IC Jan 23, 2025 by luckydognews

Director of Public Safety for Kiawah Island addresses alleged squatting incident

BY THERESA STRATFORD For The Island Connection

The first Town Council meeting of the new year on January 6 brought with it a report from Town Council Member Lance Spencer, making people aware of an alleged incident of squatting last summer on Kiawah Island. He said, “This came up at a KICA meeting a month or two ago. I think it has become generally known that one of the residences on Kiawah Island’s house was occupied by squatters over the summer for several weeks.”

He mentioned it only to make people aware and to ask that neighbors look out for each other’s homes while they are away.

“Look out for your neighbors. It’s a good idea to have security cameras, and maybe have someone watch your house if you will be gone for an extended period of time. I just want to make people aware, and I want people to look out for each other. If something doesn’t seem right, report it,” Spencer said.

The Director of Public Safety for Kiawah Island, Craig Harris, provided some information about the alleged squatting incident.

“First and foremost, the Town does not have a squatting problem. There was an isolated situation last summer that may have been mistaken for squatting.

“In South Carolina, what is commonly referred to as ‘squatting’ is often treated as criminal trespass, meaning an individual knowingly enters or remains on a property without permission or legal authority. However, certain situations can evolve into civil matters, particularly when Adverse Possession or False Claims of tenancy are alleged. In some cases, a prolonged response may require court involvement and/or a formal eviction process (15-67-210 S.C. Code of Law).

“If a resident suspects someone is unlawfully occupying their home or a neighbor’s home, the appropriate action is to immediately dial 911 and allow law enforcement to handle it. Community members should not take matters into their own hands, as these situations can become unsafe.

“Precautionary steps are strongly encouraged, including checking both the interior and exterior of the residence, securing doors and windows, posting visible ‘No Trespassing’ signage, maintaining the property’s landscape, forwarding mail while on vacation, installing lighting or surveillance and monitoring utilities for unauthorized use. Neighbors are also encouraged to use a trusted buddy system to help monitor homes when owners are away.

“Common indicators of possible unlawful occupancy may include lights on in a vacant home, accumulation of trash, unexplained water usage, unauthorized vehicles parked consistently, claims of a lease without documentation, changing locks without permission or hostility or avoidance when questioned.

“We appreciate the opportunity to clarify this issue and emphasize that prompt reporting and proactive property management are the most effective safeguards.”

Bad news for bobcats at Kiawah’s Town Council meeting

BY THERESA STRATFORD For The Island Connection

Kiawah Island Town Council Member Madeleine Kaye had some sad news to share in her report during the January 6 Kiawah Island Town Council meeting.

Necropsy results were shared from a recent female bobcat that Kaye said was likely hit by a car. The autopsy showed that there were six anticoagulant rodenticides in the liver of the bobcat.

“As you know, these are the SGAsthat prevent coagulation and lead the animal to a weakened state,” she said. “They’re less able to thrive. The animal had so many things wrong with her that if I detailed them, it would make you cry.”

She went on to say that the bobcat weighed in at reportedly less than half of her tagged weight from the prior year and had maggots, sepsis and broken bones.

“It is really quite tragic,” she said.

Kaye added that the latest survey results show that community awareness about SGAs and the danger to bobcats is up, but that the results are down.

“We’re risking the loss of this population.”

Kiawah Island Town Biologist Jim Jordan will be taking on initiatives to tackle the problem with the major pest control providers on the island over the next month or so.

Kaye also said that they will work on the Bobcat Guardian program again.

The Bobcat Guardian program was enacted by the Town in 2020 to combat the decreasing population. This voluntary program is a community-wide pledge to participate in a commitment to banning the use of SGAs on individual properties. The Town asks that residents pledge to tell their pest control provider: “I do not authorize the use of second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides (Brodifacoum, Bromadiolone, Difenacoum and Difethialone) on my property, and I want you to use alternative methods.” Or, they can pledge, “I personally commit not to use the above products on my property.”

After the successful implementation of the Bobcat Guardian program in 2020, bobcat numbers stabilized and started to increase.

However, Jordan and his team have been studying the rates of SGAs in raccoons and opossums. The rates dropped in 2023, but

(Continued on page 2)

Craig Harris, Director of Public Safety on Kiawah Courtesy of the Town of Kiawah Island.

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Contributors

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Future submission deadline: January 28 for the February 6 issue

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Requested amendments to “The Town of Kiawah Island officially takes on the role of an ARB, dismantling Kiawah Partners,” published January 9 in The Island Connection.

Bobcats

Continued from page 1

in October of 2025, they were back up to pre-Guardian program levels. Every year, from January through April, the Kiawah Conservancy traps and collars bobcats on the island for the purpose of identifying habitat patterns, denning sites, travel corridors, behaviors, survival characteristics and more. The study, known as the Kiawah Bobcat GPS Project, is used to pinpoint specific areas or habitat types on the island that are of vital importance to bobcats and to update the Bobcat Management Guidelines for the Town.

Kiawah Island Town Administrator Stephanie Tillerson said that the program will be starting up again in January.

The Island Connection editorial staff received requests to amend and clarify a story in the January 9, 2026 issue.

These clarifications are as follows:

“The Town is not dismantling Kiawah Partners ARB. The Town-approved DRB functions independently and does not replace the privately controlled Kiawah Partners ARB.”

- Meredith Blair, Communications & Public Affairs Director, Town of Kiawah Island

“No partial or complete transition date has been announced, nor has a timeline been approved or communicated by any of the involved entities.”

- Leah Burris, Director of Communications, Kiawah Island Community Association

Town of Kiawah Island

2026 Town Council Strategic Planning Meeting

Tuesday, Jan. 27, 8:30 a.m.

Kiawah Island Town Hall

Second 2026 Town Council Strategic Planning Meeting

Wednesday, Jan. 28, 8:30 a.m.

Kiawah Island Town Hall

Ways and Means Committee

Tuesday, Feb. 3, 10 a.m.

Kiawah Island Town Hall

Town Council

Tuesday, Feb. 3, 1 p.m.

Kiawah Island Town Hall

Planning Commission

Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2 p.m.

Kiawah Island Town Hall

“We have five collars for bobcats and three collars for coyotes. That process will continue through mid-February. Hopefully, we will be able to use all the collars that we have,” she said.

Deer surveying will also take place, and Tillerson said they will report the results to the Council in an upcoming meeting.

Bobcats are important to Kiawah Island because they are the top predator and provide vital natural control for the island’s deer and rodent populations. Fewer bobcats mean more deer and more rodents, as well. The rise in deer numbers forced the Town to implement a deer management program to control deer numbers for the first time in history in 2021.

Town of Seabrook Island

Town Council

Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2:30 p.m.

Seabrook Island Town Hall

Planning Commission

Wednesday, Feb. 11, 1:30 p.m.

Seabrook Island Town Hall

Environment & Wildlife Committee

Thursday, Feb. 12, 10 a.m.

Seabrook Island Town Hall

Public Safety Committee

Tuesday, Feb. 17, 10 a.m.

Seabrook Island Town Hall

Discretionary Grants Committee

Wednesday, Feb. 18, 1 p.m.

Seabrook Island Town Hall

K iawah iSland Town h all 4475 Betsy Kerrison Parkway Kiawah Island, S.C. 29455 843-768-9166

SeabrooK iSland Town h all 2001 Seabrook Island Road Seabrook Island, S.C. 29455 843-768-9121 lmanning@townofseabrookisland.org

JohnS iSland c ouncil

Meetings are held at the Berkeley Electric Co-op located at 3351 Maybank Highway, Johns Island, S.C. 29455 Chairman Chris Cannon: 843-343-5113

charle STon c oun T y c ouncil 4045 Bridge View Drive N. Charleston, S.C. 29405 843-958-4700

ciT y of charle STon 75 Calhoun St. Charleston, S.C. 29401 843-724-3745

Kiawah Conservancy unveils new name and logo

BY JENNIFER WILSON | For The Island Connection

On January 22, the Kiawah Conservancy announced a new name and logo—Conservancy of the Sea Islands—marking a significant evolution in the organization’s mission and geographic focus. The updated identity reflects the Conservancy’s watershed-based approach to conservation and its expanded work across Johns, Kiawah and Seabrook Islands.

“The new name and logo better reflect who we are today and how we work,” said Peggy Barnes, chair of the Conservancy of the Sea Islands’ board. “Our conservation efforts have grown beyond the boundaries of a single island because ecological systems do not follow human-made lines. This change aligns our public identity with the scale and scope of the work we’ve been doing for several years—and will continue into the future.”

Since adopting its 2030 Strategic Plan in 2020, the organization has formally embraced a watershed-based approach to conservation, recognizing the deep interconnections among land, water, wildlife and people. As a result, its mission has expanded beyond Kiawah Island to encompass a broader, integrated conservation strategy across the Sea Islands: Johns, Kiawah and Seabrook.

servancy’s work, the organization now plays a more active role in habitat restoration, coastal resilience planning, environmental education, cultural stewardship and advocacy for a healthy and thriving community. The new identity positions the Conservancy to strengthen partnerships and secure the resources needed for long-term regional impact.

Kiawah Island continues to be a vital part of the Conservancy’s work and history. By expanding its geographic scope, the organization is reinforcing the larger ecological systems that support the long-term health and resilience of all three islands. Conservation success on one island, leaders note, depends on the health of the others.

The new name and logo were unveiled January 22 during a series of public events held across Johns, Kiawah and Seabrook Islands, celebrating conservation, community and shared stewardship.

While land preservation and stewardship remain central to the Con-

Founded in 1997, the organization has preserved 87 properties and more than 3,897 acres of ecologically significant land across the three islands. The former name and logo, long associated with Kiawah Island, remain an important part of the Conservancy’s legacy. Leaders emphasized that the rebrand is not about leaving that history behind, but about ensuring the organization’s identity clearly reflects its present-day mission and future direction.

Magnolia Plantation & Gardens

KEEPER OF THE WILDS ANNUAL

Roast

Get Your Tickets!

Keeper of the Wild’s only fundraiser will be held at Magnolia Plantation’s Carriage House on the Ashley River on Sunday, February 1 from 1 to 4 p.m.

Come take a peek at some of the rescued animals, bid on unique auction items, munch on oysters and chili and enjoy music, camellias in bloom and friends. All benefits will go to the rescue and rehabilitation of injured mammalian wildlife in the 9 counties and islands surrounding Charleston. Tickets, donations and more can be purchased at keeperofthewild.org.

Seabrook Island Garden Club kicks off 2026

BY JOANNE GALLIVAN For The Island Connection

The first Seabrook Island Garden Club meeting of the year on January 9 featured the captivating documentary My Garden of a Thousand Bees. In the film, acclaimed wildlife filmmaker Martin Dohrn spends his time during the pandemic lockdown filming and recording bees in his urban garden in Bristol, England. There, he discovers many diverse species and personalities of wild bees. This is a fascinating and very amusing look at the life of bees, including their mating and pollinating habits and the differences in behavior that distinguish the various species. If you missed this film or would like to see it again, visit pbs.org and search for the title.

The next meeting of the club will be held Friday, February 13, 9:30-11 a.m. Jessica Murnane, founder of Basker, will present a talk on horticultural therapy. Murnane is an author, creative consultant and horticultural therapy practitioner. She has written several women’s health books and been published in a variety of media outlets; hosts the “Inside + Outside” podcast; and has done research for several major brands, including Whole Foods and Sesame Street. Join the Garden Club for this informative presentation. For more information, visit seabrookislandgardenclub.com/events-1.

represent the first MLS resale at The Cape 520 Southern Pines Lane

After nearly 12 months of low activity with a previous brokerage, this luxury villa received 2 offers in under 5 months — through intentional marketing & strategic MLS exposure. Kiawah Island • Seabrook Island • Johns Island • Charleston 843. 559.306 | debra@pamharringtonexclusives.com

Photo by pbs.org

2025 Hunger Awareness Challenge

The Sea Islands Hunger Awareness Foundation (SIHAF) is delighted to announce that YOU, our generous donors, have met our $200,000 Matching Challenge, and YOU have once again SURPASSED the Challenge with a Grand Total of $289,300.00!!! This includes all contributions, October 1st through December 31st, 2025, to the Foundation, in support of its fourteen (14) programs and partners. YOU, friends, neighbors, families, honorees, and dear ones in memoriam, continue to accept the challenge and help change the lives of your sea island neighbors. We sincerely appreciate all who gave with your hearts and contributed in any way to help meet and surpass the 2025-26 SIHAF Hunger Awareness Challenge, making it possible for us to provide healthy food and clean water one meal at a time, to our neighbors in need.

This year’s “more than matching” total means so much to so many!

It means that we can grant needed funds that our fourteen (14) local programs and partner organizations NEED to serve our more than 2500 neighbors who deal with hunger every day, via meals, groceries, and special programs, and provide thousands of pounds of produce to our Johns and Wadmalaw Islands’ families in need.

It means that we can provide more Microwave Ovens, Stoves, and Refrigerators to those who have NONE.

It means SIHAF’s ALL-Volunteer Team can continue to serve our neighbors, efficiently and effectively, as deemed by the Secretary of State that 98.8% of all donations go directly to our mission of feeding the hungry and providing clean water to those in need.

It means that SIHAF’s Water Wellness Mission has conquered its list of those in need of clean water in their homes, many for the first time, and assures that those wells and filtration systems can be maintained, and future requests for wells, granted.

It means that with high food costs and continuing new applicants, we need and welcome your CONTINUED support. Please help us reach out to our new neighbors and businesses to make them AWARE of our community’s responsibilities…all year long!

Thank You to our local publications for helping to make our community AWARE of our Challenge, and the needs of our community.

Our sincere thanks to our loyal donors who continue their generous support of the foundation, its programs, and partners, throughout the year, through planned or annual giving, grants, and other gifts. Thank you again, to ALL who have met the challenge and their neighborly responsibility to help us continue to Provide Our Programs, Support Our Partners, and Provide Nutritious Food and Clean Water to our Sea Island Neighbors in Need in 2026.

We appreciate your continued giving and your sharing this with friends, neighbors, and local businesses:

Donate by Check Mailed to: Sea Islands Hunger Awareness Foundation (SIHAF) PO Box 268, Johns Island, SC 29457-0268 Via Credit or Debit Card at: fightislandhunger.org SIHAF is a 501c3 non-profit organization - All donations are tax-deductible

1. Bonnie and Jerry Kelly

2. Bob and Sherrie Mason

3. Chris and Eric Stroble

4. Bill and Pat Greubel

5. Barbara Andrews

6. John and Sue Carpenter

7. Douglas and Kyra Bosnik

8. Tim and Gracida Croal

9. Denise and Thomas Nudo

10. Buchanan Family

11. Toby and Bobby Rozen

12. Jacqueline Todd Bennett

13. Arlene and Brian Amery (In Honor of the Kelly Family)

14. Jim and Marlisa Bannister

15. David and Kathleen Bauhs

16. Paul and Jacqueline DePalma

17. Laurel and Hank Greer

18. John and Joyce Sloop

19. Bob and Susan Leggett

20. Bill and Lou Walthall

21. Mary Whyle Nemirow

22. Meg and Frank Carter

23. Debbie Fink

24. Laurel and Larry Healy

25. Jim Dwyer

26. James and Mary Jo Maerker

27. Tina Mayland (In Memory of Larry Mayland)

28. John Straunch

29. Joseph Liro and Joanne Hill

30. Paul’s Family Foundation

31. In His Steps Foundation

32. Jimmy and Patti Addison

33. Connie and Steve Andersen

34. Susan Buff

35. Karin King and Glen Cox

36. Jennifer Campbell Culver

37. Stan and Sherry Dyl

38. Andrew and Kathy Garber

39. Maggie and Wayne Grzecki

40. Robert Hackney (In honor of Stacey Richardson)

41. Charles and Deborah Harris

42. Robert Harris

43. Joanne and Paul Hennessy

44. Donald and Greta Howe

45. Vivien Joklik Family

46. Randy and Rita Kramer

47. Patricia Linton

48. Nat and Linda Malcolm

49. Darryl and Susan May

50. Jo Miller

51. Donna Muscari

52. Brian and Laurie Nejmeh

53. Peter Rupert

54. In Honor of Martha Reed

55. Charlie and Rose Septer

56. Charlotte and Marty Stanton

57. Robert and Suanne Stebbins

58. Timothy Trask (In Memory of Patricia Brenan-Trask)

59. Joe and Rebecca Wilson

60. Geoffrey and Susan Woglom

61. American Online Giving Fund

62. J.Mclaughlin

63. Low Tide Brewery

64. Cynthia Davis

65. Church of Our Saviour

66. Althoff Family Foundation

67. Raymond Anton, MD

68. Charlene Barker

69. Joseph and Ronell Berttucci

70. Kevin Boyle

71. James Brown and Penny Lee

72. Ilse Clcagno

73. Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Cooper

74. Ted and Carol Cronk

75. Rajan and Suman Govindan

76. Robert and Christine Grochowski

77. Sue and Quentin Jackson

78. Matthew Jesch

79. Shawn Kahle

80. John and Lisa Kinne

81. Margaret Macauley (In Honor of Louis Baucom)

82. Robert and Linda Matthews

83. Kathy May

84. Christy and Joe Modzelewski

85. Melinda Narciso

86. Rick and Debbie Ross

87. Tobi and Bobby Rozen

88. Shirley Salvo

89. Patricia Schafefer (In Memory of Trish Trask)

90. John Snead

91. Calista Woodbridge (In Honor of Louise Baucom, Shep McKinley and Shirley Salvo)

92. Lee and Lori Newsom

93. Adam and Amy Raboy

94. Karen and Leonard Madoff

95. Sue Myrick

96. Rebecca Parsons

97.Bruce and Margaret Van Voorhis

98. Renee Black

99. Tracey Gillespie (In Honor of George and Mary Fleck)

100. Jane Hirsch

101. In Honor of Dr. Timothy and Stephanie Hunter

102. Darrell Johnson

103. Jeanne Knowles

104. Ed and Lori Leary

105. Lois Rinehimer (In Memory of Ed Rinehimer)

106. Charles and Lisa Snowden

107. Andrew Tung

108. Mary and Peter Ashton

109. Debbie Banecker

110. Sandy Cleary

111. Thomas Forsyth

112. Carol and Rick Heilman

113. Lucy and Ray Hoover

114. Dough and Lee Hurd

115. Fletch and Char Kelly

116. Hal and Sandy Looney

117. Jeff and Kathy Noel

118. Thomas Ranese

119. Tracey Tapp

120. Diane Widdus

121. Woodcock-Ayers Giving Fund

122. Anonymous

123. Nancy Appel

124. Gerianne Dalaney

125. Karen England

126. Raymond and Stephanie Hamilton

127. Bryan Jangro

128. Melanie and Matt Jangro

129. Madeline and Chuck Nesmith

130. Susie and Andy Rush

131. Linda and David Williams

132. Toby Archambault

133. Barry and Louise Baucom

134. Jill and Bill Boissonnault

135. Rosemarie Booze

136. Carol Greb

137. Leslie and Steve Haines

138. Wendy Headley

139. Melissa Howell-Clarke

140. Connor Jangro

141. Kathy and Gary Kunkleman

142. Sandy Lang

143. Joseph Scott Lee

144. Susan Lobell

145. Bonnie Long

146. Anthony Mazzola

147. Shep and Cyndy McKinley

148. Tom and Deb Merriam

149. Nancy Mongato

150. Charlotte and Ed Moran

151. Cindy Rembert

152. Dana Rogers

153. James Salvo

154. Eileen Burke-Sherman and Leslie Sherman

155. In Memory of Trish Trask –Suzanne Saggese, Doug Surrett, Jeffery Trask, and Amy Welber

156. Michael Green

157. Michele Neelakantappa

158. Matt and Michelle Raio

159. Patricia Derajtys

160. Dorothy Ingram

161. Ben Lever

162. Jill Levy

163. Kathi Mitchell

164. Pam Oliver

165. William Thomas

166. Kathleen Cox

167. Mary Rayfield

168. Wendy Holschuh

169. Eileen DMello

170. Jane Marvin

(In Honor of Mary and James Hill)

171. Carol Johnson

Seabrook Island Artist Guild presents Mary Grayson

BY ROD MORRIS | For The Island Connection

Mary Grayson Segars was naturally drawn to sketching from an early age. Growing up in Blacksburg, Virginia, she was rarely without a pencil and sketchpad. Her deep interest in nature and the mechanics of life led her to major in biology at the College of William & Mary. After graduation, she spent six years working as a research technician at the University of Georgia Veterinary School. She later married a veterinarian, and the couple lived in Hartsville, South Carolina for 13 years before moving to Beaufort in 1996, where they raised their three sons.

During high school, Segars taught herself pastel portraiture and began accepting commissions at just 16 years old. Over the next 22 years, she completed an estimated 250 pastel portraits. Her artistic interests later expanded to include pen and ink and colored pencil.

Until 1999, art remained a hobby alongside part-time work, family life, gardening, swimming, running and extensive school volunteering. After settling in Beaufort, Segars committed to art as a professional pursuit. Teaching herself oil painting from library resources, she embraced her first fluid medium. Initially challenged by color theory, she limited her palette to primary colors—a discipline she continues to use today. Remarkably, she held her first show just five months after beginning to paint in oils.

Segars has completed three large-scale public art projects in Beaufort, including two murals and a mosaic. She is also an accomplished educator, offering workshops, one-day classes, and private instruction throughout the Southeast. Her work has been featured in numerous juried festivals across Florida, Georgia and South Carolina. From 2010 to 2020, she participated in Piccolo Spoleto in downtown Charleston and was awarded Best in Show at the 2015 Piccolo Spoleto Festival.

Her work is currently represented at Atelier on Bay in Beaufort, South Carolina; George Davis Fine Art & Antiques in Savannah, Georgia; and City Art Gallery in Greenville, North Carolina. More information can be found at marysegars.com.

The Seabrook Island Artist Club will offer a two-day artist workshop with Segars Tuesday and Wednesday, March 3-4, from 9 a.m. through 4 p.m. at the Oyster Catcher Community Center. On Monday, March 2, also at the Oyster Catcher Community Center, a free demonstration will take place at 1:30 p.m.

To register for this art workshop, please contact Gary Kunkelman at garyk1@comcast.net. The Seabrook Island Artist Guild workshops are open to Guild and Non-Guild members. Participation is limited to 15.

Two Communities. One Harmonious Mission.

As Bishop Gadsden marks 175 years

begins: Seafields by Bishop Gadsden—Kiawah

Bishop Gadsden

Seafields by Bishop Gadsden

Photos of the artist and her work. Courtesy of Seabrook Island Artist Guild.

Statement about Captain Sams Spit from Town of Kiawah Island

In response to several inquiries regarding the US Army Corps of Engineers public notice regarding a proposed inlet relocation at Captain Sams Spit, the Town, KICA and the Kiawah Conservancy released the following joint statement:

“As has been previously disclosed, the Town, KICA and the Conservancy are involved in litigation related to the ownership of and easements related to Captain Sams Spit.

As that litigation is ongoing, none of the parties are able to provide further comment at this time.”

Photo by coastalconservationleague.org

AROUND THE ISLANDS

ONGOING

WHAT: Fleece+ Friday

WHERE: Beachwalker Center

WHEN: Every Friday from 10 a.m. to noon.

MORE INFO: Join the Kiawah Cares Made with Love program to create handmade crafts for children, seniors, Veterans, teachers, new moms and neighbors in need. All skill levels are welcome to make no-sew fleece blankets, craft greeting cards, sew fabric totes, knit/crochet scarves and more.

WHAT: Pay What You Can Day

WHERE: Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum, Mount Pleasant

WHEN: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

MORE INFO: Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum will offer flexible admission pricing based on visitors’ needs. Guests are welcome to pay any amount they choose for standard museum admission. Pay What You Can tickets must be purchased in person at the ticket booth. Active-duty military in uniform and children under six receive free admission. Standard parking rates still apply and will be charged at the usual hourly rate.

WHAT: Weekend Wine-Down

WHERE: Deep Water Vineyard, 6775 Bears Bluff Rd., Wadmalaw Island

WHEN: Every Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

MORE INFO: Attendees can expect tastings ($15 gets you a tasting of 6 samples of the vineyard’s wine and a souvenir stemless glass), drinks, food trucks, live music, and more.

WHAT: Charleston Boat Show

WHERE: Charleston Area Convention Center, 5001 Coliseum Dr., North Charleston

WHEN: Various

MORE INFO: More than 200 watercraft will be on display at the Charleston Boat Show from Jan. 23-25 at the Charleston Area Convention Center Complex. The annual event is a one-stop shop for all things boating and features new model leisure watercraft and marine gear, show-only deals, live music, and food trucks. This year will showcase upwards of 100 different boat brands and more than 130 exhibitors.

WHAT: Charleston Comedy Week

WHERE: Various

WHEN: Jan. 24 through Jan. 31

MORE INFO: The weeklong festival, a collaboration among local venues and comedy groups, will feature local, regional and national comedians performing improv, stand-up and sketch comedy. Highlights include stand-up shows from Pete Holmes, Pauly Shore, Sherri Shepherd, Tim Heidecker with Neil Hamburger, Tom Papa, Ms. Pat and more.

WHAT: 18th Annual Gourmet & Grapes

WHERE: The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island Golf Resort

WHEN: Jan. 29 - Feb. 1

Our community calendar keeps you updated on local events. From festivals to workshops to family-friendly gatherings. Stay connected and never miss out on the excitement.

MORE INFO: A four-day culinary experience and fundraiser that couples local and national culinary talent with award-winning wineries to raise money for cancer research. Funds will support life-saving endeavors and patient programs at Hollings Cancer Center at the Medical University of South Carolina.

WHAT: 22nd Annual Charleston Home + Design Show

WHERE: Various

WHEN: Jan. 30 through Feb. 1

MORE INFO: “The Charleston Home + Design Show is unlike any other home show in Charleston,” said show organizer Tim Barkley. “Homeowners will find only the best local A-List contractors motivated to help transform the house they like into the home they’ll love.” For more information, visit CharlestonHomeandDesign.com or call 843-577-7652.

SATURDAY, JAN. 24

WHAT: Pay What You Can Day

WHERE: Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum, Mount Pleasant

WHEN: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Active-duty military in uniform and children under six receive free admission. Standard parking rates still apply and will be charged at the usual hourly rate.

WHAT: The Royal Hounds

WHERE: Turtle Point Golf Course, 1 Turtle Point Ln., Kiawah Island

WHEN: 7:30 p.m. - 9 p.m.

MORE INFO: Nashville headliners The Royal Hounds are a high energy roots rock n’ roll trio. Honored as one of the house bands at the world-famous Robert’s Western World on Lower Broadway, they have been wowing and entertaining audiences across the globe for years with their unique approach to live music. Known for their on-stage antics and humor, The Royal Hounds offer a live show unlike anything on the scene right now.

THURSDAY, JAN. 29

WHAT: Kiawah Conversations: Loggerhead Presentation WHERE: Kiawah Island Town Hall

WHEN: 3 p.m.

MORE INFO: The inaugural Kiawah Conversations - “Kiawah’s Loggerhead Turtles: Genetic Tagging of Ancient Mariners” - will feature speaker Dr. Brian Shamblin from the Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources at the University of Georgia. This programming is free; however, registration through Eventbrite is requested.

SATURDAY, JAN. 31

WHAT: 42nd annual Lowcountry Oyster Festival

WHERE: Boone Hall Plantation & Gardens, 235 Long Point Rd., Mount Pleasant

WHEN: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

MORE INFO: The festival, billed as the world’s largest oyster celebration, will feature more than 45,000 pounds of steamed oysters available for purchase at market price. Attendees can also enjoy oyster shucking and eating contests, wine, domestic and imported beers, specialty cocktails, a children’s area called “Pluffa-Palooza,” and a food court highlighting local restaurants. Multiple live music acts will perform throughout the day, including headliner The Yacht Club, known for its mix of soul, jazz, R&B, funk, and disco.

WHAT: Outdoor Barre Workout at Andell Inn

WHERE: Andell Inn, 300 Farm Lake View Rd., Kiawah Island

WHEN: 11:30 a.m.

MORE INFO: Join a fun outdoor barre workout for women of all ages. It’ll be a workout focused on strengthening, tightening and toning the full body while enjoying the ocean breeze and watching gators swim in the pond. Bring a mat and a set of light weights (1- 3lbs). Don’t worry if you don’t have anything; they’ll have extras.

SUNDAY, FEB. 1

WHAT: Shucked & Sauced

WHERE: Hampton Park, 30 Mary Murray Dr., Charleston WHEN: 4 p.m.

MORE INFO: This fundraiser invites guests to enjoy an afternoon of local flavors and community connection. All proceeds benefit the Charleston Park Conservancy’s work maintaining 26 parks, gardens, and trails throughout the area, as well as supporting community-centered programs that bring people together in those shared spaces. Tickets are available until sold out at charlestonparksconservancy.org/ shuckedandsauced-2.

SATURDAY, FEB. 7

WHAT: Pup Bowl IX

WHERE: Mount Pleasant Towne Centre, 1218 Belk Dr., Mount Pleasant

WHEN: Noon - 3 p.m.

MORE INFO: Mount Pleasant Towne Centre is once again teaming up with the Charleston Animal Society to kick off THE big game weekend with the cutest football game of the year. Pup Bowl IX returns Saturday, Feb. 7 at The Oaks, located across from Barnes & Noble. Guests can cheer on adoptable puppies while enjoying live music, browsing local vendors and taking part in hands-on activities for children. Tickets for the family-friendly event are $10 in advance and $15 on the day of the event, with 100% of proceeds benefiting Charleston Animal Society. Tickets are available online.

BY ROD MORRIS | For The Island Connection

retchen Prater is a versatile and accomplished artist whose work spans watercolor, oil and pastel. She is best known for her luminous landscapes, expressive portraits of children and dogs and richly observed floral paintings. Her artistic journey began early—so early, in fact, that her mother often found her painting directly on the walls. She laughs that this was simply the beginning of a lifelong passion.

She pursued formal art training in college, earning a bachelor of fine arts, and continued her studies throughout her career with artists she deeply admired. Among those who influenced and encouraged her are Wolf Kahn, Charlie Reid and Mary Whyte, along with several other distinguished mentors who helped shape her artistic voice.

“I am inspired by nature, and today my muse is the South Carolina landscape, my children and grandchildren, and painting dog portraits,” Prater said. Working fluidly across oils, pastels and watercolors, she brings sensitivity, color and emotion to each medium she touches.

Like most artists driven by true passion, Prater paints nearly every day. Her commitment to the arts extends beyond the studio. She served for over 20 years as an active board member of the Montclair Art Museum in Montclair, New Jersey and is a member of the Art Students League, the Pastel Society of America and the National Arts Club.

Prater was also the director of the Yard School of Art in Montclair and taught at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City. In addition, she taught art to individuals living with Multiple Sclerosis, for which she received a special award from the MS Society of New Jersey.

Please come and enjoy Gretchen Prater’s artistic work in the Lakehouse during the month of February, and come to the reception Tuesday, February 3 from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. The artist hopes you enjoy viewing her paintings as much as she has enjoyed creating them.

We have so much more to show and tell you about us in our website, seabrookislandartistguild.com, or use the QR Code.

2410 Cat Tail Pond Seabrook Island

Elegant One-Level Living on Seabrook Island! Light-filled 3BR/3BA home on a premier street, overlooking the 6th hole of Crooked Oaks Golf Course. Features an open floor plan, high ceilings, hardwood floors, enclosed porch, elevator, generator, and ipe rear deck. Timelessly renovated and ideally located, just a short bike ride to private beaches, golf, pools, dining, and Freshfields Village.

Photo of the artist provided by Seabrook Island Artist Guild.

Acting Regional Director Darrell Echols for the National Park Service (NPS) Interior Region 2, South-Atlantic Gulf announced the selection of Brad Shattuck as the new Superintendent of Fort Sumter and Fort Moultrie National Historical Park and Charles Pinckney National Historic Site. Shattuck assumed the Superintendent position on November 2 after serving the past 10 years as the Regional Chief of Facilities Management for Interior Region 2.

“Brad’s extensive experience in facilities management and deep commitment to preserving our national treasures make him the ideal leader for the parks,” said Echols. “I am confident that under his guidance, these historic sites will continue to thrive as cherished resources for our visitors and our communities, especially as we prepare to celebrate America’s 250th birthday. We look forward to supporting Brad in his mission to enhance the visitor experience while protecting the resources of these iconic parks.”

Throughout his 27-year government career, Shattuck has held various management positions, including Superintendent of Fossil Butte National Monument; Facility Manager at Saguaro National Park, Canyon de Chelly and Navajo National Monument; and Natural Resource Manager at Chaco Culture National Historical Park. He also served in multiple roles as an Interpretive Park Ranger and began his NPS career in Badlands and Big Bend National Parks as a Resource Assistant Volunteer.

“I am deeply honored to accept the position of superintendent of the Charleston area national parks,” said Shattuck. “These treasured landscapes hold profound natural, cultural and historical significance. As we prepare for and celebrate America’s 250th birthday, I am thrilled to be part of this momentous occasion. I look forward to working collaboratively with local communities, historical societies, tribal partners, stakeholders and all who cherish these parks to preserve the cultural and natural resources of these significant sites for future generations.”

Prior to his federal service, Shattuck worked with the Nature Conservancy’s Iowa Chapter and the Iowa Woodbury County Conservation Board. In his personal time, he enjoys staying active with family and friends through running, hiking, traveling and exploring his passion for diverse and delicious food.