FIPOA

"DON'T FENCE ME IN"

FIPOA Grounds Committee

"Don't Fence Me In" or maybe another oldie would also be appropriate, "Oh, Deer, What Can The Matter Be", but either way you sing it, the deer have gotten to be a real problem for us on Fripp Island, and especially to gardeners. We've heard people say we should learn to live with the deer since they were here first, but since we are smarter than they, there is another approach… selecting shrubs and flowers they don't eat, or are not supposed to eat.

There are many, many books and articles available listing plant material deer don't like. In fact, Google lists over 7,710,000 entries when asked 'plants deer don't like'. You will recognize many of the names as favorites for Fripp deer, so you may want to search to find just the right ones for your garden.

Many of the plants on the first deer resistance lists made by many of us have 'bitten the dust' as they failed over time to foil the deer (lantana, azaleas, gardenias, shasta daisies… you know them all)! Most of us don't have a large garden and really are not interested in clearing land and putting in more plants. We just want a few nice plants to have by the front door to welcome friends and family.

We have all realized daffodils can be successfully grown without understanding why a deer wouldn't love that beautiful bloom! You can make plans now to plant many of those bulbs in the early winter (after a cooling period in the refrigerator!) to enjoy their beauty.

Many of the plants found to be successful are in the herb family, except the edible ones, which can be grown on your deck. Others that do well around deer are lamb's-ears, mexican mint marigold, mexican sage, greggi sage, rosemary, lavender, yarrow, mint and artemisia.

Shrubs are a different thing since it's the bloom on the other plants the deer seem to favor. Right now the deer are not bothering viburnum, oleander, grasses, or any of the native shrubs. A very successful flowering shrub is Angel trumpet, a highly poisonous plant that has a beautiful trumpet shaped flower appearing during the summer and fall. And it is spectacular! Angle trumpet comes in several colors and the yellow and peach blooms are doing well on the Island. The good news is that it is easy to root in a bucket of water.

Also, there has been success with Red Hot Poker plant, which is almost guaranteed to be deer resistant and with a large clump of Hellebores that has kept the deer at bay. The success of the Hellebores may comes from the fact that it came from an individual’s garden, not from a nursery.

The use of plants that are organically grown with no commercial potting soil and no fertilizers, do not attract the deer like plants bought straight out of a green house. Plants not normally eaten by deer are more edible when grown in special soils and dependant upon fertilizers during their early growth period.

And that brings us to what this article is really all about! Even through the eyes of a casual observer, it is becoming increasingly obvious that more and more fences are being placed on Fripp Island. Few of these fences could be classified as ornamental and most are for the purpose of protecting plants of various sizes and varieties from our deer. In most instances their unsightliness overwhelms the beauty of the object being protected. That has become a real problem.

This problem was addressed recently at a meeting of the Grounds Committee. Suddenly, the deer were 'pruning' our beautiful azaleas that have graced the entrance for years! Instead of an unsightly wire fence, we decided to try a mesh net over the azaleas in the gate area. The benefit of this method of mesh net is not noticeable and the beauty of the plant and hopefully their blooms in the spring, will not be hidden by an unsightly fence. We keep trying!

One writer says after planting a deer discouraging garden, she is going to lie in her hammock and watch the deer pass her garden on the way to visit neighbors who continue to fight the battle! Happy gardening!

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Pesonality

Nancy Rudy: Energy With A Smile

Page Miller

Nancy Rudy is one of the most cheerful and active volunteers on Fripp. Soon after building a house here in 2000 she was elected to the Club Advisory Committee and served for four years, two as Secretary. She arranged housing for the Friends of Music, and now does its’ publicity; coordinates helpers to fold FIPOA mailings; sings in the Chapel choir and made the generous donation of choir chairs during the chapel renovation; heads the Fripp Island Women’s Club Beautification Committee, and is the Assistant Treasurer for the Community Centre. Off island, Nancy gives alligator talks at Hunting Island and is a Hospice volunteer. While this array of activities may make your head spin, wait until you hear about all she did before coming to Fripp.

The day following Nancy’s graduation from Ohio State in 1955, she married Jack, her husband of fifty-two years with whom she shared a love of travel and adventure. During their years of raising three children, they became avid skiers. When they moved from Colorado to Ohio, they seized the opportunity to join the initial ski patrol at a facility near their home. Sailing was another family sport. In the 1970s they began sailing a Flying Scot. Not only did they compete in national competitions, they joined in sailing trips to such destinations as Thailand and Turkey. Additionally Nancy was a strong supporter of Girl Scouts and for several summers ran a camp.

Mental games were also high on their list of favorite activities. They began playing bridge when they were dating and followed this with duplicate bridge tournaments while in Colorado and Ohio, then became regulars at Fripp’s Thursday morning game where they were often the winners.

Professionally, Nancy worked from 1976 to 1993 as a manager at Burke Marketing Research, a Cincinnati-based firm. By far her most exciting project was heading up the project to assist Tylenol in rebuilding consumer confidence after several bottles had been contaminated with poison. Jack’s work as a welding engineer offered them a special opportunity to travel to China in 1984 with People to People.

With retirement, Nancy and Jack added new outdoor challenges. They learned to scuba dive with trips around the world. Through Elderhostel and special charters, they took many biking trips in Europe. During retirement they treated each of their three grandchildren to a trip of their choice – one picked Australia, another Africa, and the third Central America with a chance to train dolphins.

Nancy continues to be a world traveler having made a scuba diving trip to Fiji in January and has an upcoming biking trip in Switzerland planned for September. Who knows what will be next?

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Island Services

CHIEF'S CORNER

Chief of Security, Mike Binkowski

Several Owners have had additional questions on Guest Passes for Renters and hopefully this will clear up some of the confusion.

When you rent your home, only four (4) vehicle guest passes may be issued for a particular period of time. If your renter intends to bring more than four (4) vehicles onto the Island, prior approval must be obtained from the Security office. This is to ensure that there is ample parking available at your residence. If your renter arrives with more than the allotted four (4) vehicles, the additional vehicles could be turned away at the Gate. Each request for an exception will be considered on a case by case basis.

If you want to allow your renter to call in guest passes you must provide them with your Rental PIN. You should not give them your personal PIN. If you do not have a Rental PIN, you can obtain one at the FIPOA Office.

Renters are only authorized to call in two (2) guest passes per day. Exceptions may be granted by Security on a case-by-case basis.

If your neighborhood or group has a particular question or concern, 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, telephone at 838-4113, or .

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Know Your Officers

by Chief Mike Binkowski

This issue we would like to highlight Officer Mary Kim Miller. Officer Miller previously worked for Fripp Island Patrol as a Patrol Officer and as the Administrative Assistant. She has been recruited back and has been a member of the Fripp Island Patrol since May 2008. She is assigned as the evening shift Gate Officer.

Officer Miller was born in Clarksville, TN, and moved to Beaufort in 2002. She lives on Lady’s Island with her two dogs, Brutus and Chico.

In her off duty time she enjoys bowling.

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Fripp Island Fire Department
Burning Regulations

Joshua Horton, Fire Chief

Hello, it has been a while since my last article and I wanted to provide some guidance on yard debris burning. Here are the burning regulations on Fripp Island. Lets all have a safe and enjoyable summer.

It is the requirement of the Fripp Island Fire Department that you notify us before burning to ensure that we are, in fact, allowing burning that day. To obtain permission to burn, please call the fire station at 4085. When you call the station the following factors are considered; wind speed and direction, humidity, and fuel moisture content. These three are evaluated in both current and forecasted values. Once allowed to burn the following safety precautions should be adhered to:

1. • No person shall kindle or maintain any fire or authorize any fire to be kindled or maintained on any private property unless the location is more that 50 feet from any structure. Adequate provision shall be made to prevent the fire from spreading to within 50 feet of any structure.
2. • Fires shall be constantly maintained by a competent adult until such fire is extinguished. Such persons shall have a garden hose connected to a water supply, readily available for use.
3. • Only burning of leaves, tree branches, and/or yard trimmings originating on the premises of private residences and burned on those premises is authorized.
4. • The fire official may prohibit any or all fires when atmospheric conditions or local circumstances make such fire hazardous.

All outdoor burning must comply with the conditions above. Burning is allowed from 9:00 am to dusk. Do not add to any piles after 3:00 pm. Any fire that the Fire Official feels poses a threat to life and/or property will be extinguished. We ask for your cooperation in this matter. Remember that just as you have a right to burn others have the right not to be bothered by the smoke that comes from outdoor burning.

In closing, I want to remind everyone that if you have a fire or medical emergency please,

DO NOT CALL THE FIRE STATION OR SECURITY
CALL 911 IMMEDIATELY!

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Nature

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Loggerhead Sea Turtle Rescued by Fripp Island Interns

Captain Ralph

4:00 AM, Tuesday, July 7: Fripp’s naturalist intern, Valerie Gunderman, from East Wisconsin University, received a call from an intern at Prichard's Island. They needed help with a 326 pound female Loggerhead Turtle they found on the beach injured with a broken shell.

Jackie Eckerd, Fripp Island's naturalist, and her intern staff of Steve McLain, Jessica Johnston, Collins Strictland, and Valerie, moved the highly agitated turtle from the beach by wheel-barrow, then by boat to Wardle’s Landing. There they were met by Officer Kelly Sloan of the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources who transported the loggerhead to the SC Aquarium in Charleston.

The loggerhead is doing well recovering from a suspected boat propeller accident and has the a new name of Molly Prichard. Molly is in the turtle recovery area and is eating blue crab and fish and could be released as early as October, or next June. Thanks to our interns for a great job.

Fripp Interns vist Molly Prichard at the SC Aquarium turtle recovery area.
( L- R) Jessica Johnston, Valerie Gunderman, Collins Strictland and Steve McLain.
Molly, a 326 pound Loggerhead, was rescued by our naturalist interns off the Prichard's Island beach.

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Hunting Island—The jewel next door celebrating 75 years

On August 2nd and 3rd Hunting Island State Park celebrated its 75th birthday with a variety of special events including lighthouse tours, beach walks, sand castle building and special presentations on the history of the park.

Those of us who live on or visit Fripp know Hunting Island, that beautiful, unspoiled bit of land just this side of Johnson Creek. It is the point on the road where we begin to cast away the stresses and pressures of everyday life as we enjoy the scenic approach to our beloved Fripp Island. It is where the lighthouse is located and the fishing pier that juts out into the Fripp Inlet. Hunting Island is the most popular park in the state and has been since it was built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930’s. The Island is 5000 acres of rare maritime forest and marsh, and 4 miles of beach. But do we really take advantage of what this paradise has to offer?

We have so much on Fripp: unspoiled beaches, beautiful marshes, golf, fishing and some of the best sunsets nature can provide. It seems we have everything we need right here and do not have to leave this paradise except to shop or tour some of the historic sights of Beaufort. But if you really want to get the most out of your time on Fripp consider what Hunting Island can offer to complement the enjoyment of your stay.

Begin your trip to Hunting Island with a stop at the Visitor’s Center just past the main gate. There are interesting displays of the Island, the lighthouse, the marsh and the wild life environment. The staff is available to answer your questions about the Park, its history and the wild life.

A must see is the lighthouse, the only one in the state open to the public. If you and you family have not made the climb up those 167 steps to the top, and taken in the breathtaking views of the Lowcountry marshland and the Atlantic Ocean, then you have missed a great experience. As a bonus you will be able to pick up some history of the lighthouse by visiting the adjacent displays. Add to your visit a long walk on the beach which is just yards from the lighthouse.

Eight miles of mountain bike and foot trails offer a chance to see how Fripp Island would have looked before all the development. This nature experience is fun for the whole family including young children. You can make your hike short and leisurely or take on several miles of these pristine hiking paths. The trails can be accessed from many points including just across the Fripp Bridge behind the nature center and fishing pier.

Good fishing locations on Fripp are very limited. The 1120 foot long fishing pier on Hunting Island offers another alternative for those of you who enjoy this sport but do not have your own boat. Hunting Island fishing pier, located just across the Fripp Bridge, not only provides easy access to a great fishing location but also the opportunity to meet local anglers who have been fishing this area for many years. You don’t even need fishing equipment. This can be provided at no charge at the pier. You only need bring bait, which can be purchased at the Fripp marina. For those who don’t fish, the Park offers a class on basic saltwater pier fishing. Take a walk along the pier and enjoy a panoramic view of the inlet and Fripp Island. There are numerous signs along the pier that provide information on local wildlife and fish, and you may just get to see some big ones being pulled in.

Another good fishing location is the saltwater lagoon located near the beach. This lagoon was created by sand dredging in 1968. Take your small boat or kayak or just fish from the shore. Some locations even have picnic tables.

The Nature center at the entrance to the fishing pier has recently been renovated. It has many exciting displays about marine life, including several saltwater tanks, live reptiles, turtles and snakes. Knowledgeable park rangers can answer all your questions. This facility provides lectures, classes and demonstrations from time to time. It also offers a variety of programs to introduce adults and children to the nature, wildlife and ecology of the island. Check their schedule for these events when you visit or call the center at 843-838-7437.

Most of you have probably noticed the marsh walk on the right as you are driving toward Fripp. This provides another great location to view nature, do some crabbing and see some spectacular sunsets.

Finally, consider the beach. For those who like long walks on unspoiled beaches, Hunting Island offers a change of scenery and the opportunity to experience long stretches of isolated beach with nothing but water, sand and trees in sight. Even on most summer weekends the beaches are not over crowded and, except on the 3 day weekends, there is normally plenty of parking close to the beach.

The park does charge admission fees but they are very reasonable considering the benefits. Daily fee for the park and the pier for an adult is $4.00, SC resident senior $2.50, children 6-15 are $1.50 and children under 5 are free. Annual passes are also available for $50.00, however local residents 65 or older get a 50% reduction. This allows you to bring in a full carload anytime throughout the year. Admission to the lighthouse is $2. Passes to the Park are available at the gate or from an honor box located in front of the fishing pier.

For those who are local residents or who spend a lot of time on Fripp, you may want to consider membership in the Friends of Hunting Island. This is an excellent organization which supports Hunting Island State Park in its mission of conservation, education, interpretation and protection of the Park’s natural and cultural resources. More information is available on their website at http://www.friends-of-hunting-island-sc.org.

Other websites with Park information are: http://www.huntingisland.com, http://www.southcarolinaparks.com, and http://www.geocities.com.

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Community Centre

Fripp Island Community Centre Holds Successful Treasure Sale

The Community Centre Treasure Sale was a grand success.

Page Miller

The Community Centre recently held a most successful Treasure Sale, taking in $17,000. Well over 100 people gave hours of their time. The two people to whom we are most indebted are T Thomas, who led a team of workers who handled the pick up and delivery of large items and Patty Patek, who managed the set up, pricing, and day of sale procedures. The sale offered an incentive for many to get rid of surplus stuff. It provided exceptional camaraderie as newcomers to Fripp and veterans of past sales worked side by side. And the FICC donated the unsold items to six very worthy organizations -- Habitat for Humanity, Goodwill, The Friends of Caroline Hospice, Beaufort County Library, the Lowcountry Senior’s young golfers program, and Dismas which supports the families of prisoners.

The money from the sale will provide needed revenue for the renovation of the kitchen. In reflecting on the experiences of this Treasure Sale, one FICC board member expressed it well when she said: "I’m so lucky to live here and have so many wonderful neighbors and friends, all who contribute to our incredible little community.&quuot;

Faced with unanticipated building expenses and higher insurance premiums, the Community Centre Board is encouraging people to make memorial gifts for someone who has died but also to consider donations to honor a living person, perhaps on a birthday or anniversary. We will recognize these special gifts with a card to the person being honored and with notification of the gift in the monthly newsletter.

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Island Clubs

Interested in Birds? Or Conservation? Or Both? Join the Audubon Club!

by Arlene Jacquette

The Fripp Island Audubon Club has performed a unique and valuable educational role in the community for many years. Mindful that Fripp Island is a nature preserve, the Club enhances members’ appreciation of the delicate Lowcountry ecosystem and its wildlife species. Club programs also venture to far-flung places by highlighting, for example, a photo safari in Botswana and national parks in New Zealand. As fall approaches, club officers invite Fripp and Beaufort area residents to learn about the world through the visual treats that nature offers daily.

The club’s season, which starts in October and ends in April, includes evening meetings on the fourth Thursday of each month (third Thursday in November) that feature speakers from organizations dedicated to the study of the natural environment. One-day trips to regional wildlife viewing areas are also scheduled.

Audubon’s focus is not limited to birds. Rather, as the health of birds is now a bellwether for the state of surrounding nature, programs have explored both research on the loss of wildlife habitats and how conservation groups are building "greenways" with conservation easements. The club has also welcomed the appearances of "avian ambassadors"—rescued raptors&mdashfrom the Awendaw, SC Center for Birds of Prey.

A schedule of programs for the upcoming season will be distributed to residents in early October. Membership dues are $20 per family, and are used to support groups that protect habitat and conduct nature education. Checks (along with addresses) may be forwarded to F.I. Audubon Club, 199 Tarpon Blvd., Fripp Island, SC 29920.

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Fripp Island Women's Club

Bonnie Combes

Thanks to the generosity of residents who baked cakes, made donations and worked at the event, the 4th Annual Fripp Island Women’s Club July 4thCake Walk was a resounding success. We raised an amazing $1,942.50 which will be donated to the Community Centre for use in the kitchen expansion/renovation.

Co-Vice Presidents Lorraine Tarczynski and Micki McCormick have scheduled a year of entertaining and informative programs:

1. October 15th—Harold’s Catering, "Hors d’oeuvres for Easy Entertaining"
2. November 19th—Garden Gate Nursery, "Holiday Decorating Projects"
3. December 3rd—Holiday Luncheon and Trunk Show by Beaufort retailer Grace and Glory
4. January 21st—Coastal Physical Therapy, "Stretching Exercises for Improved Flexibility"
5. February 18th—Historic Beaufort Foundation, "Historic Homes of Beaufort"
6. March 18th—Gina Wright, "Decorating 101"
7. April 15th—Spring Luncheon

Our 2nd Annual Health Fair/Flu Shot Clinic is scheduled for Friday, October 31st. Flu shots, blood sugar and blood pressure checks, cholesterol and PSA screenings, and breast, prostate and skin cancer exams will be offered. We are working with Beaufort Memorial Hospital and hope to offer flu shots free of charge to Medicare recipients.

Our club continues its sponsorship of female Marines deployed to Iraq and appreciates donations of toiletries, food and media items. A drop-off box and a complete list of desired items are located in the foyer of the Community Centre.

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Rally for the Cure

!!!!!!! THINK PINK !!!!!!!
Tuesday October 21^st, 2008 at Ocean Point

If you haven’t signed up to play in the Rally for the Cure Golf Tournament on October 21st at Ocean Point, do so now! This FIWGA-sponsored tournament is open to everyone who wants to play golf and contribute to a good cause…help us by joining the fight to stop breast cancer.

There are plenty of chances to win great prizes, on and off the golf course. For a small entry fee of $30 per person, you can vie for best team honors in two events - two best ball of the foursome and best Pink Ball team score. There will be some fun holes where you can really shine, and if you happen to be the first to score a hole-in-one on #7 at the Point on Tournament day, you will be the proud owner of a brand new Club Car golf cart. Lunch will be provided following the tournament at the NewHaven Courtyard.

And check this out: There will be advance ticket sales for three huge raffle prizes—

• • your 2009 Trail Fee sponsored by the Fripp Resort
• • a Sunset Party cruise on the Fripper sponsored by Lewis Turner
• • a round of golf with the Director of Golf Char Cormier.

Each of these tickets can be purchased in advance at convenient locations around the Island.

Sponsorships for holes can be purchased for $100 (minimum) to remember family or friends lost to cancer, or to celebrate survivors. Sign-up sheets are at the Creek.

There is also a "Pledge for Pink" par sheet at the Creek where you can sign up to pledge a certain amount for your pars during the month of October leading up to Rally day. Again, all donations are tax deductible, and all proceeds go to support the fight against breast cancer.

And on the day of the tournament, you can buy mulligans and chances for an instant drawing to win incredible prizes at the registration desk. All your contributions are tax deductible and all proceeds go to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. We are trying to raise over $10,000 and with your help, we know we can do it.

So let’s have some fun, and let’s join the fight against breast cancer. For any questions, suggestions, or ideas, please call Diane McGarry at (843) 838-0947 or email her at dmcgarr1@aol.com.

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