Botany Bay Plantation open for public access
July 11, 2008
Botany Bay Plantation, a 4,630-acre tract located on Edisto Island, is now open for public access.
The ecologically and historically significant property was privately maintained until recently by former owner, Margaret Pepper. The late Mrs. Pepper preserved the natural integrity of the land and fostered a diverse array of habitats including maritime forests, salt marsh, tidal creeks, freshwater ponds and hammock islands. The tract is now managed by S.C. Department of Natural Resources (DNR) as a part of the agency's Wildlife Management Area (WMA) program. DNR's stewardship of the property will continue Peppers' customary legacy towards enhancing habitat for all wildlife species while providing public access including compatible educational and recreational opportunities and uses of the land.
Recreational opportunities on Botany Bay Plantation WMA include seasonal hunting, catch and release fishing, birding and an interpretive driving trail.
DNR staff has been monitoring activities since the recent opening of Botany Bay Plantation WMA. The area's first public visitor, Hal Currey of Sullivan's Island, reported to have seen or heard 43 species of birds. Currey said, "You can find beautiful woods, freshwater ponds, brackish ponds, salt marsh, beach-front, tidal creeks, spectacular trees and views." Currey also expressed his gratitude towards the previous landowner and praised the donation of the property to the state, a move that allows all citizens the opportunity to visit an area sustainably managed for wildlife while allowing for public access and appreciation.
For the complete article see http://www.dnr.sc.gov/news/yr2008/july14/july14_botany.html
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Beaufort Water Festival - A Small Town Favorite!
The first festival was held in July, 1956 with John Bigbee serving as the first President and Gladys Thompson in charge of the visiting queens. The Lions Club took the job of putting on the first parade and has been doing so every year since.
In the early days of the Festival, it cost fifty cents to attend the Beauty Pageant, one dollar per couple to attend the Water Festival Ball (which was later changed to the Commodore's Ball) and two dollars to attend the Regatta Ball. The first weekend featured two days of sailboat races and the Regatta Ball. The following weekend begin with the Beauty Pageant on Friday where the Queen of the Carolina Sea Islands was crowned. The parade and ski show put on by the Beaufort Water Ski Club and an air show was the second weekend highlight in addition to the Water Festival Ball. All events were held on or adjacent to the municipal parking lot, and in case of inclement weather (we never use the word "rain" when speaking of the Festival), the pageant would move indoors to the Beaufort Elementary School and the Balls would be held in the Community Club.
As the years went by, the Festival began to draw more and more people to Beaufort from other parts of the State and on a national level. Events such as fishing and golf tournaments as well as a craft market, antique show, and art show were added to the line up so that the Festival had something to offer for every age and interest.
Over 400 volunteers work long hours to bring the events to the Festival. The Festival is able to offer our first class entertainment at such reasonable prices because of our loyal sponsors.
COMMENTS
This year the festival runs from July 11-20 with a variety of events and shows. For more information on the festival and events visit http://www.bftwaterfestival.com/cwo/Home There is something for everyone in the family!
-Jill Moylan
The Nickelodeon Theatre
The Nickelodeon Theatre is a small 77 seat store front theater located in Columbia SC on the corner of Main and Pendleton Streets, adjacent to the campus of the University of South Carolina. In operation since 1979, "the Nick", run by the Columbia Film Society, is home to two film screenings each evening and an additional matinee three days a week. The Nick is the only non-profit art house film theater in South Carolina and is the home for 25,000 filmgoers each year.
The Nick specializes in "appreciation of media arts in the community by presenting a wide variety of alternative films and sponsoring media arts events and educational programs."
COMMENTS
The Nick is a great place to see a movie outside of the commercial theatres in the area. For more information on shows and times check the Nick out at www.nickelodeon.org
-Jill Moylan
What Should You Know About a Buyer's Market
More home buyers have a better chance now than at any other time in nearly a half decade to negotiate a home-buying deal that costs less and comes with some concessions thrown in.
In many locations, buyers will find a glut of new homes, more motivated sellers, foreclosures, auctions, short sales and other market conditions that can make it a really good time to buy.
That doesn't mean throw caution to the wind.
Here's how to begin to navigate today's housing market, step-by-step, and make a good deal without getting taken.
On the other hand, if you wait for prices to fall further you could miss out on a good deal. No one knows when the market hits bottom until it begins a sustained upward turn and you can look back and actually see bottom.
Buy now because it's the right thing to do for you, because you need a roof over your head, because it's more affordable than renting and because you plan on sticking with the home long enough to make the deal pay off. Buy because homeownership is integral to your budget, your lifestyle and your goals.
You've got a lot to learn, but obtaining a broad base of knowledge about the home-buying process is a relatively easy task, requiring only your time and attention. You should sit down with your REALTOR® for the most effective guidance.
Accept national news for what it is, a broad brush stroke of current events. You want housing news and information that really hits home. Get your housing market information from credible publications and broadcasts covering your local market.
Part of your homework should include learning the boundaries of your buyer's market. Your market can be designated by a ZIP code, a small neighborhood, a greater community or some larger region.
Your Realtor is schooled in the history of local market trends and statistics. See comparables, track sale prices in your shopping area, use the local newspaper, online listing and for sale sites and other sources, to keep tabs on asking prices. Also visit open houses.
Written by Broderick Perkins
Jill Moylan
Keeping those things in mind, if you have any questions about the market in Columbia or Edisto, from seller or buyer perspective please feel free to contact me. I would be happy to help you in any way I can!
-Jill Moylan
Edisto Festival
Edisto Festival
Staff report
On July 6, the Edisto Island Historic Preservation Society will hold its annual festival 5-9 p.m. on the grounds of the historic Prospect Hill Plantation (circa 1792), 2695 Laurel Hill Road.. The festival will feature food, beer and wine, children's activities, artisans, a bluegrass band, and a huge fireworks display as the grand finale.
Tickets are $10 in advance and $15 at the gate. Children ages 10 and under are admitted free. Tickets can be purchased at the Edisto Island Museum, The Edistonian, Fish or Cut Bait Gallery, King's Market, Main's Market and A Shore Thing, all on Edisto Island. The event will take place rain or shine, and no pets or coolers are allowed.