Published by FRIPP ISLAND PROPERTY OWNERS ASSOCIATION

MAY 2006

Vacationing on Fripp Before the Bridge

by Page Putnam Miller

(This is the third in a series of articles about Fripp Island's past. Page Miller, a resident and historian who is writing a book on the history of Fripp, will coordinate the series and be one of the major contributors.)

Fripp was a remote, uninhabited island in the early 20th century. The trip from Beaufort frequently involved two days of difficult sailing. Even with the introduction of motorboats, around 1900, getting to Fripp Island often took over six hours and had to be well-timed around the tides. The usual plan involved leaving Beaufort about two hours before low tide to have the ebb tide assist in carrying the boats down to Station Creek and flood tides for the rest of the trip. The most difficult part of the journey would be the final approach to the southern end of the island against the tide in Skull Inlet. However, a fairly deep channel in the inlet next to the Fripp shore facilitated the landing and unloading of boats.

In a delightful watercolor in her book Beaufort and the Lowcountry, local artist Nancy Ricker Rhett captured the experience of her family camping on Fripp. Using old family photos, she painted a cluster of picturesque canvas tents, many made by her great-grandfather. A careful examination of Rhett's painting suggests the location of the camp was near Skull Inlet, a spot that assured sea breezes and minimum mosquitos. Rhett surmised that they made the trip on a two-masted sailboat. She described how they spread out a room-sized oriental carpet on the sand as a play area for the youngest children. With an assortment of tents, cooks, and nurses for the children, the family camped, as Rhett noted, in "grand-style."

Another Beaufort native, Mills Kinghorn, an avid sailor who recently died, also wrote about his families experiences on Fripp. In a Beaufort Gazette article, he recalled traveling as a young boy in 1920 aboard the East Wind, a large houseboat, owned jointly by several Beaufort families. They anchored in Skull Inlet for a week. The following year the group sold the houseboat and made the trip to Fripp in a 24-foot launch, which they called a "motor-sailer." It was powered with a two-cylinder, eight-horsepower Palmer marine engine and pulled a 24-foot whaleboat loaded with equipment, food, and supplies.

Without the houseboat to live in, the Kinghorns joined several other families in building a rustic four-room house on the south end of Fripp Island. From the house, Mills recalled being able to see the high sand dunes that extended 300 yards inland from the beach. For a ten-day to two-week stay, the families would bring three 300-pound blocks of ice covered in burlap and packed in sawdust. The vacationers also brought their own drinking water and used the rain that ran from the gutters into a cistern for washing. While they brought along some canned goods and staples, they mainly feasted on the sea food they caught.

The entertainment on Fripp, Kinghorn wrote, was "fishing in the surf, pulling the seine, crabbing and walking the beach, picking up shells and articles washed up on the beach." Some days they would row over to Pritchards Island to explore that beach and drag the seine in the large holes and tidal pools. In the evenings, they would sit on the porch with a marsh grass fire to repel mosquitoes. Unfortunately after a few years, the camp house burned to the ground.

Fripp's isolation ended with the building of a succession of bridges. The bridge over Cowan Creek that provided land transportation between Lady's and St. Helena Islands had been built prior to the Civil War; however, the bridge over the Beaufort River connecting Beaufort to Lady's Island was not built until 1927. During the Depression in 1939, the Public Works Administration built bridges over Harbor River and Johnson Creek connecting Beaufort to Harbor and Hunting Islands. The development of the Fripp resort would have been difficult without these two bridges built by a federal program to put people back to work. In 1963 when Jack Kilgore, the first developer of the island, built the bridge across the Fripp Inlet, cars finally replaced boats as the means of reaching Fripp.

Splinters from the Board

by Kate Hines, General Manager

• The Board approved a resolution to sign a contract for a Reserve Study to be created by Miller Dodson Associates at a cost of $6,620 to determine if the FIPOA has enough funds in reserve to replace assets and fund the future needs of the Island.

• The audited financial statements for 2005 is complete and can been viewed on the FIPOA website at http://www.fipoa.org/financial.html

• The mailbox compliance program is progressing smoothly. Over 500 letters were mailed and a very large majority of owners have repaired their mailboxes. The two men who do mailbox work have long waiting lists and 2nd notices are not being sent to anyone who calls and lets us know that they are on one of those waiting lists. Nor are we sending 2nd notices to anyone who calls and lets us know that Grayco has run out of boxes - again. We are not sending a fine notice if the mailbox gets repaired immediately after getting the 2nd violation notice. This program is not about making money; it's about getting every mailbox to be aesthetically pleasing!

• The Road and Drainage Committee reviewed plans for repair of the drainage pipe under Fairway Club Drive. This repair will be made before the entire road surface is repaved later this year.

• The Board approved the purchase and installation of a video/audio camera system for the front gate to monitor exchanges between incoming traffic and the gate officer. Costs of $6,040 include the first year's maintenance.

• The Board approved the creation and implementation of a Community Service program to provide an alternative to a POA or State citation with a monetary fine. The Security Chief will administer the program on a case-by-case basis, if asked to do so.

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
Liaison to the Board:  T. Thomas
Coordinator:  Tina Reeves
Editorial Committee:
Don Aldrich, Patty Patek, Phyllis Conrad, Joy Thomas, John Dayner, Gary Flynn, Tina Reeves, Stewart deWitt

Trawler Deadline for July Issue is May 30.

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 2005 - 2006
T. Thomas - President - President@fipoa.org
Tom Hunter - Vice President - VicePresident@fipoa.org
Deanna Hormel - Secretary - Secretary@fipoa.org
Paul Hummer - Treasurer - Treasurer@fipoa.org
Bill Buschur - Bill@fipoa.org
Buck Mathews - Buck@fipoa.org
Bob Young - Bob@fipoa.org
Mary Cantley - Mary@fipoa.org
Charlie Davis - Cahrlie@fipoa.org
Eric Gnau - Eric@fipoa.org

Board Meeting Schedule
May 13, 2006 - 9:00 am
June 10, 2006 - 9:00 am
(This schedule is subject to change)
Meeting begins at 9:00 am at the POA building. 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, POU, 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.

Correction: Mr. Joe Gannon's name was misspelled in the printed hard copy of our March issue. We do apologize.

IN MEMORIAM

Reinaldo Baez

Art Hopewell
(Past FIPOA President)

Rhett Maxwell

Rita Purcell

Welcome New Owners
1/18/06 - 4/15/06

Michael & Candace Brasseur, Beaufort SC
Lindsey & Laurie Cooper, Washington DC
Alan & Christine Hartley, Duluth GA
G. Conn & Alicia Leithauser, Mt. Pleasant SC
Lynhursh Real Estate (c/o Bardenwerper), Louisville KY
Larry Marchant, Columbia SC
Larry & Jolene Marchant, Cayce SC
Jerry & Ellisa Midden-Garrett, Athens GA
Bari Nunamaker, Beaufort SC
Emory & Gretchen Ozburn, Lilburn GA
Geoffrey & Cathy Pinto, Lawrenceville GA
Stephen Pitzer, Beaufort SC
William Rambo, Newtown PA
James & Jeanne Rawson, Marinez GA
J.W & Kristen Ray, Weston FL
Dennis & Barbara Robinson, Beaufort SC
Jeffrey & Donna Selvey, Aiken SC
Ajai Srinivasan, Spartanburg SC

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.

To the Editor of the Trawler:

    On behalf of the Fripp Island Women's Club I would like to thank the homeowners who opened their homes for this year's Tour of Homes. It was a beautiful day, and about 125 women enjoyed each home for its specific beauty. Each house also had a beautiful view. These included the golf courses, the inlet, the marshes, the canal, and the ocean. The owners who participated were Jane and Paul Cuffe, Margit Resch and John MacNicholas, Pat and Tom McNeill, Toots and Dale Green, Cricket and Art Merritt, Cathy and Charles Wall.
    I would also like to recognize and thank the people who helped me put this together. Joy Thomas did the write ups of each home and the flyers. Mary Gnau and Maude Hornsby did the beautiful flower arrangements, and MJ Combs and Mary Ann Diserafino got up early and worked with the Activity Center to get the balloons tied on the mailboxes. They all did a great job, and I deeply appreciate their help. Also a big thank you to those of you who served as docents. You are a vital part of this project.

Many Thanks To All,
Phyllis Conrad
Chariman

---

Letter to the Editor:

    We all know the value of saving for a rainy day, investing against unforeseen events just makes good sense, right? But what about saving our natural resources and the beauty of our beloved island? Protecting nature and the delicate ecosystem of the beaches and marshes is our responsibility. Unfortunately, the ecosystem of our pristine island is under attack from eco-terrorists, otherwise known as uncouth visitors to the island who take whatever they find lying on the beach, dead or alive.
    To my horror, I witnessed the unbridled devastation of hundreds of sand dollars this past holiday season by people unabashedly taking them by the bucket(s)-full, even digging up ones that had buried themselves for protection against the sun. I have never witnessed such greed and useless killing of live animals. I threw as many back into the ocean as possible before the annihilators could get to them. The people included entire families, and persons of all ages.
    The children were following the misguided example of their parents. What a treacherous lesson! I understand that people want souvenirs, but buckets full of sand dollars?
    Perhaps the Island could include a public announcement on Fripp TV regarding protocol of beachcombing...i.e., not taking live animals from the beach! The nature center could offer educational programs for children, or FIPOA could post signs near the beach accesses. Another alternative is for property owners to step up when they see violations. Visitors must respect our island while they are here, else they don't deserve the privilege of coming.

Mitch Helms

Newly Elected Board Members

Bob Davidson, Allan Price, Joe Gannon

Adopt a Highway Program

On Wednesday, March 29th volunteers picked up 71 bags of trash, which the county estimates to be about 1065 pounds, averaging 15lbs a bag. A total of 30 volunteers worked on this beautiful spring day.
     We appreciate the new volunteers from both Fripp and Harbor Islands.
     The program is always in need of new people to volunteer. It will only take approximately 45 minutes of your time. If you, or someone you know, would like to volunteer, please call Dianna Deaner at 263-5874.
     Unless needed sooner the next pick-up is scheduled for August of this year. Hope to see you there!

GREEN THUMB

By Phyllis Conrad

2006 Annual Meeting Highlights

Left to Right: Buck Matthews, Bill Buschur, Charlie Davis, Mary Cantley, Bob Davidson, Eric Gnau, Deana Hormel,
Paul Hummer, Tom Hunter, Kate Hines, T. Thomas

President T. Thomas welcomed a crowd over one hundred to the FIPOA Annual Meeting held on April 15th at the All Faiths Chapel. The telephone conference system was activated so that members could listen in from afar.
     In his opening remarks, President Thomas explained the evolved governance of the Association from one where the Board operated the Association through a series of committees, with the day to day operations handled by the Community Manager, to an Association operating under the day to day authority of the General Manager with oversight by the Board of Directors. In so doing, we have established significant precedents that will aid the Association in the future. He also commented that this past year the POA has helped put the beauty back into Beautiful Fripp Island. After introducing the Board member and the newly elected Board members, T turned the meeting over to General Manager, Kate Hines for her report. A synopsis/outline follows.

Highlights of the past year

Security:

• Chief Mike Binkowski was hired.

• Began implementing many of the suggestions from the Off-Island Survey changing the color of the vehicles, the uniforms, and working on training the officers in demeanor to be more receptive to POA owners and guests.

• Courtesy notices are issued instead of a verbal warning and are a valuable tool for tracking repeat violations.

• POA Citation amounts were revised to create a better deterrent to violations.

• Community Service Program - in special circumstances, if requested, a citation can be "worked off" by washing patrol vehicles or cleaning one of the POA common areas instead of paying a fine.

• 2006 Security budget approved at a reduction from the 2005 budget by almost $50,000.

•  Reduced one cruiser and added a golf cart which Administrative staff can also use.

• Staffing levels are limited to what the Committee and Board agree is necessary to adequately respond a call, be it for service or an emergency, at any given time. In 2002, the Security budget included staffing of 18. In 2006 we have brought that number down to 13 full-time and 2 and a half part-time.

• Approved purchase and installation of video cameras with audio recording for the Gate. A sign will be posted to let drivers know they are being taped.

Thanks to the Security Committee volunteer members Bob Young (Chair), Charlie Davis, Larry Geohagan, Buck Mathews, Micki McCormick, Jim Parks, and Dick Welhoelter.

Roads and Drainage:

• Built the additional parking area on Rock Beauty Road;

• replaced the pipes under the inlet at Porpoise Drive - at an expense of $210,000;

• made minor drainage corrections at Fairway Club, Skimmer Cove, Marlin and Rock Beauty;

• graded and crowned the gravel roads twice; and fixed many potholes;

• and are deep into studying how to correct the drainage pipe under Fairway Club before we repave the entire road in the fall.

Thanks to the Committee members who include Bill Buschur (Chair), Tom Hunter, Tom Gioiosa, Don Aldrich, and Ray Lewis.

• The Bike Committee studied the feasibility of extending the bike path along Ocean Creek Boulevard. Due to the land in question being wetlands, it cannot be developed. If the situation changes, the committee will be reconstituted to reconsider extending the bike path.

Grounds and Beautification: Great strides were made this year.

• Took over maintenance from the Resort of the front entry to the Island last spring.

• Redesigned the front teardrop and thoroughly cleaned the area near River Club wall.

• Re-vamped all of the electric and sprinkler systems at the front entry and at the flagpole.

• Installed dog clean up stations at both parks and at the Rock Beauty beach access and on the Tarpon bike path across from Remora.

• Installed a trashcan at the Rock Beauty beach access.

• Comcast Cable repaired all of their pedestals on the Island. Our thanks to Jack Harney for spearheading that project.

• Audubon Park playground was built this past year. This was made possible by the donation of land by the Fripp Resort and by the many donations for bricks that have been installed in Davis Love Park. The fundraising campaign was so successful; we collected enough contributions to build both Davis Love and Audubon Parks. The credit for this incredibly successful project goes to Deanna Hormel and her committee of MJ Combs, Joan Burke, and Mary Frances Thomas. We are still offering bricks and will continue to do so, so it's not too late to purchase a lasting memory of Fripp that you can visit on Fripp.

• Make a Difference Day headed by Bob Newby and Jim DeCost last year and Jim Connell and Bob Newby this year, collected over 50 tons of debris between the 2 dates.

• Mailbox enforcement - we have mailed over 500 letters requesting corrections of some sort. Thanks to Dick Morrison and Ralph Hormel.

Crossovers and Lagoons:

•  Contracts on both areas keep things clean and tidy.

• We plan to replace crossover #26 and Crossover #23 before summer officially begins.

• All seven lagoon aerators were replaced last spring and are under warranty.

• We cleaned Fiddler's lagoon of overgrowth along the edges this past fall.

The Trawler:

• In December, we bid a fond farewell to Jack Buckley as Managing Editor of The Trawler.

• Brought the responsibility back in-house and put Assistant General Manager Tina Reeves in charge. She has done a phenomenal job.

• The Trawler is an ever-evolving project, and your comments and suggestions for further improvements are welcome.

We thank the editorial staff and contributors including Phyllis Conrad, Don Aldrich, Patty Patek, Stewart DeWitt, John Dayner, Joy Thomas and Gary Flynn. There have been over 40 other contributors to The Trawler over the past year and we thank them too. And we thank the ladies who fold and label everything especially Nancy Rudy

Off Island Affairs Committee:

• Completion of the owner survey and production Owner's Information book. Thanks to Committee members Dave Alexander, Jim Click, Jim Connell, Jim Parks, Eric Gnau, and Mary Cantley. We've distributed more than 650 books. Remember that you can pick one up at the POA office.

Human Resources Committee:

• Thanks go to the Al Koehler, Deanna Hormel, Jim McElwain and Chris Maurer. This past year they completely overhauled the personnel policy manual; updated the Salary plan; and revised all job descriptions.

Deer Immunocontraception Program:

• To date, the program has, captured and treated or examined 174 deer on the island - 94 last year and 80 this year. That's an estimated 25% of the female population treated each year.

• The Fripp Island Resort has very generously given their naturalist over to the project.

• We made a request for donations again this year and we express our gratitude to those who have contributed - including housing for the HSUS employees.

Public Service District:

• We have worked jointly to keep all owners informed of PSD projects thru the POA website, and they have worked with us to prepare for the Fairway Club drainage fix and on many other projects. We keep each other in the loop and therefore maintain better information for all owners. The PSD now has their own website in which they link to ours and vice versa.

Fripp Island Resort:

• There is a great attitude of cooperation between the POA and the Resort. From top management down to the maintenance division, the Resort and the POA work together on many issues. In 2005, the Resort and the POA co-sponsored 4th of July Fireworks, and we will share this responsibility again this July. Also in 2005, The POA was the beneficiary of common area land transfers from Fripp Island Resort and the Wardle family in Sweetgrass, and the area near the Ocean Creek Clubhouse, and, as previously mentioned, the Audubon Park area.

Kate then acknowledged the POA Board and her staff and essentially stated that working here is a pleasure! She then turned the meeting over to Treasurer, Paul Hummer.

Treasurer's Report:

We had another good year in 2005. The Treasurer's function is to insure that we operate FIPOA in a fiscally responsible manner. This past year we again received a clean audit, and we were able to add to our reserves. FIPOA operated in a fiscally sound manner.

• Revenues increased $224k to 2.014mm, a 12.6% increase. Of that increase, assessments increased $124k (6.5%), and Commercial user fees increased $80k (37%).

• Expenses increased $125k (7.9%) to $1.719mm. 

• The combination of increased revenues and modest expense increases allowed us to add $295k to reserves.

FIPOA has a lot of assets. In addition to the POA building we own and must maintain the front entry gate and grounds, bridges, roads, road rights of way, beach crossovers, lagoons, bike trails and parks. All of these assets have a finite life and require frequent maintenance as well as eventual replacement. For this reason we entered into a contract with Miller, Dodson Associates to review our assets, their estimated life, and to recommend reserves adequate to fund our future needs. We will have the results of this study in a few months and will use those results to help us plan for the future.

The meeting was adjourned following a few questions and many folks gathered in the main room for delicious treats provided by Harry Merrill Catering.

Know Your Officers

This issue we would like to highlight Officer Denise Bitz. Officer Bitz has been with the FIPOA Security Department since July 2005 and currently is assigned as the Day Shift Gate Officer.
     Before working for the FIPOA, Officer Bitz worked for Wal-Mart as a Customer Service Manager. Officer Bitz lives on Lady's Island with her significant other, Dave, and her 6-year-old daughter McKenzie. They share their happy home with Chief, a 5-month-old Dalmatian. Officer Bitz and family enjoy attending historical tours and any day trip that includes family fun time. Her hobbies include scrap booking, reading, and collecting antique fire department memorabilia.

Fripp Island Fire Department

By Chief Joshua Horton

On behalf of the Fripp Island Fire Department, please have a safe and enjoyable summer with us here on Fripp Island. Let no firefighter's ghost say their training failed them. The PSD and Fire department website is www.fipsd.org.

Chief's Corner

By Chief Mike Binkowski

Two important topics will be in this article: Courtesy Notices and the purchase of a digital video/audio recording system.

I have received many questions about the Security Departments' use of Courtesy Notices. A Courtesy Notice, which is the same as a verbal warning, is issued at the discretion of the officer. A Courtesy Notice is not a punitive document.
     The purpose of the Courtesy Notice is to allow the Security Department to attempt to gain compliance with our rules and laws in lieu of issuing a POA or State Ticket and to have the ability to track repeat offenders. When a Courtesy Notice is issued, it is tracked for a period of 90 days and then removed. An updated list is provided to every Officer weekly. If an individual is stopped for a violation and has received a Courtesy Notice within the past 90 days for the same offense, the Officer would then issue a POA or State Ticket.

The purchase of a digital video/audio recording system at a cost of $6040 was approved March 11 at the Board of Directors meeting for installation at the gate. The primary purpose of the system will be to enhance the security at the gate for the owners, guests, and Security personnel. A secondary benefit will be the ability to monitor gate operations to ensure that officers are conducting themselves in a courteous and professional manner.
     The system will record the incoming lane of traffic, audio interaction between the gate officer and persons in vehicles at the gate, capture the license plates of the vehicles as they enter the island, and record vehicles as they leave the island.

If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to stop by my office, or you can reach me at 838-7725 or email at fipoasec@islc.net.

Is your mailbox in compliance? Log on to the FIPOA website www.fipoa.org/news.html

Fripp Island Fire Department Saves Home

It was a typical Friday afternoon until a fire in the garage of Rick and Mary Ann DiSerafino almost took their Bonito Road home. Thank you again to the Fire Department for saving their home.

From the Desk of the General Manager:

By Kate Hines, CMCA, AMS, MCM

  The Fripp Island Women's Club will be printing the Fripp Island Phone Directory this fall. If your Fripp Island phone number has changed or is incorrect in the phone book, please email the FIPOA at fipoa@islc.net.

Donations Needed for the Deer Program

The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) is administering the deer fertility control program. The HSUS is a charitable group, its sole source of income being donations. In 2004, we raised a substantial amount from Island property owners, all of which went directly to HSUS to help defer cost. As helpful as the donation were, the money was exhausted some time ago, and HSUS alone has been funding the project since.
     Since Fripp property owners are the ultimate beneficiaries of this program, now is the time for us to show our gratitude to HSUS, and help ensure the successful completion of this program.
     Mail donations to: FIPOA, 225 Tarpon Blvd., Fripp Island, SC 29920. Please make your check to: "HSUS", and note in the Memo section: "Fripp Deer."

Property Owner Vehicle Decals
Available June 1

It is time for all property owners to renew their Fripp Island vehicle decals. The 2006-2007 decals will be available at the FIPOA Administrative office June 1st. On May 15th, the FIPOA will be mailing a letter to the "registered property owner" for each property. This letter will contain a list of all vehicles connected to the property address that POA records show as currently having decals. There is one person/entity to whom we mail the annual assessment. It is this person/entity who will receive the decal list. All co-owners' and relatives vehicles will be on the list. Co-owners will receive a postcard notification from the FIPOA that the list of vehicles has been sent to the registered property owner and suggest that they contact the registered property owner.
     It is the registered property owner's responsibility to review and correct any information on the list. The registered property owners should contact their co-owners and relatives who have decals to obtain the current information needed in order to issue the 2006-2007 decals. Each property - not property owner - is entitled to five decals free of charge. Each additional decal will cost $5.00.
     Once the correct information has been obtained, the list and a check for any additional decals should be returned to the FIPOA at 225 Tarpon Boulevard, Fripp Island, SC 29920. The FIPOA administrative staff will process the information and mail the decals to the registered property owner. The registered owner should then distribute the decals to co-owners and relatives.

Attention Dog Owners

Dog lovers will find the FIPOA's new dog clean up stations to deposit your pets' waste at the Audubon Park, Davis Love Park, Rock Beauty beach access, and on the Tarpon bike path across from Remora Drive.

Property Owners United to Disband

by Jim Parks, President, POU Inc.

The Steering Committee of the Property Owners United (POU) recently voted to disband the organization. This organization was founded in December 2001 to address perceived injustices between Fripp Island property owners and then current management of Fripp Island Resort. Following a registration campaign, many property owners donated to a legal fund to address these perceived problems. Legal action was taken and a ruling favorable to the POU was given to many of the complaints raised in the suit. With the change in Fripp Island Resort management in the last year it appears that the relationship between property owners and the Fripp Island Resort is on a much more favorable track than at the time of founding of the POU. With this in mind, the Steering Committee directed me as President of the corporation, to proceed with disbanding the organization. The Steering Committee felt that an equal share of all remaining funds should be returned to the donors where possible.
     With the passing of time, contacting all donors will be a difficult task, but will be undertaken based upon the most current information available. Contacting attempts will be made by August 2006. If you are a donor and have not been contacted by this date, please contact me as follows: by email at james@nls.net or in writing to James Parks, 624 Newhaven Court, Fripp Island, SC 29920, no later than September 1, 2006. Each donor will be given the option of receiving a proportionate share of the remaining funds or donating their share to the Fripp Island Community Centre. All donors who cannot be contacted, and who have not responded by the date noted above will have their share donated, in their name, to the Community Centre. Please note that a donation to the Community Centre qualifies as a charitable contribution for federal income tax purposes.
     The Steering Committee of the Property Owners United wishes to thank all that took part in the founding and support of this group. I believe that the formation of the POU was a success as it has met the objectives of addressing the perceived injustices while serving all property owners on an equal basis.

Thursday Duplicate Bridge

By Dick Briggs

The Thursday duplicate bridge group, which meets at 9:45 AM each Thursday morning, continues to prosper. We are averaging a 9 table game. During the past couple of months the following players were "in the money" Rudys, Schaufelbergers, Dudleys, Fuersts, Page Miller and Charley Davis, Volmerts, all married couples. Those playing solo who seem to shine are: Betsy Koehler, Betts Williford, Bev Spahr, Teresa Hergert, Paul Cuffe, Peggy Heinisch, Libby Robertson, June Everett, Dick Briggs, Sue Berard, Milton Almond , Jidge Mearns and Rene Wardle. Please come by the Community Centre any Thursday at about 9:45 to get in a game of duplicate bridge.

Audubon Club Members Hear Conservation Activist

by Arlene Jacquette

At its March meeting, Fripp Island Audubon Club members and area residents were treated to a dynamic presentation by conservation activist Peter Stangel about efforts to conserve migratory bird populations. The speaker, regional director of the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation based in Atlanta, illustrated his talk by tracing, in photographs and with maps, the journey northward of a wood thrush, from its wintering location in a Central American tropical forest to its summer breeding grounds in North America.
     Stangel noted that, in response to evidence of decline in the population of migratory birds, governmental, nongovernmental, and business organizations banded together to form "Partners in Flight." The network supports research on the current state of the birds' breeding, wintering and migratory habitats, and applies technology, such as satellite telemetry, to illuminate the routes taken by migrating birds. The speaker showed how weather radar could record millions of birds arriving along the Gulf coast after their 650-mile trek across the Gulf of Mexico from the Yucatan Peninsula.
     As a lifelong birdwatcher, Stangel challenged club members and guests to become activists for birds by such simple acts as creating bird habitats in yards, keeping cats indoors, and supporting those businesses that fund or practice conservation.
     One example of ongoing research on migratory birds was discussed in club member Hazel Guest's illustrated talk, in February, about bird banding in Belize. Guest joined scientists from the Manomet Bird Observatory to catch, band, and photograph wintering birds such as warblers, robins, and kingfishers.

Fripp Island Community Centre News - All Faiths Chapel

By Chris Assaf

I recently met the most wonderful couple from New Jersey. They were enjoying an extended vacation on Fripp and like so many of us, had fallen in love with the island. One of the things they enjoyed most was the Wednesday Evening Vesper Services held each week in our All Faiths Chapel. In fact, the husband loved our chapel so much that he usually started getting ready about 4 pm for the 5:30 service! His wife shared that they both scheduled their Wednesdays around our service and even though they were on vacation, they made sure they were present every week.

Their experience really resonated with me. How I wish I'd visited our Chapel earlier! For 12 years, I vacationed on Fripp...each year driving past the Chapel and wondering what went on in there. After moving to the island 18 months ago, my husband and I visited the Wednesday evening Vespers service as part of our search for a church home. It was the most intimate, wonderful worship service we had ever been involved in. I truly felt God's presence in the warm, welcoming fellowship.

As a property owner, you know how special Fripp Island is and how blessed you are to own a small part of it. However, please don't make the same mistake I did. Don't wait twelve years to experience one of the most special parts of our island. During your summer vacation this year, take an hour and visit with us Wednesday evening at 5:30. I promise you...you will get back much, much more than the hour you gave to be there.

Captains Log:
Musings of an Island Vagabond

by Cappy

So, admitting that I'm really no rocket scientist, the fact is that Fripp Island is just the most perfect place on the planet to be; except for those 5 days!

What's Your Hurry?

It's a fact our speed limits in effect reduce wear on the bridge!

25 m.p.h. for Autos
15 m.p.h. for Trucks

At 25 m.p.h. -  63.7 seconds to cross the bridge
At 15 m.p.h. - 105.9 seconds to cross the bridge

CARS
63.7 seconds @ 25 m.p.h.
26.5 seconds @ 60 m.p.h.
37.2 SECONDS SAVED

63.7 seconds @ 25 m.p.h.
39.7 seconds @ 40 m.p.h.
24.0 SECONDS SAVED

63.7 seconds @ 25 m.p.h.
52.9 seconds @ 30 m.p.h.
10.8 SECONDS SAVED

TRUCKS
105.9 seconds @15 m.p.h.
52.9 seconds @30 m.p.h.
53.0 SECONDS SAVED

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

Dredged from Old Trawlers

There are more than a few owners who will remember this popular feature from the past. We have combed thru some old issues of The Trawler and picked a few nuggets for you to enjoy about our fair Island!

5 Years Ago

* Fripp Company sold for $50 million. The article explained that Hotel Corporation of America purchased the assets of the privately held company

* The Fire Department purchases a new 1,000 gallon capacity pumper truck

* FIPOA hires new Security Chief - Chet Kowalski

10 Years Ago

* Curfew put into place for children under 17

* Goal from the Security Committee to tighten control of misuse of golf carts by underage drivers

* Kate Williams promoted to Community Manager (now she's Hines, the GM)

* Editorial about Past, Present, and Future stated that Past on Fripp was 200 full time residents and 2000 summer guests; Present is 500 full time residents and 5,000 summer guests; Future will be 900 full time residents and 9,000 summer guests. (currently POA estimates 650 full time residents and we had 57,000 vehicles cross the Inlet bridge in July of 2005 with a guest pass count of 8,000)

* Article entitled "M" is for Mailbox by ARB thanking people for cooperating with mailbox compliance

15 Years Ago

* New location proposed for Security Gatehouse in discussions with Fripp Company to make it happen (discussion must have gone well - the proposed location is where you see it now)

* The Community Centre completed an addition to the building

* Ladies Exercise and Yoga classes planned for the Community Centre

* Possible Sewer System Transfer to PSD

20 Years Ago

* New Security Chief named - Ed Walls

* FIPOA and ARB article attempts to clarify that there is no direct relationship whatsoever between the two organizations. (Some things don't change)

* ARB building permits cost $100. (Some do)

* Sea Rescue establishes heliport at Marina

Dad's Diamond Jubilee

By Nathan Dana Aldrich

Dad was turning 75, three thousand miles away, so surprising him was a literal long shot. No matter what this Lost Angelino and his Scottsdale brother came up with, we knew it would be hard to uproot him from Fripp Island and to make the celebration worthy for him and for his moment. So, what to do? The choices were limited, but, fortunately for us, there is baseball.

"We could surprise him with a game at Fenway Park" "Nah. Been there, done that." " Hey. None of us has been to Cooperstown." "Ha ha! Maybe we could kind of induct him into the Dad's Hall of Fame." "Wait. How are we going to lure him from Fripp Island without giving away the surprise?"

Dad knew that my realtor brother, Don Jr., constantly attended elite retreats, and since Dad was getting his South Carolina real estate license, we figured an invitation to a real estate seminar might do the trick. While my irresistible mom, Hildy, and Don Jr. worked on weakening Dad's resolve, I worked on logistics. After I secured our flights and lodging, Dad, an ornery NewEnglander by birth, balked at going to Albany and turned down my brother's invitation.

Mom stepped up and laid on the guilt. "How many times in your life will one of our sons ask to spend a weekend with you?" That did it! He boarded the plane on September 8th, conceding that Fripp Island would have to stay afloat without him. The whole rigmarole, of course, had nothing to do with a real estate seminar.

Three surprises awaited Dad in New York: 

We all made our flights to Albany. Dad was indeed excited about the real estate weekend to come and wowed by the fact that my brother had hired a driver to take them to the conference. He was stunned when the chauffer popped out of the car and dropped his disguise. It was I!

He was disappointed as we drove through Cooperstown (on our "shortcut to the hotel in Oneonta"), remarking how we had never been, and was positively flummoxed when the navigational computer said, "You have arrived!"

When we stopped at the Baseball Bed and Breakfast on Chestnut Street, the penny dropped.

"There is no conference." " What?"

Yup, real estate could wait. Like many guys in their careers, it took a long time, but Dad had finally made it to Cooperstown. The B & B had five rooms, each named for the five original members of the Hall of Fame. Our host, a long-time Yankee fan, put us in the Babe Ruth room - how cruel! At least, in one of the pictures on the wall, Babe was in a Red Sox uniform, pre the infamous "Curse".

We spent the next day at the Hall of Fame and in the afternoon, we were fortunate to watch a baseball game at Doubleday Field played by Massachusetts men, one team garbed in vintage gray-flannel Red Sox uniforms.

The following day, my brother and I presented our final surprise. Dad was dubious, doubting our solemn promises that we had thrown him our last curve. At least this last one was a beauty - induction coming in the hushed quiet of the nearly-deserted plaque gallery, right in front of his bronzed boyhood hero,  Teddy Ballgame - fooling him completely. The plaque read:

Sated on the baseball museum, the Aldriches went to the James Fennimore Cooper Museum (Last of the Mohicans, Leatherstocking Tales, et al.) and its display of life masks of Presidents and other politicians. We shopped and went sightseeing and rested in a local watering hole or two.

Even I returned from this trip feeling pleasantly bamboozled. The payoffs we got from the Machiavellian machinations were equaled by a score of unscripted moments we shared - sublime surprises that left us asking, "Now how did THAT happen?" If Cooperstown taught us anything, it's that when celebrating the diamond, don't overlook the value of the flaws. You might just get a good surprise.

Nathan Dana Aldrich currently lives in California and worships both his father and the Red Sox from afar.
Fripp Island's John Dayner also contributed to this article.

TENNIS

Courtside 

By Patty Patek

The Spring Clay Court Championship had 133 entrants. We would like to congratulate Bob Steinmetz, winner in the 8.5 mixed, and Ben TenEyck, a finalist in the Men's 70's Singles.

The Spring Men's League and Mixed League has just finished. The Men's League winner is Clarence Pico and the Mixed League winners were Chuck Riley and Page Miller.

The Racquet Club will start its summer schedule on May 29th. This will include all junior and adult clinics, plus the evening mixers. Please call the Pro Shop 838-1514 to sign up.

The first Pro-Exhibition will be held on June 19th. Come by for drink specials, giveaways, and exciting point play.

GOLF

Men's Golf Association 

By Dick Briggs

The MGA has had a busy 2006. The weather was not too bad, though we did have a real rainy day at Dataw where the Fripp team took it on the chin again. Wait 'til next year.
     In February we were entertained by the Women's Golf Association, and we are going to reciprocate in April.
     In May we will be enjoying the Fripp Club Member - Guest, the annual Firemen's Frolic on May 11th, and our own Memorial Tournament - a two week affair topped off with a nice lunch at the Beach Club.
     In June we will have another Fripp Cup event and at the end of June another Beat the Pro Day. There are no special events during July and August, but we will continue to play our regular Monday morning games starting at 8:30 AM. If you want to play, just sign up in the MGA book at Ocean Creek and come out and have some fun with a bunch of terrific guys.

Fripp Island Women's Golf Association - FIWGA

By Joyce Zanone

All in attendance enjoyed the March luncheon meeting. President Kit Griffin introduced two new members, Brenda Thibadeau and Diane McGarry. The FIWGA now has 62 members. At this meeting, a section of our bylaws was amended to be more pleasing to guests, part time residents and visitors.
     Jane Cuffe and Betty Edmonds, chair ladies of the Rally for the Cure Tournament, promised a very exciting tournament to raise money for the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. Bev Fineis and Judy Newby have a Viva Las Vegas theme for the Member Guest tournament in May. Results will be published later for both of these special tournaments.
    Our spring schedule is filled with other activities such as the Fripp Cup, Men's Invitational and the Memorial Tournament. The results of these tournaments will be reported in the July issue of The Trawler.
     Our summer golf schedule will find us enjoying a slower pace.
     If you would like to join the FIWGA, please ask at the pro shop or ask any of the ladies you meet on the island for more information. We welcome you to join us, and look forward to seeing you on Tuesday.

Nine Hole Men's Golf

Front row: (left to right) Bill Prain, Jim Connell, Tom Gioiosa, Trevor Lawman and Gail Shinall

Back row: (left to right) Gary Bond, Rick DiSerafino, John McDonald and George Bennett Photograph courtesy of Jack Buckley

May Tee Times will be at 8:30am at Ocean Creek. Please sign up at Ocean Creek until further notice.

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Golf Cart Insurance

By Kate Hines, General Manager

Are you renting your house out this season? If so, are you also offering use of your golf cart in the rental package? Are you absolutely certain that your homeowners' insurance policy covers the renter?
     A concerned owner brought this matter to my attention and I have checked into it. Most insurance carriers no longer will cover your guests for driving your private golf cart. In past years there were carriers who offered stand alone coverage for renting your cart separate from your homeowner's policy, but research with local agents finds no such offerings available now.
     When you had your golf cart inspected at the Security office and signed the inspection form stating the you carried liability insurance, it was understood that all coverage needed would be maintained by you at all times. If you do not have coverage for renters, yet are allowing them use of your cart, you are not complying with the FIPOA requirement.
     If you do not have the proper coverage, do not allow the renter to use your cart. The liability you face by doing so could be putting you at great financial risk. Please check with your agent to be sure.

Resort Completes Winter Projects and Prepares for a Busy Summer

Golf Cart Parade Safari

Take a walk on the wild side or should we say a ride on the wild side. Can you hear the lion's roar and the beating drums? The 4th of July Golf Cart Parade theme for this year is SAFARI. Join the parade and decorate your golf cart for the thrill of SAFARI. Fireworks will be co-sponsored by the FIPOA and the Fripp Island Resort.

Fishing Heats Up

by Ralph Goodison

Spring fishing is off to a great start with both inshore and offshore fish filling the coolers. Our next issue of The Trawler will report the results of our first tournament of the year, the April King Mackerel Warm-Up Tournament.

Fripper is ready for another season of Shelling, Dolphin, Nature, Sunset and Party Cruises, with storyteller and Master Captain Ralph.

Fishermen can look forward to the May 26-27 Memorial Day Kingfish Tournament. Upcoming Tournaments include the July 7-8 Fireworks Fishing Tournament and September 1- 2 Labor Day Kingfish Tournament. The annual black Friday Kid's Fishing Tournament will be held November 24. If you cannot fish, join the excitement at the weigh-ins.

Enjoy some of the best fishing in the Carolinas on Fripp Island.

Meet Chef Paul

by Ralph Goodison

Executive Chef Paul Hinsley is living in the Fripp area with his wife Kay. He has been responsible for the great improvement in the quality of our food on the island. Paul has had extensive experience as an Executive Chef in the Cincinnati and Pittsburgh areas. He enjoys reading, watching the Pittsburgh Steelers, and enjoying the beauty of Fripp Island.

Fishing Forecast

Inshore: Spottail Bass, Trout, Whiting, Sheepshead and Cobia - Good; Flounder - Fair.
Offshore Bottom Fishing: Grouper, Vermillion and Red Snapper - Good; Black Bass - Excellent.
Offshore Trolling: Dolphin, Kingfish, Wahoo and Yellow Fin - Fair and improving.

Fripp Island Sea Rescue

by Paul Field

During the 60-day period ending March 31, we responded to two cases.
     On March 11, a 16' boat with two persons on board became disabled in the breakers in Skull Inlet. Our large boat and a Coast Guard helicopter were dispatched. After our vessel took water into its cockpit from wave action, we were able to secure a line to the distressed unit and towedit to the marina.
     On March 15, a small boat with one person on board went aground and became disabled in the creek behind Fripp Island connecting it with Pritchards Island. The boat remained there for eight hours until 7 pm when our small unit towed it back to the marina. This creek is not passable after a falling mid-tide and should be avoided.

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.