Mt. Pleasant Lifestyle April 2014 by City Lifestyle

Mt. Pleasant APRIL 2014

MtPleasantLifestyle.com

™

green

KEEPING KIDS GREEN HYBRID TAXIS HIT THE ROAD SAVING THE HISTORIC ANGEL OAK

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Editor’s Letter

april 2014 publisher

Jerry Williams | JWilliams@LifestylePubs.com

Green’s a Good Color on All of Us

editor

Katrina Robinson | KRobinson@LifestylePubs.com

director of sales

Adam Williams | AWilliams@lifestylepubs.com

contributing writers

I wouldn’t consider myself necessarily eco-friendly. Sure, I do my best to throw cans, bottles, cardboard and anything else I think might be recyclable into that big blue bin in my carport. But I sometimes miss a can here and there, and while I know how important being green is in today’s world, I don’t pore over articles about global warming or only buy copy paper made out of recycled materials.

Eileen Casey, Holly Fisher, Anne Hassold Harris, Kristina Held, Dana Rasmussen, Dave Schneider, Susan Sloate, Anne Shuler Toole

contributing photographers A Michelle Photography, Tina Carter, Eileen Casey, Charleston County Parks, Community Recycling, Brian Fancher, Kiawah Conservancy, Patriots Point, Paul Mulkey Images, Town of Mt. Pleasant Staff, Pat Sullivan

Published monthly, subscriptions are: 1 year for $22 or 2 years for $39. Visit MtPleasantLifestyle.com

So I knew that I’d learn a lot from this issue—and I wasn’t disappointed. From learning about the efforts of organizations such as Charleston Waterkeeper (page 10) and the Kiawah Conservancy (page 16) to taking notes on what I can do around the house to be a little greener (check out our Home Matters article on page 24), I finished reading this issue and felt a little bit enlightened.

corporate team chief executive officer | Steven Schowengerdt chief sales officer | Matthew Perry chief financial officer | DeLand Shore

Whether you’re a die-hard environmentalist or someone who’s only a little interested in living green, you’re sure to find quite a few nuggets of knowledge between these pages.

national editor | Lisa Cooke Harrison director of marketing | Brad Broockerd national art director | Carrie Brophy advertising director | Mike Baugher

Read on, and be green!

production director | Christina Sandberg regional art director | Sara Minor ad coordinator | Cyndi Vreeland national copy editor | Kendra Mathewson

Katrina Robinson , Editor

executive assistant | Lori Cunningham application architect | Michael O’Connell it director | Randy Aufderheide

by Community ™ ON THE COVER Johns Island’s Angel Oak tree

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P.O. Box 12608 Overland Park, KS 66282-3214 Proverbs 3:5-6 Mt. Pleasant Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of Mt. Pleasant’s most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Publications’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Information in Mt. Pleasant Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

April 2014

Departments

16 Stewards of the Land

Around Town

Giving Back

Parent’s Corner

Financial Fitness

Locally Owned

Field Trip

Home Matters

Artist’s Palette

Your Neighbor

30 Lifestyle Calendar

Conserving Kiawah Island’s natural habitats.

Parting Thoughts

18 Saving a Lowcountry Icon

Community rallies to save Angel Oak.

20 Life in the Bike Lane

Charleston tries its hand at bike-sharing.

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Around Town “Open Cockpit Sunday has been successful in aiding our efforts to educate the public about our rich military history,” says Executive Director Mac Burdette. “It’s part of our mission, but it’s also a great opportunity for our visitors—children and adults alike—to experience Patriots Point in a whole new way and to walk in the steps of heroes.” Stay up to date on what’s happening at Patriots Point by visiting PatriotsPoint.org.

Photography Community Recycling

CR KIDS EARTH MONTH CHALLENGE Calling all students, teachers, PTOs, PTAs, principals and families! Community Recycling wants to celebrate Earth Month (April 2014) with CR Kids at every K-12 school across the country. This gargantuan effort is designed to educate and engage the future eco-ambassadors of the planet and connect them to the people and places their clothing collection will go for reuse. CR Kids is an innovative, no-cost, 30-day event designed for students to collect clothes, shoes, bags, purses and backpacks for reuse. Schools earn funding by the pound and great rewards as families and neighboring communities clean up and green up in full support of clothing reuse. Visit CommunityRecycling.biz for more information.

2013 MARKS A RECORD YEAR FOR THE CASSINA GROUP The final numbers for 2013 residential real estate sales are in, and it was a record-breaking year for Charleston-based agency The Cassina Group. The boutique firm, with only 19 general brokerage agents, placed in the top 10 of all Charleston-based real estate companies. The agents’ sales volume of more than $152.8 million in closed sales for the year earned them this honor and represents a 50 percent growth over the company’s 2012 numbers. “We are beyond pleased that 2013 was such a productive year for our company,” says Robertson Allen, broker-in-charge and co-founder of The Cassina Group. “Our dedicated, full-time agents, wonderful clients and cutting edge website attributed greatly to this success and we look forward to another prosperous year.” For more information on The Cassina Group, visit TheCassinaGroup.com.

PATRIOTS POINT’S “OPEN COCKPIT SUNDAY” Patriots Point Naval and Maritime Museum invited the public to “Open Cockpit Sunday” on Sunday February 9. With great public interest and success, “Open Cockpit Sunday” has been hosted by Patriots Point since the program began in 2011, inviting guests to visit exhibits usually not open as part of the regular tours of the USS Yorktown. 8 Mt. Pleasant Lifestyle | April 2014

Photography Patriots Point

“GET FRESH WITH THE LOCALS” AT THE MT. PLEASANT FARMERS MARKET Save the date for the opening of the much-awaited Mt. Pleasant Farmers Market on April 8 at 3:30 p.m. at Moultrie Middle School. In its 17th year, the market features vendors selling local farm-fresh produce, meats, sauces, baked goods and other specialty foods, as well as three prepared food vendors for those looking to grab dinner. Farmers markets are an integral part of a healthy community and have continued to rise in popularity, mostly due to the growing consumer interest in obtaining fresh products directly from the farm. “Our market offers what people want: freshness, authenticity, value and connections to the farmers who grow their food,” says Market Manager Tracy Richter. Admission, entertainment and children’s activities are free and plenty of free parking is available. The market is open every Tuesday from April 8 to October 14 from 3:30 to 7 p.m. For more information about the upcoming season, visit ComeOnOverMP.com. Photography Town of Mt. Pleasant Staff

MPPD LAUNCHES READING PATROL PROGRAM In partnership with Barnes & Noble, the Mt. Pleasant Police Department launched the Reading Patrol Program on February 15 at the Mt. Pleasant Towne Centre. “We would like to thank Barnes & Noble for their community spirit and for allowing us to host our program in their bookstore,” says Sgt. Les Mauldin. “The Reading Patrol Program is simple: build a connection early on with the youth of our community, and they will remember it when facing difficult decisions. We want to build bridges one book at a time and we plan to read to children in a fun and congenial atmosphere that will lend itself to making lifetime connections.” The program is free and meets at Barnes & Noble every third Saturday of the month. For more information about the Reading Patrol Program, contact Sgt. Mauldin at lmauldin@tompsc.com or 843.881.8242.

SOUTHEASTERN WILDLIFE EXPOSITION The Southeastern Wildlife Exposition (SEWE) is a three-day celebration of wildlife and nature through fine art, conservation education, sporting demonstrations, food, drink and the people who honor them all. SEWE’s impact on Charleston and the state continues to grow, as does its popularity. Each year, it generates an estimated $50 million; it provides the public with easy, affordable, enjoyable access to wildlife and nature conservation programs; it increases awareness about the need to protect and preserve our natural environment; and it celebrates our collective love for wildlife, nature and our role in preserving them for generations to enjoy. The 32nd annual event opened February 14 and closed February 16 at nine venues throughout downtown Charleston. For more information on SEWE, visit SEWE.com or call 843.723.1748.

Photography Paul Mulkey Images April 2014 | Mt. Pleasant Lifestyle 9

Giving Back

The Water Is Fine

CHARLESTON WATERKEEPER PROTECTS OUR RIGHT TO CLEAN WATER Mobile Pump-Out Program Captain Herman Miller discusses the pump-out procedure with a local boater.

Both seasonal and year-round owners of sailboats, power boats and large yachts can avail themselves of the pump-out program started by Charleston Waterkeeper.

ARTICLE KRISTINA HELD | PHOTOGRAPHY EILEEN CASEY

onsider Charleston Waterkeeper the burly protective bodyguard of the Ashley/Cooper River Basin. The organization is tirelessly working to keep the Lowcountry safe and protect it from potentially hurtful outside agents, all while being as unobtrusive as possible. Charleston Waterkeeper was started nearly five years ago by College of Charleston alum Cyrus Buffum and has since become a leading advocate for clean, healthy, usable water in the greater Charleston area. Inspired by a reading of The Riverkeepers by John Cronin and Robert F. Kennedy, Buffum submitted a proposal to Waterkeeper Alliance in 2008, and over the next three years a truly functional operation Charleston Waterkeeper began raising funds and working extensively through our local canals and rivers. “My connection to water grew over time, but so did my awareness of its delicacy,” says Buffum. “I saw how my livelihood was directly tied to the quality and beauty of Charleston’s waterways.” Buffum’s passion translates into tireless efforts to test and monitor the quality of area water. In order to make rivers and tributaries safer for swimming, paddle boarding, fishing and kayaking,

10 Mt. Pleasant Lifestyle | April 2014

Buffum and countless volunteers regularly check for bacteria levels and harmful waste byproducts, alerting you to the best places to engage in these time-honored Lowcountry activities. “Poor water quality would result in a decrease of use. A decrease of use would result in a decrease in value. The individuals making a living on the front lines of Charleston’s waterways are most aware and sensitive toward this simple reality,” Buffum says. Additionally, Charleston Waterkeeper provides boaters and fishermen with a responsible way to discard sanitary waste and sewage from holding tanks. Their free pump-out service ensures that waterways are kept relatively free of harmful contaminated waste, which creates a safer space for humans and animals alike. However, these efforts have come from more modest, humble beginnings. “We planned beach cleanups, leveraged social media and online tools to aggregate data about abandoned boats, and began building a grassroots constituency around the simple idea that each of us has a right to clean water—to swimmable, fishable, surfable, enjoyable water,” says Buffum.

Today they focus more on data-driven approaches, targeting specific areas that pose the greatest potential threat to the safety and wellbeing of Charleston residents. Currently, their recreational water quality program tests from May through October, providing Charleston Waterkeeper and, in turn, beachgoers and fishermen, information about which zones are safest. Furthermore, the organization can then suggest and bring about effective ways to remediate the pollution and problems facing local waterways. Unfortunately, last spring the organization hit a bit of a snafu when their tax-exempt status was suddenly revoked due to the failure to submit specific paperwork with the IRS. Due to the regrettable oversight by Buffum and the rest of the staff, they immediately took steps toward regaining their 501(c)(3) status. Working closely with their accountant and general counsel, the team submitted their paperwork and, at the time this went to press, was still waiting for a response from the IRS. In the meantime, Charleston Wa-

HOW CAN YOU MAKE A DIFFERENCE? Buffum believes the greatest difference can be made through talking with people and engaging the community. By spreading the word about Charleston Waterkeeper and its mission, the organization helps local residents gain greater awareness of the threat facing our water supply. The organization actively recruits volunteers for local water and beach cleanups that happen throughout the year. For now, most of their financial support comes from a select group of donors and foundations, but they are trying to make it easier for individual supporters to get involved. You can make your tax-deductable donation right through their website through a safe and easy PayPal account.

terkeeper returned under the fiscal responsibility of their parent company, Waterkeeper Alliance, and all contributions continue to be tax-deductable. These contributions are vital to the organization’s continued success. They have partnered with various businesses and groups throughout the years including art galleries, restaurants and Spoleto events to bring awareness not only to their projects and programs but also to the greater concern of the health and safety of the waterways. Their biggest fundraiser, Water Ball, will be held on May 22 at the South Carolina Aquarium and, as in the past, will feature art, music, food and more. Charleston Waterkeeper has already had a great impact on the physical landscape of the Lowcountry, and has also made a deep impression on the conscience of its residents. Speaking to residents’ health and safety makes protecting and bettering our waterways not only a relevant discussion but a necessary one as well. Find out how to help and make a donation at CharlestonWaterkeeper.org.

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Parent’s Corner

Growing up Green ESTABLISHING GREEN ROOTS IN CHILDHOOD ARTICLE DANA RASMUSSEN

ermit the frog had it all wrong: It is easy being green. Talking to kids about eco-friendly issues doesn’t have to be a difficult task. Follow these tips to get your kids to understand the importance of living a sustainable lifestyle. Understand that teaching children about eco-friendly issues can be fun, and many websites offer several tips to help parents along the way. EarthEasy.com is one of those sites; it offers parents a one-stop shop to access several online resources that can help teach children about being green. Many of the sites on EarthEasy. com are interactive and feature age-appropriate characters so children remain engaged while learning. Keep in mind that small children aren’t the only ones who need to learn about the benefits of living an eco-friendly life; children of all ages, including teens, can always use a reminder about how to live better. Visit local nature centers (check out our story about Kiawah Conservancy’s Naturally Kiawah Demonstration Garden on page 16) or county park systems to experience the very nature that children are being told to protect. Oftentimes, there are programs that children of all ages can participate in to learn about their environment and how they can help. The Charleston County Parks and Recreation Commission has several programs and summer camps for children and adults throughout the year that promote not only environmental awareness, but also self-confidence. Visit CCPRC.com for more info. Reiterate the importance of reduce, reuse and recycle so your kids will work on cutting down on waste. Send them to school with a healthy lunch packed in a re-usable container; teach them

12 Mt. Pleasant Lifestyle | April 2014

which items taken to school can be recycled; and give them praise for leading a less wasteful life. Another important thing to stress about an eco-friendly life is the benefits of cutting down on wasteful usage of water and electricity. Encourage children to turn the water off while brushing their teeth and to only use as much as is necessary. Teach them to turn off and unplug electronics when not in use. Perhaps the most important part of talking to children about an eco-friendly lifestyle is to lead by example. Incorporate sustainable ways of life into the household so that being green becomes something the entire family does. Try creating a compost pile, planting a garden or building a rain barrel together. All of these activities will show how important the environment is— plus, they’re fun activities for the whole family.

Financial Fitness

Stop the Leaks SEAL YOUR THERMAL SHIELD ARTICLE DAVE SCHNEIDER

very year, we pour large quantities of time and money into our homes in an attempt to maximize functionality, aesthetic quality and security, only to have much of that effort wasted when heating and cooling energy leaks through open cracks and crevices. The U.S. Department of Energy estimates that 50 to 70 percent of energy used in American homes is applied to temperature control, and air leakage through inadequate insulation is the leading cause of energy waste. Jake Williams, co-owner of Affordable Spray Foam Insulation of the Carolinas, LLC, says spray insulation is an effective help. “The superior technology of spray-applied polyurethane foam product is more effective than traditional methods of insulation, because it stops air movement,” says Williams. The foam consists of two chemical ingredients that form a dense, hard, insulating material when combined through specialized equipment. This mixture creates an exothermic reaction, which causes the substance to expand and harden in a matter of seconds. Because the compound is applied as a liquid, it conforms to the shape of any surface from stud to stud and around outlets as it expands, filling even the tiniest cavities to produce an effective and seamless thermal envelope. In addition to blocking the flow of air, spray foam serves as a barrier against moisture seepage and insect infestations. By eliminating air and moisture infiltration, the insulation reduces dust and inhibits unhealthy mold and mildew. Spray foam insulation provides a healthy, draft-free environment with no harmful emissions that can cause allergic reactions. It also muffles sound and noise pollution for more peaceful living.

This technology enhances the structural integrity of your home, too, because the liquid bonds with most surfaces before solidifying. The compound will adhere to almost any material, especially wood and steel studs, which are commonly used in residential and commercial construction. The inert polymer composition will endure for a home’s lifetime without replacement and will not shrink, settle or disintegrate, unlike many traditional insulation products. This will be the last time you will ever have to insulate your home. “Although the initial investment may be a bit more than other methods, spray foam technology reduces energy bills due to the fact that it stops air infiltration and will pay for itself through energy savings in three to five years,” advises Williams. Affordable Spray Foam Insulation of the Carolinas earned the Angie’s List Super Service Award for maintaining a superior service rating throughout the year of 2013. They offer free estimates and quality assurance with a project manager on site to supervise and resolve issues promptly, along with discounts for the military and senior citizens. Learn more about their high-quality insulation system by checking their website: InsulationCharleston.com. Contact them by phone at 843.270.1846 or 843.693.8080, or by email at info@insulationcharleston.com.

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Locally Owned

Charleston Green Taxi KEEPING TRANSPORTATION GREEN, CLEAN AND ON TIME ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY EILEEN CASEY

any years ago, Charleston Green Taxi’s Owner/Operator Alexander “A.J.” Franklin worked as a valet at a popular downtown Charleston hotel. Over time, he became increasingly fed up with the time, costs and condition of the vehicles he continually encountered while securing transportation for guests. His solution to safe-yet-eco-friendly travel launched the Charleston Green Taxi company in May 2008. The mission is simple: “Just think of us as a limo service but at a taxi price, all while reducing our carbon footprint!” Offering passengers a reservations-only, punctual, reliable and clean transportation service using hybrid vehicles with uniformed drivers, the company began with two Toyota Priuses and one Camry, and has grown to presently include 45 drivers, four dispatchers, 21 licensed eco-friendly Toyota hybrid cars—including nine Priuses and two Camrys, as well as nine mini-vans (which are not hybrids).

Alexander “A.J.” Franklin, owner/operator of Charleston Green Taxi.

HYBRID VEHICLE—OH, WHAT A FEELING!

A hybrid is defined as a vehicle that contains a traditional internal combustion engine and a fuel tank, as well as one or more electric motors and a battery pack. Charleston Green Taxi uses only Toyota vehicles that are usually acquired through two local dealerships. Jeff Franklin, A.J.’s father, is head of public relations for the company. He says they put a lot of energy into obtaining the hybrids. “We also travel around the country to acquire vehicles, and have some from states such as Pennsylvania, that legally require road-ready vehicles that have passed inspection and emission tests, which South Carolina does not,” Jeff explains. Driver Will Creech says he thinks Charleston Green Taxi is unique in the state. “I believe we are the only hybrid transportation company in South Carolina,” he adds. HOW LEAN IS GREEN?

Jeff says there are multiple benefits to a hybrid fleet. “All our vehicles use regular gasoline, but with the hybrids, such as the Prius, you are getting 44 to 46 miles per gallon, or about 38 miles to the gallon for the Camry. Not only is that a tremendous savings, it’s the ecologically right choice,” he explains. What about that green in your wallet? Charleston Green Taxi accepts credit cards and offers affordable rates based on the ve14 Mt. Pleasant Lifestyle | April 2014

Many of the vans are painted with local scenes.

hicle, number of passengers and locations. All rates are based on transportation to or from downtown Charleston, and for car transportation can range from $7 to $15 within Charleston, to $35 to $65 per hour for different zoned areas. A standard rate for Mt. Pleasant would be between $20 to $35 per hour. You can make a reservation in advance, or same day on a firstcome first-serve basis, seven days a week, 24 hours a day. However, if you need transportation before 6 a.m., be sure to reserve the night before. LOOKING GOOD AND GREEN

Many of the vehicles are wrapped with the multiple green leaf logo, designed by A.J., while the mini-vans reflect local scenes and sites such as Rainbow Row. While Charleston Green Taxi has consciously reduced its carbon footprint, it continues to increase its artistic footprint with its easily recognizable vehicles seen on the streets of Charleston and elsewhere, and drivers wearing bright green jackets. For more information, go to CharlestonGreenTaxi.com or call 843.819.0846.

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Field Trip

Stewards of the Land CONSERVING KIAWAH ISLAND’S NATURAL HABITATS ARTICLE ANNE SHULER TOOLE | PHOTOGRAPHY KIAWAH CONSERVANCY

t’s no secret that the Lowcountry is a beautiful area. As more people flock here, property values rise along with both residential and commercial construction, and the importance of preserving natural habitats increases as well. While Kiawah Island has also experienced an influx in construction, the Kiawah Conservancy is a driving force trying to strike a balance by preserving the natural habitat and beauty of Kiawah Island. The non-profit land trust was started in 1997 by a group of property owners with the intent to acquire property to conserve for wildlife. Today, the Kiawah Conservancy uses a research-based approach to

16 Mt. Pleasant Lifestyle | April 2014

pinpoint land for habitats, and holds donated land and conservation easements that currently total 329 acres. In addition to acquiring land, the conservancy encourages home and business owners to do their part to preserve or reintroduce vegetation in their landscaping, which allows cover for wildlife. Through the Habitat Improvement Initiative, those owners who meet certain levels of criteria are honored with the Sweetgrass Award. “It’s a recognition program for owners, community associations and resorts with a habitat-friendly yard,” Justin Core, the Kiawah Conservancy’s Land Preservation Coordinator, says.

The Kiawah Conservancy hosts a monthly program called Conservation Matters to raise awareness and educate island residents and visitors about Kiawah’s natural environment. Programs in the summertime are geared toward children, while other programs offer homeowners information that ranges from conservation to gardening tips. Upcoming events include a presentation on Native Plants and Their Historic and Modern Medicinal Uses on April 17; a Pluff Mud Paddle Kayak and Sandbar Tour on May 10; the Reptile Round Up, a handson program with live reptiles and amphibians, on June 11; and an Aquarium Rovers and Avian Adventures presentation on July 3, led by South Carolina Aquarium and the Center for Birds of Prey educators. “They are free and open to the public,” says Core. Participants are required to register because space is limited for most events, and because off-islanders will need a pass to get onto Kiawah Island.

One of the Kiawah Conservancy’s most popular research projects, in partnership with the Town of Kiawah Island, tracks bobcats by GPS. By luring a bobcat safely into a trap, staff sedate and measure the bobcat, fit it with a GPS collar and track it. Fifty-two bobcats have been tracked since the project began in 2007. Information about their whereabouts is used to learn more about the bobcat population, their preferred hunting grounds and times, their travel corridors and where they rest during the day. With this information, the conservancy is able to improve and preserve bobcat habitats. While bobcat tracking is best left to the experts, there are plenty of ways for the general public to lend a helping hand in conservation. The Kiawah Conservancy welcomes volunteers for an array of tasks from bird counting to becoming a citizen scientist. Other volunteers become stewards, visiting the conservancy’s properties along with staff to monitor the property, pick up any litter and search for ways to improve habitat. All of these opportunities allow excellent chances to get outside and see some of the best flora and fauna Kiawah Island has to offer.

The Kiawah Conservancy, partnered with Kiawah Island Golf Resort, recently planted the Naturally Kiawah Demonstration Garden inside the resort’s Night Heron Park. “It is a great opportunity for not only property owners, but families and visitors, to learn about plants that are native to our area, and the different environments right here on Kiawah,” Core explains. “This garden provides a lot of ideas for those who want to incorporate natural habitats into their own landscapes at home.” While construction growth is inevitable as more people move to the Lowcountry, the Kiawah Conservancy is making good progress saving and managing land that provides natural habitat for some of the area’s unique and cherished plants and animals. For those interested in learning more about the Naturally Kiawah Demonstration Garden, transforming their backyards into a more nature-friendly sanctuary, or the many projects and volunteer opportunities going on, visit the Kiawah Conservancy’s website, KiawahConservancy.org. To register for a Conservation Matters program, email events@kiawahconservancy.org or call 843.768.2029.

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April 2014 | Mt. Pleasant Lifestyle 17

a lowcountry icon

Community rallies to save Angel Oak.

ARTICLE HOLLY FISHER | PHOTOGRAPHY A MICHELLE PHOTOGRAPHY

amantha Siegel has sacrificed a great deal for a tree. But not just any tree—a centuries-old, majestic oak tree that has given her life a focus and a mission. Siegel’s passion for protecting the Angel Oak blossomed at a time in her life when she wasn’t entirely sure of her next steps. Her advocacy work protecting this local treasure saved her, she says. The Angel Oak is thought to be the oldest living tree in the Eastern United States. The exact age of the tree is unknown, but some estimates reach as high as 1,500 years. Regardless, the tree is an icon, standing 65 feet high with a canopy of branches stretching 17,000 square feet. Development has threatened the tree in recent years, causing the community and passionate individuals like Siegel to devote years to protecting the Angel Oak. In 2008, Siegel found out about plans for a 600-unit housing and retail development on more than 30 acres around the Angel Oak in Johns Island. Siegel wasn’t thinking about becoming an ac18 Mt. Pleasant Lifestyle | April 2014

tivist; she was just thinking about how the proposed development wasn’t good for the tree or the community. Siegel immediately launched an online petition at SavetheAngelOak.org and started researching ways to block the development. She believed the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers had misclassified the wetlands. After much hounding, the Army Corps of Engineers eventually reviewed the site again and reversed its decision, making it necessary for the developer to secure a federal permit to fill the wetlands. Lawsuits and advocacy on the part of Siegel and the Coastal Conservation League moved forward, and in 2009, as the recession hit, the property went into foreclosure. The Lowcountry Open Land Trust entered the picture as part of the legal settlement. The land trust had the option to purchase 17 acres, with the remaining property available for development. With assistance from the Charleston County Greenbelt Bank Board and an incredible outpouring of support from the commu-

nity, the land trust secured the $3.56 million it needed by November 2013. The developer opted out of the project and has offered up the remaining 18.7 acres. The City of Charleston owns the tree and about two acres, plus there’s an existing seven-acre conservation buffer around the tree. That, plus the last 35 acres, would mean a roughly 44-acre buffer around the historic Angel Oak. AN OUTPOURING OF SUPPORT

The land trust needs another $3.3 million to purchase the remaining property and is asking the community to donate $400,000 of that. The deadline to secure those donations and pledges was March 14. As of press time, Elizabeth Hagood, executive director of the Lowcountry Open Land Trust, was optimistic the community would come through with the needed funds based on the success of the first fundraising effort. “We had an amazing response,” Hagood says of last year’s fundraising campaign. “We had unprecedented participation from an amazing array of people from across the globe.”

“In my wildest dreams, I didn’t think we’d have all this support from the city, the county, businesses and more than 10,000 individuals who have donated. It’s been amazing. People love that tree.” Businesses and individuals gave, children set up lemonade stands, restaurants on Johns Island had Mason jars set out for donations, and more than 8,000 gave donations while buying groceries at the Piggly Wiggly. Blackbaud established a $25,000 challenge grant for the effort. “What I loved about it is that people who gave money didn’t just send a check but would write their story about why the Angel Oak mattered to them,” Hagood says. “Their grandparents got married there, they played in those limbs as kids…People are so connected [to the tree]. That kind of breadth and depth of support is inspiring.” Siegel, too, has been overwhelmed by the number of people who feel as passionately about the Angel Oak as she does. “In my wildest dreams, I didn’t think we’d have all this support from the city, the county, businesses and more than 10,000 individuals who have donated,” she says. “It’s been amazing. People love that tree.” A PLACE OF HISTORY

Saving the Angel Oak is not only significant from an environmental standpoint but also for preserving a piece of Lowcountry history and culture. Hagood notes, in particular, the tree’s significance to Civil Rights history. It was the one place open to both blacks and whites. Before air conditioning, the tree’s shade provided relief on

hot days, and people would gather for lunch. Both black and white churches would congregate there for picnics after church services. “That’s the level of history of this tree,” she says. And that’s one aspect the land trust and supporters want to highlight. The idea is to expand the roughly three-acre city park where the tree sits to encompass the full 44 acres. While the park will remain largely passive in scope, there are plans to better showcase the history of the Angel Oak and Johns Island. “One of the things we really hope to do is put together educational programming about the cultural history of the sea islands, the story of the islands, the Gullah people and the Civil Rights movement,” Hagood says. “Telling the cultural as well as the environmental and conservation history is a neat opportunity we have.” The Angel Oak will remain a public park with the Lowcountry Open Land Trust working in conjunction with the city and the Charleston County Parks system to manage daily park operations and maintenance. FOR THE LOVE OF CONSERVATION

Much of the land trust’s work is in the form of private conservation, so this has been a very public way for the community to understand its mission and the overall importance of conservation. And for people like Siegel, it’s an opportunity to learn the world of conservation, advocacy and the inner workings of local government. “I love being involved in local government and exercising my freedom of speech and helping others learn how to do that, too,” she says. Even though she’s now living in West Ashley and recently finished consulting with the South Carolina Sierra Club, Siegel visits the Angel Oak daily. She purposely took a job at Rosebank Farms Café on Johns Island to be near the tree, where she can have lunch or just sit. “It’s good for my mental health,” she says. “It’s sort of like my church.” Siegel put her life on hold and dove into the world of zoning permits, federal wetlands laws and Freedom of Information Act requests in order to advocate for Angel Oak. “I have no idea what gave me all the energy, but I didn’t have a social life for all those years. Everything I did was for the tree,” Siegel says. Siegel is a perfect example of how when a person feels really connected to something, she is willing to do anything: “I will never give up on protecting the Angel Oak. It’s my life’s mission. Nothing will ever hurt that tree while I’m alive.” April 2014 | Mt. Pleasant Lifestyle 19

Life in the Bike Lane Charleston tries its hand at bike-sharing. ARTICLE DANA RASMUSSEN PHOTOGRAPHY PAT SULLIVAN

can submit a detailed account of what they plan to do. While bike-sharing currently only exists in Charleston as a program that is solely a part of the College of Charleston, there’s plenty of time to learn about the pros and cons of the program. WHERE TO RIDE?

Anyone familiar with the Charleston area can attest that the city and surrounding areas including Mt. Pleasant, James Island, West Ashley and the like can all be heavily congested with traffic throughout the year. AddBike-sharing company B-cycle brought a bike-share demo to Charleston in October 2012. ing more bicyclists to the mix is likely to only further congest erhaps not since the invasion of the things—especially considering that by law, Union soldiers during the Civil War bikes share the road. has Charleston had so many people living Kevin Diesel of the Bicycle Shoppe together with such polarizing views on ( The Bic ycleShoppe Charleston .com) a hot topic. That topic has to do with the says that a bike-sharing program in proposed bike-sharing program that could Charleston is “a classic case of the cart come to the city. before the horse.” As it stands, a bike-sharing program has “As of now, the city is doing a very poor not yet gone into effect; in fact, the city of job of installing bike lanes, enforcing safeCharleston itself has only recently issued a ty guidelines and creating an accommoformal Request for Proposals so different dating infrastructure,” he says. “The bikegroups interested in building and main- share program is going to encourage more taining the citywide bike-sharing program inexperienced cyclists to hit the already

20 Mt. Pleasant Lifestyle | April 2014

unsafe streets. The local motorists do not want their taxes going toward bike lanes, nor do motorists even feel that cyclists have a right to the road. Unless the city educates our drivers to share the road with cyclists and creates an infrastructure to accommodate cyclists, this idea will fail.” But Tom Bradford of Charleston Moves (CharlestonMoves.org), an organization that encourages mobility in Charleston by bicycling and on foot, says he is all for the bike-sharing program. “Charleston Moves is totally in favor of the bike-sharing program,” Bradford says. “Whenever you can give a person the joy of getting someplace under his or her own power, and reduce auto traffic by even one car, you’re ahead.” The problem with Bradford’s opinion is that Charleston is not like other cities where bike-sharing programs are successful. Take a look at Seattle. This is a place where residents and visitors benefit from bike lanes that are a part of the park systems. That means bicycle traffic is routed away from roads, but still designed to lead to specific destinations. To put a Lowcountry spin on things, the Seattle bike lanes work a lot like our Intracoastal Waterway; vessels could choose to go all out in the ocean itself, or choose a safer method in waterways designed specifically for their needs.

Major infrastructural changes would need to be implemented to get the Charleston area up to snuff so it could support a bike-sharing program. Diesel says that as the city stands, none of the bike lanes are complete, and that poses a major problem for novice and even experienced riders. Many times, cyclists are faced with riding directly with traffic when bike lanes end, and that can result in injury or even death. “As a cyclist, I put my life at risk every second I ride my bike on the road,” Diesel says. “Motorists currently do not take cyclists seriously, nor do they understand that (bike lane or not) cyclists pay taxes, have drivers’ licenses and are allowed as much access to our roads as our four-wheeled friends. The difference is the twoton car can kill a cyclist, but not vice-versa.” HOW WOULD IT WORK?

This is not the first time a bike-sharing program has come to the Charleston area. Back in 1996, the city of Charleston had a bike-sharing program that quickly went awry. The bikes were deposited all throughout town, and riders could simply select a bike, get to where they were going and leave the bike behind. However, theft became a major problem, and the plan was soon aborted. Now, thanks to technology, bikes could be rented from kiosks with a credit card and tracked with global positioning systems. This would help prevent theft and ensure that bikes could be accounted for throughout the area. Naturally, this method would be more costly than its late-nineties predecessor, as credit card processing machines would need to be located at each kiosk, and GPS units would need to be purchased and

affixed to each bicycle. Then there’s the cost of the bicycles themselves, which could vary from hundreds to thousands of dollars. As with anything paid for with tax dollars, there is bound to be many opinions on what should and should not occur with this program, should it come to fruition. WHAT ABOUT LOCAL BUSINESSES?

Getting more people into the area is always good for business. But what about local businesses in the bicycling industry? Many businesses in the Charleston area, including The Bicycle Shoppe, rent bicycles year-round. A bicycle-sharing program could hurt business, as locals and visitors would have more options. Diesel says that if the city were to refer to a rental business similar to The Bicycle Shoppe and what it does, they would understand how little revenue it really creates. “One thing that has made our rental program a success is constant upkeep,” Diesel says. “We clean, repair and introduce new bikes to our fleet often. If a customer gets a flat tire, we bring them a new bike. What happens when you rent a bike from an automated kiosk? Will there be a support staff to maintain and care for the bike-share program? How much will that cost?” Of course, a bike-sharing program could drum up more interest in cycling, which would in turn create more business for area cycling shops and rental companies. After all, even if the bike-sharing program does come to fruition, there certainly wouldn’t be enough bikes to accommodate every single person interested in cycling. Another major issue pertaining to business involves the actual bike-sharing program itself. When bids are made to the city, contracts could be awarded to a company from upstate or out of state, so local businesses lose out once again. HOW WILL THINGS PLAY OUT?

It’s anyone’s guess right now as to what will happen with this program. Like many things, there is bound to be a portion of the population upset with whatever happens. BRADFORD AND DIESEL ARE NO EXCEPTION.

“I would welcome the bike-share program with open arms only after proper laws protecting cyclists are enforced: The Motor Vehicle Administration educates new motorists on how to share the road, proper bike lanes are installed, and safe access to all of our bridges and motorways are made available to cyclists,” Diesel says. “I do not feel safe riding my bike in South Carolina, but my experience has allowed me the awareness needed to at least stay alive doing something I truly enjoy doing.” Charleston County Council Member Colleen Condon takes one of the bikes for a spin. April 2014 | Mt. Pleasant Lifestyle 21

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Home Matters

Green Living SIMPLE STEPS FOR A GREEN HOME ARTICLE ANNE HASSOLD HARRIS

exposing your every flaw. Today’s CFL bulbs give off a warmer light similar to that produced by incandescent bulbs. Although CFL bulbs may be slightly more expensive, they use three to four times less energy than their incandescent counterparts and last six to 10 times longer, which means fewer bulb changes and a lower energy bill for you. Remember to turn all lights off when you are not using them to save even more energy.

f you are like me, hearing the words “going green” can stir up a mix of emotions. Guilt, because you know you are not doing all that you should, coupled with panic, because changing the way you live seems like a difficult, almost impossible task. But green living does not necessarily mean completely changing your way of life. In fact, there are some fairly simple steps you can take at home to benefit your personal space as well as the environment as a whole.

RECYCLE, RECYCLE, RECYCLE

Charleston County offers recycling bins to make this an easy green fix for paper, glass, most plastics, cardboard and aluminum. According to the Environmental Protection Agency website, every time you choose to recycle, you are reducing waste, conserving natural resources, preventing pollution, saving energy, reducing greenhouse gases, and helping sustain the environment. Not bad for choosing to throw those empty bottles in the blue bin rather than the green one, right? If you don’t already have a recycling bin, check out CharlestonCounty.org to find out how to get one. You will also find on their website a complete list of recyclable materials.

KEEP (A LITTLE) COOL

Just changing your thermostat a couple of degrees depending on the weather can reduce the amount of energy your home uses, as well as the price tag on your power bill. The recommended temperature for cooler weather is 68 degrees and 78 for the warmer months. If that sounds too uncomfortable to you, consider buying a programmable thermostat that will change the temperature when you are not at home. Keep those ceiling fans circulating in the summer, and remember compact florescent bulbs give off significantly less heat than regular bulbs. There’s no need to feel overwhelmed by all of the “going green” talk these days. A few simple steps can help keep our environment green and maybe even leave you with a little extra green in your wallet.

LIGHTEN UP

Changing even a few of your traditional incandescent light bulbs to the newer compact florescent light bulbs (CFLs) can have a big impact. Gone are the days when florescent lighting meant 24 Mt. Pleasant Lifestyle | April 2014

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Artist’s Palette

Sculptor Daniel Miner MT. PLEASANT’S “MAN OF STEEL” ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY EILEEN CASEY

culptor Daniel Miner, born and raised in Mt. Pleasant, is a former automotive technician with more than 20 years of experience. Miner transformed his knowledge of industrial metals into his passion for creating art with recycled automotive metal drums and engine parts. His one-of-a-kind sculptures emerge as nautical and marine sculpted bottle holders, stoppers, wall hangings, crosses, key rings and one of his most popular items—fish-shaped trailer hitches! With no formal art training, Miner begins with his hand drawings and then uses his beloved hand-held plasma cutter—along with welding, torch and hand tools—to create his vision, which occasionally incorporates ball bearings as eyeballs or tree ornaments. Mt. Pleasant Lifestyle recently spoke with Miner and his wife, Angela, who handles the business and exhibition end of this family-involved enterprise, at a recent Mt. Pleasant Farmer’s Market.

MT. PLEASANT LIFESTYLE: How did the switch from automotive tech-

nician to artist evolve, and how does your creative process emerge?

Artist David Miner with his sculpted swordfish.

I have also shown my work in outdoor markets in Mt. Pleasant, Beaufort and elsewhere. Recently I participated in the Piccolo Spoleto Festival.

DANIEL MINER: I had a co-worker who shaped a metal drum into a

bell and gave me the remaining metal. I had many ideas, but my first piece was a rose for my wife. With her support, and the support of our families, I set up shop in my garage and began visiting salvage yards to collect metal drums, auto and engine parts. I wanted to create pieces that reflect where we live and the environment. I sculpt within the existing natural curve of the metal drums, and in addition to the fabricating, cutting and grinding, I maintain the original patina by applying an acrylic powder coating to seal in the colors that already exist in the metal. This gives the pieces that clear gloss look, and makes them very durable and weather resistant. I use salvaged parts from automobiles primarily made during the 1970s and 1980s and manufactured in Detroit, so I consider my work all U.S.A. made.

MPL: How do you determine the prices for your work? DM: Designs are based on the size of the recycled tank, so prices are based on time and materials. I use quarter-inch thick metal for smaller pieces, and the larger pieces can range in size from 32” to 36”. Prices range from $40 up to $850. I am beginning custom commercial work, and recently created a metal sign for JUVE, a business in Mt. Pleasant.

MPL: How did you begin to exhibit

MPL: Any artists you relate to? DM: “Frogman” Tim Cotterill. He’s a

California-based sculptor, and I really admire the work he does in bronze. MPL: What’s next for Miner Metal? DM: I’ve been incorporating plas-

ma-surface etching recently, and am exploring the history and applications of Damascus steel. I’ve also become associated with the Bespoke Gallery in Mt. Pleasant (Bespoke-Atelier.com).

your work? DM: My wife arranged for us to partic-

For more information about Miner and his

ipate in the Charleston City Market. Angela and David Miner proudly display Miner Metal pieces.

pieces of art, visit MinerMetal.com.

26 Mt. Pleasant Lifestyle | April 2014

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Your Neighbor To Cotton’s surprise, it recently won the Best Rhythmic Book award from the StoryTime Jam/This Book Rocks! contest, with an Honorable Mention for Best Picture Book. He is also surprised that so many adult readers who read it to their children like it because they say it has a moral. “I hadn’t thought of the book as having a moral,” Cotton explains. Interest in the first Fred book led to a second, When Fred the Snake Goes to School, which was published in late 2012. The latest Fred the Snake book, published this past fall, is titled When Jungle Jim Comes to Visit Fred the Snake. Additional information is available at PeterCottonTales.com. Cotton is already planning the fourth Fred book, which he says will feature locations in the Charleston area and a moral about conservation and recycling. Dr. Peter Cotton at work at MUSC.

The Tales of Peter Cotton MT. PLEASANT DOCTOR SPINS CHILDREN’S STORIES ARTICLE SUSAN SLOATE | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

f you’re an eminent doctor who has spent your life helping patients with gastrointestinal problems and lecturing on endoscopy around the world, when you decide to change pace, what do you do? Naturally, if you’re Peter Cotton, M.D., you start writing children’s books. Cotton, a professor at the Medical University of South Carolina and resident of Mt. Pleasant and Dewees Island, has developed, practiced and taught endoscopy for more than 40 years. He began in his native England, then moved to the U.S., working with gastroenterologists to help diagnose G.I. problems. He even wrote a book about his experiences, The Tunnel at the End of the Light: My Endoscopic Journey in Six Decades, which was published in 2011. The book not only included notes about his professional journey, the interesting people he met and some of his more memorable medical and travel experiences—it also contained a discourse on the complexities of the English game of cricket. At the same time, he was doing another kind of writing. When his children were young, he made up a bedtime story for them about Fred the Snake. He called it When Fred the Snake Got Squished, and Mended. “We called him Fred-Fred because he was squished in two,” Cotton says. He was living in England at the time and thought about publishing the story; he’d even found an illustrator. But by the time he decided to go forward with publication, he had lost touch with the illustrator, and the project stalled. Years later, when his children had children, they asked him to revive Fred’s story. At that point, Cotton found Bonnie Lemaire of Toronto to do the illustrations, and the book was finally published by The Fig & the Vine Publishing in March 2011. 28 Mt. Pleasant Lifestyle | April 2014

Cotton says that most of the interest in his books comes from friends and family, as well as professional colleagues. While he sold 60 Fred books while lecturing recently at a nurses’ convention, he says he does not expect to make a living writing the Fred series; he is more gratified that his four children, eight grandchildren and only great-grandchild like them. Ironically, his name is linked more to rabbits than snakes, especially in the U.S., where “Here Comes Peter Cottontail” is a well-known Easter song. Cotton explains that though his full name—Peter Benjamin Cotton—does call to mind the famous English Beatrix Potter stories about Peter Rabbit and Benjamin Bunny, “Peter Cottontail” is really an American invention. What is not an invention, however, is the huge collection of stuffed rabbits that the Cottons collected in their home in Ravens Run. One young visitor tried to count all the rabbits in different rooms. He had not found them all when he stopped counting—at 800. Fortunately for everyone, Peter Cotton is content to write about snakes rather than collect them.

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Lifestyle Calendar

Photography Tina Carter

April

APRIL 6 23RD ANNUAL LOWCOUNTRY CAJUN FESTIVAL JAMES ISLAND COUNTY PARK

Get ready for some ragin’ Cajun fun in Charleston! Bringing Louisiana living to the Lowcountry, Cajun Fest is a full-day of Zydeco music, Cajun and Creole foods, children’s activities and lots of entertainment straight from the bayou. Admission to the Lowcountry Cajun Festival is $10. The event is free for ages 12 and under with a paying adult. Current Gold Pass holders are also admitted free. Food vendors operate on a ticket basis. No coolers or outside alcohol permitted. Carpooling is highly encouraged. Pets are not permitted to this event. For more information, call 843.795.4386 or visit CharlestonCountyParks.com/Cajun. Photography Charleston County Parks

2014 MCALISTER DEVELOPMENT OLD VILLAGE HOME, GARDEN & ART TOUR

APRIL 2

OLD VILLAGE

ANNUAL EASTER EGG HUNT ALHAMBRA HALL PARK

APRIL 5 THE 37TH ANNUAL COOPER RIVER BRIDGE RUN ARTHUR RAVENEL, JR. BRIDGE

The Cooper River Bridge Run is the best organized and the best conducted 10K race in the world. This 40,000-runner event is one of the largest 10K races in the world! It includes world-class competition in a unique setting with unparalleled participant satisfaction. It broadens community cooperation and participation in healthy events throughout the year. The Cooper River Bridge Run serves as a model of health motivation for other communities throughout the world. For more information, visit BridgeRun.com. 30 Mt. Pleasant Lifestyle | April 2014

to include a multitude of popular outdoor recreation activities in addition to paddling, such as mountain biking, slack lining, archery, climbing and disc golf. Park admission starts at $1 per person. To try out activities, get the Try It pass for $10. Or register for a full-day or full-weekend pass to experience all of the classes, demos and much more. For a full event schedule and to register, visit CharlestonCountyParks. com or call 843.795.4386.

APRIL 13

Tessa Hage sits in the middle of the Easter eggs at the 2013 Easter Egg Hunt.

Kids ages 6 and under, get your Easter baskets ready for an exciting Easter Egg Hunt with the Mt. Pleasant Recreation Department! The Easter Egg Hunt will be Wednesday, April 2 at 11 a.m. There will be a jump castle and lots more. Please bring your own baskets. There will be a rain date of April 9 for this event. This is a free program. For more information on this event, contact Anne Selner at 843.884.2528.

Photography Brian Fancher

APRIL 9-13 CHARLESTON INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL SOTTILE THEATRE

Charleston International Film Festival is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with the mission to educate, entertain and inspire through the art and science of film. The festival showcases short films, features and documentaries from the U.S. and around the world. Attendees will gather for five days April in downtown Charleston at the Sottile Theatre to attend premieres, panels, special events and the Annual Awards Gala. For more information on the 2014 Charleston International Film Festival, visit CharlestonIFF.org.

APRIL 11-13 EAST COAST PADDLESPORTS AND OUTDOOR FESTIVAL JAMES ISLAND COUNTY PARK

The East Coast Paddlesports and Outdoor Festival features one of the country’s premier showcases of canoeing, kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding. In 2013, the festival expanded

The 2014 McAlister Development Old Village Home, Garden & Art Tour takes place on April 13 from 1 to 5 p.m. Six homes, including the historic Hibben House, will be on the self-guided afternoon tour. There will also be food samples prepared by local chefs in home kitchens as well as plein air artists. Tickets are $45 and can be purchased at Abide-A-While Garden Center and Gwynn’s or online at RedCross.org/ CarolinaLowcountry. All proceeds support the Carolina Lowcountry Chapter of the American Red Cross.

APRIL 22, 24 2ND ANNUAL GOLF BALL DANIEL ISLAND CLUB

The Golf Ball is a two-day event that takes place at the Daniel Island Club, with the Golf Tournament on April 22, followed by the Gala on April 24. The goal for the 2014 Golf Ball is to raise $170,000 from sponsorships and donations to the Tournament and Gala. All proceeds will directly benefit local families in need, supporting the organization’s mission to “provide safety net services to our low-income neighbors, while empowering them to create a better future for themselves, their families and the community.” More information can be found online: ECCOcharleston.org/GolfBall.

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