Daufuskie Front Porch - Summer Issue by Heather Bragg

Daufuskie Island, SC

The Front Porch Neighborly News for Residents and Visitors

www.DaufuskieIslandFrontPorch.com

Briefly Daufuskie

Issue No. 81 | Summer

After

From Birds of Daufuskie

Historic Frances Jones House Nears Completion

Spring is in full swing here on Daufuskie.The birds are in breeding plumage and singing loudly trying to attract mates! Make sure to swing by the Melrose Rookery to see many of the wading birds in their nests. Please don’t get too close as that may force some of the moms to inadvertently kick an egg or chick out of the nest.

hen summer strikes Daufuskie, visitors come from all over to see all the island has to offer. And this summer, tourists and islanders will have a new way to experience the island’s beautiful beaches and unique Gullah culture. The Palmetto Trust for Historic Preservation, South Carolina’s statewide organization interested in protecting, preserving and advocating for our state’s historic structures, is launching its Daufuskie Endangered Places Program, which will introduce tourists to Gullah history and roots while preserving some of Daufuskie Island’s most significant home places. How does the Daufuskie Endangered Places Program work? Palmetto Trust for Historic Preservation has partnered with descendants of original Gullah families who have owned these homes for generations. The Trust then leases the homes from the owners, rehabilitates the

Before

homes in a manner that respects the historic integrity of the structure, then rents the home to travelers who want to experience the Gullah heritage and Daufuskie Island’s natural beauty. The homeowners gain a renovated, livable structure when many of these homes had been in disrepair and can enjoy their See JONES on page 4

In This Issue Save the Date!, 2 38th Annual Daufuskie Day

Save the Date!

Daufuskie Island Council News, 3 Daufuskie Island Fire District, 5 On and Around Daufuskie, 6-7 Get to Know an Islander, 8 Turtle Team, 10 Bloody Point Update, 11 Historical Foundation, 12-13 Community Farm News, 17 Daufuskie Island Conservancy, 20 Elementary School News, 18-19

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 ©2014 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.

Summer 2014 | Daufuskie Front Porch

Saturday, June 28, 2014

38th Annual Daufuskie Day Cost of Tickets $30 Sales begins April 1, 2014 Tickets are nonrefundable

Ticket Outlets Lester’s Florist 2100 Bull Street, Savannah, GA Chamber of Commerce 1 Chamber of Commerce Drive, Hilton Head, SC Fresh Cut Unlimited Bi-Lo Shopping Plaza , 806 Paris Island Gateway C-2, Port Royal, SC

Ferry Schedules

Departs Savannah at 9:00 am – River Street Departs Daufuskie at 3pm Departs Hilton Head at 8:30 am — Shelter Cove Departs Daufuskie at 4 pm

Vendor’s Fee $25

Daufuskie Island Council News by Janet Adams

he Daufuskie Island Council has completed and submitted an application for a federal Tiger Planning Grant to finance a feasibility study for ferry services in Beaufort County impacting Daufuskie Island. The Vision: Maximizing affordable ferry service that meets local lifeline and economic development-related needs within the Lowcountry. Supporting letters were included with our application. Letters were written by Nikki R. Haley, Governor of South Carolina; James E. Clyburn, 6th District, SC House of Representatives; Andrew Patrick, District 123, SC House of Representatives; Wm. Weston J. Newton, District No. 120, Beaufort and Jasper Counties; Barbara Clark, Chairwoman Jasper County Council; P. J. Tanner, Sheriff of Beaufort County; Jeffrey C. Moss, Ed. D., Superintendent Beaufort County School District; Billy Keyserling, Mayor, City of Beaufort, SC; Samuel E. Murray, Mayor, Town of Port Royal, SC; Lisa Sulka, Mayor, Town of Bluffton, SC; Stephen G. Riley, ICMA-CM, Town Manager, Hilton Head Island, SC; David Blauch, Board Chairman and Rochelle Ferguson, Executive Director Palmetto Breeze; Althena Natalga Sumpter, Chair, Gullah Geechee Cultural Heritage Corridor Commission; L. Chriswell Bickley, Jr., Executive Director, Lowcountry Council of Governments, Kevin McCarthy, COO and Family Owner, Bloody Point Golf Club and Resort, Daufuskie Island and Charles Small and Chuck Hunter, Co- chairmen representing the Daufuskie Island Council. A note of receipt has been sent to us by the US Department of Transportation. All inclusive island meetings for input and discussion will be set up once the result of our application is received. Daufuskie Island Council Meetings are held on the 3rd Monday of each month at 5:35 pm at the Mary Fields Elementary School. All DI residents are invited to attend. The elected Council members include Chuck Hunter, Charlie Small, Mike Loftus, Bill Nickels, Jody Smith, John Schartner, Mike Davis and Janet Adams. Look for the Daufuskie Island Website to be up and running in May 2014.The Daufuskie Island Council is “The Voice” of Daufuskie Island.

Boat Schedule

Calibogue Cruises Ferry Schedule & Services

Round trip ferry ticket, lunch or dinner at the Old Daufuskie Crab Company, and either a golf cart rental (map included) or a guided historical tour: $59 per person. Please call for reservations, 843-342-8687. (Revised schedule effective 01/07/2014) P = Palmetto Breeze Passengers Allowed T = Travelers and Luggage Allowed HHI= Hilton Head Island DI= Daufuskie Island

Monday and Friday HHI DI 7:15am(P/T) 8:15am(P/T) 3:00pm(P/T) 4:15pm(P/T) Wednesday HHI DI 7:15am(P/T) 8:15am(P/T) 10:00am 11:00am(P/T) 3:00pm(P/T) 4:15pm(P/T) Tuesday&Thursday HHI DI 10:00am(P) 11:00am(P/T) 3:00pm(P/T) 4:15pm(P/T) Saturday HHI DI 10:00am(P/T) 11:00am(P/T) 3:00pm(P/T) 4:15pm(P/T)

Daufuskie Front Porch | Summer 2014

JONES continued from page 2 ancestor’s homes on a scheduled basis. Once Palmetto Trust for Historic Preservation recoups the original investment incurred to rehabilitate the income from rentals and donations to DEPP, the owners of the homes and property can choose to cancel the lease and use the home as a vacation home or continue to rent the home and gain income from rentals of the vacation home as originally established. With future plans for more cottages available for rent, the Daufuskie Endangered Places Program’s first home place, the

Frances Jones house, will be available for rent this summer. The Frances Jones House is currently undergoing renovations with plenty of modern amenities, but to maintain authenticity, the home’s floors will still creek and the home is situated under mammoth Live Oaks, which Daufuskie and South Carolina’s Lowcountry are known for. Rental rates will be affordable for families and travellers interested in experiencing the Gullah lifestyle on the South Carolina coast.

Q&A

with Michael Bedenbaugh Michael Bedenbaugh, Executive Director of The Palmetto Trust for Historic Preservation, has spent much of the last year on the ferry traveling to Daufuskie to get the Daufuskie Endangered Places Program underway. Bedenbaugh, who crisscrosses South Carolina weekly in an effort to preserve our state’s most important structures and buildings, came up with the idea for the program when he visited Daufuskie five years ago. Read on for his thoughts on helping Daufuskie’s Gullah families preserve their homes for generations to come. How did you come up with the idea for the Daufuskie Endangered Places Program? When I first visited Daufuskie, I was astonished at how much of the historic fabric still existed on the island. But, I was immediately concerned with how endangered some of these Gullah family homes were. They were at risk of being destroyed by new development or just by being vacant, in disrepair and left subjected to the elements. I wanted to come up with a program that would create incentives to allow investment in these historic properties while maintaining native ownership. I knew the Gullah families needed to retain ownership of the properties to be interested in working with Palmetto Trust. Why did the Palmetto Trust for Historic Preservation feel the need for Daufuskie Endangered Places Program? You know, preservation is all about maintaining a property’s sense of place 4

Summer 2014 | Daufuskie Front Porch

More Information

For additional information about the Frances Jones House and the Daufuskie Endangered Places Program, visit www.daufuskieislandrentals. com and www. daufuskieendangeredplaces.org.

and uniqueness. On Daufuskie Island, that’s also about the impact of the Gullah culture and the fact that these families own properties that were a hard fight for them to gain ownership of a century ago. To protect these homes means to respect the ancestors’ plight to own property and their culture and way of life. The Gullah culture and these authentic home places are a part of the fabric of South Carolina and a piece of history that’s so unique to the Lowcountry that it was absolutely worth saving. The Palmetto Trust got to work finding investors and raising funds

to make the Daufuskie Endangered Places Program possible. Daufuskie is a community made up of a diverse group of people though, and I had to spend time here to get to know the people on the island and develop relationships to even find out where these homes were. I got to know the families and really let them know that Palmetto Trust wanted to help them save their family homes without taking away their ownership. Anything regarding real estate is most successful when you find a way to respect the indigenous people, and bring something to the table for all parties involved. Native ownership is so important to the success of the Daufuskie Endangered Places Program, and even though we’re just getting started, that will always be a hallmark of the program. Tell us about the Frances Jones House. The Frances Jones House is the pilot home for the Daufuskie Endangered Places Program. The house will tell the story of Frances Jones and her importance to the Gullah community through framed arti-

. . . Preservation is all about maintaining a property’s sense of place and uniqueness. On Daufuskie Island, that’s also about the impact of the Gullah culture and the fact that these families own properties that were a hard fight for them to gain ownership of a century ago.” — Michael Bedenbaugh , Executive Director of The Palmetto Trust for Historic Preservation

cles about her that we found in the home during renovation. Guests who rent the house will find two bedrooms and one bathroom, as well as a pullout sofa, a kitchen, a gas log fireplace and more. The accommodations are very comfortable, kids can watch tv and have access to the beach and all the amenities Daufuskie Island will have to offer. But even though the home has been renovated with all kinds of modern amenities, we also attempted to retain all of the authenticity so that families and vacationers can really experience what it was like to live in a Gullah dwelling. The floors still creek and the home still retains a lot of the appeal, visually, that it did decades ago. What’s next for Daufuskie Endangered Places Program? The Frances Jones House is the first house available for rent, and we hope to work with other Gullah families on the island to help preserve their homes while offering comfortable accommodations to travelers interested in learning about Daufuskie and the Gullah culture as well. We envision this program being available to any historic homeowner looking for a way to preserve their family’s Gullah home place. We expect every relationship with homeowners to be different, though, because every family and their needs are different. We want to know how we can tie together

D I S PAT C H :

From The Daufuskie Island Fire District Volunteer Firefighters Needed

their family’s home and the Gullah culture in a way that preserves it for future generations. The Frances Jones House’s owners have been wonderful to work with. We’re working together to preserve their family home. How has the Daufuskie community responded? Several organizations have been so helpful and we couldn’t have gotten this far without them. The support of Haig Point, the Daufuskie Island Historic Foundation, the Daufuskie Island Conservancy, the Binyah Foundation and the leadership of the Community Farm have made the Daufuskie Endangered Places Program and the Frances Jones House a reality. And private supporters of the Daufuskie Endangered Places Program have also made this possible by making donations through our website. How can anyone interested find out more about the Frances Jones House and the Daufuskie Endangered Places Program? We’re really happy to partner with Daufuskie Island Accommodations (www.daufuskieislandrentals.com), who will manage rentals for the property. And to learn more about the Daufuskie Endangered Places Program, visit daufuskieendangeredplaces.org and follow us on Facebook.

id you know that of an estimated 1.1 million firefighters in America about 73% are volunteers? Did you know that Ben Franklin formed the first volunteer fire department in 1736 and that George Washington and Thomas Jefferson were not only presidents but also volIf you think you unteer firefighters? would be interested in The Daufuskie volunteering or if you Island Fire District would like additional is looking for a few information about select individuals what is required, please to join the existing contact Chief Ed Boys group of volunteer at the fire station at firefighters. These 785-2116. volunteers meet every other Monday in late afternoon for training and participation in drills aimed at preparing themselves to provide assistance to the small staff of career firefighters. In the event of an actual emergency, volunteers don turnout gear and respond to the location at which they are needed. Not only is the work interesting and personally rewarding but the volunteer firefighters’ contribution also aids in lowering fire insurance rates on Daufuskie Island.

More Information

Daufuskie Front Porch | Summer 2014

On and Around Haig Point Ferry Guys tennis team returns from the state tournament on Hilton Head. Left to right: Captain Kris Kelley, Bill Nickels, Chris Butler, Mke Loftus, Dave McKeeman & Reagan Hull

Cranford Hollow performing at Freeport Marina

Summer 2014 | Daufuskie Front Porch

Daufuskie Island

Islanders enjoyed the Kentucky Der by Gloria Rivellino, Gayle Silver, Kristi Nelson & D ianne Simonelli heme” at the m “The Easter Sc or rf pe n re ild ch Island tist Church First African Bap

Deborah McKeeman’s son riding on the shell road

Daufuskie Front Porch | Summer 2014

Get to Know an Islander Barbara Barrett

The questions below were taken directly from Vanity Fair’s Proust Questionnaire. We thought it would be fun to see how our neighbors and friends answer these questions. In each issue we will check in with another Daufuskie resident for their answers. The first person many visitors meet when they visit Daufuskie is Freeport General Store Manager and Melrose resident Barbara Barrett. Though she spends much of her day answering the questions of those discovering Daufuskie for the first time, she generously agreed to answer a few more..

What is your idea of perfect happiness? Living on Daufuskie What is your greatest fear? Losing anyone I love in life Which historical figure do you identify with most? Jackie Kennedy. I love fashion. Which living person do you most admire? My mother What is the trait you most deplore in yourself? Not being able to say no, hence, answering all these questions

Which words or phrases do you most overuse? Honey or baby What is your greatest regret? That I started smoking What or who is the greatest love of your life? My grandson Max Which talent would you most like to have? I would like to be able to sing

What is the trait you most deplore in others? Lying

What do you consider your greatest achievement? My daughters Nicolette and Bianca

What is your favorite journey? Being a Grandma

If you could choose what to come back as, what would it be? Me, but I would do things better

What is your greatest extravagance? Boots and purses What do you consider the most overrated virtue? Moderation On what occasion do you lie? Probably not to hurt someone’s feelings

Which living person do you most dislike? Mother nature when she rains on my day off

Summer 2014 | Daufuskie Front Porch

What is your most treasured possession? My iPhone What do you regard as the lowest depth of misery? Loneliness What is your favorite occupation? Working at the Freeport General Store

What is your most marked characteristic? I love laughter and a happy face! What is the quality you most like in a man? Kindness, gentleness and generosity! What is the quality you most like in a woman? Big heartedness What do you most value in your friends? Loyalty and humor Who are your favorite writers? Ann Rule Who is your favorite fictional hero? Charlie’s Angels Who are your heroes in real life? Our troops What is it you most dislike? Roaches What is your motto? Be kind because everyone you meet is fighting a harder battle.

Daufuskie Front Porch | Summer 2014

T he Daufuskie Turtle T eam “Protecting Sea Turtles One Nest At At Time”

What you can do to help sea turtles in South Carolina!

• Obey local and county lighting ordinances. • Do not shine lights on a sea turtle or take flash photography. • Turn out all exterior lights (flood and deck) visible from the beach, dusk to dawn, from May through October. • Close blinds and drapes on windows to shield interior lights that can be seen from the beach or ocean. • No flashlights, fireworks or bonfires on the beach. • Encourage your local and county administrations to enforce their lighting ordinances. • Do not disturb a nesting sea turtle and observe her only from a distance. • When boating, look out for sea turtles both insure and offshore. Sea turtle mortality from boat interaction is on the rise. • Fill large holes dug on the beach at the end of the day because adult and hatchling turtles can become trapped in them. • Remove tents, chairs and other items from the beach and dunes at the end of the day that could obstruct a sea turtle when nesting. • Adopt-a-Nest (www.seaturtle.org/nestdb/adopt) • No unauthorized vehicles are allowed on Beaufort County Beaches. • There were 86 nests on our beaches in 2013. 10

Summer 2014 | Daufuskie Front Porch

More Info Susan Card 843-812-7608 Robin Boedeker 843-530-3209 Tammy Helmuth 843-247-5941

Bloody Point Update by Julianna McCarthy

Golf Course Update From Bloody Point General Manager Patrick Ford

n Daufuskie Island, the forecast for this summer looks bright with the prospect of increased traffic. Visitors discovering the island for the first time are leaving with plans to return as quickly as possible, and many who haven’t returned in a decade are finally making the pilgrimage back. Already, at Daufuskie’s southernmost point, the numbers for 2014 tell a story of dramatic change from previous years. This is partially a response to Bloody Point experiencing its first full year at operational capacity; all resort amenities are now open. A second contributing factor is undoubtedly Bloody Point’s new partnership with The Westin Savannah Harbor Golf Resort and Spa. The Westin Savannah Harbor chose to continue its successful partnership with Bloody Point after having completed the 2013 Westin Beach Club program. Last year, over the course of the three-month long Beach Club program, 140 guests traveled to Daufuskie from The Westin Savannah Harbor and enjoyed access to the Island’s pristine beaches and Bloody Point’s pool facility. This year, that number is expected to increase by at least 50%. In addition to the Westin Beach

Club program, the Westin has extended to Bloody Point the use of its marina for all marine transportation operations. The three-vessel Bloody Point fleet, including the new 49-passenger Warp Drive boat, is now stationed across from River Street. In addition to The Osprey Cottage and Sandy Lane Villas, Bloody Point recently completed building a 10-Bedroom Retreat called Oakley Place, which is located on Beach Road. The completion of Oakley Place brings the total number of rentable rooms at the resort up to 23. Occupancy is up significantly from 2013, and several weeks in July, August, and October are already at 100% occupancy. BloodyPoint’s4thofJulyExtravaganza and Cart Parade - now in its third year, is open to the public is expected to draw several hundred attendants. All are welcome at our Firecracker Open on July 3rd to kick off the Independence Day festivities as well as the Labor Day Poolside Cookout. Additionally, the 2nd Annual Fall Frolic (October 1619) which will be open anyone who is interested, and which will include play at both the Melrose and Bloody Point golf courses.

As everyone is aware, we have had one of the worst winters in the last 20 years. Due to the harsh conditions, the growth of the grass has been delayed a bit. We are currently applying fertilizers to the greens. This will promote growth, both vertically and horizontally. We are also doing a broad-leaf application to tees, fairways, and rough. This application will start the eradication of unwanted weeds. We will call this a “necessary evil”. The dying weeds will create gaps and it will take some time for the 419 Bermuda to fill in. Shortly after our broad leaf application, we will do a wall-to-wall fertilizer application which will help expedite the 419 Bermuda to fill in said gaps. We also plan on doing an insecticide application late May, which will have a 3-month residual effect. Most insecticide applications are a contact kill, which means the insect needs to be present and exposed to the application in order to be successful. This application will stay active in the plant for three months, so anything that was not hit by the initial application will eventually feel the effects over a three-month period.As a reminder, we are planning aerification of the golf course May 27, 28, and 29. We appreciate your patience and understanding of the current course conditions and are taking the necessary steps to make it the course we all know it can be.

Daufuskie Front Porch | Summer 2014

Daufuskie Island Historical Foundation

Spring is a Busy One!!

he Daufuskie Island Historical Foundation held its annual meeting on Tuesday, April 22, with over one hundred members and guests in attendance. After dinner and a short business meeting, the attendees were treated to a talk by Emory Campbell, Executive Director Emeritus of the Penn Center and founder of Gullah Heritage Consulting Services. Dr. Campbell praised the Foundation for its endeavors to preserve the island’s history and its Gullah heritage. His topic was the Gullah-Geechee Corridor and he explained what the Corridor encompassed and its vision, and the fact that more individuals and organizations were recognizing its importance and becoming involved. A poignant moment in his remarks was when he told of hearing African villagers singing a song that was very similar to one sung by his family…a true homecoming for him and others on a memorable trip in search of their West African origins. On Wednesday, May 7, the entire island was invited to Marshside Mama’s to hear Dr. Rebecca Starr, whose master’s thesis at the U. of SC was “A Place Called Daufuskie: Island Bridge to Georgia 1520-1830”. Dr. Starr worked with Billie Burn when she was researching material for her island history book and was responsible for the application that put Daufuskie on the National Register of Historic Places. A marker was dedicated at the Public Dock last November commemorating this auspicious designation. Dr. Starr’s email address was discovered in Billie Burn’s papers as they were being processed for the DIHF Archives. An email found Dr. Starr in England where she received her Ph.D. from Oxford University and taught Early American history at the University of Gloucestershire until her retirement in 2006. We are very fortunate to have had the opportunity to hear from this scholar who played a significant role in recording Daufuskie’s history.

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More info

Haig Point and DIHF invites the pubic to celebrate the history of the island Saturday, June 7th. Admission, which includes ferry transportation from Haig Point Embarkation on Hilton Head and lunch, is $60. Daufuskie Island residents may access Haig Point via the Haig Point South Gate with an admission charge of $50 which includes lunch. For reservations, call 1-800686-3441. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Daufuskie Island Historical Foundation. www.daufuskieislandhistoricalfoundation.org

On the weekend of June 6 -7 Haig Point and the Daufuskie Island Historical Foundation will host Joseph McGill, Jr., founder of “The Slave Dwelling Project”. The Project is dedicated to the identification/preservation of former slave quarters and to delivering the mes-

sage “that the people who lived in these structures were not a footnote in American history”. McGill, a graduate of South Carolina State University, currently works as history consultant for Magnolia Plantation in Charleston. Previously he was employed by the National Trust

Rebecca Starr

for Historical Preservation, the Penn Center on St. Helena and the National Park Service, planning, managing and bringing historical interpretation to the public. He participates in Civil War re-enactments and was the founder of “Company 1, 54 Massachusetts Reenactment Regiment”, in Charleston. McGill has taken upon himself to sleep in as many extant former slave dwellings as he is able to identify and as time permits. His mission to bring preservation to and education about slave dwellings and their inhabitants was featured in an article entitled “Cabin Fever” in “Smithsonian Magazine” in October 2013.

Emory Campbell

After a dinner for Daufuskie Island Historical Foundation members on Friday evening ($14.95; for reservations call 341-8144), McGill will bed down for the night under the stars in one of the newly restored tabby slave ruins at Haig Point. Joining him will be Yvonne Wilson of Daufuskie Island with members of her family, descendants of Haig Point slaves. The following day, Saturday, June 7, Haig Point and DIHF invite the public to celebrate the history of the island, and in particular that of Haig Point, with a walking tour of four significant sites in Haig Point: the tabby ruin slave quarters, the Haig Point Lighthouse, the Haig’s Point

Joseph McGill

slave/Gullah cemetery and the Strachan Mansion. Joe McGill will be on site to share stories about the “Slave Dwelling Project”. Last, but not least, since 1995 the Palmetto Trust for Historic Preservation, the S.C. Department of Archives and History, and the Office of the Governor have recognized exceptional accomplishments in the preservation, rehabilitation, and interpretation of architectural and cultural heritage with a series of state awards. The Daufuskie Island Historical Foundation has been notified that it will be awarded the 2014 Stewardship Award at a June 11th ceremony.

Daufuskie Front Porch | Summer 2014

Daily Pool Passes and Annual Pool Memberships Available 843.341.2922

The Beach Club Restaurant and Bar Fresh Lowcountry Cuisine in a Spectacular Beachfront Setting

843.341.2640

ComingSoon Theme Thursdays, Friday Night Oyster Roasts, Girlsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Night Out & More ! Summer 2014 | Daufuskie Front Porch

SPRING IS SPRUNG by Daufuskie Dundee

his winter struck me as a more “normal” winter than we have had over the past several years. It was the way winters used to be; lots of cold wind, rain, sleet, and some snow thrown in for good measure. Back in the good ol’ days, much time was spent cutting wood with an ax and hauling it home to bust and get in the wood box behind the stove. That cutting and hauling kept a body warm for a long time. Chain saws made the chore a lot easier and a small gasoline powered log splitter was a down right miracle. Kinda fun really. There is nothing quite like a good wood stove, and the heat that radiates out from it soothes the soul. Then things begin to warm up in March.. (yellow fog month). The colder the winter the more pine pollen and even your shoes turn yellow with the stuff. Now the time you save from wood cutting and splitting can be used to wash the car or the cart and don’t forget the solar panels. WOW! That stuff sort of bakes on and that long handle push broom is not far from swinging an ax. All good fun. And then the pear and plum

trees bloom and that gets the bees to working and we’re off and running. This year our mulberry trees are absolutely loaded with berries and surprise! The birds love them as much or more than we do, and what a show they put on. The butterfly garden is relaxing to watch. Trying to identify the different species is a pleasant past time but a tree full of birds squabbling and gulping berries is down right exciting. Especially seeing new comers like the Indigo Bunting, Scarlet Tanager, and Downey Woodpecker. We’ve always had them and Cedar Wax Wings too but not up close like this. Cat Birds, Blue Birds (who pick their treats off the ground) even the local Mocking Bird joined in the row. At the rate those berries are disappearing it won’t last much longer, but what a wonderful thing to see. So spring is sprung and now is a great time to get out and about before it gets so hot and buggy. Don’t forget your binoculars and a can of bug spray. Going out in a boat? Take a light jacket with you. The water is still chilly and it gets down right cold in a fast boat or a cloudy day. Cheers mates!

Daufuskie Front Porch | Summer 2014

Written by 13 year old Grace Laber, yearly Daufuskie visitor & granddaughter of Reagan and Debbie Hull, Haig Point residents.

Home In the Sand

The island rocks as the wind whips through the palm trees. The sunâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s watchful gaze falls upon the beach, As the palm trees provide a shaded path to a destination. Whether by the sea â&#x20AC;&#x201D; hugging shell strewn road Or by the jungle tree lined path, Love resides at the destination. The wind carries the yells of childen playing, Whispers of joy, as it whistles by, not bothering to chat. The golf course, covered in dew in the early morning, Provides a home to a black and grey, Meshed together species of squirrels called fox squirrels. The smell of the sea, always just out of reach, hovering somewhere near. The beach, calm and comforting, Waits patiently to welcome the turtles to their home. The sandy expanse stretches the length of the island And wraps you in the warmth of its grains. The sunset splashes color across the sky, Painting a picture of comfort and joy. The sea, chilly, but welcome like a summer breeze on a hot day, Guides you into its warm embrace. Waves crash on the shore and a feeling of euphoria grows inside of you As you realize the magic rests beneath the trees, Just under the outer shell of the island.

Summer 2014 | Daufuskie Front Porch

Daufuskie Community Farm News by Rhonda Davis

ur farm has grown by feet….baby kid (goat)feet, poultry(turkey) feet and duckling feet ( ducks )! Please join us in congratulating our turkey Ginger on her beautiful brood born May 5, 2014; Zelda on her handsome son, F. Spot Fitzgerald (when you see him you will understand) and Chabbie. After a difficult delivery (many thanks to her nurses Amanda and Martha) Chabbie gave birth to 3 almost identical triplets on May 4th, 2014. Congrats also for the 14 ducklings hatched by ‘Mama’ Lynell Linke. We are expecting 13 baby geese in the mail in 2 weeks. They will be fostered for a few DI Farm’s new baby ducks weeks by some of the farm workers. What’s up down on the farm? We last reported the Farm Welcome Center was complete. Pat has now added a quaint patio. This spot is sure to become the ‘sweet secret’ of the island for a peaceful and private cup of coffee or hot tea. Please stop by. Did you know a ‘troop’ is a group of Baboons, a ‘litter’ is bears, a ‘kine’ is cows, a ‘cast’ is crabs. Of course a ‘pack’ is dogs, a ‘flutter’ is butterflies, a ‘congregation’ is alligators. What about a wonderful group of teens? Savannah Country Day School Students! The Daufuskie Farm was delighted to play host and share two very special days with these terrific young people and their teachers and chaperones led by Spanish Teacher Randi Butter. The group visited the Daufuskie Island farm April 16 and 17th. Another visitor this month to the farm was a photographer from Conde Nast Traveler – the world’s “premier travel magazine”.

Chabbie’s triplets

One of Gin ger’s babie s

Thought from the farm…. “Any glimpse into the life of an animal quickens our own and makes it so much the larger and the better in every way.” — John Muir

Marshside Mama’s 2014 Band Schedule Both bars will be open at Noon on Sunday afternoons. Upcoming Lineup of Bands featuring Original Music: May 23 & 24 – John Barrett Band May 30, 31 & June 1 – American Hologram June 6 & 7 – Bottles-n-Cans June 13 & 14 – Stewart & Winfield June 20 & 21 – Biscuit Miller & The Mix June 27 & 28 – E. Rock with Eric Culberson Weekend of July 4 – The Hollidays July 11 & 12 – Wormsloew July 18 & 19 – Sam Saucy Band July 26 & 27 – Marvelous Funkshun August 1 & 2 – Paris Luna August 8 & 9 – Accomplices August 15 & 16 – Train Wrecks August 22 & 23 – Andrew Gill Band August 29 & 30 – Stewart & Winfield

Summer Hours 2014

Dinner Reservations requested Open Tuesday-Saturday Lunch: Noon to 3 PM Dinner: 6 to 10 PM Open Sunday/Lunch - Noon to 6 Limited Seating, Dinner Reservations requested

Call to reserve a table: Phone 843.785.4755

Address:

15 Haig Point Road Daufuskie Island, SC 29915 Email: marshsidemama@hargray.com

Daufuskie Front Porch | Summer 2014

Daufuskie Island Elementary School by Amanda Lofton

e’ve had an exciting year at Daufuskie Elementary! Reflecting on some of the highlights brings the realization of just how quickly time passes.This year we welcomed two new teachers, Amy Dungan and Kym Castillo who infused a combination of academic rigor and playful lightheartedness, setting the tone for a successful year. On field trips we explored an air craft carrier and submarine in Charleston and trains in Savannah. We even hauled in 40 pounds of shrimp while learning about our local marine ecosystem on a shrimp trawler in the Port Royal Sound. Students grew a garden, raised butterflies from the pupa stage and are currently monitoring five eggs in the blue bird box on our playground. During mid-

Summer 2014 | Daufuskie Front Porch

morning exercise break, the students learned yoga and kick boxing and we all enjoy our Friday dismissal dance party! While we were disappointed to see Mr. and Mrs. Orchid depart the Island, we are thrilled to have Todd Cowart and Kevin Roberts aboard teaching music and physical education as well as Leanne Coulter servicing students in speech and tutoring. It is said it takes a village to raise a child and our community has taken that task to heart. With the contributions and support from Daufuskie Islanders our students’ lives have been enriched. On a personal level we’d like to extend our gratitude to Kathy DeLeo, Kathy Waggoner, Paula Nickels and Leanne Coulter for coming in each week to read one

on one with our children. Many Island institutions have pitched in this year, including Melrose, the Fire Department, Haig Point, Marshside Mamas, Freeport, the Community Farm, Bill Scott at Dolphin Management, and Bloom at Hilton Head Senior Living. Thanks to all the folks who volunteered, donated items, and came out to our Fall Festival and for those who filled the audience for the Christmas Show

Daufuskie Island Elementary School would like to invite everyone to attend our Stepping Up Ceremony which is being held June 3, 2014 starting at 2PM in the Daufuskie Island Elementary School Library. During this ceremony we will be celebrating our students moving on to the next grade level. Refreshments will be served. Please come and join us for this memorable occasion.

Daufuskie Front Porch | Summer 2014

Daufuskie Island Conservancy Hosts Successful Fundraiser by Karen Opderbeck

n April 16th, eighty five island residents and visitors attended the annual Earth Day event sponsored by the the Daufuskie Island Conservancy. The day’s activities included a fascinating talk on “Prehistoric South Carolina” by Bruce Lampright, master naturalist and amateur paleontologist. Attendees learned that recent fossil discoveries provide strong evidence that the area now known as South and North Carolina were in fact once connected to the African continent. Lampright also gave an overview of prehistoric mammals prevalent in this region, including such giant mammals as a

Summer 2014 | Daufuskie Front Porch

half-ton saber toothed tiger and a Volkswagon-sized armadillo. Sabertoothed Tiger tusks, giant shark teeth, and other impressive artifacts from our region were on display. The Earth Day dinner, presentation and silent auction serves as the Conservancy’s annual fundraiser. Fifty four items and services were donated to the silent auction by businesses, residents of Daufuskie and other

Beaufort County supporters. In addition, the Conservancy had several sponsors and donors for the event. The $7600.00 in funds that were raised will go toward the Conservancy’s ongoing education programs and projects such as Firewise, Island Clean-up, Adopt A Road, Water Conservation, One Island Solution, and a conceptual master plan to build a nature center. In addition, $1500 in funds were received to support to the island’s Feral Cat Project. The Daufuskie Island Conservancy Board is grateful to the event’s sponsors, donors, island businesses and artists for their continued support.

The World of Bats

The Bat House Project by Vicki Nolfi & Ginny Teerlink

What creature is blind, dirty and sucks your blood? Whatever it is, it is NOT a bat! Bats are one of the most misunderstood and feared of all animals. Once you learn about these reclusive creatures, you will probably wonder why you were ever afraid of them. Especially since, in the United States, most bats weigh less than an ounce.

Some Common Myths Bats are blind: False Actually most bats see as well as humans. Fruit Bats also see in color. Bats are flying mice: False There is no relationship between bats and rodents. Bats are quite unique. They belong to the group “Chiroptera” which comes from the Greek “hand-wing.” Bats will get tangled in your hair: False Scientists have actually tried to get this to happen. Bats just won’t do this! They use a built in system called “Echolation”. This allows them to navigate at break-neck speeds through total darkness and not bump into or get tangled up with anything. If a bat swoops towards you, it is likely going after an insect by your head. They can avoid an object the width of a human hair. Bats are dirty: False Bats, like cats, spend an enormous amount of time grooming their fur to keep it soft and silky. Bats carry rabies: False Bats do not “carry” rabies. However like any other mammal, they are capable of catching the disease. Less than 1% of bats actually contract rabies. This one myth is leading to their demise: During a rabies outbreak in Mexico, people will enter caves and kill the whole colony, thus wiping out a section of the existing ecosystem. In most cases, the outbreak will have been caused by rodents. Bats will suck your blood: False Of the 1,100 species of bats, only 3 are vampires. This species is mostly limited to South America. They are quite small - about the size of an M&M packet. They DO NOT attack humans! They prefer to get their teaspoon sized meal from other animals. They also do not “suck” the blood as horror movies suggest. Rather, they lap it up like a kitten drinks milk.

ats play a key role in the balance of nature. They feed on nectar and pollinate countless plants. They help disperse seeds which play a major role in the regeneration of forests. Bats are nocturnal, hunting at dawn, dusk and night and as such, are primary predators of night-flying insects, consuming vast quantities of mosquitoes, gnats, agricultural and yard pests. Each little brown bat can consume 1,000 or more mosquito-size insects in a single hour. Bat biologists have documented that a single colony of 150 brown bats, which could easily live in one bat house, can eliminate 38,000 cucumber beetles, 16,000 June bugs, 19,000 stinkbugs and 50,000 leafhoppers each summer. The Daufuskie Island Conservancy is partnering with Haig Point to place bat houses on trees in specific locations near the Tabby Ruins, Clubhouse, Community Park and Equestrian Center to harness bat power to control our mosquito/no-see-um population. In addition, members who want to install bat houses on their own property may do so as well. They can be mounted on their homes, trees or poles. ARB approval from Administrator Tim Richards is required only if bat houses are mounted on poles. Ideal locations for bat house placement include south/southeast exposure, six+ hours minimum direct sunlight daily, 15feet minimum elevation above ground, free from obstruction with a minimum 20 feet open space. Bat houses do not interfere with attracting birds because they rarely compete for food or space. Their droppings pose no more a health threat than bird or cat droppings. Contrary to popular belief bats do not cause rabies nor do they fly in your hair. The Daufuskie Island Conservancy has contracted with Steven Martin, island resident and carpenter by trade, to build these single-chamber bat houses. They measure 24” X 14” X 4”. The cost for each is $35, ready for mounting. They are available to anyone in Melrose, Bloody Point and the Historic District as well as Haig Point. For placement within Melrose and Bloody Point, ARB guidelines may apply. Please contact Ginny Teerlink at 683-7188 or teerlink27@aol.com if you wish to purchase one or more. Thanks for playing a role in keeping our beautiful community green. Daufuskie Front Porch | Summer 2014

Yacht Hop for Hospice

Haig Point participated in the Yacht Hop for Hospice held on May at the Harbourtown Yacht Basin. Guests aboard the Haig PointIV with Haig’s new chef Jim McLain.

FRONT PORCH CL ASSIFIEDS Furnishings Wanted For Cottage We Are Building This Summer.

If you have something in your garage and it needs a new home, let us know. We will need living room chairs, floor lamps, a gas grill, fridge, futon, throw rugs, writing desk, small kitchen table with chairs, end tables, lawn mower and a golf cart, for starters. Please call Matt at 603.448.3834 Thanks! 22

Summer 2014 | Daufuskie Front Porch

Suresh’s Cart Garage

Longtime island resident, Suresh Kapur is now on his own. He is a man of loyalty, honesty and dependability. He will continue to provide that same great service he is known for. For all your cart needs or other minor repairs, please call 859-445-1455, 843-8421239 or email at hpskap@aol.com

Help wanted:

Melrose Resort is currently seeking the following: Wait staff, landscapers, waste management personnel, pool/recreation, valet, stewards and maintenance engineer. Send resume to ldugganmelrose@gmail.com or apply in person between 12-3 Monday-Thurs at The Island House.

Tour Daufuskie Now Open!

sland newcomer Bradley Hoover has teamed up with local artist Chase Allen in forming Tour Daufuskie, the island’s first comprehensive tour guide service. Offering kayak, bike and cart tours, Tour Daufuskie customers can choose from an adventure that highlights the ecology, and birds of the island or focus on its history and artisans. Tours are one and a half hours to a full day in duration. Both private and group tours are available. Stand up Paddle boarding will also be available. Tour guide Bradley Hoover is eager to share his love for nature with his customers. Growing up in the mountains of East Tennessee, Hoover was always an avid outdoorsman. Introduced to the wilderness by his father at a young age, he fished and hunted the Holston River throughout his boyhood and was never one to be found inside playing the latest game console. Hoover first came to Daufuskie in the summer of 2011 while working on his degree at Clemson University. He instantly fell in love with the seclusion and beauty of the island and waited eagerly to return. Since graduating from Clemson, Hoover has gone on to become a Wilderness First Responder and is certified in Swift Water Rescue, Adult/Child CPR, as well as AED & Airway through the National Outdoor Leadership School. Now a full time islander, he is excited about sharing all the island has to offer.

More Information

Whether a first time visitor or permanent resident, Tour Daufuskie ensures that all its clients will truly discover Daufuskie in a new way. For more information call 843-842-9449.

What to See Around Daufuskie

Golfing, Crabbing, Fishing, Bird Watching, Iron Fish Gallery, Paddle Boarding, Marshside Mama’s, Kayak Tours & Rentals, Wine & Woodworks, Melorose on the Beach, Island History Tours, Eagles Nest Restaurant, Historic Tours, Daufuskie Farm, Daufuskie Museum, Daufuskie Crab Company, Silver Dew Pottery, Bloody Point Lighthouse, Tennis and much more!

Daufuskie Front Porch | Summer 2014

Daufuskie Island Phone Directory A

African Baptist Church .....................(843) 686-4824 Art Glass & Studio............................. (843) 341-5765 Assessor’s Offifice............................. (843) 255-2400

Barge- Bull Island Freight ................ (843) 321-0119 Barge- Freeport Marina ................... (843) 290-9336 Barge- Hutchinson Island ................ (912) 232-1836 Barge- New River Transport ............ (843) 341-5765 Beaufort County(General)................ (843) 255-2000 Billie Burn Museum.......................... (843) 842-2435 Bloody Point Golf Pro Shop.............. (843) 341-5566 Builder- Cambridge Homes.............. (843) 842-2444 Builder- Chuck Hunter...................... (843) 290-1845 Builder - Geoff Brunning ................. 843) 341-9133 Builder- Ken Cras.............................. (843) 671-1109 Builder- Tidewater Co....................... (843) 842-8313 Builder- Tony Cucco.......................... (843) 384-2291

Calibogue Cruises.............................. (843) 342-8687 Campbell Insurance.......................... (843) 686-5051 Community Farm.............................. (843) 842-8999 Computer Tech. Zack Morgan.......... (843) 368-0264 Critter & Bug Control- P. Sams......... (843) 842-6164

Daufuskie Community Farm & Artisan Village............................... (678) 897-0942 Daufuskie Island Water Taxi............. (843) 384-4354 Daufuskie Island School................... (843) 842-1251 DI Historical Foundation.................. (843) 384-6363 Dept. of Motor Vehicles.................... (843) 815-6981 DIRECTV (Existing Customer)......... (800) 531-5000 DIRECTV (New Customer)............... (800) 783-1376 Dish Network (Satellite)................... (888) 899-2064

Eagle’s Nest Restaurant.................... (843) 341-5522 EMS.................................................... 911

Farmer’s Market................................ (843) 684-0326 Fire Department............................... 911 Freeport General Store..................... (843) 785-8242

Haig Point Tennis (Ron Gwyn)......... (843) 384-0553 24

Summer 2014 | Daufuskie Front Porch

Handyman- David Helmus............... (843) 247-5940 Handyman- Jeff Winholt.................. (843) 842-5990 Handyman- Ron Jones..................... (843) 684-2344 Hargray (Business)............................ (843) 341-1501 Hargray Telephone Service............... (877) 427-4729 Home Maint.- Nancy & Monica....... (843) 842-6942 Hutton Construction (General)........ (843) 842-9452

Iron Fish Gallery............................... (843) 842-9448 Island Accommodations (Rent)........ (843) 540-7650 Island Activities Inc.......................... (843) 671-4386 Island T-Shirt Shop .......................... (843) 686-4058

Marshside Mama’s Restaurant......... (843) 785-4755 Massage Therapy .............................. (317) 694-7685 Melrose Beach Club . ........................ (843) 341-2640 Melrose Equestrian Center .............. (843) 341-2894 Melrose Golf Pro Shop ..................... (843) 422-6963 Melrose Main Office . ....................... (843) 341-2922

Nature Tours & Water Sports .......... (843) 686-6996 New River Barge Service .................. (843) 341-5765

Old Daufuskie Crab Company ......... (843) 785-6652

Propane- Ferrellgas .......................... (800) 734-8053 Propane- Palmetto Propane . ........... (843) 540-6273

Renovations- Ted Richardson . ........ (843) 842-4560

SCE&G (Change Service) ................. (800) 251-7234 SCE&G (Power Outage) ................... (888) 333-4465 Silver Dew Pottery (Seasonal) ......... (843) 842-6419 Silver Dew Winery............................. (843) 684-4445

Taxi (Diamond) ................................ (843) 247-2156 Taxi (Palmetto Taxi) ......................... (843) 683-4279 Taxi (Yellow Cab) .............................. (843) 686-6666 The Daufuskie Front Porch .............. (843) 341-2304

Yoga- Laura Winholt ........................ (843) 842-5990 Yoga- Nancy Hunter . ....................... (954) 243-1325