Lost and Found

Recently a resident in Cheryl Curren's building e-mailed her that she possibly lost her engagement ring while walking her dog in the early evening. Cheryl told her to put a notice on the bulletin board and that she would send an e-mail to our building residents and representatives in case anyone should find it.

A long shot, but when John arrived to start his rounds he read the notice and so was on the lookout while walking to the doggie station. He returned to the cart before continuing to get his gloves because his hands were cold. He dropped a glove and when it hit the curb a leaf was disturbed and revealed the lost ring! She certainly was a happy girl when John knocked on her door to return it.

Thank you to Cheryl and John.

Don't you just love a happy ending!

Automobile Security Tips

One of our residents recently had gas siphoned out of the tank of his car while it was parked on the property.

Here are some tips to help prevent theft of your car and its contents–plus steps you can take to help recover it in the event of a crime.

• Stow packages, purses and GPS units OUT OF VIEW in the trunk or storage compartment of your car.
• Always lock your car with the windows rolled up.
• Add a locking gas cap for added security, consider this even if the access door locks from inside the car.
• Add a steering wheel lock.
• Be sure to have a Retreat registration sticker on the windshield.
• Be sure to have copies of your car registration, tag number and insurance information securely stored in your home or in bank deposit box.
• Take digital photos of your car, include a view showing license tag.

Take Care - Be Aware

Best Wishes for the Holiday Season!

Wishing you the joy of family, the gift of friends and the best of everything throughout the season and the year to come.

Please stay safe if you travel and stay cozy if not!

–The Retreat Board of Directors
Brian, Bob, Danielle, Karen and Tom

Have You Seen Marked Trees?

Not to worry!

The folks putting orange tape on some of our trees are vendors who will be giving the board proposals for tree trimming early next year. Trimming will not take place until some time after the new year.

New Growth

Some of the new plants at the building entrances
are adding foliage.

Contact us if you would like to know
what is planted in front of your building.

Our National Bird Visits
Our Woods

Diana Baugus snapped this terrific pic behind 400. May very well be one of a pair of Bald Eagles (AKA "American Eagle") that have an established nest near the First Baptist soccer fields just off Ft. Johnson Rd. A new neighborhood was being built there when their gigantic nest was discovered in 2 pine trees at the end of a cul de sac. A protected preserve was established for the nesting area–the cul de sac is theirs. Speaking of preservation, eagle populations are recovering after being on the brink of extinction in the U.S. The species was removed from the U.S. federal government's list of endangered species on July 12, 1995 and transferred to the list of threatened species. It was removed from the List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife in the Lower 48 States on June 28, 2007.

Watch The Egret's Call for more about our magnificent Lowcountry Birds of Prey, coming next week.

Our 3rd Quarter Meeting for 2013

The October 2013 HOA meeting included a most enjoyable gathering of neighbors, a delicious spread (including some OctoberFest goodies) and a couple of characters in costume. 

The Board really appreciates getting feedback and suggestions from the owners. A special thanks to everybody who helps out with our gatherings and to our industrious committee members for their accomplishments on projects such as the fountain.

Snow White steps out in style.

Grill Meister Bob stays on task
while his assistants ham it up.

What's Not to Love About Fall

Every season has its perks, but none like autumn. Tart NC apples, Krispy Kreme pumpkin doughnuts, anything pumpkin flavored for that matter, Octoberfest brats and brews. Not sure why the food came to mind first. Now I'm thinking open windows, sweat-free strolls and soon, cozy fires.

The propane has been turned on and Berkeley Propane is scheduled to fill the tanks on October 9th. Did everyone get the email sent by CMG containing instructions for lighting your gas fireplace and propane safety information? You can access the safety information online at http://cmgcharleston.com/2013/10/important-propane-safety-information/ (Lighting instructions PDF should be available to download shortly–Jen is working on it.)

Won't be long until we can head upland to tour the fabulous fall foliage. Right down here in the lowcountry, though, The Preservation Society of Charleston started their Fall Tours this week and they run through October 27. Experience the grandeur of our architecture with historic guided tours and lectures. https://www.thefalltours.org/tours.php

My son once asked why are there seasons. I replied, "God knows we can only stand so much of this (fill in the blank). It just doesn't apply come fall, save for the occasional Katrina, Karl or Karen.

Next HOA Board Meeting:
Thursday October 24, 2013
Meeting starts at 5:30, then join us afterward for a Cookout. Please bring a side dish to share and beverage of your choice. Let's celebrate the season and treat ourselves a bit early for Halloween. We're looking forward to a big turnout and delicious food–weather should be coolish, costumes ghoulish... 

Please come in costume (not required).

Let’s get a head start on Halloween!

HONOR.      GRATITUDE.      ROCK & ROLL.

Lt. Dan Band to play benefit

for injured veterans at The Citadel

Gary Sinise and the Lt. Dan Band will perform Sept. 14 at The Citadel’s Johnson Hagood Stadium.

The band, founded by Kimo Williams and Sinise, is named after the character Lt. Dan Taylor, whom Sinise portrayed in the movie “Forrest Gump.”

The concert is a benefit for The Independence Fund, which helps provide injured troops with the tools, therapies and guidance that they otherwise are not receiving.

The event is expected to draw more than 250 severely injured veterans and caregivers from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, according to a press release.

Tickets are available online at LDW4.org. They are $20 general admission.

Those interested in sponsoring the “Lt. Dan Weekend” in Charleston may obtain more information and download the sponsorship pack at LDW4.org.

Hey, it's a Potluck dinner

and all residents are invited!

Where: The Retreat Clubhouse
When: Thursday August 29, 6:00 p.m.
What to Bring: Please bring a dish to pass Potluck and your own beverage–No burgers or dogs will be grilled. Plates, cups, utensils and napkins will be provided.

Hope to See You There!

Venomous Snake Advisory

It's rare but we can cross paths with venomous snakes around our woods. Right now, due to the heat, local snakes are more likely to be out at night and in late afternoon or early morning when they aren't as easy to see.

The trail, where it runs along the woods and the edges of the ponds are the most likely places to encounter one.

A small copperhead snake was seen on the trail during the late afternoon last weekend.

Juvenile Copperhead, similar to the one seen on our trail.

Adult Copperhead

Snake Safety is Simple!

RULE ONE-A:

Keep an eye out for what's ahead. Use a good flashlight or hands-free headlight when the light is low.

RULE ONE-B:

Keep your dog on a leash and under control. Keep your cat indoors!!

What to Do if You See a Snake

Snakes can only strike a distance of one-half to two-thirds their body length. If you encounter a snake on the trail, just turn around or give it at least six feet of room and go around it.

In Case of Snake Bite

If you are bitten, the most important thing to do is to stay calm. First, call 911 to get help on the way and to get any necessary treatment as quickly as possible. Second, keep the bite wound below the level of your heart. Finally, try to get a cell phone picture of it and/or try remember what the snake looked like so you can share this with medical caregivers.

Want to Learn More?

Learn more about our local snakes and how to ID both harmless and venomous species. Email a note to tom.retreat@gmail.com or call CMG.

Get Additional Copies of the Disaster Plan

You can download a PDF file copy of the 2013 plan to print out additional copies of the Evacuation Plan or just the Evacuation Questionnaire.

The link is listed under Documents on the CMG website page for The Retreat:
http://cmgcharleston.com/retreat-at-riverland/

New Disaster Plan for The Retreat

A newly updated Disaster Plan was approved at the quarterly meeting on July 18, 2013. It includes important phone numbers, severe weather descriptions and steps for preparing yourselves and your condo for an impending hurricane. Evacuation routes and procedures are included along with guidelines for sheltering-in-place.

Evacuation Questionnaire:
This document includes an Evacuation Questionnaire that you are to fill out prior to the arrival of a storm. It will contain your plans to either evacuate or shelter in-place. These will be collected by the Emergency Committee along with the Building Reps.

Volunteers Needed:
In conjunction with the Disaster Plan, the Board is asking for volunteers to form an Emergency Committee. If you are interested in volunteering for the Emergency Committee, please contact Community Management Group.

Command Center:
The Retreat Club House is the emergency command center for the community and will be used to coordinate preparations for the storm and damage repairs after the storm.
The Emergency Phone Line 843-633-1275 will be active for the use of the emergency committee to account for and relay information to residents.

When there is a threat of a hurricane, the management company will contact you with up-to-date contact information and instructions from the HOA Board of Directors.

The Emergency Committee will alert you to prepare for the storm.

Before the Storm - Before You Evacuate:
Please fill out the Evacuation Questionnaire with your plans to either evacuate or shelter in-place.

Summer Cookout - HOA Meeting

Summer Cookout!

There will be a cookout after the HOA meeting on Thursday July 18th. It's at the clubhouse and all residents are invited to attend. The HOA will provide goodies from the grill. Please bring a side dish to share and a refreshing beverage of your choice.

Marker Flags

Have You Seen the Little Green Flags Around Some Buildings?

There are numerous little marker flags around several buildings. These are being used to mark downspout/drainage lines that have been cleaned out and repaired by crews from The Greenery.

Please Do Not Remove or Disturb Flags.

Board members will be doing a walkthrough with the Greenery to make sure that they have addressed all our concerns and also to update our diagrams for future reference.

What's happening in Hummingbird Woods?

The baby hummingbirds say "hello"

Thanks to Danielle Lowe for more amazing pictures.

Fountain Progress!

Application of the Line-X spray-on protective coating
to the inside walls
and floor of the fountain pool

Water beading up nicely on the slate top after being
sealed with coating

Back in Action!
"Thank You" to the Fountain Committee

History Right Next Door

Have you ever wondered what those historic preserve signs along our fence really refer to? There was a system of earthworks and fortifications known as batteries built in this area during the Civil War.

Jim Hay forwarded this aerial view courtesy of Grahame Long, Curator of History at The Charleston Museum. The heat sensing imagery reveals (A) The Retreat (B) Earthworks (the zig zag line) (C) Battery 1 (D) Battery Pringle and (E) Stono River. (We'll try to get a larger print of this added to the bulletin boards.) You can learn more by taking the Signature Tour at the Dill Sanctuary's Confederate Fortifications. It’s one of The Charleston Museum Signature Series Tours led by museum curators. The Museum, their two historic houses and their curators can offer unlimited topics for your group, such as decorative arts, women’s history and culinary tours as well as military history. Learn more: http://www.charlestonmuseum.org/visit-group-tours

Hummingbird Update

“I’m a sleepy baby but you can see my fluffy feathers!” Another amazing glimpse into the nest at “Hummingbird Woods” from Danielle Lowe.

New Pine Straw - Fresh Paint

New bales of straw have been distributed to cover the area around the clubhouse, the entrance drive approaching the fountain, the rear of building 200 and the open area between buildings 1000 and 1100.

Painting/repairs were completed at building 300 and The Retreat sign at the entrance.

Front Gate Update and More

Work is to begin on several maintenance and beautification projects around the property.

A welder has been given the go ahead to repair the sliding gate at the main entrance. Once it is operating properly, then the arms will raise and lower normally. Again, the keypad access is programmed in such a way that the arms would not operate independently of the gate in this case.

The cleaning and repair of the rain gutters and  downspout systems will be underway. All the gutter leaf guards will be inspected and a report generated in preparation for repair and replacement as needed.

The Greenery will be starting on new landscaping for the main  entrance to each building. Adjustments will be made to the irrigation system  as needed to ensure that these areas will receive proper watering. This is part of Phase One of a Master Plan for overall improvements. Many thanks to the landscaping committee for helping to develop and facilitate an ongoing plan for enhancements and care. As our natural areas mature, needs change for our growing things.

–The Retreat Board of Directors

Notice Regarding Our Ponds

Please be advised that the insurance company that provides "General Liability" coverage for The Retreat requires us to have "No Swimming or Fishing" signs posted at all the ponds on our property. We were recently advised that if we do not comply with this provision in our insurance policy that it would be cancelled. We have therefore taken the necessary steps to comply with these provisions and CMG will shortly be posting the signs at all the ponds.

–The Retreat Board of Directors

    Tropical Storm Andrea Alert 

The first named storm of the 2013 season is headed right for us. Expect winds of 15-35 mph from the SSW with gusts to 40 mph beginning just after midnight tonight (Thursday June 6) through Friday. There is a flash flood warning in effect for coastal South Carolina through 12 noon Friday. Rainfall total of 3-5 inches is expected.

Please bring in or secure hanging baskets, bird feeders and such on your porches. Move furniture that you don't want to get wet. Make sure your unit windows are closed and locked and car windows are up.

Some James Island roads may be flooded. Please try to stay off the roads if you don't have to be out. The intersection of Folly and Ft. Johnson and along Central Park Rd. near the creek are among areas that are quite flood prone. There may be limbs blowing down.

There is an 80% chance of rain for today. The forecast looks pretty good for Saturday but more rain is in the forecast for next week.

Beyond the Gates (Charleston Area Events):

Charleston Water Taxi

Here’s an excursion you might not have considered. Get an all day pass to cruise over to “East of the Cooper” on your own leisurely schedule. Boats depart from “our side” at the Maritime Center and there are 3 destinations to choose from: Patriot’s Point, Shem Creek and Charleston Harbor Resort and Marina. They have some sightseeing cruises in addition to the ferry service.  http://www.charlestonwatertaxi.com/

Farmers Markets Now In Season

The Charleston Farmers Market is now open in Marion Square each Saturday from 8-2 for fresh vegetables, herbs, fun foods, ingredients and the creations of local artisans.The Mount Pleasant Farmers Market is at Moultrie Middle School on Coleman Boulevard Tuesdays 3:30 til dusk.

Summer 2013 at Folly

Calendar includes something fun for everybody: shagging/fishing tournaments on the pier, run/walk event and bring you dog Yappy Hour concerts: http://www.follybeach.com/events/

We Have a New Alligator

He is a young male previously spotted in the small pond next to the volleyball court. It is likely that he’s on the move because the big gator in the large apartment ponds will not allow him to stay where he was. This is the time of year when male alligators are likely to be moving. It is unlikely that he will stay, as our pond has a lot of activity around it.

Please be aware that alligators move around and may show up in any of our ponds.

Enjoy gator watching but please ALWAYS KEEP YOUR DISTANCE! Stay 60 or more feet away. Photographers, use the telephoto lens.

DO NOT FEED ANY ALLIGATOR! It is illegal for good reason. It habituates them to humans and they associate them with food–not good! Though alligator attacks are actually very rare–only 11 have been documented in SC since 1948 (none fatal)–this is what can cause aggression.
The University of Georgia has a very informative alligator safety pamphlet.
http://srelherp.uga.edu/alligators/safety/AlligatorSafetyGeneral.pdf
We are placing a copy of it in the clubhouse.

Phil Baugus reports that this alligator is not making any attempt to approach him–a good indication that he has not been fed by people. Let’s keep it that way.

Any gator that gets a call on it is not moved, it is killed. Please let's live together in harmony with the alligators as with other critters in our woods. It’s theirs as well.

Many thanks to Michele Isaacs (building 1000) for her valuable input. 

Expectant Mom in Our Woods

Danielle Lowe took this remarkable photo of a mother hummingbird sitting on her nest from her 2nd floor unit and the view inside the nest from the 3rd floor. The nest is in the woods in front of building 800 where the hummingbird can sometimes be seen flying high in the trees. She is a regular resident here in the early summer. Can you see the bits of spider web extending below the nest? Hummingbirds often take advantage of web strands' strength and elasticity for building nests.

Thank you Danielle! Anyone else have wildlife photos to share? We'd love to see them. Please contact Tom Brown: tom.retreat@gmail.com.

By the way, the ideal formula for hummingbird feeder “nectar” is 1 cup granulated white sugar to 4 cups water. You can start out with just a bit more water to allow for loss by steam. Bring mixture to a boil, stirring gently and let cool before placing into feeder. Please DO NOT USE powdered or brown sugar, maple syrup, Karo syrup, Splenda, Equal, Sweet'N'Low, or Kool Aid–they all contains ingredients that will harm the hummers.

There’s no need for adding red food coloring or dye to the solution. It has no nutritional value and can cause damage to their kidneys. If you have a good feeder, there is no need to have red color to attract them. I have a friend in Tuscon who uses clear test tube-like bottles to attract flocks of them.

A Natural Talent Among Us

Thank you to Diana Baugus for sharing these remarkable photos taken around our neighborhood. Wildlife photography is uniquely challenging and Diana really has a knack for it!

Our Iconic Egret

Canada Geese and Mallards with New Families

Red Shouldered Hawk

Rumor has it, she's captured some more.

Hopefully, she will share!

What's Happening to Our Fountain?!

Please note: the fountain will be temporarily drained Wednesday May 15 for a few days/likely to stay drained over the weekend for a detailed inspection in advance of a Board decision to schedule resurfacing and resealing the inside of the fountain.  

You are not necessarily crazy if you think you see waders in the fountain or the water plume and lighting look different to you every week or two. The Fountain Committee is is experimenting with fountain nozzles and lighting effects.

These are steps in the committee's overall plan for restoring and improving our fountain and circle.

Submitted by Jim Hay, Fountain Committee Chairman

Termite Swarming Season

Spring is when termites hatch and fly off in swarms. See the difference between termites and flying ants.

Our contractors at Atlantic Pest Control perform regular termite inspections and apply preventative treatment. Plus, our building exteriors are constructed of brick and concrete siding, so there's nothing visible that termites can harm. So, should we worry?

It's wise for us all to be observant, as termites can actually squeeze behind the outer layers and sink their nasty little teeth into structural wood and other vulnerable materials. Termites can build earthen shelter tubes from the ground into structures for protection from predators and to help maintain a moist environment. Many times these tubes are built on inside walls or porches where they cannot be easily seen. In some cases, if water and wood are available from a source other than the soil, subterranean termites can establish a colony with no ground contact. Isolated, above-ground infestations may occur in buildings where termites have access to water from condensation, leaking pipes, roofs, or other sources.

What to watch out for: swarming termites, tubes of mud along walls or piles of sawdust.

 

Who to contact if you see a swarm or suspect termite activity: call Atlantic Pest Control at 795-4010 and contact Jen Webb at CMG: 795-8484 or jwebb@cmgcharleston.com

Beyond the Gates (Charleston Area Events):

The Post and Courier / Charleston SceneSpring Food Truck Rodeo

Lasso the best in street eats when 16 food trucks roll into The Post and Courier serving barbecue, sandwiches, hot dogs, creole, sweets, and lots more! Bring your lawn chair. Friendly pets welcome. Beer and wine available.

The Post and Courier Parking Lot • 3-10 p.m.

134 Columbus St., Charleston

Free admission! For more information:http://www.postandcourieradvertising.com/foodtruckrodeo/

Event will be held in the King Street lot across from The Post and Courier building. No coolers please.

Charleston Water Taxi

Here’s an excursion you might not have considered. Get an all day pass to cruise over to “East of the Cooper” on your own leisurely schedule. Boats depart from “our side” at the Maritime Center and there are 3 destinations to choose from: Patriot’s Point, Shem Creek and Charleston Harbor Resort and Marina. They have some sightseeing cruises in addition to the ferry service.  http://www.charlestonwatertaxi.com/

Farmers Markets Now In Season

The Charleston Farmers Market is now open in Marion Square each Saturday from 8-2 for fresh vegetables, herbs, fun foods, ingredients and the creations of local artisans.The Mount Pleasant Farmers Market is at Moultrie Middle School on Coleman Boulevard Tuesdays 3:30 til dusk.

Spring & Summer 2013 at Folly

Calendar includes something fun for everybody: shagging/fishing tournaments on the pier, run/walk event and bring you dog Yappy Hour concerts: http://www.follybeach.com/events/

Tommy Emmanuel

Australian guitarist and occasional singer, best known for his complex fingerstyle technique, energetic performances and the use of percussive effects on the guitar will perform at the Charleston Music Hall Friday June 14 at 8:00 p.m. To purchase tickets, visit Etix link on his site: http://www.tommyemmanuel.com/tours/.

Spoleto Festival 2013

Runs from May 24 throgh June 9. Info and tickets: http://spoletousa.org/home/

Piccolo Spoleto runs concurrently. Info at:
http://www.piccolospoleto.com/

Kudos to Phil Baugus

Speaking about past presidents of the board at our quarterly HOA meeting recently, I failed to mention that Phil Baugus and the board worked diligently to reduce the HOA insurance cost while he served as President of the Board of Directors. They were able to avoid raising HOA regime fees for 3 years. Only this past year did it increase by just a few dollars.

Thank you Phil and board members! -Phyllis Moseley, HOA Board President

Watch Out for Rustic Bearded Character on the Property!

Have you seen this woodsy fellow loitering around The Retreat? Rumor has it he’s hiding out from a gang of lumberjacks. Let us know if you can find him. Here’s a clue: he’s facing Southeast.

Please take a look and send us your idea to name him. Looks like he’ll be standing around for a long time.

A Milestone at The Retreat

Building #200 was 10 years old in February. Carol Marshal, one of our first three first residents to move in, still resides in #200. Carol also served on The Retreat's first Board of Directors for the Home Owners Association.

Have You Seen a Bag Lady in Our Neighborhood?

How many people saw our "bag lady", AKA Elizabeth Carstens, walking around all the buildings picking up trash last Saturday? Thank you so much Elizabeth!

You're Invited to a Cookout–Save the Date

There will be a cookout after the home owners meeting on Thursday April 18th. It's at the clubhouse and all residents are invited to attend. The HOA will provide hamburgers and hot dogs. Please bring a dish to share and beverage of your choice. More details to come–watch for a poster on the bulletin boards.

A Multicolor Spring has Arrived

Azaleas are coming in all over the property–I counted at least 5 different shades, from purest white to pale blush to boldest fuschia. Plus a brilliant burst of yellow, courtesy of the Lady Banks Rose at the pool house entrance.

By the way, has anyone spotted the new Mallard ducklings in the pond behind building 300?

New Umbrellas for the Pool and Clubhouse Deck

Six big new umbrellas have been purchased for the pool patio and clubhouse deck. Thank you to Cheryl and Denny Curren for finding such nice big umbrellas at a great price. They installed the first one on the deck Friday, March 29, just as the glorious Easter weekend weather started folks thinking about spring and summer outdoor fun.

Please remember to crank down the umbrellas when you leave to protect them from winds and stormy weather. Enjoy!