Updates from the Daufuskie Island Front Porch News. What is happening this week on Daufuskie Island?

Dear Front Porch Readers,

Please note the following:

Just a reminder that the Daufuskie Community Farm annual meeting and picnic lunch will be this Saturday, May 18th beginning at 12:00 noon. There will be a very brief business meeting followed by a short Power Point picture presentation of “The Farms Journey to the Present” For anyone available that would like to pitch in and help with cleanup of the farm we will begin that earlier at 10 am. Please RSVP so we have a head count to: bowwow@hargray.com

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Farmers’ Market-Grand Opening!
Saturday, May 25th (Memorial Day weekend)
11:00-1:00 at the County Dock
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The Daufuskie Artisan Village Celebration announced for Sunday, May 26th from 3:00-5:00 at Melrose Sportsman's Lodge has been postponed. New Date to follow shortly. Thank you for all your responses.
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The Daufuskie Island Fire District, in conjunction with Beaufort County, will conduct a Reverse 911 test on May 31, 2013 starting at 6:00 PM and ending around 9:00 PM. The purpose of the test is to assure that the Reverse 911 system is working on Daufuskie Island and to work out any deficiencies that may arise before a disaster occurs.
The Reverse 911 system was designed to alert a precise group of people in Beaufort County that an emergency has or is about to occur in a specific geographical area. This system may give specific instructions on your land line phone number based on the emergency event.
If you did not receive notification of this test on your land line during the time the test was made, you should contact Curtis Young at cyoung@bcgov.net. Advise Curtis that you did not receive notification and give him that land line phone number.
This test does not apply to cell phones!

Eddie Boys, Chief
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DAUFUSKIE ISLAND COMMUNITY LIBRARY

Please, folks, be considerate. The Library is happy to receive recent print publications, movie DVDs, audiobook CDs and Lowcountry titles. BUT, the Library is NOT a dumping ground for your discarded books. Recently someone left nine boxes of books on the Museum porch, including a phone book and 1991 PDR. This is not fair. We are not in the used book business; do not have the means to handle these books. The Bargain Box and Friends of Hilton Head Library will happily receive your discarded books. For Haig Pointers, they will even pick up at Embarkation on Hilton Head. Just give them a call. Please be selective – your gifts of shopping bag size are appreciated, multiple boxes are not.

Best regards,

Paula Nickels
Editor, The Daufuskie Front Porch
www.thedaufuskiefrontporch.com

News from the Daufuskie Island Front Porch

Dear Front Porch Readers,

Please note the following:

From Bloody Point:
We invite you to join us at our Grand Opening Weekend!!!
May 24th, 25th, and 26th
Oyster Roast, 18-Hole Shotgun Start, Live Music, and more!
All are welcome! For schedule of events and more information, call 843.341.5505.
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Farmers’ Market-Grand Opening!
Saturday, May 25th (Memorial Day weekend)
11:00-1:00 at the County Dock
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SAVE THE DATE!
The Daufuskie Community Farm welcomes their new neighbors
The Daufuskie Artisan Village
With an introduction and celebration of support!
Sunday, May 26th, 3:00-5:00PM
At the Melrose Sportsman’s Lodge
Meet the talented artist and view their creations!
Enjoy live entertainment, cash bar, light appetizers and a silent auction,
Please join us to raise funds for this great community project!
RSVP to Pat Beichler at bowwow@hargray.com
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From the Daufuskie Island Foundation:
SAVE THE DATE
You are invited to celebrate:
37th Annual Daufuskie Day
Sat. JUNE 22, 2013
*Boat Rides from Savannah GA & Hilton Head
(tickets will be sold in Sav. & Hilton Head)
*Island Tours (narrated by natives of the Island)
*Vendors selling Daufuskie Deviled crabs & other
Gullah enriched foods (VENDORS WELCOME for small fee)
*Program consisting of Gullah Storytelling, Music, Raffles etc….
“A Day of Culture”
Contact Ervin Simmons 912-660-0500 or Amelia Stevens 843-384-9941 for further
details.

Best regards,

Paula Nickels
Editor, The Daufuskie Front Porch
www.thedaufuskiefrontporch.com

Marsh tacky races deemed a success on Daufuskie Island

By CASEY CONLEY — cconley@islandpacket.com

Marsh tacky horse races held for the first time on Daufuskie Island on Saturday were a "remarkable success," organizers said this week.

Between 1,000 and 1,200 people watched the fifth annual Marsh Tacky Beach Race from along the beach and from boats anchored just offshore, said Jackie McFadden of the Carolina Marsh Tacky Association, which sponsors the event.

Fourteen marsh tackies, a breed slightly smaller than a standard horse that originated in the South Carolina and Georgia Sea Islands, competed in the quarter-mile sprint.

While attendance was higher than expected, it was substantially lower than previous years when the races were on Hilton Head Island, McFadden said. Daufuskie, unlike Hilton Head, has no bridge access, requiring horses and spectators to travel there by boat.

The horses traveled for free, but tickets cost up to $50 per person for a round-trip ferry ride. Once riders were on the island, the races were free to watch.

"Everybody liked going there, and that is a very good possibility that we will be back there next year," McFadden said, noting that the venue still could change.

"I would love for it to be a race that everyone can attend, and it is expensive to get to the island. That is one of the things we are going to talk about."

Jack Friday won the stallion division and also the Marsh Tacky Cup as the fastest horse in the competition. Sweet Home Alabama won the gelding division, and Salt Creek Annie won the mare division.

The only hiccup occurred when Wylie Bell of Bennettsville was thrown from her horse and broke her collarbone.

"They put her on a water taxi and took her to Hilton Head, where they patched her up and sent her back for the after-race party," McFadden said. "She's tough."

Erica Veit, who works for Melrose on the Beach and is a member of the marsh tacky association, said the races capped a successful weekend for Daufuskie businesses. All available lodging and golf-cart rentals were booked, she said.

Wick Scurry, owner of J&W Corp., which hauled the horses over by barge and also ran a ferry from Hilton Head Island, estimated about 500 people traveled to the island on his ferry. Private boats were stacked two-deep at the island's two marinas, he said.

"It was a great day, no question about that. People all over the island were coming to it," he said.

Several vendors also reported strong sales, said island resident Roger Pinckney, who helped organize the event.

"I believe cultural and historic tourism is clearly the future for Daufuskie," he said in an email. "It's non-consumptive. We can promote and utilize our cultural resources and still have Daufuskie left when we are done."

Read more here: http://www.islandpacket.com/2013/05/01/2485673/marsh-tacky-races-deemed-a-success.html#storylink=cpy

Thanks to Spartina 449 for posting the Hat Parade from the Marsh Tacky Race on Daufuskie Island, SC 29915

I'd rather be on the beach on Daufuskie Island



Spartina 449
With the Kentucky Derby this Saturday, we thought you might like some hat ideas from our Daufuskie Island Marsh Tacky Beach Race Tacky Hat Contest (held this past weekend) http://marshtackybeachracedaufuskie.com/

Daufuskie Island Adult Tennis Championships crowns division winners

By staff reports — sports@islandpacket.com

John Chrsyt of Bluffton successfully defended his age 65 singles title and Ellen Leboeuf of Hilton Head Island won two titles Sunday on the final day of play at the seventh annual Daufuskie Island Adult Tennis Championship.

Chryst defeated Richard Shipman in three sets to retain his title.

"I played the game I wanted to play today," said Chryst, who also won the age 65 title in 2012. "It feels great to be able to win the title again this year."

Lebouef defeated Melissa Duff in straight sets, 6-3, 6-3, in her singles final. And then she won her women's doubles match by default when Janet Paduzzi of Hilton Head Island, one of her doubles opponents, injured her leg earlier in the day.

"I got really nervous but then I settled down," said Leboeuf, a financial planner who moved to Hilton Head Island last year. "I kept hitting deep to her backhand to keep away from her strong forehand. My serve was good too. And when my serve is good, it's all good."

Another of the seven winners determined on Sunday was Richard Silver of Daufuskie Island,who teamed with Hilton Head Island resident Kris Kelly, to take the age 45 doubles.

"This is special," said the 66-year-old Silver. "Imagine that. I had to wait until I was in my sixties to win something in the 45 division."

Daufuskie Island Adult Tennis Championship

Sunday Results

Men's 65 Singles finals

John Chryst, Bluffton def. Richard Shipman, Concord, N.C., 6-1, 3-6, 6-3

Women's 3.5 Singles final

Johanna Newman, Mooresville, N.C., def. Janet Peduzzi, Hilton Head Island, 3-6, 1-2 (retired injury)

Women's 4.0 Doubles final

Pam Bautista, Hilton Head Island/Carol Kraus, Hilton Head Island def. Gerri Howe, Daufuskie Island/Joanne Loftus, Daufuskie Island 7-6 (7-5), 7-6 (7-2).

Women's 4.0 Singles final

Ellen Leboeuf, Hilton Head Island def. Melissa Duff, Florence 6-3, 6-3

Women's 3.5 Doubles final

Cecilia Halseth, Hilton Head Island/Ellen Leboeuf, Hilton Head Island def. Michele Gula, Hilton Head Island/Janet Peduzzi, Hilton Head Island, injury (Peduzzi injury)

Mixed 8.0 Doubles final

Patrick Child, Hilton Head Island/Tonnye Stapp, Bluffton def. John Christensen, Hardeeville/Denise Raquet, Hilton Head Island 6-4, 4-6, 6-2

Men's 45 Doubles final

Richard Silver, Daufuskie Island/Kris Kelley, Daufuskie Island def. Richard Kraus, Hilton Head Island/Charles Steedley, Bluffton 6-0, 6-0.

Read more here: http://www.islandpacket.com/2013/04/29/2482284/daufuskie-island-adult-tennis.html#storylink=cpy

Try a "Scrap Iron Cocktail" at the Old Daufuskie Crab Company at Freeport Marina on Daufuskie Island, SC 29915

The Story of Scrap Iron

In the early 1900's more than 2000 black African Americans lived on Daufuskie Island. They made their living from the oyster beds that surrounded Daufuskie. Oysters were harvested, canned, and shipped all over the world. Progress came to Savannah, Georgia and factories were built along the Savannah River. The Savannah River was polluted and the pollution flowed into the oyster beds around Daufuskie. The Federal government condemned the harvesting of oysters on the Island and 2000 people were out of work in one day. The exodus began and the population dropped to around 100 people when I came to Daufuskie in the '70's. The people that stayed had to make a living another way and they all knew how to make a great corn liquor and the ladies made wines. The men would load the corn liquor in small oyster boats and row or sail it to Savannah. Sometimes it would take a day to get there. In early days they would get 5 dollars for 50 gallons, but it gave them money to pay taxes on their land.

When moving their cargo to Savannah they would frequently be stopped by the revenue officers and ask what they were carrying. They learned to cover the vat of corn liquor with pieces of scrap iron and would tell the revenue officers that they were taking the scrap iron to Savannah to sell to feed the family. They told this story so much that scrap iron became the name for liquor on this beautiful island. In-honor of this we offer a drink at The Old Daufuskie Crab Company, called Scrap Iron in honor of these ingenious bootleggers. Give it a try. I hope you enjoy it!

- Wick Skurry

Adult Tennis Championships continue on Daufuskie Island

By From staff reports — sports@islandpacket.com

The duo of Mark White of Hilton Head Island and Larry Steedbergen of Farmington, Mich., powered their way through two matches Saturday to easily win the men's doubles division final at the seventh annual Daufuskie Island Adult Tennis Championship. It was one of three division finals determined in the second day of competition that concludes Sunday.

Other division winners were Arnold Bradshaw of Montgomery, Ala., in the age 70 men's singles and Josef Fodor of Hilton Head Island in the age 75 men's singles.

"I played better than usual today," said White, whose team lost only four games in two matches. "A lot of the credit goes to my partner. We picked each other up all day long."

Play continues at 9:30 a.m. Sunday, with finals to be contested in six more divisions, with John Chryst of Bluffton and Pat Child of Hilton Head Island having a chance to return as champions. Chryst has advanced to the finals of the 65 men's singles while Child is in the finals of the mixed doubles competition.

Daufuskie Island Adult Tennis Championship

Saturday Results

Men's 65 Singles

Semifinals

John Chryst, Bluffton def. Larry Steenbergen, Farmington, Mich., 6-4, 6-1

Richard Shipman, Concord, N.C., def. Richard Silver, Daufuskie Island 6-1, 7-5

Men's 70 Singles

Final

Arnold Bradshaw, Montgomery, Ala., def. Tony Schinto, Hilton Head Island 6-0, 6-2

Men's 75 Singles

Final

Josef Fodor, Hilton Head Island def. Dennis Malick, Hilton Head Island 6-0, 6-0

Men's 4.0 Doubles

Semifinals

Larry Steenbergen, Farmington, Mich./Mark White, Hilton Head Island def. Josef Fodor, Hilton Head Island/Tony Schinto, Hilton Head Island 6-3, 6-0

Barry Bryant, Hilton Head Island/Allan Howell, Lexington def. Art Helmus, Daufuskie Island/Michael Loftus, Daufuskie Island 6-4, 6-7(7-5), 7-6(7-3)

Final

Steenbergen/White def. Bryant/Howell, 6-0, 6-1

Women's 3.5 Singles

Semifinals

Johanna Newman, Mooresville, N.C., def. Michele Gula, Hilton Head Island 6-4, 2-6, 6-1

Janet Peduzzi, Hilton Head Island def. Jane Rubow, Brunswick, Ga., 6-2, 6-0

Women's 4.0 Doubles

Semifinals

Pam Bautista, Hilton Head Island/Carol Kraus, Hilton Head Island def. Carol Humpherys, Daufuskie Island/Nancy Shegog, Hilton Head Island 6-3, 2-6, 6-2

Gerri Howe, Daufuskie Island/Joanne Loftus, Daufuskie Island def. Bayne Birckenstaedt/Jackie Reynecke, 6-3, 5-7, 7-5

Women's 4.0 Singles

Second round, round robin

Janet Vasko, Hilton Head Island def. Melissa Duff, Florence, 6-2, 6-2

Women's 3.5 Doubles

Semifinals

Cecilia Halseth, Hilton Head Island/Ellen Leboeuf, Hilton Head Island def. Amy Abernathy, Hilton Head Island/Johanna Newman, Mooresville, N.C., 6-4, 6-4

Michele Gula, Hilton Head Island/Jenet Peduzzi, Hilton Head Island def. Denise Raquet, Hilton Head Island/Janet Vasko, Hilton Head Island 3-6, 7-6 (7-2), 7-5

Mixed 8.0 Doubles

Semifinals

Patrick Child, Hilton Head Island/Tonnye Stapp, Bluffton def. Barry Bryant, Hilton Head Island/Amy Abernathy, Hilton Head Island 6-4, 6-2

John Christensen, Hardeeville/Denise Raquet, Hilton Head Island def. Art Helmus, Daufuskie Island/Carol Humpherys, Daufuskie Island 6-4, 6-1

Read more here: http://www.islandpacket.com/2013/04/28/2481480/adult-tennis-championships-continue.html#storylink=cpy

Marsh Tacky a living link to Daufuskie Island history

REBECCA J. DUCKER, Morning News

DAUFUSKIE ISLAND S.C. — Loggerhead, Brown Pelican, Harbor Seal are all common names for a few of the endangered species one may hope to find along the shores of Daufuskie Island.

But a Marsh Tacky, what is that? A bird? A turtle?

Actually it’s a horse, a powerful, stocky breed native to the low-country of South Carolina. And more than a dozen of them gathered on the island Saturday to celebrate their long history in the state.

It may come as a surprise to many that any horses are considered an endangered species but in fact the Marsh Tacky is one of a nearly a dozen horse breeds listed as endangered by the American Livestock Breeds Conservatory. There are only 300 Tackys alive today.

“It is believed that Daufuskie Island is the last place these horses would have lived in the wilderness,” said Jackie McFadden, of the Carolina Marsh Tacky Association. “So it’s the perfect place for this year’s race.”

Descendents of the Spanish horses brought up the coast from St. Augustine, Florida, the small horses are perfectly adapted for life on the Carolina coast. Mud, brush, briars, and sand are no match for the rugged little Tacky.

Standing about 14 hands tall (each hand is 4 inches) the horses look just like their Spanish ancestors with thick double manes, a variety of unusual colors and, in some cases like David Grant’s stallion DP, they still have the zebra like dorsal stripes on their legs.

Hacksaw, a rugged stallion, was the last Marsh Tacky removed from Daufuskie in the 1980’s, his savior was D.P. Lowther. Just as rugged and wise as the Marsh Tackys are, Lowther, now 80- years-old has been working with the breed his entire life.

“You live with something that long it gets in your blood,” he said. Lowther currently owns about 100 of the remaining horses. Many of the Tackys who ran Saturday’s race are direct descendents of Hacksaw.



Saturday, the beach at Melrose on the Beach Golf Club was packed with visitors waiting to catch a glimpse of living history. More than a dozen of the unique horses ran the beach for several races all leading up to the best over all race.

“There is nothing like this, can you even believe it,” Bonnie Gunter said.

Gunter traveled all the way from Chicago to watch the race with friends Janice Kennedy and Maribeth Veidt, who own a house in Melrose. Veidt said although she has been coming to vacation in South Carolina for years she had never even heard of the historic horse.

For the Carolina Marsh Tacky Association, it is the history of the horse that is so important to preserve. Considering the breed was nearly lost forever just 30 years ago it’s considered to be a great achievement by the Association that so many people are now working to preserve them.

Even people relatively new to the Tacky, like 21 year-old Lamar Smith who ran his dad’s horse Lonely in Saturday’s geldings races, can see how special the tough little horses are.

“They are stockier (than a Quarter Horse),” he said. “They can do more, we have even pulled a buggy with him, and they are really special little horses.”

Saturday’s best over all race was won by M.J. and Chris Goodwin’s stallion Jack Friday ridden by Paige Cooley.

Play begins at Daufuskie Island Adult Tennis Championship

By Staff reports — sports@islandpacket.com

Carol Humpherys and Josef Fodor each won matches in two different divisions Friday to highlight the first day of play at the seventh annual Daufuskie Island Adult Tennis Championship. Former singles champion Pat Child, of Hilton Head Island, also teamed with Tonnye Stapp to win a combined mixed doubles match.

Humpherys, of Daufuskie Island, teamed with Art Helmus to win in a third set tiebreak (10-8) in combined mixed doubles and then joined with Nancy Shegg of Hilton Head Island to win her women's doubles match in straight sets. Foder, of Hilton Head Island, won in singles and doubles play.

Play continues at 9:30 a.m. Saturday with two former champions beginning play in the age 65 singles division. Past winners Rich Silver of Daufuskie Island, and John Chryst of Bluffton, will face Richard Shipman of Concord, N.C., and Larry Steenberger of Farmington, Mich., respectively.

Play will also get underway in four other divisions: women's 3.0 singles, women's 3.5 doubles, men's 45 doubles and men's 70 singles. The tournament runs through Sunday afternoon. Prizes will be awarded for finalists in each divisional category.

Friday Results

Men's 75 Singles

Josef Foder, Hilton Head Island, def. William Sasser, Swainsboro, Ga., 6-4, 1-6, 6-1

Combined 8.0 Mixed Doubles

Art Helmus/Carol Humphreys, Daufuskie Island, def. Kris Kelley/Tammy Kelly, Daufuskie Island, 6-3, 2-6, 7-6 (10-8)

Pat Child/Tonnye Stapp, Hilton Head Island, def. Joanne Loftus/Michael Loftus, Daufuskie Island, 6-1, 6-3

Women's 4.0 Singles

Ellen Leboeuf, Hilton Head Island, def. Janet Vasko, Hilton Head Island, 6-3, 6-3

Men's 4.0 Doubles

Josef Fodor, Hilton Head Island/Tony Schinto, Hilton Head, def. Richard Kraus, Hilton Head Island/Charles Steedley, Bluffton, 6-2, 7-6 (7-1)

Women's 4.0 Doubles

Carol Humpherys, Daufuskie Island/Nancy Shegg, Hilton Head Island, def. Sarah Booth, Daufuskie Island/Teresa Lewis, Hilton Head Island, 7-6 (7-3), 6-3

Jackie Reynecke, Hilton Head Island/Bayne Birckenstaedt, Daufuskie Island def. Tammy Kelly, Daufuskie Island/Christine Webb, Cumming, Ga. 6-4, 5-7, 6-2

Read more here: http://www.islandpacket.com/2013/04/27/2480453/play-begins-at-daufuskie-island.html#storylink=cpy

It's the Marsh Tacky Weekend on Daufuskie Island

Dear Front Porch Readers,

Lots of news this week... Please note the following:

Marsh Tacky Weekend Schedule:
Friday, April 26, 2013
8:00 am - 19 Horses, CMTA crew and equipment load onto barge at Broad Creek Marina HHI
10:00 am - 19 Horses, CMTA crew and equipment arrive to Freeport Landing DI
1:15 - 2:45pm - Daufuskie Elementary School field trip to Melrose Equestrian Center for Marsh Tacky Meet-n-Greet and Hands-on-History Lesson
5:30 - 7:30pm - Marsh Tacky Homecoming Fundraiser and Silent Auction hosted by Melrose on the Beach at the Sportsman’s Lodge to benefit CMTA *Tickets are still available for purchase! $25/person. Complimentary appetizers, cash bar, 15 minute slideshow by CMTA, bid on a great array of area products and services, meet CMTA crew and horses, and see the newly reappointed Sportsman's Lodge. To purchase tickets now please call 843-341-2922.

Saturday, April 27, 2013
8:00am - Land transportation shuttles begin from Melrose Landing
8:00 - 11:00am - General Public Marsh Tacky Meet-n-Greet and Breakfast Buffet at the Sportsman’s Lodge. *Breakfast buffet is $10 at the door. Cash bar for mimosas. Breakfast menu includes scrambled eggs, hickory smoked bacon, country sausage, hash browns, creamy grits, assorted breakfast breads, biscuits, fresh fruit, juice, milk and coffee. Join us for the only breakfast on the island, meet the race horses and pick out your favorites for winning!
9:00 am - Calibogue Cruises Ferry #1 departs from Broad Creek Marina HHI
10:00am - Shuttles begin running from Freeport Marina to race site.
11:00am - Vendor and Party Tents open
12:00noon - VIP tent open *VIP Tickets are still available. Price increases from $50 to $60 at the door on Saturday, April 27th. To get your tickets now, please call 843-341-2922.
1:00pm - Marsh Tacky Parade from Sea Grass Stables at Melrose on the Beach to race site
2:00pm - Races begin
2:45 - 3:15pm - Races intermission and Tacky Hat Contest
4:00pm - Races end, winning announcements and ceremonies
4:00 - 9:00pm: Party at Old Daufuskie Crab Co, Freeport Marina, with live music, food/beverage specials
5:00pm - VIP, vendor and party tents close
6:16pm - Calibogue Cruises Ferry #1 departs from Freeport Marina
8:30pm - – Calibogue Cruises Ferry #2 departs from Freeport Marina

Sunday, April 28, 2013
10:00am - 19 Horses, CMTA crew and equipment load onto barge at Freeport Marina
12:00noon - 19 Horses, CMTA crew and equipment arrive at Broad Creek Marina HHI
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From The Old Daufuskie Crab Company:
The Patterson Colt Band will be playing this weekend at the Old Daufuskie Crab Company.
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From the Daufuskie Island Elementary School:
Oyster Roast and BBQ at Jolly Shores
Sunday, April 28th / 3:30-7:30
All donations benefiting Daufuskie Island Elementary School
Roasted Oysters, Pulled Pork, Hotdogs & Hamburgers
Live music by Bottles and Cans
Sponsored by Dolphin Management
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From the Daufuskie Front Porch:
The deadline for ad and content submissions for the next print issue of the Front Porch is May 3rd. For more information call 843-341-2304 or email thedafauskiefrontporch@gmail.com or levi420785@aol.com.
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Congressional Election info:
On Tuesday, May 7th the general election will be held for the U.S. 1st Congressional District seat that represents Daufuskie in the US Congress. The candidates are Elizabeth Colbert Busch (D) and Mark Sanford (R). Voting will take place between 7 AM and 7 PM at the Janie Hamilton School. A new photo ID law is in effect in South Carolina. Voters will be asked to show a photo ID. That ID could be a SC Driver’s License, a SC DMV ID card, a SC Voter Registration card with photo, a U.S. Passport, or a Federal Military ID with a photo. Old Voter Registration cards that do not have a photo are not sufficient. Any ID that voters present must be current - that is, not expired. If voters do not show a photo ID, they will be able to vote a paper ballot, not an electronic ballot. Voters will also be asked to state their current address.
To see a sample ballot, go to bcgov.net. Click on Departments/Community Services/Board of Elections and Registration. On the right hand side of the page is a list of links. Click on “Sample Ballots”. In person absentee voting is available and can be done prior to March 19th Monday – Friday 9:00 – 4:00 at either 15 John Galt Drive, Beaufort or 61-B Ulmer Road, Bluffton. Citizens may call 843-744-8683 for information about the availability of absentee ballots
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Farmers’ Market-Grand Opening!
Saturday, May 25th (Memorial Day weekend)
11:00-1:00 at the County Dock
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From the Daufuskie Island Foundation:
SAVE THE DATE
You are invited to celebrate:
37th Annual Daufuskie Day
Sat. JUNE 22, 2013
*Boat Rides from Savannah GA & Hilton Head
(tickets will be sold in Sav. & Hilton Head)
*Island Tours (narrated by natives of the Island)
*Vendors selling Daufuskie Deviled crabs & other
Gullah enriched foods (VENDORS WELCOME for small fee)
*Program consisting of Gullah Storytelling, Music, Raffles etc….
“A Day of Culture”
Contact Ervin Simmons 912-660-0500 or Amelia Stevens 843-384-9941 for further
details.

Best regards,

Paula Nickels
Editor, The Daufuskie Front Porch
www.thedaufuskiefrontporch.com

The Haig Point Ferry from Hilton Head Island to Daufuskie Island, SC as the dolphins play

Weather doesn't seem to hurt Heritage hospitality business

By BRIAN HEFFERNAN — bheffernan@islandpacket.com





The RBC Heritage Presented by Boeing was buffeted by windy weather and didn't sell out this year, but Hilton Head Island's annual PGA Tour event still managed to boost business, according to several restaurant and resort managers.

The weekend capped a three-week stretch of high occupancy at the Hilton Head Marriott Resort & Spa, according to the resort's sales director, Teresa Manzolillo. Previous weeks brought in guests for Easter and college and high school spring breaks, she said.

"Our hotel was sold out for 10 days straight, and then we have a little break, then Heritage came up," Manzolillo said.

The resort's weekend occupancy spiked this year -- rooms were 98 percent full on Friday and sold out Saturday. They sold at an average rate of $187 per room, according to Manzolillo. That's better than Heritage weekend last year, although 2012 had better weekday occupancy, when Easter fell the Sunday before the tournament.

Islandwide occupancy rates during Heritage week were not immediately available from the Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce, which keeps track of such data. Charlie Clark, chamber spokeswoman, said the data would not likely be available until the end of the month.

Attendance was about the same as last year, according to tournament ticket manager Chris Tobia, as more than 100,000 people came out to Harbour Town Golf Links to watch the action.

The crowds -- and the business they bring -- often are affected by where the Heritage falls on the calendar.

Next year's Heritage will be April 14 to 20, meaning the tournament's final round will be on Easter. Manzolillo says that probably means a sellout at the resort that week, but it also could mean lower occupancy in weeks before and after the tournament.

Villa rentals at Resort Rentals of Hilton Head Island also were up this year, according to vice president of marketing Bill Haley. He said all of the rental company's 73 properties in Sea Pines were rented, and occupancy was higher than 70 percent islandwide.

"It's been a big run for us these three weeks," Haley said.

When it was too cool, damp or windy for spectators to stay on the course, many flocked indoors for shelter and sustenance. The weather was a boon for business at Truffles Cafe in Sea Pines Center, manager Paul Paulauskas said.

"When it rained, everybody came here," he said, adding that he thought the overcast skies helped boost the daily lunch crowds.

"If it's not sunny out, people tend to come indoors," Paulauskas said.

After dusk, patrons came out for post-round drinks, but largely stayed inside and didn't venture out to the patios, said Scott Gruber, manager of Reilley's Grill and Bar near Sea Pines Circle.

The bar had to cancel the live music planned outside on Friday because of the rain, but business was still healthy, Gruber said.

"When the weather is nice, it really showcases what Hilton Head can offer to the PGA Tour and people in general," he said. "But even with the bad weather, people still come down and enjoy the tournament and the night life that goes with it."

Follow reporter Brian Heffernan at twitter.com/IPBG_Brian.

Read more here: http://www.islandpacket.com/2013/04/22/2475104/weather-doesnt-seem-to-hurt-heritage.html#storylink=cpy

Marsh Tacky Schedule on Daufuskie Island

Friday, April 26, 2013

8:00 am - horses and equip load onto barge at Broad Creek Marina

10:00 am - horses and equip arrive to Freeport Landing

1:15-2:45: Daufuskie Elementary School field trip to Melrose Equestrian Center for Marsh Tacky Meet-n-Greet and Hands-on-History Lesson

5:30 - 7:30pm: Marsh Tacky Homecoming Fundraiser and Silent Auction hosted by Melrose on the Beach at the Sportsman’s Lodge to benefit CMTA

Saturday, April 27, 2013

8:00am: Land transportation shuttles begin from Melrose Landing

8:00 - 11:00am: General Public Marsh Tacky Meet-n-Greet and Breakfast Buffet at the Sportsman’s Lodge

9:00 AM, 11:00 AM: Calibogue Cruises passenger ferries leave Broad Creek Marina, Hilton Head.

10 AM: Shuttles begin running from Freeport Marina to race site.

1:00pm: Marsh Tacky Parade from Sea Grass Stables at Melrose on the Beach to race site

2:00pm: Races begin

2:45-3:15pm: Races intermission and Tacky Hat Contest

4:00pm: Races end, winning announcements and ceremonies

4:00p – 9:00pm: Party at Old Daufuskie Crab Co, Freeport Marina, with live music, food/beverage specials

8:30pm – Last Calibogue Cruises ferry departs from Freeport Marina

Sunday 4/28

10: AM: Horses depart Freeport Landing Sunday, arrive Broad Creek Marina at noon.

Updates from the Front Porch News Paper on Daufuskie Island, SC

From the Daufuskie Island Elementary School:
Oyster Roast and BBQ at Jolly Shores
Sunday, April 28th / 3:30-7:30
All donations benefiting Daufuskie Island Elementary School
Roasted Oysters, Pulled Pork, Hotdogs & Hamburgers
Live music by Bottles and Cans
Sponsored by Dolphin Management
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Farmers’ Market-Grand Opening!
Saturday, May 25th (Memorial Day weekend)
11:00-1:00 at the County Dock
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From Melrose on the Beach:
After major construction, the Melrose on the Beach Club Pool will be open this weekend, April 20-21st from 11-5. If you have any questions please contact Susan Jones; sjones@melroseonthebeach.con or 341-2922

The official deadline for Marsh Tacky Beach Race vendor and sponsorship opportunities passed on April 15th. Silent auction tickets, VIP tickets and party tents are still available. To make your reservation, please call 341-2922 or click www.marshtackybeachracedaufuskie.com. See you at the races!
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From Freeport Marina:
Sunday April 21
After Heritage Party at Freeport Marina
Music by Cranford and Sons
Drink specials and oyster roast
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From the Daufuskie Island Foundation:
You are invited to celebrate:
37th Annual Daufuskie Day
Sat. JUNE 22, 2013
*Boat Rides from Savannah GA & Hilton Head
(tickets will be sold in Sav. & Hilton Head)
*Island Tours (narrated by natives of the Island)
*Vendors selling Daufuskie Deviled crabs & other
Gullah enriched foods (VENDORS WELCOME for small fee)
*Program consisting of Gullah Storytelling, Music, Raffles etc….
“SAVE THE DATE”
“A Day of Culture”
Contact Ervin Simmons 912-660-0500 or Amelia Stevens 843-384-9941 for further
details.

'Bovanators' ready to land at Harbour Town-Haig Point, Daufuskie Island Assistant Playing at Heritage PGA Event

By Matt Bova — sports@islandpacket.com



Congratulations Matt!

Hilton Head Island resident Matt Bova is playing in his first PGA Tour event this week, as the Haig Point Club assistant professional earned an exemption into the field by winning the Carolinas PGA's 18-hole qualifier at Berkeley Hall last month. The 26-year-old shares his experiences this week in a daily diary, as told to reporter Chris Cox.

A lot of members are talking about coming over. They're calling them the Bovanators. I wouldn't be surprised if there's 50, maybe even more. They're making the big head signs, just my head. They're having a bunch of those, I guess. They got a bunch of those printed up and they're carrying those around. That's kind of cool. That's probably not normal for a normal PGA Tour event, a guy like myself not as well known as the other guys to have the biggest following.

All the family is starting to get in town, so I actually have my mind still on a lot of other things. Come tomorrow morning, though, it's really going to hit. It's kind of weird to think that tomorrow's the actual first day. Because it just seems like the first three days have flown by. I've been so busy doing things with work and practice. Tomorrow it's really going to hit.

When I got here, I first went to the putting greens. I putted for probably a good 45 minutes, which is good. I'm still trying to get that in check. Like I said earlier, I really think I'm going to have to make a lot of putts to have a chance to make the cut. I still don't feel like I'm hitting it that well, but I feel I never hit it well on the range. It doesn't really matter how you do on the range, it's only on the course. The range is just warm-up, that's all. I didn't really get to any chipping and pitching, because I spent so much time on full swing, just kind of concentrating on that, worrying about that, trying to get it tuned.

We have a member that used to be the GM of the Indiana Pacers (David Mowry), and we rode over with him on the water taxi. He said something pretty cool about when you get out there, don't be nervous. Just kind of take a second, look around and pat yourself on the back. Just think it's pretty cool to be out here and you deserve to be out there.

Steve Barco is my caddie. He's one of the outside attendants over at Haig Point. He's just somebody I know to help keep me calm and keep me relaxed. We play a lot together ... so he knows my game pretty well. Him understanding that I don't hit it very far and probably the guys I'm playing with are going to be hitting it really far, just trying to stick to my game and not overpower anything. Don't let my swing get too long or too fast. He's really going to be pounding that into me making sure that I just stay within myself and play my game.

Read more here: http://www.islandpacket.com/2013/04/18/2467663/bovanators-ready-to-land-at-harbour.html#storylink=cpy

The 5th annual Marsh Tacky Beach Races on Daufuskie Island is set for Friday, April 26, and Saturday, April 27

Marsh Tacky Beach Races on Daufuskie Island set for April 27


The 5th annual Marsh Tacky Beach Races on Daufuskie Island is set for Friday, April 26, and Saturday, April 27.

The event is free, but round trip ferry tickets cost $50 ($30 for kids). 843-342-8687.

Here are details from an e-mailed release:

The 5th Annual Marsh Tacky Beach Races on Daufuskie Island will offer 1,000 anticipated participants an exciting weekend full of unique events that are designed to showcase the endangered Marsh Tacky horse plus Daufuskie Island’s many unique amenities, local businesses and organizations.The races developed originally in 2009 to raise funds and awareness for the breed and it’s current status, history, heritage, and importance to the Lowcountry. Abandoned by the Spanish in the 1500‘s and surviving on local barrier islands, the Tacky is prized for being extremely surefooted, hardy, versatile and smart. Designated the South Carolina State Heritage Horse in 2010 for its contributions to early state development, transportation, agricultural and wartime efforts, the growing number of less than 250 horses today are protected in part by the nonprofit Carolina Marsh Tacky Association. A portion of all event proceeds will be donated to CMTA.

Calendar of Events:

Friday, April 26, 2013

2:30-3:30pm - Daufuskie Island Elem. School field trip to meet horses 5:30-7:30pm - Fundraiser/Silent Auction to benefit CMTA at S. Lodge

Saturday, April 27, 2013

9:30-10:30am - Meet n greet the horses/breakfast buffet at S. Lodge 2:00pm - Beach races begin
2:45-3:15 - Tacky Hat Contest
4:00pm - Beach races end, winning announcements ceremony 5:00-9:00pm - Live band, food/bev. specials at Freeport Marina Sunday, April 28, 2013
8:00-9:00am - Crew/staff/volunteer “Thank you” breakfast at I. House

Demographics: Last year’s event on Hilton Head Island - 7,000 people Projected attendance on Daufuskie Island this year - 1,000 people

Tickets: Admission to watch the races is free. Ferry and land transportation shuttle tickets will be sold through Calibogue Cruises. Fundraiser/Silent Auction tickets, VIP tickets, vendor and sponsorship tents, merchandise, food and beverage will be available for purchase.

Update from Melrose on the Beach about The Marsh Tacky Races

From Melrose on the Beach:

The Marsh Tacky Beach Races are less than 30 days away! Your support is needed for the Marsh Tacky Homecoming Silent Auction and Fundraiser on Friday, April 26th from 5:30 - 7:30PM inside the newly reappointed Sportsman's Lodge at Melrose Equestrian Center. For $25/person, join us to ring-in the beginning of this historical weekend that will mark the Homecoming of the prized and endangered Marsh Tacky Horse back to Daufuskie Island. Enjoy an exclusive meet-n-greet the race horses and a 15-minute slideshow presentation by the Carolina Marsh Tacky Association followed by bidding on a fabulous array of local products and services. Complimentary appetizers and cash bar. All ticket and silent auction sales benefit the non-profit Carolina Marsh Tacky Association. To purchase tickets or donate silent auction items please call 843-341-2922 or click www.marshtackyhomecoming.eventbrite.com. We still need silent auction item donations! Items donated with a fair market value of over $250 receive two complimentary VIP access wristbands to the races on Saturday, April 27th ($100 value)!

Updates from the Daufuskie Front Porch News

ONLY THREE SATURDAYS LEFT TO GET FREE ASSISTANCE AND ELECTRONIC FILING OF FEDERAL AND STATE TAX RETURNS. Assistance from AARP Foundations will be available on Daufuskie on Saturdays, March 23, April 6, and April 13. Make your appointment now by calling Pat Dempsey at 686-6270 as soon as possible to ensure there is help available.
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From Melrose on the Beach:
Marsh Tacky Beach Races are on the agenda for the next DI Council meeting on Monday, March 18 from 5:30-6:30 at Mary Fields School. Attendees will have a chance to learn more about the races and get involved via volunteer, vendor or sponsorship opportunities. For more information about the races, please visit www.marshtackybeachracedaufuskie.com
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From the Daufuskie Crab Company:
The Daufuskie Crab Company will be serving corned beef, cabbage, and red bliss potatoes for $9.95 on Saturday and Sunday from 11AM til 9PM. We will also have $4 Jameson shots available Saturday and Sunday.

Bluffton students put Daufuskie sites on Google Maps

By TOM BARTON — tbarton@beaufortgazette.com

Earth to Google: How come you can't find information about historic sites on Daufuskie Island?

H.E. McCracken Middle School teacher Pam Davis asked the question after her husband took her on a tour of the island for her birthday.

Davis was shocked by the dearth of online information about the tiny Sea Island that has been designated as a historic district on the National Register of Historic Places because of its Gullah and Civil War history.

"There was nothing on Google Earth," Davis said. "So I thought, 'What a perfect opportunity for a unique and engaging project for students to work on.' "

Ninth-graders from Davis' Google applications class at H.E. McCracken in Bluffton are now about a month into a semester-long project, creating 3-D models of historic sites on Daufuskie Island to upload to Google Earth. The class traveled to Daufuskie on Feb. 25 to collect measurements, pictures and GPS coordinates of the locations.

Haig Point covered the cost of the ferry ride for students.

"People will now be able to find these locations on Google Earth and click a link to a website students will set up, and learn the history of each location," Davis said.

Student Liz Shrieve, 15, pulls up a satellite image of Daufuskie on her laptop and begins searching for GPS coordinates for some of the sites. Then she opens an application that will allow her to sketch a 3-D model of the praise house beside the historic First Union African Baptist Church to upload to Google Earth.

The praise-house tradition traces its origin to antebellum times, when slaves seldom were allowed to attend services with whites or to congregate in large numbers, because of plantation owners' fears they might hatch a rebellion. Instead, slaves could assemble in a modest house or cabin on a plantation's row of slave quarters.

When the class is finished, people will be able to take a virtual walk around the buildings from their computers, tablets or smartphones.

Researching the island has been tricky but rewarding, Shrieve said.

"Daufuskie is just a small island off the coast of South Carolina and ... finding things on just little Daufuskie has been really difficult," she said. "But it's definitely worth it. There's a ton of history, and for other people to learn that, like we are, is very rewarding."

She said the class has also taught her and her classmates about maps and architecture and how to use spreadsheets and 3-D modeling applications.

The class also has experimented with geocaching -- a treasure-hunting game of sorts, in which travelers use a GPS device to hide and seek containers with other participants.

"They go and take something from the geocache, such as little toys or knickknacks from the area, and leave something for the next person," said Colleen Beck-Ungvarsky, district educational technology coordinator.

"It's something fun for families to do in year-round touristy areas like ours. By doing this, students are able to promote community and activity in this area ... drawing people to these historic sites, which many might know about or cannot find."

Follow reporter Tom Barton at twitter.com/IPBG_Tom.

Read more here: http://www.islandpacket.com/2013/03/10/2414323/bluffton-students-put-daufuskie.html#storylink=cpy

Middle School Students Work Hard to Put Daufuskie Island on Google Maps

BLUFFTON, S.C. (AP) - Students at a Bluffton middle school want to make sure the world knows about Daufuskie Island.

The Beaufort Gazette reports (http://bit.ly/12GL261 ) that McCracken Middle School teacher Pam Davis noticed there wasn't much information about Daufuskie on Google Earth. So ninth-graders from her Google applications class are creating 3-D models of sites on the island they visited last month to later upload to Google Earth.

The island is designated as an historic district on the National Register of Historic Places because of its Gullah and Civil War history.

The island may be best known as the location where novelist Pat Conroy once taught. He related his experiences in his memoir "The Water is Wide" which was later made into the film "Conrack."

Information from: The Beaufort Gazette, http://www.beaufortgazette.com