Site Last Updated November 3rd, 2008  4:58pm EST

Thanksgiving Wishes for Our Neighbors

Here we are in the early days of November, a great time to remember the good things in our lives as the Thanksgiving season approaches.  Looking back, we reflect on the progress our group has made since January 8, 2008 when we convened a meeting to set our organizational agenda for the year.  We wanted to bring you up to date with what we have accomplished these past 10 months due to your dedication and hard work for which we are thankful:
 
·Election of Officers and the Board of Directors
·Organizational Structure and Bylaws
·Website with our philosophy, mission, goals and contact sources
·Yard Sale Fundraiser in February
·Second Annual Pig Pickin’ Social
·Night at the Riverdogs Baseball Game
·Monthly meetings of the Board of Directors
·Observer Corps members attending city meetings and reporting action each month
·Met with Candidates for State House Seat and transcribed interviews as a service to voters
·Met with IOP City Council members to discuss our goals and ways of working cooperatively toward those goals
·First Annual Oktoberfest Social
·IOPNA Newsletter sent to residents last week
·Created an IOPNA logo
·Made T-shirts with the IOPNA log which are for sale for $15
·Sent invitations on October 28, 2008 to the Planning Commissioners inviting them to meet with our Board to discuss our goals.
·Announcement that the new and updated website will be available in 2-3 weeks
 
Our most recent event, IOPNA Oktoberfest, held on October 25, 2008 at the Exchange Club, was a huge success.  We had a large and happy crowd who enjoyed the wonderful food and German beer.  Many new residents attended and it was fun to take time to visit with and talk to our neighbors. The weather cooperated by providing us with a lovely evening and one of the most spectacular sunsets one could imagine. We were able to give away a number of door prizes thanks to the generosity of the following Isle of Palm businesses and individuals.  Please remember to give them your business: 

• Isle of Palms Marina
• Morgan Creek Grill
• Splash
• My Favorite Things
• Barefoot Bistro
• Huck's
• Coconut Joe's
• Acme Cantina
• Red and White
• Mingo's
• M.J. O'Brien
• Joanna Harper
• Seabiscuit Cafe

We will have a general membership meeting early January to elect officers.  A nominating committee is preparing the slate of candidates. We will notify you as soon as the date is confirmed.
 
Please remember that this is not a fee based organization.  We rely on your generosity both for volunteer efforts and for financial support.  Our coffers are low after the mailing of our newsletter which cost about $800 and the Oktoberfest expenses that included advertising, rental, beer and sausages, decorations etc. For example, it costs $100 for the use of the Exchange Club for our meetings and events.  So we thank you for your support and hard work thus far this year and appeal to each of you to contribute whatever you can to our organization to support our continued work on behalf of the residents of the Isle of Palms.  Donations can be sent to our Treasurer, MJ O’Brien, at 5819 Back Bay Drive, Isle of Palms, SC 29451.
 
As mentioned above, we are selling t-shirts to raise money for the IOPNA. The IOPNA t-shirts are long sleeve forest green with white lettering with the new IOPNA logo on the back and a palm tree on the front.  They are really smashing.   Sizes include small, medium, large and extra large.  The fee is $15.  For information about buying our beautiful IOPNA T-shirts, please contact me:  clmalloy@comcast.net 
 
As your President and in the spirit of Thanksgiving, I want to express my gratitude and that of our Board of  Directors for your presence in the life of our community and in ours.
 
 
Sincerely,
Catherine Malloy, President

Isle of Palms Residents Join Forces to Help Solve Quality of Life Issues on the Island

Welcome to the Isle of Palms Neighborhood Association. We are a large (and growing) group of concerned citizens who are working to help protect the quality of life in our island's neighborhoods. The reason we exist is to make sure that our elected officials are aware of the increasing problems created by the encroachment of short-term rentals into our residential neighborhoods.

We are not, you may be surprised to find out, against all short-term rentals. We are, however, adamantly opposed to mini-hotels and event facilities being operated in our residential districts. We are also opposed to the current practice of ignoring our city ordinances that govern the behavior of short-term rental tenants.

There are, of course, a myriad of issues surrounding the city's handling of short-term rental properties. We invite you to learn more by visiting our section on Key Issues. We also invite you to get involved. Join our mailing list and visit our section on How to Get Involved. Your voice is important!

Lastly, if you'd like to assist financially, please go to our Donations page to learn how you can help.