Maggie: The best thing was learning to ride a horse. The strangest thing was that I had a dream about an alligator who was going to bite me. Ferris: The best thing is that my mom loves me. Emily: The best thing is me and my mom and my sister were going to walk somewhere one day. The strangest thing is that my sister cries sometimes. Melanie: The best thing was that I moved to Daufuskie Island. The strangest thing was that the movers brought me a new dining table without legs.
Photo Contest to Celebrate 10 Years of the Daufuskie Island Front Porch!
Prizes for 1st, 2nd and 3rd Place! Send us a photo that you feel best captures the essence of Daufuskie. Winning photos will be featured in The Daufuskie Island Front Porch. We are accepting only photos that have not been previously published or posted online. All photo subject matter must be relevant to Daufuskie. Images must be submitted in a high-quality JPG format. Email to info@daufuskieislandfrontporch.com. Include your name, address, contact number and why you feel your photo represents the spirit of Daufuskie. Submissions must be received by February 15th, 2016.
DAUFUSKIE FRONT PORCH | Holidays 2015
11
FROM T HE DAUFUSKIE ISL AND COUNCIL
Council Intent on Keeping Momentum
T
he Daufuskie Island Council, which serves as the quasi-governmental, elected voice of the island, gathered momentum during 2015 to address community challenges. Composed of residents from existing island groups, including the Historic District, Island Conservancy, and POA’s, the Council serves as the voice between Daufuskie and Beaufort County. The Council began the year by seeking to gauge community concerns in order to guide the Council’s direction and set priorities. Over 175 responses from all island communities were received to an islandwide survey. Transportation / ferry service topped the list as the number one issue. This was followed by Solid Waste Removal, Beach Erosion, Roads, County Services, CBRA/Flood Zone and Municipal Incorporation. Longer-term concerns included Economic Growth, Maintaining Rural Feeling, Environment, and Saltwater Intrusion. Despite the many challenges, the vast majority of respondents enjoy Daufuskie, are pleased with island quality of life, and feel safe. Throughout the year Council members worked with local organizations and county officials to address challenges and find solutions. Bill Nickels and the road subcommittee
Birds of Daufuskie
The Eastern Bluebird is one of three bluebirds found in North America. The others (Western and Mountain Bluebirds) are out West. We have a very successful nesting program here on the island with more than 50 houses spread around. During nesting in the spring they are very territorial, but now you may see them flocking up. 12
Holidays 2015 | DAUFUSKIE FRONT PORCH
worked closely on the Beach Road rightof-way project. The County reached out to Beach Road property owners to establish easements along both sides of the road. Once established, the County will own and maintain Beach Road making possible County road maintenance and potential improvements including water/sewer lines and storm water drainage, clean up after significant storms and access to FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) funding. Bill was also successful in posting safety signage along Haig Point Road reminding drivers that underage operation of vehicles is not permitted. Over the summer the Council was successful in arranging an extension from Beaufort County for the submission of a proposal for the completion of the work at the 2+ acre community park on Frances Jones Blvd. that includes building restrooms and a loop trail. The County agreed to provide design services. Throughout the year, at its monthly meetings, the Council has hosted a number of County and State officials. These have included visits from State Sen. Tom Davis, State Rep. Jeff Bradley, and Beaufort County Council member Tabor Vaux. These encounters have served as forums for the community to meet officials, ask questions,
and learn of their plans for Daufuskie. In September the Council hosted a visit of more than a dozen top county administrative officials, two state legislators and nine of the 11 County Council members. The group spent an entire day touring Daufuskie and meeting the community. Never before have so many county and elected officials visited Daufuskie at one time. The visit was very successful with all council-members anticipating that seeing firsthand the problems that have dogged the island for years — even decades — will mean they finally get the attention they need. Over the past year Daufuskie’s Council has regrouped to give island residents a stronger and unified voice on long-standing island issues. The Council holds regular public meetings and town halls, and has created a communication network for residents through its website (DaufuskieIslandCouncil.org), regular postings in the Daufuskie Island Front Porch, and its own Twitter account (#DaufuskieC). Going forward, the Council is intent on maintaining its new momentum. Early in 2016 elections will be held to fill three open council seats. This is a wonderful opportunity for island residents to get involved. Anybody interested should talk it over with any of the Council members.
THE BEAVOR MCCALLION TEAM DAUFUSKIE ISLAND COLLECTION
12 FRONT LIGHT WALK | $2,349,000
22 PROSPECT RD | $789,000
Barbara McCallion
(843) 422-9171 BarbaraMcCallion@yahoo.com www.BarbaraMcCallion.com
46 FREEPORT DR | $2,295,000
4 WOOD DUCK CT | $479,000
3 WHITE LANTERN | $1,795,000
1179 HAIG POINT RD | $449,900
Tom Beavor
(843) 816-0686 TomBeavor@gmail.com www.TomBeavor.com
Coastal Properties 18 PORT PASSAGE | $1,395,000
2 PINE SWALLOW CT | $449,000
DAUFUSKIE FRONT PORCH | Holidays 2015
13
What’s Buzzin’, Cousin? by Daufuskie Dundee
W
hat happened? Fall was in the air, just around the corner it was, and then it just fell flat. More heat, rains, and of course the bugs cranked up and it was a re-run of late Summer. With all the stagnant water from the moon tide flooding along the ocean side something else besides Fall filled the air — mosquitoes! They got downright fierce. That is the area where the “Gal-anippers” live, breed and bite. That’s what Pappy Burn called them because they take about a gallon of blood per nip. Gala-nippers they are. These things actually startle you when they alight on your arm or hit you in the face. They look like a spider with wings. Wow! Talk about moving on! But this is just the tip of the iceberg.
There are other interesting things happening in mosquito world. Years ago it seemed that suddenly mosquitoes would just swarm the island. Jolly Shores is a long way from the beach but there they were. Even in October and November when things were cooling off, they actually seemed to get worse. They have run me out of the woods when trying to hunt. I’d go home and get my beeveil, and put some gloves on so I could bag my buck. We noticed too, that a west wind seemed to bring them in. They were all out in the marsh, along with gazillions of dragon flies, (mosquito hawks we called them) between us and the Savannah River. And that is what told the tale. The Army Corps of Engineers has been
dredging the Savannah River 24/7 for a hundred years and that mud and water is collected behind levees that line the river creating many, many square miles of perfect mosquito habitat! That is where most of our mosquitoes come from. Our wet-lands/swamps host schools of minnows called Kill Fish that eat the larva and other small fish that also eat the female mosquitos when they alight on the water to lay those little floating clusters of eggs. Numerous other animals also thrive on them, including birds. But there are no little fish or much of anything else besides the birds in and about those spoil areas and though the birds try, they cannot See DUNDEE on page 19
FROM THE DAUFUSKIE ISLAND HISTORICAL FOUNDATION
About the Billie Burn Museum Complex
D
aufuskie may only be two and a half miles wide and five miles long, but it is home to an amazing amount of history — from pre-historic Native Americans to the Gullah people, with colonial exploration and plantation life in between. Riding around the island you cannot help but sense that the island has stories to tell. The Billie Burn Museum and Jane Hamilton School are treasure houses bursting with artifacts that tell the tale. Within their walls you can discover: Native American gaming pieces; a rare manual rice huller; Civil War swords; an alligator and a rattlesnake (dead, of course); a hand-woven shrimp net; the oldest piece of Freedman’s art on the island; the New Testament in Gullah; a foot-powered reed organ; indigo dye; an enormous oyster rake; beachcombers gleanings of shards, buttons and bullets; and more. Within their walls you will learn how many babies Sarah Grant delivered; when electricity and telephones belatedly came to the island; the story of the Gullah life on Daufuskie; about the 1893 hurricane that devastated the island; about 14
Holidays 2015 | DAUFUSKIE FRONT PORCH
Daufuskie’s role in the Revolutionary War and Civil Wars; about indigo dye; about different types of Native American pottery; about what crops were grown and why and when; about commercial oystering; and even about an island railroad. Daufuskie is secluded and mystically beautiful, but to fully embrace the ambiance of the island, one must embrace its history. The Billie Burn Museum and the award-winning Gullah Learning Center in the Jane Hamilton School are open Tuesdays through Saturdays from 1pm to 4pm.
Get to Know an Islander Karen Rafferty
What is your idea of perfect happiness? Being at peace and content at that moment in time and having people to love and share my life with.
What do you regard as the lowest depth of misery? To be alone, sick, in pain. What is your favorite occupation? Physical Therapist.
What is your greatest fear? Existing in a vacuum, becoming stagnant.
What is your most marked characteristic? Being good natured (this is a hard question!)
Which living person do you most admire? I admire many people but my answer is my husband George. He is friendly, fair, brave, has taught himself a tremendous array of skills and is a hardworking, self-made man.
What is the quality you most like in a man? Chivalry.
What is the trait you most deplore in yourself? Diminished awareness of time (aka tendency to be late). What is the trait you most deplore in others? Insincerity. What is your favorite journey? Our move to Daufuskie Island. What is your greatest extravagance? Ben & Jerry’s Peanut Butter Cup ice cream. What do you consider the most overrated virtue? An unbalanced pursuit of fairness. It does not result in desired outcomes and promotes negativity. On what occasion do you lie? I try to be truthful but will lie to avoid hurting/humiliating someone. Which living person do you most dislike? In general rather than specifically — shallow persons who judge others based on wealth/status/connections rather than as individuals. Which words or phrases do you most overuse? Um…
What is the quality you most like in a woman? I like motivational & inspirational women. What is your greatest regret? Allowing myself to be swayed and not pursuing my physical therapy degree straight out of high school. What or who is the greatest love of your life? My family. Which talent would you most like to have? Photographic memory. What do you consider your greatest achievement? Raising our children to be happy, healthy, self-sufficient adults. If you could choose what to come back as, what would it be? A dolphin. What is your most treasured possession? I think I have to say a trivet my husband made for me shortly after we were married. It is not the object as much as what it represents.
What do you most value in your friends? Their accepting me for who I am, sharing in joyful moments and being supportive during life’s difficult moments. Helping me fulfill my dreams, grow and become the best version of me. Who are your favorite writers? Fiction - D. Brown, J. Paterson, D. Baldacci, R. Ludlum, + others I will think of later! Non-fiction - Simons & Travell. Who is your favorite fictional hero? Alex Cross, Brian Mills, Indiana Jones, Mrs. Pollifax. Who are your heroes in real life? My mom and most recently the impressive women of Daufuskie whom I have had the good fortune of becoming friends with in the past few months. What is it you most dislike? Pretentious behavior, creamed corn, and stepping on squishy things. What is your motto? Always room for self improvement. DAUFUSKIE FRONT PORCH | Holidays 2015
15
FROM DAUFUSKIE’S MINDSTREAM SCHOOL
T
Stuff the Turkey, Not Yourself: Five Ways to Avoid Overindulging
urkey. Stuffing. Mashed potatoes, Gravy. Cranberry sauce. Pumpkin pie… and going back for seconds. Clearly, Thanksgiving is a day that’s all about eating. If you are like many at the start of the holiday season, you promise yourself that you will not overdo it. Unfortunately, it is also an over abundance of tempting tidbits, well-meaning family and friends, stress… and the list goes on. It is incredibly easy to over indulge. While you might enjoy every bite that passes your lips on Turkey Day, chances are you, like many others at the end of the day feel like a blob, regretting that you allowed yourself to eat way too much. The good news is there is a better, healthier way to approach the holiday season, and it does not mean you will have to choose between savoring your special holiday meal and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. The MindStream philosophy teaches our students being overweight is not just a ‘body’ issue — it also affects the mind and the spirit. To adapt and maintain a healthy lifestyle, a combination of skills must be learned and practiced to overcome unhealthy mental and physical habits. Right now at MindStream, we’re preparing our kids to proactively navigate their Thanksgiving holiday back home while still staying healthy, and the same advice can be helpful for all. This Thanksgiving, our students will use their knowledge of ingredients and portion control to be activists and leaders while helping their families prepare healthy Thanksgiving dinners. If you are ready to have a healthier holiday, read on for five of our tried-and-true tips: 1. Understand the Eye-Stomach Gap At some point we have probably all used the excuse, “My eyes were bigger than my stomach” to justify overeating. MindStream teaches its students that our desire 16
Holidays 2015 | DAUFUSKIE FRONT PORCH
to eat comes from both physical and mental conditions. Overeating often occurs when a persons brain overrides the signal from their stomach. It is easy to base your decision to eat on sight. 2. Remember — A Family Who Cooks Together Stays Healthy Together Believe it or not, when you get the whole family involved in meal preparation, you will be investing in everyone’s physical and emotional health. Coming together over food helps your family create a positive environment in which you can make good memories and strengthen the emotional bond that you all share. Sharing in the preparation of the meal provides greater time together without the eating.
food. When you leave the general vicinity of food, you will not be able to eat more than you should. In addition to removing yourself from temptation, make yourself earn your food. Find activities to fill time spent away from the table. • Consider playing outside games with family and friends. • Take a walk with your family outdoors or in the mall. • Play a game indoors like checkers or charades. • Get a jump start on holiday decorating. Remember, exercise of any kind balances the calories you ingest and family activities are just as important as the yummy meal.
3. Understand the Power of the Portion We live in a Super Sized society. The bigger-is-better mindset causes many of us to feel we have not eaten “enough” unless we feel like we might burst. There are several ways to reduce the amount of food you eat, eat the foods you crave, avoid going ‘overboard’ and still feel satisfied. • Check out the entire selection of food options before selecting. • Serve yourself sample sized portions if you are just ‘tasting’. • Serve yourself only once. • Use a smaller plate or mentally ‘mark off’ section of plate as off-limits for food. • Be aware of how full your stomach is feeling not what is left on your plate.
5. Be Aware of Your Emotional Triggers Unless you live in a 1950’s sitcom, chances are there are a few dysfunctional relationships in your extended family. Holidays bring families together and sometimes we do not realize we are using food as a way to cope with stress. • Identify potential triggers to emotional eating. • Try to avoid topics that have caused tension in the past. • Try to excuse yourself from situations that trigger you to eat. • Take a walk, find a task to occupy a few minutes. • Maintain your normal daily routine when possible. • A good night’s sleep, exercise, healthy eating are big stress reducers. Ultimately, having a healthy Thanksgiving should not be complicated. Keep things simple by focusing on fellowship, identify and reduce stressors when possible, remember that the healthiest thing you can do at Thanksgiving and always is to cultivate a positive attitude and self-image.
4. Step Away From the Table Once the meal is over leave the table, clear the dishes and put away the leftover
Happy Thanksgiving from the MindStream family!
LoCo Motion Breast Cancer Walk Makes First Visit to Daufuskie
Tickets are $30 in advance and $35 at the door! They can be bought at the Freeport General Store or the Old Daufuskie Crab Company.
Mixed Green Salad Spaghetti with Italian Sausage Garlic Bread Tiramisu and Amaretto Bread Pudding *Complimentary Wine and Beer
Menu will Include:
Daufuskie Crab Company.
a delicious Italian Dinner, catered by the Chefs at Old
us at the First Bloody Point Lighthouse Christmas
Charity Event! Help us in raising money for Ernestine
Smith, so she can replace her car! The night will feature
wowed the crowd as they stopped for re- marketing plan that targeted women aged freshments donated by the Club and resi- 30-65 who live within driving distance and dents who cheered them on. The finish line have an interest in fitness. celebration was held at the Old Daufuskie With money still coming in, the 3-day Crab Company. event exceeded the $75,000 donation goal. Laura Morgan, the event coordinator, Laura kept the registration fee low to prostarted LoCo Motion in 2011 after found- mote participation and relies on communiing Carolina Cups in 2009, a non-profit ty donations and sponsorships to cover the charitable organization that raises money, operating budget. The fundraising goal for spreads knowledge and fosters hope in the 2016 is $150,000. Registration and venues fight against breast cancer. Having run in for the 2016 event will be posted in early 94 full and half marathons she wanted to January at www.dothelocomotion.org create an accessible event where anyone Proceeds are donated to: Beaufort Jasper could experience the joy of crossing a fin- Hampton Comprehensive Health Services, ish line (or three!). Volunteers in Medicine in Hilton Head In 2013 there were 800 participants. and Bluffton, Beaufort Memorial KeyserThis year there were 1,200, including 300 ling Cancer Center, MUSC Hollings Canrunners. Laura hopes to attract 1,600 cer Center, Northside Hospital in Atlanta, participants in 2016. She attributes the and based on the vote of the Carolina Cups increased registration to the allure of the board, the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville and Start the Christmas season off Hilwith a bang by joining Cancer Society. islands (Daufuskie, Callawassie and the American us at the First Bloody Point Lighthouse Christmas ton Head) and a new social media based By Jenny Hersch Start the Christmas season off with a bang by joining
O
n Friday, September 25, 1,200 pinkclad walkers and runners descended on the shores of Daufuskie Island for the first of LoCo Motion’s three-day, three-island, 30-mile event that raises money for breast cancer research, treatment and screening. Participants arriving by ferry at Freeport were greeted by the Daufuskie Dynamos, a group of more than 20 island walkers, acting as enthusiastic hosts who drove to the starting line in a parade of “pinked up” golf carts. The 10-mile course wound through the Historic District and Melrose Resort with a stop for libations at Marshside Mama’s. Fire Chief Ed Boys, his crew and local volunteers set up mile markers and inspirational signs along the route. Participants were welcomed at Melrose by a huge archway made of pink balloons and plenty of pink lemonade and sugar cookies. Haig Point’s horses, adorned with pink ribbons,
Start the Christmas season off with a bang joining Charity Event! Help by usoff in with raising money Ernestine Start the Christmas season a bang by for joining us at the First Bloody Point Lighthouse Christmas Smith, soBloody she can replace her car!Christmas The night will feature us at the First Point Lighthouse Charity Event! Help us ina raising money for Ernestine delicious Italian Chefs at Old Charity Event! Help us inDinner, raisingcatered money by forthe Ernestine Smith, so she can replaceDaufuskie her car! Crab The night will feature Company. Smith, so she can replace her car! The night will feature a delicious Italian Dinner, catered by the Chefs at Old a delicious Italian Dinner, catered by the Chefs at Old Tickets can be bought at the Freeport General Daufuskie Crab Company. Daufuskie Crab Company.
$30 in advance $35 at the door
Start the Christmas season witha abang bang by by joining Start the Christmas season offoff with joining us at us at the First Bloody Point Lighthouse Christmas the First Bloody Point Lighthouse Christmas Charity Event! Charity Event! Help us in raising money for Ernestine Help us in raising money for Ernestine Smith, so she can Smith, so she can replace her car! The night will feature replace her car! TheItalian nightDinner, will feature a delicious Dinner, a delicious catered by the Chefs atItalian Old Crab Company. cateredDaufuskie by the Chefs at Old Daufuskie Crab Company.
Store or the Old Daufuskie Crab Company.
Menu will Include:
Mixed Green Salad Menu will Include: Spaghetti with Italian Sausage Menu will Include: Mixed Green Salad Mixed Garlic Green Bread Salad
Spaghetti with Italian Sausage Mixed Green Salad • Garlic Bread Tiramisu and Amaretto Bread Pudding *Complimentary Wine and Beer* DAUFUSKIE FRONT PORCH | Holidays 2015
17
FROM T HE DAUFUSKIE ISL AND FIRE DISTRICT
9-1-1 Addressing a Top Priority
I
n the case of a fire or medical emergency the Daufuskie Island Fire District wants to ensure unimpeded response to all residences or commercial buildings. So we are making the posting of 9-1-1 addresses a top priority. According to SC Code of Laws Section 2347-60: (D) (2)‌ Residential numbers must not be less than three inches in height. Business numbers must not be less than four inches in height. All numbers must be made of a durable, clearly visible material and must contrast with the color of the house, building, or other structure. (3) Numbers must be conspicuously placed immediately above, on, or at the
side of the appropriate door so that the numbers are clearly visible from the street. In cases where the building is situated more than 50 feet from the street or road, the building number also must be placed near the walk, driveway, or common entrance to the building, or upon the mailbox, gatepost, fence, or other appropriate place so as to clearly be visible from the street or road. The firefighters will meet with any resident or commercial building owner to advise the best placement of the 9-1-1 address numbers for optimal identification. In some cases, if the
structure is visible from the road, the address can simply be posted on the structure itself. In other cases, the 9-1-1 address numbers must be posted on a sign that is visible from the Beaufort County officially-named road. Those people who do not have a 9-1-1 address or are unsure that the address they have is correct are asked to contact Nicole Breton, Beaufort County 9-1-1 Addressing Department (phone: 843-255-4017; e-mail: nbreton@bcgov. net.) Please note that the Daufuskie Island Fire District cannot assign a 9-1-1 address; only Beaufort County can do so.
Wishing our Neighbors and Friends the Most Joyous Christmas Season.
Good Health, Peace and Success in Everything You Do in the New Year!
Tony Simonelli Andy Mason, BIC Tom Heffner 908-295-6778 315-247-4212 843-290-2222
877-437-7290
www.daufuskiepropertiesrealty.com
Focus ~ Knowledge ~ Understanding ~ Performance Applied Daily to Best Serve You! 18
Holidays 2015 | DAUFUSKIE FRONT PORCH
DUNDEE continued from page 14
Happy Birthday Len Pojednic!
Daufuskie Island Farm Debuts Biscuit the Celebration Calf
A
re YOU the sort of person who likes helping out local farms? Of course you are! Could you use the services of a purple cow? Daufuskie Community Farm has devised a way for you to do both. With just a $25.00 donation to the farm, you can rent Biscuit the Celebration Calf for any purpose you like, be it birthdays, weddings, pranks or pure emotional support. Biscuit will be delivered with a card to anyone you like on the island. Call Pat at 678-897-0942 or email bowwow@hargray.com to reserve Biscuit.
Act now and find a way to use Biscuit before she finds you! Just ask Susie and Bubba Thompson, who came home on Halloween after a night out at Marshside Mama’s to find Biscuit the purple cow waiting for them in the driveway! All donations are used to support the daily operations of Daufuskie Community Farm.
control the vastness of the area. There is one development I read about several years ago. They were introducing a pathogen into the water using spray planes. This was to destroy the larva before they morphed into adult mosquitoes. I do not know about where this is today. I asked about it but the answer was vague, like “we’re working on it”. This sort of thing is a two edged sword. Sure you can wipe out all the mosquitoes but with it go all those animals that depend on them for life… including the birds. So it’s a tricky thing to reach a balance. A survival tip here should you get caught out with no defense: Just break off a pine bough about a foot long with lots of pine needles and use that to swat them off your body or out of the air.. it really works and carries on that friendly Daufuskie Island salute! People running around waving at you with both hands. :(( Another bit about this place called Daufuskie, where nothing normal ever happens! And… Just a parting shot here: Being thankful on Thanksgiving day… TYL for skeeter scat, like the original “6-12, and “Off” and other wonderful things too numerous to mention. Hope you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving! Cheers mates, Daufuskie Dundee
Ron takes Biscuit home from the Oyster Roast Fundraiser. DAUFUSKIE FRONT PORCH | Holidays 2015
19
Festa dei Sette Pesci ( FEAST OF SE V E N FISHE S)
J O I N U S CH RI STM AS EV E AT T H E B EAC H C LUB COURSE N O. 1
SALM ON R ILLET T E COURSE N O. 2
B UTTE R POACH E D SPI NY LOB ST ER TA IL SA LA D W/ LEM ON AI OL I COURS E N O. 3
GRIL L E D ME DI TE RRAN E AN T IG ER P R AW N S W/ C ILA N T R O , CHI L I A N D LIM E COURS E N O. 4
SPAG H E TTI W/ W H IT E C LA M SAU C E COURSE N O. 5
CI O PPI N O DI AM A LF I , ( S H ELLF IS H ST EW ) COURSE N O. 6
UCCA I N AG RO DO LC E , ( R OAST ED S UG A R P U M P K IN ) COURSE N O. 7
STRUFFO L I , CH RI STMAS H ON EY F R IT T ER S , LIM ON C ELLO G E L ATO, C H R IST M AS COOK IES
$ 69. 95 P E R P E R S O N FO R R E S E RVAT I O N S P L E AS E C A L L 8 4 3 -3 41 - 2 64 0 WWW. M EL ROS ERES ORT.COM