F.I.P.O.A.

It's the Democratic Way for FIPOA!

If you are a member in good standing of the Fripp Island Property Owners Association, soon after you receive this issue of The Trawler you will be receiving a ballot to vote for Directors for the Board for the Class of 2010. This is your opportunity to do your democratic duty and vote for up to two candidates from a list of four resident candidates (2 of 4), and one candidate from a list of three non-resident candidates (1 of 3).
The top vote getters in each category will join the seven existing members in representing you on the Board of Directors. Directors whose terms are ending are Tom Hunter, Buck Mathews, and Bob Young. The Board members are not representative of any one neighborhood, but are all volunteers who have an interest in representing the interest of all Fripp property owners.
Per the FIPOA Bylaws, here are the voting rights of Members: A Member has only one vote, regardless of theer of properties owned by a Member. Where there are two or more owners of a single property, only one owner can exercise the voting right of the property.
Also, per Bylaws, the voting rules are: (a) Voting must be by sealed ballot provided to Members not less than three weeks prior to the Date of Election. (Ballots will be in the mail to you on March 2, 2007). (b) Only Members in good standing as of the mailing date of the ballot are eligible to vote. (c) Ballots must be mailed to the Members together with the following information: (i.) A brief resume of each nominee, (ii.) Precise instructions for executing the ballot, including the deadline date for the return of the completed ballot, (iii.) A pre-addressed, return envelope with the Member’s property address indicated on the outside of the envelope. (d) The General Manager must use the voting rules and election procedures for verifying the validity of each ballot received and for protecting the anonymity of the voter.

Please show an interest in the process and vote!

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Nature

Spring Birding

By the time you see this, our local osprey pairs will have probably already laid eggs, and Mama will be sitting on them. Dad has to forage for both Mama and himself at this time. If frightened, Mama might leave the nest momentarily to distract an intruder, but other than that, she is on the eggs for about a month, very dependent on her mate for food. After that she and the male both work at fishing to feed the young for about two months, but the male may lose interest after awhile. Male and female probably mate for life, but are generally together only associated with egg laying and tending to the offspring. The female is larger than the male but you have to see them together to really notice that. Our local nests are generally on platforms we humans have set up, but there have been a few cases of local nesting in a tall pine tree.

The other bird I look out for is the male painted bunting that arrives somewhat later than the female. Fripp Island is exactly the kind of habitat buntings seem to like, and there is a concern with the future of these birds. As a professing Christian, I take some amusement in asking how evolution explains the interesting color scheme on this bird. This also applies to a couple of the angelfish and one or two other birds. I see a real sense of humor in the “evolution” of this particular creature.

As I recollect the American Indian story on birds, the “Great Spirit” started out with some very utilitarian birds that He decided to brighten up with color. The bunting predecessor was late to the party, so the Creator had nothing left but the bottom of his paint pots when the bunting finally got there. This explains the slap-dash mixture of red, green, blue, and yellow, which we can readily attract to our feeders here in thelowcountry.

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Island Services

CHIEF'S CORNER

Several new Regulations or changes to current Regulations have been approved and implemented during the past year and are now in effect. I will cover each of them over the next couple of issues.

EXCESSIVE NOISE: It shall be a violation for any person to willfully disturb any neighborhood or business on Fripp Island by making or continuing any type of excessive noise. The use of horn, radios, phonographs, amplifiers, loudspeakers, whistles, exhaust, pile drivers, blowers or other devices not numerated here, but which cause loud or irritating noises between the hours of 7:00 pm and 7:00 am, which are plainly audible from a distance of one hundred (100) feet from its source, shall be considered a violation of this Regulation.
Enforcement of this regulation requires the officer to respond to a complaint of loud or excessive noise and to verify the complaint. If the complaint is verified, the individual responsible for the noise will be asked to reduce the volume of the noise and a Courtesy Notice will be issued on the first complaint. If subsequent violations occur resulting from the same incident, the officer, after verifying the complaint, will issue the violator a FIPOA Citation. A fine of $50.00 will be imposed for this violation and all subsequent violations resulting from the same incident.

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, telephone at 838-4113, or e-mail at mikebfipoa@islc.net.
I am looking forward to speaking with you.

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Know Your Officers

This issue we would like to highlight officer Carl Gailes. Officer Gailes has been a member of the Fripp Island Patrol since February of 2005. He currently is a Patrol Officer on the evening shift.
Officer Gailes is originally from Plaquemine, Louisiana and currently lives in Beaufort with his wife Karen. Prior to joining our team, Officer Gailes was in the United States Marine Corps and retired after 22 years of service.
In his personal time he enjoys researching his family history.

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FIPOA Elections

Nominees: Class of 2010 Board of Directors

Jane Cuffe

NON-RESIDENT NOMINEE
Jane and Paul Cuffe have owned property on Fripp for 2-1/2 years. They live in Louisville KY and spend about 6 months each year on Fripp. They have two children and three grandchildren.
Jane received her BS in Speech Pathology from the University of Tennessee in Knoxville. She was the Director of Speech Pathology at both the United Cerebral Palsy Center and the Frasier Rehab Center. At Hazelwood Intermediate Care Facility/Mental Retardation, she served as Director of Communications Department, Assistant Administrator of Residential Services, and Director of Community Homes. After retirement, she worked as a consultant to the Kentucky Cabinet of Health Services.

Fripp Island Activities/Involvement:
Jane is currently a member of the Fripp Island Yacht Club, the Fripp Island Women’s Golf Association, the Fripp Island Women’s Club and the Fripp Island Garden Club.

What kind of volunteer organizations have you been involved in and what were your responsibilities:
Jane served as Chairperson for five golf tournaments for the Susan G. Komen Rally for the Cure. This included organizing subcommittees, developing fundraising activities, acting as club liaison to national headquarters, promoting participation in tournaments, and collecting and submitting donations.

What is your long-term vision of Fripp Island?
To see the Island become a private beach and golf community that focuses on preserving the remaining natural environment and integrity of the Island when the Resort has sold or developed all of their property.

What do you wish to accomplish as an FIPOA Board member?
To be a participant in the thoughtful development of the Island to protect its natural beauty. To work with the Board on efforts to promote a positive working relationship with the Resort and other developers in order to preserve the natural environment of Fripp.

Considering only those areas FIPOA is responsible for, what aspects of Island management are “going well” (What do you see as FIPOA strengths?)
Maintenance of bike paths, beach accesses and parks. I feel FIPOA does a great job keeping property owners informed.

In your opinion, what aspects of Island management need change or further work and what would you recommend?
During tourist season, security needs to be increased after sundown; there are often loud parties and teenagers racing and/or recklessly driving golf carts. Road maintenance: resurface (particularly Tarpon) rather than simply patch, which is a temporary fix at best.

What Committee assignments would be of interest to you?
Appeals; Covenants; Security

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Buck Mathews

NON-RESIDENT NOMINEE
Buck and Patti Mathews have owned property on Fripp for 10 years. They live in Worthington OH and are on Fripp full time in the winter and part time the rest of the year. They have four children and eight grandchildren.
Buck received his BS from the University of Illinois and his MBA and PhD from Ohio State University. Buck has been a Professor and Chairman, Faculty of Marketing and Logistics at Ohio State University and Penn State University, and Professor of Executive Education at University of Michigan. He currently serves as a member of the Board of Directors for several private firms.

Fripp Island Activities/Involvement:
Buck is currently the Secretary of the FIPOA Board of Directors, a member of the FIPOA Security Committee, and a former member of the FIPOA Crossover Committee. He is also a member of the Ocean Creek Property Association Board of Directors.

What kind of volunteer organizations have you been involved in and what were your responsibilities:
Buck has been involved with the marketing and strategy aspects of Brookside Country Club in Worthington OH. Buck has served as a member of the Board of Directors for The Columbus Symphony, Opera Columbus, The Ohio Historical Society, and Wellington School.

What is your long-term vision of Fripp Island?
Beyond the Horizon: Fripp Island represents many things to its property owners - from a permanent residence to a vacation place. My vision of Fripp Island is to maintain the simple and uncomplicated lifestyle that allows its residents to pursue activities they enjoy and enhance that vision for all property owners and their guests. We should strive to achieve these expectations with first class facilities. As the growth of the Island matures, Fripp needs a new vision that focuses on maintaining its strengths.

What do you wish to accomplish as an FIPOA Board member?
My goal as a Board member is to seek a unification of the four major groups: full time resident property owners, part time resident property owners, investor property owners, and resort guests and represent them in seeking and enhancing their vision of Fripp. During a second term on the FIPOA Board, I would like to develop a future strategic vision for Fripp Island as it reaches growth and maturity. We need an updated vision of the future and how it will impact the lifestyles and infrastructure.

Considering only those areas FIPOA is responsible for, what aspects of Island management are “going well” (What do you see as FIPOA strengths?)
FIPOA’s strength must be its representation of its membership. FIPOA should continue to address “issues” that are important to the residents and owners. FIPOA should focus on strategic issues while developing a comprehensive plan.

In your opinion, what aspects of Island management need change or further work and what would you recommend?
FIPOA needs to continue its work to make Fripp Island a safe, secure, and beautiful island. A vision and strategic plan for Fripp Island is needed to insure increased value to all property owners and a lifestyle that meets and exceeds expectations for vacations or residences. We need to plan now for “beyond the horizon” to retain the integrity of the Island during its final stages of development.

What Committee assignments would be of interest to you?
Security; Human Resources; Long Range Planning

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Ann C. Warner

NON-RESIDENT NOMINEE
Ann and Charlie Warner have owned property on Fripp for 12 years. They live in Charaleston WV and spend 6 to 7 months each year on Fripp. They have 6 children and 9 grandchildren.
Ann received her Allied Health degree from Mount St. Joseph on the Ohio, received her RN from University of Charleston, and then earned her BSW from West Virginia State University and her MSW from West Virginia University.
Ann has spent and continues to spend her whole life as a caretaker of some sort. She worked for 10 years in a hospital setting as an RN and a Social Worker and spent 20+ years helping her husband in his veterinary practice.

Fripp Island Activities/Involvement:
Ann is currently a member of the Fripp Island Yacht Club, the Fripp Island Women’s Golf Association, and the Tennis Association. She is a past member of the Fripp Island Women’s Club. She also enjoys the many golf groups and bridge groups that Fripp has to offer and she plays in most of the Resort activities.

What kind of volunteer organizations have you been involved in and what were your responsibilities:
Ann served as a member and officer of WVVMA for 35 years. She has also been a Sunday school teacher (15 years) and a Scout Leader (3 years), a Ski Patroller (25 years), and a homeroom mother (10+ years).

What is your long-term vision of Fripp Island?
To continue to make improvements so that Fripp Island will remain a wonderful, pristine, and unique place to live and vacation. To continue to build a good rapport with the Resort.

What do you wish to accomplish as an FIPOA Board member?
To work in harmony with the other officers to accomplish the goals that we set for the betterment of our unique island. To continue to improve our relationship with the Resort.

Considering only those areas FIPOA is responsible for, what aspects of Island management are “going well” (What do you see as FIPOA strengths?)
I think the FIPOA continues to improve the aesthetics of the Island, and makes a great effort in protecting and securing the Island through its Security force.

In your opinion, what aspects of Island management need change or further work and what would you recommend?
I would like to see the expansion of our bike paths to eventually cover the main roads on the Island, which would add to the safety of our residents and visitors. I would like to explore some types of control of the underage golf cart drivers, especially after dark.

What Committee assignments would be of interest to you?
Appeals; Human Resources

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Micki McCormick

RESIDENT NOMINEE
Micki and Dan McCormick have owned property on Fripp Island since 1996. They have been full-time residents since 2004. The McCormicks have 2 married daughters and 2 grandchildren.
Micki is the co-founder and partner of the McCormick Group and worked with non-profit foundations on development, mergers, and operational support. She has served as executive director of community, private, and school foundations, working in areas of board establishment, foundation management including governance and budget management, board relations, fund raising and supervision of volunteers

Fripp Island Activities/Involvement:
Micki currently serves on the Security Committee and is the Founder of Fripp Island Garden Club. She is also the current President of the Fripp Island Women’s Golf Association and Chairman of the Recognition Committee for Community Centre Building Fund. She is a current member of the Yacht Club and the Women’s Club. Micki served as a Non-Resident liaison to the FIPOA Board in 2001 and 2002.

What kind of volunteer organizations have been involved in and what were your responsibilities:
Micki was President of the Williamston MI Area Chamber of Commerce where she worked to improve the business climate, and improve relations with city council as well as provide services to members. She is a Board Member of the National Garden Clubs, Inc. - serving on the Grants Committee and is the current Tours Chair. She served as Vice President and District Director overseeing 25 clubs for the Federated Garden Clubs of Michigan. She is a Flower Show judge, judging International, State and Regional Shows in floral design and horticulture. She has served as coordinator of multiple conventions, conferences and events for a variety of entities involving largeers of participants. Micki also served on the Development committee of the Kresge Art Center at Michigan State University.

What is your long-term vision of Fripp Island?
Fripp Island enjoys a wonderful relaxed atmosphere while providing many recreational, social, and civic opportunities. These factors make Fripp feel more like a community than a resort. My vision is to protect and maintain the unique qualities of Fripp Island in the face of inevitable challenges and change. I envision a Fripp of the future in which the charm, grace and quality of life we enjoy today continues to exist in a relatively commercial free environment.

What do you wish to accomplish as an FIPOA Board member?
To focus on long range planning to encourage proactive reactions to issues of island density, parking, traffic, and amenity use. To assist in community beautification by spending our funds wisely on permanent plantings while maintaining and improving island landscaping.

Considering only those areas the FIPOA is responsible for, what aspects of island management are “going well”? (What do you see as FIPOA strengths?)
Improved communication among FIPOA and residents, non-residents and sub-committees; increased involvement of many homeowners on FIPOA committees; improvement in infrastructure such as roads and sewer; development and maintenance of Davis Love Park; and beach accesses are maintained and quickly restored.

In your opinion, what aspects of island management need change or further work and what would you recommend?
I believe the Island could benefit from ar relationship between FIPOA and the Architectural Review Board. Questions that are not clearly the responsibility of FIPOA or the ARB might be solved throughr coordination and communication. I believe that the FIPOA Board needs to focus on major strategic components of Island management and not get diverted by non-substantial issues. This would ensure a more effective quality of life.

What committee assignments would be of interest to you?
Human Resources; Security; Island Beautification

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Diane McGarry

RESIDENT NOMINEE
Diane McGarry has owned property on Fripp for 3 years. She lives in New York City, and as new full-time resident, plans to spend about 9 months each year on Fripp. She has one grandchild with another on the way. She is an unabashed fan of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish and the New York Yankees.
Diane received her BSBA degree from the University of Redlands in CA. After 31 years with Xerox Corporation, Diane retired from her position as Chief Marketing Officer. She is a director on the boards of Omnova Solutions Inc. in Fairlawn OH and Maple Leaf Foods in Toronto CAN.

Fripp Island Activities/Involvement:
Diane is currently a member of the Fripp Island Yacht Club, the Fripp Island Women’s Golf Association, and the Fripp Island Women’s Club. She is also a Sawgrass Bluff neighborhood campaign helper for “Because We Care.”

What kind of volunteer organizations have you been involved in and what were your responsibilities:
Diane has served as a Trustee for the University of Redlands CA on the Finance and University Relations Committees. She has also served on the President’s Advisory Committee of Saint Mary’s College in Notre Dame IN. Diane has worked with various women’s groups and cancer support groups.

What is your long-term vision of Fripp Island?
A long-term vision requires input from many different constituencies. That vision should maintain Fripp Island for the same reasons we all moved here, yet accommodate future requirements of other property owners and the Resort. We need to start working on this long-term vision to provide the kind of place that attracts wonderful, caring, interesting people who want to live here for those same reasons.

What do you wish to accomplish as an FIPOA Board member?
To fairly represent the resident members of the POA by presenting their suggestions, concerns, and opinions to the best of my ability. To act as an advocate for “doing the right things” where the appropriate management of the Island is concerned. To make a positive difference working with other colleagues on the Board.

Considering only those areas FIPOA is responsible for, what aspects of Island management are “going well” (What do you see as FIPOA strengths?)
Each member of the Board has brought his/her own unique experiences to the table. In the meetings I have attended, I’ve seen good collaboration and good discussions taking place. I believe the Board wants to listen to all input and is reasoned in its approach. There is a sincere desire to ensure proper island management.

In your opinion, what aspects of Island management need change or further work and what would you recommend?
We need to spend more time on a vision, and a plan to manage infrastructure over the next couple of decades to ensure the right quality of life for property owners on this Island. The Board has done well with existing requirements, and we now need to focus on both short term and long term goals. We need to define what our residents’ expectations are, and which ones are achievable. I would also like to ensure continued expedient decision-making, good collaboration with other island management entities, effective communication with property owners, and a continued independent approach with island management, which adequately represents the property owners’ input and concerns.

What Committee assignments would be of interest to you?
Human Resources; Finance; Appeals

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Rita Merrill

RESIDENT NOMINEE
Rita and Harry Merrill have been owners on Fripp for 11 years and have been full time residents of Fripp for 6 years. They have three children and two grandchildren.
Rita attended William Patterson University and Fairleigh Dickinson University before working as bookkeeper for Steuben Glass and Cheesborough Ponds. After raising her kids, she held various positions in the Accounting Department of GAF Corporation for 23 years. She is a member of the American Payroll Association.

Fripp Island Activities/Involvement:
Rita is a past President of the 9-hole Women’s Golf Association, where she is currently Treasurer. She is also currently serving as Co-Secretary of the Fripp Island Garden Club; a fundraiser (Cake Walk) for the Fripp Island Women’s Club; and is Editor of Crews News for the Fripp Island Yacht Club.

What kind of volunteer organizations have you been involved in and what were your responsibilities:
Rita served as Chairperson of the Festival of Trees, the fundraiser to benefit Caroline Hospice for two years. She also volunteers as a fundraiser for the Franciscan Center Migrant Workers Program, is on the Holy Spirit Advisory Board (Parish Council), and serves as Eucharistic Minister at Holy Cross. She was President of Employee Recreation Association while at GAF Corporation and a Board Member for Marriott Hospitality.

What is your long-term vision of Fripp Island?
To maintain the beautifully unique Island as a haven, for not only the year round residents, but for those who own second homes, as well as the once a year visitors. This can only be done byly monitoring growth and standards as set forth by the FIPOA. My vision is for all who visit or live here to understand the delicate balance that must be maintained to keep this Island protected, safe, and not fall victim to the pitfalls that other similar areas have done.

What do you wish to accomplish as a FIPOA Board member?
As a member of the FIPOA Board, I would plan to help create clear-cut paths between the many organizations that can benefit from the FIPOA. I particularly would like to workly with Security to help pinpoint issues that concern many of the full time residents, especially during peak occupancy periods.

Considering only those areas FIPOA is responsible for, what aspects of Island management are “going well” (What do you see as FIPOA strengths?)
I believe whole-heartedly that the progressive foresight of the FIPOA has allowed those areas under their auspices to flourish. The corporate culture created by the FIPOA allows it to run as a business rather than an association, which has benefited all homeowners. The meetings are run professionally and areas not within the FIPOA expertise that are encountered are systematically researched with the best possible options available so all can understand the scenarios and openly debate the most feasible outcome.

In your opinion, what aspects of Island management need change or further work and what would you recommend?
Areas I would like to help improve are the Security Staff and the Resort in educating Island visitors and residents to ensure they are aware of, and comply with, the rules and laws essential to maintaining the safety of all, including owners’ physical property. I believe in forming an organized neighborhood watch which will help ease the burden on Security and the FIPOA staff, especially during high occupancy times.

What Committee assignments would be of interest to you?
Covenants; Finance; Human Resources; Security

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Nancy Rudy

RESIDENT NOMINEE
Nancy and Jack Rudy have owned property on Fripp since 1986 and have been full time residents since 2004. They have three children and three grandchildren.
Nancy received her BS degree in Education from Ohio State University. She was an elementary school teacher in Dayton OH and Littleton CO; a member of the Professional Girl Scout Staff in Cincinnati OH; and Manager of Data Processing and Analytical Services for Burke Marketing Research in Cincinnati OH.

Fripp Island Activities/Involvement:
Nancy is a member of the Fripp Island Women’s Club, the Fripp Island Garden Club, and the Chapel Choir. She was a Board Member of the Fripp Island Resort Club Advisory Board, and served as Secretary from 2003-2004. Nancy also presently serves as Accommodations Chairman on the Friends of Music Board. She also organizes the Folding Committee for the FIPOA and is on the Community Centre’s Recognition Program.

What kind of volunteer organizations have you been involved in and what were your responsibilities?
Nancy was a Girl Scout leader for all age levels for 12 years in Cincinnati, an elementary, junior high and high school volunteer “mom” in IN and CO for 20 years, and has worked with various alumni groups in IN, CO, and OH.

What is your long-term vision of Fripp Island?
To keep the Island as beautiful and tranquil as possible while allowing sensible development. To make the Island the ideal place for those who choose to have a peaceful vacation. To have those of us who live here make sure this happens.

What do you wish to accomplish as an FIPOA Board member?
To focus on what is best for the Island, its residents and its visitors. To have orderly and consistent covenant reviews to allow for growth but within the scope of FIPOA involvement. To clarify FIPOA’s role vis-à-vis development. To have amiable and meaningful dialogue with the developer. To work together to make this Island the BEST. Perception becomes reality.

Considering only those areas FIPOA is responsible for, what aspects of Island management are “going well” (What do you see as FIPOA strengths?)
I believe FIPOA has done a very good job of managing almost all of these areas the past two years. I am especially pleased with the spring clean up, the mailbox refurbishing, more trash receptacles and the “doggie” stations. The parks are great and the lagoons seem to be doing well.

In your opinion, what aspects of Island management need change or further work and what would you recommend?
The dirt roads are still somewhat of a problem. Make residents aware of the need to alert management of problems with potholes and poor drainage as soon as possible to avoid continued deterioration. I would also like to see a fall clean up campaign.

What Committee assignments would be of interest to you?
Covenants; Appeals; Trawler Editorial Group; Finance; Security

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