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?