Communication Changes Afoot on Kiawah Island
BY THERESA STRATFORD For The Island Connection
As they say, communication is everything, and on Kiawah Island, Town officials take that seriously. When the Communications Manager Erin Pomrenke presented the Town’s Communications goals, future strategies and more at Town Council’s Fall Retreat on September 11, it was clear that communication really does mean everything, or at least a lot, to Kiawah Island residents.
For example, Pomrenke, who has only been the communications manager since March of this year, said the open rate for their e-newsletter is 58%, while the national average for e-newsletter open rates sits at just 22%. She also noted their high engagement rates on social media. While the typical engagement on most social media platforms sits at 1% to 5% on average, Pomrenke noted that their LinkedIn account is at 11.56%, their Facebook account has a 11.79% engagement rate, Instagram is at 5.98% and the platform previously known as Twitter is about average, at 1.94%.
As for publications and how they disseminate news to their constituents, the Town Council questioned Pomrenke on whether doing both Town Notes, which is a quarterly digital and printed publication, along with a weekly e-newsletter, was a good use of the communication department’s time and resources.
The quarterly Town Notes can be viewed digitally, but they also have printed copies in Town and KICA office lobbies and send to about 100 residents in the mail. Pomrenke said that the last edition of Town Notes was viewed about 200 times online.
With the e-newsletter successful open rate at 58%, many Council members wondered about the need to have both news outlets. Pomrenke stated that she has other ideas to increase the e-newsletter open rate even more by partnering with KICA to have them send it out to their email list as well.
Council Member Bradley Belt suggested that they no longer print the Town Notes because of the expense and the amount of people and resources involved. “Some of the content is repeated from the
Kiawah Conservancy Announces First Johns Island Property Preserved
JENNIFER WILSON WOODY For The Island Connection
he news has been circulating for some time now among Kiawah, Seabrook, and Johns islanders: Rosebank Farms will soon move to a new location at the entrance of Kiawah River.
After Rosebank Farms owners Sidi Limehouse and Lousie Bennett broke ground at the farm stand’s new location, the Kiawah Conservancy was presented with a unique opportunity to acquire the property that they had so gracefully occupied for the past several years. At the heart of the Conservancy's mission is a commitment to preserve and protect the natural places and wildlife corridors of Kiawah Island and its surrounding environs.
After many months of planning and negotiation, the Conservancy is excited to announce the preservation of 4368 Betsy Kerrison Parkway, our first preserved property on Johns Island and a venture that the Limehouse Family is incredibly pleased with. According to Louise Bennett, “Sidi and I are
extremely happy to see this property preserved by the Kiawah Conservancy. We know that the Conservancy will ensure the property remains as it should, a true and natural part of Johns Island.”
Bennett also noted that they are very happy about Rosebank Farms’ move to their new location at the entrance to Kiawah River and are grateful to the Conservancy for extending their time at the current location until the new space is complete.
This acquisition is just one part of the Kiawah Conservancy’s ongoing efforts to maintain and enhance the natural wonders that make our area so special. By safeguarding these areas, we provide a haven for wildlife, protect native flora and fauna, and maintain the scenic beauty that captivates us all.
We encourage you to join us in this endeavor by supporting the Kiawah Conservancy’s conservation initiatives.
For more info about this project or other efforts undertaken by the Kiawah Conservancy, please contact our land preservation specialist, Collie Farah, at 834-768-2029 or collie@kiawahconservancy.org.
Research Project for Loggerhead Turtles Supported by the Town
BY THERESA STRATFORD For The Island Connection
It’s no secret that the Town of Kiawah Island’s Turtle Patrol is an important asset to not only the loggerhead sea turtles they support, but to the people of the island who value protecting wildlife and their fragile ecosystems.
Volunteers of the Turtle Patrol have the unique opportunity to monitor nests and hatchlings by marking and taking care of the nests they find along the beach.
Since 1973, hundreds of residents of Kiawah Island have participated in the Turtle Patrol program, which runs from May 1 to October 31 every year.
Trained by SCDNR, Kiawah Island sees about 200 to 400 turtle nests each season. In fact, since 2017, Kiawah Island has the densest nesting beach of all the developed beaches in South Carolina. According to the Turtle Patrol, nests without a protection program have a low hatch rate, typically under 10%. Hatch rates on Kiawah, with help from the Turtle Patrol, are over 70%.
During the September 5 Town Council meeting, the Kiawah Island Turtle Patrol was asking for the Town’s support for another initiative.
After the Kiawah Island Community Association gave their blessing and through the assistance of the Kiawah Conservancy, the Turtle Patrol was asking for the Town’s approval of sending a letter to constituents expressing support for a vitally important mission for the loggerhead sea turtle population.
For more than a decade, the Northern Recovery Unit Loggerhead DNA Project, headed by the University of Georgia Professor Dr. Brian Shamblin, has been responsible for research of the female turtle population along the beaches of North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia and northern Florida.
The basis of the study is to extract maternal DNA from loggerhead sea turtle eggs to identify the individual female associated with each nest and develop a census of the nesting population. This research has identified over 10,000 unique females by egg samples taken from every single nest laid during a nesting season. Scientists have learned invaluable information about loggerhead nesting patterns along 1,000 miles of the southeast coastline through this study.
For example, it was through the Northern Recovery Unit Loggerhead DNA Project, that they were able to determine that Kiawah Island had the densest nesting area of all of South Carolina’s developed beaches.
Now, the project is in need of funding since it is no longer federally funded by a grant. On September 5, the Kiawah Island Turtle Patrol asked the Town to support the letter that they wanted to send out via the Town’s e-newsletter in a fundraising effort for the project through the Kiawah Conservancy.
Since the Kiawah Conservancy is a 501(c)(3) organization, they will collect the funds to ultimately disseminate to the Northern Recovery Unit Loggerhead DNA Project through UGA.
Since the Kiawah Island Turtle Patrol is a Town of Kiawah Island entity, they cannot participate in soliciting for donations, but they can support the effort through the Kiawah Conservancy. KICA has expressed support for the fundraising effort as well.
Lynne Sager, coordinator and permit holder for the
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
Jennifer Wilson Woody
Stan Macdonald
Alan Armstrong
Erin Weeks
John Nelson
Irene Breland
Sarah Reynolds
Maureen Healy Future
20
Preserve
(continued from page 1)
e-newsletter, and with only 100 people wanting a hard copy, that isn’t enough.”
Pomrenke mentioned that the difference with content in the Town Notes versus the e-newsletter is that since the Town Notes is quarterly, the content is more evergreen, while the e-newsletter is more timely content.
Council Member Michael Heidingsfelder said, “From a Kiawah Goes Green standpoint, printing Town Notes is bad for the environment and a waste of money and resources.”
Mayor John Labriola voiced that he is in favor of doing anything they can to get the word out on the various initiatives coming down the pipe. “We’ve already heard some negative viewpoints about the arts center, and all we are doing is a study; we haven’t done anything yet. People need to know that. It matters how things are conveyed to people.”
BRING THE ISLAND
Heidingsfelder commented that he would like the Town to consider eliminating quarterly Town Notes and enhancing the e-newsletter, which is currently sent weekly. “Maybe do the e-newsletter once a month. I just think we need a shift because there is too much time and energy going into Town Notes. We need to be more proactive as a town.”
There is also a private listserv that is not managed by the Town called Inside Kiawah, or iKiawah, that discusses timely topics among residents. Heindingsfelder noted that as a Town, council members should consider interjecting facts on many of the iKiawah posts.
Council Member John Moffitt and Belt agreed. “I think it is fine to comment and acknowledge what is inaccurate. For example, sometimes issues are brought up that aren’t even dealt with by the Town. They are KICA issues and we should comment on that and make people aware.”
Ultimately, it was determined that Pomrenke should discontinue printing Town Notes and explore other ways to enhance the e-newsletter.
Pomrenke manages the communication department for the Town of Kiawah Island. Her team includes a communications specialist and the arts and cultural events coordinator. Since starting the position in March, Pomrenke has served as the communication representative on the Kiawah Goes Green Work Group and the Marsh Management Work Group; assisted with the new website release; facilitated a variety of podcasts with community members and Council; coordinated hurricane preparedness communications; served on the Arts Council Board and assisted with planning Arts and Cultural Events marketing efforts; written volunteer highlight pieces featuring local volunteers and their efforts; coordinated communications with other island entities; assisted with several community events, such as the Volunteer Appreciation event, the 35th Anniversary celebration for the town, and the Bobcats and Bluegrass event – all while maintaining the communications operations for the town.
Before coming to Kiawah, she was the primary editor for internal and external publications for Charles County Government in Maryland. In that position, she developed content for many digital platforms and print materials, led the internal Social Media Work Group and trained all new social media admins, and assisted with emergency preparedness and response communications. She also co-led a regional social media group of communication professionals. Some of her key achievements during her time
Ensure transparency of Town Council
• Ensure fiscal integrity of the Town’s finances
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She also presented future strategies for her department, which include increasing brand awareness, providing more quality visual content and increasing overall reach on digital platforms.
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Pomrenke ended her presentation at the Fall Retreat with a request. She mentioned that videos and visual content always get the best feedback and that the Town currently doesn’t have anyone that can professionally take videos or photograph events. One of the ways that Pomrenke believes she can achieve the Town’s future communication goals is by adding a full-time video/audio specialist to the communications team.
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“Video is a great way to get information out. This person would be able to get video and photos from events, which would be so beneficial and really help our social media.”
The meeting ended with the Town Council asking Pomrenke to come up with a job description to present to them for consideration of the new video/audio specialist position.
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Civic Calen dar
TOWN OF KIAWAH
Environmental Committee
Wednesday, Oct. 11, 1 p.m.
Kiawah Town Hall
October Community Drop-In
Wednesday, Oct. 11, 2 p.m.
1 Shipwatch Rd, Kiawah Island
Board of Zoning Appeals
Monday, Oct. 16, 1 p.m.
Kiawah Town Hall
Ways and Means Committee
Monday, Oct. 23, 1 p.m.
Kiawah Town Hall
TOWN OF SEABROOK
Town Council Work Session
Tuesday, Oct. 10, 1 p.m.
Seabrook Town Hall
Environmental and Wildlife Committee
Thursday, Oct. 12, 1 p.m.
Seabrook Town Hall
Town Council Budget Workshop #1
Friday, Oct. 13, 1 p.m.
Seabrook Town Hall
Public Safety Committee
Tuesday, Oct. 17, 10 a.m.
Seabrook Town Hall
Kiawah Island Turtle Patrol, has been involved in the Kiawah Island Turtle Patrol since 2002. She clarified that the Kiawah Island Turtle Patrol wanted to support this fundraising effort by signing a letter on behalf of the Kiawah Island Turtle Patrol asking for donations from anyone who would be so inclined, and that this letter would be disseminated through the Town’s e-newsletter. As stated, both KICA and the Kiawah
Conservancy signed the letter. The letter would be presented on Kiawah Conservancy letterhead.
The Town Council unanimously agreed to this effort and granted Sager with the responsibility of signing the letter on behalf of the Town to show their support. By October 1, the Northern Recovery Unit Loggerhead DNA Project needed to be funded at $40,000 in order to continue their research mission.
Members of the Kiawah Island Turtle Patrol.
Brighten the Plot
A TEACHING GARDEN AT THE JOHNS ISLAND LIBRARY
BY STAN MACDONALD For The Island Connection
This is the third article in a series about native plants in our coastal communities. The author is a board member of the Seabrook Island Green Space Conservancy.
In midsummer this year, a visitor may have hardly noticed a small garden outside the children’s room at the Johns Island library except for one showstopper: a Scarlet hibiscus, so lavish in color and stunning in its five-petal design that you couldn’t look away.
Michel Hammes, an adult services librarian at the branch library at Maybank Highway, had chosen the theatrical hibiscus to brighten the plot that she and her colleague, Sheryl Lowry, maintain and use as a teaching tool for daily visitors and for organized programs featuring plant experts. The garden is certified “wild” by the National Wildlife Federation, and it allows children and adults to investigate the life-giving interaction between native plants and insect pollinators, like a bright orange Gulf fritillary butterfly feeding on the nectar of a purple-flowered Ironweed plant. The children who visit are often unfamiliar with native plants, Hammes said, but many are aware of climate change and ask questions in that context: Do plants help? (Yes — they can absorb carbon, mitigate flooding and provide critical food and habitat for insects and birds.)
In addition to creating the garden, Michel helped develop a statewide “seed library” program which offers patrons at South Carolina public libraries resources – and free seeds – for growing vegetables, herbs and
wildflowers. The program partners with the Clemson Extension School and Community Garden Program.
Inspired by her mother, Yvonne Michel, a committed environmentalist, Michel Hammes began growing native plants about 20 years ago at her home in North Charleston. She said native plants offer her clear benefits: Many require little watering, they are pest resistant, they provide the right pollen and nectar for native wildlife, and they’re beautiful. To prove the last point, she emailed a photo of delicate light blue Carolina wild petunias in her yard. She and her husband, Cary Jones, don’t use chemicals, and fallen leaves serve as fertilizer.
“What I love about the native plants is that it's not just gardening,” she said. “I mean, most of us like to put our hands in the dirt. You can pop a plant in the ground, and all you do is give it some water and sunshine and it grows. And then if you add in the native plants, you get all this wildlife coming around. To me that is just amazing and mystical, and it brings joy to life.”
Native plants are easy to grow and offer a variety of benefits for pollinators and other native wildlife species. Don’t miss your opportunity to learn more about growing your native landscape from Mary Reynolds, internationally acclaimed author, inspirational speaker and founder of the global movement, We are the Ark. Mark your calendar and register now for Designing in Nature with Mary Reynolds on October 19, at 11 a.m. in the West Beach Conference Center.
Celebrate Native Plants
The highlight of the weeklong native plant celebration is the Designing in Nature with Mary Reynolds event hosted by the Kiawah Conservancy on Thursday, October 19. Mary Reynolds is a bestselling author, inspirational speaker and founder of the global movement We Are the ARK.
Guests will enjoy a gourmet luncheon and a virtual visit with Mary Reynolds as she joins us remotely from her home in Ireland to discuss the importance of native plants, her career and how we can be better stewards of the land. This event will also include a vendor showcase where you can meet with local landscape professionals, native plant experts and native plant nurseries to have your landscape, gardening and native plant questions answered.
Also that week, join Sean Cannon (Restoration and Enhancement Specialist for the Kiawah Conservancy) and Karen Madoff (Kiawah resident, Master Gardener, Naturalist, and Master Rain Gardener) on Monday, October 16 for a Walk in the Naturally Kiawah Demonstration Garden at Night Heron Park. On this tour, Sean and Karen will share insightful information about native plants that grow well on Kiawah. Their knowledge and expertise are sure to inspire you to include native plants in your landscape.
And on Wednesday, October 18, returning artist and illustrator Abby Nurre will lead a watercolor workshop. Join Abby and learn to paint treasures found on the beach. This program is open to adults and children ages 10 and up of all skill levels. Materials will be provided. Make sure to mark your calendar for this inspiring week of celebrating and learning about South Carolina's Native Plants. Learn more and register to attend on the Kiawah Conservancy website.
Tee Time
SEABROOK ISLAND VETERANS DAY CHARITABLE GOLF EVENT
BY ALAN ARMSTRONG For The Island Connection
The Seabrook Island Club and the Kiawah-Seabrook Exchange Club will be sponsoring its 12th Annual Seabrook Island Veterans Day Charitable Golf Event on Monday, November 6, 2023 to honor veterans who have served the country and raise money to support the Ralph Johnson Veterans Hospital and the Friends of Fisher House.
the trimmings in the Atlantic Ballroom following play. Team and individual registrations are welcomed.
Feeling Blue .. and Crabby SCDNR
IS WORKING ON THE STATE’S BLUE CRAB POPULATION
BY ERIN WEEKS
For The Island Connection
In 2021, following years of dwindling survey numbers and crabber concerns, agency biologists and staff began compiling a report outlining the state’s blue crab population status, its commercial and recreational fisheries and the results of recent public surveys on management options.
of recommendations intended to prevent the potential for overharvesting and to gradually reduce fishing pressure in South Carolina.
The Seabrook Island Real Estate Company and Hobson Builders will be major contributors. The United States Flag will be presented by St. Johns High School Jr. ROTC Cadets. Wounded Warriors from Iraq and Afghanistan will be participating as honored guests.
The event will be a captain’s choice scramble format beginning with a 9:30 a.m. shotgun start. Teams will be flighted for awards based on total team handicap. The Club will be serving a Captain Sam’s buffet with grilled burgers, chicken sandwiches, and all
The entry fee for Seabrook Island Club members is $95 plus applicable golf fees. For non-club members, the fee is $175. A portion of the entry fee will be set aside as a charitable contribution to the Ralph Johnson Veterans Hospital and Fisher House.
You may register for the event by calling the Seabrook Island Golf Shop at 843-768-2529 or by sending an email to golf@seabrookisland.com. If you have any questions, please call Alan Armstrong at 410-274-7545 or email him at alan9631@ comcast.net.
That report was published in early 2023 at the request of the General Assembly and concluded that, beginning with a severe drought in 2000, blue crabs have experienced two decades of decline in South Carolina. Some numbers have begun to increase again, but concerning signals in the data remain, including continued declines in crab abundance during the fall, the season when most crabs are harvested commercially.
The report also highlighted the history of blue crab protections in South Carolina and found that the fishery is underregulated and likely overcapitalized compared with neighboring states. Public survey data suggested that the majority of both recreational and commercial crabbers perceive that blue crabs are less numerous than they used to be.
Lastly, the report provided a suite
Staff will discuss these recommendations and other report findings at public meetings. South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) staff is in the process of hosting these public meetings across the coast to invite both recreational and commercial crabbers to learn more about the blue crab decline and discuss potential options for future management. For those unable to attend one of the in-person meetings, a recording of the presentation will be made available after the meetings have concluded.
The first two public meetings took place at SCDNR's Marine Resources Center in Charleston on Wednesday, September 27 and at Royal Sound Foundation Maritime Center in Okatie on October 4. An additional meeting is planned but not yet scheduled for Murrells Inlet.
Please monitor the SCDNR website and social media platforms for more information and updates on scheduling this third meeting. Visit dnr.sc.gov.
My plan yesterday was to get up early and prepare for a field trip with one of my former students. It was to be something of a “busman’s holiday,” as we wanted to botanize somewhere, and it didn’t really matter where, as long as we could see a lot of botanical diversity on a nice, early autumn day.
My former student is Mr. Wade Biltoft, who graduated a couple of years ago from South Carolina with his bachelor of science in Biology and then his master in environmental sciences. Wade has turned out, I am pleased to say, as a fine botanist, one who has quite the eye for detail in the botanical world. (It’s also a good idea to bring along someone who can pull you out of a ditch if you fall in while botanizing.)
So, Wade showed up in his jeep while it was bright and early: we headed south on something of a whim, plant presses at the ready, and fortified with coffee and some morning carbs to get things going. As usual, botanists typically don’t have to go far to find interesting plant life, and Wade and I ended up, as our first stop, along the placidly-flowing Edisto River (its north fork) not too far south of Columbia. Here’s one of the first botanical delights of the day.
It's a tall herb, although it gets a bit woody at the base, with stems sticking up nearly to six feet, sometimes. The leaves
Tall and Charming
BY JOHN NELSON For The Island Connection
are alternate, one at a time, and curiously shaped. Each one tends to be 4-6" long, and flat at the base, with two sharp lobes pointed away from each other at the bottom. At least one early botanist was impressed by this shape, and likened it to a “halberd,” a medieval weapon on a pole with a two-pronged blade up at the top, good for chopping off heads, or whatever.
This is a plant belonging to the mallow family, which of course gives us okra, Confederate rose and cotton, as well as a number of weedy species. The flowers of plants in this family have five sepals and petals, and the petals are typically large and showy, brightly colored. The many stamens of a flower are fused, interestingly, into a hollow tube, and the style of the ovary pokes all the way through the length of the tube. If you take a close look at one of these flowers, you’ll see five rounded branches at the tip of the style, which will be surrounded by a lot of little stamens attached to their tube.
This species is widespread in the Southeast from Virginia to the Florida panhandle, and also within the Mississippi Valley. It is a plant of wet, or at least damp, places, and wherever I’ve been able to see it, seems to like lots of sun. It’s one of those native species which seems to have slipped by the garden radar, as it really is quite a charmer.
Thanks, Wade, for a really great outing. Hope we can do it again somewhere.
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.
[
“Halberd-leaf hibiscus,” Hibiscus laevis]
PHOTO BY JOHN NELSON
We are almost ready for Cars at Kiawah River on October 14. The new park is nearing completion, and the Spoonbills are flying. The goats at The Goatery are making cheese and the Kids Display is nearly full with interesting vehicles for kids young and old. We also hear that a few of the goats will visit the Kids section to tell you about their cheese.
Our Young Enthusiast Display has some great examples of the automotive interests in the 16 to 39 age group. And our Featured Collector Display will have five incredible cars from the Bluestein's collection.
The Corvette Heritage Display will highlight the C1 to C8 models with a hand-picked group of cars lined up in front of the Old Farmhouse by the Kiawah River. You will also find a few more ‘Vettes that have registered in support of the display. There will be something for everyone.
Oh, we can’t forget all the exhibitors who have registered their favorite cars to share with all of us.
For more info about Cars at Kiawah River, go to carsatkiawahriver.com.
More items are now subject to South Carolina’s Maximum Sales & Use Tax (Max Tax), and Max Tax returns must be filed online starting December 1, 2023. The South Carolina Department of Revenue wants affected taxpayers to know about the changes, including some differences to the Max Tax return starting in December. What you nee d to know:
• New items, including ATVs, UTVs, golf carts, dirt bikes and legend race cars, are now subject to South Carolina’s Max Tax.
• Starting December 1, taxpayers are required to file their Max Tax returns online using MyDORWAY.
• Existing Max Tax filers should be prepared for changes to the Max Tax return when they go to file their return in December. For more info, visit dor.sc.gov.
It’s Harvest Time
JOHNS
ISLAND
COUNTY PARK HOSTS ANNUAL
BLUEGRASS FESTIVAL
BY SARAH REYNOLDS For The Island Connection
JoinCharleston County Parks for a countryside fall celebration. The 2023 Harvest Festival is set for Saturday, November 4 from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. at beautiful Johns Island County Park.
The Harvest Festival is known for its showcase of Charleston’s own bluegrass talent, with local bands playing throughout the day. This year’s entertainment lineup is Southern Flavor Band, Yeehaw Junction and New Ghost Town.
And of course, no Harvest Festival would be complete without a feast! Plenty of food will be available for purchase, including barbecue, kettle korn, and traditional favorite festival fare, plus cold beverages.
Festival-goers are also encouraged to stop by the crafters’ market, which features a variety of hand-made items from local craft and merchandise vendors that make perfect holiday gifts.
Families will find activities to keep the kids occupied including hayrides, horse jumps, kids’ fall arts and crafts, and pumpkin painting. The City of
Charleston Police Department will conduct a mounted patrol demo, and the Charleston Animal Society will be on site with pets available for adoption.
Charleston County Parks has also partnered with Kulture City to offer sensory inclusive accommodations at the event, including a quiet area and sensory bags, to help any guest with sensory needs.
Admission to the Harvest Festival is $10 per person. Kids 12 and under and Gold Pass holders are admitted free (Gold Passes are not sold on site). Advance ticket sales are not available for this event. Food and beverages are available for additional fees; valid ID is required for alcohol purchase. Attendees are encouraged to bring chairs or blankets for seating. Dogs are welcome but must remain on a leash at all times. Outside alcohol and coolers are prohibited.
For more information, call 843-7954386, visit CharlestonCountyParks.com. This event is brought to you by Coca-Cola, Charleston Animal Society and your Charleston County Parks.
A Conversation about Travel Photography
… WITH J. KEVIN FOLTZ
BY MAUREEN HEALY For The Island Connection
For members of the Seabrook Island Photography Club, the evening of October 19 will feature a conversation with photographer J. Kevin Foltz about his experiences as an assignment photographer in the world of travel photography — including an emphasis on his recent work in Mexico and Japan.
The conversation will address different approaches to image-making on the road and how to be ready for encountering unexpected visual treasures. The conversation will also touch on culinary photography, which is one of Kevin’s travel specialties.
Kevin is a wanderer. Raised in the Carolinas, he has been a working photographer for 35 years. Kevin has owned commercial photography studios in Nashville, Tennessee; Lima, Peru; and Miami Florida. In the commercial realm of photography, he has worked with clients ranging from Western Union to Coca-Cola.
After closing his studio in Lima, Kevin moved to Miami, where he was awarded two consecutive three-year residencies at Oolite Arts, formerly ArtCenter South Florida. He was also awarded the Florida Arts Consortium Artist Grant. When living in Miami, he changed career paths to become a full-time travel and destination photographer, working with various airlines and countries hotel and visitor’s guides.
Kevin is currently a resident artist at Redux Contemporary Art Center on King Street in downtown Charleston and continues to work closely with clients in the travel and restaurant industries.
J. Kevin Foltz.
For more info, email seabrookphotographyclub22@gmail.com. The event is free for club members; otherwise, a $10 donation is requested.
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,
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: “When the Land Meets the Body” showcases 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.
MONDAY, OCT. 9
WHAT: Lecture Series: Dr. Patrick McMillan New and Underutilized Native Plant Selections and Their Roles in Creating Healthy Garden Ecosystems WHERE: Drug Discovery Building on MUSC Campus WHEN: 6 p.m.
MORE INFO: Dr. Patrick McMillan is a renowned figure in horticulture, taxonomy, and conservation, with a career spanning over 30 years as a botanist, horticulturist, naturalist, biologist, and educator. His global explorations have contributed numerous new species and cultivars to horticulture. The next morning at 10 a.m., Dr. McMillan will also be sharing his expertise of Wildflowers at the HORT office.
TUESDAY, OCT. 10
WHAT: The Small Glories WHERE: The Seabrook Island Club WHEN: 7:30 p.m.
MORE INFO: The Small Glories, consisting of Cara Luft and JD Edwards, are a dynamic duo rooted in the Canadian Prairies, known for their remarkable musical partnership. Their stage presence combines a unique blend of humor and sermon, captivating audiences to the point where time seems to stand still and spectators feel like they’re part of the performance. While these seasoned singer-songwriters complement each other’s strengths, they also allow their individual personalities to shine, resulting in a live show that is heartwarming and hilarious, skillful in fingerpicking, and deeply relatable. Their music proudly embodies a quintessentially Canadian spirit, yet they’ve managed to win the hearts of audiences worldwide, from Nashville to the vast Australian Outback.
WEDNESDAY, OCT. 11
WHAT: Piano Bar with the Joy Project WHERE: The Sandcastle WHEN: 5 p.m.
MORE INFO: Wednesday Piano Bars are not intended to be formal concerts; instead, they provide a casual and enjoyable setting to spend time with friends and family. They also offer a chance to socialize with neighbors beyond your usual Island circle. So, kick back with your preferred drink because at 5 p.m. Island time, the Sandcastle will be the place to be. Feel free to bring your beverage of choice and any snacks to keep you satisfied. This time around, The Joy Project will be providing the tunes. The jazz combo consists of Steve Joy on alto and soprano sax with Richard White on keys.
THURSDAY, OCT. 12
WHAT: Tango Lovers: Volver
WHERE: West Beach Conference Center
WHEN: 7:30 p.m.
MORE INFO: Tango Lovers is an acclaimed ensemble of over 20 artists from Argentina and Uruguay with extensive international experience. Their lineup includes World Champion Tango dancers and Grammy-winning musician Lautaro Greco as the bandoneon player and musical director. They’ve wowed audiences globally and earned prestigious awards, including “Best Musical Show of the Year” from ACE of New York. As cultural ambassadors of Uruguay, Tango Lovers presents “Volver,” a mesmerizing production that transcends time and place through Tango, uniting cultures and generations.
SATURDAY, OCT. 14
WHAT: Kitchen Blues - Indigo Dyeing with Kelly Fort of Pluff Mud Farms
WHERE: HORT office
WHEN: 6 p.m.
MORE INFO: HORT is hosting an exciting Indigo Workshop, where you’ll discover the art of natural dyeing and transform everyday kitchen towels into exquisite pieces of art. Led by experienced instructor Kelly Fort from Pluff Mud Farms, participants will explore the world of indigo dye, experimenting with various techniques and patterns to personalize their towels. From traditional tie-dye to Shibori, everyone will engage in a hands-on experience, immersing their towels in rich indigo vats. This workshop not only showcases the beauty of indigo dye but also emphasizes the importance of sustainability and eco-friendly practices. Unleash your creativity and bring indigo charm to your home!
SATURDAY, OCT. 21
WHAT: CofC Opera: L’Amour et la Mort WHERE: Chapel Theatre WHEN: 5 p.m.
MORE INFO: On October 21-22, 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
WHAT: Lowcountry Voices
WHERE: Holy Spirit Catholic Church WHEN: 4 p.m.
MORE INFO: Join Lowcountry Voices for 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. They’ve performed at national events, including services for Reverend Clementa Pinckney and alongside President Obama during his rendition of “Amazing Grace.”
SATURDAY, NOV. 4
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). As a pivotal element of Charleston’s thriving arts scene, the CSO enchants audiences with their outstanding symphonic performances. This program promises to take you on a timeless journey, featuring compositions from Mozart, Mendelssohn, Duke Ellington, and others, spanning the classical to contemporary. Whether you’re a seasoned enthusiast or a curious newcomer, this concert invites you to witness the artistic brilliance that defines the CSO.
SATURDAY, NOV. 11
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. His iconic voice can be heard alongside George Clooney in “I’m A Man of Constant Sorrow” in the film “Oh Brother, Where Art Thou.” He also collaborated with DJ Avicii on “Hey, Brother,” amassing over 1 billion streams. Tyminski’s latest album, “God Fearing Heathen,” features original bluegrass compositions and debuted at #1 on Billboard’s Bluegrass Albums Chart. He continues to shine with his exceptional instrumental skills and soulful tenor voice in the Dan Tyminski Band, featuring top-notch musicians.
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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