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VOLUME 17 ISSUE 20

Survey Says?

S TA N C E S O N ISSUES OUTSIDE TOWN LIMITS

DECEMBER 29, 2023

Wreaths Across America...

BY THERESA STRATFORD For The Island Connection

E

ven though the proposed Island Park Place health and wellness village isn’t technically within the town limits of Kiawah Island, it still has created quite a stir among residents.

The reason is mostly due to its size and scope and the fact that people within close proximity to the development just simply do not think it is needed. Residents of the sea islands will soon have the MUSC Medical Center, as well as a Trident Hospital facility going up on Maybank Highway.

Roper Hospital also has offices in Freshfields Village.

Whether you agree or disagree with the plans for the health and wellness village development, it raises the question on if the Town Council should take a stance on such large projects that happen outside of town limits – the projects that will have a great impact on the lives of Kiawah Island (continued on page 6) residents.

The Future of Development

S TA K E H O L D E R S PROMISE COMMITMENT TO KIAWAH

BY THERESA STRATFORD For The Island Connection

T

he current Town of Kiawah Island development agreement has now expired, and as local officials assess the gravity of that fact and work to implement a new development agreement, those with vested interest in Kiawah Island contemplate how things might look in the community over the next 10 years.

Two important stakeholders on Kiawah Island addressed the Town Council and constituents at the regular Town Council meeting on December 5. They came bearing reassuring words about commitment and loyalty, pledging their devotion to the area as a whole.

First up was Jordan Phillips, a partner with South Street Partners, which is the company that owns Kiawah Partners. He gave important updates on some of the pertinent projects happening now and in the future. (continued on page 2)

Visit us

... Honors Veterans NUMEROUS KIAWAH ISLAND RESIDENTS PARTICIPATE

BY ELIZABETH ST. JOHN For The Island Connection

W

reaths Across America is a program that endeavors to put a wreath on every veteran’s grave at Christmas. At the Beaufort National Cemetery, the actual laying of the wreaths is an event organized by David Edwards and supported by veterans from all branches of service.

Dot and Don Brookshire of Kiawah Island have participated in the laying of wreaths at the National Cemetery in Beaufort for years and organized the 25-person Kiawah Island Naturalist Group’s participation in this year’s event. The KING group raised over $2,500 to help finance the effort. In total, some 4000 volunteers from across South Carolina came to honor the veterans’ graves and lay a wreath on each headstone.

How do you transport 26,000 wreaths? Four truckloads of wreaths were shipped as a convoy directly from Maine to Beaufort. A total of 250 motorcycles and their veteran owners formed an honor escort to accompany the trucks as they drove to the cemetery.

Beaufort is one of the first national cemeteries personally authorized and designated by Abraham Lincoln in 1863. His goal was to have a national cemetery every 75 miles in the country. That year, federal occupation forces purchased the tract of 29 acres for $75 at a tax sale, and it was immediately put into service to give final resting places to more than 9,000 combatants who lost their lives in the Civil War.

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This year's laying of the wreaths was filled with enthusiasm and courtesy. Individual headstones were shown respect by speaking the name of the deceased. After speaking the person’s name out loud, the wreath was laid, along with a prayer thanking that individual for their service to our country. Boy Scouts were energetic in passing out wreaths to cover the 26,000 graves of persons which were being memorialized. Families and groups participated with loving interest, some honoring specific graves of family or friends. One such was Wade St. John, who specifically requested to honor his Citadel football coach and athletic director, Eddie Teague, and his wife, Rita.

The stories that seemed to rise out of reading the headstone notes were remarkable and led to conjecture and curiosity. One monument that stood out was of a man laid to rest in 1907. He was born in Scotland, served in the Massachusetts 1st Volunteers Cavalry during the Civil War, then became a U.S. Marine at Port Royal and lived out his military career there. The Port Royal base was the precursor to the Parris Island base.

In the end, all had the sensation that in honoring these brave souls in their resting place, they each honored us.

For more information, visit wreathsacrossamerica.org.

Wreaths can be purchased now for next year’s program for as little as $17 to memorialize a specific person. Purchases prior to January 10 for the 2024 wreath-laying have double value – buy one wreath and two wreaths will be prepared for the 2024 event.

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Development (continued from page 1) Addressing the residents that attended the meeting, he said, “In our decade-plus since joining the community, we have learned a lot about the important things that pulled you here and that pulled us here. With that in mind, for the past 18 months, we have been focused on several initiatives pertaining to the community.”

He started with The Ocean Pines project. “We are committed to solving the perceived parking issue, which would lead to a reduction in density on the project,” he said. “We met with staff and agreed that the shortfall is 85 spaces. We will remove two of the six-unit buildings, which is a multi-million dollar loss for us, but we support the decision that more parking is needed. We will be revising the site plan and submitting that and hopefully can move on with that project.”

For upper Beachwalker Drive, Phillips said that they anticipate starting the planned development process in January.

“We have had very productive meetings with the neighboring associations and look forward to a collaborative process of getting a plan in place that all parties will be happy with.”

With the transition of the ARB going to KICA, rather than with Kiawah Partners as it has been, Phillips said, “Kiawah Partners is committed to an orderly transition to KICA. During this transition process, we would love for the town to appoint a member to be on the ARB. We anticipate this being a phased transition, not dissimilar to the phased transition of when Kiawah Partners transferred control of the KICA board to the homeowners. There’s a standards manual that was left from that transition that we intend to use to create standards.

The designing with nature guidelines will need to be adopted by KICA, and we intend to work with KICA to revise those so that both parties are happy. The ARB has been incredibly important to the property values on Kiawah Island. I think most people recognize that. Kiawah Island has the highest property values in the state, and there’s a reason for that, so we intend to make sure that during the transition and post transition that the guidelines are strictly adhered to for the protection of all parties.”

Both Council Members Michael Heidingsfelder and Bradley Belt mentioned Captain Sams Spit in their opening comment remarks, which Phillips also addressed.

The Council Members’ comments related specifically to two paragraphs in

the development agreement related to Captain Sams Spit. Belt commented that KICA had sent a letter to Kiawah Partners related to the paragraphs on December 4 and Preserve Kiawah had sent a letter on the morning of December 5.

Belt explained, “The audience may be confused about that. The development agreement that expired yesterday between the Town and Kiawah Partners has obligations, rights and responsibilities pertaining to both parties. Some of the provisions, for which KICA is known as a third-party intended beneficiary under paragraph 16F, says that the property owner, which is Kiawah Partners, shall convey to KICA on or before the termination of the agreement all the areas on Captain Sams Spit that are essentially below the critical line. The baseline is on the ocean side, and the critical line is on the marsh side. When that agreement was entered into, it was 117 acres. It says those areas would be conveyed to KICA on or before the termination date of the agreement. The other paragraph we are referring to seems to read that the property owner agrees to all other highlands area, the remaining area on the island that is not developed at that point in time, will be coveted to non-developing passive green space. So that is what that issue is all about. For anyone concerned about the future of Captain Sams Spit, it is a critically important issue.”

Heidingsfelder noted that their lawyers would need to get involved in the wording in the paragraphs since they are not written clearly.

Phillips responded to the Council Members’ comments by saying, “The donations and restrictions are conditioned, in our opinion, on the ability to proceed with the development on Captain Sams Spit. The descriptions on the property are to be encumbered with the permit restrictions and their conveyance to KICA clearly contemplate that development would occur.”

Phillips ended his comments by reassuring the residents in attendance and the Council Members that Kiawah Partners is “not going anywhere” despite the development agreement’s expiration.

“We look forward to continuing to be stewards on the projects on the island with sales and marketing responsibilities and opportunities with the club and finishing up the two projects along Beachwalker Drive,” he concluded. “So, we intend to be here for a long time, and we look forward to working with you all

Jordan Phillips.

Roger Warren.

on continuing to make this island a great place to live.”

With that, Phillips returned to his seat.

President of the Kiawah Island Golf Resort Roger Warren was the next stakeholder to give his update and assessment of the expired development agreement.

“Since 2020, during the pandemic, we have experienced growth in business.

Moving forward into the next five to 10 years, we need to look at what we need to do to get better. We want to ensure that the product we provide, the experience we provide for everyone, is something we’ll continue to be proud of,” he said.

He pointed out the fact that property values on Kiawah Island are the highest in the state, which is what Phillips mentioned. “I want to note what the resort has done in that regard. For those who have spent their hard-earned dollars to live here. I think we can all be proud of what it took to get us to this point.”

This year, 2023, is the 30th anniversary of the Goodwin family having ownership of the Kiawah Island Golf Resort. “They have been here for 30 years, and look at all (continued on page 3) that has changed

Happy New Year

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December 29, 2023

Development (continued from page 2) in 30 years,” Warren said.

“I often get questions about what is going to happen when the principal of the property in the family steps down and we have to move on to the next generation. People ask if we will still have the appetite to stay here and be a part of this community. I am here to assure you.

I have worked for him for 21 years and they never misrepresented the truth to me at any time. They constantly say that out of all the holdings they have, this is the holding that they never intend to sell. I am 99% sure they will continue to own and operate this resort within the family for generations because that is how important it is to them.”

Warren said that during the tenure of the current development agreement, the resort has spent $95 million on new projects. Some of the projects include the cottages at the Ocean Course, the new town center market at Night Heron Park, new clubhouse at Cougar Point Golf Course and a new conference center.

“It is our intention to work with the Town on a new development agreement, which will take us from 2024 to 2034 because in those 10 years we have multiple projects that we would like to bring on line,” he said.

“We all have the same interests,” he continued. “We talk about the quality of the buildings; we share that interest.

We talk about making sure we have enough parking; it’s in our best interest as a business to have the right amount of parking. We talk about traffic and how we will get people to move around the island; it’s in our best interest, as it is yours,

to have people move around the island freely.”

He also noted that being in the position he has been in for over 20 years has allowed him to build trust in the community.

“Someone said to me the other day that they trust me, but they wondered how long I would be here. I am announcing today that I am not retiring next year. So, that is one year, but I do believe and I do agree that contractually, the negotiations should be specific to the situation and what the desired outcome is. We will work through that and get there. Obviously, there will be a process. There is a process with the development agreement, and we are following it. At the end of the day, we will get it done, and we will get it done in a cooperative way so we can move forward together.”

As Warren stepped down from the podium, applause filled Town Council chambers. During the applause, Warren went back to the podium for one last update.

“One more thing – and this is something I am personally excited about – as far as I know we are building a new golf course. I am pushing for it. We have the land under contract. We own 150 acres, and we are under contract for 118 acres. Once we get all the surveys, we will begin to look for architects on a new golf course and clubhouse.”

Mayor John Labriola concluded, “Both of these entities are committed to this community, and we thank them for the updates as we work together on a new development agreement.”

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December 29, 2023

Imaginative Spaces

CHARLESTON SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA LEAGUE’S DESIGNER SHOWHOUSE IS BACK

BY CAROL CRONK

For The Island Connection

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he CSOL is restoring a tradition that will amaze and inspire, with a historic Charleston home reimagined as a Designer Showhouse.

The 44th Showhouse – the circa 1803 John Rudolph Switzer House, located at 6 Montagu – will be a spectacular union of a historic restoration with a new build, highlighting current architecture, design, layout and finishes. Fourteen talented designers are preparing designs for imaginative spaces, which will be on tour March 13 to April 13.

The Showhouse will be open to the public on Wednesdays through Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Sundays, Mondays and Tuesdays are reserved for eclectic engagements, featuring esteemed musicians and local artists, culinary leaders and interior designers. Many of these intimate events will also include docent-led tours of the Showhouse. The CSOL’s popular SCORE Boutique will be open throughout the tour with a distinctive, curated selection of gifts, wearables and household items.

The “Blue Prints & Blue Jeans Bare Boards Party,” scheduled for February 4, will feature the Showhouse before the designers begin installations.Then,

the 2024 Designer Showhouse opening night party will kick off the tour opening March 12. This elegant event will feature the Symphony Brass, the official ribbon cutting, festive bubbly and more. For additional information about tickets visit csolinc.org.

Since 1983, the Charleston Symphony Orchestra League has played its part by providing financial support to Charleston’s Symphony. Since that time, the CSOL, an all-volunteer organization, has grown to become a diverse membership of over 325 people.

Over the years, League members have shared their talents and expertise by contributing thousands of hours in pursuit of a cause that they cherish: making symphonic music accessible to all and educating talented youth through music scholarships.

All proceeds from the 2024 Designer Showhouse will benefit Charleston’s Symphony and music scholarships awarded to talented student musicians in the Lowcountry. The CSOL’s financial support to the Symphony allows the CSO to offer free or low-cost educational opportunities, with a special emphasis on reaching Title I schools and underserved areas.

December 29, 2023

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WHAT MAKES THE ISLE OF PALMS' MUSTTRY HONEY SO SPECIAL?

HOW TO MAKE HOLIDAY-THEMED CHARCUTERIE BOARDS Celebrate with Style: Mastering the Art of Festive Charcuterie for Christmas, New Year's, and Valentine's Day.

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UNLOCKING THE SECRETS OF OYSTER SHELLS Hint: It's not about the pearls

COMPLETE GUIDE TO NEW YEAR’S EVE 2023 IN CHARLESTON It's almost time to pop the champagne, say “goodbye” to 2023, and welcome '24! As usual, Charleston has plenty of parties and events for you to choose from.

TASTE OF FOLLY RETURNS IN JANUARY 2024 Eat and drink your way through Folly Beach's culinary scene at the annual Taste of Folly festival. Enjoy a cocktail competition on Friday and live music, street vendors, competitions, and more on Saturday.

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The event includes live music, an open bar, chef-curated food stations, and more. There will also be a special “Studio 71” lounge for guests to enjoy.

Mayor-Elect William Cogswell announced the key members of his executive team. Staff backgrounds were provided by his team.

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December 29, 2023

Health and Wellness Stance (continued from page 1) Mayor John Labriola brought up the issue at the latest Kiawah Island Town Council meeting on December 5.

“The health and wellness village created a consideration that prior councils have had relative to this where they felt it was best for Town Council to not take a position on the matters of other jurisdictions. They were quite adamant about that actually,” he said.

He mentioned that the prior Town Council did take a stance on the mini-golf facility proposed for Betsy Kerrison Parkway in 2021. Basically, Council didn’t want it.

However, Labriola admitted that there were a handful of residents who did want the mini-golf facility for their grandkids, “So,” he said, “Where do we draw the line with taking a stance on issues outside of our town limits? Do we act as a voice for all residents, even when some of them do not share our opinions? Do we say, ‘We hear you, but we know best?’’

Kiawah Island’s Town Council also wrote a letter to the Seabrook Island Town Council when the Bohicket Marina expansion was on the agenda at a recent meeting.

Although Kiawah Island’s Town Council did not take a definitive stance, it was implied when they asked the Seabrook Island Town Council to consider the urban growth boundary.

In the situation with the new health and wellness village, the development would be outside the urban growth boundary, however it abuts it.

Charleston County’s first reading to allow the development as proposed for the new health and wellness village was on December 21. Even though the Charleston County Planning Commission recently voted not to recommend approval of the health and wellness village, Labriola commented that when Charleston County Council votes, they do not always follow the planning commission’s recommendations.

Council Member Michael Heidingsfelder said that they came up with an eightcategory framework in light of the issue of Town Council taking a stance on issues outside of their jurisdiction. The framework is designed to help Council decide when and if they should step in.

He mentioned that the framework looks at issues like traffic and community support, among other important factors that would impact residents.

Labriola suggested that staff put out a survey immediately after the December 5 meeting, which was executed by the December 12 Charleston County Public Hearing on this issue. The results were sent to Charleston County ahead of the public hearing.

Key data points from the survey were as follows: • A total of 881 Kiawah Island full-time property owners and part-time property

owners responded to the survey.

• Almost 80% of respondents said they do not favor the proposed Health and Wellness Village development in addition to the MUSC and Trident facilities coming to the area.

• More than 80% did not feel the size of the project was appropriate for the area.

• More than 70% did not feel the development would provide the community with access to adequate medical care.

• Survey results suggest that respondents are concerned about the potential impact of traffic, as well as noise and light pollution from the development.

• Regarding impact on the community’s quality of life, about 21% felt it would have a positive impact, 75% a negative impact, and 3% saw no impact.

• Overall, 77% of respondents indicated that they oppose the rezoning proposal and 22% were in favor.

In the comment section, those who were in favor felt this development would bring more accessible medical services to the area and less traffic off-island. Those who were opposed to the development raised concerns about the size of the project, its environmental impact, uses beyond medical-related services and increase in traffic.

Many felt it was not needed with the MUSC and Trident facilities coming to the area.

The results were read at the Charleston County Public Hearing.

Town Council Members Bradley Belt and Russell Berner were both in favor of working within the proposed framework going forward when it comes to taking a stance on issues outside the jurisdiction that would greatly affect Kiawah Island residents.

“The framework is all about measuring the pros and cons. Getting a clear indication from the community by conducting a survey helps to gauge support one way or the other,” Heidingsfelder said.

Berner added, “Adopting a protocol for getting involved in projects outside of Kiawah Island is important, and conducting surveys will help us decide when that is appropriate.”

Speaking specifically of the size and scope of the health and wellness village, Labriola concluded, “We have an obligation to help our residents understand what this project entails. I don’t think everyone understands it. Some people want the extra health services, but once they understand the size and scope, they may still want it but just scaled down some, and that is fine.”

The eight-category framework, designed to help Town Council decide when to take a stance on issues outside of Kiawah Island, came up as a resolution at the Special Call Town Council Meeting on December 19.

May Each Day of the New Year Bring You Joy, Happiness and Prosperity.

Happy 2024 from Our Family to Yours!

mylolowcountry . com

December 29, 2023

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Weaving Wonder

JANUARY ARTIST OF THE MONTH

BY THE SEABROOK ISLAND ARTISTS GUILD

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For The Island Connection

onnie Younginer is a fiber artist, working originally as a weaver.

Several years ago, she added needle felting and wet felting to her art form.

Recently she added Zoeez’s, a whimsical way of weaving in the Rya style. Rya weaving uses short pieces of wool yarn, about an inch and a half long, hand-tied with a Turkish or Ghiordes knot on each of the warp strings. This type of weaving was used for centuries in the Nordic countries for warmth and rug-making.

Younginer weaves in the Rya style to produce wall hangings.

After retiring from a 30- year career in residential and commercial interior design and owning Younginer Group Interior Design, Younginer discovered weaving. She is self-taught in plain and tapestry weaving, Rya weaving and needle and wet felting techniques. The artist strives to interpret the beautiful, natural habitats of Seabrook Island and the Lowcountry, rendering the scenes in fiber using the different processes.

Her interpretive tapestries are woven on a large upright floor loom. She also uses a large ridged heddle loom to

explore various weaving techniques not always possible on an upright loom.

Younginer is originally from upstate South Carolina and moved to Columbia in 1975 to attend the University of South Carolina. She earned a bachelor of interdisciplinary studies degree and added classes in studio art. After spending many years going back and forth to Seabrook, she and her husband, Michael, moved permanently to the island in 2019. They have been married 41 years and have two grown sons and one granddaughter.

Younginer has work commissioned by Hotel Trundle in Columbia and the Pink Lotus Yoga Studio in Lexington. She was juried into Crafty Feast, an independent art show in Columbia, twice. She has several commissioned pieces hanging in homes as well.

Currently, Younginer shows in the Charleston Crafts Gallery, located at 140 East Bay Street in Charleston.

Please join the Seabrook Island Artist Guild for a reception to meet the artist and view her work on Tuesday, January 2 from 4:30—6 p.m. at the Lake House.

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December 29, 2023

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December 29, 2023 MYSTERY PLANT

A Native Climbing Vine

BY JOHN NELSON

hen I was a kid, our family would make an annual summer trip to visit relatives in Hanover, Virginia. This was before interstate highways, and well before air-conditioning in the car, so we'd always leave early in the morning, well before dawn.

Rousted from bed and trundled dreamily into the back seat, the beginning of the trip was a bit mysterious and somehow a grand adventure… but, boy, were we glad to get out of that car finally, late in the afternoon. My grandmother had a big yard, and it was surrounded by sweetly scented meadows, cow pastures and plenty of wildflowers. Here's a plant that grew next to her place, which I always remember fondly now, associating it with those fun-filled summer days and quiet evenings.

I remember seeing this plant growing as a vigorous vine on top of a fence post out by her driveway. I remember big, brilliant red flowers (corollas, of course), each one strongly tubular and red on the outside. (I thought the flowers resembled cigars.) The interior of the flower was yellowish, and I remember counting stamens inside: always four. I also remember seeing two or three big ants inside each flower…never figured out what exactly they were doing. Although they had no fragrance, the blossoms were extremely popular with bees as well as hummingbirds.

This species is native throughout the Southeastern states, and well into the Midwest, as far north as Pennsylvania and New Jersey. The plants grow in a variety of forested sites, including disturbed roadsides and field margins, and it really likes to

climb, whenever it gets the chance. Young vines climb readily by means of tiny rootlets that grasp onto just about any hard surface, including the exterior wall of your house, if given the opportunity. The vines can become massive, and they may reach well into tree canopies, 60 or so feet up.

Old vines may be several inches in diameter, commonly pale gray or sort of "blonde" colored, and the large ones sometimes split into several parallel segments near the base. The leaves are deciduous, and they have a kind of tropical look, with 10 to 12 toothy leaflets in pairs. The flowers end up producing a very stout bean-like pod, sharply pointed at both ends, which splits open eventually, along two lines. Quite a number of seeds are within, each one featuring two stumpy, gray wings. The seeds slowly dribble out over the winter, flying around in the breeze and settling some distance away from where they started.

This species has achieved a considerable amount of horticultural merit, and there are several named garden varieties now. As a native vine, it would be perfect in "roomy" backyards or open trellises or maybe up a tree, as it really grows quickly, spreading rapidly... too rapidly for some, it turns out, who start pulling it up.

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, call 803-777-8175 or email johnbnelson@sc.rr.com.

PHOTO BY JOHN NELSON

[Answer: “Cow-itch vine,” “Trumpet creeper,” Campsis radicans]

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December 29, 2023

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SUNDAY, DECEMBER 31

BRING THE ISLAND around the islands...

TO YOUR INBOX the island insider

December 29, 2023

WHAT: Kiawah New Year’s Eve Family Celebration WHEN: December 31, 6 pm - 9 pm WHERE: Night Heron Park, 4000 Sea Forest Drive, Kiawah Island MORE INFO: Ring in 2024 with friends and family, featuring glow golf, music and fireworks. Full à la carte dinner service available until 9 p.m. Fireworks start promptly at 9 p.m. Suitable for families and groups of all ages. Limited to Kiawah Island guests and residents.

Admission to the festival is complimentary. No coolers permitted. Food and glow gear available for purchase. Please leave pets at home during fireworks for their comfort and safety. Schedule subject to change. For more info call 843.768.6001.

MONDAY, JANUARY 1 WHAT: Polar Plunge Kiawah WHEN: January 1, 11:45 a.m. - 12:45 p.m.

WHERE: Sanctuary Beach Access, 1 Sanctuary Drive MORE INFO: Plunge into the New Year at Kiawah Island Golf Resort’s Polar Bear Plunge.

Come and celebrate new beginnings with us as we gather on Kiawah’s beach, just in front of the hotel to take a dip into The Atlantic. All participants must bring their own towel to this event. This event is complimentary, and no reservations are required. Schedule subject to change. For more info email Kiawah_Recreation@KiawahResort.com.

TUESDAY, JANUARY 9 WHAT: Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo WHEN: January 9 at 7:30 p.m.

WHERE: Charleston Gaillard Center, 95 Calhoun St. MORE INFO: Charleston Gaillard Center presents Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo celebrating their 50th anniversary season. A brilliant combination of skillful pointe work and hilarious parodying of classical ballet favorites like Swan Lake. Cost of tickets start at $26 .

To purchase tickets or to inquire about group sales, contact the ticket office at 843.242.3099.

FRIDAY, JANUARY 12 WHAT: CSO Masterworks 4 Fri: Schwarz Conducts Brahms WHEN: January 12 at 7:30 p.m.

WHERE: Charleston Gaillard Center, 95 Calhoun St MORE INFO: Father and son Gerard and Julian Schwarz return to Charleston following their crowd-pleasing performance with the CSO. In this concert, the CSO will present favorites from Johannes Brahms and Antonín Dvořák – two immensely talented composers who were

friends. Johannes Brahms’ First Symphony, in a nutshell, is full of drama. The boldness of the first and fourth movements suggests Beethoven, yet Brahms manages to maintain his First Symphony’s own magnificent identity. In the second and third movements, he engages euphoric violins and playful expressions with woodwinds and horns. It is said that Brahms took his time composing Symphony No. 1 (at least 14 years), but it was worth the wait; in fact, it would pave the way for the future symphonies of the Romantic period and beyond. Cost of tickets startt at $25. To purchase tickets or to inquire about group sales, contact the ticket office at 843.242.3099.

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December 29, 2023

Holiday Memories Made

FESTIVE LUNCHEON FOR KIAWAH GARDEN CLUB A SUCCESS

BY KRISTIN B. THOMPSON For The Island Connection

Marsh Views

SIAG PRESENTS A DEMO BY E L E A N O R R O YA L L PA R K E R

BY BONNIE YOUNGINER For The Island Connection

E PHOTO CREDIT: JOSEPH M. THOMPSON

B

eautifully decorated for the holidays, the Sanctuary Hotel played host to a holiday gathering of the Kiawah Island Garden Club. As many as 40 members of the Club gathered at the Christmas tree in the Lobby to exchange holiday greetings.

A delicious luncheon was enjoyed by all at Jasmine Porch. The restaurant added some new items to their luncheon menu, which gave attendees an opportunity to enjoy the new Blueberry & Brie Fried Chicken Sandwich with Berry Compote, Brie and Hot Honey. And, of course, the perfectly prepared Southern biscuits are always a hit.

Garden Club members look forward to activities for the second half of the program year, to include a demonstration of container gardening at Hyams Garden and Accent Store; a Camellia Walk at Middleton Place; a “welcome spring” flower arranging class; a tour of Charlestown Landing Park; and a Kiawah Island gardens’ tour.

To inquire about programs and membership in the Club, email Kristin Thompson, at kristin@rhettsbluff.com. Island residents (full or part-time) may join by sending $15 to Treasurer Lisa Milo, 70 LeMoyne Lane, Kiawah Island, SC 29455.

leanor Royall Parker is an oil landscape artist who resides in Mount Pleasant, where she grew up on the waters of the Lowcountry.

She and her husband Russ raised their family on Shem Creek.

Parker has painted for many years, but, in the last three years, she has taken a more serious interest in perfecting her craft. She is most interested in the sky and its varied light effects on the waters and marshlands, which she is so familiar with. The early morning or evening light is what Parker really enjoys most, and she is

always trying to capture that unique atmosphere in her tonal landscape paintings.

The artist has been lucky enough to study under many notable artists with exceptional skills in the use of light, and this study has enhanced her ability to capture that light in her oil paintings.

Parker is represented by the Lowcountry Artist Gallery on East Bay in Charleston. To view more of her art, check her portfolio, lowcountryartists. com. See her artistic demonstration at the Lake House on Seabrook Island on Tuesday, January 16, 1:30 until 4 p.m.

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A Trusted Source in the Charleston area for almost two decades Island Eye News • The Island Connection • SiP Magazine

A thank you from Mt. Zion YOUR GENEROSITY MADE THE DIFFERENCE

hanks to the generosity of our many friends on Seabrook and Kiawah Islands, a record number of families — which included more than 150 children from Mt Zion Elementary School — woke up to gifts on their favorite holiday. From clothes to books to toys, all made possible through your donations, these humble offerings certainly inspired big smiles on the faces of so many children who lack so much on a daily basis. In addition, all of the families were given food vouchers to help with holiday meals.

A simple thank you does not seem adequate, but we want to extend our heartfelt gratitude to our island neighbors. You volunteered with us and donated money and toys for the neediest around us. Without your kindness, this annual act of giving to those less fortunate would not be possible.

Sincerely, Mt. Zion Holiday Fund Drive Committee

Since May 2005 • Volume 19 • Issue 12 • IslandEyeNews.com

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September 22, 2023

Sullivan’s Council member ‘extremely concerned’ about possible zoning exemption

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VOLUME 17 ISSUE 19

Taking Charge of a Modern Era

DECEMBER 15, 2023

Christmas Comes Early for Conservation

SEABROOK SETS A PRECEDENT WITH ELECTRIC CARS

BY THERESA STRATFORD

By Brian Sherman For The Island Eye News

For The Island Connection

The Sullivan’s Island Town Council and those who attended its Sept. 11 workshop heard all about the history of Jasper Hall and the Sand Dunes Club, while the company that wants to turn the historic property into a private club apparently has revised its proposal. And an outspoken member of the Council is still “extremely concerned about the precedence of granting a commercial zoning exemption in a residential district.”

Dr. Mike Walsh, referred to by Mayor Pat O’Neil as “our resident historian these days,” spoke in detail about the property on Atlantic Avenue, which made its first appearance on the island as a military beach recreation facility, burned to the ground six years later and was rebuilt and re-opened in 1933. Meanwhile, Sullivan’s Island Bathing Company will now be offering nonmembers of the proposed exclusive club the opportunity to use the pool on a limited basis.

“Most recently, we communicated the Ocean Club’s plan to offer a community membership to island residents, which offers use of the family pool and poolside food service two designated days a week between Memorial Day and Labor Day, excluding weekends and holidays,” Sullivan’s Island Bathing Club Manager Shep Davis said. “We look forward to sharing additional new details about the club and exciting amenities and programming via our newsletter.”

“Town Council has posed additional questions about the Ocean Club, and our team is diligently gathering this information to share with Council in the coming weeks,” he added.

Following the workshop, Bathing Club team members Brian Hellman and Jim Wanless said the community membership idea was part of the plan they originally presented to the town. They said membership would cost $500 per year and that they would be at the Council’s Sept. 19 meeting to address the questions posed by Council Member Scott Millimet. O’Neil said that as of Sept. 13, that item was not on the Council’s agenda.

Sullivan’s Island Bathing Company wants to spend $30 million to renovate the property and charge members $60,000 to join, plus $6,000 a year in dues.

Millimet called the proposed zoning change “a very bad precedent.”

“Let’s just say, hypothetically, they were granted a zoning exemption. In two years, they decided to sell the club. We don’t have any control over what goes in next because we already granted the exemption,” he said. “What is critical is the request to operate a for-profit business in an area currently zoned as residential.

To me it opens a big old can of worms.”

Millimet said he wants to know how many similar (continued on page 2)

Four spots are open on the IOP Council The ballot has been set for the Nov. 7 Isle of Palms election. Eight candidates will be vying for four seats on the City Council, including incumbents Scott Pierce, Kevin Popson, Rusty Streetman and Jimmy Ward.

Also on the ballot are Tim Ahmuty, Elizabeth Campsen, Ashley Carroll and Brian Duffy.

The Island Eye News has posed some questions to the candidates that are important to the residents of the Isle of Palms. The answers provided

by Ahmuty, Campsen, Carroll, Duffy and Pierce begin on page 7. Popson, Streetman and Ward were given the opportunity to let their constituents know how they feel about these critical issues, but declined to do so. There will be a second set of questions in our October 8 issue, and a candidate forum Sept 28.

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PRESORT STANDARD US POSTAGE PAID CHARLESTON SC PERMIT NO 137 POSTAL PATRON

T

For The Island Connection

PRESORT STANDARD US POSTAGE PAID CHARLESTON, SC PERMIT NO. 137 POSTAL PATRON

BY JANE MARVIN

Since May 2007

T VFW Post 3137 on the Isle of Palms held a commemoration ceremony Sept. 11 to mark the 22nd anniversary of the terror attacks in New York City and the Pentagon. The ceremony started at 8 a.m., and a bell sounded at 8:46 a.m., the time the first tower of the World Trade Center in New York was hit. The bell was rung again at the time each plane struck its intended target. In addition, candles were lit in remembrance of the approximately 3,000 people who lost their lives in the attack on the United States. Left to right: Isle of Palms Councilman Rusty Streetman, IOP Mayor Phillip Pounds, State Rep. Joe Bustos, State VFW Commander Jim Fox and VFW Post 3137 Commander Bo Stallings.

Photo courtesy of Pamela Marsh.

Chief reports on coyotes trapped on Sullivan’s Island

By Brian Sherman For The Island Eye News

At least three coyotes were caught in traps after an especially active six-month period for the canine predators on Sullivan’s Island.

Police Chief Chris Griffin told members of the Town Council at their Sept. 11 workshop that the animals had been captured between Station 25 and Station 28. He said coyotes had bitten or otherwise threatened dogs once each in April and June and three times each in July and August. In addition, the Police Department reported 12 sightings of or confrontations with coyotes between Aug. 12 and Aug. 27, including an Aug. 26 incident where a coyote attacked and dragged a small dog into the Maritime Forest.

“I’ve been here 26 years plus, and this is the most we’ve caught since we’ve been trapping them,” Griffin said. “Three in two weeks. I’m really happy with that. It’s not enough, but I’m happy with that. It’s a good start.”

He said eight traps have been set and that the trappers, who must be licensed by the Department of Natural Resources, have advised him that setting additional traps would be a bad idea.

“Too many traps is bad,” the chief said in response to a question from the audience. “I was the same way. Put out traps everywhere. But they said no; don’t do that. With too many traps, the scents are too much and it overwhelms them.”

Mayor Pat O’Neil cautioned local residents not to disturb the traps.

“Please don’t go out looking for the traps,” he said. “You’ll get your human smell all around them, and the coyotes will stay away when we want them to be enticed by whatever it is we’re using to entice them to the traps.”

Griffin added that “they’ll climb a 6-foot fence like it’s nothing.

They’re very smart. If you go back there looking, you can put your scent down.”

O’Neil said residents who encounter a coyote should call the nonemergency dispatch number at 843-743-7200. “If your dog Canva stock image. has been attacked, call 9-1-1 for that,” he added.

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he first step was taken to establish the first electric vehicle charging stations on Seabrook Island when the Mayor and Town Council members approved the installations at the November 28 Seabrook Island Town Council Meeting.

These would actually be the first and only EV charging stations on both Seabrook Island and Kiawah Island at the current time. The four Level-2 Universal EV Chargers will be installed in the parking lot of Seabrook Island Town Hall.

A Berkeley Electric Cooperative grant for $25,000 is mostly funding the charging stations.

Seabrook Island Town Administrator Joe Cronin explained, “I had some additional conversations with Berkeley Electric Cooperative, and they agreed to allow us to be the second recipient for a grant program they established a couple years ago. The first project was up in Goose Creek.

They provide up to $25,000 in funding for vehicle charging infrastructure. As of right now, there is no electric car charging infrastructure on Seabrook or Kiawah.”

He added, “We don’t want that grant money to go to waste, so we have continued to work with them.”

The charging stations would go at the end of the Town Hall parking lot. Cronin said that this (continued on page 7) has been a long time

NEW PROPERTIES ON KIAWAH ACQUIRED FOR PROTECTION

BY JENNIFER WILSON WOODY For The Island Connection

T

he Kiawah Conservancy announced the receipt of conservation easements on four new properties this year. On December 5, the Kiawah Conservancy and the Limehouse family signed a conservation easement to protect 253 acres of marshland and four large hummock islands. This property was one of the last unprotected stretches of marshland along the Kiawah River and is the only remaining parcel of the former Mullet Hall

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Plantation.

Like all marshes, this land plays a critical role in the ecological health of the area by protecting against the effects of sea level rise and natural hazards. It is home to some of the most biodiverse wildlife habitats in the Lowcountry and holds historical and cultural significance, as the hummock islands contained within it were (continued on page 2) responsible for the production of sea

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14

December 29, 2023

A Shore Thing

MEET BETTE POPILLO

BY TOWN OF KIAWAH ISLAND For The Island Connection

B

ette Popillo has been a Kiawah shorebird steward for six years and started coordinating the Shorebird Stewardship Program in 2019.

“My passion for shorebirds developed slowly,” said Popillo. “Although I have always loved all birds, I really knew nothing about shorebirds. When I began stewarding, I could probably only recognize pelicans, Laughing Gulls, and Great Blue Herons. Over time through stewarding and seeing the birds on our beach, there was no way that I couldn’t fall in love with them and care about them.”

Kiawah Island is a nesting and resting place to a large variety of shorebirds, from Red Knots and Wilson’s Plovers to Oystercatchers, Willets, and Least Terns. Some of these species are not seen in many other places around the world, making Kiawah a unique landing spot. Protecting these shorebirds is critical, as some are even federally threatened or endangered.

“Like so many other Kiawah residents, I have to admit that my favorite shorebird is the Red Knot. They are so beautiful in their breeding plumage in April and May, and they are such amazing migrants,” said Popillo. “They have one of the longest migrations of any animal on the planet. And they have declined over 85% in the last 40 years, so I feel compelled to try to help them while they are here.”

As a part of the program, the volunteers—Shorebird Stewards—walk the beach as ambassadors and advocates for shorebirds by kindly educating, creating awareness, and teaching beachgoers on the importance of minimizing disturbance to shorebirds.

Disturbance can critically impact shorebirds by preventing them from eating enough food, reproducing, and taking care of their young successfully, or safely co-existing,

which is why this effort is so important.

The program offers many opportunities throughout the year, including: • Fall/Winter Stewards who talk to fellow beachgoers about the shorebirds during the seasons.

• FlockWatchers who steward the flocks of Red Knots from March to May. • Stewards who speak to beachgoers on the east end of the island during shorebird nesting season from April to July.

There is a six-hour minimum requirement annually if you’d like to volunteer. Time commitments are flexible, and training is provided. If you are interested in joining the Shorebird Stewardship Program or learning more, you can email Popillo at Popillo. popillo@gmail.com. There is also an informational kick-off meeting in early March to learn more about the program.

“What I wish all people knew about shorebirds is that all shorebirds need our help,” said Popillo. “Their numbers are seriously declining right under our noses, and we humans need to help them stabilize their population and prevent further decline.

Disturbing resting or feeding shorebirds is a big problem to them.”

To further protect Kiawah Island’s shorebirds, you can: • Keep your distance away from resting birds to let them rest.

• Keep your distance and let them eat when they need to eat.

• Don't disturb them and cause them to fly off.

• Simply give them space and allow them to do what they need to do to stay healthy and strong.

Tide Char t Date

High Tide

Dec 30 Dec 31 Jan 1 Jan 2 Jan 3 Jan 4 Jan 5 Jan 6 Jan 7 Jan 8 Jan 9 Jan 10 Jan 11 Jan 12

10:09am/10:33pm 10:47am/11:16pm 11:27am 12:03am/12:08pm 12:51am/12:53pm 1:43am/1:43pm 2:37am/2:37pm 3:32am/3:34pm 4:26am/4:30pm 5:20am/5:25pm 6:13am/6:17pm 7:04am/7:08pm 7:53am/7:59pm 8:43am/8:49pm

Low Tide 3:44am/4:27pm 4:24am/5:04pm 5:08am/5:41pm 5:54am/6:20pm 6:45am/7:02pm 7:42am/7:50pm 8:43am/8:42pm 9:44am/9:37pm 10:42am/10:33pm 11:36am/11:27pm 12:27pm 12:20am/1:17pm 1:11am/2:05pm 2:02am/2:52pm

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.

Source: saltwatertides.com

December 29, 2023

15

16

December 29, 2023

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2658 HIGH HAMMOCK RD.

1205 CREEK WATCH

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Golf View | 3 BR | 2.5 BA | 2,575 SF

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191 HIGH HAMMOCK RD.

$540,000

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Golf View | 2 BR | 2 BA | 928 SF

$595,000

Golf View | 2 BR | 2 BA | 909 SF

WE SELL MORE PROPERTIES ON SEABROOK ISLAND THAN ALL OTHER AGENCIES COMBINED.

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

seabrookisland.com | 843.768.2560 1002 Landfall Way, Seabrook Island, SC 29455 | realestate@seabrookisland.com Seabrook Island Club membership is required for ownership. Club amenity use is for Members and guests.

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