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VOLUME 17 ISSUE 10

Filing Has Begun for Seabrook’s Elections

AUGUST 11, 2023

PLAN YOUR VOTING NOW

BY THERESA STRATFORD For The Island Connection

I

t’s election time again! Seabrook Island will hold its 2023 municipal election on Tuesday, Nov. 7. All four seats on Town Council are open, as well as the mayor’s seat. There is also a seat up for election on the utility commission. The terms for mayor and Town Council are two years, expiring Jan. 2026. The utility commission serves staggered six-year terms.

Assistant Town Administrator Katharine Watkins announced at the July 25 Seabrook Island Town Council meeting that election filing is coming up.

Filing opens on Aug. 10 at noon. and ends on Sept. 7 at noon. Watkins noted that Town staff will not be able to accept filing from potential candidates before noon on Aug. 10 or after noon on Sept. 7. She also noted that it is required to file in person at Town Hall. The hours of operation for Town Hall are Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The current Seabrook Island Town Council Members are Jeri Finke, Pat Fox, Barry Goldstein and Dan Kortvelesy. The current mayor is John Gregg. Council Member Jeri Finke has served on Seabrook Island Town Council since 2017 and has served as Mayor Pro Tem (continued on page 2) since December of 2020.

Ripple Effects

For The Island Connection

G

BY THERESA STRATFORD For The Island Connection

hen it comes to new developments, there are the obvious impacts on the local community, like increased traffic, the loss of open land and just more people — but what about the issues that are just as impactful, yet less obvious?

It was the Chair of the Seabrook Island Utility Commission Annie Smith-Jones that brought some of those potential issues to light at the recent Seabrook Island Town Council meeting on July 25.

The mayor and members of the Seabrook Island Town Council got a full look at the potential wastewater treatment capacity issues that will inevitably come when the new developments on the horizon are erected in and around the town.

The main reason for Smith-Jones to present the estimates of wastewater capacity has to do with the potential annexation of the Andell property next to Bohicket Marina. The topic is currently being (continued on page 4) examined by the Town of

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P L AT A P P R O VA L O F P R O P O S E D C A P TA I N S A M S SPIT DEVELOPMENT EXPIRED AND DISMISSED

BY ELIZABETH TESTA

SEABROOK’S WA S T E WAT E R C A PA C I T Y ISN’T FULL YET

W

Development Squashed

roups on both sides of a dispute over a one-year extension of the preliminary plat approval for a development on fragile Captain Sams Spit, located at the south end of Kiawah Island, now agree that the plat extension has expired and is no longer valid. The parties requested that the case be dismissed as moot.

Last August, South Carolina Environmental Law Project filed an appeal on behalf of PreserveKiawah, Inc., a nonprofit group comprised of Kiawah property owners, challenging the Town of Kiawah Island Planning Commission’s July 6, 2022 decision to extend the approval of the Kiawah developers’ preliminary subdivision plat for Captain Sams Spit for another year.

The plat, initially approved in 2015, laid out plans to construct 50 single-family homes on this 190-acre dynamic, teardrop-shaped isthmus located on the southern end of Kiawah Island, surrounded by the Kiawah River, Captain Sams Inlet and the Atlantic Ocean.

The Charleston County Circuit Court heard oral arguments on the appeal on April 6, 2023, where attorneys from SCELP argued on behalf of PreserveKiawah that the preliminary plat had expired

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well before the Planning Commission attempted to grant another extension in 2022; therefore, the extension was illegally granted.

“I’m delighted that the plat extension has expired and is no longer valid,” said Perry Molinoff, PreserveKiawah chair. “Captain Sams Spit needs to be protected for the benefit of future generations. Any renewed attempt to develop the spit will need to initiate the process from ground zero.”

Captain Sams Spit is a unique and important habitat for wildlife, including diamondback terrapins, endangered red knots and bottlenose dolphins, as well as a valuable natural resource to the citizens of South Carolina. It is one of only three undeveloped publicly accessible barrier island spits in the state. In the seven years following the preliminary plat’s approval, this shifting spit has changed dramatically, making portions of the plan impossible to accomplish. Specifically, the neck of the Spit, which connects it to the mainland of Kiawah, has become so narrow that a road and other infrastructure cannot be constructed without impacting protected critical areas or the beach/dune system.

“In the face of rising sea levels and accelerating loss of fragile ecosystems, (continued on page 2)

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August 11, 2023

Letters to the Editor Dear Editor:

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 Terrell Bowers Elizabeth Testa Thad Peterson Kitty Strawn Jill Hirsekorn

Future submission deadline: AUGUST 16 for the AUGUST 25 issue

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

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

Joe Cronin is right to be irritated at MUSC. (“Further Discussion Needed,” Island Connection, July 2023.) MUSC displayed a complete lack of respect and common courtesy by not calling Cronin to tell him that the Medical Pavilion will be moved next to Seafields.

Instead, Cronin found out by chance in a Kiawah Town Council meeting. Maybe now you have a taste of the same disrespect Seabrook Property Owners feel from SIPOA and our town government. Maybe.

Cronin said that: “A lot of communication needs to happen.” Communication requires listening, talking and respect. Just like MUSC disrespected the Seabrook town government, the Seabrook Planning Commission disrespected the very people it represents by voting 4:1 in favor of the Andell Annexation. The final tally of “citizen votes” was: 441 AGAINST and 31 FOR (an unprecedented turnout: more than what elected you!).

Jim Newton was the only Planning Commissioner who respected his neighbors enough to vote NO. Stan Ullner (Chair), Wayne Billian (Vice Chair), Tom Hund and Sharon Welch all voted YES. Chair Ullner played the victim-card by calling dissenting views “intimidation.”

Why does this project warrant your steamrolling over basic tenets of small-town government? It would be understandable if the annexation is needed for something critical, like a municipal water well or an expansion of the sewer treatment plant or improved ingress/egress for hurricane evacuation. But a new private marina/yacht club/lodging is not necessary, and in fact does nothing for Seabrook property owners or the surrounding community (who also oppose the annexation). The annexation benefits only the developer

and his syndicate of out-of-town investors by providing sewer service and access to our beach. It would marginally raise the tax base, which means a big bonus for Town staff; it would marginally increase sewer fees, which means a big bonus for the Utility Commissioners.

But your neighbors have told you by a 15:1 ratio: “We understand your increased tax base argument, and we still don’t want it!”

Now that you have been disrespected by MUSC and have a taste of the same disrespect experienced by your neighbors, and now that you know the magnitude of the opposition of your neighbors, what will you do? Will you show respect to your neighbors by voting NO or at least tabling the annexation so you can interact with us in a meaningful way before holding a referendum (ie: Cronin’s communication needs to happen)? Or are you going to disrespect your neighbors and kowtow to a developer and his money partners who only value Seabrook as a vessel into which they can f lush their toilets?

Sincerely, Terrell Bowers Seabrook Island All letters submitted to The Island Connection must bear a full name, address and phone number for verification. Only the author’s name and city will be printed. Submissions are accepted via email to iceditor@luckydognews.com.

Submissions may be edited for length and readability. The Island Connection reserves the right to reject submissions that are libelous, unseemly, not individually addressed to The Island Connection or that have been previously published elsewhere.

Op-Ed articles and Letters to the Editor do not reflect the opinion of Lucky Dog News or its writers.

Sams Spit (continued from page 1)

Seabrook Election (continued from page 1)

SCELP is committed to pushing back against proposals to develop these last remaining havens for shorebirds and other wildlife,” said SCELP’s executive director, Amy Armstrong. “Captain Sams Spit is one of these havens and must be protected for the benefit of the residents of our state and the natural systems upon which we all depend.

We are thankful that the developer no longer has a valid local approval for its proposed 50-house development.”

PreserveKiawah is a nonprofit public interest group dedicated to promoting responsible development and governance of the Kiawah Island area, protecting the distinctive character of the community and preserving its unique natural environment. Learn more at preservekiawahisland.org.The South Carolina Environmental Law Project is a nonprofit public interest law firm using legal expertise to protect land, water and communities across South Carolina. Learn more at scelp.org.

She serves as the community and government relations official. S​ he has also been assigned the role of resources official under the town’s Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan. Most recently, she has done extensive work on the Ad Hoc Committee for the Town’s Short Term Rental Agreement.

Council Member Pat Fox also works on the Ad Hoc Committee for the Town’s Short Term Rental Agreement.

Fox was elected to Town Council in 2019. She serves as chair of the Town's Communications Committee and is also the communications official under the Town's Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan. She is the editor and a graphic designer for Tidelines as well.

Council Member Barry Goldstein has done extensive work on the Town’s Public Works Committee. He also serves as the Logistics Official under the Town’s Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan. He was first elected to Town Council in 2019.

Civic Calendar TOWN OF KIAWAH

TOWN OF SEABROOK

Council Member Dan Kortvelesy is the newest member of Town Council; he was elected in 2021. He also works on the Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan but as the communications official.

His main role is as chairman of the Town’s Public Safety Committee.

Mayor John Gregg was first elected as mayor in 2019. Before that, he served on Seabrook Island Town Council from 2013 to 2019, and was Mayor Pro Tem during that time. Gregg has been instrumental in securing reimbursement funds from state and federal disaster grant funding for Hurricanes Matthew, Irma, Florence and Dorian.

It is currently unknown at this time on whether the mayor or if any of the current Council Members will run for reelection.

Elections take place at The Lake House, located at 2319 Seabrook Island Road. Stay tuned for more information on the candidates who decide to file for this year’s municipal election.

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

Board of Zoning Appeals Monday, August 21 at 1 p.m.

Kiawah Island Town Hall

Town Council Tuesday, August 22 at 2:30 p.m.

Seabrook Island Town hall

Ways and Means Committee Monday, August 28 at 1 p.m.

Kiawah Island Town Hall

Board of Zoning Appeals Thursday, August 23 at 1 p.m.

Seabrook Island Town Hall

Town Council Tuesday, September 5 at 1 p.m.

Kiawah Island Town Hall

Public Works Committee Monday, September 11 at 12 p.m.

Seabrook Island Town Hall

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

Planning Commission Wednesday, September 6 at 2 p.m.

Kiawah Island Town Hall

Town Council Work Session Tuesday, September 12 at 1 p.m.

Seabrook Island Town Hall

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

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

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August 11, 2023

Community Forward

THE EXCHANGE CLUB OF KIAWAH-SEABROOK LAUNCHES THE CHILD ADVOCACY NETWORK

BY THAD PETERSON

S

For The Island Connection

ince its founding in 1982, the Exchange Club of Kiawah-Seabrook has contributed hundreds of thousands of dollars to organizations that serve our neighbors on Johns and Wadmalaw islands. The historic focus of the Club’s contributions is education, health, hunger and abuse prevention.

To provide better access to available community services, the Club has organized 22 of the supported groups into a network to support families and children, called The Exchange Club of Kiawah and Seabrook Child Advocacy Network. Services are offered to families on Johns and Wadmalaw islands to support their needs at no cost.

John Reock, Director of the Club’s Child Advocacy Network said, “The mission of the Child Advocacy Network is to make a positive impact on the children and families of Johns and Wadmalaw islands. The need is great, and the need is now. We are proud to be able to offer our neighbors a ‘one-stop shop’ of service organizations that will demonstrably improve lives on the islands.”

Here are a few organizations that are part of the Club’s Child Advocacy Network: Dee Norton Child Advocacy Center (deenortoncenter.org) – Dee Norton provides a safe, child-friendly place to turn when there is a concern about abuse.

Communities in Schools (ccisofsc. org) – The organization partners with teachers to identify challenges students face in class or at home and coordinates with community partners to bring outside resources inside schools.

Camp Hi Hopes Summer Enrichment Program (wesleyumcjohnsisland.org) – A summer community outreach program providing a nurturing environment, affordable care and enrichment to children from 5 to 11.

HALOS (charlestonhalos.org) – HALOS serves grandparents, other relatives and family friends who are raising children in the Tri-county area.

Begin With Books (beginwithbooks@palmettoproject.

org) – Their mission is to improve kindergarten readiness by providing children with easy access to quality books that are age and developmentally appropriate and culturally diverse.

Florence Crittenton (scarter@ florencecrittentonsc.org) – Provides hope, safety and opportunity to pregnant, parenting and at-risk young women in order to instill self-worth and self-sufficiency.

AMOR Healing Kitchen (amorhealingkitchen.org) – This kitchen prepares and delivers healthy meals to those facing health challenges.

Volunteer teen chefs work alongside adult kitchen mentors to learn culinary techniques as they prepare weekly meals.

Lowcountry Orphan Relief (lowcountryorpharelief.org) – Offers support services and aid to meet the needs of children identified as at-risk or suffering from abandonment, abuse and/or neglect.

St. James Bethel Church Dinner Program (stjbethel@yahoo.com) – Serves the elderly, homebound, sick, mentally or physically challenged and the isolated by preparing and delivering a nutritious meal every third Sunday.

Barrier Islands Free Medical Clinic (bifmc.org) – Offers free primary and specialty health care services for uninsured adults, including chronic disease management, dermatology, psychiatry, reproductive health, labs and imaging, physical therapy, free prescriptions and more.

Our Lady of Mercy Community Outreach (olmoutreach.org) – Neighbors in need receive dental and pre-natal care, emergency food, clothing, employment or financial assistance, lunch at Neighborhood House and educational and capacitybuilding opportunities.

Additional information on these organizations and the Child Action Network can be found at ks-exchangeclub.com/child-advocacynetwork. For more information about the club, please visit ks-exchangeclub.com.

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August 11, 2023

Wastewater (continued from page 1) Seabrook Island and will further be addressed at the Aug. 22 Town Council meeting.

Smith-Jones said she was asked by some of the Council members to look at the capacity issues as it relates to the annexation of the Andell property. It’s important to note that capacity is measured in Equivalent Residential Units (ERUs), which means one residential household or business is equal to a total of 300 gallons per day (according to DHEC) of sewer flow at domestic wastewater strength.

For example, Smith-Jones noted that the current Bohicket Marina runs at 39 ERUs, and that capacity for them would be not greater than 40 ERUs. Smith-Jones also addressed the holding ponds. “One question that came up was if we would have any issues with our holding pond, which can hold 16 million gallons,” she said. “We are allowed to pump out 1.1 million gallons a day, which flows to Seabrook Island Golf Course and Oak Point Golf Course. That is actually our agreement with Seabrook Island. We might have more problems during the three winter months when golf courses don’t want to receive huge amounts of water, which are December, January and February. The rest of the year, we have to pump water out of the deep well for their needs for their irrigation purposes.”

When it comes to the new developments, Smith-Jones shared the following projections: Capacity Projections - Seabrook Island Wastewater Treatment Plant (in ERUs) • Current Connections – 3,239 • Seabrook Island Infill – 241 • Haulover Developments (property behind Freshfields) – 1,400 • Freshfields Phase II and III Build Out – 100 • Freshfields Senior Center – 130 • Kiawah River Estates Build Out – 154 • Cassique Build Out – 58 • Bohicket Marina (new Andell property) – 35 • MUSC Medical Center – 15 = 5,372 “We are obligated to all these pieces of property,” Smith-Jones said. “When the Town bought the utility in the late 1990s, we agreed to uphold all these agreements. We are obligated to all except the expansion of the Andell property for Bohicket Marina, that is. But as you can see the annexation of the Andell property for Bohicket Marina is a small portion.”

She went on to explain, “The 3,239 current connections represent businesses and residents that are both within Seabrook and outside of Seabrook that we already service. That includes those served in Cassique, Kiawah River Estates and Bohicket Marina. To put it into context, the number of ERUs that we service outside of the gate is 16% of our customers, and that is residential and commercial properties.”

Smith-Jones was also asked by Council, prior to the meeting, about what state the Town’s utility infrastructure is in.

“Most of it was developed initially in 1973, and it expanded in 1988 to the 1.1 million gallons a day that we are allowed to pump out now,” Smith-Jones said.

“We have a management maintenance program and we are continually looking at our infrastructure. All the main lines are about two miles long that go through the main pump station on Seabrook called Pump Station Number One. We have never found any problems with those lines and we have thoroughly inspected them.”

She also noted that they have never dealt with root intrusion to their main line.

“Like I said, we continually inspect all of our lines and we are continually working at the pump stations and at our plant operation.”

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Another positive aspect about Seabrook Island Utility is their current bill. It remains one of the lowest in Charleston County.

Smith-Jones provided the following information: Average Monthly Residential Water and Sewer Bill (based on an average consumption of 8,000 gallons from November 9, 2022) • Seabrook Island - $118.25 • Mount Pleasant – $130.64 • Isle of Palms – $137.00 • Kiawah Island Utility – $147.54 • Charleston Water (Inside) – $147.99 • Folly Beach – $151.82 • Sullivan’s Island – $175.98 “As you can see, our rates are very reasonable,” she concluded.

She said that some council members also asked about rates changing due to annexing new developments into the Town’s limits, therefore the development would use the Town’s utilities.

“If a developer is bringing on a new piece of property, or you were an owner of a piece of property that is going to bring your home piping into our sewer, that ERU would have an impact fee for that one unit and that would cost you $7,500.

That has gone up 300% in the last three years based on engineering studies that say that we need to be doing a number of projects to increase capacity, but we would not need increased capacity if we were not taking on a new development – unless, of course, it was development that we were obligated to take on. Our feeling is that our current customers should not have to foot the bill for all of that development or increased capacity. Yes, they should pay perhaps some, but right now all of the fees are collected by the impact fee, which is $7,500 per ERU.” Seabrook Island Town Council Member Jeri Finke chimed in, “The homeowner has to take care of all of the piping and actual hookup at our line.”

To clarify if indeed the Town of Seabrook Island is close to capacity for wastewater treatment, Seabrook Island Town Council Member Barry Goldstein asked, “What is the plant’s capacity in ERUs per day?”

Smith-Jones said that DHEC actually dropped Seabrook Island down since they were not using their full capacity. “The plant has a physical capacity and DHEC reduced it because we weren’t using it,” she said.

“So that means that DHEC has a capacity that could be tuned to run at a higher capacity, and we would have to request a higher capacity if needed,” Goldstein explained.

The plant is maxed out at 1.1 million gallons per day – and these are estimates – if everything was 100% developed.

“The plant is in a good situation to handle all the near future development.

Haulover, the property behind Freshfields Village, is a huge portion, but we have no indication of if and when they will develop that. For everything else it runs well, it operates well and can handle any and all of the future developments – except for Haulover, and they would never build 1,400 homes in an instant.

Even if they chose to do that, it would be a five to 10-year project. Bottom line, we will not have a problem with any additions to the plant,” said Goldstein.

Seabrook Island Town Council Member Dan Kortvelesy asked if there was any grant money available for plants to expand. “There’s a lot of infrastructure money out there,” he added.

Smith-Jones explained that they applied for a $12 million grant. “We did not receive any of it, so now we are regrouping and trying to decide the next step to go forward.” She added, “I don’t want to miss any opportunities.”

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August 11, 2023

See You Sooner Rather than Later

THE 2023 KIAWAH I S L A N D A L L I G AT O R SPOTLIGHT SURVEY FROM THE TOWN OF KIAWAH ISLAND

T

For the Island Connection

he 2023 Kiawah Island alligator spotlight survey was conducted July 18 and 19. This survey has been conducted annually since 2003 and provides details on the density and distribution of Kiawah’s alligator population. It is a joint effort between biologists from the Town of Kiawah Island and the Kiawah Island Community Association.

The survey route covers most of Kiawah Island and includes 48 different ponds. Surveys are conducted by truck with a four-person crew and take approximately three hours to complete.

Alligators are observed using spotlights and placed into categories based on their estimated length. A series of formulas are then used to generate an estimated density of alligators on the island. The graph shows the estimated density of alligators per 100 acres on Kiawah Island beginning in 2003. Despite some minor fluctuations, Kiawah’s alligator population has remained stable over the last 15 years.

5

Full Plates

TWO NEW BOARD MEMBERS JOINED LOWCOUNTRY FOOD BANK THIS SUMMER

BY JILL HIRSEKORN

T

For The Island Connection

he Lowcountry Food Bank Foundation announced the appointment of two new members to its Board of Directors as of summer 2023.

Michael P. Smith of Kiawah Island has more than 30 years of global senior leadership experience driving innovation, marketing, sales, profit and acquisitions.

He has extensive experience in strategic initiatives, finance, technology, business development and joint ventures. He earned a bachelor of arts degree in chemistry from the University of Virginia and a master of business administration from the University of Michigan.

Mike recently retired as President, EVP of Performance Chemicals at Ingevity Corporation in Charleston. Mike has served on numerous boards both internationally and domestically. He has delivered on creating accountability, managing committees to top performance achievements, optimizing business through strategic growth and managing relationships with internal and external stakeholders.

Turquoi D. Dorsey of Kingstree has over 15 years of experience in implementing new initiatives, managing business processes and leading organizational change. She is skilled in managing human dynamics and resolving escalated issues while implementing process changes that reduce pain-points and drive exceptional customer satisfaction. She has master’s degrees in both business administration and information system management.

Turquoi is the Senior Support Manager at BoomTown in Charleston. She is an accomplished manager who has been recognized for her exceptional

Michael P. Smith.

Turquoi D. Dorsey.

performance, stabilizing of teams and launching of new initiatives like automated case distribution and peer review and standard operating procedure training. She has received awards and recognitions, including the 2018 Eminence and Excellence Award from IBM. “Both Mike and Turquoi are exceedingly qualified to serve on our Board of Directors. They have demonstrated exceptional leadership skills and a passion to serve our neighbors who experience food insecurity. They have expertise in numerous areas that will help grow the Foundation and provide support for the Lowcountry Food Bank,” said Pat Walker, Chair of the Lowcountry Food Bank Foundation Board of Directors.

The Lowcountry Food Bank Foundation was established in 2021 as a strategic partner of the Lowcountry Food Bank. To learn more about the Lowcountry Food Bank Foundation, please contact eatkinson@lcfbank.org or visit lowcountryfoodbank.org/ ways-to-give/foundation.

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August 11, 2023

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August 11, 2023

7

Toys that Teach

BY DENISE K. JAMES

N

For The Island Connection

ewly minted toy inventor Martha Moore lives on Johns Island and enjoys a condo on Kiawah Island. She and her daughter, Karalyne Ley, are introducing Charleston-area parents, teachers and kids to a few adorable new toys with a meaningful message: Bene (pronounced Benny), the Kind-Hearted Bear; Sparkle the Dog, who reinforces Pet Kindness and Care; and Seawhee the Turtle, who reinforces Ocean Conservation.

Launched in autumn of 2022, all these toys emphasize the lifelong (and necessary) character traits of respect, kindness, sharing, taking turns, empathy and giving back. We recently caught up with Moore and Ley to find out more about Bene World’s Toys with a Purpose.

Why do you believe these toys are important right now, in 2023?

Bene World develops interactive plush toys that teach children important character traits, including kindness, respect, empathy, cooperation, sharing and giving back.

Each plush toy comes with a book focused on reinforcing these traits parents want their children to have.

With the new school year just around the corner, it is the perfect time for

parents to start focusing on kindness, respect, empathy and other character traits with their children.

How are the toys interactive in a positive way?

Bene World’s Toys with a Purpose utilize tokens that can be put into a slot on each animal and collected in the animal’s pocket. When the child does something for another person or pet or helps the environment through turtle conservation, they put the token into the animal’s slot.

When the child has used all the tokens, they can take them out of the animal’s pocket and reuse them again and again to reinforce these important character traits.

What are people saying about Bene World so far?

Bene World toys are also used by teachers in the classroom and childhood therapists in their practice. These Toys With a Purpose have won the Mom’s Choice Award, Family Circle Award and Creative Child Magazine’s 2023 Kids Product of the Year Award.

We are excited to introduce these Toys with a Purpose to Charleston-area children and parents! Learn more on our website, at benebeargiving.com, or by shopping at Wonder Works in Mount Pleasant.

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ONGOING

August 11, 2023

around the islands...

WHAT: Glass Fusing 101 WHEN: Mondays from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m.

WHERE: Turtle’s Nest Art Studio MORE INFO: Learn how to fuse glass and create your own unique piece of art. This course will teach you to cut, layer and design glass pieces. Ages 5 and older; children under 7 require an adult. The cost is $45 per person, reservations are required.

WHAT: Alligator Adventure WHEN: Mondays at 11 a.m. and Wednesdays at 2:30 p.m WHERE: Night Heron Park MORE INFO: A van guided tour is led by a Kiawah Naturalist and is a phenomenal way to safely learn more about this large reptile species. $40 per person, and reservations are required.

WHAT: Music on the Green WHEN: Wednesdays from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

WHERE: Freshfields Village

MORE INFO: Join the community of Seabrook and Kiawah Island for a familyfriendly concert featuring regional bands. All are invited to Music on the Green. This is a great way to meet those in your community and explore the culture.

WHAT: Shag Night WHEN: Tuesday from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

WHERE: The Village Green at Freshfields MORE INFO: Head to Freshfields to participate in the Official Dance of South Carolina, the Shag. Whether you are a pro or new to the tradition all are welcome.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 19 WHAT: Family Survivor WHEN: 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.

WHERE: Night Heron Park Stage MORE INFO: This is a chance to test your family’s intelligence, skills and teamwork in a fast-paced showdown based on the show Survivor. A minimum of 4 players per team and a maximum of 6. The cost is $30 per team. There will be water activities, so please dress appropriately.

MONDAY, AUGUST 21 WHAT: STAR Therapy Dogs WHEN: 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

WHERE: Johns Island Library MORE INFO: This event is open to all, and children and families are welcome. Work on building confidence in reading by practicing reading to a certified therapy dog.

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 23 WHAT: Chow Town Food Truck Rodeo WHEN: 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

WHERE: Seabrook Island Town Hall MORE INFO: Join the community of Seabrook Island for the second annual Chow Town Food Truck Festival. Bring your friends and family, or venture off solo friends for an evening of live music, food truck vendors and relaxing. The event is featuring musical artists Molly Durning, Don Colton, David Tabaka, and The Time Pirates.

Bring your own beach chair.

FOR SALE | 3002 Plow Ground Road, Johns Island $3,450,000 81.65 ACRES 2 Homes, 2 Renovated Barns, Lit Dressage Ring, Pond & Pastures

WHAT: Hip Hop Dance Program for Kids WHEN: 11 a.m.

WHERE: The John’s Island Library MORE INFO: This 40-minute hip hop dance program will educate participants on the history of hip hop and dance vocabulary. This program will feature family-friendly music and children of all ages and their parents are welcome. Dress in comfortable clothing and come ready to dance.

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 10 WHAT: Blue Sky Endurance Fest

WHEN: 8:30 a.m. to noon WHERE: Trophy Lakes MORE INFO: Join the local community on land and in the water to test your endurance. This festival features four different events, allowing participants a race that works best for them. There is an event for everyone, whether you feel motivated to run and swim six miles or decide 1.2 miles is better suited for you. The event's details are available online, and registration is required ahead of time. The cost ranges from $50 to $40.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 16 Jimmy Dye, REALTOR®

Broker-in-Charge, Founding Partner of The Cassina Group 309 Coleman Boulevard, Mt. Pleasant SC 29464 (843) 452-6482 | JDye@TheCassinaGroup.com | JimmyDye.com

CONNECTING TO CHRIST AND COMMUNITY

Come

WHAT: Cars & Coffee WHEN: 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.

WHERE: The Village Green MORE INFO: This event will feature current automobile models, classic cars and other unique automobiles. All are invited to bring their unique car to this event to share with the community. Coffee and breakfast are available for purchase at Java Java.

Sunday Service Times: 9:00am & 10:30am 4416 Betsy Kerrison Parkway, Johns Island, SC 29455 oursavioursc.com.

! s u h t i w p i h s r wo

843.768.2046

August 11, 2023

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www.KiawahHouseCare.com

Tid e Char t Date

High Tide

Aug 11 Aug 12 Aug 13 Aug 14 Aug 15 Aug 16 Aug 17 Aug 18 Aug 19 Aug 20 Aug 21 Aug 22 Aug 23 Aug 24

4:58am/5:36pm 5:51am/6:26pm 6:42am/7:13pm 7:30am/7:56pm 8:15am/8:37pm 8:58am/9:14pm 9:38am/9:49pm 10:16am/10:22pm 10:51am/10:54 pm 11:26am/12:56pm 12:02pm 12:04am/12:43pm 12:46am/1:32pm 1:37am/2:30pm

Low Tide 10:55am/11:57pm 11:48am 12:47am/12:38pm 1:32am/1:24pm 2:13am/2:07pm 2:52am/2:48pm 3:27am/3:27pm 4:00am/4:06pm 4:32am/4:45pm 5:03am/5:25pm 5:37am/6:09pm 6:14am/6:58pm 6:58am/7:54pm 7:49am/8:56pm

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

WWW.LUCKYDOGNEWS.COM/SUBSCRIBE

Source: saltwatertides.com

August 11, 2023

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AVAILABLE PROPERTIES! CALL TODAY! We list and sell more real estate on Seabrook Island than all other companies combined. If you are looking to purchase a new home, cottage, villa, or homesite — or list your property — contact one of our expert REALTORS® today!

3067 Marshgate Drive - $6,700,000

3139 Marshgate Drive - $5,995,000

2295 Marsh Hen Drive - $2,820,000

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

Ocean/River/Marsh View | 4 BR | 4.5 BA | 4,093 SF

Marsh View | 5 BR | 4.5 BA | 4,488 SF

2270 Oyster Catcher Court - $2,320,000

3236 Middle Dam Court - $1,899,999

3315 Seabrook Island Road - $1,800,000

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

Marsh View | 4 BR | 3.5 BA | 3,200 SF

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

1928 Marsh Oak Lane - $1,025,000

4362 Lady Banks Lane - $999,000

1327 Pelican Watch - $629,000

Marsh View | 2 BR | 2.5 BA | 1,660 SF

Marsh/River Homesite | Poplar Grove, Ravenel | 1.37 Acres

Ocean View | 1 BR | 2 BA | 1,000 SF

107 High Hammock - $389,000

602 Double Eagle Trace - $389,000

2415 Racquet Club Drive - $369,000

Golf View | 1 BR | 1.5 BA | 876 SF

Golf View | 1 BR | 1.5 BA | 817 SF

Marsh View | 1 BR | 1.5 BA | 720 SF

Charleston’s Truly Private Oceanfront Community Four Miles of Uncrowded Beach | Oceanfront Pools | On-Island Dining 36 Holes of Championship Golf | Full-Service Equestrian Center | Tennis & Pickleball Fitness Complex | Deep Water Marina & Shopping Just Outside the Gate Audubon International Certified Sustainable Community Club membership required for ownership. Club amenities are reserved for Members and guests.

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

seabrookisland.com | 843.768.2560 | realestate@seabrookisland.com | 1002 Landfall Way, Seabrook Island, SC 29455