Put a Sticker on It… Or Not
BY THERESA STRATFORD For The Island Connection
When the Kiawah Goes Green initiative began in the early summer of this year, with Council Member Michael Heidingsfelder at the helm, they knew that educating the community on environmentally friendly efforts would be the main objective. The reason being: Green initiatives are only as good as the community buy-in.
This is definitely the case with the recent recycling challenges on Kiawah Island. Due to co-mingling many garbage items with recyclable items, the Island’s recycling contractor, Carolina Waste, has to dump much of the community’s recyclables into the landfill, rather than at the recycling center.
Contaminated recyclables cannot be sorted out at the recycling center, and therefore the loads become trash. Some communities on Kiawah Island have notoriously contaminated their recycling bins with trash.
In order to mitigate this issue, the Kiawah Goes Green working group suggested placing stickers on all the recycling cans on the Island. This initiative came before the Town Council for approval at the October 3 meeting as a recommendation from the Ways and Means Committee.
The proposal was for 8,000 stickers, which would cost about $21,000. These stickers would go on the residential recycling cans.
Council Member John Moffitt said, “To buy 8,000 stickers for $21,000, most of which will never be read, doesn’t seem like a prudent use of money. I support the effort to not co-mingle the stuff and to do a better job of recycling, but I don’t know. It just doesn’t seem to be a prudent use of funds.”
Council Member Russ Berner agreed. “I’m just surprised we have to do all this. I have concerns on
Oh, Deer!
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Nothing But Support for the Urban Growth Boundary UNANIMOUS
ON KIAWAH
BY THERESA STRATFORD For The Island Connection
It was unanimous, and as Kiawah Island’s Mayor John Labriola put it, “We had some very nice things said about us, so let’s take advantage of it.” He was talking about the overwhelming support that the Town of Kiawah Island has for Charleston County’s Urban Growth Boundary, which would prevent urban development going out towards the Sea Islands and over toward some of the farmlands on Johns Island.
Kiawah Island’s Planning Manager John Taylor spoke about what supporting the urban growth boundary really means for the town at the October 3 town council meeting. By definition, the urban growth boundary is a growth management tool implemented by local governments to clearly define two distinct growth management areas, rural areas and urban/suburban areas. An urban growth boundary circumscribes a region which is utilized as a guide by local governments for land use decisions and by utility and other infrastructure providers to improve long range planning.
Taylor said, “At the retreat earlier this year, concerns were expressed about the Town needing to be more attentive to what is happening beyond the front gate to include areas adjacent to Freshfields and our front door. This is one of
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FALL IS A TIME TO WATCH OUT FOR OUR NEIGHBORS WITH ANTLERS
BY SCDNR
For The Island Connection
As the state’s population increases, and more people commute on South Carolina’s roadways, the chance of deervehicle collisions is greater.
Drivers throughout the state should be cautious of roaming white-tailed deer throughout the year, but especially during the rut or breeding season, typically from October to November. Studies show that about 45% of deer-vehicle collisions occur during this time, and it is related to the fact that deer naturally increase their movements related to breeding.
Most vehicle collisions occur near dawn and dusk because deer tend to move more during these times. Unfortunately, these are also the times that most humans commute to and from work in their vehicles.
Although deer-vehicle collisions are an issue in South Carolina, the state is in a much better position than most states, particularly states in the Northeast and upper Midwest where there are a reported 30,000-50,000 deer-vehicle collisions annually.
But there have been more such collisions in South Carolina recently, according to highway data. The South Carolina Department of Public Safety reports about 6,000 deer-vehicle collisions each of the last two years.
Sound deer management through regulated annual harvest is the most effective way of curtailing deer-vehicle collisions, but the following common sense rules for driving defensively in deer country will make the trip safer.
• White-tailed deer are masters at evading predators. However, these same instincts often cause deer to bolt in front of oncoming vehicles.
• When deer are sighted well ahead of the vehicle, sound the horn several times, flick headlights (if no oncoming traffic is present), and reduce the vehicle’s speed.
• If deer are sighted only a short distance in front of the vehicle, these same techniques - horn and flicking lights - may spook the deer into running across the road, so, in that case, it’s best to just slow down.
• Always anticipate another deer if you see one or more crossing the highway, and do not expect the deer to get out of the way.
• Most serious injuries occur when the motorist loses control of the vehicle in an effort to avoid a deer and hits an immovable object like a tree or embankment. If a collision with a deer is imminent, it is best to hit the deer rather than risk losing control of the vehicle.
• Motorists should understand that deercrossing signs mark a stretch of road where deer have been hit previously. However, these signs do not mark specific deer trails. Deer may frequently cross for several miles where the signs are posted.
• Pay attention to changes in habitat types along the highway. The zone between habitat types is a likely place for deer to cross a road. Creek bottoms and where agricultural fields meet
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NOVEMBER 8 for the NOVEMBER 17
Recycle Stickers
(continued from page 1)
whether this will work or not.”
Berner went on to suggest an initiative that he had experience with in the town he lived in before Kiawah Island in New Jersey. “The stickers didn’t work for us there, but what did work was a select 10 homes that would be inspected for co-mingling on a random basis on trash day. The word went out like wildfire throughout the community. No one wanted to be the one fined for co-mingling their trash with recyclables. I would rather see a sporadic inspection done like that.”
Council Member Bradley Belt added, “I am in full support of the concept, however we can best get the word out and better educate our population. I would support putting stickers on newly issued recycling cans, however I do have concerns about the implementation of all these 8,000 stickers on the cans.”
He said he also has concerns about the cost.
Mayor John Labriola chimed in saying that he would rather see a pilot program started first. “The last thing I want to see are those stickers in boxes stashed away somewhere,” he said.
He suggested buying 500 to 1,000 stickers to start and targeting a community to see if their recycling improves over a certain period of time.
With the help of Carolina Waste and the community buy-in, perhaps Kiawah Island won’t need all of the 8,000 stickers.
Heidingsfelder agreed. “Sure, we can do a pilot program. We can pick an area and do this. And like Russ recommended, we can check on these bins without a fine right now and see if Carolina Waste has seen any improvement with community members separating their waste in the appropriate bins.”
The Town Council ultimately agreed to table this until they see if the stickers worked in the pilot program area.
Civic Calen dar
TOWN OF KIAWAH
Island, SC 29482 843-886-NEWS
Arts and Cultural Event Council
Thursday, Nov. 2, 2 p.m.
Kiawah Town Hall
Town Council
Tuesday, Nov. 7, 1 p.m.
Kiawah Town Hall
Planning Commission
Wednesday, Nov. 8, 2 p.m.
Kiawah Town Hall
Board of Zoning Appeals
Monday, Nov. 13, 1 p.m.
Kiawah Town Hall
TOWN OF SEABROOK
Public Works Committee Meeting
Monday, Nov. 6, 12 p.m.
Seabrook Town Hall
Planning Commission Meeting
Wednesday, Nov. 8, 1:30 p.m.
Seabrook Town Hall
Utility Commission Special Meeting
Thursday, Nov. 9, 9 a.m.
Seabrook Town Hall
Environment and Wildlife Committee
Thursday, Nov. 9, 1 p.m.
Seabrook Town Hall
several efforts being proposed and recommended by staff. There’s a lot of conversation by planning staff between the Town and Charleston County, and research is being done now. But the first recommendation is for us to formally acknowledge to the county that we are in support of the urban growth boundary.”
The next step would be for the Town of Kiawah Island to enter into an intergovernmental agreement with the County to strengthen the location of the urban growth boundary and to deter the movement of it. “With those parameters in place, we can determine how best to utilize the urban growth boundary as a planning tool to support those efforts going forward.” He also said the Town could put the urban growth boundary into their zoning code, as well as in the Town’s next development agreement.
The current Charleston County Urban Growth Boundary line was established in 1999 within the County’s comprehensive plan. It is described as the suburban/rural edge to delineate the rural area from the urban suburban area.
The urban/suburban areas for Charleston County are closer to the urban core of the city and have higher levels of infrastructure and services with medium to high intensity development. Inside the Urban Growth Boundary, where heavy urban development could not take place, is identified as scenic rural roads, agricultural lands, low levels of infrastructure and low intensity development. This includes:
• The Town of Kiawah Island
• The Town of Seabrook Island
• Freshfields Village
• Bohicket Marina
• Seafields
• MUSC Health Facility
• Andell West
• Kiawah Island Municipal Center
• Kiawah River Estates and Oak Point Golf Course
• Kiawah River
Taylor also said that representatives from the Town Council, Charleston County Council and the planning staff of each of the jurisdictions have met to discuss potential collaborative opportunities to support the urban growth boundary.
Kiawah Island Council Member Bradley Belt added, “This goes hand-inhand with the communication the Town recently had with Seabrook Island over the Bohicket development expansion. We will do everything we can to encourage Charleston County to enter into an intergovernmental agreement.”
Support the Sounds of Charleston
ANNUAL SYMPHONY TOUR OF HOMES ON KIAWAH RETURNS
BY MARTHA THOMSON
For The Island Connection
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One of the most enchanting spots in the Lowcountry, Kiawah Island has been attracting visitors ever since it was discovered over three centuries ago. These days, the Charleston Symphony Orchestra League (CSOL) brings new explorers every autumn for the Symphony Tour of Island Homes.
Each year, the CSOL has offered guests new sites to wander through the island, and for this, the 26th year of the tour, guests will once again have the opportunity to experience elegant Kiawah life up close and personal.
On Saturday, November 4, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., tour guests will depart from Freshfields Village with a brochure for a self-guided tour of four distinctive homes and a unique island recess where tour-goers can linger and rehydrate while enjoying the verdant marsh views. Along the tour, music will be offered by CSOL scholarship winners. Guests will also have the chance to shop at Score, the curated pop-up shop, with proceeds
benefiting the CSO and the CSO scholarship program.
This year’s tour has an added feature: Juliska is providing a private, curated purchasing experience for dazzling tableware to be won in a raffle, with the winning ticket drawn at the end of the tour (winners need not be present for the drawing.) On the tour, guests can also view the 2024 Mercedes GLC 300 SUV, for which a prepaid three-year lease is the prize in this year’s CSOL Car Raffle! The day’s adventure will be capped with a performance by the Charleston Symphony Orchestra at the West Beach Conference Center, sponsored by the Town of Kiawah Island Arts and Cultural Events Council. This concert, conducted by Yuriy Bekker and featuring Oboist Kelly Mozeik, will include music ranging from Mozart to Morricone, from Salzburg to Broadway.
Further tour details, raffle tickets and tour tickets are available online from the CSOL website, at csolinc.org.
Raise a Glass to Community Impact
OUR LADY OF MERCY TO HOST INAUGURAL SIP AND SHUCK EVENT
BY MARNIE BONN For The Island Connection
Our Lady of Mercy Community Outreach is proud to announce its very first Sip and Shuck fundraising event, which is scheduled to take place on December 3, 2023 at Legare Waring House from 6-9 p.m. Guests will be treated to a delightful evening of camaraderie, local culinary delights and an array of beverages that showcase Charleston's rich and vibrant culture. As attendees sip on bourbon flights and raise their glasses of bubbles, they will indulge in freshly shucked oysters and other Lowcountry favorites. This event will offer an opportunity for attendees to engage with one another, share stories of Our Lady of Mercy Community Outreach and gain a deeper understanding of the profound impact the organization has had on the community over the years.
Our Lady of Mercy Community Outreach has been a pillar of support for the Charleston community for 34 years, making a significant impact on countless lives. This inaugural Sip and Shuck event aims to celebrate the organization's legacy of service, while setting the stage for a brighter future. The organization continues to expand its reach and mission of compassion and empowerment to new neighbors throughout Charleston. Sip and Shuck is not just an event; it's an opportunity to unite the community, express gratitude to dedicated supporters and introduce the organization's mission and vision to new community members.
Deer
Watch (continued from page 1)
woodlands are also prime areas for deer to cross roadways.
• Rural or secondary roads rank highest in deer-vehicle accidents because of the frequent curves and narrow shoulders.
South Carolina’s deer population peaked in the late 1990s, as did the number of deer-vehicle collisions. Since the year 2000, however, the estimated statewide deer population has decreased approximately 30%, with the decline believed to be a combination of changes in habitat, high antlerless deer harvests and coyote predation on deer fawns.
What should motorists do if they hit a deer? Report the incident to the Highway Patrol or local law enforcement and to your insurance company. Drivers can keep deer for consumption, as long as there is an incident report demonstrating that the deer was killed by a vehicle and not illegally shot. SCDNR and other state entities will not compensate motorists for injuries or damages resulting from deer collisions.
The funds raised during the Sip and Shuck event will directly support the mission and programs of Our Lady of Mercy Community Outreach, furthering their efforts to provide essential services and empower those most vulnerable living in communities spanning downtown Charleston to Edisto Island.
Tickets for the event are available now. In-kind partnerships and sponsorship are available from the $500 to $10,000 level. To learn more or to purchase, go to event. gives/sipandshuck23.
To learn more about Our Lady of Mercy Community Outreach, go to olmoutreach.org.
MahJong fundraiser proves fun and successful
BY LORI LEARY AND SUSAN COOMER For The Island Connection
On Tuesday, October 17, the Seabrook Island Village Neighbors Helping Neighbors nonprofit held the second annual MahJong fundraiser. Forty mavens from our sea island communities participated in this year’s event held at the Seabrook Island Club.
Throughout the day, you could hear mahjong tiles clattering on the tables and chatter and kibitzing amongst the players. It was a chance to make new acquaintances and enjoy old friends. The Seabrook Island Club served a lovely lunch buffet. Raffle drawings for gift baskets, restaurant gift cards, plants and seasonal centerpieces were held throughout the event.
Carolyn McCormick, the grand prize winner, was awarded a $200 gift card to the Royal Tern Restaurant.
Many participants requested a repeat performance so the Seabrook Island Village fundraiser event team is contemplating another MahJong Day in February. A total of $1600 was raised for Seabrook Island Village. Many thanks to all who played in our fun and successful fall fundraiser.
A World Premiere Opera for Spoleto TICKETS
ON SALE IN JANUARY
BY KATHARINE LAIDLAW
Spoleto Festival USA recently announced the cast and creative team for the world premiere of Ruinous Gods, a new full-length chamber opera by composer Layale Chaker and librettist Lisa Schlesinger, running from May 24-June 1, 2024. Co-produced and co-commissioned by Spoleto Festival USA, Opera Wuppertal and Nederlandse Reisopera, the work explores the trauma of refugee syndrome through an operatic dreamscape depicting resignation
syndrome, a child’s psychological response to displacement. Tickets go on sale January 26 with the announcement of Spoleto’s full programming for the 2024 season.
This production will be co-directed by theater directors, dramaturgists and Zoukak Theatre Company founding members Omar Abi Azar and Maya Zbib, with costume design by Sarah Leterrier, scenic design by Joelle Aoun and lighting design by James Ingalls. Conductor Kamna Gupta will lead
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Karim Sulayman as Crow in Unholy Wars.
Bringing the Community Together
LEARN MORE ABOUT KIAWAH’S ARTS AND CULTURAL EVENTS COUNCIL
FROM THE TOWN OF KIAWAH ISLAND
For
The Island Connection
Bill Blizard has been an Arts and Cultural Events Council member for 20 years. Before the Arts Council was founded in the early 2000s, Bill noticed that Kiawah didn’t have any official arts programming events and thought bringing the arts to Kiawah Island would be beneficial to the community.
“The arts have the ability to bring people together in a very special way,” he said.
In an effort to bring the arts to Kiawah, Bill wrote a proposal outlining the establishment of an Arts Council. With the help of former Council Member Leo Fishman and the support of former Mayor Bill Wert, the Kiawah Arts Council was founded in 2004.
Bill has continued to faithfully serve all these years to share the arts with the community that he holds dear. The arts were not always Bill’s passion, but unexpected life events led him to pursue it eagerly, starting in his teenage years. Before he reached high school, Bill became ill and had to delay schooling. When he was finally able to register for school, many of his classes were already underway, but he was invited to enroll in a number of art classes. He enjoyed the classes and instructors so he signed up for more along the way, which sparked his keen interest in the arts.
Bill attended the State University in Buffalo, New York and graduated with an arts education major, then earned his master's degree in art from New York University. He then taught art classes in high school for a few years. Wishing to pursue higher academia, he was fortunate to be hired to develop an art program at Springfield College in Massachusetts.
This led to him building the college's Visual and Performing Arts Department and a Cultural Affairs Committee, which featured outstanding performers of the time.
When he retired and moved to Kiawah with his wife Marilyn, he looked forward to helping this community with art events.
“The Arts Council development was a natural continuation from my past history,” he said.
The first Kiawah Island Arts Council event was held with pianist Sean Kennard. Kiawah Island property owners George and Marilyn Taylor volunteered the use of their home and their grand piano. Sean Kennard will make his return performance on February 1, 2024 at the Church of Our Savior. Look for the ticket release in January.
The Arts and Cultural Events Council has now grown to 10 members and hosts more than 30 events annually. About two years ago, the Town added Arts and Cultural Events Coordinator Ruthie Foster to the team and she assists the Council with administrative support and oversight, leading Council meetings, and event operations. The arts and cultural events range from classical music and opera to theater, art films and dance.
The council is currently seeking one new council member to fill a vacancy
and is specifically looking for an individual who is passionate about the arts, as well as a specific arts genre. The individual would need to be committed to attending monthly meetings, assisting with various events, and supporting the group’s efforts. If you are interested in joining the group, please email the Town’s Arts and Cultural Events Coordinator Ruthie Foster at rfoster@ kiawahisland.org.
Over the years, the Town’s arts programming has grown, and several external factors have caused difficulties in scheduling these specialized events. From 2022 to 2023, the Town pursued a feasibility study on the potential addition of a performing art and cultural center to take over the arts programming events for the area. The study results were presented in the September 5 Town Council Meeting, and the Town Council suggested that the Arts and Cultural Events Council meet to determine their next steps moving forward.
Currently, a new committee is being formed to determine next steps with a potential center and decided to distinguish itself from the Town and continue discussions regarding governance and operations, space and site options, and cost and funding topics. Additional details about the new committee are forthcoming.
Bill Blizard.
Building Connections through Photography
The Seabrook Island Photography Club is pleased to host jon holloway, who will discuss “Building Connections Through Photography on Thursday, November 16 from 6:30- 8 p.m. at the Lake House on Seabrook Island. Refreshments are at 6:30, and the presentation begins at 7.
jon holloway encapsulates his artistic philosophy in the following way: “Throughout my career, I have experimented with capturing the splendor and beauty forged from building connections between the human spirit and our universe – a visual statement designed to communicate my belief that we, as soulful beings, are made to share ourselves with each other and with our universe.
“Too often in our society, we neglect the importance of creating meaningful connections with the world around us. I believe when we share our spark, however brief, we experience an overwhelming joy and appreciation for the beauty and majesty of life.”
This event is free to attend. If you need a gate pass, please email seabrookphotographyclub22@gmail.com to request one.
Library Hours Changing During Maintenance
Due to building maintenance, the John's Island Library, located at 3531 Maybank Highway, will experience closures and modified operating hours beginning November 8.
The branch will be closed completely November 8 - 10. Note that all CCPL branches and offices will be closed November 10 for Veteran's Day.
Branch hours beginning Nov. 13 are as follows:
Monday - Thursday: Noon - 8 p.m.
Friday: 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Saturday: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Sundays CLOSED (all CCPL branches except the Main Library are closed on Sundays)
The maintenance work is expected to take several weeks to complete. Certain library areas and services may be temporarily unavailable or impacted during this time. Some events will still be hosted.
For more information and updates, visit ccpl.org.
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.
FRIDAY, NOV. 3
WHAT: Theatre: “In Love and Warcraft”
WHERE: Calhoun Annex: Chapel Theatre WHEN: 7 p.m.
MORE INFO: The College’s Department of Theatre and Dance is presenting a staged reading of “In Love and Warcraft” 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 topranked 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, directed by Peter Spearman, marks the inaugural performance in the newly launched Staged Reading Series.
SATURDAY, NOV. 4
WHAT: Kiawah Art Guild Art Show WHERE: The Kiawah Island Municipal Center WHEN: 10 a.m.
MORE INFO: On Saturday, November 4, the Kiawah Art Guild will exhibit original paintings at the Municipal Center from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., featuring works by over 42 resident artists in various mediums, including watercolors, oils, acrylics, and pastels, with the aim of promoting art and art education in the Kiawah community. The event is open to all interested in viewing or acquiring these unique artworks.
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.
MONDAY, NOV. 9
WHAT: Society 1858 Art Walk
WHERE: Gibbes Museum of Art
WHEN: 5 p.m.
MORE INFO: Join Society 1858 for the 2nd Annual Art Walk on Thursday, November 9th from 5–8pm, where you can explore art at various Charleston galleries and enjoy wine, a raffle, and a champagne toast courtesy of SEWE Gallery at 7pm. The event supports Society 1858’s initiatives, including the 1858 Prize for Contemporary Southern Art and building their endowment for future art enthusiasts.
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.
TUESDAY, NOV. 14
WHAT: Meet the Maker: Desmond Melancon
WHERE: Halsey Institute
WHEN: 5 p.m.
MORE INFO: Join us for the next Meet the Maker event featuring emerging artist Demond Melancon. These gatherings are held quarterly for Postmodernist-level members and above, offering the opportunity to meet and learn about the creative process of artists or makers, often Halsey Institute exhibiting artists. The Maker will present their inspiration, passions, process, and final results, with attendees encouraged to bring a bottle of wine and an open mind. While RSVPs are not mandatory, they are welcomed and can be sent to AnchetaSM@cofc.edu.
WEDNESDAY, NOV. 15
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 newcomers alike. Per usual, be sure to bring your favorite beverages and snacks to The Sandcastle for another easygoing night.
SUNDAY, DEC. 3
WHAT: Astralis Flute and Harp Chamber Ensemble
WHERE: Church of Our Savior
WHEN: 7:30 p.m.
MORE INFO: 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.
SUNDAY, DEC. 10
WHAT: Glass Duo WHERE: Holy Spirit Catholic Church WHEN: 7:30 p.m.
MORE INFO: 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. 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.
Surf this Turf
BY JOHN NELSON
For The Island Connection
It would not be exaggerating to say that grasses are the most important plants, economically, in the world. For one thing, it turns out that every major civilization has depended upon one (or more) grass species as a major food source. Consider the far Eastern civilizations, based upon rice as a staple crop, the American civilizations employing corn and the Middle East and Roman Empire built upon wheat and barley. In a very traditionally human sense, we think of the grasses as the source of bread, or “food,” in a metaphoric sense, the staff of life. So, sometimes I would tell my students that the grasses are the “stuff of loaf.”
Members of this family have additionally supplied humans with animal feed, turf, housing materials and starches, used for production of sugar and alcohol, as well as ornamental species for garden cultivation. And in a negative sense, many grasses are as important as weeds.
The grass family is very complex, and is broken down into a number of different divisions, or "tribes,” based on vegetative as well as floral characteristics. The stems, which are called “culms,” are generally hollow and are usually circular in crosssection. The leaves are always alternate, arising one at each node: the base of the leaf wraps around the stem, and is the “sheath.” The free part is termed the “blade,” as you might expect.
The flowers and grains are of primary importance in identifying grasses, and studying these small parts takes practice and patience.The flowers of grasses are quite small, and are clustered into small units called spikelets. Each spikelet may contain from
one to many flowers, depending on the species. The spikelets are maintained in very characteristic arrangements, or inflorescences, which may be simple and spike-like, or highly branched. Small, dry bracts surround the flowers, and are sometimes ornamented with needle-like spines, or awns.
The fruit of a grass is what we call a grain. (Of course there’s a more botanical term for it, but never mind that right now.) A grain, no matter the grass species, will contain a single seed, and the tiny seed itself is absolutely fused to the grain’s inner wall, and when the seed sprouts, it sends its first tiny root right through the grain wall. There is no other fruit type quite like it. When you are munching on an ear of corn, you are eating grains, to be precise. Not seeds.
This week's Mystery Plant is indeed a grass, and each of its flowers produces three slender awns. These awns are effective in tangling themselves into an animal's fur, or someone's socks, as an effective means of dispersing the grain. It is an annual species, native and widespread east of the Mississippi River, quite happily growing in dry, sandy fields or other kinds of open, vacant places, and is usually thought of as a good indicator of previous soil disturbance.
This fall, take a walk in your area and try to get a sense for the different kinds of grasses that grow around you. Maybe you’ll see this one.
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.
BY
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LINDA LEE
[Answer: “Three-awn grass,” Aristida tuberculosa]
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