DI News History - December 7, 2017
TEN YEARS AGO - Recreation parks to be enhanced by the city
In the December 6, 2007 issue of The Daniel Island News, one of the feature articles spotlighted plans to enhance some of the island’s recreation parks. For example, construction of new baseball fields would be added to the park behind Daniel Island School (now named Freedom Park). After months of delays, the two new baseball fields were stalled when a contractor failed to create the proper depth of clay on the fields. “The ball fields were to be built six inches deep with clay, and in some areas it was two and in some it was three,” said Councilman Gary White. “That was a challenge. The parks department had to come back in and rework some of that clay.”
Also in the news was an article about resident Keith Singleton, who, in Oct. of 2007, set a world record for speed and craftsmanship at the 18th annual Wooden Boat Challenge. For the competition, he and his building partner constructed a 12-foot Monhegan rowing skiff in 2 hours, 27 minutes, 33 seconds. They won the festival’s “Golden Caulk Gun Award” for their efforts. Of the boatbuilding competition process, Singleton had this to say: “It takes an incredible amount of concentration and focus. We work in a small 10-by-15-foot area and spectators stand right on the line, which they should be careful of because of all the flying bits of wood and debris. You wouldn’t believe the level of participation and exhilaration among the teams. It’s exhausting work.”
FIVE YEARS AGO – Holiday shopping safety tips
An article in The December 6, 2012 issue of The Daniel Island News featured the Daniel Island Tree Patrol’s successful year. The patrol was formed at the suggestion of then acting Daniel Island Neighborhood Association President Mac McBride. As a result of the team’s efforts, close to 2000 trees were pruned over the previous year. The volunteer patrol, made up of more than 20 island residents representing multiple neighborhoods, trimmed trees hanging over city streets and sidewalks to enhance safety and aesthetics. Danny Burbage, City of Charleston Superintendent of Forestry at the time, offered high praise for a job well done.
In other news, Charleston police shared tips on holiday shopping. Taking a few prevention measures can help keep your holiday season joyous, they said. The holiday season is a time when busy people can become careless and vulnerable to theft and other holiday crimes. Here are a few of the tips shared by police that you can use this season!
• Shop during daylight hours whenever possible. If you must shop at night, go with a friend or family member.
• Park your car in a well-lit area.
• Before you get out of your car, make sure you do not leave anything in sight. When you come back, peek inside your car to make sure no one is there.
• Always be sure to have your key or key fob out and accessible.
• Avoid overloading yourself with packages. It is important to have clear visibility and freedom of motion to avoid mishaps.