Page 3 - PGA Community News - January '21
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January 2021 January 2021 PGA C.A.N.!, Page 3
From The Editor: BE HERE NOW…
While visiting the the Eastatoe River. Most recently in 2017, Patrick D. photographed the structures deep beneath the surface of
western Carolinas recently, McMillan, Dan Whitten and Kay Wade visited the granite the water. A church and graves from the graveyard were
I was impressed with the cliffs that were created when the dam was constructed. relocated before the lake was created but some gravestones
number of lakes with They were astonished to discover 2,000 plants of a desert remain at the bottom of the lake.
recreational activities. fern normally found in Arizona and west Texas. They Physical structures from our past may not last
In the early 1900s, Duke returned several times with photographers to document throughout our lives. The omnipresent COVID-19 virus
Power (now Duke Energy) their revelations. The most surprising fern was the also makes us aware of the unforeseen circumstances that
and its predecessor Copper Fern. It was the first recording of this triangular can alter the way we live. Nature is remarkable in its varied
companies desired to create frond species in the eastern United States. At first, they gifts. In this new year of 2021, let us focus on family and
hydroelectric power in the could not get close to it physically so they viewed it with friends who have provided strength to face the challenges
area. They sent scouts along binoculars. They returned with a young member of their we encounter. The boat ride reminded me to be conscious
the rivers to determine the group and an expert climber, Cody Davis, who clambered of the present, enjoy it and relish the time we have together.
feasibility of building dams and the resulting effect on up the rock and retrieved some samples. They have been Pasted on the inside of the boat was a profound thought,
the land. When they decided to proceed with their plans, dried and are now located in the herbarium at Clemson BE HERE NOW.
they would start to purchase properties. University to officially document their presence in the Until next month…
Some residents have memories of their lives on western Carolinas. James A. Cioffi, Editor
land that is at the bottom of a lake. Debbie Fletcher has The biggest challenge was to determine how the ferns james@jcclaw.com
documented the creation of Lake Jocassee in her books, arrived at that man-made granite cliff. The question may
Whippoorwill Farewell Jocassee Remembered and Images never be solved but there would be other discoveries around
of America Lake Jocassee. I found the lake by looking at the lake. Three of the ferns, abundant in the southwestern
states in limestone rock, constantly shed spores that could
a map of the North Carolina/South Carolina border. I saw make their way in the prevailing upper air currents and Community
a body of water encompassing 7,500 acres with 75 miles
of navigational shoreline and depths of 350 to 400 feet. take root in this enormous granite cliff-face. The desert
ferns are found on the southwest and western exposures
My research showed a boat tour company in Devil’s Fork of the cliff. The shape of the cliff forms a cove and also Safety
State Park, Salem, South Carolina.
It was a beautiful autumn morning when I entered the provides a north facing exposure where another fern was
park and drove to the dock area. Two hours on a pontoon discovered growing just above the surface of the lake. The By Keith Echols, Director of Security
boat with a guide. The sun was shining brightly as we moderate temperatures provided by the lake, the drainage Allied Universal
left the shore. Unlike most of the other lakes, Jocassee provided by the angle of the cliff and the unique weather Happy New Year everyone!
has limited development around it. Duke Energy retained of the area have come together to transform something I hope everyone had a joyful and safe holiday. As
ownership of some of the area and has allowed some created by the destruction of a mountain by Duke Power we move forward to put the trials and tribulations
areas to be leased. To my surprise, the climate in the in 1968 into a paradise for ferns that are unique to this of 2020 behind us, I would like to begin 2021 on a
Jocassee Gorges is tropical rain forest. One of the rock area. positive note with hope of continuing with the same
cliffs we visited has species of plants that are very rare in As we traveled around the lake, we encountered progression. In 2020, PGA National saw a great
the east. Dynamite was used on some of the granite rock beautiful waterfalls that can only be seen from the water. decline in its overall serious crimes. Crimes such as
when the Jocassee dam was created in the late 1960s and We learned that Attakulla Lodge is at the bottom of the lake vehicle and residential burglaries were down over 40
early 1970s. The entire hillside was blasted, quarried and along with other structures and trees. It was a hotel within percent from the previous year.
denuded of all vegetation. The beginning of the movie, 60 feet from the Whitewater River. Guests escaped the Your participation and vigilance are largely
Deliverance, shows the area during construction. heat of Atlanta, Columbia and Charleston – many staying responsible for the decline in crime within PGA
Botanists first discovered a fern over eighty years ago the entire summer. The Lodge was two stories high with National. You remembering to lock your vehicle
in the Gorges that is native to Jamaica in its gorges along a wraparound porch. Perfect for a vacation. Divers have doors helped. Remembering not to leave valuables
in plain sight in your vehicles helped. Remembering
to set your alarm, installing cameras, reporting
suspicious people and activity all helped with
increasing the overall safety of everyone within PGA
National. Keep up the great work!
As we embark on 2021 and await the unknown
challenges, we must remember to always think safety
first. Here are a few additional safety tips offered by
the Palm Beach Gardens Police Department that may
help you avoid some unforeseen pitfalls along your
journey. When getting gas, do not leave purses and
wallets on the front seat or center console of your
vehicle. Do not leave your key fob in your vehicle. If
you go to an ATM, check for people around the area,
check ATM for skimmers, and make sure the ATM is
in a well-lit area and a safe location.
As your security provider, we are always ready to
lend a hand and together we can make a difference.
Never hesitate to call security at (561) 627-1600, if you
see something, say something. Report all suspicious
people and activities. Remember to close your garage
door when not in use and always set your alarm when
you leave your home.
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