The Art of Planning AN ARTS FACILITY HAS BEEN DEEMED FEASIBLE ON KIAWAH ISLAND
BY THERESA STRATFORD For The Island Connection
Duncan Webb of Webb Management Services, the firm heading up the research on the feasibility study for an arts and cultural center on Kiawah Island, found himself back in front of the Kiawah Island Town Council on September 5, but this time it was to give them more finalized results of the phase 2 process from his nine-month study.
The last time he was in front of Council was back in April when he presented the findings from Phase 1. Phase 1, otherwise known as the needs assessment phase, began back in December of 2022. During Phase 1, Webb’s team focused on identifying the audience, what kinds of artists might utilize an arts facility, the demand and what the goals for the facility would be.
During the meeting in September, David Wohl, a volunteer on the Kiawah Island Arts and Cultural Events Council, noted that events in one year totaled about 5,000 people and that many of the events sold out the same day that tickets were released. He also said that they have over 4,000 emails on their mailing list.
Wohl’s support for an arts and cultural center on the Island stems from the fact that over the last few years, it has become increasingly more difficult and more expensive to schedule events, especially at resort venues.
To reiterate, the reasons why the feasibility study was done in the first place was to see if there could be a building created specifically for the Arts Council to utilize for events – like studios, classroom space, a small theater and an exhibition space. They needed to ask questions to the community on whether they would support such a facility. They also needed to figure out if there were enough events and activities to make the facility viable, how much it would cost to build, what it would take to operate it, what would be the best governance structure for such a facility, how big it would be, where it would be located and if there might be collaborators or partners interested in such a facility. Also, if it could generate rental income.
Wohl added that when the Kiawah Island
Conflicts Arise
on
CONFLICT OF INTEREST POLICY ON KIAWAH
BY THERESA STRATFORD For The Island Connection
Looks like it is back to the drawing board for the Town of Kiawah Island’s conflict of interest policy.
It was Council Member Michael Heidingsfelder who pinned the policy and presented it at the September 5 Town Council meeting. He said the policy was created in response to voiced concerns at the February retreat earlier this year.
“We decided to give a task to a small group to discuss a conflict of interest policy, despite the fact that we are covered under South Carolina law in that respect, but we all felt we wanted to be a little more specific in certain things, especially from a procedural point of view, and we need to be clear on how the conflict of interest policy should be handled,” he said.
on
MBY JANE MAGIONCALDA For The Island Connection
ature female loggerhead sea turtles generally lay nests every two to four years, making about three to six nests a season. As a result, the number of nests laid in any particular year may vary from many to few. In 2019, Seabrook had 90 nests (an all-time high), while in 2018, only 31 nests were laid. In 2023, the number of nests was on the low end of the equation: 40 nests.
Every year, nests on Seabrook are endangered by natural predators — crabs, ants and raccoons are the primary predators that often destroy some eggs and occasionally, in the case of raccoons, entire nests. This year, Seabrook’s nests were attacked by another natural predator that hasn’t
been raiding turtle nests here in at least 10 years — coyotes. One nest was completely destroyed by coyotes on the night it was laid; two others were partially destroyed on the night they were laid, and one nest was dug up and partially destroyed about six weeks after it had been laid.
In addition to predators, nests are vulnerable to the tides. Although Seabrook Island Turtle Patrol volunteers will relocate a nest that is laid below the normal high tide line, king tides create a major challenge. This year, one nest was washed over and partially destroyed during the June king tide. The most damaging event was Tropical Storm Idalia, and the resulting impact during the height of the king tide. Six nests were
PUBLISHERS OF
The Island Eye News, The Island Connection & SiP Magazine
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CONTRIBUTORS
Theresa Stratford
Norm Powers
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Arielle Alpino
Jane Magioncalda
Beth
Marianna Lunsford
Martha
John Nelson
Edward
Community Association took a survey from members recently, they found that residents noted “more amenities” as a top priority.
Webb explained that back in April, the needs assessment phase showed that there was a need and a market opportunity for such a facility based on audiences, users and the lack of other facilities in the area. He said that he also felt the facility aligned with the broader goals set for the community.
In the nine to 10 months since he started the study, Webb and his team have conducted multiple interviews with different stakeholders in the area, they have gone on tours, collected data and they even had a public meeting. They also conducted research on other facilities in the country that might have similarities to Kiawah Island.
Webb Management concluded that Kiawah Island could use an arts and cultural center with the following qualities:
• High quality performance space with excellent acoustics and technical capabilities.
• Flexible seating for 300 to 400 people that is also ADA compliant.
• Up-to-date technologies for live and filmed events.
• An additional multipurpose space for meetings, events, rehearsals, teaching and smaller performances with the capacity for 100 to 150 seats.
• Additional space for rehearsal and teaching, plus designated exhibition space in the lobby.
• Outdoor performance and event space.
Webb projected that the cost to build a facility with those features would be between $20 million to $26 million. “We have seen tremendous cost escalation with building in the last three years,” he mentioned.
The building would need to be on at least one acre or close to it. He presented options for either one story or two stories. Webb Management also already scoped out sites for the building. He presented four possible locations:
• The Andell West development has a one-acre site available. Webb deemed it as an excellent location. It is owned by Riverstone.
• A property next to Town Hall, which is 1.58 acres and is on a major thoroughfare. It could have limited parking but space to develop. The Town owns the property.
• Church of our Savior expressed interest in selling a portion of their site. Webb also deemed this as a good location right by the main thoroughfare and near Town Hall. It is four acres of the total eight acres. Webb said they would have to extend a road to go past a graveyard to make it possible.
• There is a 3.5-acre site owned by Kiawah Partners right next to Andell Inn, which would be closer to the new
Seafields senior community development. This one could be harder to access.
As a part of the Phase 2 portion of the study, they also gave the different sites scores based on size, community fit in style and scale, cost, availability, environmental impact, accessibility and proximity to amenities.
The two sites that scored the highest were Andell West and the site next to Town Hall.
Although Webb knew that a decision was not going to be made that day on what site to choose or even if they would go forward with planning to build such a facility at all, he did recommend that project leadership set a date to select a site. “That process should coincide with a capital campaign. I also want you all to be open to recognizing opportunities, should they arise in the meantime. Perhaps a better site will open up. If it fits the criteria, you should jump on it,” Webb said.
Ultimately, the facility will have to have a business plan as well, which would include attracting programs, providing affordable access, contributing to the positioning of Kiawah Island as a first-class amenity and sustaining operations with the appropriate balance of income.
Webb recommended that they operate the facility under a designated 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, led by local leaders.
Webb also shared that he held a workshop on June 8 with 22 live participants and eight participants on Zoom that represented local facilities, arts organizations and schools. He said they focused on talking about what the facility’s operating needs would be and what the planning process might look like.
“We deduced that there would need to be eight full-time staff members and six part-time positions. There would also need to be other workers as event staff in various roles,” he explained.
Webb also found from the Phase 2 part of the study that they would be using the facility at least 200 days out of the year to start and that it would increase from there over time.
He recommended that they present to Charleston County the economic impact of the facility in order to gain their support.
“Funding will be of utmost importance as we begin the process. We’ll need to seek out private funding and public funding. Naming rights are a big part of this. We’ll need to lean on our private donors heavily,” said Webb.
He also suggested that they hire a fundraising consultant to identify resources to fund the campaign.
He estimated a four-year period before breaking ground, and that it would go in phases, but would be something like this: First fundraise, then go into the planning and designing phase and then the operations phase.
(continued on page 5)
Civic Calen dar
TOWN OF KIAWAH
Ways and Means Committee
Monday, Sept. 25 at 1 p.m.
Kiawah Town Hall
Town Council
Tuesday, Oct. 3 at 1 p.m.
Kiawah Town Hall
Planning Commission
Wednesday, Oct. 4 at 2 p.m.
Kiawah Town Hall
Arts & Cultural Event Council
Thursday, Oct. 5 at 2 p.m.
Kiawah Town Hall
TOWN OF SEABROOK
Public Safety Committee
Tuesday, Sept. 19 at 10 a.m.
Seabrook Town Hall
Utility Commission
Wednesday, Sept. 20 at 9:30 a.m.
Seabrook Town Hall
Town Council
Tuesday, Sept. 26 at 2:30 p.m.
Seabrook Town Hall
Public Works Committee
Monday, Oct. 2 at noon
Seabrook Town Hall
The Town of Kiawah Island Arts and Cultural Events Council.
totally washed out to sea; some of the eggs in another nest were washed away and the remaining eggs were relocated to a new location. Three other nests were washed over by the tide but otherwise remained intact.
As a result, 32.5%, or 13, of Seabrook’s 40 nests this year were impacted by coyotes, king tides or both. Nonetheless, the hard work by the volunteers of the SITP did provide plenty of good news.
As of September 7, 2,274 hatchlings have emerged from Seabrook’s nests, a mean hatch success rate of 61.2%. Three nests still remain to be counted. Patrol members were also rewarded with a rare sight on several days. Early morning walkers came across a female loggerhead still on the beach, laying her nest on
two different days while another female was seen swimming in a tidal pool after laying the nest until the high tide enabled her to return to the ocean. Experiences like that are genuinely unforgettable and help reinforce the need to continue to protect these magnificent creatures that visit our shores.
We appreciate everyone’s support and well wishes and look forward to a more robust season in 2024.
Seabrook Island Turtle Patrol is licensed by the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources and supported financially by the Seabrook Island Property Owners Association, the Town of Seabrook and public donations. More information can be found on the SITP website, at siturtlepatrol.com
PHOTO COURTESY OF SITP
Conflict of Interest (continued
Heidingsfelder came up with the policy presented with the help of the Town’s HR consultant, Town Administrator Stephanie Tillerson and the Town Attorney Joe Wilson. Although the policy reflects all good intentions, other Council Members, like John Moffitt and Bradley Belt, questioned some of the wording.
For example, Belt wanted to know who exactly reviewed and approved the conflict of interest forms and what the process was with getting them approved or denied. Tillerson normally only approves or denies the COI forms for staff, but the policy presented appeared to be unclear on that process.
from page 1)
Heidingsfelder chimed in, “It is not intended to be the town administrator to judge these forms. What needs to be done is if the form is filled out and it discloses a COI, then the question is who will review it. It would need to be the mayor, town administrator and the town attorney.”
Micheal Heidingsfelder wrote the conflict of interest policy’s first draft.
Belt also noted that the policy refers to a “failure to disclose a potential conflict of interest could result in disciplinary action.” He asked who would be determining the action to take in that matter and what criteria that would be based on. “Would there be a public hearing process for something like that?” he asked. “What is the process to follow to remove a volunteer or dismiss an employee?”
Tillerson answered saying that Council appoints the volunteers, with the exception of the Turtle Patrol, so that would come to them as a recommendation from staff and that would be something they would discuss publicly. She added that Council always has the right to remove a volunteer at any time.
She said that if it was an employee, that would be something she would speak to the mayor about. She added that if the COI was against a member of Council, then that would have to be reported to the South Carolina Ethics Commission.
Mayor John Labriola asked Tillerson to review the HR Manual to be sure that it was specific when it comes to the COI policy as well.
Belt also explained that the acceptance of gifts needs to be defined and what exactly is prohibited behavior on that front.
Moffitt commented that he wanted to know, “What does strictest confidence mean? Is it only a need-to-know basis? Is it for everyone? What’s the disposition when something is uncovered? it’s not clear. I know we talk about how we would do it here in this meeting, but it doesn’t say that anywhere, so I would say it needs work.”
Heidingsfelder agreed, “We can rework this to be more explicit. If we want to be ironclad, we can add those respective items.
The purpose of the policy is to define what a conflict of interest entails for the Town of Kiawah Island’s employees, volunteers and elected officials. Once the conflict of interest is identified, the policy would also define how it would be addressed and then mitigated if action needs to be taken.
As it stands, the policy presented to Council stated: “All employees and volunteers serving the Town of Kiawah Island are expected to exhibit and promote the highest standards of honest and ethical conduct in all dealings related to the business of the Town. This means that, in working or volunteering for the Town of Kiawah Island, employees and volunteers are expected to act solely in the best interest of the Town and not in their personal interest or in the interest of others.”
Positions that would be held accountable to a conflict of interest Policy would be:
1. Anyone who is legally employed by the Town of Kiawah Island (no matter if
full-time or part-time).
2. An elected community member serving on the Council of the Town of Kiawah Island.
3. An appointed community member serving on a Commission, Board or Committee of the Town of Kiawah Island.
4. A community member selected to participate in a Work Group or Task Force Team for a particular purpose defined by the Town of Kiawah Island.
Many examples were given in the policy, such as:
a. A Town Official is expending Town of Kiawah Island funds for personal gain.
b. A Town Official is purchasing or influencing the purchase of equipment, goods or services for the Town to use or with the Town’s funds from individuals, firms or organizations in which the employee or his/her immediate family members have a financial interest.
c. A Town Official is using the Town’s assets to support an external business.
d. A Town Official is hiring or supervising family members or closely related persons.
e. A Town Official is accepting gifts, discounts, favors or services worth $25 or more from an individual, firm or organization unless it can be and is shared by Town of Kiawah Island employees.
f. A Town Official owns or has a substantial interest in a supplier or contractor to the Town of Kiawah Island.
g. A Town Official is placing the Town’s business with a firm owned or controlled by a Town of Kiawah Island employee or his or her family.
h. A Town Official is using proprietary and/or confidential information for personal gain or to the Town’s detriment.
i. A Town Official has direct or indirect personal, professional or financial interests in or with the Kiawah Island Community Association, South Street Partners (and affiliates), Kiawah Partners (and affiliates) Kiawah Island Resort Associates (and affiliates), KDP II LLC (and affiliates), Kiawah Island Club and Real Estate (and affiliates), Kiawah Island Real Estate, LLC (and affiliates), Kiawah Island Golf Resort (and affiliates, including Riverstone), or any utility company (or affiliates) providing good or services to the Town of Kiawah Island.
A conflict of interest or unethical behavior can take many forms and shapes and generally fall into the following categories, and are prohibited:
• Misuse of Official Position — Using an official position to get something you are not entitled to or to get someone else something they are not entitled to.
• Acceptance of Gifts and Gratuities — Soliciting or accepting a gift because of your official position or because of something you can do or have done in your official position.
• Self-Dealing — Participating as a Town Official in a matter in which you, your immediate family, your business organization, or your future employer has a financial interest.
• Nepotism — Hiring or appointing a person related to an employee or volunteer for the Town of Kiawah Island requires disclosure and approval.
• Appearance of Conflict — Acting in a manner that would make a reasonable person think you can be improperly influenced.
• Divided Loyalties — Receiving pay from anyone other than the Town to work on a matter involving the Town. Acting as an agent or attorney for anyone other than the Town in a matter involving the Town (whether paid or not).
Ultimately, it was decided that the Town’s conflict of interest policy would be tabled until more clarifications and revisions could be made by the working group.
Council Member Russell Berner chimed in, saying that he wanted Council to consider the fact that about 200 cars would take another whole acre so they may need to find bigger sites. He also noted that he didn’t see where taxes were calculated in building the site.
Council Member John Moffitt added, “We have a tendency to jump in and solve all the problems. I don’t think this is the right time to do that for the Arts Council. It is just too premature to make any decisions on this.”
Council Member Michael Heidingsfelder contended that building such a facility should not involve the Town at all. “It should be only carried out by an independent organization.
I don’t think the Town should be involved.”
And the mayor agreed. “This is a long journey. We have so many talented people on our Arts Council. I do think this should continue.”
Wohl concluded saying, “We know this won’t happen overnight. We are going to have to meet the challenges. To reiterate, it’s a marathon, not a sprint.”
Webb Management Services is a management consulting practice focused on the development, renovation and operation of cultural facilities. Their clients are governments, arts organizations, developers and educators. They conduct feasibility studies, business plans, strategic plans and district plans.
Sounds Around Town
THE SYMPHONY TOUR OF HOMES RETURNS FOR 26TH YEAR
BY MARTHA THOMPSON For The Island Connection
The Symphony Tour of Homes on Kiawah Island is celebrating its 26th Anniversary on Saturday, November 4. Event
Chair Sandra Ericksen invites long-time and new tour goers to join this highly anticipated event.
“The 26th annual of the Symphony Tour of Homes promises to maintain the tradition of presenting unique homes on Kiawah Island,” Ericksen said. “The eclectic selection of homes displays the variety of design and lifestyle present on this exclusive island. These homes showcase the talents of premier designers, architects, builders and landscapers. The Charleston Symphony Orchestra League has plans to make this day a unique experience, concluding with a concert by the Charleston Symphony.”
Events Council, at the West Beach Conference Center. The concert is a separately ticketed event.
This season, the Charleston Symphony once again brings a superb lineup of world-renowned guest conductors and soloists for the Masterworks Series and a new lineup of entertaining Pops concerts. All proceeds from this Tour of Homes will support the Charleston Symphony and music scholarships for students in the Lowcountry.
Advance tickets for the Tour of Homes are $65 through November 3. Tickets will also be sold the day of the event on the Freshfields Village Green for $70, where guests will pick up tickets and programs beginning at 9:30 a.m. Tickets for the concert following the Tour are $15 each.
Guests will be treated to music by symphony musicians and talented music students as they experience the variety of beautifully decorated homes. The day will be capped at 5 p.m. with a Charleston Symphony concert, sponsored by the Town of Kiawah Island Arts and Cultural
During the tour, guests can browse the curated collection of unique artisanal items available for purchase, with proceeds supporting both the Symphony and the League.
For more information, to purchase tickets and to learn about sponsorship opportunities, visit csolinc.org.
GARDEN
CLUB
The Seabrook Island Garden Club members gathered on September 8 to begin their new year of monthly meetings with exciting guest speakers, field trips, caring for the environment, hands-on gardening and more. This year, the club has a special celebration to enjoy: the 35th anniversary of the founding of the garden club. In October 1988, a wonderful group of women came together to form the Seabrook Island Garden Club. Since then, the organization has expanded and thrived, recognizing old traditions and creating new ones.
After raffle winners were drawn, the business portion of the meeting was led by President Carol Price. Past president and Historian Karen Nutall led the group in a visual presentation of historic documents relating to our founding members. The club, originally known as the “Marsh Hens Garden Club,” was highly involved in beautifying our island, planting flowers in the common spaces and decorating much of the POA buildings for the holidays. They were passionate about making the mundane locations extraordinary with their talents in using clippings from much of our island vegetation in their designs. Also impressive was
NEW
Old and New Traditions
SEASON
KICKS OFF CELEBRATING 35 YEARS
BY BETH WRIGHT For The Island Connection
the thorough documentation of their activities. They took many photos, which they printed and arranged thoughtfully in scrapbooks. Current Garden Club members are grateful for this, as the 35th
Anniversary Committee has perused and scanned hundreds of images they plan to share at monthly meetings.
In the first Member Spotlight series, Vice President and Anniversary
Committee Chair Sally Boudinot prepared a special recognition of long-time member Lee Hurd. As she read through the recorded history of the garden club, Hurd’s name was frequently mentioned. Hurd served as president twice, was instrumental in adopting our bylaws, and served on countless committees. It was Hurd who originally suggested we treat our Seabrook community to an annual event known as our Open House, which we still host to this day. Hurd is also well known for creating a magical garden in the lot beside her home; it’s a place where she encourages neighbors and friends to visit and enjoy the fruits of her labor. Also noteworthy is our current member, Karen Babb, whose mother, Janet, was also an original garden club member.
Garden Club members are looking forward to seeing what the 35th Anniversary committee has up their sleeves, and it is sure to be a fun-filled year ahead. The Seabrook Island Garden Club is still accepting new members. Annual dues are $25, and membership form and instructions can be found at Seabrook Island Garden Club (sigardenclub. blogspot.com) under the “Join Us” tab. The next meeting will be held on Friday, October 13.
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Take advantage of exclusive perks as a member of our Boat Club
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Access reservations through our Custom App for easy bookings
Unlimited access with future reservation options as well as day-of opportunities
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• A one-stop shop for all your boating needs
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• Wide range of boats tailored to your needs and preferences, pontoons & center consoles
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• Benefit from our professional staff’s expertise and personalized recommendations
PHOTO COURTESY OF SIGC
Cleaning Up the Coast OPPORTUNITIES TO
MAKE THE LOWCOUNTRY SHINE
BY MARIANNA LUNSFORD For The Island Connection
With the city of Charleston and its barrier islands creating a significant amount of beaches, it is important that we, as a community, care for our seaside community in order to keep our coastlines beautiful as well as safe for both marine life and human visitors.
Coastal cleanup opportunities for both residents and visitors alike are provided by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control’s Adopt-A-Beach Program, the Isle of Palms Cleanup Crew and the Kiawah Conservancy and more.
The Kiawah Conservancy and the South Carolina Aquarium host a Kiawah Island Litter Sweep on the third Saturday of each month from 9-11 a.m. Participants meet at Mingo Point (876 Kiawah Island Parkway) to receive their sweep areas and necessary supplies. The primary focus of the sweep is the Kiawah Island Parkway, but the group also sweeps around Night Heron Park and as many beach boardwalks and bike paths as possible depending on volunteer attendance.
“The organization’s mission is to measure, manage, improve, and advocate for the ecological health of Kiawah Island and its environs,” said Kiawah Conservancy Education
Outreach Specialist Katie Warner.
“The Kiawah Conservancy has the capability to be a holder of land and conservation easements, and as such, it acts as a land trust. To date, the Kiawah Conservancy has preserved 70 properties that total over 2,314 acres of
beaches,” Warner added.
The Kiawah Conservancy also recommends that their volunteers be a citizen scientist by downloading the SC Aquarium Citizen Science App to any smart device and track the trash they pick up. The data collected is used to drive conversations, decisions, and changes around plastic use throughout the state.
Upcoming Kiawah Conservancy litter sweeps for 2023 are October 21, November 18, and December 16. All ages are welcome and litter sweep materials will be provided.
pristine barrier island habitat.”
“We encourage everyone to take a small bag and pick up litter along the way as you hike the trails of the Lowcountry or enjoy the beautiful
“For all litter sweeps, we recommend volunteers dress for the weather and bring a reusable water bottle,” concluded Warner. “Bug spray and sunscreen are also recommended.”
For questions regarding any Kiawah Conservancy litter sweeps, please email katie@kiawahconservancy.org.
A Lifelong Interest in Art MEET OCTOBER ARTIST OF THE MONTH CYNTHIA REDDERSEN
BY BONNIE YOUNGINER For The Island Connection
Cynthia Reddersen has had a lifelong interest in art. As a young child, she drew hundreds of horses and continued her art journey taking figure drawing classes as a young teen. She painted watercolors as mementos for herself and her family members, depicting the places where they vacationed. She has worked in oils and acrylics as well.
In her busy life as a webmaster and then as a communications manager for several companies in Virginia and in Washington D.C., she created one internal website, managed another, ran conferences and created conference materials and newsletters. Fortunately, some of these jobs provided her the liberty to dabble in artistic creations.
In 2015, Cynthia and Bob bought their Seabrook villa. And in the past few years, because of the pandemic, much time was spent at Seabrook where she found her greatest inspiration for her art and turned a sometime hobby into something more. She loves to paint landscapes and waterscapes. Clouds are also a particular interest. She has also done several paintings of birds and horses.
Cynthia belongs to the Seabrook Island Art Guild on Seabrook Island and also the Fairfax Art Guild in Fairfax City, Virginia, where she participates in a guild gallery and various shows.
A reception will be held for Cynthia on Thursday, October 5, 4:30-6:00 p.m. at The Lake House.
Welcome to one of the few remaining, choice .5+ acre building lots on Seabrook Island! The beautifully wooded lot features Grand Oaks and a large Magnolia which are located near, at, or just outside the setback lines. The buildable envelope is spectacular for either a custom or stock floorplan. Here’s the lot for your new family home!
Disclaimer: property lines are approximate, refer to survey
Former champions will return to Credit One Charleston Open
BY ARIELLE ALPINO For The Island Connection
World No. 5, three-time Grand Slam finalist and 2023 Charleston Open champion Ons Jabeur and World No. 13, Olympic gold medalist and 2022 Charleston Open champion Belinda Bencic have entered the 2024 Credit One Charleston Open, the largest women’s-only tennis tournament in North America.
The WTA 500 tournament, the annual clay season kickoff event on the Hologic WTA Tour, is set for March 30 through April 7, 2024, at the newly renovated Credit One Stadium on Daniel Island.
Jabeur and Bencic have met in the Credit One Charleston Open final each of the last two years. In 2023, Jabeur defeated defending champion Bencic 7-6(6), 6-4 in a rematch of the 2022 final, where Bencic prevailed 6-1, 5-7, 6-4.
“It was a rematch to remember,” said Bob Moran, tournament director of the Credit One Charleston Open. “Ons and Belinda are incredible Charleston champions, and our fans were in for a treat watching them compete in back-toback finals. We are excited to have them return to the Lowcountry for a potential third clash in the final next year.”
Jabeur is already the most successful African and Arab tennis player in history. She holds five WTA titles and has been a mainstay in the top 10 for the last three
years. The 29-year-old’s 2023 season includes her win in Charleston, semifinal appearances in Adelaide and Stuttgart and quarterfinal finishes in Paris and Cincinnati. In addition, she reached the Wimbledon finals for the second year in a row.
The 2024 tournament will be Jabeur’s sixth Charleston Open appearance, where she holds a 15-4 career record. She has successfully reached the semifinals or better in each of the last three years.
Bencic holds seven WTA titles, winning two in 2023 in Adelaide and Abu Dhabi. In addition to her two wins and Charleston finals berth, she reached the quarterfinals in Doha, Washington, D.C., and Montreal this season.
In her eight Charleston Open appearances, she has amassed an 18-6 record. The 26-year-old made the semifinals in 2014 and quarterfinals in 2019 before capturing her first Charleston title in 2022.
The nine-day Credit One Charleston Open showcases a singles draw of 56 players, a qualifying draw of 32 players and a doubles draw of 16 players. The event traditionally hosts more than 90,000 attendees.
Charleston Tennis, LLC, which manages Credit One Stadium under a lease from the city of Charleston, recently renovated and modernized the 20-year-old facility. The city-owned venue underwent upgrades to enhance the stadium experience for patrons, performers, tennis players and event management, allowing the venue to attract world-class athletes and talent to Daniel Island.
The Credit One Charleston Open celebrated its 50th year in 2022 and for the first time in tournament history was recognized as the WTA 500 Event of the Year. The tournament has been a pioneer in women’s professional sports since 1973, paving the path for female tennis players to receive equal recognition, respect and pay in the sport. Originally held on Hilton Head Island, the event moved to Charleston in 2001.
Ticket packages for the 2024 tournament will be available to the general public on Sept. 25 and can be purchased online at creditonecharlestonopen.com or by calling 843-856-7900. Single session tickets go on sale November 6.
Ons Jabeur.
PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE CREDIT ONE CHARLESTON OPEN
A New ‘Day’
BY JOHN NELSON For The Island Connection
You might remember a couple of times in this column when the mystery plant was all about one of the various “Day-flowers” in a family named Commelinaceae. There are a couple of genera that you may be familiar with, including Commelina, which includes the “regular” dayflowers, as well as Tradescantia, which is a genus of a number of ornamental species, including those yard plants with the purple or blue flowers, which we Southerners like to call “spiderworts.”
Plants in the dayflower family are characterized, generally, by soft, succulent stems, which often sprawl. These various species have leaves which are alternate, just like you might expect from a grass or a sedge, in being “one at a time” along the stem. As always, the leaf is attached to the stem at a place called a node. The base of the leaf is a tubular affair, forming a sheath around the stem, and then the leaf blade is the free part that sticks out, or up, away from the stem.
The flowers of plants in the dayflower family are rather simple, as far as flowers go. The species we have in the Southeast will have perfect flowers — that is, with both pollen and ovule parts (“male” and “female”). There will be three sepals and three petals, and the petals are usually bright and showy. The reason this family is called the “DAYflower family” is that a single flower lasts only a day: opening in the morning and by the evening shriveling into a sodden little mass. Whatever pollination is going to take place must occur in that intervening time, during the “day”…and there is no nectar being produced for the little insect visitors. Each ovary will produce a small, dry capsule with a few tiny seeds inside.
So there you have the good news: the dayflower family, a good one to know about. Now for our mystery plant, which is nothing but bad news, believe me.
It is a native species in tropical eastern Asia, where it occurs in wet, marshy areas and forests. Back at the beginning of the 20th Century, botanists started noticing it in the Southern states, scattered around in appropriate places, such as old rice fields and other wet places. Of course, the rice industry in South Carolina had basically collapsed well before then, but rice was still being produced in Louisiana and Texas. For various reasons, this little weed was finding itself at home in our area, probably due to its seeds contaminating agricultural shipments.
It is an annual species, now a regular component of many natural wetlands, where it forms masses of vegetation with thousands of them. The stems are starting to bloom now, in early autumn, and although the flowers are an attractive shade of pink, that’s no reason to vote for this plant. What’s more is that this species is sometimes sold as an aquarium plant; so if you are an aquarium fancier, please avoid this plant, and for heaven’s sake, never discard aquarium plants into a local pond or stream!
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.
[Answer: “Marsh dayflower,” Murdannia keisak]
around the islands...
ONGOING
WHAT: Shag Night
WHEN: Tuesdays from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
WHERE: The Village Green at Freshfields
MORE INFO: Are you a shag dance pro wanting to dust off your dancing shoes? Or are you new to the area and want to learn the basic steps to the official dance of South Carolina? Head to the Village Green to enjoy beach music tunes perfect for shagging.
WHAT: Wake School
WHEN: Saturdays from 10 a.m. to noon
WHERE: Charleston Aqua Park
MORE INFO: This class is open to children ages 6 to 14 years old, no experience required. This event is a unique opportunity to hop on a wakeboard and socialize with other children in the community. All of the gear will be available at the park, participants are also welcome to bring their own gear. The cost for this event is $30 per person. Space is limited.
TUESDAY, OCT. 10
WHAT: The Small Glories
WHERE: The Seabrook Island Club
WHEN: 7:30 p.m.
MORE INFO: The Small Glories, consisting of Cara Luft and JD Edwards, are a dynamic duo rooted in the Canadian Prairies, known for their remarkable musical partnership. Their stage presence combines a unique blend of humor and sermon, captivating audiences to the point where time seems to stand still and spectators feel like they’re part of the performance. While these seasoned singer-songwriters complement each other’s strengths, they also allow their individual personalities to shine, resulting in a live show that is heartwarming and hilarious, skillful in finger-picking, and deeply relatable. Their music proudly embodies a quintessentially Canadian spirit, yet they’ve managed to win the hearts of audiences worldwide, from Nashville to the vast Australian Outback.
WEDNESDAY, OCT. 11
WHAT: Piano Bar with the Joy Project WHERE: The Sandcastle WHEN: 5 p.m.
MORE INFO: This is another casual opportunity to appreciate some music and have a good time with friends, old and new, the Island way. This time around, The Joy Project will be providing the tunes. The jazz combo consists of Steve Joy on alto and soprano sax with Richard White on keys. As always, feel free to bring your own snacks and drinks.
THURSDAY, OCT. 12
WHAT: Tango Lovers: Volver WHERE: West Beach Conference Center WHEN: 7:30 p.m.
MORE INFO: Tango Lovers is an acclaimed ensemble of over 20 artists from Argentina and Uruguay with extensive international experience. Their lineup includes World Champion Tango dancers and Grammywinning musician Lautaro Greco as the bandoneon player and musical director. They’ve wowed audiences globally and earned prestigious awards, including “Best Musical
Show of the Year” from ACE of New York. As cultural ambassadors of Uruguay, Tango Lovers presents “Volver,” a mesmerizing production that transcends time and place through Tango, uniting cultures and generations.
SUNDAY, OCT. 22
WHAT: Lowcountry Voices WHERE: Holy Spirit Catholic Church WHEN: 4 p.m.
MORE INFO: Join Lowcountry Voices for an evening of diverse music, including gospel, spirituals, hymns, and jazz. In its eleventh season, this multicultural choral group celebrates African-American musical traditions of the South Carolina Lowcountry. They’ve performed at national events, including services for Reverend Clementa Pinckney and alongside President Obama during his rendition of “Amazing Grace.”
SATURDAY, NOV. 4
WHAT: Charleston Symphony Orchestra Following the Tour of Homes WHERE: West Beach Conference Center
WHEN: 5 p.m.
MORE INFO: Experience an unforgettable night of music courtesy of the Charleston Symphony Orchestra (CSO). As a pivotal element of Charleston’s thriving arts scene, the CSO enchants audiences with their outstanding symphonic performances. This program promises to take you on a timeless journey, featuring compositions from Mozart, Mendelssohn, Duke Ellington, and others, spanning the classical to contemporary. Whether you’re a seasoned enthusiast or a curious newcomer, this concert invites you to witness the artistic brilliance that defines the CSO.
SATURDAY, NOV. 11
WHAT: Dan Tyminski Band
WHERE: West Beach Conference Center
WHEN: 7:30 p.m.
MORE INFO: Dan Tyminski, a 14-time Grammy-winning artist, has left an indelible mark on music over his 30-year career. His iconic voice can be heard alongside George Clooney in “I’m A Man of Constant Sorrow” in the film “Oh Brother, Where Art Thou.” He also collaborated with DJ Avicii on “Hey, Brother,” amassing over 1 billion streams. Tyminski’s latest album, “God Fearing Heathen,” features original bluegrass compositions and debuted at #1 on Billboard’s Bluegrass Albums Chart. He continues to shine with his exceptional instrumental skills and soulful tenor voice in the Dan Tyminski Band, featuring top-notch musicians.
Seabrook History
The SINHG’s fall series continues with Robert Behre
The Seabrook Island Natural History Group continues its fall series of evening programs with a virtual tour of Charleston’s architectural history with Post and Courier journalist Robert Behre. The program will be offered on Thursday evening, October 12 at 7 p.m. at the Lake House.
Robert Behre has been a reporter and columnist for the Post and Courier for more than 30 years, writing widely about Charleston’s government, transportation systems and its rich architectural history.
The Seabrook Island Natural History Group Evening Programs at Lake House will continue in November with a presentation on the history of Seabrook Island.
Evening Programs are open to all Seabrook Island residents and guests with a $5 admission charge for non-members. To register, visit sinhg.org/events-page.
PHOTO CREDIT: AARON IVES
A Nurtured Love for Fine Art MEET
MARK KEVIN HORTON, OCTOBER’S DEMONSTRATION
ARTIST
BY BONNIE YOUNGINER For The Island Connection
MBRING THE ISLAND
ark Kevin Horton was born and raised in rural North Carolina. After graduating from East Carolina University School of Art in 1983, Horton moved to New York City to begin a career in advertising and design. He carried with him the dream of someday becoming a painter. Eighteen years of living in New York City were spent working as a creative director in various advertising agencies and eventually founding his own design company. Those years also provided a valuable opportunity for Horton to view firsthand the seemingly endless number of masterworks of art in the city’s museums and galleries.
Horton was most captivated by the works of George Innes, Herman Herzog, Fredrick Church and the tonalist photographer Edward Steichen. He also admired and studied the realism of John Singer Sargent and Winslow Homer, as well as the romantic landscapes of the Hudson River School painters. The experience had a profound effect on his artistic development.
During his years working as an artistic director and designer, Horton continued to nurture his “fine art side” by drawing, sketching and painting whenever he had the opportunity. In early 2001, Horton made the decision to devote himself to painting fulltime. He left New York City and returned to his Southern roots, specifically to Charleston.
Horton is particularly fascinated with the effect of light and weather upon the landscape. He paints beyond a literal interpretation of a scene to portray nature in a way that reflects his own ideas and sensibilities while capturing the spirit, color and changing light of a place. He is the Seabrook Island Artist Guild’s Demonstration Artist for the month of October. The demonstration will take place on October 17 from 1:30 until 4 p.m. in the Live Oak Room at the Lake House.
To learn more, go to seabrookislandartistguild.com.
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For Fans of Rom-coms and Operas
CHARLESTON OPERA THEATER PRESENTS DONIZETTI’S L’ELISIR D’AMORE
BY EDWARD BRENNAN For The Island Connection
Charleston Opera Theater is presenting L’elisir d’amore in full production at the College of Charleston Sottile Theater. Donizetti's beloved comedy will be playfully presented with the backdrop of rural America during WW2. This performance will feature a group of international soloists, led by Maestro Wojciech Milewski conducting the Charleston Opera Theater Orchestra and Chorus.
L’elisir d’amore is an opera buffa, or comic opera, sung in Italian with English subtitles. It’s best understood in our terms as a classic ‘romcom’ — both funny and touching, it will leave you undeniably uplifted. The story centers on naïve Nemorino, who is besotted with the beautiful Adina. However, she
torments him with her indifference and attaches herself instead to the experienced and charming soldier, Belcore. After hearing about the legend of Tristan and Isolde, Nemorino, in desperation, wonders if a love potion may be the answer to his prayers. He seeks the help of the traveling cure-all salesman Dr. Dulcamara, who gives him “The Elixir of Love.” Is this the reason for Nemorino’s sudden popularity with every girl in the village? Will he gain Adina’s love before it’s too late?
More information and full cast information is available at charlestonoperatheater.org. Tickets are on sale now and are available at the website or at The George Street Box Office at the College of Charleston.
1:13am/2:06pm 2:16am/3:17pm 3:26am/4:27pm 4:37am/5:32pm 5:43am/6:31pm 6:44am/7:25pm 7:41am/8:16pm 8:34am/9:05pm 9:25am/9:53pm 10:15am/10:41pm 11:04am/11:29pm 11:54am 12:19am/12:46pm 1:11am/1:40pm
7:24am/8:36pm 8:29am/9:42pm 9:40am/10:46pm 10:50am/11:45pm 11:55am 12:40am/12:55pm 1:31am/1:51pm 2:19am/2:45pm 3:06am/3:38pm 3:52am/4:29pm 4:38am/5:20pm 5:24am/6:13pm 6:13am/7:07pm 7:04am/8:04pm
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