SUZANNE DETAR Last week several teenage youth enjoyed jumping off the rope and swing on Bellinger Island. Residents have raised concerns about the safety of the swing as well as about underage drinking, drug use and litter on Bellinger Island.

Bellinger Island has long been a place for Daniel Islanders and their guests to take in the Lowcountry’s beautiful natural splendor. Pristine marshlands, a winding tidal creek, a lush wooded glen of oaks and pines, walking trails, and spectacular sunsets are just a few of the many things you can enjoy there. But some in the community feel that this special place is being tarnished by leftover trash and evidence of unruly behavior .

"I use that area sporadically," said Jim Murphy, a Daniel Island resident who lives nearby. "It’s gotten worse over the years (with) the teenagers over there…The whole area is really for the community and as it stands now everyone has a little fear of going over there, which upsets me. I’m concerned."

 

Atlantic skies have been mercifully quiet thus far during this year’s hurricane season.

But the economic storm currently buffeting Lowcountry families could have profound psychological effects on people of all ages, according to Cherie Tolley, who is CEO of Palmetto Behavioral Health System (PBHS) in Charleston.

"As the economy worsens, no one is immune, no matter what their socio-economic status is," said Tolley. "Everybody is potentially having problems coping in their family or community right now with this tough economy. I anticipate that we could see a rise in suicide attempts and gestures along with an increase in substance abuse."

TOM RATZLOFF Volunteer Tom Liu and homeowner Joy Allen teamed up to clean mold off Allen’s bed last Saturday. Friends, neighbors and concerned residents turned out to help the Allen family salvage items from their mold-infested home.

Friends, neighbors and concerned residents raced gathering rain clouds to help a displaced Daniel Island family clean and salvage select items from their mold-infested home last Saturday morning.

Nine weeks ago physicians advised Ben and Joy Allen and their two young daughters to move out of their $419,900 D.R. Horton-built house at 100 Jordan Court after testing revealed apparent construction defects and elevated toxic mold levels. The precautionary move was made because Ben has multiple sclerosis and 3-year-old Madeleine has neutropenia, two conditions that can be exacerbated by mycotoxin exposure. Joy and Ellie, 4, have been healthy since living on Jordan Court. The Allens purchased their home in 2005.