IC May 3, 2024

For the Sake of Seabirds

SEABIRD

SANCTUARY

IS TEMPORARILY CLOSED

BY SCDNR

For The Island Connection

The S.C. Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) has temporarily closed parts of Deveaux Bank Seabird Sanctuary to protect coastal birds during the nesting season. This closure occurs annually and is based on bird activity and suitable nesting habitat at the site.

Thousands of brown pelicans have already begun nesting on the island, which sits at the mouth of the North Edisto River. In 2023, Deveaux Bank hosted more than 3,000 pelican nests, which accounted for three-quarters of South Carolina’s nesting pelican population and made it the largest pelican colony on the Atlantic coast.

In April 2024, SCDNR biologists observed royal, sandwich, least and gull-billed terns and black skimmers flying low over the island, scouting for a stretch of sand to form their nesting colonies. Deveaux Bank often supports more nesting terns and

(continued on page 2)

Symbols of a Summer Sky

BLUEBIRD NESTING SEASON IS HERE FOR KIAWAH

BY THERESA STRATFORD

For The Island Connection

In literature, the bluebird has often been associated with happiness, joy and contentment. Henry David Thoreau once said, “the bluebird carries the sky on his back.”

Male Eastern Bluebirds are a brilliant royal blue on the back and head with warm red-brown on the breast. Blue tinges in the wings and tail of the females give their gray tone an elegant look. There is something to be said about experiencing the beauty of a bluebird in person. Interestingly, they prefer expansive and open areas that are densely vegetated. For example, golf courses provide a great habitat for a bluebird. Imagine seeing a vibrant bluebird against the brilliant green background of a golf course.

On Kiawah Island, seeing such a radiant image isn’t particularly far-fetched. Working to protect and sustain these native birds, the Town developed the Bluebird

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Protecting the Island Wild Cats

KIAWAH SCIENTISTS COLLAR SIX BOBCATS IN 2024 SEASON

BY THERESA STRATFORD For The Island Connection

very year from January through April, the Kiawah Conservancy traps and collars bobcats on the island for the purpose of identifying habitat patterns, denning sites, travel corridors, behaviors, survival characteristics and more.

This information is used to pinpoint specific areas or habitat types on the island that are of vital importance to bobcats and to update the Bobcat Management Guidelines for the Town. Studying the bobcats allows the Kiawah Conservancy to make educated suggestions and recommendations to all island entities and residents regarding the creation and preservation of bobcat habitats. For the 2024 season, Town biologists trapped and collared six bobcats altogether: four females and two males. Kiawah’s Wildlife Biologist Jim Jordan said, “We have been trapping and fitting bobcats with GPS collars each

winter since 2007. We typically try to put GPS collars on six bobcats each year. The collars will collect a location every four hours and the battery typically lasts a little over a year.” Once the battery dies, the collars fall off automatically.

When it comes to what an average day might look like for the life of a bobcat on Kiawah Island, Jordan said, “Kiawah bobcats spend most of their time resting during the day in patches of thick scrub-shrub habitat primarily in the dunes and along marsh edges. During nighttime hours, our bobcats can be found throughout Kiawah hunting in backyards and along roads and leisure trails.”

Bobcats are important to Kiawah Island because they are the top predator and provide vital natural control for the island’s deer and rodent populations. Fewer bobcats means more deer and more rodents

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PHOTO PROVIDED: TOWN OF KIAWAH

MYLO N EWS

UNLOCK THE LOWCOUNTRY

PUBLISHERS OF

The Island Eye News, The Island Connection & SiP Magazine

Denise K. James editor ICeditor@luckydognews.com

Swan Richards graphic design

Ada Jenkins web editor

Jeff Lovins sales manager JLovins@mylonews.com 843-885-8662

Lynn Pierotti consultant lynn@luckydognews.com

Christian LeBlanc social media christian@luckydognews.com

CONTRIBUTORS

Theresa Stratford SCDNR

Thad Peterson

Kristin B. Thompson Jeff Davis

Leah Donaldson

Elizabeth St John Jeni Howard

Bonnie Younginer John Nelson

Bluebirds

(continued from page 1)

Nest Box Program 27 years ago. Most of the boxes are located on area golf courses.

With about 25 volunteers to monitor the boxes and Town biologists working to maintain them, Kiawah Island is home to 215 nest boxes: a total of 45 at Cougar Point Golf Course, 31 at The River Course, 50 at Turtle Point Golf Course, 46 at Osprey Point Golf Course, 25 at The Ocean Course, 10 at Night Heron Park, and eight at the Sanctuary hotel.

The volunteers will monitor the nests, and, if the box has one, they will count the eggs and/or chicks present. The volunteers check their designated boxes once a week during nesting season, which is early April to the end of July. They submit their findings to the Town biologists.

Kiawah Island Wildlife Biologist

Aaron Given said, “Usually, only a pair of birds, a male and female, will lay eggs and raise chicks in a single box. They may use that box up to three times per breeding season, though.”

The data collected from the boxes is given to the Town biologists. They are primarily monitored for nests. Given explained, “If a box has a nest, volunteers count the number of eggs and/chicks present and determine if the nest successfully fledged young. When a nest has been completed and the young fledged, volunteers will clean out the box so that it can be reused again. Data collected from monitoring the boxes helps us ensure that the population and habitat is healthy.”

He said that if the island did not

Seabirds

(continued from page 1)

skimmers than any other site in South Carolina, making it one of the most important islands in the region for seabird survival. Seabirds nest on remote beaches that have little vegetation and lay their eggs directly on the sand during spring and summer months from April to July (or to October for brown pelicans).

Seabirds use every part of Deveaux Bank, including the intertidal zone. The wet, sandy beaches are essential for successful reproduction and migration, as birds use them for courtship, resting and raising chicks.

In addition to its nesting birds, Deveaux Bank also hosts tens of thousands of declining migratory shorebirds, including red knots, piping

provide these boxes, they would have far fewer bluebirds there. “Because natural cavities might be limited on Kiawah Island, providing cavity nesting birds, like Eastern Bluebirds, with artificial nest boxes will help preserve their populations. Golf courses provide expansive open areas that can mimic a bluebird’s natural nesting habitat.”

Although bluebirds may not nest as much in private yards, the Town encourages residents to provide a box on their property.

“Bluebirds do require fairly open areas, so densely vegetated yards may not attract them, but other cavity-nesting species like the Carolina Chickadee, Tufted Titmouse, Carolina Wren and Brown-headed Nuthatch will use them,” Givens said.

They also suggest feeding birds. The Town of Kiawah Island’s website details the different types of food that are best for attracting certain birds. Bluebirds prefer feeders with mealworms.

The webpage says, “because the availability of natural food sources changes throughout the year, supplementing a bird’s diet can be beneficial to them while providing an opportunity for you to enjoy them, too.” However, the webpage also stresses the importance of maintaining bird feeders.

“Feeders need to be maintained regularly to keep birds healthy. It is recommended that feeders be cleaned every two to three weeks to reduce the chance of birds getting sick from moldy seed or transmitting diseases to other birds.”

plovers and whimbrels, in need of rest and food. Quiet beaches that are free of predators and disturbance are essential to their survival during long journeys to and from their nesting grounds. Shorebirds feed in the intertidal sandy and muddy shoals on invertebrates such as marine worms, clams and horseshoe crab eggs. Due to erosion and overwash caused by storms in 2023, much of Deveaux Bank is now underwater from mid-tide to high tide. Because of Deveaux Bank’s regional importance to many birds of high conservation concern, all of the island, including intertidal shoals, is closed during the nesting season except for the southwest tip of the island nearest Edisto Island. In addition, no dogs are allowed

The Town of Kiawah Island also gives information on how to build a bird nest box at kiawahisland.org/wildlife/how_to_ help/nest_boxes.php. For more information on joining the Bluebird Nest Box Program, email Given at agiven@kiawahisland.org.

on any part of the property at any time. SCDNR officials have posted signs on the high ground of the island indicating closed areas. The interior, intertidal sand flats are not able to support signage, but these areas also remain closed to all landing and foot traffic, as they serve as critical feeding and roosting areas for a wide variety of birds. Officials ask the public to abide by the closures shown on the map and report any violations to the SCDNR Law Enforcement Hotline at 1-800-922-5431. Failure to comply can result in fines up to $465 and 30 days in jail (code 50-11-860).

For more information about SCDNR Seabird Sanctuaries, please visit dnr.sc.gov/ birdsanctuaries/deveauxbank.html.

TOWN OF KIAWAH

Ways and Means Committee

Tuesday, May 7, 10 a.m.

Kiawah Town Hall

Town Council

Tuesday, May 7, 1 p.m.

Kiawah Town Hall

Planning Commission

Wednesday, May 8, 2 p.m.

Kiawah Town Hall

Town Council Retreat

Thursday, May 9, 9 a.m.

Kiawah Town Hall

TOWN OF SEABROOK

Special Committee on Short-term Rentals

Monday, May 6, 10 a.m.

Seabrook Town Hall

Planning Commission Meeting

Wednesday, May 8, 1:30 p.m.

Seabrook Town Hall

Environment and Wildlife Meeting

Thursday, May 9, 10 a.m.

Seabrook Town Hall

Special Committee on Short-term Rentals

Monday, May 13, 10 a.m.

Seabrook Town Hall

PHOTO PROVIDED: TOWN OF KIAWAH

A True Angel

EXCHANGE CLUB HONORS

DR. LOUISE BAUCOM WITH ANGEL OAK AWARD

BY THAD PETERSON For The Island Connection

On May 15, members of the Exchange Club and others in the community will gather at Wingate Place for a banquet to honor Dr. Louise Baucom, this year’s recipient of the Club’s Angel Oak Award.

Dr. Balcom is recognized for her volunteer work with the Sea Island Blessing Basket program, Meals on Wheels, the Angel Oak Elementary School Summer Program and the Church of Our Savior in connection with the Betty Stringfellow High School Scholarships for Johns Island students.

“The Angel Oak Award Banquet is a major fundraiser for the Exchange Club of Kiawah-Seabrook Foundation.” says Ray

Hoover, club president. “The foundation has distributed grants exceeding $160,000 in 2023-24 to service providers on Johns and Wadmalaw Islands, and we invite all members of our community to celebrate with us.”

The banquet will be held Wednesday, May 15 at 5:30 p.m. at Wingate Place, 3850 River Road, Johns Island. Tickets are $100 per person and include dinner and live music by Joy Project.

The Exchange Club of Kiawah-Seabrook Foundation is a 501(c)3 organization and all contributions are tax deductible to the full extent of the law. To register, inquire about sponsorship levels, or make a donation, please visit ks-exchangeclub.com.

as well. The rise in deer numbers forced the Town to implement a deer management program to control numbers for the first time in history in 2021.

The Kiawah Bobcat GPS Project is the longest, most continuous GPS study on bobcats in the world and was developed by the Town of Kiawah Island, in partnership with the Kiawah Conservancy, 17 years ago. Since then, a total of 111 bobcats have been captured and fitted with GPS collars.

Although the Town started collaring the bobcats in 2007, they were actually studying bobcats long before that – since 1998. They report that the bobcat population remained fairly stable from 1998 to 2016. Then in 2017, they noticed an alarming trend.

“Beginning in 2017, we saw an increase in bobcat deaths on the island and a noticeable decrease in bobcat numbers, due primarily to the impact of SGAs,” Jordan reported.

The use of second-generation anticoagulants (SGAs) and rodenticides was the primary contributing factor and was responsible for at least seven bobcat deaths during 2019-2020. Biologists estimate that Kiawah’s bobcat population declined from a historic population of 30 to 35 to fewer than 10 during this period.

After the successful implementation of the Bobcat Guardian program in 2020, bobcat numbers stabilized and started to increase.

The Bobcat Guardian program is a community-wide pledge to participate in a commitment to banning the use of SGAs on individual properties. The Town asks that residents pledge to either tell their pest control provider the following: “I do not authorize the use of second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides (Brodifacoum, Bromadiolone, Difenacoum and Difethialone) on my property and I want you to use alternative methods.” Or, they take the following pledge: “I personally commit not to use the above products on my property.”

Besides taking the pledge and asking pest management companies not to use SGAs, Jordan said that residents of Kiawah Island can also help preserve and protect vital bobcat habitats.

The Town of Kiawah Island’s website says, “While Kiawah still has plenty of excellent bobcat habitat, it has less than it did 10 years ago. This means that bobcats have to travel further and expand their home range size to meet their needs. Because

bobcats are territorial, larger home range sizes mean fewer bobcats on the island. Also, increased travel by bobcats makes them more susceptible to vehicle collisions and other mortality events.”

The Town suggests that residents plant native plants on their property to help protect bobcat habitats. They recommend saw palmettos, yaupon holly, black needlerush, wax myrtle, saltmeadow cordgrass, little bluestem and broomsedge. They also suggest that residents let buffer areas grow back naturally.

Jordan provided results from their recent bobcat studies

• Increase in adult annual survival rates:

2019 – 33%

2020 – 25%

2021 – 83%

2022 – 83%

2023 - 83%

2024 – 100% to date

• Successful kitten production occurred in 2021 through 2023.

• Lower concentrations of SGAs were found in tested animals. Facts about bobcats from the Town of Kiawah Island’s website:

The breeding season for bobcats is February through April, and kittens are born 62 days later. The den is typically located under a brush pile, in a hollow tree stump or in a thicket of  palmetto. Kittens are born blind and remain so for 10 days. They are totally dependent on the mother’s milk for four weeks, after which the female will begin to bring rodents and birds back to the den for them. The female will also teach the kittens how to hunt and kill. When the kittens are 6 to 8 weeks old, they will typically leave the den but remain with the female for up to a year.

Bobcats are very opportunistic hunters and will eat a variety of animals, including rabbits, rodents, raccoons, birds, deer (primarily fawns during the summer) and even reptiles and amphibians. Bobcats often stalk their prey, sneaking in as close as possible before jumping to capture it. At other times, the bobcat will merely hide in an area where prey is abundant and wait for something to come along.

Bobcats are at the top of the food chain on Kiawah and have very few natural enemies. Anticoagulant poisoning, automobiles and disease are the greatest threats to bobcats, though disease is quite rare. Bobcats will live in close proximity to humans when suitable habitat is available, typically living on the fringes of development. Due to their secretive nature, bobcats are rarely seen. Current research focuses on identifying and preserving as much of their critical habitat as possible.

Bobcats are about twice the size of a house cat. Adult male bobcats weigh 18 to 25 pounds and adult females weigh 15 to 20 pounds.

For more information on Kiawah Island’s bobcats, visit kiawahisland.org/wildlife/ wildlife/mammals/bobcats/index.php.

Kiawah Island Garden Club Enjoyed a Flowering Season

BY KRISTIN B. THOMPSON For The Island Connection

On April 24, Kiawah Island Garden Club members visited Charles Towne Landing State Historic Site. The members had the opportunity to take a guided tour of the beautiful park. The park sits on a marshy point located off the Ashley River where a group of English settlers landed in 1670 and established what would become South Carolina.

The trip was the last activity of the program year, which began in September with a Nature Walk at Caw Caw Park, followed in October by a guided walk at the Battery and tour of Edmondston Alston House in Charleston. In November, members learned how to make a holiday mailbox decoration and filled pumpkins with flowers for Thanksgiving. A Holiday Luncheon at Jasmine Porch at the Sanctuary was the last activity of 2023.

Other activities of the season included when members traveled to Hyams Garden Center in January to learn about container gardening. In February, spouses and guests were included for a Camellia Walk at Middleton Place. Karen Madoff offered many insights and suggestions for planting a Climate Friendly Garden at the Sandcastle in early March. On the first day of Spring, the group arranged floral rings at the Pavilion at Night Heron Park.

On March 5, the Garden Club members listened to an impactful talk by Karen Madoff about all the positive benefits of planting native gardens in our Kiawah yards. We have an opportunity to pre-order beautiful, large quantity native plant packages at wholesale prices while supplies last. The plants were carefully chosen for their attractiveness and their proven ability to thrive on Kiawah, Seabrook and Johns Islands. The striking design templates which were created by the Kiawah Conservancy staff, serve as easy-to-follow planting guides.

There are two upcoming events sponsored by local groups. The Charleston Horticultural Society is sponsoring a Behind the Garden Gate Tour of several gardens on Kiawah. Longtime KI Garden Club member Edna Roberds is recruiting docents for the tour. The date is Saturday, May 25. Please contact Edna, ecroberds@ hotmail.com, if you would like to volunteer. For more information and tickets to the Tour, please visit chashortsoc.org. Purchased plant packages must be picked up on May 18 from 12-3 p.m. at Night Heron Park. Each plant will come in a small 5.5" or 4" pot.  The sale is being sponsored by the Kiawah Conservancy. For more information, contact Katie Warner katie@kiawahconservancy.org.

Kiawah Village Dentistry

Kiawah Village Dentistry

Dr. Plunkett and Dr. Arrington

Kiawah Village Dentistry is accepting new patients, please call and schedule your appointment today. From routine care to full smile makeovers, Dr. Plunkett and his caring staff are here to assist you. We are proud to offer the highest level of care to our community.

Park Ranger Gillian Taylor talks about the old growth trees at the Historic Site.

PHOTOS BY JOSEPH M. THOMPSON

Kiawah island Garden Club members visit the archeology site at Charles Towne Landing Historic Site.

Artistry and Science

PHOTOGRAPHY COLIN HOCKING AT THE NEXT SEABROOK ISLAND

PHOTOGRAPHY CLUB EVENT

BY JEFF DAVIS For The Island Connection

professional wildlife photographer and photo tour leader Colin Hocking as he shares the steps, settings and techniques it takes to capture those “once in a lifetime” moments that we might otherwise miss.

Hocking is a Licentiate of the UK Royal Photographic Society, a Coastal Master Naturalist and a member of the Professional Photographers of America and the Carolinas Nature Photography Association. He has been a freelance photographer for over 20 years and leads successful photo tours all over the Lowcountry. His combination of technical photography skills and his naturalist training allows him to approach nature photography with a hybrid of artistic and scientific perspectives.

At the Seabrook Island Photography Club meeting, he will share tools and tips he's learned from over 40 years of practice in the field. He’ll also show members how to avoid getting photos that are too bright, dark or blurred, and teach members some of the key elements to incorporate into imagery to make those photos stand out.

The event will be May 16 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Lake House and is free for all Seabrook Island Photography Club members. Nonmembers may attend for a $10 donation; please email seabrookislandphotographyclub22@ gmail.com to arrange a gate pass.

Bookworms, Rejoice! THAT

BIG BOOK SALE RETURNS AT OMAR SHRINE AUDITORIUM FOR 42ND YEAR

BY LEAH DONALDSON For The Island Connection

Book lovers and bargain hunters are in for a real treat when the Charleston Friends of the Library host its 42nd annual That BIG Book Sale the weekend of May 16-19 at the Omar Shrine Auditorium.

The public can expect more than 60,000 books in all categories, including Children’s, Fiction, History, Cooking, Gardening, Foreign Language, Classics and more, all on sale with prices starting at just $1. Proceeds from the sale support programming at the 18 branches of the Charleston County Library.

A first-hand preview sale for Friends of the Library members will be held on Thursday, May 16 from 4 to 7 p.m. Checks, cash, and major credit cards are accepted. A special appearance from the library’s mascot, Owlbert, is expected. This year, the BIG Book Sale will include a “Friends for Teachers” raffle as well –five $30 gift cards will be given to state teachers to support learning and literacy in their classrooms.

“Looking for something new to read at a really great price? Looking for an older book from a favorite author at a really great price? Looking for a way to help your community while giving the gift of reading to yourself or someone else? Then come to this book sale and share the joy of reading,” said Lauri Moffett, chair of the book sale committee.

The Charleston County Library appreciates the support of sponsors, volunteers and sale attendees for contributing to the success of That BIG Book Sale. Support helps provide access and opportunity for neighbors through branch programming.

Remember that becoming a Friend is a great way to build the path to learning and literacy. Follow along on social media for updates, @chslibfriends, and visit t charlestonlibraryfriends.org.

is a 35’ X 14’ slip (allowed 15% overhang ) with close proximity to parking, restaurants, and shopping.

A Wild Success

KEEPER OF THE WILD FOUNDER JANET KINSER HONORED BY CHARLESTON ANIMAL SOCIETY

BY ELIZABETH ST JOHN For The Island Connection

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t their 150th Annual Meeting and Celebration of Success, the Charleston Animal Society awarded the Elizabeth Bradham Humanitarian Award, their highest honor, to Founder and President of Keeper of the Wild Rescue and Sanctuary, Janet Kinser. The elegant ballroom of the Charleston Marriott was nearly filled with supporters and some of the 2,600 volunteers that are the backbone of the Charleston Animal Society.

The prestigious Elizabeth Bradham Award was given to Janet Kinser by Chairperson Laurel Greer in recognition of and deep appreciation for the hard work and impact she has made on mammalian wildlife in the Lowcountry. For over 30 years, Janet Kinser has rescued injured and displaced animals, nurtured without imprinting human character and restored the rehabilitated animal to its place and function in the wild.

Janet shared the story of her

beginnings. An interior designer by trade, she found an injured raccoon that required intervention. As her success with privately rehabilitating displaced and injured animals grew, so did the need for a physical place for the animals to be hospitalized and nurtured. In 2001, Keeper of the Wild was formed, and the work with the animals continues to be primarily supported by dedicated volunteers. The current shelter in Colleton County was made possible by a very generous donation of the land from the Royall family and is operated in cooperation with Lowcountry Land Trust.

Keeper of the Wild has successfully rehabilitated thousands of animals over the years and returned them to the wild to serve their intended purpose in the circle of life. If you are interested in assisting the mission, please visit keeperofthewild.org and mark your calendar for the February 2025 Keeper of the Wild oyster roast fundraiser on the banks of the Ashley River.

Sign up today to receive the MyLo Insider Newsletter straight to your inbox for free. Stay in the loop, share the joy, and spread the word about the island's hidden treasures. Join a vibrant community of like-minded individuals, all passionate about celebrating the beauty and essence of our micro local island paradise. Go to www.mylolowcountry.com/subscribe

and Holy City

Make Waves to Fight Cancer 7TH ANNUAL

SWIM ACROSS AMERICA

BY JENI HOWARD For The Island Connection

Swim Across America - Charleston-Kiawah is making waves to fight cancer. Celebrating its seventh year, this year’s swim will be held June 8 at Kiawah Island Golf Resort’s Night Heron Park to raise funds for the Ferreira Lab at Hollings Cancer Center at MUSC.

There are three swim options available: a half-mile or a one-and-a-half mile open water option or a same day pool swim option. Participants can also join in virtually with “SAA My Way.” Boaters, kayakers, paddle boarders and land volunteers also participate in this inspirational event.

“The gathering of so many families and so many individuals who are honoring those who are special to them is incredible — whether they are currently battling it out or are survivors or have lost someone,” said Jana Chanthabane, event director. “To hear the stories and to learn about those whom cancer has touched and to experience that love is just palpable. The feeling of wanting to make a change and to do something for those who have experienced cancer is huge.”

Chanthabane knows the impact of raising funds for cancer research first-hand. She is a cancer survivor herself, after being diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 35. Her dad had thyroid cancer when she was a teenager, and her cousin had just completed treatment for breast cancer when Chanthabane was diagnosed. “I remember being stuck with the feeling of needing to do something to help my girls for the future, my family and other women that I love,” she said.

Swim Across America is a national organization and offers open water and pool swims in 24 communities, from Boston Harbor to under the Golden Gate Bridge. Founded in 1987, the organization has raised more

than $100 million in the fight against cancer. More than 150 Olympians support Swim Across America, including Michael Phelps, Craig Beardsley (who was inducted into the International Swimmer’s Hall of Fame in 2022), Donna De Varona, Rowdy Gaines, Janel Jorgensen McArdle, Bobby Hackett, Ryan

Lochte, Glenn Mills, Cristina Teuscher and many more. To learn more about Swim Across AmericaCharleston-Kiawah or to register to swim, volunteer or donate, visit swimacrossamerica.org/charleston.

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SINGLE IN THE HOLY CITY: HOW TO PLAN A MEMORABLE FIRST DATE IN CHARLESTON

Nicole Farina reveals first date preferences when planning an outing in the Holy City for an unforgettable first impression.

SNEAK PEEK OF EXCLUSIVE AUCTION ITEMS YOU CAN BID ON BEGINNING MAY 1ST!

Get ready for an exclusive sneak peek at the exciting items up for auction during the highly anticipated 2024 LENS Banquet.

WILD DUNES RESORT PARTNERS WITH FIREFLY DISTILLERY TO LAUNCH SINGLE BARREL BOURBON

Available only at Wild Dunes, this bourbon was barreled in 2018 and bottled in March 2024 at barrel strength without chill-filtering, ensuring the preservation of its authentic character.

2024 CHARLESTON MOTHER’S DAY EVENT ROUND-UP

On the hunt for Mother's Day festivities in Charleston? Look no further! Here's a roundup of delightful places to treat Mom on her special day:

COLLEGE OF CHARLESTON ANNOUNCES 2024 COMMENCEMENT SPEAKERS

upcoming spring 2024 commencement

SEA TURTLE STRANDING SEASON BEGINS FOR THE SOUTH CAROLINA AQUARIUM

The South Carolina Aquarium has recently had 7 sea turtle patients requiring medical attention. This increase underscores the critical role the aquarium plays in rehabilitating and caring for marine life

TRAVEL + LEISURE INCLUDES HOLY CITY PROPERTY IN ITS 2024 "IT LIST" OF BEST NEW HOTELS

Travel + Leisure recently announced its 19th annual ‘It List,’ featuring the best newly renovated hotels worldwide. For the first time, a Charleston property, The Pinch, was included in this year's guide.

The

ceremonies will feature speeches from Julia Eichelberger, Gioconda ‘Gia” Quesada, and Elizabeth ‘Liz” Jurisich.

around the islands...

ONGOING

WHAT: Textile Gallery

WHEN: Jan 20 - Sep 15

WHERE: Charleston Museum

MORE INFO: Quilting, a timeless form of creative expression, melds colors and patterns into purposeful objects. Like paint on canvas, fabric pieces serve as artistic boundaries, challenging individual visual acuity and imagination. We’re excited to announce a collaborative exhibition with the Gibbes Museum of Art, featuring abstract artwork alongside the Museum’s quilts. This showcase highlights the artistic splendor of both mediums.

WHAT: Elisa Harkins “Teach Me A Song” Exhibition

WHEN: April 5 - Jul 20

WHERE: Halsey Institute

MORE INFO: Elisa Harkins’ ongoing project, “Teach Me a Song,” explores themes of translation, language preservation, and Indigenous musicology. The project involves a series of exchanges where collaborators teach her a song, resulting in recordings ranging from ceremonial to rock & roll. By sharing and trading music between nations, Harkins aims to decolonize traditions of Indigenous musicology. This exhibition marks the first time the complete project has been showcased.

WHAT: Spandita Malik “Meshes of Resistance” Exhibition

WHEN: April 5 - July 20

WHERE: Halsey Institute

MORE INFO: Malik’s showcase at the Halsey Institute, titled “Meshes of Resistance,” presents pieces from her ongoing series. Within this collection, Malik captures portraits of women in India she's met through self-help centers addressing domestic and gender-based violence. These portraits, taken within the women's homes and personal spaces, are printed onto region-specific fabric.

FRIDAY, MAY 3

WHAT: May First Friday Artwalk WHERE: 205 Meeting Street, Downtown WHEN: 5 p.m.

MORE INFO: Join us for an unforgettable experience. Step into our gallery to discover an array of captivating new artwork by SEWE artists, indulge in complimentary wine and delectable light bites, and immerse yourself in the creative process with a live painting demonstration by the exceptionally talented Jen Starwalt.

SATURDAY, MAY 4

WHAT: Charleston Farmers Market WHERE: Marion Square, Downtown WHEN: 8 a.m.

MORE INFO: Nestled in the heart of Downtown Charleston at scenic Marion Square, we offer a delightful market experience every Saturday from April through November, with an added treat of our special Holiday Market on select weekends in December. Indulge in a wealth of fresh local produce and homegrown creativity while enjoying live music, community gatherings, activities, and more in a welcoming environment suitable for families and pets alike.

WHAT: Charleston’s Biggest Derby Party @ Islander 71 WHERE: Islander 71, Isle of Palms WHEN: 3 p.m.

MORE INFO: Join us for Charleston's premier Kentucky Derby Party at Islander 71 Fish House and Deck Bar. This complimentary event boasts a 14-foot LED video screen to catch all the Derby action, along with a pre-show. To celebrate 150 years of the Kentucky Derby, we encourage guests to dress to impress in classic Derby attire,

with prizes awarded for the Best Dressed Man, Best Dressed Female, and Best Couple. With DJ Mike C as our official race day MC, expect a lively atmosphere and fantastic cocktails featuring Woodford Reserve and Tequila Herradura. Don't miss out on hats, horses, Mint Juleps, and sweet tea.

SUNDAY, MAY 5

WHAT: Piccolo Spoleto Preview

WHERE: Holy Spirit Catholic Church WHEN: 7:30 p.m.

MORE INFO: Join us for a truly remarkable event where we will showcase a curated selection of performances from the renowned Piccolo Spoleto Festival, condensed into a captivating 90-minute spectacle. This exclusive presentation promises to capture the essence and vibrancy of one of Charleston's most beloved cultural celebrations. Don't let this opportunity pass you by – immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of music, dance, and art that defines Piccolo Spoleto. Mark your calendars and join us for a night of unforgettable entertainment that will leave you inspired and uplifted.

SUNDAY, MAY 11

WHAT: Sip and Stroll at Drayton Hall with Charleston Opera Theater WHERE: Drayton Hall WHEN: 3:30 p.m.

MORE INFO: Join us for an unparalleled outdoor culinary and wine experience on various dates in 2024, you're invited to explore the historic Drayton Hall, dating back to 1738. Featuring the artists of Charleston Opera Theater who will be performing a concert of songs and arias by your favorite composers.

THURSDAY, MAY 16

WHAT: Charleston Gaillard Center & Buxton Books Present: A Conversation with Erik Larson

WHERE: Charleston Gaillard Center WHEN: 7:30 p.m.

MORE INFO: Experience an evening in the company of Erik Larson, only moments away (and accessible by boat) from the historic site where “the passions of North and South came to focus on a lonely federal fortress in Charleston Harbor”-Fort Sumter.

SUNDAY, MAY 19

WHAT: Charleston Stage’s “Cabaret at The Pearl”

WHERE: West Ashley Theatre Center

WHEN: 3 p.m.

MORE INFO: Come join Charleston Stage’s Resident Actors and pianist Michael Lopez on May 19 at either 3 p.m. or 6 p.m. for an hour filled with laughter, music, and heartwarming memories as they commemorate the conclusion of their 46th season. This cabaret-style performance will unfold at the cozy West Ashley Theatre Center performing space known as “The Pearl,” which also serves as the venue for Charleston Stage’s numerous educational programs. Suitable for ages six and up, this family-friendly production promises an enchanting experience for all.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 22

WHAT: Chow Town: Food Truck Rodeo

WHERE: Seabrook Island Town Hall WHEN: 4 p.m.

MORE INFO: Seabrook Island’s Town is excited to announce its annual summer and holiday food truck rodeos. Open to all, these events will take place at Town Hall, located at 2001 Seabrook Island Road. Join us monthly throughout the summer and in December for our Holiday Extravaganza, featuring local food truck vendors, artisans, and live music for everyone to enjoy.

Capturing the Essence of Pets and People

SIAG PRESENTS ARTIST OF MONTH LEE FRITZ

BY BONNIE YOUNGINER For The Island Connection

Lee Fritz has been painting and drawing since she was very young but never settled down to concentrate on her art until her retirement in 2019. As the Administrator of her husband’s CPA firm in Fairfax, Virginia for 25 years, Fritz spent most of her time working and taking care of her three children, dogs, house and garden. Then, retirement offered her time to concentrate on her hobbies. She started painting and became involved in many clubs and activities on Seabrook Island.

An avid cyclist, Fritz belongs to the Seabrook Seabikers, a group of women who share a love of being on a bike and spending time together. She recently completed her first century ride, biking 100 miles in eight hours. You can usually see the Seabikers on Tuesday and Thursday mornings meeting at the entrance of the Equestrian Center before their 30-to-40-mile ride.

Fritz also enjoys walking her two Westies on the beach, incorporating texture and color in her courtyard garden, golfing and bird watching. She considers herself a naturalist and gets excited when she sees a snake or unusual insect.

She has painted several murals in children’s rooms and is currently working on illustrating a children’s book.

The Seabrook Island Artist Guild will host a reception for Lee Fritz on Tuesday, May 7 at the Lake House, from 4:30 to 6 p.m. Come by and meet the artist and see her beautiful work.

Acrylics has been the artist’s predominant medium, but she has recently transitioned to oil painting and is enjoying learning to work with this medium. Her subjects are usually pets; she loves to capture the expression of a beloved pet and will ask for several photographs of a pet before selecting the one that speaks to her. Fritz also enjoys working on portraits of people, and her favorite style is whimsical.

Behold, this lovely flower! Now it’s spring – glorious spring – and you can hardly go anywhere without seeing lots of flowers.

This particular flower is commonly seen on the ground after it has been blown out of the tree from which it comes. It is an odd flower, sure enough. This being a member of the Magnolia family, botanists like to call the colorful, floppy parts of the flower “tepals,” rather than “sepals” and “petals” like most flowers have.

There will be three to four greenish tepals at its “stem” end. When the bud opens, these tepals will stick straight down. Then you will see six additional tepals, which are very showy, usually bright yellow and each with a prominent orange blotch down at the base, on its upper surface. The flowers don’t seem to have much of a scent, at least not to me… although others say that the flowers are lightly fragrant. They must be, because a variety of insects will visit them: flies, bees and beetles.

On this flower, there will be a row, or a ring, of stamens, maybe between 40-50. The stamens don’t look too much like the ones you’d see in a tulip or rose flower. In our Mystery Plant, the whole length of the individual stamen is seemingly devoted to producing pollen, whereas in a tulip or rose, the pollen is formed in a little container at the tip

A Tall Drink of Pollen

BY JOHN NELSON For The Island Connection

of the stamen. (Of course, this little “container” is called the anther.) Above the stamens will be a sort of pointed, cone-like affair, which consists of a number of pistils (the “female” parts of the flower), each destined to form a dry slender fruit which contains one seed. When fully open, the flower is generally facing straight upward… which

We also offer FREE deconstruction services.

is another reason that it’s not too easy to see them in bloom while on the tree. Flowering is going on right now, and will last probably until the middle of May. By then, all the sepals, petals and stamens will have fallen away, spent and useless…but the little cone of pistils will

be chugging right along, the embryo of the new plant developing in each humble little seed. When ripe in the autumn, the cluster of dried pistils will all disintegrate, each fluttering away with new life inside.

This species grows naturally from New England to Lake Michigan, south to northern Florida and Louisiana. It makes a terrific street tree and grows rapidly, providing excellent summer shade, and seems to have few insect enemies. If you want to grow one, give it lots of room! In its native range, it grows well at many elevations, well into the lush slopes and higher terrain of the Appalachians. In fact, this is one of the tallest tree species in North America, some reported to be nearly 200 feet tall. If you want to see some of these giant representatives, you might want to go to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park or the nearby Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest. There is only one other species in the same genus…a very close relative, which, interestingly, is native to eastern Asia.

John Nelson is the retired curator of the Herbarium at the University of South Carolina, in the Department of Biological Sciences. As a public service, the Herbarium offers free plant identifications. For more information, call 803-777-8175 or email johnbnelson@sc.rr.com.

Source: saltwatertides.com 5:27am/5:54pm 6:24am/6:51pm 7:18am/7:44pm 8:11am/8:36pm 9:02am/9:25pm 9:52am/10:14pm 10:43am/11:03pm 11:33am/11:52pm 12:26pm 12:43am/1:20pm 1:35am/2:16pm 2:27am/3:12pm 3:20am/4:06pm 4:11am/4:58pm 11:36am 12:11am/12:28pm 1:09am/1:19pm 2:04am/2:08pm 2:57am/2:56pm 3:48am/3:44pm 4:38am/4:32pm 5:27am/5:21pm 6:17am/6:12pm 7:08am/7:05pm 8:00am/8:02pm 8:52am/9:01pm 9:42am/10:00pm 10:29am/10:57pm

[Answer: "Yellow poplar," Liriodendron tulipifera]

PHOTO BY JOHN NELSON