Island Updates

If you’re looking to put the finishing touch on your holiday decorating and at the same time support a worthy cause, the Daniel Island Professional Group has the perfect solution. Made up of members who live and work on the island, the group created the ‘Wreaths For Kids’ program—a philanthropic project to benefit the new Daniel Island School. "We [DI Professional Group] outlined our mission as a desire to identify philanthropic opportunities to give back to the community. Our first commitment is to the new school," commented Gary White, a member of the Professional Group.

Out of this desire was born "The Daniel Island Wreath." "The Daniel Island Wreath" is 26 inch professionally designed holiday wreath made of fresh cut Frasier fir with boxwood, holly and white pine accents and adorned with a choice of green plaid ribbon or red ribbon with gold trim. The cost of the wreath is $38 with all proceeds to support the new school. In addition, the Daniel Island Community Foundation will match the amount made from this fundraiser dollar for dollar.

Virtually all of the expenses for this project were donated; the graphic artwork and design was created and donated by Holly White, ad space was donated by The Daniel Island News, as well as a table at the Holiday Bazaar, and signage and tents provided by Johnston Signs and Dr. Jimmy Smith.

White added that members of the DI Professional Group will meet with the new principal, Carolyn Morris, in order to "identify where the funds will go to have the most impact and make the biggest difference for the children."

To preorder your wreath, simply download an order form from the Daniel Island Community website at www.dicommunity.org, use the pre-order form in the Town Crier, or stop by the Property Owners Association office.

The wreaths will be offered for sale beginning November 26^th from 12-4 at a stand in front of the Wachovia Office on Seven Farms Drive. In addition, the wreaths will be for sale at the Holiday Bazaar on December 3^rd, as well as at the Christmas tree lighting, and again on December 10^th at the Wachovia Office from 12-4.

For more information call Gary White at 278-0646.

Last week the Daniel Island Property Owners’ Association announced the kickoff of the 2005 Street Tree replacement effort.

"Over the years, literally thousands of trees have been planted on Daniel Island," explained Jimmy Bailey, Vice President of Community Services. "Well planned and properly maintained streetscapes are an asset to our neighborhoods, both in terms of quality of life as well as being supportive of property values. We want to do everything we can to promote continued commitment to this effort."

Street trees are initially planted by the developer as homes near completion, but association covenants state that ongoing maintenance and replacement is the responsibility of the property owner. While the vast majority of the trees planted on Daniel Island have adapted and thrived, there is an occasional tree that struggles to survive after the installer’s warranty ends. Of the trees that don’t make it, possible reasons include poor soil conditions, disease, or improper maintenance. When this occurs, residents are invited to participate in the POA’s Tree Replacement Program.

"Working with the City of Charleston Urban Forestry Division, we are able to provide a replacement program that is effective and economical," Bailey said. "Beautiful street trees benefit the entire community, so the association shares the burden of replacement costs." Currently the association pays half of the $140.00 charged by the city to replace a tree.

Any resident that believes they have a tree that needs replacement should deliver a check for $70.00 to the POA office at 130 River Landing Drive, Suite 1C. Staff will compile a master list of all trees needing replacement and will submit it to the City of Charleston. Upon receipt of the list, city staff will assess each tree to determine if replacement is necessary. Refunds will be issued for trees the city deems healthy. The deadline for participation is 5:00 PM on December 16th.

BY TOM RATZLOFF, Special to The Daniel Island News

Charleston Police Lt. Anita Craven is island hopping this week as she says goodbye to Daniel Island to take the helm of the Patrol Team Three precinct that serves James and Johns islands.

The police department regularly rotates supervisors to various parts of the city. Daniel Island’s new police supervisor will be Lt. Harold Hill, who is coming here from the traffic division.

"Lieutenant Hill is a fantastic guy," said Craven, who came here a year ago. "He’s been with the department for over 20 years and will do a great job."

Craven said she enjoyed her time at Daniel Island and has high praise for Patrol Team Ten’s 16 officers.

"Since I’ve been on Daniel Island I’ve seen it grow exponentially," she said. "But that, coupled with the fact crime has not gone up, is gratifying. It’s expected that when an area grows you’ll have an increase in crime because of increased population and increased opportunity. The officers here should be given full credit for stepping up. Lieutenant Hill is a lucky man to get them."

Craven’s rise through the ranks to lieutenant has been meteoric. Born and raised in Charleston, she majored in psychology and business at College of Charleston. Since joining the department 13 years ago, Craven worked as a patrol officer, a crime prevention officer in the training division and in internal affairs.

"I didn’t have any family members who were in law enforcement," she said. "I just thought I’d like it and I did."