IC Oct 20 2023

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VOLUME 17 ISSUE 15

Love Your Neighbor

Seabrook Island Candidates Answer the Tough Questions

SIHAF REQUESTS D O N AT I O N S

BY MARLISSA BANISTER

T

For The Island Connection

he Sea Islands Hunger Awareness Foundation is excited and thankful for the loyal donors who have so generously offered to match our $100,000 - 2023 Hunger Awareness Challenge. As we approach the season of giving, we hope you will join us in raising awareness and much needed funds to support our programs and partners in their quest to provide nutritious food and clean water to sea island neighbors for the coming year.

This is the foundation’s only fundraising event, and we need the entire community’s support. Awareness is our middle name, and we’d like to make you aware of some important facts regarding our neighbors on the sea islands.

SIHAF supports 14 local organizations and programs, including its 11 partners, and seeks special funds to provide stoves, refrigerators, microwave ovens, crock pots and electric can openers to those who need assistance in preparing, cooking and storing their food. An all-volunteer organization, with modest overhead, 97% of all donations go toward fighting island hunger.

SIHAF Programs and Partners provide nutritious food via meals, groceries, special programs, thousands of pounds of fresh produce and clean water to over 2,500 sea island neighbors, including 825 families who deal with hunger every day.

Please help us reach our goal of at least $200,000 so we can continue our mission in 2024. And please share this information with your friends and neighbors. Visit fightislandhunger.org for more information.

Going Green

2ND H.O.M.E.S. LEARNING EVENT FOR SEABROOK RESIDENTS

BY MARY LEGARE WHALEY

O

For The Island Connection

n November 2, Seabrook Island Real Estate is putting on its second free H.O.M.E.S. learning event, this time on the topic "Going Green as a Seabrook Island Homeowner.” Registration is required. If you are a Seabrook property owner and have not received an email with a link to sign up, please call Seabrook Island Real Estate at 843-7682560.

H.O.M.E.S. stands for “Home Owners Maximizing Education Series.” Held quarterly, the interactive events are specifically tailored for the benefit of Seabrook property owners. Each event features a panel of industry experts discussing a timely topic impacting those invested in Seabrook.

The panel of experts for the upcoming Going Green as a Seabrook Island Homeowner event are: (continued on page 2) • Katrina Burrell, SIPOA

Visit us

OCTOBER 20, 2023

BY THERESA STRATFORD For The Island Connection

T

he general election for the Town of Seabrook Island will take place on Tuesday, November 7.

This election is nonpartisan. All the members of Town Council and the mayor’s office are up for election. Utility Commissioner will also be up for election and the only person running for that office is Robert Aaron. The term of office for Town Council and mayor is January 2024 to January 2026. The term of office for the Utility Commissioner will begin January 2024 to January 2030. Voting will take place at the SIPOA Lake House from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Editor’s Note: Please note that the questions and answers were edited to fit in the printed publication. Please visit luckydognews.com/the-islandconnection/politics/seabrook-islandcandidates-answer-the-toughquestions/ for the full interviews or scan the QR code. After multiple attempts, we were not able to reach Sharon Welch by deadline.

Jeri Finke Candidate for Seabrook Island Mayor Jeri Finke has lived on Seabrook Island as a fulltime resident since 2010 and has owned the property since 2005. She has served on Town Council for the past six years. During her time on Town Council, she took the lead on the Town’s opposition to seismic testing and offshore drilling for oil and natural gas; she initiated and drafted the Town’s ordinance banning the use of single-use plastic bags and other plastics; she developed the Town’s Community Development Promotion Grants; and she put in place provisions in the Town’s code to regulate short-term rentals. In her professional career, Finke worked on Capitol Hill for 30 years in personal staff positions to members of the House of Representatives.

What do you think is the biggest issue that Seabrook Island residents face currently? How do you plan to tackle it?

We (as in all Seabrookers) are so fortunate to have a stake in this beautiful, thriving community, but we are challenged at present by rhetoric and actions from within the community that do not move us toward planning for the island’s future – such as issues with Seabrook Island Road to beach management

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to outside development pressure. I consider that one of the biggest issues we need to overcome. Town Council can help by putting in place a more aggressive communication strategy to dispel the misleading and false claims that our work is done in secret without community input. That may be the best first step for a new mayor in order to end the negativity that has emerged and that at times has the louder voice in the community while not majority support. All of Council’s work is done in full compliance with the strict state Freedom of Information Act (FOIA).

From our open-to-the-public Council meetings, to workshops and committee sessions, all are posted, filmed, Zoomed, You-Tubed, recorded, saved to a website. Still folks ask why we are not out there facing the community. I'm thrilled that we have a new professional on Town staff who is charged with putting in place a communications strategy that will help restore any lost faith in Council's work.

Bruce Kleinman Candidate for Seabrook Island Mayor Bruce Kleinman and his wife, Ava, purchased their lot on Seabrook Island 20 years ago. They have lived on the island full time for 10 years. During that time, Kleinman has served on several SIPOA and Club committees. He was co-founder and initial chair of the annual SIPOA Holiday Canned Food Drive in 2017. He also served on the SIPOA Activities Committee, SIPOA July 4th Committee (chair), SIPOA Volunteerism Subcommittee, SIPOA Disaster Readiness Ad-Hoc Committee, and the Club House Committee. Professionally, Kleinman was a commercial real estate attorney and practiced law with large to mid-sized firms in New Jersey for almost 30 years.

When it comes to transparency, how do you think you will handle communication with Seabrook Island residents?

My opponent has repeatedly said that disrespectful communication on social media is our big problem.

I think that the lack of respectful communication from our Town government is the real problem, and the real cause of residents feeling it necessary to resort to social media in order to be heard. You can count on me to listen; this is the bedrock of my candidacy.

Only if we involve our residents in decision-making will they feel truly vested in those decisions. Once the Town Council ceases to act by (continued on page 3)

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October 20, 2023

Candidates (continued from page 1)

PUBLISHERS OF The Island Eye News, The Island Connection & SiP Magazine Denise K. James editor

ICeditor@luckydognews.com Swan Richards graphic design

Laura Anderson web editor

Jeff Lovins

sales manager

jeff@luckydognews.com 843-885-8662 Lynn Pierotti consultant

lynn@luckydognews.com Christian LeBlanc social media

christian@luckydognews.com

CONTRIBUTORS Theresa Stratford Marlissa Banister Mary Legare Whaley Martha Zink Bonnie Younginer John Nelson Nandini Mccauley

Future submission deadline: OCTOBER 25 for the NOVEMBER 3 issue

Published by Lucky Dog Publishing of South Carolina, LLC P.O. Box 837 Sullivan’s Island, SC 29482 843-886-NEWS

Op-ed articles and letters to the editor do not necessarily reflect the opinion of Lucky Dog Publishing or its staff.

fiat, I expect the level of polarization, and social media discord, will dramatically decline. I propose the following changes: (a) We will hold informal monthly meetings outside of town hall where Seabrookers will be able to discuss issues of interest with Council members including the Mayor; (b) Meetings will be moved to a larger venue when interest dictates, with the goal of not turning away community members; (c) Community members will be given greater time to speak at public hearings — three minutes per person is inadequate, and an overall limit at public hearings of 30 minutes is downright disrespectful; (d) Council votes will not be taken immediately after public hearing comments.

Seabrook voices will be considered, not just heard.

Gordon Weis Candidate for Seabrook Island Town Council Gordon Weis and his wife, Mollie, have lived on Seabrook Island since May of 2018. Before moving to Seabrook, he lived in Chicago where he was president of a 618-unit condo association board for seven years. He spent one year on the SIPOA communication committee. Weis’s professional experience is in retirement/pension planning, securities and computer communication services.

What is your opinion about the traffic problems in the area?

The traffic is especially bad getting off Seabrook Island and onto Johns Island using either Bohicket or River roads. We better hope there will be no category 3 or above hurricane, or no one will be able to get off the island. It would also be nice if Charleston County kept the tree trimmers off the Bohicket Road during high traffic times. The development of Andell West, MUSC and Seafields will make the problem even worse, especially on Seabrook Island Road and Betsy Kerrison Parkway.

After listening to one of Kiawah’s podcasts, the Andell West project is targeted for 10-year completion, and that means lots of trucks and traffic. We need to work with our neighbors on Kiawah Island and Johns Island to encourage Charleston County to target road improvements, instead of merely allowing more apartment and condo complexes.

Chuck Cross Candidate for Seabrook Island Town Council Chuck Cross and his wife, Jean, have lived on Seabrook Island since 2017. Since then, he has served on SIPOA’s Finance Committee, the Long-Range Planning’s Facilities Subcommittee, the SIPOA Board of Directors, the Chair of its Architectural Review Committee, the Seabrook Island Club’s Membership Committee, and the Town’s Board of Zoning Appeals. He also volunteers at his church, Holy Spirit Catholic Church. Before living on Seabrook, he served on his previous homeowner’s association board for 18 years. He remains active in the Northern Virginia Partnership for Children, a nonprofit, and is currently serving as the president of its board. Professionally, Cross managed a boutique commercial real estate firm.

What is the most polarizing issue, in your opinion, and how do you think you will handle it?

The most polarizing issue is short-term rentals, which is directly connected to growth. As our population grows and changes, so do the needs of the community. It is important to strike a balance between maintaining a sense of community and addressing behavioral issues such as parking and noise. I do not believe restricting rentals is necessary and could have unintended consequences, but there should be mechanisms in place to ensure that short-term rental properties are managed responsibly. This

includes implementing regulations and guidelines to maintain a harmonious environment for all residents and visitors. We also must remember that tourism is the second-largest revenue generator for our town, and the taxes they pay fund critical items such as our Beach Patrol as well as the more cultural events like the Charleston Symphony Orchestra and the always enjoyable fireworks display on the 4th of July.

Paul McLaughlin Candidate for Seabrook Island Town Council Paul McLaughlin and his wife, Susan, have owned property on Seabrook Island for 21 years. For many of those years, they were part-time residents, but have been living here full-time for the past six years. McLaughlin served on SIPOA’s finance committee and helped with the financial planning for the Lake House. He has been a vocal advocate for many issues facing the Island, including the most recent proposal for the marina annexation. He volunteers for Water Wise in his spare time and he also coordinates a men’s spirituality group. Professionally, McLaughlin worked as gerontologist, he was also a nonprofit executive and for 20 years, he was the founding CEO of a faithbased charitable foundation.

This is going to be an active couple of years ahead as far as development goes. What do you think constituents need to know about the changes coming?

In 2022, the Town of Kiawah contracted with Kimley-Horn to do a comprehensive study to understand the impact of existing and future development patterns in the area. The study looked at existing conditions, short-term projections for 2026 and longterm 2036 projections. More importantly, it looked not only at the impact these developments will have on Kiawah but also addressed the impact these various developments will have on Seabrook Island Road and the Freshfields Circle. Finally, the report offered solutions to some of the anticipated traffic issues these projects will generate. The Town of Seabrook can learn a lot by simply studying this report. Seabrook has only one access road on and off the island—Seabrook Island Road. While most Seabrookers are aware of the developments, the Town should take a proactive stance to work with the developers to keep our citizens informed of the progress. The Town should also be planning for how it will address the traffic impact of these developments and the potential impact these developments will have on our sewage treatment facility since we are required to service these developments.

Dan Kortvelesy Candidate for Seabrook Island Town Council Dan Kortvelesy is the only incumbent running for Town Council. He and his wife, Donna, have been full-time residents of Seabrook Island since 2011. Along with his last two years on Town Council, Kortvelesy also spent six years as a member of the SIPOA Board of Directors. He was vice president of the board in 2019 and president in 2020. He has also served as a member of the town's Disaster Recovery Council and the Johns Island Task Force. On Town Council, he serves as the chairman of the town's Public Safety Committee. ​He has also been assigned the role of Communications Official under the town’s Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan.

When it comes to transparency, how do you think you have handled communication with Seabrook Island residents?

The public is welcome to attend all meetings, and (continued on page 4) opportunities for citizen comments are

Civic Calendar TOWN OF KIAWAH

TOWN OF SEABROOK

K iawah Island Town H all 4475 Betsy Kerrison Parkway Kiawah Island, S.C. 29455 Phone: 768-9166 Fax: 768-4764 Seabrook Island Town H all 2001 Seabrook Island Road Seabrook Island, S.C. 29455 Phone: 768-9121 Fax: 768-9830 lmanning@townofseabrookisland.org

Ways and Means Committee Tuesday, Oct. 24, 11:30 a.m.

Kiawah Town Hall

Town Council Budget Workshop #2 Friday, Oct. 20, 1 p.m.

Seabrook Town Hall

Special Town Council/Public Hearing Tuesday, Oct. 24, 1 p.m.

Kiawah Town Hall

Town Council Regular Meeting Tuesday, Oct. 24, 2:30 p.m.

Seabrook Town Hall

Town Council Fall Retreat Tuesday, Oct. 24, 3 p.m.

Kiawah Town Hall

Board of Zoning Appeals Meeting Wednesday, Oct. 25, 1 p.m.

Seabrook Town Hall

Charleston County Council 4045 Bridge View Drive N. Charleston, S.C. 29405 843-958-4700

Arts and Cultural Event Council Thursday, Nov. 2, 2 p.m.

Kiawah Town Hall

Town Council Budget Workshop #3 Thursday, Oct. 26, 1 p.m.

Seabrook Town Hall

City of Charleston 75 Calhoun St. Charleston, S.C. 29401 843-724-3745

Johns Island Council Meetings are held at the Berkeley Electric Co-op located at 3351 Maybank Highway, Johns Island, S.C. 29455 Chairman Chris Cannon: 343-5113

3

October 20, 2023

Going Green (continued from page 1)

PATSY

PCS

STUART

CHIP

Seabrook Island

Director of Administration and Architectural Review, who will help explain rules and regulations involved to install solar panels on homes and villas.

• Bryan Cordell, Director of the Sustainability Institute, a nonprofit that conducts home energy evaluations.

• James Reed, of Boss Energy, whose company installs solar panels and Tesla batteries for home use.

• Tim Swicord, Supervisor of Marketing and Energy Services for Berkeley Electric, who will talk about home charging stations for electric vehicles, and an array of energy saving programs.

The program will begin with brief presentations from each of the panelists, followed by Q&A. Afterward, attendees wishing to further discuss the topic with the panel of experts and Seabrook Island Real Estate agents on hand can do so. Seabrook Island property owners are encouraged to register to attend in-person for the best experience. This event is capped at 70 people in person and 50 people via Zoom.

Per Tom Peck, Broker-in Charge, “Seabrook Island Real Estate agents are engaged daily in conversations with Seabrook Island’s resident and non-resident owners about the state of the real estate market, the economy, rental trends, property management, carrying costs, legal issues, climate factors, and other concerns that affect their real estate investment here. With our depth of knowledge, resources, and connections, we saw an opportunity to help address a tremendous need for education and insights by providing a professional forum where people can get the answers they need to make better decisions. We are grateful to be in a position to share SIRE’s expertise in the ever-changing landscape of real estate ownership. H.O.M.E.S. is meant to help Seabrookers learn more about the topics that affect their investment.”

Symphony

Tour of Island Homes Kiawah Island, SC

November 4, 2023

Concert performed by the Charleston Symphony, West Beach Conference Center, sponsored by the Town of Kiawah Island Arts & Cultural Events Council

Tour: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., Concert: 5 p.m.

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Real Estate Office: 843.768.2560

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Ten Days of Embracing Conversation

THE CHARLESTON LITERARY F E S T I VA L I S N O V E M B E R 3 - 1 2

BY MARTHA ZINK

For The Island Connection

A

rts, etc of Kiawah recently hosted speakers from the Charleston Literary Festival, which will be held November 3-12. The festival includes 34 events in 10 days and the theme this year is “Embrace the Conversation.”

The Literary Festival was founded in 2017 to bring conversations with world-renowned authors and thinkers to the Charleston community. Executive director Sarah Moriarty, who was born in Ireland, talked about her move in 2021 from Berlin to Charleston to take on the leadership of the Festival. She found Charleston to be “the birthplace of preservation” and that residents are in constant dialogue with the past and its journey to the present and future. She thinks of books not as a means of escape but to help us understand the world around us.

The Festival has a reputation for presenting outstanding speakers, some of whom are Nobel, Booker and Pulitzer Prize winners. They bring an international perspective, but the talks are in intimate settings: this year, the

Dock Street Theater and the Circular Congregational Church. Highlights include a virtual talk with Margaret Atwood and authors on site include A.O. Scott, Richard Ford, Adam Gopnik, Rebecca Makkai, Lorrie Moore, John Wood Sweet, Tracy Kidder, Gary Younge, poet Paul Muldoon, James B. Stewart and many, many more.

This year, a new feature of the Festival is the Young Writers Award, open to 10-12th grade students in Charleston County. The award categories are Short Story and Personal Essay, which will be judged for originality, skill and the emergence of a personal voice.

Three awards will be selected in each category, and there is a cash prize and the opportunity to be published on the Festival website and to read their work at the Festival. The strong interest has resulted in 400 submissions.

Ticket information is available on the Charleston Literary Festival website, charlestonliteraryfestival.com. Visit kiawahartsetc.org/ to learn more about Arts, etc of Kiawah and other upcoming events.

October 20, 2023

Candidates (continued from page 2) provided for each, which I think is important. One item I would like to point out is that every committee and Town Council meeting is streamed live, and the videos of all meetings are posted on the Town of Seabrook Island website. This review by any community member will help them understand to a greater degree the subjects we examine, the people and groups we meet with and the direction of the council and committees. In addition, each Town Council member’s email address is published. Part of any decision-making process is to gather as much information and data as possible, and this includes community member input. One always needs to keep in mind that any decision reached may not be agreed to by all community members. However, consideration is given to all input. This past year the town hired a communications manager. Events are being planned that will give the Seabrook Island community a chance to interact with the elected officials and town staff.

Darryl May Candidate for Seabrook Island Town Council Darryl May and his wife, Susan, fell in love with Seabrook after touring the community when they were looking to fulfill their dream of owning a house by the beach. They purchased their home on Seabrook in 2015. In March of 2020, on one of their visits, they ended up staying longer due to the pandemic. They ended up selling their home in Pennsylvania in 2021 so they could live permanently on Seabrook. May is completing his third year on the House Committee of the Club. The first year in particular was a real learning experience since the Club was dealing with challenges in bringing back its dining operations after the Covid disruptions and the difficult staffing challenges. With SIPOA, he is serving a second year on the Architectural Review Committee.

What is the most polarizing issue, in your opinion, and how do you think you will handle it?

The most polarizing issue is the proposed private yacht club. I will listen to both sides and seek a middle ground. I understand some Seabrookers truly want a yacht club and that is their primary focus. There are also Seabrookers who don’t want any development that will impinge on the Urban Growth Boundary or exacerbate traffic or environmental concerns. But it may be that most people would be willing to consider the developer’s plans if all Seabrookers get something out of the annexation and rezoning the developer wants. To me, that something must be a renovation of the public parts of the marina that are in disrepair and getting worse. None of this was addressed in the TOSI Development Conditions that were on the verge of being enacted before an outside lawyer informed Council that the planned annexation was illegal. That failure to do even minimal diligence before rushing to pass an illegal ordinance is stunning, and would not have happened if Council followed appropriate processes. To consider going forward with the developer’s proposal, Council must obtain airtight legal commitments for the marina backed by adequate financial guarantees.

Raymond Hamilton Candidate for the Seabrook Island Town Council Raymond Hamilton and his wife have owned their property on Seabrook since 2017.

They moved to Seabrook Island in January 2020. He is from Rock Hill, South Carolina and attended the University of South Carolina, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting. Before moving to South Carolina, he lived in Atlanta for 25 years. He has served on the Seabrook Island Club Finance Committee and he currently volunteers with Sea Island Hunger Awareness Foundation, Holy Spirit Catholic Church, South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, Charleston Area Therapeutic Riding, My Sister’s House, and local hospice.

What do you think is the biggest issue that Seabrook Island residents face currently? How do you plan to tackle it?

I believe the biggest challenge for Seabrook Island is flooding caused by sea level rise.

Although we cannot prevent flooding, there are things that our Town can do better.

First, we need to form a coalition with our neighbor Kiawah Island to work together on how best to mitigate flooding and damage caused by it. A close review of the Seafields and MUSC developments to ensure water is directed away from our roads along with developing a timeline for raising the height of Seabrook Island Road will be one of my top priorities. I understand the need to wait for road improvements until construction is completed, but the longer we wait, the more expensive it becomes.

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October 20, 2023

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October 20, 2023

An Artistic Breakthrough

MEET NOVEMBER ARTIST OF THE MONTH DICK BARNOLA

BY BONNIE YOUNGINER For The Island Connection

B

arrier Islands Free Medical Clinic is excited to announce its annual “Fashion For A Cause” fundraiser will take place on Wednesday, November 29 from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. at The River Course Ballroom at Kiawah Island Club.

As the event promises, it will be “A Day to Look Good - and Feel Even Better!” including a Sip ‘n Shop, live fashion show and elegant luncheon featuring boutique clothing lines by Lilly Pulitzer, Holly & Brooks, J. McLaughlin and Spartina. The annual event helps support the uninsured populations of Johns, James & Wadmalaw Islands, Folly Beach, Meggett, Ravenel, Hollywood, Walterboro and the Hospitality Workers of Downtown Charleston and West Ashley, ensuring that they have ongoing access to high quality, free health care.

Event Chairperson Kimberly Nevin, shares, “ASip ’n Shop will kick off the event, with merchandise available to purchase from our four featured local boutiques. A fashion show and luncheon follow with an additional opportunity to shop following. Most importantly, $.82 of every dollar raised goes directly for free patient care at the Clinic. Kick off the

holiday season and come enjoy a lovely afternoon of fashion and fun to support our patients.”

A single ticket costs $75, and four sponsorship levels are available, allowing tables to accommodate up to 12 people.

All proceeds will go to support free health care services for uninsured adults at BIFMC. Attendees are encouraged to RSVP and purchase tickets by November 15, or before the event is sold out. Sponsor packages are available.

For those looking for another fun way to support the clinic, BIFMC hosts both an annual Sporting Clays Tournament each Fall as well as a Charity Golf Invitational each Spring. Additionally, FortyEight Wine Bar & Kitchen will host a charity fundraising event on December 5 from 5-9 p.m., providing 50% of all dining revenue to support free health care services at Barrier Islands Free Medical Clinic.

To learn more about free health care services, volunteer opportunities, or how you can help, visit Barrier Islands Free Medical Clinic at bifmc.org.

D

ick Barnola was a late bloomer when it came to anything artsy. Although he always had a distinctly artistic side, most of his early creative outlets were in restoring or “upcycling” old homes downtown. His most recent project was a 170-year-old classic brick Charleston single home slightly south of Broad. Just walking through the front door of this derelict old home got Barnola’s creative ideas flowing.

It was about 1995 when a friend suggested that Barnola should enroll in a basic drawing class at the Gibbes Art Museum. Doing so was a real breakthrough. The course was based on the book “Drawing on the Right Side of Your Brain” by Betty Edwards.

According to the book, yes, anyone can learn to draw! Barnola was so inspired that he took six other courses at the Gibbes: water color, figure drawing, advanced drawing, composition, acrylic painting and a plein air course.

After retiring and moving to Seabrook in 2008, he finally had some free time and started painting in oils under the tutelage of Bob LeFevre.

A reception will be held for Dick

Dick Barnola .

Barnola on Tuesday, November 1, 4:30-6 p.m. at the Lake House.

For information on the Seabrook Island Artist Guild, visit seabrookislandartistguild.com.

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October 20, 2023

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There’s a new boat club at Bohicket Marina

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October 20, 2023

Art Imitating Life

A LANDSCAPES IN OIL AND ACRYLIC ART WORKSHOP WITH CHRISTOPHER LEEPER

BY BONNIE YOUNGINER

C

For The Island Connection

hristopher Leeper is a realist painter and workshop instructor painting in all mediums. His award-winning work has been shown in solo and juried exhibitions throughout the country. His landscape workshop, held November 7-8, 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. on both days, focuses on improving the participants' understanding and implementation of basic color and design principles (in oil and acrylic) as they apply to landscape painting. Leeper teaches with a fun and relaxed style. Each day, there will be demonstrations and lots of one-on-one instruction.

Specific topics for each media will also be addressed. Topics include simplifying and improving color mixing, understanding value relationships and process — such as blocking-in and painting development — and brushwork with edges and textures.

Leeper has illustrated four children’s books and has written and illustrated the book Realism in Watermedia. His work has also been featured in The Artist’s Magazine, Plein Air Magazine, Watercolor Magic and Ohio Magazine and in the book Splash 14. In 2021, he was a finalist in the Plein Air Magazine Salon and was featured in the Aug./ Sept. 2021 issue of the publication.

He participates frequently in national juried and invitational plein air events such as Easton, Door County, Cape Ann and En Plein Air Texas.

He is a consistent award winner.

Leeper graduated from Youngstown State University in 1988 with a bachelor’s of fine arts degree in graphic design. He is past president of the Ohio Watercolor Society and is a signature member of the National Oil and Acrylic Painters’ Society. Since 2000, he has painted and taught full-time from his studio in Canfield, Ohio.

To register for the workshop, send an email to Monique Boissier-Sporn (moniqueboissier321@gmail.com) and a check for $200 to her address, 1404 Nancy Island Drive, Seabrook Island, SC 29455. Registration is limited and will close on October 26.

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10

October 20, 2023

MYSTERY PLANT

Beneath the Surface

BY JOHN NELSON

requently, the leaves and stems of a plant will prove to be just as fascinating as its flowers. This is a plant like that, and it is a native, aquatic species.

Except for its leaves, the entire plant grows below the surface of water, most often in quiet lakes and millponds or sometimes creeks. In the Southeast, it is most commonly seen in ponds on the coastal plain and in the sandhills, but it also grows in the mountain lakes. It’s easy to see in central South Carolina, for instance, at the lake at Sesquicentennial State Park in Richland County, as well as in the lake at Goodale State Park, near Camden, both of which are fine places to visit. This species is actually quite common in many places around the world now, and you probably have it growing in a pond near your neighborhood. In fact, it’s present in just about all of the continental USA, except for the dry states of the Southwest. You generally need to do some wading to get up close and personal with it, unless you have a canoe or kayak.

The leaf blades, dark green or sometimes purplish, are shaped like little footballs with rounded ends. Each blade is attached to a very long leaf stalk at its center, rather than at its edge, and botanists say that the leaf is thus “peltate,” in architecture something like an umbrella with its handle. What is more interesting is that the lower surfaces of the leaves, and, for that matter, all the submerged parts of the plant, are thickly coated with a crystal-

clear, mucilaginous jelly. Because of this, it is something of a challenge to handle the plants: they are really quite slippery.

This mucilage on the stems and leaves may serve some purpose, but we don't exactly understand what it might be.

(Seems like a good research project for an imaginative botany student!)

The flowers are not much more than the size of a quarter, deep red or maroon, and barely emerging from the water's surface, that is, at bullfrog’s eye-level. The flowers appear in the middle of the summer. To many people, this plant looks to be some sort of water-lily, but in fact they are not closely related. Now, each flower has both female and male parts — that is, pistils and stamens. It turns out that a given individual flower will open up and have its pistils fertilized without giving off any pollen, thus functioning as a “female” flower. That same day (or evening), the plant will pull the flower under the water. The next day, the SAME flower reemerges from the surface, only this time, sheds pollen from its stamens, now functioning as a “male” flower. At the end of the second day, the flower disappears underwater again, allowing its seeds to develop, eventually released.

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, visit herbarium.org or email johnbnelson@sc.rr.com.

PHOTO BY LINDA LEE

[Answer: “Halberd-leaf hibiscus,” Hibiscus laevis]

F

For The Island Connection

P.A.U.L. (People Against Unpleasant Lies) is a movement started on Seabrook Island, SC to defend against the ridiculous bantering and harassment of our leaders, volunteers, town staff, and our elected officials on the platform NextDoor. The “PAUL’s” as we call them on Seabrook Island are a select group that spend all their time on NextDoor ranting, complaining, and attacking the good people of our Seabrook Island community.

Enough is enough! Let’s let our qualified, experienced citizens of Seabrook feel comfortable that they can volunteer and make a difference on Seabrook Island without being victimized by the “PAUL’s”. The “P.A.U.L.” movement is an effort to address this issue and promote more respectful and fact-based discussions.

The movement’s call for November elections to decide town leadership rather than online discussions on NextDoor highlights a desire to shift the focus of community decision-making away from the platform where negativity and harassment are prevalent.

Promoting respectful debates and requiring participants to base their arguments on facts is a reasonable approach to fostering a healthier online community. It’s important to remember that online interactions can have real-world consequences, and maintaining civility and respect is crucial for productive discussions and community cohesion.

Love and Respect,

PeopleAgainstUnpleasantLies@gmail.com www.AnybodyButPaul.com

SEABROOK ISLAND THIS IS A PAID ADVERTISEMENT

islandconnectionnews . com

October 20, 2023

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12

around the islands...

ONGOING WHAT: When the Land Meets the Body WHERE: Halsey Institute of Contemporary Art WHEN: On view through Dec. 9 MORE INFO: A mix of existing and newly commissioned artworks, all influenced by the Lowcountry landscape. Artist La Vaughn Belle’s goal in this exhibition is to delve into the connection between history, land, and the human experience.

SATURDAY, OCT. 21 WHAT: CofC Opera: L’Amour et la Mort WHERE: Chapel Theatre WHEN: 5 p.m.

MORE INFO: The College of Charleston Opera is showcasing a staged scenes program titled “L’amour et la Mort,” delving into the themes of love and death through selections from opera and musical theater. The performance features compositions by Tchaikovsky, Donizetti, Lutvek, Rodgers and Hammerstein, Mozart, and others. It’s directed by Saundra DeAthos-Meers and Amanda Castellone.

SUNDAY, OCT. 22

October 20, 2023

arts from the Slade School of Fine Art in London and a bachelor of fine arts from the School of the Museum of Fine Arts Boston and Tufts University. Currently, he is a 2023 Visual Arts Fellow at the Fine Arts Work Center in Provincetown, Massachusetts.

Epstein has exhibited his work in various solo and group shows in locations like New York, Mexico City, and the UK, and he’s been a resident at several prestigious art foundations and colonies.

FRIDAY, NOV. 3 WHAT: CoC Theater “In Love and Warcraft” WHERE: Calhoun Annex: Chapel Theatre WHEN: 7 p.m.

MORE INFO: A staged reading by Madhuri Shekar as part of its ongoing season. The play revolves around Evie Malone, a gamer girl who seems to have life figured out. She leads a top-ranked guild in Warcraft with her online boyfriend and earns extra money by penning love letters for those facing relationship troubles, drawing parallels between love and the game. The production is directed by Peter Spearman.

SATURDAY, NOV. 4

WHAT: Lowcountry Voices WHERE: Holy Spirit Catholic Church WHEN: 4 p.m.

MORE INFO: An evening of diverse music, including gospel, spirituals, hymns, and jazz. In its eleventh season, this multicultural choral group celebrates African-American musical traditions of the South Carolina Lowcountry.

WHAT: Charleston Symphony Orchestra Following the Tour of Homes WHERE: West Beach Conference Center WHEN: 5 p.m.

MORE INFO: Experience an unforgettable night of music courtesy of the Charleston Symphony Orchestra (CSO). This program promises to take you on a timeless journey, featuring compositions from Mozart, Mendelssohn, Duke Ellington, and others, spanning the classical to contemporary.

WEDNESDAY, OCT. 25

SATURDAY, NOV. 11

WHAT: Studio Art Lecture: Photographer Andre Wagner WHERE: College of Charleston Education Center WHEN: 6 p.m.

MORE INFO: A lecture by Brooklyn photographer Andre Wagner. He captures the poetic nuances of daily life in New York, focusing on themes like race and class.

Wagner’s work is featured in major publications, and he’s known for traditional photographic techniques.

WHAT: Dan Tyminski Band WHERE: West Beach Conference Center WHEN: 7:30 p.m.

MORE INFO: Dan Tyminski, a 14-time Grammy-winning artist, has left an indelible mark on music over his 30-year career. Tyminski’s latest album, “God Fearing Heathen,” features original bluegrass compositions and debuted at #1 on Billboard’s Bluegrass Albums Chart.

SATURDAY, OCT. 28

WEDNESDAY, NOV. 15

WHAT: CoC Dance Concert - After the Rain WHERE: College of Charleston Sottile Theatre WHEN: 7:30 p.m.

MORE INFO: A dance performance that explores what follows a storm, whether it’s growth, rebuilding, or fresh starts. This concert showcases a blend of contemporary and classical dance pieces choreographed by faculty and guest artists. It’s a celebration of our resilience to move forward when the skies clear. Suitable for all ages.

WHAT: Piano Bar with Glenn Brown WHERE: The Sandcastle WHEN: 5 p.m.

MORE INFO: Yet another chance to enjoy some fine melodies in a laid-back island setting. This time around, Glenn Brown will be performing for friends and new-comers alike. Per usual, be sure to bring your favorite beverages and snacks to The Sandcastle for another easygoing night.

TUESDAY, OCT. 31

SUNDAY, DEC. 3

WHAT: International Piano Series - Eunmi Ko WHERE: College of Charleston Sottile Theatre WHEN: 7 p.m.

MORE INFO: Eunmi Ko, a renowned artist, is part of the 33rd season of the College of Charleston International Piano Series. Ko’s work spans traditional and contemporary piano repertoire, including premieres of new compositions. She’s also a dedicated collaborator and an associate professor of piano at the University of South Florida.

WHAT: Astralis Flute and Harp Chamber Ensemble WHERE: Church of Our Savior WHEN: 7:30 p.m.

MORE INFO: Angela Massey, a talented flutist, and Rachel Lee O’Brien, an accomplished harpist, collectively possess decades of experience, having graced the stages of prestigious venues and renowned concert series worldwide.

WEDNESDAY, NOV. 1

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

MORE INFO: This renowned glass harp duo from Poland is composed of former orchestral musicians Anna and Arkadiusz Szafraniec. With innovative arrangements, they offer subtle, sophisticated, and truly unique sounds for new generations to enjoy.

WHAT: Studio Art Lecture: Artist Mark Joshua Epstein WHERE: Auditorium NSCB 129 WHEN: 6 p.m.

MORE INFO: The Department of Studio Art is hosting a lecture by guest artist Mark Joshua Epstein, and it’s free and open to the public. Epstein holds a master of fine

SUNDAY, DEC. 10

islandconnectionnews . com

13

October 20, 2023

Reserve your seats today!

TICKETS START AT ONLY $25

AN EVENING WITH WORLD-RENOWNED VIOLINIST

PINCHAS ZUKERMAN – FEATURING THE MUSIC OF –

Tchaikovsky, Mozart, and Vivaldi 843.723.7528 CHARLESTONSYMPHONY.ORG

OCT. 27 & 28, 7:30PM | CHARLESTON GAILLARD CENTER

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Two Minutes May Be All You Have

October 20, 2023

A Musical Treat

H O M E F I R E S A R E S O U T H C A R O L I N A’ S M O S T F R E Q U E N T D I S A S T E R – A R E Y O U P R E PA R E D ?

O

ctober 8-14 was fire prevention week, and the American Red Cross of South Carolina urges everyone to practice their two-minute home fire escape plan and test their smoke alarms to stay safe from the nation’s most frequent disaster. Two minutes is the amount of time that fire experts say you may have to safely escape a home fire before it’s too late.

“Home fires are the nation’s most frequent disaster, and we want to ensure everyone knows how to protect themselves and their loved ones from these everyday crises,” said Brint Patrick, executive director of the Red Cross of South Carolina Lowcountry Chapter. “We are grateful for the support of our volunteers and partners to help save lives.”

On average, Red Cross disaster-trained volunteers respond to an average of six home fires in South Carolina every day. In the Lowcountry alone, the Red Cross has responded to nearly 300 fires so far this year, serving 909 people. Unfortunately, home fire responses increase by about 30% during colder months. In the last year, the Red Cross of South Carolina has installed 2,523 lifesaving smoke alarms in the Lowcountry.

“Before the fire department was even done putting out the fire, the Red Cross was set up in the club house with aid immediately,” said Josh Terry, a resident of an apartment complex that caught on fire in Charleston earlier this year, destroying dozens of units. “They gave us blankets, hygiene kits – I really didn’t have anything left after the fire, and they gave me all the essentials. I couldn’t believe the amount of help they were giving us, from people we don’t even know, and they don’t want anything back in return.”

Practice your plan with everyone in your household, and also teach children what a smoke alarm sounds like and what to do in an emergency. Visit redcross.org/fire for more information, including a printable escape plan and safety tips for cooking and home heating — the leading

causes of home fires, according to the National Fire Protection Association.

More escape tips for your family: • Include at least two ways to exit every room in your home in your escape plan.

• Select a meeting spot at a safe distance away from your home, such as your neighbor’s home or landmark like a specific tree in your front yard, where everyone knows to meet.

• Place smoke alarms on each level of your home, including inside and outside bedrooms and sleeping areas. Test alarms monthly and change the batteries at least once a year if your model requires it.

• Check the manufacturer’s date of your smoke alarms. If they’re 10 years or older, they likely need to be replaced because components such as batteries can become less reliable. Follow your alarm’s manufacturer instructions.

• Tailor your escape plan to everyone’s needs in your household. If you or a loved one is deaf or hard of hearing, install strobe light and bed-shaker alarms to help alert you to a fire. Visit redcross.org/ASL-disaster-resources for more information, including resources in American Sign Language.

If you cannot afford to purchase smoke alarms or are physically unable to install one, the Red Cross may be able to help. Contact your local Red Cross for help. The American Red Cross of South Carolina has installed nearly 10,000 smoke alarms in South Carolina homes since October of last year, saving over 140 lives and making nearly 3,000 South Carolinians safer.

The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org.

CONTEMPORARY PIANIST ENMI KO TO VISIT COFC

BY NANDINI MCCAULEY

H

For The Island Connection

ailed as “exceedingly interesting” (New York Concert Review) and “kaleidoscopic” (San Francisco Classical Voice), pianist Eunmi Ko concertizes as a recitalist and chamber musician throughout PHOTO PROVIDED Asia, Europe and the Americas. As a sought-after collaborator and champion of new music, she works with contemporary composers, ensembles and performers from around the world. Ko’s program will include new music composers Kline, Berio and Liberatore, among others.

Ko has appeared in concert halls and festivals including Carnegie Hall, Herbst Theatre, John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, Festival de Musica Contemporanea (Madrid), CLUSTER (Italy), San Francisco International Piano Festival and Seoul Arts Center, among others. Praised for original interpretations, abundance of piano technique and interesting programming, she performs a wide range of piano repertoire, from premieres of new works by living composers to traditional and rarely played works.

The concert will take place on Tuesday, Oct. 31, 2023 at 7 p.m. in the Sottile Theatre, 44 George Street. Tickets are $30 and can be purchased through the George Street Box Office online, at the door, by emailing gsbo@cofc.edu, or by calling (843) 953-4726. Visit go.cofc.edu/ips.

Tide Char t Date

High Tide

Low Tide

Oct 20 Oct 21 Oct 22 Oct 23 Oct 24 Oct 25 Oct 26 Oct 27 Oct 28 Oct 29 Oct 30 Oct 31 Nov 1 Nov 2

12:01am/12:47pm 1:00am/1:53pm 2:07am/3:04pm 3:19am/4:11pm 4:29am/5:13pm 5:32am/6:10pm 6:31am/7:02pm 7:24am/7:52pm 8:15am/8:40pm 9:03am/9:27pm 9:50am/10:14pm 10:36am/11:00pm 11:23am/11:48pm 12:11pm

6:10am/7:17pm 7:10am/8:19pm 8:18am/9:23pm 9:30am/10:25pm 10:39am/11:22pm 11:44am 12:15am/12:43pm 1:05am/1:38pm 1:52am/2:30pm 2:38am/3:20pm 3:23am/4:09pm 4:08am/4:57pm 4:54am/5:45pm 5:40am/6:35pm

Hurricanes, storms, etc., are NOT included in tide time predictions and can be very different. Tide predictions are PREDICTIONS; they can be wrong so use common sense.

Source: saltwatertides.com

15

October 20, 2023

Coastal Footwear Store Moving Sale!

We are moving our Coastal Footwear store in Freshfields Village and you will save 50% now!

Adidas Chaco Dansko Ecco Keen Merrell Native New Balance Olukai Oofos

Reef Skechers Sofft Speedo Sperry Topsider Teva Thorlo Vionic Xtratuf and Many More!

Everything must go!

All sales final, no returns, no exchanges 50% off sale valid 10/15/23 to 10/28/23 www.coastalfootwear.com

info@coastalfootwear.com

843.768.8488

16

October 20, 2023

3067 MARSHGATE DRIVE

3135 MARSHGATE DRIVE

2270 BOHICKET CREEK PLACE

$6,700,000

$5,495,000

$3,000,000

Ocean/River/Marsh View | 6 BR | 4.5 BA | 6,633 SF

Ocean/River/Marsh View | 4 BR | 4.5 BA | 4,290 SF

Marsh View | 4 BR | 4F & 2H BA | 3,776 SF

2270 OYSTER CATCHER CT.

3315 SEABROOK ISLAND ROAD

2810 MALLARD LAKE DRIVE

$2,260,000

$1,800,000

$1,800,000

Marsh View | 4 BR | 3 BA | 3,500 SF

Golf View | 3 BR | 3.5 BA | 3,642 SF

Lake View | 4 BR | 3 BA | 3,116 SF

2658 HIGH HAMMOCK ROAD

1393 PELICAN WATCH

195 HIGH HAMMOCK

$1,349,900

$550,000

$509,000

Golf View | 1 BR | 1.5 BA | 817 SF

Ocean View | 1 BR | 2 BA | 906 SF

Golf View | 2 BR | 2 BA | 1,036 SF

NO ONE KNOWS AND SELLS SEABROOK LIKE WE DO.

Standing: Tom Peck, John Halter, Amanda Benepe, Ryan Straup, Patsy Zanetti, Ingrid Phillips, Mary Ann Lloyd, Stuart Spisak, Joy Dellapina, Michelle Almeyda-Wiedemuth Seated: Pat Polychron, Chip Olsen, Stuart Rumph, Kathleen McCormack, Marc Chafe

seabrookisland.com | 843.768.2560 1002 Landfall Way, Seabrook Island, SC 29455 | realestate@seabrookisland.com Seabrook Island Club membership is required for ownership. Club amenity use is for Members and guests.

Lake House use is for Members, property owners, and their guests.