Spotlight surveying for deer wrapped on Kiawah
BY THERESA STRATFORD For The Island Connection
If you recently noticed spotlights around Kiawah Island and maybe even in your yard, don’t worry; you aren’t being watched! It’s that time of year again to count deer, and they only do it at night.
Directed by the Town of Kiawah Island, the January 28 and 29 deer count marked the second count in recent months. The first one occurred in early November of 2024. Town biologists count the deer each year to get a sense of the density of the deer population in a certain radius.
In November, the count showed a density of 68 deer per square mile. That is an increase from 2023, when the density was at 57 per square mile. The target density is 60 to 80 deer per square mile.
The counting takes place at night, which is when deer actively feed. Spotlights are used to count deer in usually high deer-populated areas.
Spotlight surveys are important to determine a manageable deer population. Deer overabundance could lead to the number of deer outnumbering the amount of food available, which would lead to disease and malnutrition.
November and January survey results will be averaged to develop the official 2024 density estimate. After the January 2025 survey is complete, a recommendation on the need for
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New requirements for business licenses on Kiawah
BY THERESA STRATFORD
The new year has made its debut with quite a bang. Snow, a new president and for business license carriers on Kiawah Island, there’s a requirement to renew.
Beginning in 2025, all businesses will be required to submit income-verifying documents along with their license renewal form.
That means that businesses must include documentation verifying reported income when submitting the paperwork. If they fail to comply, the renewal process will be significantly delayed until the correct paperwork is submitted or the renewal could be denied.
The additional documentation will help the town confirm the accuracy of business license fees, as these are calculated based on reported income levels.
One of the following documents is accepted when reporting income:
• Federal or state income tax return, which must clearly show Kiawah gross receipts
• Profit and loss statement, which must clearly show Kiawah gross receipts
• Reports from the company’s finance software that show Kiawah gross receipts
• Contracts for Kiawah projects or sales
• South Carolina state sales tax returns
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For The Island Connection
PHOTO BY JOSEPH THOMPSON
PHOTO BY JOSEPH THOMPSON
PHOTO BY SUSAN COOMER
PUBLISHERS OF
The Island Eye News, The Island Connection & SiP Magazine
Christian Senger AssistAnt Publisher
Denise K. James editor denisekjames@gmail.com
Swan Richards grAPhic design
Advertising advertising@mylonews.com 267-225-0192
Lynn Pierotti consultAnt lynn@luckydognews.com
TBackpack Buddies is Back!
KIAWAH WOMEN’S FOUNDATION LAUNCHES ANNUAL FUNDRAISER
BY TERRI BURKE For The Island Connection
CONTRIBUTORS
Theresa Stratford
Sarah Reynolds Future
he Kiawah Women’s Foundation’s (KWF) annual fundraiser started February 1 and continues through March 1. KWF reaches out to the community for financial support just once a year with the KWF’s Backpack Buddies Challenge.
Working in partnership with Angel Oak Elementary and Haut Gap Middle Schools on Johns Island as well as Frierson Elementary on Wadmalaw Island, KWF has served local children and their families in the Lowcountry since 2013. We recently expanded our mission to include Minnie Hughes Elementary School on Yonges Island. With 94% of its pupils designated as living in poverty, our services are a welcome new resource for this underserved Lowcountry community.
Children from families with incomes below the poverty level receive weekday breakfasts and lunches from our partner schools. Our flagship Backpack Buddies program extends that support when the school day ends. Each week during the school year, KWF volunteers pack and deliver up to 350 bags, each containing 12 shelf-stable food items that children can prepare for themselves, whether after school or over the weekend.
KWF just finished packing 120 holiday gift bags for local teens who have aged out of other holiday gift programs. We continue to support student hygiene needs by stocking a hygiene closet with personal necessities at the high school and middle school, as well as sending home dental kits to the elementary and middle school students who receive our weekly food bags.
Based on feedback from school staff, we’re supporting new initiatives: a uniform project, providing school uniforms and clothing for students whose families struggle to afford required clothing; clothing closets for children who might need a change of clothing throughout the day; and a summer journal project to support elementary and middle school students in case-managed programs.
Overall inflation and skyrocketing food costs are some of the many strains on the
struggling families we serve. Sponsoring a child for the school year costs $250. Please consider making a donation; any amount helps support our programs.
Donations can be made on the website at
Kiawahwomensfoundation.org or by check payable to Kiawah Women’s Foundation, 130 Gardeners Circle, PMB I, Johns Island, SC 29455. All donations are tax deductible.
Civic Calen dar
TOWN OF KIAWAH
Environmental Committee
Wednesday, February 12, 1 p.m.
Kiawah Island Town Hall
Board of Zoning Appeals
Monday, February 24, 1 p.m.
Kiawah Island Town Hall
Arts & Cultural Event Council -
Planning Session
Tuesday, February 25, 9 a.m.
Kiawah Island Town Hall
Ways & Means Committee
Tuesday, March 4, 10 a.m.
Kiawah Island Town Hall
Town Council
Tuesday, March 4, 1 p.m.
Kiawah Island Town Hall
TOWN OF SEABROOK
Environment and Wildlife Committee
Thursday, February 13, 10 a.m.
Seabrook Town Hall
Town Council - Special Called Meeting
Thursday, February 13, 11 a.m.
Seabrook Town Hall
Public Safety Committee
Tuesday, February 18, 10 a.m.
Seabrook Town Hall
Town Council
Tuesday, February 25, 2:30 p.m.
Seabrook Town Hall
Board of Zoning Appeals
Wednesday, February 26, 1 p.m.
Seabrook Town Hall
a deer harvest in February 2025 will be made.
Deer harvesting takes place with the assistance of the Department of Natural Resources. If there are too many deer, a certain amount will need to be eliminated, and since hunting is prohibited on the island, approval by Town Council would be required to allow DNR to manage the deer harvesting.
It’s necessary to manage the deer population due to the absence of many predators who would normally manage it naturally. There aren’t enough bobcats or coyotes, and alligators do not manage the population well enough.
A skilled “marksman” takes out the deer only in selected areas, and the shots rarely exceed 50 feet in distance. Mature does are usually targeted since they contribute most to overpopulation.
A manageable total deer population on Kiawah Island is between 600 and 700. Deer can be found equally in forests, fields and in suburban neighborhoods.
that show what income and taxes were reported for Kiawah
• Signed letter from the company’s CPA stating the company’s Kiawah gross receipts and that they acknowledge it is correct
• Notarized letter from business owner stating the company’s Kiawah gross receipts and that they acknowledge it is correct
• VRBO and Airbnb income reports that show Kiawah gross rental sales
The new income verification paperwork will be required when submitting for renewal online or in person. The 2025 license renewal period started on February 1. Businesses will need to submit their verifying documents along with their renewal form by April 30.
Every person engaged or intending to engage in any calling, business, occupation or profession referenced in whole or in part within the limits of the town is required to pay an annual business license fee based on gross income. Business licenses are valid for one calendar year beginning May
The Town of Kiawah Island’s website reads, “Deer reproduce quickly, and when their numbers are not controlled they can overpopulate an area, resulting in damage to themselves as well as the surrounding natural environment. The 30 to 35 bobcats that patrol the island are an important source of control for the deer herd. Bobcats typically take a large number of fawns during the summer months. Another significant source of mortality for deer is automobile collisions. Approximately 20 deer are hit each year by automobiles on Kiawah Island. In addition, alligators also occasionally eat fawns or adult deer.”
Deer herd studies began on Kiawah Island starting in 1996. The herd was deemed healthy at that time, but deervehicle collisions were a major problem. An experimental fertility control program began in 1999, which resulted in 50% fewer fawns and a reduction in deer-vehicle collisions by 75%.
The current deer harvesting program began in 2021 to help maintain a 60 to 80 deer density population per square mile on the island.
1 and expiring April 30. Renewals received after April 30 are considered delinquent and subject to a late fee of 5% per month. A new business shall be required to have a business license before operating within the town.
Information pertaining to business license renewal can be accessed on the Kiawah Island website at citizenserve. com/Portal/PortalController.
Kiawah Island enacted the business license ordinance in 1993, which specifically states that where every person engaged or intending to engage in any business, calling, occupation, profession or activity engaged in with the object of gain, benefit or advantage, in whole or in part within the limits of the Town of Kiawah Island, is required to pay the annual business license tax for the privilege of doing business and they must obtain a business license.
The tax is different based on the income obtained. Rates and other information can be found at kiawahisland.org/business_licenses/ index.php.
KIND WORDS FROM A BUYER
Support Keeper of the Wild at the February fundraiser oyster roast
BY ELIZABETH ST JOHN For The Island Connection
On Sunday February 23, support
Keeper of the Wild as you enjoy the fragrance of freshly steamed oysters at the Carriage House at Magnolia Plantation. Delicious chilis, including vegan chili, and desserts round out the menu. Beer and wine may be purchased, and all bartender tips will be donated back to Keeper of the Wild, thanks to the gracious volunteer bartenders. Music, a raffle and a silent auction featuring locally crafted items add to the excitement of greeting new and old friends. Auction donations are welcome, and pickup can be arranged.
Keeper of the Wild is a rescue and rehabilitation center for injured, abandoned and displaced wildlife, serving over nine counties and Charleston’s islands. Over 3,500 animals are treated and released each year. To date, more than 160,000 wild animals have been restored to their function in the wild.
In cases where an animal cannot attain full function, it may be used in teaching. Extreme care is taken to keep the animal wild and to minimize contact with humans so it can be restored to its natural existence after healing.
Founded by Janet Kinser, the center operates debt free and is staffed by amazing volunteers and veterinarians. In April 2024, the prestigious Elizabeth Bradham Humanitarian Award was
Furman University Dean’s List Fall 2024
The following Furman University students who live in your area were included on the dean's list for the 2024 fall semester. Furman's dean's list is composed of full-time undergraduate students who earn a grade point average of 3.4 or higher on a four-point system.
Furman is a private, undergraduate liberal arts and sciences university of 2,500 students in Greenville, South Carolina. The university is noted for its rigorous academic program and strong faculty. Its 940-acre campus is widely recognized as one of the most beautiful in the nation.
At the heart of the university's academic experience is The Furman Advantage, a personalized, four-year pathway that combines engaged learning with immersive experiences outside the classroom. The Furman Advantage prepares students for lives of purpose, successful careers and community benefit. Learn more at furman.edu/ furman-advantage.
Johns Island, South Carolina
• Beck Dean. Dean's parents and/or guardians are Michelle Dean and Derek Dean.
• Isabella DeCosty. DeCosty's parents and/or guardians are Fiore DeCosty and Angela Rumph.
• Catherine Hester. Hester's parents and/or guardians are Jerry Hester and Julia Hester.
• Meagan White. White's parents and/or guardians are Robin White and David White.
bestowed on Mrs. Kinser. It is the highest award the Charleston Animal Society gives, on an occasional basis only, to “individuals whose accomplishments in alleviating the suffering of animals create significant and lifelong impact in our local community and beyond.”
Recently, the Keeper of the Wild and Magnolia partnership has led Magnolia Plantation to include a Wildlife exhibit
in their plantation tours. Keeper of the Wild is a 501C3 nonprofit organization located at 1606 Coolers Dairy Road, Walterboro, South Carolina, 29488. For tickets to the oyster roast, please go to keeperofthewild.org/donate, or mail your check to the above address. For auction item donation pickup, please call Suzanne, 808-341-9021.
ISLAND TREASURES TAG SALE
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2025
8:00 AM - 3:00 PM
KIAWAH ISLAND TOWN HALL
4475 Betsy Kerrison Parkway
Discover a variety of curated treasures, from luxury items and artwork to home décor and sporting goods. Proceeds support the Kiawah Conservancy’s mission to protect the natural beauty and biodiversity of our sea islands—every purchase makes a difference!
FChasing the Milky Way FOLLY
PHOTOGRAPHER
CHRISTINE JONES VISITS SEABROOK
BY JEFFREY DAVIS For The Island Connection
olly Beach local Christine Jones has been an avid photographer for over 15 years with special interests in astrophotography, wildlife, landscape, infrared, surf photography and urban decay. She’s been published in numerous magazines, and her photos have won several awards, including honors at the North Charleston Art Fest and the Coastal County Fair. In her presentation, she will discuss:
• Picking the right date and time, phase of moon and location for achieving captivating photos of the Milky Way.
• Planning and executing a Milky Way mission – which equipment, which camera settings and how to set up and shoot results which are well worth leaving the house in the middle of the night for.
• Post-processing tips to make your images really pop.
You can see a portfolio of her work at christineu-jones.pixels.com or on Instagram as @photosbycujones or @follysurfphotography .
This presentation will appeal to photographers of all levels, even if you’ve never attempted to take a night sky image. Jones has also graciously offered to guide us on a Milky Way mission beneath our beautifully dark Seabrook Island North Beach sky on March 1, weather cooperating. We hope you can join us on February 20 for the workshop.
Date: Thursday, February 20
Location: The Lake House at Seabrook
Time: 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Cost: Free for SIPC Members, $5 for SI Birders Members, Guests $10 Donation
Access: Non-residents, please email seabrookislandphotographyclub22@gmail.com to arrange a gate pass.
Kiawah Conservancy to Host Island Treasures Tag Sale for Conservation Efforts
BY JENNIFER WILSON WOODY For The Island Connection
The Kiawah Conservancy is set to host its muchanticipated Island Treasures Tag Sale on Saturday, February 22, offering a unique shopping experience while supporting the preservation of the region’s natural habitats.
The event, which runs from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Kiawah Island Town Hall, is open to the public. Shoppers can browse an array of carefully selected items, including luxury goods, household décor, sporting equipment, artwork and more.
All purchases will directly contribute to the Kiawah Conservancy’s mission of protecting and conserving the biodiversity of the local sea islands. Attendees can pay via cash, credit card or Venmo (no checks), and all sales are final.
“This is more than just a shopping event,” said Vickey Wile, Kiawah Conservancy advancement and
Scan to hear this week’s installment of “LESSONS FROM THE ANGEL OAK” Young Brigid and John learn spiritual lessons and wisdom from the centuries-old Angel Oak located next to St. John’s Episcopal Church.
fundraising committee chair.
“It’s a way for the Kiawah, Seabrook and Johns Island communities to come together in support of the natural beauty that makes our islands so special.”
Getting a head start on your pre-spring cleaning? This is the perfect opportunity to declutter while making a difference. Donate your gently used items to support the Kiawah Conservancy and its mission to preserve the natural beauty of our sea islands.
The donation drop off dates are Thursday, February 20 and Friday, February 21 from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. at Kiawah Island Town Hall. Conservancy staff and volunteers will be available during drop-off hours to assist with unloading donations.
For more details on the event and a list of accepted donation items, visit kiawahconservancy.org/island-treasurestag-sale.
ONGOING
WHAT: BEEPLE
around the islands...
WHERE: Gibbes Museum of Art, 135 Meeting St, Charleston WHEN: Daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
MORE INFO: The Gibbes Museum will feature Beeple's latest kinetic sculptures. Beeple, a trailblazer in digital art, gained worldwide recognition. His work has been showcased in several prestigious museums.
WHAT: Sea Island Farmers Market
WHERE: 2024 Academy Rd., Johns Island WHEN: 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
MORE INFO: A year-round delight for locals and visitors alike. This market offers a wide variety of fresh produce, artisanal foods and handmade crafts. It's the perfect spot to start your weekend with a basket full of farm-fresh goodies and unique finds.
WHAT: Cars & Coffee
WHERE: Freshfields Village WHEN: 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
MORE INFO: The monthly Cars & Coffee event happens on the third Saturday of every month, showcasing unique cars and offering the opportunity to purchase coffee from Java Java.
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 7
WHAT: Author Luncheon with Signe Pike and Victoria Benton Frank WHERE: Halls Signature Events, 5 Faber St., Charleston WHEN: 12 p.m.
MORE INFO: Join Blue Bicycle Books for an author luncheon with Signe Pike, bestselling author of "The Lost Queen" series. Pike will be discussing the latest in the series, "The Shadowed Land," in conversation with Victoria Benton Frank. Tickets are $42 for the three-course lunch.
WHAT: Atlanta Rhythm Section
WHERE: West Beach Conference Center
WHEN: 7:30 p.m.
MORE INFO: Formed from the cream of Atlanta’s studio musicians, the Atlanta Rhythm Section came together in 1970, with “So Into You” becoming their breakthrough single. After an extended break, the band got back together in the mid‘90s and have entertained audiences all over the world with their many Top 10 hits.
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 8
WHAT: 10th Annual Building Healthy Communities 5KRun/Walk & Wellness Expo WHERE: Hampton Park, 30 Mary Murray Dr., Charleston WHEN: 8 a.m.
MORE INFO: The 10th Annual Building Healthy Communities 5KRun/Walk & Wellness Expo also includes an after-party, award ceremony, and raffle. All proceeds for the event will benefit the MUSC Children’s Health Wellness Works Program.
WHAT: Save the Light Half Marathon and 5K WHERE: Folly Beach
WHEN: 8 a.m.
MORE INFO: This race supports the preservation of the Morris Island Lighthouse by Save the Light, a grassroots nonprofit organization formed in 2000 to save the lighthouse from being lost to the sea. Both the half marathon and 5K races are USATF-certified and start and finish near the Folly Beach Pier.
WHAT: Blizzard Bash 5K & Fun Run
WHERE: First Baptist High School, 2051 George L Griffith Blvd., James Island WHEN: 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.
MORE INFO: The First Baptist Hurricanes and the Porter Gaud Cyclones are teaming up for this 5K fundraiser to help send their long distance runners to the USC Cross Country camp. After the 5K, there will be a Fun Run for ages 6-11.
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 9
WHAT: 2nd Sunday on King Street
WHERE: King Street, Charleston
WHEN: 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.
MORE INFO: King Street will be shut down to through traffic from Queen to Calhoun, roughly half a mile. Strolling guests can enjoy music, shopping, dining, and more.
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 12
WHAT: Open House with Photographer J Henry Fair
WHERE: Coastal Conservation League, 131 Spring St., Charleston
WHEN: 5 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
MORE INFO: Join the Coastal Conservation League for an open house featuring photographer J Henry Fair. Learn about the inspiration behind some of J. Henry Fair’s most influential works and the yearslong collaboration between the artist and the Coastal Conservation League. Select prints and books will be available for purchase, which will support the Conservation League.
WHAT: Bourbon & Bounty
WHERE: Garden and Gun Headquarters, 701 East Bay St., #115, Charleston WHEN: 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.
MORE INFO: Friends of G&G are invited to gather at the magazine’s headquarters for the fourth annual Bourbon & Bounty—an intimate Southern supper inspired by the land, sea, and sky prepared by celebrated Southern chefs. Join them for a cocktail hour followed by a multi-course meal prepared by chefs Daniel Heinze of Vern’s and chef David Bancroft of Acre and Bow & Arrow, accompanied by Blade and Bow Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey cocktails, live music, and wine pairings.
WHAT: Andy & Friends: Chamber Trio featuring Orion Weiss and Mak Grgić
WHERE: West Beach Conference Center, Kiawah Island
WHEN: 7:30 p.m.
MORE INFO: Experience an unforgettable evening of music with Americans in Paris. A thrilling chamber trio performance brought to us by fan-favorite pianist, Andy Armstrong. This evening features guitarist Mak Grgić and fellow pianist, Orion Weiss. Contemporary guitar master Miroslav Tadić’s “Laments, Dances, & Lullabies” brings a vibrant, modern flair, followed by Lyapunov’s “Transcendental Etude,” Op. 11, No. 10, ‘Legshinka.’
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 13
WHAT: Jazz Night
WHERE: Freshfields Village WHEN: 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
MORE INFO: Jazz Night is held every second and fourth Thursday of the month from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Porch Bar of the Andell Inn. Guests of the Andell Inn and others can enjoy live music performances from local Charleston groups in a cozy atmosphere.
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 14
WHAT: Southeastern Wildlife Exposition (SEWE) WHERE: Various WHEN: Feb. 14-16
MORE INFO: SEWE will celebrate its 43rd showcase at multiple venues throughout downtown Charleston. For more information on the event, visit sewe.com.
WHAT: South Carolina Ballet: “Romeo and Juliet” WHERE: West Beach Conference Center, Kiawah Island WHEN: 7:30 p.m.
MORE INFO: Experience the timeless tale of love and tragedy brought to life as the South Carolina Ballet. Set against the backdrop of Verona, witness the passionate romance between the star-crossed lovers amidst the feuding families. With exquisite choreography and dynamic storytelling, immerse yourself in the beauty of Shakespeare’s classic tale.
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 18
WHAT: Art Film: “The Great Caruso” WHERE: The Sandcastle, Kiawah Island WHEN: 3 p.m.
MORE INFO: “The Great Caruso” is a 1951 biographical film starring Mario Lanza as famous operatic tenor Enrico Caruso. No tickets required.
Toast Under the Oaks returns to Johns Island
BY SARAH REYNOLDS For The Island Connection
Beverages, live music and beautiful scenery await guests at Toast under the Oaks at Johns Island County Park this spring! The event will be held on Thursday, March 6 and Thursday, April 3, from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. each day.
This popular happy hour event is held beneath the sweeping live oak trees at this scenic park on Johns Island. Beer and wine are included with admission. Each event will also feature two food trucks selling fare on site. Tickets are $20 per person in advance or $25 per person at the event and
Fort Moultrie to host “A Strike for Freedom” event
BY BRETT SPAULDING
For The Island Connection
The National Park Service is pleased to announce that park staff will host “A Strike for Freedom: The Underground Railroad at Fort Sumter and Fort Moultrie” on Saturday, February 15 at 10 a.m. in the Fort Moultrie Visitor Center theater. The event will celebrate the recent inclusion of Forts Sumter and Moultrie into the Underground Railroad Network to Freedom program. This is a National Park Service program dedicated to telling stories of those seeking freedom from enslavement.
The event will feature park rangers from Fort Sumter and Fort Moultrie National Historical Park and the Network to Freedom program. Visitors will have the opportunity to learn about the Network to Freedom program and hear about the escapes from slavery that qualified the park sites for the program. Immediately following the talks there will be a plaque presentation. At 1 p.m., a park ranger will provide a walking tour of the Fort Moultrie grounds to highlight the harbor paths that enslaved persons traveled to freedom.
Portions of the event may be recorded and featured in educational materials for the Underground Railroad Network to Freedom program. A $10 entrance fee is required for adults 16 and over to enter the park; military veterans and visitors with an America the Beautiful pass receive free entry.
Fort Moultrie is located at 1214 Middle Street on Sullivan’s Island. The park represents the history of static seacoast defense in the United States, from the American Revolution to the end of World War II. The park is open daily, and there is a site fee. For more information call 843-883-3123, visit nps.gov/fosu or follow the Facebook page. To visit Fort Sumter, you will need to contact Fort Sumter Tours for ferry tickets at fortsumtertours. com. More than 20,000 National Park Service employees care for America’s 430+ national park sites and work with communities across the nation to help preserve local history and create close-to-home recreational opportunities. Learn more at nps.gov, and on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube.
TA Community Tree
BY VICTORIA BOCK For The Island Connection
oward the end of 2024, Lowcountry Land Trust brought together designers, cultural historians, park logistics experts, conservationists and community advocates, all dedicated to preserving the unique character and beauty of the cherished Angel Oak and its surrounding landscape. Together, we reviewed the comprehensive plan for the Preserve, presented by Nelson Byrd Woltz Landscape Architects and Liollio Architecture.
During the dynamic discussions, attendees shared valuable feedback on key topics, including the overall site plan, security fencing, the welcome center and interpretive zones. These insights will help shape the Preserve into a place of reverence, education, and connection for future generations.
Thank you to everyone who participated—we greatly appreciate your time and input. For those who couldn’t attend, there will be plenty of additional opportunities to engage and contribute as we continue this journey in creating the Preserve together.
What We Heard from the Community:
• Protect the land without barriers: Ensure accessibility to both people and wildlife while preserving the sacredness of the space.
• Sustain community connection: Develop plans that ensure long-term stewardship while engaging local communities.
• Celebrate the stories of the land and its people: Honor those who came before us and emphasize the Preserve’s historical and cultural significance via design and interpretation.
• Create a welcoming and educational space: Center the Angel Oak as a witness to history and a keeper of knowledge, designing spaces to accommodate small groups and programming.
• Foster respect for the tree and its surroundings: Tell the story of saving the Angel Oak and the community’s role in preserving it.
• Expand on Indigenous and Gullah Geechee histories: Acknowledge the true history of the land and hold space for untold stories.
How We’re Responding in Our Planning:
• Continuing to collaborate with cultural historians and community keepers to create inclusive, layered storytelling elements throughout the Preserve. Educational signage and exhibits will reflect the diverse narratives that make this land so meaningful.
• Exploring materials and methods to blend security features seamlessly with the landscape and create natural barriers, minimizing visual disruption, protecting the tree, and maintaining accessibility.
• Reassessing gathering space limits to ensure that we can accommodate small groups and educational programming opportunities comfortably.
• Hosting another community roundtable and other events to deepen our community engagement.
• Continuing to connect with Sea Islands and Charleston County residents to ensure equitable and inclusive outreach.
• Permitting and preparing for public reviews with the City of Charleston.
Your support can make a difference by helping to create the welcome center, walking trails, interpretive signage and educational programs that connect people to the beauty and significance of this reverent place.
You can contribute to the design and creation of the Angel Oak Preserve by spreading the word, volunteering your time, attending events, sharing your knowledge and skills, or making a donation. By preserving the Angel Oak, we honor the past, nurture the present, and inspire the future.
Roseate Group of Wells Fargo Advisors named one of Forbes 2025 Best-In-State Wealth Management Teams
Roseate Group of Wells Fargo Advisors has been recognized by Forbes as a Best-In-State Wealth Management Team for 2025. This accolade recognizes teams that are setting the benchmark for best practices and consistently providing an excellent client experience.
“We are honored to be named as one of Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Management Teams. We believe this recognition is a testament to our team’s unwavering commitment to delivering personalized, strategic guidance to our clients and keeping abreast of industry trends,” said Robert E. Vingi, Jr., Private Wealth Financial Advisor. “We take immense pride in helping individuals and families achieve their financial goals, and being included on this prestigious list makes us grateful for the trust our clients place in us every day.”
Roseate Group, based in Charleston, South Carolina, is comprised of 11 team members. Financial advisors Robert Vingi, David McCallum, Wendy Brewer, Aaron Barber and Howard Edwards collectively oversee more than $3 billion in client assets as of January 1, 2025.
2025 Forbes Best in State Wealth Management Teams
2025 Forbes Best-in-State Wealth Management Teams: Awarded January 2025; Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based on the time period from 3/31/233/31/24 (Source: Forbes.com). The Forbes Best-in State Wealth Management Teams rating algorithm is based on the previous year's industry experience, interviews,
compliance records, assets under management, revenue and other criteria by SHOOK Research, LLC. Investment performance is not a criterion. Self-completed survey was used for rating. This rating is not related to the quality of the investment advice and based solely on the disclosed criteria. 11,674 wealth management teams were considered for the rating; 5,331 (45.66% percent of candidates) were named 2025 Forbes Best-in-State Wealth Management Teams. About Wells Fargo Advisors With $2.147 trillion in client assets as of October 11, 2024, Wells Fargo Advisors provides advice and guidance to help clients maximize all aspects of their financial lives. Our vast network of financial advisors, one of the nation’s largest, serves investors through locations in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Wells Fargo Advisors is a part of Wells Fargo Wealth & Investment Management (WIM), one of the largest wealth managers in the U.S. WIM provides financial products and services through various bank and brokerage affiliates of Wells Fargo & Company. Brokerage services are offered through Wells Fargo Advisors. Wells Fargo Advisors is a trade name used by Wells Fargo Clearing Services, LLC, and Wells Fargo Advisors Financial Network, LLC, Members SIPC, separate registered broker-dealers and non-bank affiliates of Wells Fargo & Company. All data includes Wells Fargo Clearing Services, LLC and Wells Fargo Advisors Financial Network, LLC, as of October 11, 2024.
For more information visit wellsfargoadvisors.com.
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