The Trawler - Winter 2023

The Trawler

Thrush, Comm. Coordinator 15 REAL ESTATE: IN THE KNOW Fripp Island Real Estate

ON THE WATER

30 CAPTAIN RALPH’S COOKING CORNER

Captain Ralph Goodison 42 FRIPP ISLAND SEA RESCUE Mary T. Jacobs 46 FISHING ON FRIPP ISLAND

Captain Ralph Goodison

NATURE & FRIPP

38 WILLIE, SPOTTIE AND CAROLINE DIAMONDBACK TERRAPINS Kathryn Schulz, Head Naturalist, Fripp Island Resort 10 FRIPP AUDUBON CLUB

AROUND THE ISLAND

20 ST. PADDYS GOLF TOURNAMENT Mary T. Jacobs 22

BEAUFORT PICKLEBALL CLUB UPDATE Vanessa & Cesar Penaherrera 26 WGA UPDATE Carlene Rogan 32 CHILDREN’S CORNER WITH MJ Mary T. Jacobs 36 FRIPP ISLAND COMMUNITY CENTRE Rebecca Climer 40 BEST BOOKS OF 2022 Beaufort Co Library 45 FRIENDS OF MUSIC Margit Resch 37 ROMEO MEN’S LUNCH CLUB Jack Sims 48 FRIPP ISLAND GOLF & BEACH RESORT Hannah Nichols

The Trawler

Winter 2023

The Trawler, Founded January 1978 is published by and for the members of the Fripp Island Property Owners Association

The contents of this publication may not be reproduced in whole or in part without written permission from the publisher.

Editor | Stacie Thrush

Copy Editor | Meghan Johnson

Contributing Writers | Capt. Ralph Goodison, Charles Patty, Mary Jacobs, Jack Sims, Rebecca Climer, Nancy Wingenbach, Carlene Rogan, Flo Kamradt, Iris Golden, Vanessa & Cesar Penaherrera, Margit Resch, Hannah Nichols, Tony O’Rourke, Stacie Thrush, and Fripp Island Women’s Club.

Photographer & Graphic Design | Stacie Thrush

Photos for organizations are provided by each club on Fripp Island.

OFFICE HOURS

8:30AM - 4:30PM

CONTACT

225 Tarpon Blvd. Fripp Island, SC 29920

PHONE: 843.838.4155 WEB: frippislandliving.com SOCIAL: @frippislandliving

Email: contact@frippislandliving.com

FRIPP ISLAND PROPERTY OWNERS ASSOCIATION

SCHEDULE OF MONTHLY BOARD MEETINGS

2023

SATURDAY FEBRUARY 18, 2023 9:00 AM

SATURDAY MARCH 18, 2023 9:00 AM

SATURDAY APRIL 15, 2023 9:00 AM

SATURDAY MAY 20, 2023 9:00 AM

SATURDAY JUNE 17, 2023 9:00 AM

SATURDAY JULY 15, 2023 9:00 AM

SATURDAY AUGUST 19, 2023 9:00 AM

SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 16, 2023 9:00 AM

SATURDAY OCTOBER 21, 2023 9:00 AM

SATURDAY NOVEMBER 18, 2023 9:00 AM

SATURDAY DECEMBER 16, 2023 9:00 AM

FRIPP ISLAND PROPERTY OWNERS ASSOCIATION

SCHEDULE OF TOWN HALL MEETINGS

2022

SATURDAY FEBRUARY 11, 2023 10:00 AM

SATURDAY MAY 13, 2023 10:00 AM

SATURDAY AUGUST 12, 2023 10:00 AM

SATURDAY NOVEMBER 11, 2023 10:00 AM

MICHAEL O’BRIEN - PRESIDENT

LOU WOOD - VICE PRESIDENT

MONTE RUNFOLA - TREASURER

SHARON LAWTON - SECRETARY

BOB JORDAN

SCOTT REALE

CLAUDE “SKIP” SHRIVER

JOHN SKIBA

DAN SMITH

NANCY WINGENBACH

2023 FIPOA Board of Directors

WELCOME NEW BOARD MEMBERS CLASS OF 2025

Thank you to everyone in the community who voted in this past Board of Directors election. We’d also like to thank all of the nominees for their willingness to support our island by doing all the hard work of a candidate. If you missed the emails and the recent introduction at our first Board Meeting and Annual Meeting on January 11th, we would like to official welcome John Skiba, Dan Smith, Nancy Wingenbach and Lou Wood as the Newly Elected Directors for the class of 2025.

Highlights from the 2023 Annual Meeting: 2023 Plans

Roads, Drainage and Bridges

The two most important endeavors of 2023 will be the contracting and completion of the Island’s first ever Stormwater Master Plan and Pavement Management Program. Once these plans are completed and approved, we will move forward according to a schedule of priorities and budget constraints.

All Bridges will continued to be inspected by JMT Engineering and appropriate action will be taken.

The Roads, Drainage and Bridges Committee intends to continue its strategic approach in 2023.

Security

Camera professionals, assistant chief and I conducted a surveillance camera

assessment of the island. This was to determine the best type of equipment and the most effective locations to install cameras. The surveillance camera plan has been divided into three phases:

Phase One:To be completed in 2023 Phase Two and Three: TBD

Number of cameras,map and locations to be provided during February board meeting) All cameras are cloud based, have infrared technology, motion sensors, voice/speaker technology and emergency light activation technology. Each camera is equipped with incident point technology, which will help locate suspects in captured video surveillance without watching days of camera footage.

Still researching gate access systems. Trying to determine the best technology to utilize to gain access i.e., LPR, RFID or decals.

SECURITY

Camera professionals, assistant chief and Chief Gonzales conducted a surveillance camera assessment of the island.

A complete plan will be provided in the fiveyear strategic plan to be completed by 3-1-23

Finance Committee

2023 Reserve Study

Associate Reserves has been retained to conduct a new FIPOA Reserve Study in 2023

The Reserve Study will include a physical and financial analysis of FIPOA common property, new capital improvements ( i.e., Bridge Abutment, roads, stormwater improvements, beach access, security improvements etc.,) a funding plan and recommended annual reserve contributions to off set the future cost of capital improvements over the next 30 years.

The Reserve Study will include ability to test “ what –if” scenarios based on new projects, inflation rates, and borrowing interest cost.

Strategic Planning Task Force

We’ve ALIGNED the strategic plan with the ‘standing committees’ and ‘task force(s)’ of the FIPOA BOD to drive FOCUS in the planning and execution of key initiatives, in support of the FIPOA Mission.

Annually, with approval of the FIPOA BOD, the FIPOA Business/Operations Plan will integrate the goals, key intended outcomes and proposed performance measures into the daily operations and staff performance plans. Over the span of the Strategic Plan cycle, major initiatives will be developed, approved, implemented, and reflected in both the FIPOA Operations Plan and the FIPOA Budget

Get full details on the website: frippislandliving.com, under Board of Directors, click on Annual Meeting.

Willie, Spottie, and Caroline Diamondback Terrapins Malaclemys terrapin

Submitted by Kathryn Schulz Head Naturalist, Fripp Island Resort

Range and Behavior: Our little cuties are a native here to the southeast and can easily be found hunting fiddler crabs in the saltmarsh! Diamondback Terrapins are the only brackish water turtle found in North America, meaning they are tolerant to both fresh and saltwater. They are a federally protected and vulnerable species, which makes it super unique that the Activity Center is able to care for three of these turtles! Terrapins are naturally curious animals and so docile that you might even see one of our naturalists petting their heads! Because of their inquisitive nature, they are also often found in crab traps looking for an easy meal. However, this normally results in them being trapped and unable to escape; thus resulting in a serious injury. Luckily back in the 90’s a law was passed that required new crab traps to have a larger hole specifically designed for our terrapins to be able to swim through and not get trapped (take a look at the picture below, it’s the orange rectangle!). Make sure your crab trap has this extra hole to ensure the protection of this species!

Diet and reproduction: Terrapins always seem to be hungry. They love eating worms, crabs, fish, really anything they are able to catch. Our three hoodlums love it when guests bring them fiddler crabs to chase and eat! Next time you are outside, be sure to grab them some dinner! Although Terrapins live mostly in the water, they also utilize the mud flats and beaches to bask in the sunlight, eat, and even lay their eggs! If you frequent the marina area of Fripp Island Resort during May-July, you might see some of the mothers come up and nest in the soil, rocks, or mulch (in some cases)!

Diamondback terrapins are such a joy to watch and learn more about, stop by the Activity center to meet them for our Meet the Animals program!

a letter from the editor

“Everyone has his superstitions. One of mine has always been when I started to go anywhere, or to do anything, never to turn back or to stop until the thing intended was accomplished.” - Ulysses S. Grant

I saw the funniest quote on Facebook recently that read, “Nobody claim 2023 as ‘your year.’ We’re all going to walk in real slow. Be good. Be quiet. Be cautious & respectful. Don’t touch anything.”

As I write this we are almost ten days in and so far so good. Maybe I should knock on wood?

I’ve never been a traditionally superstitious person, despite my traditional appalachian roots that did their best to teach me to not do laundry on New Years Day; or sweep, or do anything really on that day. I do like a good superstition that allows me a pass to not do any housework. I was also taught to not walk under a ladder, and heaven help me if I broke a mirror or spilled salt and didn’t throw it over my shoulder.

I’m so far in debt with bad luck at this point that there’s no point in trying to fix it. I was cursed with being a clumsy person who buys cheap mirrors, salt shakers and doesn’t pay attention where they are walking.

Now when I was younger, I lived and died by these “rules”. One of the worst things that could possibly happen is to be jinxed. One of the rules was that you couldn’t speak until the childhood curse was lifted and only by the person

who jinxed you. I probably shouldn’t be talking now! I can’t remember if that last jinx curse was lifted back in 1992.

Now, I will admit that I don’t believe that all superstitions are ridiculous.

Like that time I helped the Mountaineers win several games by wearing the same jersey and socks all season. Washed after wear, of course! I’m not THAT superstitious, just a little ‘stitious.

While thinking about this, I went down a serious rabbit hole of articles that go as far as mentioning things that you shouldn’t keep in your house like a broken clock, an axe, an old broom, or an unmade bed. I stopped reading there, because I’m seriously racking up the bad fortune. My broom has seen better days, and well, does a half-made bed only give you partially bad luck?

I think I’m going to create some “new wives tales” that work in our favor. For example, “It’s bad luck to not have a glass of wine on the weekend.” Or “One must not work on their birthday or the whole year will be cursed.”

I wish you all a Happy New Year, and may it be filled with tons of good luck, good fortune, and wine.

Top: Books for Born to Reach at FIWC Brunch; Middle (L-R) Monette and Iris at the FIWC Brunch, Christmas Cookie Swap - The Book Club, Hanukkah celebration with family Menorah from the late 1940s; Bottom (L-R) “Two Goldens” Frank Golden and his Golden going for a run on the beach, FIWC Brunch table setting,

FRIPP ISLAND REAL ESTATE UPDATE December 31, 2022

The following figures from MLS compare year-to-date sales on Fripp Island from January 1st through December 31st each year.

SOLD as of December 31st 2021 2022

Homesites 112 62 Condos 32 19 Homes 116 80

Total 260 161

AVERAGE SOLD PRICE 2021 2022

Homesites $125,882 $212,210 Condos $344,453 $410,368 Homes $674,811 $939,924 Homes avg. per sq. ft. $306 $413 Homes avg. days on market 153 days 94 days ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

UNDER CONTRACT/PENDING as of December 31, 2022

Homesites 4 Condos 2 Homes 7

Total 13

NUMBER OF ACTIVE LISTINGS on December 31, 2022

Homesites 19 Condos 7 Homes 28

Total 54 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

For real estate assistance please contact:

Charles Patty, Listing Agent/Sales Agent/Broker

FRIPP ISLAND REAL ESTATE COMPANY

Telephone: 843-597-1170; email: charlesp@frippislandrealestate.com

If your property is listed with another Realtor, this is not a solicitation.

s t. PaDD y’s Golf t ournament

To benefit Fripp Island Sea Rescue and Beaufort Water Search and Rescue

m arch 18

Submitted by Mary Jacobs, FISR Communications Officer

I recently interviewed several key members concerning the Golf Tournament. It was interesting to find out how the golf tournament has evolved, grown, and still serves as FISR’s ONLY fundraiser.

Nancy Wingenbach, FISR Revenue Officer: Please mark your calendar for the annual St Paddy’s Golf Tournament on March 18th benefitting Fripp Island Sea Rescue (FISR) and Beaufort Water Search and Rescue (BWSAR)! Many of the prior golfers are returning.

This event is a combined fundraiser for both organizations, and provides each with funds to purchase fuel, and maintain their boats and other

equipment needed to continue our long and proud tradition of providing sea rescue services in the back bays and coastal waters of Beaufort County.

The wonderful ONLINE AUCTION will run again this year, offering hundreds of fabulous items and services you can bid on. Please contact: Nancy Wingenbach (nwing94@gmail.com.) or Mary Jacobs (Jacobs.mary26@yahoo. com).

If you wish to be a sponsor or learn more about the event, contact Jimmy Myers, chair of the golf tournament, or Karen Myers, who serves on the Online Auction team.

Click these links for the Business Sponsor form and the Personal Sponsor form .

2022 Holiday Luncheon

Lannie & Iris

Kathy, Irene & Barb

Linda enjoying some Punch

Laura & Sandra

Katherine, Lynn & Lannie

Monette & Cathy

FIWC hosted their annual Christmas brunch. Harry Merrill Jr. Catered the delicious brunch with beautiful table decorations by Linda Ball who donated them along with door prizes provided by Tara Carlson. Many children’s books and donations from all of Fripp were made to Born to Read.

Beaufort Pickleball Club

Fall ’22 League Play Results

By Vanessa & Cesar Penaherrera, team captains

Teams from Beaufort Yacht and Sailing Club (2 teams), Coosaw Point, Dataw Island, Fripp Island, Habersham, Pleasant Point and Southside were all represented in the league. Each meet had 9 matches consisting of player ratings of 4.0, 3.5 and 3.0 men, women, and mixed pairings.

Pickleball continues to thrive and grow in northern Beaufort County! This past fall, 30 of our regular and seasonal Fripp Island pickleball players signed up to participate in the Beaufort Pickleball Club inter-community pickleball league.

Eight teams from northern Beaufort County played at each other’s courts over a twelve-week period from September through November.

Fripp Island’s team was in 2nd place all season going into the playoffs. Playoffs were played on three consecutive nights in late November.

We won our first playoff game at 9-0 vs Pleasant Point (Dataw Island kindly leant us their courts as neither Fripp nor Pleasant Point have lighted courts). BYSC graciously hosted the semi-finals

and finals. In our semi-final match vs the BYSC Salty team, team Fripp had a solid 7-2 win to advance to the finals.

The final meet was played on a cold, windy night vs Coosaw Point. The two teams were tied at 4 match wins each with one match left to decide the winner.

Our players gave it their all, but in a nail biter finish, team Fripp ended the season in second place with a 4-5 loss to first place Coosaw Point (pictured below). Well done, team Fripp!

We extend our thanks to the Beaufort Pickleball Club board for their many hours of planning, coordinating and support over this third season of league play.

A big thank you to Fripp Island Racquet for the use of their courts during weekend home league matches (the new bench is awesome!).

And a special note of thanks to the many Frippers who came out to support our home and away matches all season long!

“..a special note of thanks to the many Frippers who came out to support our home and away matches all season long!”

(Left) Photo taken at Access 32 by Jonathan McCarter. (Above) Photo taken by Harold Waller during a walk on the beach. (Below) Photo taken at Hannah’s Park

2022 New Years Eve Day Oyster Roast

Thank you to everyone who purchased tickets and attended, and a special thank you to all of our volunteers. Photos provided by Michelle Basso.

CaptainCookingRalph’sCorner

Contributed By: Captain Ralph Goodison

WINTER EASY FIX SOUPS

Most of us enjoy a warm bowl of Soup during our winter months. The trick is if we only have to heat it up.

Lets start by saying we have extra cooked chicken, turkey, ham or beef products left over. Many times we are at the local supermarkets and find roasted chickens at half price, What a deal. Eat a half breast and you now have the start of a gallon, or 4 quarts of soup. LETS GO MAKE SOUP!

Ingredients:

4 QT. plastic containers with lids

Chicken Bullion or Beef bullion I use (KNORR’S Bullion add per directions) to 3 quarts of water to taste. You could use Flavored Bullion’s;depending on your meats.

2 cups Large Egg Noodles

(2) measured cups of, chopped onions, chopped celery, chopped mushrooms, baby carrots or in,[chicken or turkey soup]

2 cups canned corn. Also add garlic powder, pepper, 1 cup Parsley or flakes.

NOW YOU ARE SET TO START COOKING.

In a large Crock Pot or 6 + quart pot add your 3 quarts of water bring to a boil and add all your ingredients except your meats.

As your ingredients are cooked and tender and add meats and simmer, time to taste for flavor where you could add more bullion,salt/pepper or water to taste. You may want to add extra ingredients to taste.

You now have 4 quarts of soup 1 to eat or put in the fridge and 3 to freeze for a later day.

ENJOY

SEAFOOD MUFFINS

INGREDIENTS

1 Can Crab or Small shrimp or equal fresh 2 (3 OZ ) pkg. Cream cheese 1/4 tsp. Tabasco 1/4 tsp. Worcestershire

5 English Muffins 1 tsp grated onion 1 tsp. lemon juice

Split the muffins. Mix all the ingredients, Spread on the muffin Halves, Broil to brown and puffy. Serves 5. Enjoy!

CHILDREN’S CORNER

Contributed by Mary T. Jacobs

Quote of the month: “Obstacles don’t have to stop you. If you run into a wall, don’t turn around and give up. Figure out how to climb it, go through it, or work around it.”

By: Michael Jordon

Health and Goals for 2023

Health is defined in many ways: Physical, Mental, Emotional, Spiritual Goals are defined in several ways: Your ambition or effort for a desired result

Dear Readers: I am thrilled to be writing about these two topics! This may sound silly, but each year I update my Plan for the year. And I also select something NEW that I wish to learn! It is VERY important to keep learning and growing! Some of the things I wished to learn were everything from playing golf, swimming, knitting and even learning to do a 5K! Several years back when my grandson was 6 or 7 years old, we had a discussion about his goals for the year. We made a power point of his goals!

Goal 1: Make good choices

Goal 2: Learn to ride his bike

Goal 3: Learn to shoot his BB gun

Parent/ adult assignment:

Discuss goal setting with your child and write it down. If it is written then it is most likely going to happen!

Goal 1________________________________________

Goal 2________________________________________

Goal 3________________________________________

It is best NEVER to have more than three goals!

Parents, please share your goals and health wishes for the following year!

Goals should be SMART goals

S= Be Specific (Don’t say drink more water…. Drink 8 glasses per day)

M=Must be Measurable (Don’t say work out more…. Work out 5 times per week)

A=Achievable (This means it must be reasonable…. Saying you will be losing 50 pounds and you only weigh 140 is NOT reasonable)

R=Relevant (It must be something YOU really want to do, not what someone else wants you to do)

T=Time based (Must set a time to accomplish the goal) YOU can’t say ONE day I will do it!

Child Assignment:

1. Think about how you can be healthier this year.

2. Think about what you really want to learn or improve.

3. Discuss these with your parents or guardian and PLEASE write them down!

Happy 2023!

COMMUNITY CENTRE

Contributed By: Rebecca Climer, FICC Board President

The New Year began with exciting news at the Fripp Island Community Centre (FICC) and All Faiths Chapel. First, the Board of Directors announced the approval of a construction project that will expand and modernize the kitchen at the Community Centre. This is the first major renovation project at the FICC since 2007. The kitchen will be renovated and expanded in its current location resulting in a more efficient and safer facility.

The Board has been working on this project for over five years enlisting architect and Fripp resident Betty Pearson for the design and chartering an Addition Committee to develop requirements, review bids and outline the process. For two years, COVID slowed everything in the process to a standstill, but, at last, a design and acceptable quote was determined. David Tilton, Fripp Island resident, will oversee the project and construction will begin

in early February. One of the first actions will be the construction of a temporary wall that will separate the kitchen area from the other parts of the building. This means that groups meeting in the Chapel or Hammet Hall will still have access for their meetings and activities. For more and ongoing information about the kitchen renovation, please be sure to read the weekly updates provided by the POA. We will be sharing facts about the renovation and progress reports.

The second announcement was the expansion of the Columbarium by 32 niches. All of the existing niches had been sold by late 2022. The Board approved the expansion and the new niches were installed in January 2023. The Columbarium is a lovely site that serves as the final resting place for many Frippers and a place of comfort and reflection for their families. If you have questions about spaces within the Columbarium, please contact

Nancy Wingenbach at 330-6188171 or nwing94@gmail.com

Niches are available for purchase for $1000 per space.

For those new to Fripp, it may be helpful to share a little information about the Centre and the All Faiths Chapel. My own experience may be like your own. We had been visiting Fripp for years when we bought our home in late 2014. We passed by the Centre on every trip onto the Island and saw the banners for Bingo, Vespers, Friends of Music. We saw notices of community dinners and group meetings on the sign. Once, while driving by, I noticed what looked like a small walled garden near the Chapel and we stopped to see it. I was so surprised to see the Columbarium and the pretty grounds of the Centre.

It was only after we moved here that we were invited to one of the community dinners by new friends Ralph and Linda Burchfield. In the years following, I’ve been privileged to work on the Board and continue to be grateful for and happily surprised by the services provided by the FICC and All Faiths Chapel. And all of it is provided by the volunteer spirit of your neighbors. It was a group of Fripp residents that conceived of and funded the Chapel in 1980 and added the Community Centre later.

Looking for an exercise class? Like to play Bridge or Mah Jongg? Have you heard about the Fripp Island Women’s Club? Are you itching to see a great concert right here on Fripp? All these activities take place at the Community Centre. Pay us a visit!

Beaufort County Library

Fiction

“Charming modern-day retalling.”

By the Book by Jasmine Guillory

Recommended by Theresa Furbish, Program and Events Librarian

“A gripping read.”

Fairy Tale by Stephen King

Recommended by Meghan Kilgore, Librarian

“Poe + Fungi = Horrrifying!”

What Move the Dead by Kingfisher

Recommended by Emma Maines, Information Services Librarian

“Refreshingly unconventional romance.”

Nora Goes off Script by Annabel Monaghan

Recommneded by Emma Maines, Information Services Librarian

“Myths, “Magic, Dragons!”

The Girl Who Fell Beneath the Sea by Axie Oh

Recommended by Emma Maines, Information Services Librarian

“Best rebound EVER.”

The Bodyguard by Katherine Center

Recommended by Emma Maines, Information Services Librarian

“Entire series astounds!”

The Golden Enclaves by Naomi Novik

Recommended by Emma Maines, Information Services Librarian

“Fantasy, Horror, Zombies.” Nona the Ninth by Tamsyn Muir

Recommended by Joshua Greer, Deputy Director

“Lingustics, Colonialism, Fantasy.” Babel by R.F. Kuang

Recommended by Joshua Greer, Deputy Director

“Romance, Magic, Mystery.” Spells for Forgetting by Adrienne Young

Recommended by Alyssa Krob, Digital Resources Librarian

“Young Adult, Romance, Coming of Age.” Some Mistakes Were Made by Kristin Dwyer

Recommended by Alyssa Krob, Digital Resources Librarian

“Ghosts, Romance, Contemporary.”

The Dead Romantics by Ashley Poston

Recommended by Alyssa Krob, Digital Resources Librarian

“Young Adult, Sequel, Fantasy Retelling”

Bloodmarked by Tracey Dean

Recommended by Alyssa Krob, Digital Resources Librarian

“Everyone wants it!”

Mad Honey by Jodi Picoult and Jennifer Finney Boylan

Recommended by Debra Henderson, Information Services Librarian

“Will history repeat?” Things We Do In the Dark by Jennifer Hillier

Recommended by Candy Van Tine, Branch Manager

“Rich. Historical. Justified.” The Marriage Portrait by Maggie O’Farrell

Recommended by Candy Van Tine, Branch Manager

“Thriller, High-stakes, Twist.” Hide by Kiersten White

Recommended by Lyndsay Malphrus, Bookmobile Library Specialist

“Captivating, Suspenseful, Fast Paced.” The Butcher and The Wren by Alaina Urquhart

Recommended by Lyndsay Malphrus, Bookmobile Library Specialist

“Murderous maid or secret sleuth?” The Maid by Nita Prose

Recommended by Amanda Brewer Dickman, Director

“Murder. Nashville. Dolly Parton.” Run Rose Run by James Patterson

Recommended by Amanda Brewer Dickman, Director

The Bookmobile visits Fripp Island twice monthly. You can call ahead to have a book reserved.

Get your free library card and more information on the Beaufort County Library website. Click here!

Nonfiction Recommendations

Beyond the Wand by Tom Felton

Funny Farm by Laurie Zaleski

Atlas of the Heart by Brene Brown

If You Want Something Done by Nikki R. Haley

If We Break by Kathleen Buhle

Wild Island Nature by Carol Corbin

See the full details of this list compiled by the Beaufort County Library on their website: Best Books of 2022

Fripp Island Sea Rescue

Mary T. Jacobs, Communications Officer

Celebrating 40 Years of Service 1983-2023

The following article will provide you with the history of the organization. We wish to acknowledge FISR’s 40th birthday coming up in September of this year, and announce the upcoming fund-raising event. March 18th will mark the 20th St. Paddy’s Golf Tournament hosted jointly by FISR and BWSAR.

History of Fripp Island Sea Rescue

In late December of 1982, two men and their 7-year-old daughters launched a small boat from the south end of Tarpon Boulevard into Skull Creek Inlet between Fripp and Pritchards Islands. The outgoing tidal current quickly carried the craft seaward, out past the beach and eventually onto a sandbar. Serious wave action swamped the small boat, and the four individuals were left standing on the sand bar with the tide now rising. Fortunately, a young man on the beach noticed their plight, contacted island resident and avid boater, Paul Field, for help, and then launched a small boat in an attempt to rescue the stranded men and young girls. A shrimper in the area observed the incident and offered additional assistance. The young man was able to reach the sandbar and then transported the four individuals to the shrimper. The four were in need of immediate medical attention due to hypothermia. Mr. Field launched his boat and met the shrimper in Trenchards Inlet, transferred the four onto his boat, and rushed them back to the Fripp Island Marina, where they were met by EMTs ready to provide medical care.

This and several other similar incidents prompted Paul Field and another Fripp resident, David Fleming, to recruit additional volunteers,

eventually forming the Fripp Island Volunteer Rescue organization, incorporated as a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation in September of 1983. Other first-year volunteers included Robert Newman, Barry Oden and Gina Schaufelberger. To better define the purpose of the organization, the name was eventually changed to Fripp Island Sea Rescue, or FISR for short.

In those early years, volunteers utilized their own boats for rescue missions until sufficient funding was secured. FISR eventually acquired two boats dedicated to the organization’s mission: a 2002 22-foot Boston Whaler Dauntless powered by a 200hp Yamaha outboard (R-1) and a 17-foot 2004 Boston Whaler Montauk (R-2) with a 90hp Yamaha outboard. However, insurance for these boats was cost-prohibitive, so the Beaufort County Sherriff’s Office was approached, and they agreed to take ownership of the boats, motors and trailers, insuring them under the county’s insurance policies.

Funding remained sparse in the beginning, as FISR depended solely on proceeds from bingo games, cake walks and private donations. In 2004, FISR teamed up with Beaufort Water Search and Rescue (BWSAR) to hold the first annual St. Paddy’s Golf Tournament on one of Fripp Island’s golf courses. The proceeds from this event are split with BWSAR and remains as the only fund-raising event conducted each year.

For several years, FISR leadership remained steady under Mr. Field until his “retirement” from FISR in 2011. At that point, by-laws were amended, creating the elected positions of Skipper, First Mate, Secretary, Treasurer, Communications, Maintenance, Quartermaster, Revenue and Scheduling.

Stay connected with FISR at: www.FISeaRescue.org

FISR today maintains a group of 20-25 trained volunteers who take duty for one week at a time as either Base Duty Officer or Boat Duty Captain. Training includes safe boating operation, CPR/AED/First Aid, Stop-theBleed, search & rescue techniques, towing and navigation, as well as keeping current their knowledge of the ever-changing waterways around Fripp Island. Additionally, routine training exercises are held weekly with United States Coast Guard helicopter crews, during which actual rescue operational procedures are simulated. Most trainings are held on Tuesday afternoons in the Fripp Inlet or vicinity.

FISR crews are dispatched to boaters in distress by way of Beaufort County’s 911 system. In addition to the US Coast Guard, FISR works closely with South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office, local fire departments, and EMS and Security personnel. FISR’s area of responsibility covers over 60 square nautical miles, and spans from St. Helena Sound southwest to Bay Point, serving boaters in the waters surrounding Harbor, Hunting, Fripp, Pritchards, Capers, and St. Phillips Islands.

Over the years, FISR has been recognized for its many achievements. In March of 1983, the South Carolina Wildlife and Marine Resource Department recommended to the Federal Communications Commission that FISR be granted a limited Coast Station license in the marine VHF band, and that license was subsequently issued by the FCC.

The Beaufort County Council passed a Resolution of Appreciation acknowledging the role played by FISR in the rescue of two crew

Fripp Island Sea Rescue

members of the burning shrimp boat “Miss Shirley.”

In 1991, FISR received a Certificate of Appreciation from the South Carolina House of Representatives commending the organization for its “outstanding efforts, its swift and proficient action during the rescue of two Georgia brothers who were involved in a sailing mishap caused by a heavy thunderstorm near Fripp Island, resulting in the safe recovery of these young men.”

In 2003 the US Coast Guard awarded a Certificate of Merit to FISR for its efforts in assisting in 113 search and rescue operations which resulted in 140 rescued people and savings of over $403,000 in property value from 2000 to 2003.

In 2014, the federal government proposed closing the US Coast Guard Sector Charleston base. FISR volunteers collaborated with other groups and individuals, and were successful in educating the administration and Congress regarding how vitally important that base is in assuring prompt response to rescue emergency calls. The FISR effort was critical in removing the Sector Charleston base from its proposed base closing list, thus maintaining a reasonable response time for emergencies, and preserving a higher level of water safety for residents and visitors to the Beaufort County/Fripp Island area.

Interested in volunteering to serve with Sea Rescue?

FISR is now training new members to be ready for the busy rescue season that starts around Easter time, and it is not too late to join us! Boating and first responder experience is preferred, but not required, and we are happy to talk with anyone, regardless of experience, who wants to be of service to boaters in our waters. Go to FISR’s freshly overhauled website at www. fisearescue.org and click the “volunteer” button to get in touch with us.

friPP islanD frienDs of music

Another Fabulous Concert on Fripp: The Tony Lee Group Submitted by Margit Resch

Tony Lee is one of the most enterprising musicians you will ever meet, a drummer no less. He studied English at USC, then toured the country extensively with a nationally signed rock band, Treadmill Trackstar, and he finally settled in Columbia, SC, where he gathers talented musicians to play with him all kinds of popular music in all sorts of venues, especially at Speakeasy in Five Points, and to help him teach people of all ages play instruments of all ilks through Freeway Music, a school he and Don Russo co-founded, with six studios all over town and special programs like musical theater. An amazing range of entrepreneurship.

The Tony Lee Group presently consists of Tony, the drummer; Katie Galan, a singer and violinist who has performed all over the world; Nicholas Vlandis, a pianist, who grew up in The Grand Strand and studied jazz piano at USC; Kyle Bryant, who has played guitar in a variety of groups since 2014; and Travis Shaw, a bass player whose band, The Brownstown Gritty, can be heard all around South Carolina.

Thanks to the Fripp Island Friends of Music, Tony and his band can be heard right here, in the Community Centre on February 26. Come and join us! You know the drill: The concert starts at 5:00 pm and is followed by a reception where you can meet the musicians and partake in the fabulous treats Harry Merrill prepares for us. Tickets at the door: $30. Yes, please join us! And watch out for my article in The LowCountry Weekly or The Island News in February, if you want to know more about the Tony Lee Group. See you February 25!

Questions about membership?

Contact Membership Chair, Vanessa Peñaherrera at vandy116@gmail.com or (704) 807-0255 (text or call)

Captain Ralph’sFISHING REPORT

WINTER FISHING A GOOD SURPRISE

by Captain Ralph Goodison

Winter is in full swing with some of the coldest in recent years. Surprise, despite the cold weather the fishing has been good. Along with the normal fishing report

I would like to do a time machine and take us back a few years with some Fripp pictures that many have not seen.

FISHING REPORT

Inshore: Has slowed but Good catches of Trout, Whiting, Black Drum and Redfish are found in some of the deeper water holes. Maxwell Bridge and Wardles Landing have produced fair catches of Trout and Redfish.

Nearshore: Fripp Reef, Drydock, 6HI. Offshore warmer water and better fishing. Blackdrum, Trigger, Vermillion Snapper and Blackbass.

Submitted

Offshore Deep Water: As you move into deeper water the bottom fishing improves

UPDATES ON TOURNAMENT FISHING WITH CAPTAIN GEORGE TANGELOS

Captain George has won the Mayhem Pro Series by winning the best of 5 series with 3 tournament wins. A 1st win in Key West, 2nd in Morehead City, NC, and a 3rd place in Biloxi, Mississippi. Giving his team enough points to win the overall National Championship.

The series has gained national attention and the next year series will appear on the Discovery Channel and Wicked Tuna network. I know we all know Captain George is one of best fisherman in Carolina and just think he grew up on Fripp Island and was the 1st First Mate on Fripper when he was 15 years old.

We all want to thank the Fripp Company and the Wardle Family for their support of fishing, water sports and the marina activities over the years. I feel our new owners Seascape Hospitality will also see the real treasure we have with Fripp Island and continue the support of our beautiful Island.

Photos: Top left page: January moon over the ocean on Fripp Island.

Top Right: January 5 years ago January we had 6 inches of snow on Fripp This picture was the Courtyard at John Fripp Villas.

Bottom Right: December 2014 Fripp Island Beach with Thousands of Star Fish washed up on our Beach What a Sight!

Fripp Island Golf & Beach Resort

Acquired By Seascape Hospitality Group

Beaufort, SC – Fripp Island Golf and Beach Resort, one of Beaufort’s leading hospitality companies, “The Company,” is pleased to announce it has been acquired by Seascape Hospitality Group. Founders Joe Guerra of Long Beach, CA and Adam Fuller of Atlanta, GA led the acquisition on behalf of Seascape Hospitality Group and will manage the operations of the property moving forward through their management company.

Seascape Hospitality Group is a family-owned business, exclusive of institutional capital investors. Fuller and Guerra will retain virtually all of the existing management and operating team, with a targeted focus on preparing the Resort for the next generation of visitors and property owners. Specific terms of the sale have not been released.

“We look forward to serving our five hundred co-workers, fourteen hundred members, thousands of annual visitors, and the surrounding Beaufort/ Lowcountry communities: all vital to our success. We thank the Wardle family for selecting us as their successors and future stewards of this multigenerational resort. We intend to build on the Wardles’ previous success while elevating the resort to the next level of relevance,” stated Joe Guerra, co-owner, Seascape Hospitality Group.

Fripp Island has been a private retreat for many for generations. Named for its rich folklore, Fripp Island has in its history been a pirate hideaway, private hunting range, and a filming location for several classic films. Today it is a private & gated residential resort community located on a barrier island at the end of US Hwy 21.

The resort is located between Charleston, SC and Savannah, GA. Members and guests experience full vacation home rental services, two resort-quality golf courses, a full-service marina, several retail stores, professional racquet club, three beach clubs with multiple pools, a fitness center, nature & activity center, excursions & personal transportation rentals, multiple restaurant venues, and over three miles of unspoiled beach.

Incoming co-owner Adam Fuller: “We plan to elevate the hospitality experience and enhance the magic of Fripp Island by revitalizing and modernizing the property’s amenities, while preserving the storied history that so many love about Fripp Island. One of our fundamental goals is to create opportunities where families can enjoy their time together, slow down to appreciate the slower pace of life in a beautiful setting and create lifelong memories. We want to lean in and continue to honor this deep sense of family and connection.”

Outgoing owner Douglas Wardle shares: “This is an exciting time for Fripp Island Golf & Beach Resort. The new ownership intends to significantly contribute to and support the operations, facilities, and employees here. My family and I are proud to entrust the property to new owners who are fully capitalized and committed to perpetuating the success of Fripp Island for future generations.”

Hannah Nichols, Director of Marketing, Fripp Island Golf & Beach Resort

MGA Men’s Golf

The MGA is the Golf Association for Fripp Island All Rounds are played at the Ocean Point and Ocean Creek Courses. Each course is rotated on a monthly basis and alternate monthly throughout the year.

Get the Schedule of Events and Tee Times at Fore Tees