Coyotes are Here to Stay
BY THERESA STRATFORD For The Island Connection
You may not see as many humans on Kiawah Island’s beaches in the winter, but you just might spot a coyote or two on the beach when the temperatures drop.
Winter is peak season for coyotes since this is the time of year that they breed and are forced to hunt a little harder for scarce food sources.
Kiawah Island Town Biologist Jim Jordan addressed the Kiawah Island Town Council on February 4 about the area’s increase in coyote sightings.
“We started getting reports back in December,” he said. “There were concerns, which led us to create a Coyote Management Plan.”
The sightings also led to increased patrolling in the area by the Kiawah Conservancy. He added that most sightings occurred in the Ocean Park area or the eastern end. Jordan said that they launched a public reporting form online. He reported that the form currently has 49 coyote sightings entered, 39 of which were entered in January. As of the February 4 meeting, no sightings had been reported in that month.
“We are in breeding season now for coyotes,” Jordan said. “That is when sightings of coyotes will peak. The coyotes will be looking for mates and they will be bumped out of territories, so they will be looking for new territory. This is when there is a lot of activity.”
The Kiawah Conservancy worked to trap, attach collars and release bobcats and coyotes on February 17. The plan was to trap two to four coyotes. The collars help to better understand how many coyotes there are on the island, where they are living, how
(continued on page 2)
A Pledge to Protect KIAWAH
ASKS RESIDENTS TO HELP SAVE BOBCAT POPULATION
BY THERESA STRATFORD
For The Island Connection
Kiawah Island Town Administrator Stephanie Monroe Tillerson updated the Town Council at the February 4 meeting on a promising statewide requirement that could benefit the bobcat population.
She announced that she was informed by Clemson Extension, a state regulatory agency for the second-generation anticoagulant (SGA)—the chemical in rodenticides that has killed many bobcats— that they are working to ban or restrict the rodenticide chemical for use with those who are not licensed.
That means that the chemical, which has been linked to killing the bobcat population, would not be sold in stores and could not be accessed by anyone without a license to manage the rodent population.
Tillerson said she had attended a virtual meeting with many regulatory agencies involved in using the chemical to control rodents in their area. She noted that many attendees of the meeting expressed concern about the issue being a “Kiawah problem” and they asked why they would have to follow the requirement when they weren’t experiencing the same issue.
“It isn’t just a Kiawah problem though,” Tillerson said. “We heard that the town of Newberry deals with this too, so it is happening in different areas of the state.”
She also said that she heard criticism concerning the Bobcat Guardian Pledge and there not being enough of the Kiawah Island residents committed to signing it.
(continued on page 3)
Tour Book Artist Winner Announced
ARTS, ETC. NAMES HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT THEIR COVER GIRL
BY MARTHA ZINK For The Island Connection
The signature fundraising event for Kiawah Arts, etc. is the annual Art and House Tour, which will be held on April 11 this year. The cover of the Tour Book is a painting by the winner of the competition between students on Johns and Wadmalaw Islands. The winning artist for 2025 is Melodie Watson, a 15-year-old 9th grader at St. Johns High School. The drawing is of her grandmother’s house.
Melodie is originally from Charleston but lived in Atlanta for four years, where she immersed herself in the arts scene there before returning to Johns Island. She is very honored to be chosen and hopes to continue her arts education. In addition to art, she is inspired by music and literature.
Arts, etc. and their Program Partners provide immersive experiences in all the Arts. To fund their partners, Arts, etc. produces the Kiawah Art and House Tour, established in 2000. The 2025 tour will be on Friday, April 11 from 1 p.m. until 5 p.m. A concurrent Online Auction, featuring artwork and other
objects, can be accessed on the same website from April 1-11. Artwork will be displayed from April 1-11, at the Freshfields branch of presenting sponsor First National Bank. Tickets are available now at kiawahartsetc. org.
Johns Island student Melodie Watson (below), and the winning drawing of her grandmother's house.
PUBLISHERS
OF
The Island Eye News, The Island Connection & SiP Magazine
Christian Senger AssistAnt Publisher
Denise K. James editor denisekjames@gmail.com
Coyotes (continued from page 1)
active they are and how to coexist moving forward.
Jordan reported that around 75% of the coyote sightings are on the east end of the island. He added that historically, Kiawah had about four coyotes, so he estimates that the population on Kiawah is between four and 10. He said he knows that there are at least two dominant pairs.
Kiawah had about four to 10 coyotes on the island in 2013 and 2014. They started to disappear after the issue arose about the second-generation anticoagulant, or SGAs, which were killing the bobcats around that time. Jordan said that they hadn’t seen any since then until 2024 when two coyotes showed up on Kiawah.
Jordan and his team were able to track two coyotes last year. He said one female was collared on the eastern end of the island and that she traveled around Kiawah for three months, then went to Johns Island, then to the Round Holiday Inn area in West Ashley, and then they lost track of her when she last pinged at Charles Towne Landing.
The male that they collared last year stuck around Kiawah for only three days. He then went to Walterboro, Ridgeville and then last pinged around the Charleston International Airport, where he was unfortunately shot in December.
“Coyotes are transient animals, and they move around a lot,” Jordan said.
Jordan reiterated that Kiawah will have a coyote population of as many as they can support. “Likely the two pairs are all we can support right now. That will go up and down some, but will stay around that four to 10 range.”
The Kiawah Conservancy and the Town of Kiawah Island launched the Living with Coyotes webpage (kiawahisland.org/wildlife/top_initiatives/living_with_ coyotes/index.php), where users can access the sighting form to report a sighting.
“They’re here to stay, and we’ll learn to live with them,” Jordan concluded.
Bobcat Pledge (continued from page 1)
“I know there was some confusion when we recently revitalized the Bobcat Guardian Pledge. People thought that if they already signed it they didn’t have to sign it again, but we do want people to sign it again,” she said.
She continued, “We really need to push owners to sign the pledge so that we can convince regulatory agencies, like Clemson Extension, that we support restrictions like the one they are proposing to restrict SGAs for unlicensed individuals trying to control the rodent population.”
Kiawah Island Town Council Member Madeleine Kaye agreed. “As the environmental committee chairperson, I agree. We have to bring the numbers back up to a healthy range.”
Anne Snelgrove
The Bobcat Guardian 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 either tell their pest control provider: “I do not authorize the use of SGA 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.”
The use of SGA rodenticides was the primary contributing factor for at least seven bobcat deaths from 2019 to 2020. Biologists estimate that Kiawah’s bobcat population declined from a historic population of 30 to 35 to less than 10 during this period.
After the successful implementation of the Bobcat Guardian Pledge program in 2020, bobcat numbers stabilized and started to increase.
Unfortunately, bobcat numbers are currently decreasing at a rapid pace.
Along with signing the Bobcat Guardian Pledge, the Town suggests that residents plant native plants on their property to help protect bobcat habitats. They recommend saw palmettos, yaupon holly, black needle rush, wax myrtle, salt meadow cordgrass, little bluestem and broomsedge. They also suggest that residents let buffer areas grow back naturally.
To sign the pledge, visit kiawahisland.org/wildlife/wildlife/ mammals/bobcats/bobcat_guardians.php.
Civic Calen dar
TOWN OF KIAWAH
Environmental Committee
Wednesday, March 12, 1 p.m.
Kiawah Island Town Hall
Public Safety Committee
Thursday, March 13, 11 a.m.
Kiawah Island Town Hall
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
TOWN
OF SEABROOK
Planning Commission
Wednesday, March 12, 1:30 p.m.
Seabrook Town Hall
Public Safety Committee
Tuesday, March 18, 10 a.m.
Seabrook Town Hall
Environment & Wildlife Committee
Tuesday, March 18, 10 a.m.
Seabrook Town Hall
Utility Commission
Wednewsday, March 19, 8:30 a.m.
Seabrook Town Hall
Community Promotion & Engagement
Thursday, March 20, 1 p.m.
Seabrook Town Hall
Leash Laws Tweaked to Protect Shore Birds on Kiawah
BY THERESA STRATFORD For The Island Connection
In an effort to provide continued protection for shorebirds along Kiawah Island beaches, particularly for red knots, Kiawah Island Town Council adjusted the off-leash time period.
At the Town Council meeting on February 4, Kiawah Island Mayor Bradley Belt announced a proposed change to the current beach management ordinance as it relates to pet restraint.
The section labeled “Control of Pets” pertains to controlling pets on beaches and dunes due to the variety of plant and animal species that could be harmed by free-roaming pets. It reads, “Regulation of pets is necessary to protect natural resources and habitats and to ensure that property owners and guests, including small children, utilizing the beach for recreational purposes are safe and not threatened by free-roaming pets.”
The pet restraint designation does not apply to “dog use areas,” where owners may unleash their pets year-round. Dogs are prohibited in the areas designated as critical habitat areas, as well as those areas posted as critical bird habitat areas located on the eastern and western ends of Kiawah’s beach.
The amendment previously allowed unleashed pets from November 1 through March 15 each year in all areas of the beach except the critical habitat areas and the critical bird habitat areas.
However, Council approved an amendment to the ordinance moving up the start of the seasonal dog leash period
by two weeks. Effective immediately, all dogs must be leashed from March 1 to October 15.
Kiawah Island’s Town Biologist Jim Jordan explained, “For now, we are addressing the significant issue we have, which is the impact of off-leash dogs on the endangered and threatened species, the red knot, who come to our beach in large numbers typically around March 1. Kiawah and Seabrook beaches together host about 40% of the entire eastern population of red knots. They come here to feed and forage. They will double their body mass and fly to the Arctic to breed. Every time they are disturbed, they can’t feed and it decreases their chance of survival. If we simply adjust the off-leash period and have dogs be on leashes starting March 1, that will significantly help to protect the red knots, who typically come here around March 1.”
Jordan said that the Kiawah Conservancy plans to step up the presence of Shorebird Stewards during this period. The volunteer Shorebird Stewards educate beachgoers about the shorebirds and try to prevent negative encounters with shorebirds and dogs. Shorebird Stewards also collect data about the shorebirds for the Kiawah Conservancy’s records.
Jordan added, “We’ll plan to have additional presence by my department and public safety on the beaches, and they’ll enforce rules when necessary, especially during those two weeks when shorebirds are most prevalent in early March.”
A red knot feeding in the shallows.
Visiting Coastal Neighbors
KIAWAH ISLAND NATURALIST GROUP ENJOYS BEAUFORT TRIP
BY ELIZABETH ST JOHN For The Island Connection
On a cold day recently, the Kiawah Island Naturalist Group visited the Penn Center in Beaufort. It was a fascinating visit and certainly one to be repeated.
A freed black family donated 50 acres for establishment of the first school for Black children in the South. This property is now known as Penn Center, and it was the most successful part of the Port Royal Experiment.
Young people educated at Penn Center School went on to Howard University and other colleges, and many graduates came back to enhance the quality of their birth community. The school’s campus was given National Historic Landmark designation in 1974. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. chose Penn Center as a place of respite, and a cottage was built for him. The center operates five cottages under Airbnb programs for the visitors who choose to stay overnight.
Another brilliant stroke came a few years ago when the board of Penn Center voted to donate four acres of property to the federal government. A national park was created on the peaceful tract that borders the marsh, and its existence has become a megaphone of publicity for the Penn Center and the maintenance of the Gullah-Geechee Culture, which
stretches coastally from Jacksonville, Florida to Wilmington, North Carolina.
After lunch, our group toured The Point, Beaufort’s “peninsula,” where the trees tell the stories of many generations. Houses – like the one used in filming “The Big Chill” and “The Great Santini” – reside there as well.
We learned the amazing story of Robert Smalls, the first Black congressman from South Carolina, and
saw his beautifully preserved house, a private residence. Robert Smalls did amazing things in his life, but probably the most lasting legacy is how he treated his former owners. Enslaved by the McKee family but later freed, Smalls purchased and was the resident of the McKee house on Prince Street. His former owner returned to Beaufort, and Smalls and his family allowed her to live in her house, as if she still owned it, until her death. It is said Mrs. McKee never knew that she no longer owned the house.
St. Helena’s Parish Church, founded in 1712 and thought to be the oldest Episcopal church in the coastal region, hosted our group at the end of the day. Coincidentally, a concert duo on cello and piano was rehearsing in the church, and it was as though St. Helena planned a beautiful concert for visitors – a true respite from the cold.
During the war between the states, St. Helena was converted to a hospital, even closing over the auditorium to create a full second floor, and slabs from gravestones were utilized to make operating tables. The cemetery was also founded in the early 1700s, and it has a maze of beautiful old trees, brick walkways and mottled shade protecting the memorials.
New Johns Island Facility Announced
The City of Charleston announced a brand new Recreation Center and Aquatics Facility, set to be built in the heart of Johns Island. The city says this multi-million-dollar project will provide “a state-of-the-art facility” for residents, featuring sports and recreational programming for all ages.
Mayor William Cogswell emphasized that this project is “fundamental for enhancing the quality of life on Johns Island.”
“The more amenities we can offer to Johns Island residents, the more pressure we can take off our infrastructure,” he said. “This will ease burdens on families, reduce traffic congestion and make daily tasks more convenient.”
This project will be funded through the Parks Referendum, which was approved by voters in 2023.
District 3 Councilmember Jim McBride, who has been a strong advocate for increasing resources for Johns Island residents, has joined Mayor Cogswell on a selection committee that will eventually choose a construction manager for the new facility.
A more detailed timeline of permitting and construction will be announced after the selection process of a Construction Manager at Risk is chosen.
Robert Smalls.
COME MEET YOUR GOP NEIGHBORS AT REORG
Did you know Seabrook and Kiawah Islands are grossly unrepresented in the Charleston County Republican Party? Your voice is needed. Every two years, the Republican Party undergoes reorganization, or “reorg”—a crucial opportunity for grassroots involvement. This is your chance to choose leaders, shape the party’s future, and connect with fellow friends and Republicans in your community.
What is Reorg?
After each election, Republicans gather at the precinct level to determine who leads the Republican Party and what are the stated priorities?
Why it is Important? Meet other neighbors and friends and gain more influence regarding what issues you want solved. These local meetings are the first step in electing Republican leadership at the county, state, and national levels.
For Seabrook and Kiawah Island residents join us at: Johns Island Public Library 3531 Maybank Hwy, Johns Island Monday, March 10, at 5:30 p.m. it will take less than 45 minutes of your time.
What to Expect
Reorg is a straightforward, fast-paced gathering with your Republican neighbors. Meeting provides a welcoming space to engage in the political process and vote on delegates and officers who want to participate at the county convention that will be held April 6 Upon arrival, you’ll check in and be directed to your precinct. After brief formalities, you’ll vote for your precinct leaders.
Make Your Voice Heard
Reorg is where grassroots leadership begins. Don’t miss your chance to meet your neighbors, influence decisions, and help shape the future of the Republican Party.
SCAN TO LEARN MORE
Play Pickleball, Help Your Neighbors
ANNUAL FUNDRAISER BENEFITS SEA ISLAND VILLAGE
BY BONNIE YOUNGINER AND SUSAN COOMER
For The Island Connection
The organization Seabrook Island Village (SIV) “Neighbors Helping Neighbors,” including the newly expanded service area of Kiawah River Estates (KRE), is delighted to sponsor a Pickleball Fundraiser on April 26. All levels of players from both communities can participate, as players will be grouped by level. This is a fantastic opportunity to meet and play with new friends.
There will be three groups of players sorted by level— advanced, intermediate and beginner, with 20 players in each group in timed rounds. Participants play only with others in their level. Women and men will be mixed within the groups. Players select their partner and are encouraged to change partners every round.
Seabrook Island Village is a volunteer support network. Our trained and vetted volunteers assist others needing support to experience a safe and full lifestyle on their own in their own homes. The “members” of SIV benefit from the
services in many ways: transportation to and from medical appointments, local pharmacies and grocery stores; daily phone call check-ins; basic home chores; and companion visits. Several volunteers and members also meet for regular walks around the neighborhood.
These are just a few of the benefits provided to the members through the volunteer program. Volunteers and members all enjoy the unscripted, unplanned conversations and shared experiences.
The Pickleball Fundraiser is just one way SIV is raising funds to maintain our organization as an all-volunteer entity. The money raised also helps sustain low fees for our members. The SIV mission statement is “to help people of all ages stay active and independent in the community.” As a nonprofit, we depend on quality fundraisers to execute our mission effectively.
Registration is now open and costs $80.00 per person. Register at seabrookislandvillage.org.
Seabrook Island Photography Club welcomes Dave Gray
BY JEFF DAVIS For The Island Connection
Photographer Dave Gray has been committed to teaching and mentoring creatives for nearly three decades. He leads photo tours and workshops in Charleston, with a focus on highlighting people in their natural environment and the undiscovered facets of our planet. He teaches and favors a simple, pre-shutter-button work ethic rather than a “fix it in post” philosophy. His belief is that imagination and improvisation trump rules and tools in 99% of situations. Your tools do not define you, and your style should prescribe your tools. According to Gray, the focus on storytelling and emotional connection will help a photographer uncover their unique gifts.
Several key points from his talk will include:
• What is in front of the camera?
• The creative process of ‘the moment”
• Letting go of the quest of the perfect snap
• Vulnerability and courage
This presentation will appeal to photographers of all levels and hopefully will give each of us the courage and creativity to go out and capture. We hope you can join us on March 20.
Thursday, March 20, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. (refreshments 6:30 p.m., announcements 6:45 p.m., presentation 7 p.m.) Lake House, 2319 Seabrook Island Rd, Seabrook Island Free for SIPC members, $5 for SI Birders members, guests $10 donation
Non-residents, please email seabrookislandphotographyclub22@gmail.com to arrange a gate pass.
SINHG Hosts longtime Johns Islander
BY ANNE SNELGROVE For The Island Connection
The Seabrook Island Natural History Group (SINHG) is pleased to present Tales and History of Johns Island with Lee Glover, author of “Field Trip: My Years on a Johns Island Farm.”
Glover is a fifth generation native of Johns Island who will lead the group through the evolution of this island from a small farming community to the remarkable place we have come to know. His tales of people as well as of a distinctive time and culture are important. Please join as the group is taken on a trip by this remarkable storyteller through the heritage and history of this singular place.
The evening program is available for all SINHG members at no charge or non-members for a nominal fee of $5. Please join us at the Lakehouse on Thursday, March 13, 2025 at 7 p.m. at 2319 Seabrook Island Road.
We have planned a social gathering prior to this event starting at 6:30 p.m. 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/eventspage.
Primary Care
WELCOME JEANNE
LUMPKIN, MD
• Board-certified family medicine physician
• Medical degree from the Medical University of South Carolina
• Residency at the University of Virginia
Dr. Jeanne Lumpkin provides personalized, patient-centered care with a focus on prevention and long-term wellness. She has expertise in managing mood disorders, guiding nutrition and exercise and supporting patients in achieving a healthy balanced lifestyle.
Specialties & services include:
• Preventive care and wellness
• Management of depression, anxiety and ADHD
• Nutrition and exercise guidance
• Chronic disease management
Roper St. Francis Physician Partners Primary Care
Photographer Dave Gray.
ONGOING
WHAT: The Charleston Festival WHERE: Various WHEN: March 13 to April 13
around the islands...
MORE INFO: Historic Charleston Foundation has celebrated houses, history, and culture through its annual spring festival since its founding in 1947. As the Foundation’s largest fundraising and educational event, after 78 years, the Festival has evolved into a holistic celebration of Charleston’s history, architecture, culture, and community. Now affectionately known as The Charleston Festival, 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 for 2025.
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.
SATURDAY, MARCH 8
WHAT: CSO Family Concert: An Exploration of Beethoven’s 5th Symphony WHERE: Gaillard Center, 95 Calhoun St., Charleston WHEN: 11 a.m.
MORE INFO: Enjoy an interactive and engaging musical experience where audience participation is part of the fun. Most enjoyed by audiences 5+ years old. Everyone must have a ticket, regardless of age. For children under age 2, select the $0 ticket.
WHAT: Charleston Collegiate School’s 28th Annual Auction & Gala: Nautical Nights WHERE: Charleston Yacht Club, 27 Lockwood Dr., Charleston WHEN: 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
MORE INFO: As one of the school’s most beloved annual development events, Nautical Nights is sure to bring together parents, community members, alumni, and friends to celebrate the CCS mission and raise vital funds for the CCS Annual Fund and scholarship initiatives. To purchase tickets, visit galaccs.org.
WHAT: Beethoven's 5th Symphony
WHERE: Gaillard Center, 95 Calhoun St., Charleston WHEN: 7:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
MORE INFO: Behold the brilliance in this program featuring Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony and the incredible prize-winning pianist Geoge Li performing Liszt’s Piano Concerto No. 1. The orchestra will also be joined by members of the youth orchestra for Charleston as part of their annual Share the Stage performance.
SUNDAY, MARCH 9
WHAT: 2nd Sunday on King Street WHERE: King Street, Charleston WHEN: 12 p.m. - 5 p.m.
MORE INFO: A portion of King Street (from Calhoun to Queen Street) is closed to vehicular traffic, creating a pedestrian-friendly space. The event features outdoor dining, live music, local vendors, and shopping.
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 12
WHAT: Art Film: Woodstock 2 WHERE: The Sandcastle, 1 Shipwatch Rd, Kiawah Island
WHEN: 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.
MORE INFO: Watch Woodstock 2. Admission is free
THURSDAY, MARCH 13
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 to 8 pm 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.
FRIDAY, MARCH 14
WHAT: Spring Book Sale
WHERE: Otranto Road Library, 2261 Otranto Rd., North Charleston
WHEN: March 14 - 15
MORE INFO: Every purchase supports the Charleston County Library’s programs, helping to enrich the community and provide valuable resources for everyone.
SATURDAY, MARCH 15
WHAT: Cars & Coffee
WHERE: Freshfields Village
WHEN: 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
MORE INFO: The monthly Cars & Coffee event happens on the third Saturday of every month, showcasing unique cars and offering the opportunity to purchase coffee from Java Java.
WHAT: Family Camp Jam
WHERE: Johns Island County Park, 2662 Mullet Hall Rd,, Johns Island
WHEN: All Day
MORE INFO: Families are invited to bring their tents to Johns Island County Park for the second Family Camp Jam. This good old-fashioned campout will take place on March 15-16. The campout will feature food, live music, stargazing, and marshmallow roasting. For additional camping rules and information, visit ccprc.com.
TUESDAY, MARCH 18
WHAT: TUSK: The Classic Tribute to Fleetwood Mac
WHERE: West Beach Conference Center, 2 Shipwatch Rd., Kiawah Island
WHEN: 7:30 p.m. - 9 p.m.
MORE INFO: Playing the hits and deep cuts spanning the careers of Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Fame inductees Fleetwood Mac, Tusk has been crisscrossing the country since 2008 as The Classic Fleetwood Mac Tribute. TUSK features note-perfect renditions of both the solo and full band songs, with each member specializing in one of the core lineup of Fleetwood Mac (Lindsey Buckingham, Stevie Nicks, Christine McVie, John McVie, and Mick Fleetwood).
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 19
WHAT: Piano Bar with Glenn Brown 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.
Fundraiser Proves Successful for Keeper of the Wild Mission
BY ELIZABETH ST JOHN For The Island Connection
“Can you rescue an animal this small?” was a comment heard multiple times at the Keeper of the Wild Oyster Roast Fundraiser held Sunday, February 23, at Magnolia Plantation. Yes is the answer, but it takes a lot of hard and diligent work by volunteers.
Baby squirrels, racoons and opossums are nurtured in climate-controlled incubators and hand-fed warmed formula hourly. The baby bottles have the tiniest tips and are sterilized each feeding. The mother grooms and cleans babies after eating, except in this operation, volunteers perform the mother’s task. One volunteer noted that during busy times, when one cycle of feeding and cleaning is finished, another one begins. That’s motherhood!
2. Opossums and other animals consume disease-causing carrion, often caused by collisions with cars, thereby reducing contamination of water and land. (Opossums do not carry rabies or fleas.)
3. Wildlife – particularly foxes, opossums, raccoons, bobcats – eats rats, mice, poisonous snakes, bugs and ticks, making outside activities safer for human enjoyment.
Keeper of the Wild has nurtured, rehabilitated and returned to the wild over 160,000 mammalian wildlife, keeping them wild, so they can survive and work their jobs in their new surroundings when released.
Wildlife are our “sanitary engineers” and perform many essential functions in keeping our environment clean and healthy – a healthy environment is good for all human beings, whether it is children playing in the grass or the woods, or more visibly, carrion removal from our highways.
Here are just a few examples:
1. Deer, groundhogs and other wildlife groom, trim and keep traversable the woodlands and savannas, reducing fire hazards. Raccoons and squirrels are significant consumers of acorns, keeping woods trimmed before seedlings can come to life. Deer and groundhogs eat the seedlings springing forth from acorns that miss being eaten.
Scan to hear this week’s installment of “LESSONS FROM THE ANGEL OAK” Young Brigid and John learn spiritual lessons and wisdom from the centuries-old Angel Oak located next to St. John’s Episcopal Church.
The Oyster Roast was a great success. Delicious chilis were offered alongside oysters and other tasty food. The selection of auction items was varied, organized by Suzanne Sortor and her cadre of volunteers, who did a spectacular job. Almost all proceeds from donations and the Oyster Roast Fundraiser go to the rehabilitation cost of the animals and shelter expenses. There are paid employees who supervise the shelter and the continuity of hospital operations, but all the other work is done by volunteers, ranging from grass-cutting to baby-feeding to veterinary services and fundraising.
KOW operates without incurring debt. When replacement, repair or expansion needs arise, the founder, Janet Kinser and her Board, ensure the funding is in place before the project starts.
If you would like more information or to volunteer, contact Keeper of the Wild Wildlife Rescue and Sanctuary, Inc. at keeperofthewild.org. Keeper of the Wild is located near Walterboro and serves nine coastal counties and all the islands. If you find an injured animal, call 843-636-1659. Rehabbers and transporters may be located nearby. For injured birds, call Birds of Prey in Awendaw.
Brain Health Series Ongoing at Seabrook Island Village
oin Seabrook Island Village for an informative presentation and discussion to better understand brain health and aging. Our speakers and discussion leaders are Medical University of South Carolina geriatric psychiatrists Drs. Mary Hart Bryan and Randi Curtiss.
BY SUSAN COOMER
For
This Seabrook Island Village sponsored event is the latest in its series of educational programs on brain health. During their 45-minute presentation, Drs. Bryan and Curtiss will discuss the prevalence of mood alterations, including depression in older adults, depression versus normal grief, effective treatment therapies for mood alterations, healthy habits and routines and indicators for seeking professional help. We encourage attendees to ask questions, with time provided for discussion.
Seabrook Island Village (SIV), Neighbors Helping Neighbors, is a local noprofit service organization dedicated to assisting Seabrook Island and Kiawah River Estates residents to stay in their homes, maintain their independence and remain active in the community, as long as it is safe to do so. SIV also sponsors free educational programs and information services for its members, volunteers and frequently the public, including health and wellness topics. Visit the website for more information, or to
This program is free of charge and open to all Seabrook Island residents, Kiawah River Estates residents and the public. Attendees must register in advance. Register at
Warmer Weather, Happier Fish MARCH FISHING REPORT
BY CAPT. GEOFF BENNETT For The Island Connection
As colder months end, temperatures have been working their way up over the last few weeks. Warmer water makes for happier fish, and the spring bite will soon be well underway. The usual suspects, redfish and trout, will be the primary targets, and both will be increasingly more active. Don’t wait a couple months; grab your rods and start fishing now.
Over the last few months, redfish have been doing their best to avoid hungry dolphins. Now they will switch modes from just surviving and instead become predators. Redfish remain in huge schools, and the most productive fishing will be at low tide, when they are concentrated. These fish will be quite easily spooked so you’ll want to be quiet on your approach. Sometimes, the best option is to post up and wait for the school to swim within range of you.
If they are being wary, these big schools of redfish will often turn their noses up at artificial lures. Instead of casting at them to no avail, we’ll fish bait on the bottom. Toss out chunks of blue crab or cut mullet on size 3/0 circle hooks. Place your rod in the rod holder, and leave the rod be when you see the line begin to tighten. The circle hook does all the work for you, and when your drag starts to sing you are in business!
The trout bite has just begun. Artificial lures will be your best bet with little natural bait currently in the water. Fish these lures slowly, and try to let them dive to the bottom. These trout are sluggish as well, and it pays to get the lure right in front of their nose. Plastic lures that imitate small minnows are a good choice, and the Zman 3.75 inch Streakz in smokey shad is our go-to choice. Matched with a ⅛ ounce or a ¼ ounce jighead, this combination will work well throughout the year. See you on the water!
For 16 years, Capt. Geoff Bennett has operated Charleston Charter Fishing, providing light tackle charters. Clients choose from a full menu of artificial and live bait fishing options with charters tailored to their desires. USCG licensed and insured, Capt. Bennett is committed to providing a safe and enjoyable charter to anglers of all skill levels and ages. For more information, call Capt. Bennett at 843-324-3332, visit his website at charlestoncharterfishing.com or email him at captain@charlestoncharterfishing.com.
3:14am/3:44pm 5:21am/5:47pm 6:20am/6:43pm 7:10am/7:33pm 7:54am/8:17pm 8:33am/8:57pm 9:09am/9:34pm 9:43am/10:09pm 10:17am/10:42pm 10:49am/11:15pm 11:23am/11:48pm 11:58am 12:26am/12:39pm 1:11am/1:26pm 9:35am/9:39pm 11:37am/11:42pm 12:31pm 12:38am/1:18pm 1:28am/2:00pm 2:13am/2:38pm 2:55am/3:13pm 3:35am/3:45pm 4:13am/4:15pm 4:50am/4:45pm 5:27am/5:16pm 6:06am/5:51pm 6:49am/6:32pm 7:38am/7:23pm
Source:
John Towles and son JT from Raleigh, NC.
