Published by FRIPP ISLAND PROPERTY OWNERS ASSOCIATION

JANUARY 2007

Where Do Alligators Go In The Winter?

by Jackie Eckhart

The American Alligator (Alligator mississipiensis) has become an icon of the South. Once extremely endangered, this prehistoric animal has come back to win the hearts of all that see them. Not only have they returned from near extinction, but they have survived their dinosaur ancestors for over 150 million years. They have done this by tolerating a large range of habitats with varying temperatures throughout the southeast from North Carolina to Texas. Living in such a large home range, alligators have adapted to live in a wide range of temperatures from 36°F-98°F. They function best when temperatures are between 73°F and 90°F.
     Gators are cold-blooded animals that take on the temperature of their environment, which makes it difficult for them to live in cooler temperatures up north. Cold blooded animals don't require food on a daily basis like warm blooded animals. Although alligators are opportunistic eaters, an average sized alligator, about 8 feet, can live several months on just one meal. This adaptation allows gators to spend the winter months in a type of hibernation. Alligators will start to lose their appetite when the water starts to cool around 70-80°F and will completely stop feeding once the water temperature reaches 55°F.
     Throughout the many millions of years that alligators have inhabited the earth, they have also developed many unique tools for survival. During these colder months alligators have the ability to slow down both their metabolism and their breathing. They survive throughout the winter by living off of the fat they have stored in their tails. Unlike people, alligators can't get in their cars and drive south for the winter. They have come up with their own ways to find shelter. Alligators dig holes or burrows into the banks called "dens". They will stay down there while the weather is colder and come up on the banks to sun on warmer days. Gators, believe it or not, can also survive for a couple weeks in ponds that have completely frozen over. This "Icing Response" allows alligators to be frozen into the pond with just their nostrils and eyes above the water. The alligator will slow its breathing and metabolism until the temperature rises and the water thaws. Once winter is over and spring arrives, gators can be seen basking in the sun again.

Splinters from the Board

by Kate Hines, General Manager

• At the October 21st FIPOA meeting, the Board of Directors approved a resolution to enter into a contract with Phillips & Jordan Inc. for post disaster clean up of POA rights of way and open spaces. P&J, Inc. is known nationwide for clean up efforts from Hurricane Andrew, to Hurricane Katrina and many other events in between. This advance contract will position the POA for better costs and more rapid response to clean all POA open spaces and rights of way.

• Directors followed up on the 2004 Owners Survey comments that had not already been covered (Security, covered already, was to see if the FIPOA had or had not made improvements in the areas noted. In all covered reports, the FIPOA has made positive changes where possible, if possible and financially feasible. You can read details in the minutes themselves at http://www.fipoa.org/minutes_files/MINUTES20%2010-21-06.pdf

• At the November meeting, the Board warmly welcomed new POA Director of Roads & Drainage, Bob Newby. Bob replaces Allan Price whose residency status change required his resignation from the Board. While on the subject of Roads, it was reported that all gravel roads have been scraped and graded. Grouse Point, Dolphin from Rock Beauty to Marlin, and Fairway Club roads were all on schedule to be resurfaced.

• In the Security Committee report, a suggestion was made for all owners to purchase a weather alert radio to keep at your Fripp house and use while here for those rare tornado warnings. Also, a clarification was made; the hi-speed bicycle riders should ride in the road, not on the bike paths.

• At the December meeting, there was a lengthy discussion about approving a right of entry agreement that would allow FIPOA's contractor to go onto owners' properties after a major storm to help mitigate damage by taking large debris off houses and placing blue tarps on damaged roofs. Essentially, the Board wants to offer help to owners but wants to be sure the responsibility for payment of these services remains with each owner. Revisions to the agreement will be presented at the January meeting. If approved, owners will receive a separate mailing about signing the right of entry agreement.

• The FIPOA flag lowering policy was also reviewed. Current policy states that the flag is lowered in honor of the death of (a) full-time property owners, (b) relative of full-time property owners living on Fripp Island, (c) long term renters and (d) non-resident property owners when FIPOA Office or Security notified in a timely manner. The Board would like to see policy changed to have the flag to be lowered for the death of someone who no longer owns property but has the memorial held at the Community Centre. This too will be brought to a vote at the January meeting.

The Nominating Committee is looking for candidates for the Board of Directors, Class of 2010

The business and affairs of the Fripp Island POA are managed by its Board of Directors. The Board of Directors has the powers and duties necessary to provide security for the Members, to administer the affairs of the Association and to manage the operation and maintenance of its property. In general, the Board of Directors has the responsibility to oversee the administration of the Association and, subject to the provisions of these Bylaws and the South Carolina Nonprofit Corporation Act of 1994, as amended, to do all of those things necessary and reasonable to carry out the governing and operation of the Association.

Positions are open for 2 Resident candidates & 1 Non-resident candidate.

On or before February 1, the Nominating Committee will prepare a list of nominees it feels are qualified for office and those nominees will be immediately posted on the POA's bulletin board in the parking area at 225 Tarpon and on the website - http://www.fipoa.org/hotnews.html. The Nominating Committee's list of nominees may include up to three times the number of directors to be elected. The Nominating Committee will prepare the list of nominees from their own knowledge, as well as considering nominees who may be proposed by various Fripp Island organizations or property owners.
     If the Nominating Committee has not contacted you, but you are still interested in running for office, you may run as a petition candidate. If we receive and validate your nominating petition by February 1, your name will be included in the posted list on the Association's bulletin board and website. Here are the rules for petition candidates, taken verbatim from the Bylaws:

1. name only one nominee along with the completed nominee form approved by the Board of Directors.
2. signed by the nominee as a petitioner.
3. the full name, birth date and class year must be stated.
4. a Member can sign a petition only one time, regardless of the number of properties owned by the Member. When there are two or more owners of a single property, only one owner may participate in the petition process."

The Nominating Committee will submit the list of all nominees to the Board of Directors on or before February 25, for information only. The list of all nominees will then be posted on the website and bulletin board.
     Ballots will be mailed to members in good standing on March 2nd; so don't delay paying you property assessments. If your assessments are not paid in full, you won't be able to vote. If you're interested in being on the Board, please don't hesitate to let us know!

Please contact any of the listed Nominating Committee Members if you are interested in serving, or if you know of someone who might be.

TRAWLER LINE

THE TRAWLER

Founded January 1978

Published by and for the Members of the Fripp Island Property Owners Association
Publishers:  FIPOA Board of Directors
Coordinator:  Tina Reeves
Editorial Committee:
Don Aldrich, Patty Patek, Phyllis Conrad, John Dayner, Gary Flynn, Tina Reeves, Stewart deWitt

Trawler Deadline for March Issue is January 31.

If you would like to write to the TRAWLER, please send your letter to:
Attention: Letter to the Editor
FIPOA, 225 Tarpon Blvd.
Fripp Island SC 29920
or email: fipoa@islc.net

Board of Directors 2006 - 2007
Paul Hummer - President - President@fipoa.org
Bob Young - Vice President - VicePresident@fipoa.org
Buck Mathews - Secretary - Secretary@fipoa.org
Bill Buschur - Treasurer - Treasurer@fipoa.org
Mary Cantley - Mary@fipoa.org
Charlie Davis - Charlie@fipoa.org
Bob Davidson - BobD@fipoa.org
Joe Gannon - Joe@fipoa.org
Tom Hunter - Tom@fipoa.org
Bob Newby - BobN@fipoa.org

Board Meeting Schedule
January 13, 2007 - 9:00 am
February 17, 2007 - 9:00 am

(This schedule is subject to change)
Meeting begins at 9:00 am at the FIPOA Administrative Office. All meetings are open. If you are unable to attend the meeting in person, call in by telephone. 888-311-9051, 56413#

Fripp Web Sites
FIPOA Home page - http://www.fipoa.org
Minutes from the last Board Meeting - http://www.fipoa.org/minutes.html
HOT NEWS! Breaking information for Property Owners - http://www.fipoa.org/hotnews.html
Gate Pass Email Form - http://www.fipoa.org/gatepass.html
F.Y.I. - http://www.fipoa.org/fyi.html
Governing Documents, Rules and Regulations - http://www.fipoa.org/govdocs.html
Links such as Beaufort County, Fripp Owners Club websites, etc. - http://www.fipoa.org/locallinks.html

SIGN UP TODAY FOR FIPOA
E-MAIL SUBSCRIBER SERVICE
to receive notification of minutes and other pertinent information as it happens! Sign up by sending an email to khinesfipoa@islc.net and putting "add me to the minutes list" in the subject, or send a short note to FIPOA, 225 Tarpon Boulevard, Fripp Island, SC 29920 with your name and email address. We would like have EVERY owner subscribe to this service. Email addresses will be kept confidential.

Letters to the Editor

THE TRAWLER welcomes brief (a maximum of 250 words), factual and temperate letters from its readers. Only original letters, signed with the writer's name, address and telephone number, will be considered for publication. Letters are subject to editing, condensation and republishing in any format. All letters submitted become the property of THE TRAWLER. Publication does not imply agreement by FIPOA of views expressed. Regretfully, we cannot account for unpublished letters.

Thank You

Our sincerest Thanks to all who donated to the Security Christmas fund.

Captains Log: December 2006 

by Cappy - Island Vagabon'

    Well, yet another year has come and gone here on this little spit of sand we call Fripp Island. For some reason, time seems to move much faster here than it does in the rest of the world. There are a number of causes for this. One is the fact that an hour feels like the time between low and high tide. Second is that it seems like a day is the short time between the magnificent full moons that shine more brightly and more clearly here on Fripp that any other place on earth.
    Of course, we measure our years like everyone else, it just seems to come faster here. Why it was only yesterday when we were sitting around the old sand dollar tree opening presents for 2005. Yes, it's the holiday time when all our kids and grand kids come to visit. Why would they want to go anyplace else? Let's see its either snow, ice and airplane delays or walking on the beach, playing tennis and golf and generally enjoying life on mom and dad's nickel.
    The holiday time also brings on more food, drink and parties (if that is possible to do on Fripp). Actually, the only way to tell it's the holiday season party rather than a regular party is more prevalence of the colors red and green and the occasional glass of eggnog. Another way to tell is the beautiful lights around the Beach Club. It is worth the trip for dinner there just to walk through them. I also love the fact that someone puts up a tree with gift boxes around the flag.
    It's hard to have more parties in the holiday season than any other time of the year; after all even on Fripp there are still only 7 nights in a week. But it's the holiday party when we get to see and kibitz with the people we saw and kibitzed with last month/week/night but for me that is truly not all bad. Don't get me wrong, I'm not complaining, and even though one's social calendar is filled until the fall of 2009, it still beats working for a living.
    In spite of all the parties and the hustle and bustle of the holidays, there is still no place like Fripp, and I for one can't wait for next month when the holidays will be here again. Got to go now, the Missus tells me I need to replace the palmetto frond reindeer-looking thing on our mailbox for the coming season.

Elections on Fripp

by Rich Combes, Poll Clerk

On Tuesday, November 7, 414 voters braved downpours to vote at the Community Centre. The St. Helena 2C precinct currently includes 930 registered voters residing on Fripp, Harbor and Hunting Islands. Our turnout for this election was 50%, when absentee voters are added. The ballot was a long one with state, local and Congressional offices; seven South Carolina constitutional amendments; three local questions; and two Fripp Public Service District Commissioner seats. At our precinct, voters overwhelmingly approved continuation of the Beaufort County Rural and Critical Land Preservation Program that will invest up to $50 million for conservation land purchases. Voters also narrowly approved a new local 1% sales tax that will fund $152 million of Beaufort County road improvements. Fripp voters elected residents Pat Reilly and Jim Parks to four-year terms on the PSD Commission.
      We used electronic touch-screen voting machines that have been adopted by South Carolina and, with the exception of having to replace one of the machines, voting went smoothly. We hope to have more machines in future elections to reduce the waiting time for voters. Finally, I want to recognize our terrific team of Fripp residents who worked from 6:30 am to 7:30 pm to assist voters - many thanks to Al and Betsy Koehler, Gary and Kathy Bond, Arlene Jacquette, Jane Pruett and Bonnie Combes!

Green Thumb

by Phyllis Conrad

This month I would like to talk about grasses, it is a constant challenge living in the lowcountry where we must share our lives with such an abundance of little critters. Our lawns are no exceptions. They can harbor several different species such as Grub Worms, Mole Crickets, and Nematodes, but the biggest problem by far is fungus and over watering. We see a slightly brown spot and immediately turn on the sprinklers. I found out the hard way that this is the worst possible thing to do.
     Last winter I left my irrigation system running all winter for one or two days a week. By spring I had several rather large brown areas in my yard. I consulted with Kristi Garrison of Coastal Property Care. She is the one who explained the over watering thing to me. Most southern grasses such as Centipede, St. Augustine, and Bermuda need about 1 to 1 ½ inches of water per week in summer. In the winter they only need this amount once a month. During the heat of summer or droughts your lawn may need extra water. A good way to test to see how much water your yard is getting is to put a tuna can or something similar out in the yard at several locations to actually see how much water it is getting. Longer watering is better than short waterings everyday.
     Kristi recommends turning the irrigation off from about November to March unless we have no rain. Homeowners on Fripp, especially those who do not live here full time, tend to over water. That is what brings the fungus. Bare spots in the yard are often low spots where the water will collect making it fertile ground for the fungi. By examining the soil in this area you can find clues that fungus is present. The ground will look darker, almost black as opposed to our kind of sandy soil look.
     Ideally a yard should have separate watering stations for the shrubs and the grass. Another very helpful thing is to have a rain sensor installed on your system that will turn it off if we have had rain. These are very inexpensive and provide such a wonderful service especially for non-residents. They aren't perfect, but they do help prevent over watering and high water bills, not to mention preserving some of our precious water.
     The main reason I wanted to write this column is that I did all the wrong things and ended up with the ugly brown spots. It took half the summer and a lot less water to get those spots to green up. I must admit I was quite dubious about cutting back on water, but Kristi was right. I shut of my irrigation a few weeks ago, I have high hopes of starting out with a much healthier yard next spring. Just remember, save our water and enjoy a lovely green yard.

What to Do in Case of a Tornado

by Chief Joshua Horton, Fripp Island Fire Department 

For more information on NOAA Weather Radio All Hazards, visit the NWS Charleston's Website. http://www.erh.noaa.gov/chs/nwr.shtml.

CHIEF'S CORNER

by Chief Mike Binkowski

Several people have voiced concerns over the use of high speed bicycles on the bicycle path. The cause of the concerns revolves around a serious rider vs. a recreational rider. The primary concern seems to be the safety of walkers and recreational bikers in areas where visibility is limited due to the foliage or the curvature of the bike path itself.
     I have discussed this concern with both serious or high speed and recreational riders and we came to the conclusion that a serious rider is someone whose bike is traveling around 10mph or more. With this definition all serious cyclists are encouraged to ride on the roadway, with traffic.
     All riders are reminded that they are required to obey all posted traffic control devices and signs when they are riding their bicycles. Let's all be courteous to others and continue to have a safe environment that everyone can enjoy.

If you have any suggestions on how we can improve the quality of life on the Island, or wish to discuss a particular problem, please contact me in person, by telephone at 838-4113 or e-mail at mikebfipoa@islc.net.
     I am looking forward to speaking with you.

Fripp Island's Nature Center

by Jackie Eckhart

Fripp Island is a wildlife refuge that offers a unique view of the wildlife that calls it home. Residents and guests of the island can see a variety of animals ranging from white tailed deer to American alligators. Fripp Island also has several different ecosystems for guests and members to learn about and enjoy. The best way to learn about all the different wildlife and ecosystems on the island is to visit the Nature Center. The Nature Center can be found in the Activity Center at 8 Veranda Beach Drive, right before the Cabana Club.
     Along with the natural wildlife one can find all over the island, a variety of animals can also be found inside the Nature Center. The Nature Center is home to over 20 different animals. This includes 5 different species of snakes, 4 species of turtles that can be found around the island, two birds, a bunny, fish, and even an alligator named Grover. Enjoy an interactive display table with different shells and animal bones that can be found on the beach or around the island. Any questions one may have while looking around inside the Nature Center can be answered by me, the full time naturalist on Fripp Island.
     The Nature Center also offers a wide variety of nature tours and programs through the different ecosystems of Fripp Island. These tours and programs range from kayaking through the ever changing marsh systems to a slide show presentation about the Loggerhead Sea Turtle. Families can enjoy an afternoon together while crabbing with me or taking a guided tour to the neighboring Prichard's Island. The Nature Center offers many other programs and nature tours, such as ocean seining, nature cruises, meet the animal, family night with the naturalist, Junior naturalist camp, canoeing, birding, Audubon trail, sunset walks, beach walks, and more. For more information on programs offered or nature questions contact the Head Naturalist at 838-1516.

Fripp Island Golf & Beach Resort

OUTSTANDING EMPLOYEE AWARD

In May of 2006, Management of Fripp Island Company, LLC put into force an Outstanding Employee Award system. We are very happy to announce the following winners of the First Fripp Island Golf and Beach Resort Outstanding Employee Award.

Kathy Inman / Ocean Creek Pro Shop
With Fripp Island Beach and Golf 12 years Kathy commented "Fripp Island is a beautiful place to call home. I have enjoyed living and working here, but most of all being part of the community."

Kristi Suddeth / Accounting Department
 With Fripp Island Beach and Golf for 1 year. Kristy commented "Fripp Island is my husband's favorite place in the world, and I am glad to share it with him."

Lillian Seigler / Reservations
 With Fripp Island Beach and Golf for 3 years Lillian commented "I enjoy my job and co-workers. Fripp Island is a nice community and has a lot of exciting things to do. My philosophy on life is to live each day as if it is your last."

Osprey

by T Thomas 

During the fall of 2004, Mike Pepin and I put together a tall pole and constructed a perch upon which we felt an osprey would build a nest. The plan was to place the perch somewhere in the marsh between my home on Fiddlers Trace and Old House Creek. Just finding a place for the nest was itself a major problem due to the soft mud beneath the marsh grass.
     With the help of Don Aldrich, Dean Pelley, and Mike Pepin the perch was hoisted in place in November. But nothing happened. For some reason there was no interest shown by ospreys in our nest during the mating season of 2005. Several looked it over, but kept on flying.
     During Thanksgiving of 2005, we were visited by my son, his wife and their daughters. My son and I lowered the perch and placed brambles, collected from the woods around our home, on the floor of the perch. We wove the sticks in a way for them to stay on the perch and even attempted to create a small depression in the brambles to resemble a crude nest.
     It was our hope this might encourage a pair of osprey to use the site the following spring. But spring came without the activity we had hoped for. Other ospreys had mated on the island and their chicks were already visible when we first observed activity in the marsh around the perch.
     We had ospreys!! Through their mating season, rebuilding the nest, laying of eggs and their hatching, my wife,Mary Frances and I spent many hours observing our new neighbors. We found it exciting to observe the care of the eggs during incubation; the change in habits when the chicks appeared; the growth rate of the two chicks; and the constant feeding and attention required during the whole process.
     What follows are some random observations made while osprey watching.

. . . . .

The female osprey is larger than the male osprey and this observation is difficult to make until you see the two together. Also, the female has a necklace like formation of rufus feathers around her lower neck, while the neck of the male is white.
     It appears ospreys do not drink water, unless this done while diving for a fish. We never saw an osprey drink, but did see what appeared to be a water like liquid dripping from the curled down beak while eating. Perhaps there is enough liquid in the raw fish to provide sufficient water.
     Ospreys appear unable to remember individual humans. Some birds do have this ability because of the development of a particular part of the brain. The great egret is an example of such a bird. Even though there have been countless appearances on our deck, fifty yards away and trips to the end of our dock, twenty yards from the nest, there is no indication the ospreys ever recognized us.
     Although 'the book says' osprey copulate fifteen or more times a day during the mating process, this was not observed. Therefore it must be concluded, this process takes milliseconds. In fact, it was thought at one point we were watching two asexual ospreys.
     The female handles the incubation of the eggs exclusively. While this is going on, she is dependant upon the male to bring her food.
     The behavior of the pair of osprey in and around their nest changes drastically upon the hatching of the eggs. It is so obvious; an observer immediately becomes aware that their life together has changed.
     Incubation takes twenty eight to thirty days and the time from hatching to fledging takes about eight weeks.
     Osprey chicks seem to know instinctively to expel their feces away from the nest and not in the nest. (When nests are on canyon rocks an active nest can be observed by the white markings on the canyon wall beneath the nest.)
     When an osprey catches a fish and brings it to a nearby perch to eat, the process begins at the head of the fish and continues to the tail. For a mature osprey, there is very little fish wasted in this process, as everything appears to be eaten.
     After the male osprey brings a fish to the nest for feeding, the female tears the fish apart, starting at the head. When a piece of meat is deemed too large for a chick, the mother eats it. Otherwise, the pieces are fed to the chicks. The first food eaten by a chick is fed to it in this manner. There is no regurgitation of food from the parent to the chick, as with some other birds.
     There is a distinctive call of the osprey when it feels threatened. After several weeks of hearing this call it can be imitated easily. Depending on the situation with the chicks, the female will leave her nest, flying around it in a circle as an act of protection. She has even been observed swooping down and toward humans, seeming to encourage them to leave the area, but never seen getting less than thirty feet away.
     There is competition among the chicks for food from the mother, even to the point of one chick attacking the other. The mother watches but does not interfere.
     The female cannot be satisfied with any amount of food. No matter what amount is brought to her, she continues to harp, harp, harp for more food. Maybe this incessant chatter causes the male osprey to leave the nest.
     The beak of the chick begins to turn down to a hook like fashion at about four to five weeks.
     Some activity of the osprey makes no sense at all. About five weeks after hatching, the male was observed bringing Spanish moss to the nest on several occasions.
     At about seven weeks after hatching, when both chicks were almost fully grown and proudly walking around the nest, looking about in the sky and toward the marsh grasses, upon hearing the distress call, one continued to stand tall and look around while the other pressed itself down into the nest and almost disappeared from view.
     The male osprey is inclined to be a deadbeat dad. As soon as he can, he abandons his duties as a father and flies away, sometimes he is gone for three days but only after his young are born. Shortly after the young fledge, he disappears for good, or at least that's what our male osprey did.
     While the eyes of an adult are golden yellow with large pupils, the eyes of the chicks and immature osprey are red to deep orange.
     Osprey have a strange white, yet thick looking bottom eye lid, that when closed, from the bottom up, appears thick enough to blank out the sun. This has been observed even when the upper eye lid is functioning as one would expect it to.
     Each chick has its own identity and this is usually exhibited in the amount of aggression shown toward a sibling or its sense of adventure or courage. Even though almost identical in appearance, with care to detail, one chick can be distinguished from the other.
     During the hot afternoon sun, the mother osprey will hold her wings open for hours to create shade to protect her young from the heat of the sun.
     Even after fledging, the young birds continue to beg for food from their parents. Although by this time it is usually the mother, as the father has decided to fish alone.
     After the chicks fledged, large chunks of fish fins and bones began to appear on our dock head, an indication that perhaps the young ospreys were interested only in the meat of the fish.
     Two weeks after fledging the remaining young osprey would sit on the perch at the end of the pier and call for food or go back to the nest, sit there and call for food, all to no avail. The mother, who was still in the neighborhood, did not respond.
     It is amazing the clarity of pictures taken with a digital camera through a telescope. But it takes practice using the zoom feature of the camera and a steady hand, holding the camera to the eyepiece of the telescope, to get good results.

Fripp Island All Faiths Chapel & Community Centre

by Chris Assaf, President

The start of a new year often brings a feeling of renewal...a time for fresh starts and new beginnings. Never has this been truer than the future this year holds for the Fripp Island Community Centre and All Faiths Chapel!
     2007 is sure to be one of fantastic growth and change! Thanks to all of you and your generous support of the Because We Care Building fund, we will soon break ground on a much needed expansion and renovation. Pending your approval, new by-laws and a totally revamped management structure will also allow our Centre to operate much more efficiently.
     Most of all, I am extremely excited about the new leadership of the Centre. T. Thomas brings a wealth of experience to the presidency. Upon joining the board in October, T. led the bylaws review and quickly made significant contributions, which will have a major impact for years to come.
     While I am excited about 2007, I am also extremely grateful for the support we received in 2006. With your help, we were able to:

1. Increase attendance at Vespers by over 40%
2. Join forces with the Fripp Island Club for an incredible Easter Sunrise Service that doubled previous attendance records.
3. Hold the most successful Treasure Sale in our Centre's history.
4. Raise significant funds for expansion through the BECAUSE WE CARE building campaign.

Space is too limited here to properly thank everyone who gave so freely of their time and talents over the past year. However, please know that I appreciate each and every one of you and am most thankful for the opportunity to serve with you. After a year spent pouring my heart into a place I care deeply about, it is wonderful to know it's future is extremely bright.

Community Centre Daily Activities

Mondays:
  7:30 am- Low Impact Aerobics
  8:30 am- Fitness
11:00 am- Bridge
  4:00 pm- Yoga

Tuesdays:
  4:30 pm- BINGO
  1st Tues 10:00 am- Men's Investment
  2nd Tues 12-2:00 pm- ROMEO Lunch
  3rd Tues 3-4:00 pm- FIYC

Wednesdays:
  7:30 am- Low Impact Aerobics
  8:30 am- Fitness
  3:45 pm- Choir Rehearsal
  5:30 pm- Vespers
  8:00 pm- AA Meeting
  2nd Wed Craft Club
  4th Wed 10:00 am- Women's Investment

Thursdays:
  7:30 am- Low Impact Aerobics
  8:30 am- Fitness
  9:45 am- Duplicate Bridge
  1:00 pm- Mah Jongg
  4:00 pm- Yoga
  2nd Thur 8:15 am- FICC Board
  3rd Thur 9:30 am- Friends of Music
  4th Thur 7:30 pm- Audubon Club

Link to FIPOA Events Calendar

Audubon Club Speakers Highlight Turtle Season & Beach Renourishment

By Arlene Jacquette

At its November 16 program, Audubon Club members enjoyed two programs that focused on beach processes on Fripp and Hunting Islands. F.I. Turtle Patrol Coordinator Tony Natoli discussed highlights of the 2006 "average" loggerhead nesting season, which resulted in 31 nests, with a 72% hatch rate. The talk was illustrated by a series of photos of turtle patrol volunteers relocating nests above the spring high tide line and remarkable video clips of mother turtles laying eggs and hatchlings scurrying toward the sea.
    Club Program Director Ben TenEyck presented an overview of the 150-year history of erosion on Hunting Island and the 2006 major renourishment effort. The speaker used maps to chronicle the massive loss of sand from the island's north end, which opened up Harbor Island to the ocean, caused the repeated relocation of the lighthouse, and resulted in the death of trees in the maritime forest.
     Ben then described the steps leading to the recent beach renourishment, starting with a concerted effort by the Friends of Hunting Island to secure the SC legislature's funding for the project. Ben's eyewitness video footage showed the dredging crew at work at the beach end of the two-mile-long pipeline and also provided before-and-after views of the renourished sections of Hunting Island beach.
     On Thursday, January 25, Audubon will feature Interpretive Ranger Laurel Weeks focusing on recent developments at Hunting Island, and on Thursday, February 22, Dr. Al Segars, a veterinarian with Marine Resources Division of SCDNR, will discuss wildlife-related infections in human beings. All Beaufort County residents are invited..

Fripp Island Friends of Music

by Lloyd Arnold

The Fripp Island Friends of Music will present three more concerts to finish out the 2006-2007 season.
     The first of these three is scheduled for Sunday, February 4th, and will feature the Georgia Guitar Quartet. This group delivers a high-energy blend of breath taking virtuosity and imaginative programming while taking an adventurous approach to classical music. This season's dynamic program features well-known classical composers such as Chopin and Ravel while paying homage to Jazz greats such as Vince Guaraldi.

The second program, scheduled for Sunday March 11th will showcase the International String Trio. This unique string ensemble will blend music from several traditions and is famous for its stylistic diversity. The trio has a repertoire, which includes classical, jazz, popular, and world music. Since their founding in 1999, this unique string ensemble has performed at over 2,000 events, including prestigious festivals and concert halls.

Sunday, April 23rd the program will have Nick Palance. Mr. Palance is a young lyric tenor whose voice has been compared to Mario Lanza. He has the unique ability to mix the power of Opera with the lyric appeal of pop music. His repertoire ranges from opera, Broadway, to contemporary with a romantic style, which is both sophisticated and uplifting.

All concerts will be held at the Fripp Island Community Centre, beginning at 5:00pm and will be followed by a wine and cheese reception, which offers an opportunity for fellowship and a chance to meet the performers.

Commodore's Corner

by P.J. Fineis

130 Members attended the annual meeting in November with all enjoying a buffet provided by the best cooks on the island - The ladies of the Yacht Club. 2006 Highlights included membership growing to 338, member boats growing to 37, twelve events attended by 975 members, donations of $1,000 to the FICC Bldg. Fund, $500 to kids fishing tournament, and $100 to FIFD where the board conducts its monthly meetings.

I would like to thank the board of governors and appointees for all their time, help, and assistance in making 2006 a huge wave of success. The 2007 FIYC Board of Governors were nominated, approved by members, and they are as follows:

TENNIS

Courtside

By Patty Patek

Congratulations to the winners of the fall leagues:
 Men's Doubles - Clarence Pico
 Mixed Doubles - Rich Combes, Rita Riley

If anyone is interested in signing up for the spring leagues, please call the Racquet Club at 838-1504. Play for the Men's Doubles will begin Tuesday, February 6th and the Mixed Doubles will begin Thursday, February 8th.
     Entry forms will be available the last week of January for the Spring Clay Court Championships. This USTA sanctioned event will be held March 2-4th with the entry deadline of Saturday, February 24th.
     Congratulations to Troy McMullen, Director of Tennis, and David Selinger, Head Tennis Professional, for finishing first and second in the Pro-Invitational Tennis Tournament held at Callawassie Island. The event had 12 tennis professionals from the Hilton Head area playing in a Round-Robin format.

Tennis Tip: Stringing
     When having your racquet restrung, selecting the correct tension is often misunderstood. Tighter strings produce less power, but more control. Looser strings will give a player more power, but sacrifice a little control. The USRSA recommends that a player restring as many times annually as they play each week. Example: If you play twice a week, you should have your racquet strung twice a year.

     See you on the courts!!

GOLF

Nine Hole Ladies Golf

by Lorraine Tarczynski

The Nine-Hole Ladies had beautiful weather in November and it was good to see our winter residents returning. We welcomed new members: Alice Parks, Peggy Blake and Wylene Martin who was also our best putter for the month. Other winners for the month are Ginny Burson, Barb DeBartolo, Nancy McKay, Mary Tabor and Jackie Crews.
     The Dataw Nine Holers were at Fripp in October for a fun filled day of golf and lunch. The Fripp winners were: Linda Sigafoos-closest to the pin; first place: Lynn Herron and Kathy Grabarczyk second place: Chris Houseal and Peggy Fina; and third place-Rita Merrill and Madeline Crouse. Congratulations to all!
     December is always a busy month with the holidays, we had a great day at the annual Holiday Tournament and Luncheon with the FIWGA on December 12th. The tournament was at Ocean Point this year.
     We are always interested in having new members join us. Please contact Lorraine Tarczynski 838-3175 for more information.

Men's Golf Association

By Steve McKay

2006 wound down and the weather was still great, which is average for Fripp. Our last major event was our annual Turkey Shoot. This was won by the team of Larry Mathias, Don Thomas, Jim Ritchey, and Jim Parks. The team of Dick Briggs, Bose Edmonds, Bob Young, and Gerry Weithman was second and Mike Marusha, John Crouse, Bob Davidson, and Don Aldrich were third. All winners received a turkey! In fact everybody that played in the event received a turkey. Maybe our events are too easy.
     After the turkeys were handed out, the following officers were elected for 2007 - Steve McKay, President; Ed Armstrong, Vice President; Steve Ranieri, Treasurer; and Phil Weber, Director of Special Events. The officers are busy planning a full calendar of events for the upcoming year.

We'll be playing at the Creek in January and the Point in February. The sign-up book is at the Creek Pro Shop. Our membership is open to all men who are members of the Club. Please join us for good fellowship and some golf too.

Fripp Island Women's Golf Association

By Joyce Zanone

The FIWGA wishes everyone a Happy New Year! We hope you are signed up and ready to play golf with the 18-holers in 2007. President Micki McCormick and her Board have a busy year planned, beginning with the opening luncheon meeting in mid-January.
     Planned for this year are the MGA Invitational in February, Fripp Cup in March, Memorial Tournament in May, and Club Championship in September. Remember too, Rally for the Cure and the Member-Guest tournaments are now played in April and May. Both of these always prove to be wonderful events due to the unlimited talents of our ladies.
     The 2006 Awards Luncheon was held in November with awards presented as follows: Fripp Cup - Sue Ranieri and Joyce Zanone; Memorial Tournament - Ann Warner; Club Championship winner, Kathryn Woolley, and Kit Griffin, runner-up; Flight A, Barbara Fuerst, winner and Linda Ashby, runner-up; Flight B, Jane Cuffe and Barbara Hess; Flight C, Betty Edmonds and Anne Allen. Kathryn Woolley received the award for the most birdies; and Sue Ranieri was awarded for the Most Improved Player. Congratulations to all!
     The Christmas tournament and luncheon with the Nine Hole Ladies was a great way to start the holidays. If you have not paid your annual dues, there is an envelope in the sign-up book at Ocean Creek Pro Shop waiting for it; remember, dues this year are $50. Please check the book when you are there for other events in which you will want to be included. Par Six group is always looking for players and would love to have you join us when we play at other clubs. If you are not a member of the FIWGA, please ask any of the ladies you meet on the island about joining us on Tuesdays, or inquire at either Pro Shop. Happy Golfing in 2007!

The Pro's Corner 

By Char Cormier

2006 was a busy year for our golf courses. We hosted many member tournaments as well as outside functions. Ocean Creek and Ocean Point both are in great condition and for the first time we have overseeded both. What this will mean for us is that this winter we will have two courses with green grass all year long which makes golf more enjoyable and fun to play when it gets cold.
     I would like to thank all of our members and guests for an outstanding golf season. My staff and I wish you all a Happy Holiday season and look forward to the new year.

Tip of The Month:
      When playing in windy conditions a player should choke down on the grip and widen their stance a little more. This will help the player stay in balance better and make a full swing without any hesitation. Hit through the shot towards the target with both hands going to the target to promote a good follow thru and a good balanced swing. Finish a little lower to the left side to help keep the ball flight down.

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Kids Fishing Tournament Nets 134 Kids

By Captain Ralph Goodison

Twelve year old David Tilton tied for first place with a nearly 3lb Trout
The 8th annual Kids Fishing Tournament at Fripp Island Marina was what every parent wants, a great day with the kids! Over 134 children ages 5 to 15 had a fun day and caught plenty of fish. Watching little kids of all ages catching large to small fish warms the heart on a cool windy day. There were plenty of prizes and free hamburgers and hotdogs.      Lewis Turner, Marina Manager, thanked the many people who helped with the tournament and the Fripp Island Yacht Club for their financial support.      Lewis Turner, Motte Rogers, and Mike Brown and the staff would like to thank everyone for their support of the marina and excursions last year and wish them a great holiday season.	PRIZE WINNERS	BASS 1st place Chris Manning 2nd Logan Kucera 3rd Catherine Birozes
	SPOT 1st place Patrick Meyer 2nd Owen Roesch 3rd Kaylie Kushman	CROAKER 1st place Will & Jacob Bootle 2nd Hendrick Meyer 3rd Asheton Hinton
	TROUT 1st place Martin Manning 2nd David Tilton 3rd Kirk Shelley	FLOUNDER 1st place Cameron Foster 2nd Jordan Foster 3rd Chris Birozes

Will and Jacob Bootle worked together to catch anearly 4 lb, 1st prize Croaker

Fishing Forecast Winter Fishing is on a roller coaster ride, with high winds and high tides slowing opportunities to catch the many fish that are here. As the waters cool with lower temperatures fishing will slow. Inshore: Spottail Bass, Spotted Trout, Sheepshead & Whiting - good, Flounder - fair Nearshore: Spottail Bass - fair, Black Bass - good Offshore: Grouper, Vermillion, Red Snapper & Black Bass - fair Stream: Reports of Sailfish, Dolphin, Wahoo & Kings heading south

Fripp Island Sea Rescue

by Paul Field

During the 60-day period ending November 30th, our unit responded to five cases involving 10 persons, four vessels, a kayak, and two Coast Guard helicopters. In one incident, two persons were thrown into the water behind Hunting Island when their boat was overturned. They reached land before our unit arrived on the scene. Another case involved a 17 ft. boat being battered against the rocks in Fripp Inlet after its three-man crew leaped to safety on land. Our crew displayed determination and skill when they retrieved the boat and towed it to Fripp Island Marina. Two other disabled vessels were also towed back to the marina including one offshore case. The kayak instance involved a fisherman in Fripp Inlet who was not in distress. In two of the above cases, nearby Coast Guard helicopters responded but were not utilized. 

In October we welcomed our new member, Ted Michaels.

Our training program with the Coast Guard helicopters during nighttime hours continues to be conducted in Fripp Inlet.

To report a marine emergency, call Fripp Island Security at 838-2334 or Beaufort County Dispatch at 9-1-1.