SEABROOK ELECTION RESULTS
On Tuesday, November 7, the Town of Seabrook Island conducted a municipal election to fill the positions of Mayor, Town Council Members and Utility Commissioner. The results of the election were certified by the Charleston County Board of Canvassers on November 9 as follows:
Mayor
Bruce Kleinman - 705 *
Jeri Finke - 562
Write-In - 1
Town Council Members
Chuck Cross - 553
Ray Hamilton - 860 *
Dan Kortvelesy - 627 *
Darryl May - 760 *
Paul McLaughlin - 626
Gordon Weis - 689 *
Sharon Welch - 374
Write-In - 11
Utility Commissioner
Robert Aaron - 814 *
Write-In - 3
Statistics
Registered Voters (Total) - 2,432
Ballots Cast (Total) - 1,272
Voter Turnout (Total) - 52.30%
The town will host a swearing in ceremony for Mayor-Elect Bruce Kleinman; Town Council Members Ray Hamilton, Dan Kortvelesy, Darryl May, and Gordon Weis; and Utility Commissioner Robert Aaron on January 2, 2024 at noon at Town Hall.
For more information, please contact Seabrook Island Town Hall at 843-768-9121 or by email at kwatkins@ townofseabrookisland.org.
Short Statement from Bruce Kleinman, Mayor-elect
I am proud and humbled to have been elected to lead our great town in an election in which almost 1,300 voters participated. I intend, along with the new Town Council, to continue to spread the positive message of change, which has been the foundation of my campaign.
We will immediately take steps to foster greater buy-in by Town residents in the actions of its municipal government by improving communication and participation as a means of forging consensus on major issues.
Keep Betsy Beautiful
PRESERVING CRITICAL LANDS ON JOHNS ISLAND
BY JENNIFER WOODY For The Island Connection
Island is one of the few places in Charleston where you can still find dove fields, agricultural land, wild turkeys and a vibrant rural community. It is a unique and special place. Furthermore, it is the gateway to Kiawah and Seabrook and an integral part of the local watershed (Bohicket Creek, Stono River, and Kiawah River) which supports both humans and wildlife communities. Ultimately, everything that happens on Kiawah, Seabrook, and Johns Islands has an impact on our respective communities. The islands are inextricably linked through the watershed. Healthy watersheds not only help protect water quality but also provide benefits to the habitats, wildlife and people that live within them. Preservation of land is our greatest tool to protect these natural resources as well as travel corridors and muchneeded places to rest, nest and feed for the wildlife we all love. Our bobcats, birds and more depend on these critical areas for survival.
The pressure of development on Johns Island and Betsy Kerrison Parkway, in particular, is growing at an alarming rate. We know that growth is inevitable, but smart growth that protects wildlife and their habitats and preserves culture is crucial. If this land is not protected now, it will only be a matter of time before development begins to dramatically impact it. This is why the Kiawah Conservancy has launched the Keep Betsy Beautiful Campaign.
The Kiawah Conservancy is excited to announce the recent preservation of two key properties on Johns Island: 4368 and 4346 Betsy Kerrison Parkway. These properties serve as a cornerstone for conservation on southern Johns Island. The Kiawah Conservancy is actively working with landowners on Johns Island to place additional properties
under conservation easement, and when easements aren’t possible, we are working to purchase properties for preservation. Looking to the future, we envision portions of these preserved lands being open for public access. We hope to provide nature trails, a natural community gathering area and native plant demonstration gardens that will connect people with the land itself and celebrate the rural nature of Johns Island. This is a natural extension of the Kiawah Conservancy’s mission to measure, manage, improve, and advocate for the ecological health of Kiawah Island and its environs.
Our conservation work on Johns Island can’t be done alone. Join us for a Keep Betsy Beautiful Information Session to learn more about our conservation efforts on Johns Island. Register your attendance here: kiawahconservancy.salsalabs.org/kbbinfosession.
Please consider making a gift today to Keep Betsy Beautiful and to ensure this critical area is preserved now for generations to come. Donate online at kiawahconservancy.org.
By the end of 2023, the Kiawah Conservancy will have reached a new milestone - 3,880 acres of vital land preserved in perpetuity. Your support helps us reach this milestone achievement.
Sound Off!
SEABROOK ADDRESSES NUISANCES AND NOISE
BY THERESA STRATFORD
For The Island Connection
Nuisances are finally being addressed by the Town of Seabrook Island. For the first time, the Town has taken on a nuisance and noise ordinance to cover any and everything annoying, irritating and down right inconvenient. The work can be attributed to the Short-Term Rental Ad Hoc Committee, who has been working on a short term rental agreement for the past two years or so. During that time, the committee also came up with a nuisance and noise ordinance, which happens to coincide with some of the short-term rental issues.
Presented at the October 24 Seabrook Island Town
Council meeting by Council Member Jeri Finke and Town Administrator Joe Cronin, the ordinance, which was only presented to council and the community for consideration, will not only cover nuisance issues but also noise issues.
“So much of this was taken out of the current DSO and reorganized to be placed in this ordinance,” Finke explained.
“It made sense to have those provisions in this ordinance, like fireworks, firearms and dumping. We added noise ordinance issues that address things like landscaping, recreational or noises that could be a problem like music at your neighbor’s rental unit.”
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CONTRIBUTORS
Theresa Stratford
Jennifer Woody
Erin Weeks
Marlissa Bannister
Emily Jenkins
Jane Marvin
Paige Finney
Landon Masters
John Nelson
Ordinance (continued from page 1)
Finke added that this ordinance would be new for Seabrook Island and that they are currently just presenting it to Council and the community. Stakeholders in the community can go on the Town of Seabrook Island’s website and comment on anything in the ordinance that they would like to see changed or enhanced.
She said that they worked closely with SIPOA on the ordinance as well since SIPOA has nuisance provisions that they already enforce currently. “We tried to align with some issues like parking and decibel levels with SIPOA. We don’t want to be enforcing different rules than what they currently have,” Finke mentioned.
Cronin chimed in that this ordinance adds new provisions to Chapter 18 of the Town’s Code, which covers miscellaneous offensives, like discharging firearms, gaming vessels and hours of operation for those.
“When we conducted stakeholder meetings over the past year, what kept coming up time and again were issues that would need to be covered in a nuisance ordinance, and we simply didn’t have one,” he said. “We also would hear why the town wouldn’t enforce certain rules or uphold issues that the POA deals with.”
Cronin acknowledged that the only rules the Town can enforce are the ones they have in their books. “SIPOA had language on the books about noise and different issues that had never been addressed by a Town ordinance,” he noted.
The difference between the Town’s nuisance and noise ordinance and SIPOA’s is that the Town’s is very specific, since, as Cronin puts it, they have to be more specific as a governmental body.
“We have to really define a noise violation,” Cronin said.
The Town can define noises by decibel levels, but many noises are simply prohibited. Cronin gave the example of a dog barking for hours on end or music that is plainly audible.
Code enforcement for the Town would be able to pull out a decibel meter at a property line and measure what is allowed by the noise ordinance. It would be set at 60 decibels for loud noise between 10 p.m. and 8 a.m. All other times, the decibel level would be at 70.
“The decibel meter is something objective,” Cronin explained. “It either exceeds or it doesn’t.” Council could
make exemptions and modifications for sounds like sirens. Cronin said that the Club would also be an exemption, as well as landscape activities. “They can also make exemptions for certain time periods,” he added.
That’s where SIPOA and the Town would need to be on the same page. If the Town allowed construction to begin at a different time than SIPOA did, there could be issues.
Cronin also mentioned that having this ordinance would be Town-wide, whereas SIPOA’s rules only work inside the gate.
Finke said, “If we have this ordinance it won’t matter if you call SIPOA or the Town because we both will have provisions in the books to take care of it. I was beating my head against a wall trying to make sense of who people can call for nuisance issues since it was only SIPOA that dealt with many of those specifics inside the gate, but now, no matter what number is called, we can both deal with it.”
She gave the example of a person having a loud party over the summer that was just outside the gate. “We didn’t have anything in the books at that time to deal with it and since it was outside the gate, SIPOA couldn’t do anything. You never know what you need until you need it.”
Cronin pointed out that this nuisance ordinance will also deal with property maintenance. “There’s a lot going on to ensure that properties are properly
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Civic Calen dar
TOWN OF KIAWAH
Special Call Town Council Meeting
Tuesday, Nov. 28, 2 p.m.
Kiawah Town Hall
Ways and Means Committee
Tuesday, Nov. 28, 3 p.m.
Kiawah Town Hall
Town Council
Tuesday, Dec. 5, 1 p.m.
Kiawah Town Hall
Planning Commission
Wednesday, Dec. 6, 2 p.m.
Kiawah Town Hall
TOWN OF SEABROOK
Board of Zoning Appeals
Wednesday, Nov. 22, 1 p.m.
Seabrook Town Hall
Town Council Regular Meeting
Tuesday, Nov. 28, 4:30 p.m.
Seabrook Town Hall
Public Works Committee
Monday, Dec. 4, noon
Seabrook Town Hall
Town Council Work Session
Tuesday, Dec. 12, 1 p.m.
Seabrook Town Hall
maintained behind the gate, but what if a property outside of the gate had grass growing two feet tall with boarded up windows?”
He noted that, again, with the home being outside of the gate, they wouldn’t be subject to the POA’s rules. “With this ordinance we would have the authority to deal with homes like that outside of the gate.”
Cronin discussed hazardous trees in someone’s yard as another nuisance this ordinance would cover. It would also cover unsafe conditions inside of a commercial space that is open to the public, as well as trash, litter, debris and illegal dumping.
They even added a provision about animal waste. “If a dog did a number two in someone’s yard and our code enforcement officer noticed the person didn’t pick it up, that would be a violation in this new ordinance,” Cronin explained.
Parking is another nuisance this ordinance has covered. “Say someone parked in your yard, or someone is blocking a fire hydrant or they parked in a handicap spot – all of that would be covered in this ordinance.”
Cronin concluded by saying that this ordinance and all its provisions are what the Ad Hoc committee recommends, and that once Council and the community have had time to read it and comment, it will be up for adoption at a future meeting.
Sea Turtle Nesting Concludes for Year
HIGH NUMBERS WERE TEMPERED BY LOSSES
BY ERIN WEEKS
For The Island Connection
South Carolina’s sea turtle nesting season officially concluded with a total of 6,628 nests for the state – a higher than average year that was tempered by losses from tropical storm Idalia, high tides and predators.
Two loggerhead sea turtle nests kicked off the season on May 2, 2023, and nesting peaked in the first full week of July. Loggerheads lay the vast majority of nests in South Carolina, but 2023 also saw 19 green and two Kemp’s ridley sea turtle nests.
In late August, Idalia moved into South Carolina as a tropical storm and grazed the southern coastline.
“Idalia was a trifecta of water issues,” said South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) biologist Michelle Pate, who oversees the agency’s nest protection program. “We had a supermoon, king tide and tropical storm all at once.”
The tide, rain and storm surge flooded many coastal beaches, washing away sea turtle nests and habitat in the process. The storm took a particularly heavy toll on Edisto Island and the Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge, where significant nest losses occurred. All told, SCDNR biologists estimate 600 nests drowned or washed away due to Idalia.
Idalia and king tides (unusually high tides that occur around new and full moons) accounted for two-thirds of 2023’s nest losses, with coyotes, raccoons and armadillos responsible for much of the remainder. Sea turtles have evolved to take some losses in stride; loggerheads nest along a vast stretch of coastline over a long season, limiting the impact of individual storms and predators. But combined with continually eroding beach habitat, these individual threats can become a ‘real issue,’ Pate said.
“The increased number of false crawls showed that nesting mothers had to make multiple attempts to find a good spot on the beach,” Pate said. “Then, water issues and increased coyote and armadillo depredation took a toll.”
As usual, two islands in the Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge –Cape and Lighthouse Islands – saw the highest nest density, comprising nearly half (43%) of the state’s total nests. This
undeveloped, dark part of the coastline typically sees the greatest nesting activity and is monitored by a small and dedicated team of U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service staff and volunteers. Teams of SCDNR-permitted and trained volunteers surveyed the rest of South Carolina’s populated coast, daily monitoring nests, collecting important data and serving as educational ambassadors to curious beachgoers. This volunteer force of 1,300 South Carolinians has been at work for over 40 years and plays an invaluable role in sea turtle conservation.
Sea turtle nest numbers have been trending upward, not just in South Carolina but across the Southeastern coast, in the past decade. The 2019 season marked an all-time high for our state with 8,792 nests, followed by 5,562 (2020), 5,638 (2021) and 7,968 (2022) nests. High nest numbers are good news, but they’re only part of the equation – the federally threatened loggerhead still has significant milestones to meet before federal officials consider them ‘recovered.’
“If we can’t get hatchlings to emerge and make it to the ocean, then an increase in nest numbers doesn’t help,” Pate said.
A tentative estimate of 387,608 hatchlings made it to the ocean from South Carolina beaches in 2023. Only a fraction of sea turtle hatchlings survive to adulthood, but every survivor makes a difference in this protected population. Remember, sea turtles don't disappear from our coast after nesting season –some use South Carolina's coastal waters year-round. Here's how you can help in the off-season.
• Boat carefully. Keep an eye out for wildlife while boating, particularly in small tidal creeks where young sea turtles like to feed.
• Report any stranded or dead sea turtles to our 24-hour hotline at 1-800-922-5431.
• Check-Off for Wildlife when completing your state tax returns. Help SCDNR keep wildlife in your life by checking off your contribution to the Endangered Wildlife Fund during the tax season.
Fighting Hunger, Raising Awareness
SIHAF $100,000 HUNGER AWARENESS CHALLENGE PERSEVERES
BY MARLISA BANNISTER
For The Island Connection
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As the Sea Islands Hunger Awareness Foundation inches toward its $100,000 matching goal, we are thankful for those who have provided the matching funds, those who have already contributed and those who continue to support our fundraising efforts. In 2023, we find our partners and programs facing an ever-changing world.
Our community is changing. We have so many new neighbors to be made aware of the needs among their island neighbors and of who we are and what we do. We’d like to inspire neighbors to get involved, volunteer and support our community. Grant monies are shrinking, and current ones sometimes do not renew.
At this time of giving, we hope you will remember your neighbors in a changing world of increased need, increased numbers, skyrocketing food costs, changing community demographics and diminishing financial support. Please donate by December 31 to push beyond our goal so we can continue to offer our programs, support our partners and provide nutritious food and clean water to our neighbors in need for 2024.
Checks can be mailed to Sea Islands Hunger Awareness Foundation (SIHAF) PO Box 268, Johns Island, SC 294570268. Or use a credit card online at fightislandhunger.org. SIHAF is a 501c3 non-profit organization, and all donations are tax-deductible.
Help Needed for Holiday
Cheer
BY JANE MARVIN
For The Island Connection
The Mt. Zion Holiday Fund Committee would like your help to put smiles on the faces of Mt. Zion Elementary school children during the holidays. The funds you contribute will be used to buy clothes, shoes, books and toys. Every family also receives a gift certificate for a holiday meal.
For the 17th year, your contributions have made a merrier holiday season for over 1,300 students and their families. Please consider a donation to give these children and their families a memorable holiday experience. Your contribution will put an extra wide smile on the child
who receives a gift made possible by you. And it will make your holiday season merrier as well! Make your check payable to Mt. Zion Holiday Fund and mailed to Charlotte Moran, 2530 The Bent Twig, Seabrook Island, SC 29455. Other committee members will be happy to take your checks as well. They are Marilyn Armstrong, 843-768-9252; Paula Adamson, 843-768-4881; Flo Gilson, 678-643-5755; and Jane Marvin, 336-413-0704. Your checks may also be dropped off at the Seabrook Island Racquet Club or Golf Shop.
Cap on? Cap Off? THAT’S THE SHORT-TERM RENTAL QUESTION ON SEABROOK
BY THERESA STRATFORD
For The Island Connection
It’s been a long time coming, but a short-term rental cap has finally been proposed for homeowners who rent their properties on Seabrook Island. After nearly three years of studying data, meeting with stakeholders and looking at what works and doesn’t work for other communities, Seabrook Island Town Council Member Jeri Finke presented the fruits of her hard labor at the October 24 Town Council Meeting.
Finke, along with past Town Council Member Pat Fox, were the two-person Short-Term Rental Ad Hoc Committee. Charged with coming up with a solution of either capping or not capping short-term rentals on the island, they set to work roughly three years ago, conducting meeting after meeting, studying rental numbers, learning about rental violations, researching other towns’ short-term rental agreements and addressing public concerns.
“We started this year with a solid framework after gaining a couple of years of data,” Finke presented. “After gaining this past summer’s numbers, we were happy with the data and wanted to move forward with an ordinance, which is the one being presented today.”
Finke noted some key provisions that they made. “In the original short-term
rental ordinance, our occupancy rate was two per bedroom, plus four for larger homes, and we allowed a plus two for smaller homes. We are going to pull that back and propose two per bedroom, plus two for any size of home with a hard cap of 12 per home.”
She continued, “That means that even if the home has six or seven bedrooms, you won’t have that huge rental crowd. Community after
community that we spoke to said that if you have 16 people, you won’t have a place to rent on Seabrook Island unless you would have to rent two homes. It’s key to have occupancy limits in a shortterm rental ordinance.”
Finke also noted the importance of a 24/7 contact for each short-term rental. She said that in the past, there would be a contact on the permit of a person that didn’t even know they were the
contact, or there would be a person that no longer worked for a management company. The new ordinance would require an up-to-date contact that would be available 24/7. “If there is a problem with a property, we have to be able to mitigate the problem within two hours after it was reported,” Finke explained. “Having that good contact is vital.”
As for the cap, Finke said that they are suggesting a 25% cap at build-out, which comes out to 650 homes. “That 25% window will keep our real estate cycle going. We don’t want this cap to be detrimental to real estate. People will come here and rent a home and then decide to buy a home, and we have to keep that cycle going. Council might want to split that up between villas and homes, but we are putting this forward because we think it is a good balance and the economics is so important to our Club and our Town.”
With a cap, Finke pointed out that many “what if” scenarios start to surface. “What if there is a fire and a home that was a short-term rental takes six months to repair – do they lose their short-term rental permit?”
“Or, what if a home is sold but could still rent for the last 90 days,” she added. “Some of this stuff is just so detailed and
(continued on page 6)
You’re Invited
. TO THE ART & ARTISAN SHOWCASE ON KIAWAH ISLAND
BY EMILY JENKINS For The Island Connection
The Art and Artisan Showcase returns to The Sandcastle on Kiawah Island Friday, November 17 and Saturday, November 18. This two-day showcase will feature a full slate of local artists and artisans with their original paintings, photographs, handcrafted pottery, jewelry and home decorations for sale.
On Friday, November 17, the Sandcastle will host a member preview for all KICA members to shop while enjoying wine or beer with their neighbors. Then on Saturday, the
Sandcastle invites members and the general public to the pop-up shop from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. to get their hands on some unique finds for the holidays. Enjoy the beachfront breeze at the community clubhouse while you decide which pieces to take home.
This event is a great way to support local artists and businesses while getting some holiday shopping in. Both days of the showcase are complimentary, and no RSVP is required. The Sandcastle is located at 1 Shipwatch Road on Kiawah Island.
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complicated. We really had to think through those what if scenarios.”
Seabrook Island Town Administrator Joe Cronin chimed in. “We had three years of a permit renewal process during this time, and we could tell what was working and what was not,” he said. “We really had a chance to review the enforcement provisions in place, and, in specific circumstances, we needed to do better with enforcement. We needed to address the short-term rental suspension and revocation procedures.”
Cronin went on to explain that currently short-term rental permit holders will have their license suspended for 60 days if they don’t have a business license or if they get three or more violations in a 12-month period. He noted that in three years they have only had to revoke one license due a repeat offender.
He explained that licenses can be revoked if a property has a suspended license and they continue to operate. “In that case, they would have to apply for a new permit and would have to wait 12 months.”
Licenses can also be revoked if the property is damaged beyond repair or condemned, which makes the shortterm rental permit invalid. “That could be dozens or even hundreds after a major storm,” he said.
In that case, the owner would have six months to reinstate, but if they don’t retain a short-term rental permit within six months, the zoning administrator would revoke it, and they could not rent the property while being suspended. Once restored and made safe again, they would be reinstated.
“You might own a property for 20 years and the house got damaged. Well, what if we were at the cap? Then we would allow them to keep the permit while reconstructing, and they could stay under suspension and renew despite the cap in that instance,” he explained.
There are also provisions for giving falsified information or gross violations like, for example, not having a carbon monoxide detector. The permit would be revoked, and they could not apply again for 12 months in those instances.
The ordinance also addresses transferring the property to someone else or if a property needed work done that required them to have to suspend the short-term rental.
Council Member Dan Kortvelesy
suggested that the Town also put a sunset provision on the short-term rental ordinance so that they can go back and take a holistic look at it again in two or three years to make sure it is working or to make any changes. Cronin agreed that would be a good idea.
Bruce Klienman, who will be the Town’s mayor starting in 2024, spoke during the public comment period. He said, “This wasn’t a productive hour. The details are all well and good, but there is a bigger issue here. The issue is not when a holder of a permit loses it and how they get it back. The issue is if we are willing to have a short-term rental as a neighbor, either next door or across the street. I don’t think most Seabrookers are ready for that.”
He also noted that the committee should have been larger than just two people and that there should have been more of a cross section of Seabrook Island residents on the committee.
“I’ve talked to a ton of people who are being affected by short-term rentals and you can feel it in your heart that they are getting the raw end of the deal. This isn’t about accommodating people losing their permits for whatever reason,” Klienman added.
Seabrook Island resident Paul McLaughlin also spoke during the public comment period. He explained that there has never been evidence of a cap on short-term rentals affecting real estate. “There just is no evidence out there that you can consistently draw that says putting a cap on short-term rentals affects real estate. The market will adapt to a cap whatever that amount is. It will evolve.”
Currently, Seabrook Island has about 575 short-term rental permits allocated to property owners. Cronin said that even if the owner rents the home for one day out of the year, it is considered active. Finke said that was about 24% of their current build out on the island, however, both Cronin and Finke noted that the number changes every day due to permits expiring or for new applications, so a final number is difficult to pinpoint at any given time.
The planning commission reviewed the ordinance on November 8. The Town will hold a public hearing on November 28, and adoption of the ordinance, or not, will take place on December 19.
The year was 1974. Nixon was President of the United States, Leonid Brezhnev was President of the USSR, and Brenda Tilson was a new graduate of the University of Cincinnati, ready to step into the real world. Equipped with a hefty backpack, an SLR camera and sturdy hiking boots, Tilson set out to trek through western Russia and Finland in the spring and summer of 1974.
It is now 2023. Thanks to today’s technology, these film images were revived from their film status to live again and are on display this December. Seen together, they illustrate the contrast of Czarist Russia and Bolshevik Russia, as well as previously occupied Finland and Czechoslovakia. Included are classic churches and cathedrals, propaganda posters anchored to architectural monuments and a view of daily life in Russia in the 1970s.
Tilson earned degrees from Fairmont State College and from the University of Cincinnati’s College of Design, Architecture, Art and Planning. Her 40-year design career was spent collaborating with architects and clients on interior spaces and planning. She is a juried member of the Pastel Society of America.
Please join the Seabrook Island Art Guild for a reception honoring Tilson and her work on Tuesday December 5, from 4:30 – 6 p.m. at the Lake House.
Meet December Artist of the Month Brenda Tilson
BY BONNIE YOUNGINER For The Island Connection
A Recipe for Knowledge THIS ISSUE’S MYSTERY PLANT
BY JOHN NELSON For The Island Connection
They are Brussels sprouts, obviously…but what the heck are they actually? Today, you learn. You also learn that Brussels sprouts and cooked carrots were my most hated foods as a kid. I believe that I can speak for many thousands of former children who detested Brussels sprouts at dinner, and would have been chided by Mom for not giving them a try. Ugh. In fact, I expect that if you took some sort of statistically significant poll, we would find that Brussels sprouts are considered by most Americans to be one of the most awful vegetables there is.
Flash-forward to my adulthood. I have changed over the years (Have you?) and I now find Brussels sprouts, properly cooked, to be absolutely delicious, and a culinary treat. (I still hate eating cooked carrots, however.)
These things are actually buds of a variety of the very same wild plant species which gives us the common, everyday cabbage. Moreover, that very same species, from its ancestral wild form, has developed quite a number of other distinctive varieties. Think kale, cauliflower, kohlrabi and collard greens…all derived from one species! It’s as though this particular wild plant has evolved a lot of different forms, in much the same way that all dog varieties are the same species.
Brussels sprouts belong to the mustard family (Brassicaceae). This family has been known since antiquity as an important food source, and, in fact, it is said that all of the members of this family are edible and beyond that, quite nutritious, featuring vitamins, and antioxidants. Several, it is thought, also offer antitumor activity. What accounts for the sharp flavor of many of these plants is a variety of “mustard oils,” a
series of sulfur-bearing compounds, which in nature are useful for dissuading attacks by insects.
For those of you who remain dubious, I have developed a recipe for creamy Brussels sprouts soup. Here goes:
Take about a pound and a half of fresh Brussels sprouts. Rinse ’em off, and slice each one in half. In a baking pan, roast until tender (it doesn’t take long) after a good slather of olive oil or melted butter (or both), salt and pepper, plus four or five sliced shallots. The whole assemblage should be rather damp and gooey when done.
Then, spoon it all into a blender, and add some torn bread (a baguette is useful here) and then enough chicken stock (or vegetable if you wish…that’s what they say on the cooking shows) to make it start looking right, along with a soupçon (Love that word!) of vinegar and a bit more salt.
Turn that sucker on and blend until it’s nice and smooth, or to your desired consistency. Pour everything into a saucepan and turn it on LOW. Let it get warm – just simmering – and add a robust splash of heavy cream. Ladle it into bowls or mugs, and top with a few sprinkles of chopped chives. Serve it warm. Yum. Just in time for late autumn.
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 www.herbarium.org or email johnbnelson@sc.rr.com.
SC PUBLIC TV AND RADIO MOURN THE LOSS OF RUDY MANCKE
BY LANDON MASTERS For The Island Connection
South Carolina ETV and SC Public Radio mourn the loss of Rudy Mancke. The renowned naturalist, teacher and television personality, known for his iconic role as the host of NatureScene and NatureNotes, passed away November 7 at the age of 78.
Rudy Mancke brought the wonders of the natural world into South Carolina homes with the debut of NatureScene on SCETV in 1978, along with co-creator Beryl Dakers and later, Jim Welch. The show captivated audiences for 25 years, concluding in 2003. It later gained national recognition, making it one of the first television programs to take viewers on expeditions to learn about a diverse range of plants and animals. NatureScene became an invaluable educational tool, serving people of all ages, both inside and outside the classroom. Rudy’s unconventional field trips and enthusiasm for nature shaped the ecological perspective of countless enthusiasts.
Throughout his career, Mancke dedicated himself to serving the citizens of South Carolina. His contributions extended to roles at the South Carolina State Museum, SCETV and the University of South Carolina. As an educator, Mancke’s impact was immeasurable, as he helped develop programming for K-12 students and professional development courses for hundreds of South Carolina educators.
In recent years, Mancke continued to share his knowledge and passion for the natural world with daily NatureNotes segments on SC Public Radio. These one-minute snippets touched on a wide array of topics related to the natural world, from the intricate workings of ecosystems to South Carolina’s unique flora and fauna, and beautiful sites worth exploring. His field trips, broadcast nationally, earned him a legion of
dedicated viewers who were inspired by his
Before gracing television screens, Mancke served as the natural history curator at the South Carolina State Museum. He was also a dedicated high school biology and geology teacher. Mancke’s academic journey led him to a degree from Wofford College, graduate studies at the University of South Carolina and honorary doctorate degrees from the College of Charleston,
College and
commitment to resource conservation has been recognized with special awards from the National Wildlife Federation and the Garden Club of America. Earlier this year, he was honored at the SC Public Radio 50th Anniversary Luncheon for his remarkable work. His legacy will continue to shine when he is posthumously inducted into the 2024 South Carolina Hall of Fame in January 2024.
insights and reverence for the natural world.
Winthrop
Wofford College. Mancke’s
Expedition will study sharks along the Southeastern coast
BY PAIGE FINNEY For The Island Connection
OCEARCH is embarking on its 46th ocean research expedition Nov. 27 to further its knowledge of white sharks as they migrate to the Southeastern United States for the winter. Alongside 41 collaborators from 28 research institutions, the organization will help scientists collect data to support 24 science projects that will help them understand the history of the white shark in the Western North Atlantic Ocean.
During Expedition Southeast, OCEARCH’s goal will be to study mature animals to determine how they utilize their overwintering area and identify what oceanographic features and diet resources are important to them. Examination of these adult animals – particularly females – might also help scientists better understand the species’ reproductive cycle.
OCEARCH data shows a trend where larger animals demonstrate greater use of the waters off the continental shelf than juvenile animals, particularly adult females in the late winter and spring. As a result, Expedition Southeast will target coastal areas near North Florida, South Georgia and the Carolinas, as well as offshore areas closer to the continental shelf and the Gulf Stream.
The extensive range of habitat that white sharks use from December to mid-May extends from Cape Hatteras, North Carolina, to the Atlantic Coast of Florida and into the Gulf of Mexico.
“Unlike in the summer fall foraging area, where white sharks aggregate around feeding areas, they are much more dispersed and elusive throughout the region during this time period, making them challenging to find and study,” OCEARCH Chief Scientist and Veterinarian Dr. Harley Newton explained.
OCEARCH’s Western North Atlantic White Shark Study is the most comprehensive study of white sharks in the world and includes a full health assessment of each shark, microbiological studies, movement, temperature and depth studies through the use of three different tags. With 92 sharks studied in the Western North Atlantic Ocean, OCEARCH is in the last stages of its sample collection in this region. The team has just eight sharks left to reach its goal of 100 sharks sampled and tagged.
“At this point in our study, it’s all about filling in the remaining critical gaps. Expedition Southeast takes us to a place and time in the Western North Atlantic’s white shark range where we need to know what the sharks are eating, what environmental threats they’re facing, and, after we tag them, where they return to next summer. The work will be exciting but challenging, and each and every shark our science team is able to study will be pure gold,” said OCEARCH Senior Science and Academic Advisor Dr. Bob Hueter.
Expedition Southeast will depart from Jacksonville, Florida, on Nov. 27, with a final docking planned in Morehead City, North Carolina, on Dec. 15. You can explore alongside the team in real time on social media @OCEARCH.
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.
FRIDAY, NOV. 17
WHAT: College of Charleston to present “Pippin” WHERE: Sottile Theatre
WHEN: 7:30 p.m.
MORE INFO: From November 17-19, The College of Charleston’s Department of Theatre and Dance, through CofC Stages, is set to present “Pippin,” the upcoming musical in its 2023-24 season. This season’s theme, “Expectations and Explorations,” challenges perceptions and delves into self-discovery through a diverse lineup of eight productions. The fictional narrative of “Pippin” revolves around Charlemagne’s son, with a traveling performance troupe narrating the tale, led by the influential Leading Player who engages with the audience directly.
WHAT: CMC TWO Fall Concert
WHERE: Charleston Stage’s West Ashley Theatre Center
WHEN: 7 p.m.
MORE INFO: Join Chamber Music Charleston for an enchanting evening featuring the emerging talents of the next generation of exceptional chamber musicians! The event is scheduled for Friday, November 17, 2023, at 7 p.m., and promises an outstanding program. Admission is free, and donations are welcomed and appreciated at the door to support these aspiring artists. Don’t miss this opportunity to witness the promising future of chamber music unfold!
SUNDAY, NOV. 26
WHAT: Scott Bradlee’s Postmodern Jukebox: Life in the Past Lane Tour
WHERE: Charleston Music Hall
WHEN: 8 p.m.
MORE INFO: Scott Bradlee is set to embark on the “Life In The Past Lane Tour,” featuring Postmodern Jukebox, in early 2023 to support their latest album ‘OldieFans.’ The tour kicks off on March 10th in Owensboro and spans through April, covering cities such as Portland, Poughkeepsie, Charlotte, Virginia Beach, Atlanta, and Fort Lauderdale. Additionally, the band has plans for the “A Very Postmodern Christmas” tour later in 2022 during the holiday season.
MONDAY, NOV. 27
WHAT: College of Charleston Orchestra Concert
WHERE: Sottile Theatre
WHEN: 7:30 p.m.
MORE INFO: Experience an enchanting concert presented by the College of Charleston Orchestra, showcasing the exceptional talents of students, faculty, and accomplished musicians under the baton of conductor Yuriy Bekker. The program highlights Ukrainian artists with connections to Charleston, featuring the acclaimed violinist Nazar Pylatyuk, known for his previous performances at Charleston Music Fest, presenting Skoryk’s Violin Concerto No. 7. Additionally, music student Maria Savelyeva takes the spotlight in Schumann’s Cello Concerto, while the orchestra mesmerizes with renditions of Smetana’s Moldau and Beethoven’s Egmont Overture to Egmont.
SUNDAY, DEC. 3
WHAT: Astralis Flute and Harp Chamber Ensemble
WHERE: Church of Our Savior
WHEN: 7:30 p.m.
MORE INFO: The Astralis Chamber Ensemble stands out as a vibrant musical group that has garnered significant recognition on an international scale. Their commitment to innovative programming and insightful presentations of the pieces they perform reflects Astralis’ mission to bring classical music closer to audiences, fostering an enduring connection with the art form. 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. Additionally, the ensemble places a strong emphasis on nurturing the arts by promoting the creation of new compositions and endeavoring to reach diverse communities through the universal language of music.
THURSDAY, DEC. 7
WHAT: Candlelight: Holiday Special featuring “The Nutcracker” and more WHERE: Unitarian Church in Charleston WHEN: 9 p.m.
MORE INFO: Embark on a magical journey from December 7 to December 21 as our Candlelight Concert series transforms extraordinary locations in Charleston into enchanting settings for a live, multi-sensory musical experience. Immerse yourself in the holiday spirit at The Unitarian Church, where the warm glow of candlelight adds an extra layer of magic to our performances. Secure your tickets now to witness the beauty of Holiday-inspired music in this unique and captivating atmosphere.
SUNDAY, DEC. 10
WHAT: Glass Duo
WHERE: Holy Spirit Catholic Church
WHEN: 7:30 p.m.
MORE INFO: GlassDuo, the renowned glass harp duo, is composed of former orchestral musicians Anna and Arkadiusz Szafraniec from Poland. They’ve performed their mesmerizing music on the world’s largest glass harp in over 40 countries, captivating audiences in various settings from concert halls to TV and advertising. With a wide-ranging appeal, they’ve collaborated with 30 orchestras and gained YouTube fame with 11 million views for their live “Sugar Plum Fairy” performance. GlassDuo’s innovative arrangements and instrument design breathe new life into the glass harp, offering subtle, sophisticated, and truly unique sounds for new generations to enjoy.
SATURDAY, DEC. 16
WHAT: Vienna Light
Orchestra Christmas Concert
WHERE: Holy Spirit Catholic Church
WHEN: 2 p.m.
MORE INFO: Experience the magic of the holiday season with VLO’s enchanting Christmas concert in the charming South Carolina Society Hall, near Rainbow Row. Immerse yourself in the timeless beauty of seasonal music, illuminated by over two thousand candlelights. Join us for an unforgettable, unplugged evening that elevates your spirit and creates lasting memories for you and your family.
Seabrook claims Three Island Challenge
The Three Island Challenge is over for 2023, and, as has been the case in recent years, Seabrook came out on top with 2,985 points. Wild Dunes took second place with 2,885 points and Kiawah was third at 2,878. The Three Island Challenge is an annual golf competition pitting the three island clubs against each other in a round robin event. Each team is comprised of 18 players and three matches are scheduled – one at each location.
Points are distributed playing a game called nines, and the winner is the club that tallies the most points after all three matches are completed.
Fifty Years of “Pippin” C0C CELEBRATES THE CLASSIC MUSICAL WITH A SPECIAL PERFORMANCE
BY NANDINI MCCAULEY
For The Island Connection
CofC Stages at the College of Charleston’s Department of Theatre and Dance presents its next production, “Pippin”, as this season's musical offering. The 2023-24 season features eight compelling productions that each highlight the theme of “Expectations and Explorations”— challenging what we think we know as we discover the world around us, as well as ourselves.
The musical depicts the fictional tale of Pippin, son of Charlemagne, king of the Holy Roman Empire in the 8th Century. “Pippin” has achieved near classic status as a musical, having premiered on Broadway at the Imperial Theater in 1972. Featuring music and lyrics written by Stephen Schwartz and a book by Roger O. Hirson, the original production was directed and choreographed by Bob Fosse, best known for Sweet Charity and Chicago. “Pippin” has grown into a highly conceptual show since then, with the 2014 Broadway Revival featuring a concept based around a circus theme. CofC Stages is pleased to celebrate this fantastic show during the celebration of its 50th anniversary.
The production is directed by Assistant Professor of Performance Nakeisha Daniel, whose previous directorial work was seen last season in the musical Violet. The
music direction is helmed by Professor Laura Turner, and adjunct faculty member Laurel Van Beusecum provides choreography. Master of Arts in Teaching student Mekhi Gaither serves as assistant director.
The cast consists entirely of undergraduate students and is led by Drake Carney in the role of Pippin; Ngaa Magombedze as the Leading Player; Ben Hudd as Charles; and Kate Yarbray as Catherine. The show’s designers include senior theater major Bristol Barnes (scenic design), junior theater major Chris Warzynski (lighting design), recent alumna Molly Belle (costume design), and Adjunct Lecturer Caleb Garner (sound design). Junior theater and psychology major Mollie Davis serves as stage manager.
Performances of “Pippin” at the Sottile Theatre are November 17-19. Curtain times are 7:30 p.m. on Nov. 17 and 18 with a 2 p.m. matinee on Nov. 19. Individual tickets are $30 for adults; $25 for seniors (60+), military/veteran and youth under 18; and $15 for CofC students, faculty, and staff.
Purchase tickets at go.cofc.edu/pippin or contact the George Street Box Office at gsbo@cofc.edu or calling 843-953-4726.
10:43am/10:53pm 11:41am/11:54pm 12:44pm 1:02am/1:48pm 2:11am/2:51pm 3:18am/3:51pm 4:19am/4:47pm 5:16am/5:40pm 6:08am/6:30pm 6:57am/7:18pm 7:43am/8:05pm 8:28am/8:50pm 9:12am/9:34pm 9:55am/10:19pm 4:06am/5:07pm 5:00am/6:03pm 6:01am/7:02pm 7:09am/8:02pm 8:19am/9:01pm 9:28am/9:56m 10:32am/10:49pm 11:30am/11:39pm 12:24pm 12:27am/1:15pm 1:14am/2:03pm 1:59am/2:49pm 2:43am/3:34pm 3:27am/4:18pm
Source:
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