MUSC Facility Closer to Reality
BY THERESA STRATFORD For The Island Connection
It’s finally happening. The long awaited MUSC Health Kiawah Partners Pavilion is finally becoming a reality. Is this a dream?
It might have felt like a dream on March 10 as the last beam on the structure was placed at 857 Seabrook Island Road. Leaders from MUSC were in attendance, along with partners in construction and representatives from the Town of Kiawah Island and Seabrook Island to comment on the occasion.
This significant milestone celebrated the end of the building’s structural phase and the beginning of addressing a need that the Sea Island community has belabored for many years. The need for a health care facility in closer proximity to the people of South Johns Island, Seabrook Island and Kiawah Island has presented more and more of an issue as the population of the area increases and as traffic is getting more and more congested.
Dr. Patrick J. Cawley, CEO, MUSC Health and Executive Vice President for Health Affairs, said, “Access to quality health care is important for everyone, and this combination of specialty physicians, primary care providers and a 24-hour available emergency department greatly improves access in the sea islands.”
About the process to get to this point, Dr.
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Priorities in Order SEABROOK COUNCIL ADOPTS GOAL
LIST FOR 2025
BY THERESA STRATFORD For The Island Connection
After some light discussion about the rankings and weight of importance of some of the strategic priorities and goals that were discussed in a recent strategic planning workshop, the Seabrook Island Town Council unanimously approved the list and adopted the priorities as presented at the February 25 Town Council meeting.
The strategic planning workshop took place the week before on February 18. “These are our goals,” Mayor Bruce Kleinman announced. “All of our actions will be guided by these for the rest of the year.”
Seabrook Island Town Administrator Joe Cronin explained that the priorities were ranked by the assigned points given to each priority by the Council members in the strategic planning meeting. Council members were told to give their top three priorities three points, the middle four priorities were given two points, and the bottom priorities were given one point each. Cronin said that staff then added the points to come up with the ranked priority list. Cronin noted that any priorities that had overlapping objectives were combined into one priority.
The priorities are as follows:
Highest priority/most important . These three priorities were ranked the highest by Council members, receiving combined scores between seven and 12, which means these priorities received the highest combined scores.
1. Seabrook Island Road – Address drainage, elevation, flooding, and pavement conditions along the town-
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BY THERESA STRATFORD For The Island Connection
Enjoying a beautiful day on Seabrook Island doesn’t usually involve the buzzing of a drone overhead. Are you being watched? Where is the operator of that thing?
That’s exactly how the Seabrook Island Equestrian Center staff felt recently when a drone flew over the property just a little too close, spooking the horses. Due to the incident, Town Council Member Darryl May brought an amendment to an ordinance about livability issues specifically related to drone usage. The amendment addressed the multiple purposes for drone use on Seabrook Island, including commercial purposes, professional photography and recreation.
May said that the purpose for the amendment was simple: “To fly a drone on Seabrook Island, you have to have a remote pilot certificate with a small UAS rating under part 107 with the FAA. This is the license required for commercial purposes.”
He added that, basically, recreational drone use will not be allowed on Seabrook Island unless this license has been obtained by the operator.
“If you have this part 107 license, that means you underwent training, and you know the rules with the FAA under part 107. A licensed person following the rules would not have flown a drone that close to horses at the Equestrian Center. It was dangerous, and there was a potential for a horse trampling a staff member,” he said.
May said that if a license was required, a code enforcement officer could have responded to that situation, demanding the operator to present their required license.
Jeff Davis, a licensed drone pilot and resident of Seabrook Island, attended the Town Council meeting on February 25, when this amendment was presented. He spoke at the meeting and said that he believed that “proactive communication” was more effective than enforcement.
“We need to make sure people know. We can
work with the rental companies to put information in the welcome packets,” Davis explained. “I tell people about this amendment. Communication is important, and it goes a long way. People sometimes don’t read the rules; they need to be told.”
May said that the issue of drones came up when he met with the short-term rental committee. “Most agreed that there needed to be some regulation with drones,” he said.
Davis explained that he studied for six weeks for the certification test. “You are unlikely to pass if you haven’t studied,” he said. “It takes a couple of months, and you have to get a 70, or else you have to wait to take it again. We need to make sure we notify contractors that use them for business that the enforcement will change. They need to get certified.”
Davis also went through a few considerations with drones. He mentioned that “if you see the drone, you should be able to see the pilot.” He also noted that drone batteries last only about 20 to 30 minutes and that a pilot would not land remotely on purpose.
Back in August of 2024, Davis addressed the Town Council with a presentation on drones. At that time, the Council decided not to take action on any regulations for drone usage.
The amendment passed unanimously on February 25, and the livability ordinance now reads:
The operator possesses a valid Remote Pilot Certificate from the FAA and is able to produce evidence of such certificate upon request by a code enforcement officer; and the small unmanned aircraft is properly registered with the FAA, pursuant to the FAA’s Small UAS Rule (Part 107), and the operator is able to produce evidence of such registration upon request by a code enforcement officer.
The new amendment will take effect on May 1.
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Seabrook Priorities
(continued from page 1)
maintained portion of Seabrook Island Road; identify and pursue funding sources for planned road and drainage improvements; coordinate planned improvements with neighboring property owners such as Bohicket Marina, MUSC, Seafields, SIPOA, and the Seabrook Island Club; address drainage issues along the inbound and outbound pathways adjacent to Seabrook Island Road; continue efforts to maintain and beautify Seabrook Island Road and the adjacent right-of-way.
2. Zoning and Code Enforcement – Complete a review of the Town’s Development Standards Ordinance (DSO); consider amendments to simplify zoning requirements and review procedures; coordinate with SIPOA to better align development requirements, review procedures and code enforcement activities; develop and adopt formal annexation policy.
3. Town Hall – Assess current and future town staffing needs; determine long-term capital needs for additional office space, storage capacity, and other public facilities; evaluate and pursue options for the future expansion or replacement of the Town Hall; identify and pursue funding sources for future expansion or replacement of the Town Hall.
Significant priorities/should do. These priorities received scores of five to six points and are in the “should do” category or are considered significant priorities.
4. Regional Cooperation – Improve relationships with the Town of Kiawah Island and Charleston County; coordinate with neighboring jurisdictions on opportunities for regional planning, enhanced coordination of zoning, and development regulations, and recognition of the county’s urban growth boundary.
5. Comprehensive Emergency Plan (CEP) – Complete a comprehensive review and re-write of the Town’s CEP; ensure the Town’s CEP is consistent with the National Incident Management 317 System (NIMS) and FEMA Comprehensive Emergency Preparedness Guide (CPG); simplify planning documents for ease-of-use in emergency situations; update the Town’s incident command structure.
6. Council Terms – Consider adoption of an ordinance to transition Town Council from two-year terms to four-year staggered terms.
7. Marshfront Management Plan (MMP) – Complete and adopt a MMP; update the Town’s zoning and development regulations to implement the recommendations of the MMP; coordinate with community stakeholders to implement the recommendations of the MMP.
Moderate priorities/could do. These priorities are considered moderate and are in the “could do” category. These priorities received the lowest combined scores of three or four points overall.
Pop-Up House Tour adds mystery and adventure
BY SONIA MCKENNA For The Island Connection
The Charleston Symphony Orchestra League, Inc. (CSOL) introduces the Spring 2025 Pop-Up House Tour, a unique and exclusive opportunity to explore one of Charleston’s historic homes, all while supporting the Charleston Symphony Orchestra.
Unlike traditional house tours, this event adds an element of mystery and adventure. The exact date, location and time of the tour will remain a secret until revealed through a series of clues, released every Monday and Friday in March on CSOL’s Facebook and Instagram pages. The much-anticipated tour will take place in mid-April.
How It Works:
CONTRIBUTORS
Theresa Stratford Martha Zink
Anne Snelgrove Sonia McKenna
Rod Morris Rylie Talmadge
8. Beach Maintenance – Consider funding source(s) to facilitate town participation in future beach maintenance projects; coordinate with SIPOA on permitting activities related to the planned relocation of Captain Sams Inlet.
9. Beach Rules and Signage – Complete a comprehensive review of the Town’s existing beach rules (Chapter 32); consider possible amendments to the Town’s existing beach rules as needed; design and install new signage at beach access points and other targeted areas along the beach to inform beachgoers of the Town’s beach rules.
10. Communications – Continue to diversify and enhance the Town’s communication capabilities; develop and implement additional tools to communicate news, emergency alerts, and other information with the public; ensure that communication tools and strategies are accessible to all demographics; improve coordination with public safety agencies.
11. Property Maintenance – Assess aging residential and commercial structures; consider 318 adoption of a property maintenance ordinance.
Priorities mentioned at the strategic planning meeting that scored less than two points didn’t make the priority list at all. Council Member Dan Kortvelesy questioned the position of some of the priorities, but in the end, as stated, Town Council unanimously voted to adopt these priorities for 2025.
• Follow CSOL on Facebook & Instagram for weekly clues.
• Solve the clues to uncover the date, location and details of this exclusive tour.
• Once revealed, secure your spot to explore a hidden gem in Charleston’s historic landscape.
• All proceeds from the event benefit the Charleston Symphony and Music Scholarships, helping to sustain music and arts education in the community. Join us for an experience that celebrates Charleston’s stunning architecture while making a meaningful impact on the arts. The CSOL is a multi-talented group of 300 dedicated volunteers—including Dynamics, a group of under-45 volunteers and Charleston Symphony (CSO) patrons. For more information or to purchase tickets visit csolinc.org and follow #CSOLPopUp and #PopUpClues on social media.
TOWN OF KIAWAH
Ways & Means Committee
Tuesday, April 1, 10 a.m.
Kiawah Island Town Hall
Town Council
Tuesday, April 1, 1 p.m.
Kiawah Island Town Hall
Planning Commision
Wednesday, April 2, 1 p.m.
Kiawah Island Town Hall
Infrastructure and Public Works
Thursday, April 3, 10 a.m.
Kiawah Island Town Hall
Arts & Cultural Event Council
Thursday, April 3, 2 p.m.
Kiawah Island Town Hall
TOWN OF SEABROOK
Town Council
Wednesday, March 25, 2:30 p.m.
Seabrook Town Hall
Environment & Wildlife Committee
Thursday, April 10, 10 a.m.
Seabrook Town Hall
Public Safety Committee
Tuesday, April 15, 10 a.m.
Seabrook Town Hall
Utility Commission
Thursday, April 17, 8:30 a.m.
Seabrook Town Hall
Community Promotion & Engagement
Thursday, April 17, 1 p.m.
Seabrook Town Hall
Cawley added, “This project was started in 2019 as an idea, and I am excited to see the opening in 2025. The pandemic caused a delay, as did the need to change sites, but all of those things are behind us. We know the importance of this project to the community, and we have persisted in getting to this stage.”
It was October of 2019 when MUSC first proposed a Certificate of Need application with the state of South Carolina for a Sea Islands Emergency Department to be located on Seabrook Island Road on Johns Island.
Now, about six years later, the project has finally taken shape – albeit in a different location than originally planned. If things had gone as planned at the first site, which was located across from the current site, the MUSC medical center would likely be up and running by now. However, due to issues with the owner of a neighboring property, MUSC had to
start over and find a new location, which was finally identified in June of 2023.
That private neighbor was not allowing an egress onto Andell Bluff Road from the original site of the medical pavilion. An egress would be an exit for traffic and emergency vehicles. The new location is adjacent to the new Seafield’s senior community, which is near completion.
The full cost of the facility comes to $30 million. MUSC raised $17 million in private support and $9.5 million in gifts.
The 24-hour medical pavilion will include a freestanding emergency room, trauma and triage rooms, imaging and radiology services, an on-site lab and a helipad for critical cases. In addition, the new medical office building will offer primary and cardiology care, outpatient services, such as physical therapy, infusion and telehealth. The 12,056-square-foot facility is slated for completion in late 2025.
Dependable Insurance Protection from the Experts in Coastal Living
Memories Captured in Art
APRIL ARTIST OF THE MONTH BRENDA TILSON
BY ROD MORRIS For The Island Connection
Artist Brenda Tilson graduated from Fairmont State College as well as from the University of Cincinnati College of Design, Architecture and Art. She is a juried member of the Pastel Society of America, and her 40-year design career was spent collaborating with architects and clients on interior spaces and planning.
The artist felt the best way to introduce herself is by way of a short trip down memory lane. The following excerpt will give those interested in her work a more personable insight into her creative passion and who she is as a person and artist.
Grandmother’s China
I opened the cabinet door and there they were. Resting quietly. Lovely. But lonely and forgotten. I reached into the cabinet to pick up a bowl, and it smiled back at me and said “make me pretty again.”
The practice of floral patterns on dishes started in China about 1,000 years ago, and in the 18th century, European culture began featuring these designs. By the 1900s, these decorative arts were applied to bowls, cups and platters, which became very popular. But as time went by, the styles faded. Grandmother’s china was packed up and stored in the attic.
After posing proudly for me as I recreated their portrait onto paper, I put the china bowl back in the cabinet and thought about the hands that held it. The beauty and elegance of these vintage designs remain timeless. Flowers don’t talk, but memories do. The rich colors and intricate designs remind us of the fellowship and closeness of traditional family dinners and social “tea time.”
These simple objects hold our commemorations. As you look at the images, perhaps you’ll hear the chatter, laughter and affection of the past.
Please join the Seabrook Island Art Guild for a reception honoring Brenda Tilson on Tuesday April 1, from 4:30 p.m. – 6 p.m. at the Lake House.
Brenda Tilson.
Arts, etc. Online Auction offers a Trove of Great Treasures
BY MARTHA ZINK For The Island Connection
In conjunction with the 2025 Kiawah Art & House tour, there will be an online auction. Money raised by both events will fund many arts-based organizations which bring the arts to the children of Johns and Wadmalaw Islands. The Art & House Tour is April 11 from 1-5 p.m. and will feature four spectacular homes.
The auction opens the morning of April 1 and runs through 4 p.m. on April 11. It will feature opportunities to bid on superb original art from world renowned and local artists. Among the art offerings is a 84”x70” mixed media painting by Bernd Haussmann, as well as a beautiful 50”x50” Curt Butler oil. Other wonderful art works are by Mary Whyte, West Fraser, Rhett Thurman, Deborah Hill, Mark Horton, Chris Groves, Larry Moore, Frederic Payet, Stacey Barter, Beth Haizlep and others. Local artists from Kiawah Island will also be presented.
About 30 wonderful experiences and objects will be in the online auction, including a vacation home on Kiawah Island for a weekend getaway ($8,000 value), a home appraisal by The Fine Art Group ($2,500 value) and Kiawah Island Club tennis and golf lessons.
There will be gift certificates from Aubergine Home Design, GCD, Hill House, Holly and Brooks, J McLaughlin
and Lily Pulitzer and from the jewelry stores Peyton Williams, Kendra Scott and Hanebrink. Experiences include Mahjong lessons, horseback riding lessons, Table and Twine Catering and the Medical Spa and Salon.
Gift certificates from some of the Kiawah Arts, etc. Program Partners are available as well, including PURE Theatre, Charleston Stage, Charleston Symphony and the Gaillard Center.
The auction bidding will go live on the morning of April 1 and go through April 11. During that time, potential bidders and art enthusiasts can view the art works in person at the display rotunda at First National Bank in Freshfields Village. Bidding will close at 4 p.m. on April 11 – the day of the Arts and House Tour. Winners can pick up their treasures from 4 until 6 p.m. at FNB bank or arrange for a later pick up with our auction director. Bidding does not require attendance on the House Tour.
Tickets for the Art & House Tour and the auction may be accessed at kiawaharts,etc.org.
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A Seabrook Time Machine
DR. NIC BUTLER VISITS SINHG
BY ANNE SNELGROVE For The Island Connection
Seabrook Island Natural History Group’s April Evening Program continues the theme of exploring our local story with a History of Seabrook Island by Dr. Nic Butler, the creator of the weekly podcast Charleston Time Machine. Dr. Nic, as he is known to many, has worked as archivist of the South Carolina Historical Society, an adjunct faculty member at the College of Charleston and an historical consultant for the City of Charleston. With over 300 podcasts to his credit, covering everything from the Hurricane of 1752 to Inventing the (Charleston) French Quarter in 1973, he educates, inspires and entertains his audience. You can listen to Charleston
Time Machine online through the Charleston County Public Library.
This April, we will have an account of our own brought to life through facts and remembrances of Seabrook Island. The evening program is available for all SINHG members at no charge and to non-members for a nominal fee of $5. Please join us at the Lakehouse on Thursday, April 10 at 7 p.m. at 2319 Seabrook Island Rd, Johns Island. A social gathering prior to this event starts around 6:30; wine and other light refreshments will be served. More information, and the opportunity to preregister for this or any of the other monthly events, can be found at sinhg.org/events-page.
A photo from the Seabrook Island Club archives, courtesy of the Seabrook Island Club.
The Lowcountry Cajun Festival is Back
The Lowcountry Cajun Festival is back this spring at James Island County Park. Charleston’s favorite ragin’ Cajun celebration will be held on Saturday, April 12 from noon to 6 p.m.
Bringing Louisiana to the Lowcountry, the Lowcountry Cajun Festival is a full day of Zydeco music, food, kids’ activities and all-around Cajun fun. Savor the tastes of authentic Cajun and Creole fare including jambalaya, alligator, etouffee, andouille sausage and crawfish. Also available will be favorites such as seafood, Southern barbecue and traditional festival foods.
After getting their fill of food, festival-goers can boogie down to live, non-stop Zydeco and Cajun music performed on stage throughout the day.
The 2025 Entertainment Schedule is:
1 p.m.: Blackcat Zydeco featuring Dwight Carrier – Louisiana native with a unique style that infuses his zydeco, blues, country and R&B influences.
2:30 p.m.: Corey Arceneaux & the Zydeco Hot Peppers – Recognized as a Louisiana Creole Zydeco Ambassador, Corey is a fourth-generation Creole accordionist.
4:30 p.m:. Ruben Moreno's Zydeco Re-Evolution - A stylistically unique Blues Rock Zydeco Band based out of Houston
Other entertainment will take place on the small stage:
1 p.m.: Who Calls the Swamp Home? - Children’s reptile program presented by Friends of Coastal South Carolina
2:30 p.m.: Crawfish Eating Contest
Other festivities include a crafters’ market, souvenirs for sale and a kids’ area. Children can enjoy access to the inflatables in the kids’ area all day with the purchase of a $10 hand stamp. Credit cards will be accepted at select locations, but attendees are encouraged to bring cash for convenience purposes.
Festival admission will be charged per vehicle. A limited number of vehicles will be admitted, and tickets are expected to sell out, so advance purchase is recommended. Tickets are $35 per vehicle of up to 15 people in advance. If available, tickets at the gate will be $40 per vehicle.
Gold Passes will be valid for vehicle admission; the pass must be presented at the gate for entry. Holders do not need a ticket. Note that passes will not be sold on site the day of the festival, but may be purchased in advance at CharlestonCountyParks. com (receipt will not be accepted).
No coolers or outside food or alcohol permitted. Carpooling is highly encouraged. Pets are not permitted at this event. James Island County Park will be closed to regular park guests on April 12 in order to host the festival. Accessible restrooms and portalets are available at the event. An accessible area will be available near the stage. A quiet area will be offered at the park’s Toogoodoo Porch. Visit the Accessibility Tent for more information and to check out KultureCity sensory bags.
For more information on the Lowcountry Cajun Festival, including event rules, or to purchase tickets, visit CharlestonCountyParks.com, or call 843-795-4386.
19th Annual Blues by the Sea Festival planned for April 13
The Town of Kiawah Island Arts and Cultural Events Council looks forward to seeing everyone at Freshfields Village the afternoon of Sunday April 13, rain or shine, for a day of great music performed by three outstanding blues bands. No tickets or cost is required, so bring your friends and family—everyone is welcome. Long-time event organizers and local legends Bill Blizard and Gary Erwin (AKA Shrimp City Slim) will be there and encourage guests to bring their dancing shoes as well as coolers, chairs and blankets.
This year’s lineup:
3 p.m. – 4 p.m. Sir Rod & the Blues Doctors featuring Adam Gussow (Mississippi). A soulful, Deep South trio of amplified harmonica, electric guitar and drums. Be ready for fun, blues, dancing and more.
4:15 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. The Shaelyn Band (Florida). Florida-based band with impressive range--they can play anything, from classic soul blues to funk and rock. They are fronted by Shae Mulberry, a singer and poet who can wail like Joyce "Baby Jean" Kennedy and charm like Aretha Franklin.
5:45 p.m. – 7 p.m. Ruben Moreno Zydeco Re-Evolution (Houston). Ruben has set the tone for his band with his great voice and his skills as one of the world's finest rubboard players for over two decades. This band's sound will bring a fresh, new energy to the Creole Zydeco tunes they love to play.
Barrier Island Earth Day 5K & Festival RUN,
RELAX AND SUPPORT LOCAL STUDENTS
BY RYLIE TALMADGE For The Island Connection
Ready for a fun Saturday full of fitness, nature, and good vibes? Join us on Saturday, April 26, 2025, for the Barrier Island Earth Day 5K Fun Run & Festival at St. Christopher Camp & Conference Center.
Whether you're in for a run (or walk), or just want to hang out at the festival, this event is for everyone. The 5K takes you through some of Charleston’s most stunning coastal landscapes—maritime forests, salt marshes, dunes and more. You’ll be surrounded by beauty while supporting a great cause.
Here’s what’s happening:
8:30 a.m.: 5K Fun Run kicks off
8:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.: Festival with food trucks, music, games, crafts, a silent auction, local vendors and hands-on learning about our local ecosystems. Plus, meet some cool animals.
Your participation helps fund scholarships for local students to experience Barrier Island’s environmental programs and become the next generation of environmental stewards.
How to Get Involved:
Run or walk the 5K
Attend the festival (or both)
Donate or become a sponsor
Deadline for guaranteed race shirt: March 23, 2025.
Festival Registration: You can pre-register for the festival until April 25. After that, there will be a price per vehicle fee at the gate for those who want to join the festival but are not running
Sign up now to register or learn more at runsignup.com/Race/SC/SeabrookIsland/BarrierIslandEarthDay5K. Please contact our race day coordinating staff at naturalist@stchristopher.org with any questions regarding the race, donations, sponsorships, or festival. We hope to see you there.
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around the islands...
ONGOING
WHAT: The Charleston Festival
WHERE: Various
WHEN: March 13 to April 13
MORE INFO: Historic Charleston Foundation has celebrated houses, history, and culture through its annual spring festival since its founding in 1947. This month-long event will continue to present House & Garden Tours and engaging lectures, in addition to a menu of new programs and venues to explore.
WHAT: Credit One Charleston Open
WHERE: Credit One Stadium, Daniel Island
WHEN: March 29 to April 6
MORE INFO: North America's largest women's-only tennis event returns for its 53rd edition. Celebrating its 25th year in Charleston, the award-winning tournament marks the start of the Hologic WTA Tour clay court season and takes place annually at Credit One Stadium on Daniel Island.
WHAT: “Beetlejuice The Musical”
WHERE: North Charleston
Performing Arts Center
WHEN: March 25 to March 30
MORE INFO: He earned his stripes on Broadway, now the ghostwith-the-most is coming to North Charleston. It’s showtime. Based on Tim Burton’s dearly beloved film, this hilarious musical tells the story of Lydia Deetz, a strange and unusual teenager whose whole life changes when she meets a recently deceased couple and a demon with a thing for stripes.
WHAT: Sea Island Farmers Market
WHERE: 2024 Academy Rd., Johns Island
WHEN: Saturdays, 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
MORE INFO: A year-round market for locals and visitors alike. This market offering a wide variety of fresh produce, artisanal foods and handmade crafts. It's the perfect spot to start your weekend with a basket full of farm-fresh goodies and unique finds.
WHAT: Weekend Wine-Down
WHERE: Deep Water Vineyard, 6775 Bears Bluff Rd, Wadmalaw
WHEN: Saturdays, 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: Jazz Night
WHERE: Freshfields Village
WHEN: 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
MORE INFO: Jazz Night is held every second and fourth Thursday of the month from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Porch Bar of the Andell Inn. Guests of the Andell Inn and others can enjoy live music performances from local Charleston groups in a cozy atmosphere.
WHAT: Tipsy Tour
WHERE: Various
WHEN: Fridays, 11:30 a.m.
MORE INFO: You’ll be picked up at the visitor’s center downtown on Fridays at 11:30 a.m., and from there you’ll travel to the home of Charleston’s only domestic winery and vineyard, Deep Water Vineyard. During a tasting of their wines, you’ll enjoy a fruit and cheese tray and be gifted with a souvenir stemless wine glass. Next, you’ll travel over to Park Circle in North Charleston to enjoy a sampling of beer at Holy City Brewing before taking a short trip across the street to enjoy a tasting at Firefly Distillery, creators of Sweet Tea Vodka and 30 other spirits. Your driver will make sure you’re back downtown by 4 p.m.
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 26
WHAT: Art Film: “The DaVinci Code”
WHERE: The Sandcastle, 1 Shipwatch Rd, Kiawah Island
WHEN: 3 p.m.
MORE INFO: Watch “The DaVinci Code” (PG-13). Admission is free
THURSDAY, MARCH 27
WHAT: Jenna Bush Hager and Barbara Pierce Bush: Presented by Buxton Books and The Charleston Library Society
WHERE: Grace Church Cathedral, 98 Wentworth Street
WHEN: 6:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
MORE INFO: Jenna Bush Hager and Barbara Pierce Bush celebrate their new picture book, “I Loved You First.” Readers, writers, and book lovers can hear a conversation about the writing process, what Jenna and Barbara are reading, and why they love books.
FRIDAY, MARCH 28
WHAT: The Garden Club of Charleston's 89th Springtime in Charleston House & Garden Tours
WHERE: Downtown Charleston WHEN: 1 p.m. - 5 p.m.
MORE INFO: This year’s tour includes two different historic districts - South of Broad on Friday, March 28 and Ansonborough/Wraggborough on Saturday, March 29. There will be Plein Air artists and musicians in various gardens and refreshments available throughout.
SATURDAY, MARCH 29
WHAT: Outdoor Barre Workout at Andell Inn
WHERE: Freshfields Village WHEN: 11:30 a.m
MORE INFO: A fun outdoor barre workout held on the last Saturday of every month at 11:30 am at the Andell Inn. Women of all ages are welcome. 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, organizers will have extras.
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 9
WHAT: Piano Bar
WHERE: The Sandcastle, 1 Shipwatch Rd, Kiawah Island
WHEN: 5 p.m.
MORE INFO: Not meant to be concerts, piano bars are to enjoy with friends and offer an opportunity to meet neighbors outside your circle for some island socializing. Bring your beverage of choice and a snack to tide you over.
FRIDAY, APRIL 11
WHAT: Kiawah Art & House Tour
WHERE: Various WHEN: 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
MORE INFO: The tour includes three exclusive homes on Kiawah Island and one nearby riverfront home. Two of the homes were recently featured in Charleston Magazine. This is a unique opportunity for art, architecture, and interior design enthusiasts to visit some of the island’s most outstanding homes and experience the natural beauty of the island. Highlights of the tour homes include artwork, unique architectural details, gourmet kitchens, custom lighting and cabinetry, expansive outdoor living spaces including an herb and vegetable garden, the latest trends in interior design, as well as views of the marsh, river and golf courses. All proceeds benefit Arts, etc. and its mission of providing arts education to the students on Johns and Wadmalaw Islands. Details and tickets ($75 each) can be found on the Arts, etc. at: kiawahartsetc.org.
SCDNR Open House Celebrates the Coast
Come celebrate the coast on March 22 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., as the Marine Resources Center will open to the community for an Open House honoring South Carolina’s coast and the people who work to study and protect it. Visitors are invited to enjoy a behind-thescenes look at the Center, where world-class marine science, education and management happen.
For over half a century, the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) Marine Resources Center has served as a regional hub for marine science and management, providing biologists easy access to South Carolina’s estuaries and offshore waters. Whether your family is brand new to the area or has been in Charleston for generations, we welcome you to come learn more about the water and wildlife that
make the coast such a desirable place to live – and the people who safeguard these resources for the citizens of South Carolina. Meet the scientists who study our state’s saltwater animals and habitat, the law enforcement officers who protect our waterways and the educators who help school children discover the beauty of the coast.
Some of the Open House activities this year will include:
• Tours of the research vessel Palmetto
• Observation and touch tanks with live marine animals
• Fishing and casting basics
• Fish art and other kids' activities
• Harbor trips aboard the education vessel Discovery
• Dozens of other marine science, boating, archaeology and wildlife booths
The Marine Resources Center campus is home to several partner organizations, including the Hollings Marine Laboratory, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the College of Charleston Grice Marine Laboratory, all of which will have booths and activities at the Open House. The event is made possible through the sponsorship of the Harry Hampton Wildlife Fund, a private, nonprofit organization that promotes natural resources conservation in South Carolina.
Parking for cars will only be available at James Island Charter High School, and shuttles will be provided to the Marine Resources Center (with the exception of ADA parking, available on site). The last shuttle will leave James Island Charter High School at 3 p.m. Bikes and golf carts are welcome and may park on site at 217 Fort Johnson Road.
Admission to the Open House is free and no tickets are required. Food and drinks will be available for purchase on site, and families are welcome to picnic on the point overlooking Charleston Harbor. We encourage visitors to bring their reusable water bottles to fill up at water stations. Only service animals are permitted at the event. The event will be held rain or shine, so dress for outside weather.
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SIAG presents Meg Homeier for Unique Workshop
BY ROD MORRIS For The Island Connection
This workshop, which takes place on April 8 at the Oyster Catcher Center on Seabrook Island, from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m., is geared to artists and art enthusiasts who’d like to experiment with the alcohol ink medium. Under Meg Homeier’s guidance, participants will have enough paper to fully explore the medium and the time to develop a finished piece of artwork. They will become engaged with the fluid nature of the inks and the almost meditative process of letting the inks do most of the creating. All materials will be provided, so come only with your curiosity and enthusiasm. Guild and non-guild members are encouraged to register.
Source:
Kiawah Island
Seabrook Island Bohicket Marina
