Personality

FRIPP'S GREATEST GENERATION

The Long Road Home — Al Sobol

This article is the second in our series of the lives of Fripp's Greatest Generation. I interviewed Elmer (Al) Sobol for this piece just after New Year's Day. This gentle, kind man was a bit surprised that anyone would really be interested in his wartime experiences, which he considered rather ordinary. The details here are as accurate as I could glean from that one short interview. I promised him he could read the draft for accuracy before publication, but he suffered a fall on January 19th, and passed away in the hospital on January 26th. I hope the article is in some way a tribute to a man who, like those "ordinary" members of his generation, served his country, his community, and his family selflessly. - John Dayner

"So there we were, somewhere near the Po River, under fire in a ditch. We saw this beautiful young woman, who looked American, walking toward us. She came up to us and asked, in English, if we could help get her back home to New York. She was visiting her family in Italy when the fighting broke out, and couldn't get out of there. We asked her if she could help us get home…"

Al's service in the Army in Europe started in Naples and went all the way to the Alps. He worked for a while in Florence, teaching blueprint reading to officers, and when the war ended in Europe, was shipped home.

Al was born in Cicero, IL, and grew up in Berwin. His father lost their house in the Depression, so when Al got a job in toolworks his senior year in high school for a princely 30 cents an hour, it thrilled his family. His wage went up to 50 cents after graduation. That job soon helped him land one with the Electro Motive Division of General Motors, where he worked on tool engineering for experimental diesel locomotives. It also helped him get a deferment at the beginning of the war to work on engines for minesweepers. As the war went on, he was drafted. After basic training, the Army sent him to Colorado for mountaineering work, shipped him to Naples, and then to the front.

The Italian front was as deadly as any in the war. The 500-mile road Al and his buddies would eventually have to walk had dangerous combat almost all the way. To relax, these close friends played Honeymoon Bridge - not poker - in their off times. Al said he lost several of his bridge partners in combat. As an emotional survival technique, he swore never to get really close to anyone in the Army, because as difficult as it was to lose his companions, it was even tougher to write to wives and sweethearts about their loved ones.

Al said he hated mountains and skis, but understood that his Colorado training was preparation for the Alps. Ironically, he never had skis in Europe; combat with the last of the Italian troops and the retreating Germans was on foot in the mountains. He remembered when he and his buddies, ordered to climb the steep side of a mountain, discovered from their view at the top a relatively easy footpath around the back of the mountain. He also recalled the horror of seeing children playing soccer in a field near a hospital set off a land mine. He was captured in the Alps and kept prisoner for several days before the Americans shelled and liberated the prison camp. Wounded by shrapnel (turns out it was sewing machine parts) in the course of combat, Al earned the Purple Heart and the Bronze Star. He was in Milan to see the bodies of Mussolini and his mistress, brought from their execution at Lake Como, hung upside down on meathooks in a gas station by Italian Communists. Combat duty ended for Al's company in Garda in the Italian Alps.

His pre-war jobs made him proficient in blueprint reading; the Army recognized that skill and gave him a teaching assignment in Florence. Al said teaching blueprint reading skills was the toughest job he ever had because of the hours of preparation, coupled with the fact that he was an enlisted man and his students were officers. He had so much class preparation work to do that he missed a Frank Sinatra USO performance in Florence, but that was probably a good thing because the crowd got rowdy and threw beer bottles at Ol' Blue Eyes.

He was home on leave when the US dropped the atomic bomb on Hiroshima, ending the war. Al, who had married Betty in 1944, stayed stateside and eventually got back to civilian life. He went back to his job at Electro Motive, where he worked until his retirement in 1982. His son Tim was born in 1945; his daughter Judy in 1951.

Al and Betty bought a lot and built their house on Fripp Island in 1981, and moved here fulltime after Al's retirement. They went to Brazil for nine months during which time Al to helped a company there build locomotives. They loved their home on Fripp, and became an important part of our community: Betty ran the Loggerhead Turtle program for many years, and Al was Assistant Fire Chief, joining the Department in 1982. After Betty passed away in March 2008, Al stayed here, still taking EMT calls on his Plectron.

Al's road began in Illinois in the Depression, went to Italy in World War II, and ended on Fripp, his home. He served all of us well and long. To say we'll miss him is to say too little.

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Island Services

CHIEF'S CORNER

Chief of Security, Mike Binkowski

The Fripp Island Patrol is adding a new service for our owners. We'd like to call it "In Case of Emergency." Owners are requested to contact our office and provide a name, address and phone number of someone that you would like us to contact in the case of an emergency at your residence, when we are unable to reach you. It is important that our staff be able to reach someone if there is any type of emergency at your residence, from medical to fire to flood or anything in between.

This information may be relayed to us via telephone, e-mail or in person, and will be maintained in a computer database available to our staff at the Security Office and the Security Gate.

If your neighborhood or group has a particular question or concern, please let me know and I would be happy to meet with your group to answer any questions and discuss your concerns.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me. 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 .

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Know Your Officers

In this issue, we would like to highlight Officer Scott Palokat. Officer Palokat has been a member of the Fripp Island Patrol since January 2009. He currently is assigned as a Patrol Officer on the 11:00 pm to 7:00 am shift.

Officer Palokat is originally from Chicago, IL and currently lives in Beaufort with his wife Donna and their two Shih Tzus, Bandit and Johna. They have 2 children Kenneth and Joshua. Prior to joining our team, Officer Palokat was in the military and retired after serving 11 years in the United States Marine Corps and nine years in the United States Navy.

In his off duty time, he enjoys hunting, fishing and other outdoor activities.

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FIPOA Board of Directors

Nominees for Class of 2012

John O. Crouse

John and his wife Madeleine have owned property on Fripp since 1998. They live in Terrace Park, OH and spend four to five months of the year on Fripp. The Crouses have four children and nine grandchildren.

John received his B.S. in Finance from Ohio State University and his J.D from the University of Cincinnati Law School. He received mediation training from various venues including the Harvard and Boulder CO alternative dispute resolution courses. John has thirty years of law practice in the areas of: probate, real estate, civil trial work, and the representation of numerous businesses in Highland and surrounding counties in Ohio. He served three years as a Common Pleas Judge in the Probate/Juvenile division and ten years in the general division.

John is currently serving as an assigned general division judge in Cincinnati, Hamilton County and surrounding counties. He has been a mediator for 15 years, presiding over negotiations involving business and other civil disputes.

Fripp Island Activities/Involvement:

John’s main interests are golf, tennis, boating, and fishing. He is a member of the Fripp Island Friends of Music, the MGA, the Men’s Tennis League, and the Fripp Island Yacht Club. He has served as a volunteer for the Annual Kid’s Fishing Tournament and the POA island-wide clean-up efforts.

What kind of volunteer organizations have you been involved in and what were your responsibilities?

John established an alternative school for troubled and dysfunctional youths in Highland County, Ohio through the auspices of the Juvenile Court. He also established a mentor program for youths in Highland County through the auspices of the Juvenile Court. He served on the Vestry of Saint Mary’s Episcopal Church in Hillsboro. John served one year as chairman of the county Heart Association; was chairman of the county March of Dimes for two years and was a member of Rotary Club for many years.

What is your long-term vision of Fripp Island?

My vision is to maintain a balance between the business needs of the island and the maintenance and protection of the island’s natural beauty. We need to continue to attract families, guests, and tourists, but in a well-thought-out manner that is in sync with the "island life" we all enjoy.

What do you wish to accomplish as an FIPOA Board member?

It would be my intention to represent the property owners and their concerns as best I can with an emphasis on the goals described above. I believe my education and background may be of value in addressing problems that require Board attention.

The FIPOA is responsible for Security, roads, bridges, bike paths, 31 public beach accesses, Davis Love Park and Audubon Park, and lagoons not on the golf courses. Considering only those areas FIPOA is responsible for, what aspects of island management are "going well"? (What do you see as FIPOA strengths?)

I am impressed with the men and women who have committed time and effort to the Board and the expertise and business acumen they have brought with them. Some examples of their good work are: the long term planning regarding the Fripp Inlet Bridge, the road committee overseeing the repavement of Tarpon Blvd. with its turnouts, maintenance of the parks and beach access parking to mention a few.

In your opinion, what aspects of island management need change or further work and what would you recommend?

This year the property owners have the opportunity to assume the responsibility and authority regarding the covenants for single-family dwellings presently under the control of the Fripp Island Company. If this becomes a reality, it will create a new area of responsibility for the Board that needs to be addressed.

What Committee/Panel assignments would be of interest to you?

Appeals, Bridges, Finance, Future Finance, Human Resources, Long Range Planning

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Robert G. "Bob" Davidson

Bob and Jane Davidson have owned property on Fripp since 1978. They live in Columbia and try to spend one week per month on Fripp. The Davidsons have two children and five grandchildren.

Bob received his BA from Davidson College and his MBA from UNC at Chapel Hill. He was in commercial banking in North Carolina and Virginia, concentrating in marketing and product management until 1975. From then until his retirement in 1997, Bob worked as a trust banker with South Carolina National Bank and Wachovia Bank.

Fripp Island Activities/Involvement:

Bob is currently the Treasurer of the Fripp Island Property Owners Association and has served one full term on the FIPOA Board (2006-2009). He has been on the POA Finance Committee since 2005. He also served on the Fripp Club Advisory Board for two terms, ending in 2005; accomplishments during that time culminated in a newly furnished exercise facility.

What kind of volunteer organizations have you been involved in and what were your responsibilities?

Bob has served as Treasurer of the following organizations: Historical Columbia Foundation; South Carolina State Museum; and the Society of the Cincinnati in Georgia. He has served as President of the South Carolina Archives and History Foundation and the International Association of Financial Planning for South Carolina. He also served on the Hammond School Board and is the current President of the Zoo Society for the Riverbanks Zoo and Garden.

What is your long-term vision of Fripp Island?

Fripp is a wonderful place composed of three owner groups - resident property owners, off-island property owners, and the Fripp Island Resort. It is a wonderful place to live, to visit, to own, but as the island grows its needs grow too. In order for these growing needs to be met, these three groups must continue to find ways to work together, to look to the future and thus contribute to Fripp’s best interests. In this way all interests will benefit.

What do you wish to accomplish as an FIPOA Board member?

The Board needs to be forward thinking. We need to be financially responsible to meet the challenges of maintaining the infrastructure of the island roads, bridges, lagoons, and beach accesses in the present and the coming years. As the island grows, the Board needs to continue to address new ways to manage the impact of more visitors, cars, and parking needs.

The FIPOA is responsible for Security, roads, bridges, bike paths, 31 public beach accesses, Davis Love Park and Audubon Park, and lagoons not on the golf courses. Considering only those areas FIPOA is responsible for, what aspects of island management are "going well"? (What do you see as FIPOA strengths?)

Fripp property owners and visitors are fortunate to have a strong property owners association and a tireless and dedicated general manager and staff, who work hard to keep all the association members informed. All association members, no matter where they live, can stay in touch with Fripp and share personal interests through the FIPOA office, the POA web site, emails, and The Trawler.

In your opinion, what aspects of island management need change or further work and what would you recommend?

Again, more cooperation between the three major Island owner interests of residents, off-island owners and the FIR is needed. Generating sufficient income to pay for current necessities and creating financial reserves for future Island needs must be a priority. A successful Board will be one that is proactive and always looking ahead!

What Committee/Panel assignments would be of interest to you?

Finance, Future Finance

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Americo "Rick" Di Serafino

Rick and Mary Ann Di Serafino have owned property on Fripp for 34 years. They live in Wayne, PA and spend almost seven months of the year on Fripp. The Di Serafinos had three children, but recently lost their oldest son to cancer. They have nine grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

Rick received his B.S. from West Chester University in West Chester PA. He holds two Masters Degrees from the University of Pennsylvania: one in guidance counseling and one in secondary school administration; plus certification as a school superintendent. While in the USAF he graduated from a school with a degree in hospital administration.

Rick served in the USAF on active duty for 12 years; followed by 18 years as an active reservist. As a reservist, he worked as hospital administrator and as liaison officer for the Air Force Academy assisting in selection of cadets. He retired from the USAF as a colonel. He spent his educational career as principal of a large suburban Philadelphia high school. After retirement he supervised student teachers at West Chester University; consulted for Delaware County Community College; and served as an investment counselor for educators with Kades-Margolis Corporation in Valley Forge, PA.

Fripp Island Activities/Involvement:

Rick co-chaired paving North Wahoo as an individual lot owner. He served as a member of the FIPOA Long Range Planning committee in the early ‘90s; was an area captain of the first POA volunteer island-wide clean up in 2005; and was an area captain for the initial deer survey. He is an active member of the Men’s 9-holers and serves as its current treasurer. He is also a long time member of the Dirty Dozen’s Friday golf group. He was a member of the FIPOA Nominating Committee in 2007.

What kind of volunteer organizations have you been involved in and what were your responsibilities?

Rick served as Head Coach of the "Pop Warner" football team in Wayne, PA from 1964 to 1967. He was the Chairman and fundraiser for the construction of a community swim club in Devon, PA; fundraising chairman for construction of parish gymnasium, cafeteria, and club in Strafford, PA; and Board chairman of his parish pre-school, responsible for staffing and budget for eight years.

What is your long-term vision of Fripp Island?

Now that we are approaching "build-out" on our once sparsely populated island, serious and intelligent planning is ESSENTIAL! The issues of safety, increased number of visitors and part-timers, seasonal congestion, maintenance, parking etc. need to be addressed not only on a "now" basis, but with an eye to our future and that of our children’s. We need to aim for positive changes.

What do you wish to accomplish as an FIPOA Board member?

When I drive over the bridge to Fripp, I like to know it’s safe and receive my usual friendly welcome by Security. Being interested in gardening and cleanliness, I want to see carefully maintained grounds, roads free of litter island-wide, and know there is a sense of pride and ownership here on Fripp. After many years of living on Fripp, experience has shown me that it is also essential to have a good working relationship with the Resort to solve common problems.

The FIPOA is responsible for Security, roads, bridges, bike paths, 31 public beach accesses, Davis Love Park and Audubon Park, and lagoons not on the golf courses. Considering only those areas FIPOA is responsible for, what aspects of island management are "going well"? (What do you see as FIPOA strengths?)

Davis Love Park is a treasure and public beach accesses have improved significantly. There is a definite visible evidence that FIPOA cares about all of the above areas and strives to address problems and concerns that arise.

In your opinion, what aspects of island management need change or further work and what would you recommend?

• Emphasis placed on bike riders and joggers to use bike paths where available and NOT roads. This is a critical safety issue on Tarpon and Bonito. Polite involvement by Security would help.
• Continued efforts to address problem of underage golf cart drivers.
• Continued focus on the total island’s physical appearance, e.g., regular pick up of palm fronds, fallen tree branches and litter.

What Committee/Panel assignments would be of interest to you?

Bridges, Grounds, Roads and Drainage

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Wayne J. Kemmerer

Wayne and his wife Peg have owned property on Fripp since 1986. They live in Louisville, KY and spend five and one half months of the year on Fripp. The Kemmerers have three children, and six grandchildren.

Wayne attended the University of Wisconsin and received his B.B.A. from Madison Business College. He received a degree from the International Accountants Society in 1964. He worked for Thomas Industries Inc. from 1963 until he retired in 2002. Wayne started as Assistant Director of Product Development in Ft. Atkinson, WI, then moved to Louisville in 1975 where he was Manager of Business Analysis and Market Planning. He became Director of Manufacturing of the Residential Lighting Division in 1977, then General Manager in 1983, and finally Business Systems Manager in 1988.

Fripp Island Activities/Involvement:

Wayne serves on the Board of the Deer Lake Residents Association, is an organizer of the men’s 9 hole golf group, and is a member of the Community Centre website development committee.

What kind of volunteer organizations have you been involved in and what were your responsibilities?

Wayne serves on the Oxmoor Woods Residents Association Board of Directors. He has been a consultant with Greater Louisville Incorporated (GLI), for a variety of startup companies and currently serves as a board member for the Louisville Executive Resource Network, LERN.

What is your long-term vision of Fripp Island?

Since 1986 when we first acquired property on Fripp the island has gone through many changes. Most of these changes have been good and have protected the island’s controlled growth. I envision Fripp Island as a place to continue to share a safe and secure natural environment where residents and vacationers are able to relax and enjoy the beach and wildlife in a non-commercial environment. I hope that as development continues, the island is able to keep its unique environment and character.

What do you wish to accomplish as an FIPOA Board member?

The major issues that I feel Fripp faces are control of development, beach erosion, maintenance of roads and walkways, security and the overall cleanliness of our island. Passage of the covenants will be a major step in passing management of development to the property owners. Beyond this important step will be the installation of procedures and practices that will assure long-term control. I feel that I can assist in this effort. I will work to create a sense of ownership in the community for all parties.

The FIPOA is responsible for Security, roads, bridges, bike paths, 31 public beach accesses, Davis Love Park and Audubon Park, and lagoons not on the golf courses. Considering only those areas FIPOA is responsible for, what aspects of island management are "going well"? (What do you see as FIPOA strengths?)

FIPOA activities over the past several years have been very supportive of all residents. Security has been very good and continues to improve. The widening and drainage of Tarpon Boulevard is an outstanding example of the improvements to our roads and bridges. Davis Love Park has proved to be a popular area for visitors and residents alike.

In your opinion, what aspects of island management need change or further work and what would you recommend?

The strengthening and enforcement of regulations by security will ensure a secure environment. The future control of development through the newly approved covenants will provide a voice for property owners. Beach and beach access management are areas that I feel should also be a priority as we look to the future.

What Committee/Panel assignments would be of interest to you?

Beach, Finance, Grounds, Roads & Drainage, Security

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Kimberly "Kim" rash

Kim and her husband Duane have owned property on Fripp since 2007, before that they vacationed here for eight years. They live in Lexington, NC and spend at least two long weekends per month and four to six weeks throughout the year on Fripp. The Rashes have two daughters.

Kim was Valedictorian of the Class of 1983 at West Davidson High School and received her degree in accounting from UNC at Charlotte. She began her career with a CPA firm, where she worked for six years. She left to work for a Grubb Properties/Management Company where she took care of numerous properties in Charlotte and Raleigh, NC including homeowner’s associations. While there, she had oversight of a new community construction project. Kim is currently the CFO for Roehrig Engineering, Inc.

Fripp Island Activities/Involvement:

As a relatively new owner, most of Kim’s Fripp involvement has taken place while on vacation over the last seven years. She and her family have spent each year’s week of July 4th on Fripp enjoying the Golf Cart Parade, the Sand Sculpting contest and the fireworks. Another event in which her family recently participated was the 5K run held during FrippFest.

What kind of volunteer organizations have you been involved in and what were your responsibilities?

Kim currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Lexington Chamber of Commerce and is involved with two committees within the council. She has served on the boards for numerous non-profit organizations in which her two daughters were involved. This included a four-year term on the board of the local swim club, during which time she held the offices of Treasurer and President. She has also coached softball and coach-pitched baseball for the local booster club.

What is your long-term vision of Fripp Island?

We have vacationed on Fripp for eight years and feel like Fripp is paradise. There is no place on earth that compares. I plan to retire in the next 20 years; therefore the island is very important to me. I want to do what I can to preserve the beauty and serenity of the island. I want to make sure that others can experience the wonders of nature and enjoy life on Fripp as my family has been able to enjoy it.

What do you wish to accomplish as an FIPOA Board member?

I want to ensure that the beauty, serenity and integrity of Fripp Island is preserved. Many people enjoy this island for numerous reasons…golf, tennis, swimming, beach, fishing, crabbing and absorbing the beauty of the wildlife and the scenery of the island. It is the duty of the FIPOA to maintain the common areas of the island and ensure that the residents and guests as well as the surrounding environment are protected. This is a big responsibility and the FIPOA does a great job; they need the support and encouragement of Board members to ensure that they are keeping the best interests of everyone in mind. I am willing to offer my experience and support to help make wise decisions that will benefit the island.

The FIPOA is responsible for Security, roads, bridges, bike paths, 31 public beach accesses, Davis Love Park and Audubon Park, and lagoons not on the golf courses. Considering only those areas FIPOA is responsible for, what aspects of island management are "going well"? (What do you see as FIPOA strengths?)

These things are a few of the major reasons that owners and guests love this island. The FIPOA does a great job and as a result many people realize the best things in life just need to be appreciated.

In your opinion, what aspects of island management need change or further work and what would you recommend?

Fripp Island is a wildlife refuge and one concern that I have is that the island is being over-developed. The wildlife and feeling of a tropical island may be suffering from this development if it is not monitored. I realize that this may be a touchy subject, but I truly feel the wildlife and the natural landscaping of the island may be compromised without some type of supervision.

What Committee/Panel assignments would be of interest to you?

Beach, Finance, Future Finance, Grounds, Human Resources, Long Range Planning, Trawler Editorial Panel

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Nature

Audubon Club’s Spring Programs To Highlight Our Coast

Arlene Jacquette

Following a busy winter schedule, the Fripp Island Audubon Club will offer several special programs and excursions focusing on SC barrier islands and their wild inhabitants.

On Thursday, March 26, at 6:30pm in the Community Centre, Drs. Miles Hayes and Jacqueline Michel, authors of A Coast for All Seasons: A Naturalist’s Guide to the Coast of South Carolina, will explore the impact of erosion, hurricanes, and climate change on our coastline and the destructive potential of an oil spill in this area. Dr. Hayes is a coastal geomorphologist with extensive research experience in tides, beach erosion, riverine processes and oil pollution. An internationally recognized expert in oil and hazmat spill planning and response, Dr. Jacqueline Michel leads shoreline assessment teams on an average of 50 spills per year.

The Thursday, April 23 meeting, which begins at 6:00 p.m. with a potluck supper in the Community Centre, will feature a presentation about shorebirds by a speaker from the SC Department of Natural Resources. The program year will round off with a marsh nature cruise in April and a field trip to Caw Caw Nature Center on May 6. For further information, contact Ben TenEyck (838-5311) or pete.richards@comcast.net. The club’s website, www.islc.net/audubon, has a complete guide to programs and a photographic record of Fripp’s wildlife and club field trips.

During the winter, Audubon audiences heard about new developments and volunteer opportunities at Hunting Island and learned about Fripp’s snakes and reptiles. Members traveled to Savannah National Wildlife Refuge and Donnelley and Bear Island to view migrating birds. The club also co-sponsored a daylong workshop, "Birding 101" in conjunction with Hunting Island.

Overlooking Fripp Inlet at the end of the Dixie Winter Nature Trail, this swing was donated by the Fripp Island Women's Club—with Nancy Rudy organizing the project—and installed in cooperation with the Fripp Island Audubon Club.

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