The Island Eye News, The Island Connection & SiP Magazine
CERT
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Seabrook Island Town Council would support the CERT mission and cause in any way. However, that was not the case at the April 22 Town Council meeting.
When CERT asked that the Town Council approve a grant for them to get a new trailer, which stores medical equipment and supplies, the approval didn’t come easy.
For example, Seabrook Island's Mayor Bruce Kleinman had some doubts. CERT asked for $2,500 for the new trailer, but the total cost was more. SIPOA would cover the remaining balance.
His doubts stemmed from viewing the current trailer, which he said clearly hadn’t been maintained. He wanted to discuss his doubts further with the CERT team, but no one was at the meeting.
Steve Montagu-Pollock, team leader for Seabrook Island’s CERT, said that he had a long-standing and important meeting that took place off-island that day and was not able to attend the Town Council meeting. He was given less than a week to plan to be at the meeting, and currently, the Town does not require grant applicants to attend Town Council meetings when their applications are up for approval.
Montagu-Pollock said in an email after the Town Council meeting, “The trailer our medical supplies and equipment are stored in is 20 years old and has suffered serious deterioration of the frame. It is no longer suitable for storing medical equipment. The grant request to the Town Council was for funds to assist in replacing this trailer.”
Kleinman wanted to find out about the medical supplies and equipment that are stored inside the trailer. His concern was with the condition of those supplies if the trailer was in such bad shape.
Seabrook Island Town Council Member Dan Kortvelesy said, “CERT is a countyrecognized group, and we have people going through to get certified right now. You don’t recognize how much they are needed until they are needed. I think this is a worthwhile organization, and I think we need to do anything we can to support them.”
Kleinman reiterated that he isn’t questioning the importance of CERT; instead, he is concerned with the effectiveness of how they are storing their equipment in the trailer.
Kortvelesy said that a problem with CERT’s effectiveness should be addressed separately. Kleinman said that he has tried to meet with the CERT team about his concerns over the past year and would still like to address these issues going forward.
The mayor abstained, but the grant was approved overall by Seabrook Island Town Council.
Migratory Education
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hurricanes have reduced the size of the sand banks that were once almost islands, from 14 acres down to about ten percent of their landmass.
It is imperative for all of us, as humans, to continue actively and thoughtfully working individually and together to protect the sea life and wildlife we find so amazing, appealing and entertaining in our beautiful Lowcountry environment. Learn more about the Lowcountry Land Trust and the mission to protect and preserve habitat wildlife needs at lowcountrylandtrust.org. Book an artful excursion and learn more about wildlife sanctuaries through Coastal Expeditions, at coastalexpeditions.com/ blog/chris-crolley.
TOWN OF KIAWAH
Board of Zoning Appeals
Monday, May 19, 1 p.m.
Kiawah Island Town Hall
Resiliency Committee
Wednesday, May 21, 1 p.m.
Kiawah Island Town Hall
Ways & Means Committee
Tuesday, June 3, 10 a.m.
Kiawah Island Town Hall
Town Council
Tuesday, June 3, 1 p.m.
Kiawah Island Town Hall
Planning Commission
Wednesday, June 4, 2 p.m.
Kiawah Island Town Hall
TOWN OF SEABROOK
Public Safety Committee
Tuesday, May 20, 10 a.m.
Seabrook Town Hall
Environment & Wildlife Committee
Tuesday, May 20, 10 a.m.
Seabrook Town Hall
Utility Commission
Thursday, May 21, 8:30 a.m.
Seabrook Town Hall
Town Council
Tuesday, May 27, 2:30 p.m.
Seabrook Town Hall
Board of Zoning Appeals
Wednesday, May 28, 1 p.m.
Seabrook Town Hall
Capt. Chris Crolley told boat guests about the environmental dangers to migratory birds.
PHOTO BY PAMELA COHEN.
Earth Day, Sea Islands Style
BY ELIZABETH ST. JOHN For The Island Connection
What are baby kangaroos like? The word adorable describes them best! The lively music of the Shem Creek Boogie Band and the many live animals on display at Earth Day were favorites of the crowd that attended an event on Kiawah Island. Part of the Crosswinds Farms mobile petting zoo, the baby kangaroo brother and sister attracted many adoring onlookers.
Animals receive top attention from the many children vacationing on spring holidays. Regal and clever hawks, rescued and restored by the Center for Birds of Prey, demonstrated flying on command. The Awendaw operation uses animals that can no longer survive in the wild for education and enlightenment.
Rehabber Samantha McDougal offered her shoulder as a safeguard to the 3-month-old raccoon “Butter,” appropriately named for an albino condition that occurs only once in 800,000 raccoon births. Butter’s pigmentation affects his vision and ability to survive in the wild. He is lovingly employed as an ambassador for his species and for Keeper of the Wild, the rescue and rehabilitation hospital and sanctuary that serves the Lowcountry and its islands.
Educational outreach animals were interspersed among exhibits, games and personal embellishments like face painting and hair tinsel. The Barrier Islands Environmental Education Center featured a taxidermied bobcat and advertised for Barrier Island Earth Day 5k and Festival at Camp St. Christopher on Seabrook Island the next day.
Kiawah Island Shorebird Stewards, Charleston Parks Conservancy, Audubon South Carolina and the Charleston Area Beekeepers Association hosted tables under the big tent. Across the green, renowned wildlife photographer Pamela Cohen shared a shaded area under the live oaks with other creatives such as Old Salty B Woodworks and MerSea Creative Designs, to mention a few.
The Kiawah Conservancy’s Earth Week Celebration spanned the entire week leading up to the Earth Day Festival, starting with an island-wide litter sweep on Saturday and followed by a guided trek of the Betsy Kerrison Nature Area, a 90-acre property on Betsy Kerrison Parkway, recently preserved by the Kiawah Conservancy.
On a lovely sunny afternoon, the Naturally Kiawah Demonstration Garden in Night Heron Park was featured by the Conservancy’s horticultural specialist, Morgan Farah, who pointed out native plants for house landscaping design to create a more sustainable
landscape at home. Bluebird box monitoring volunteers led a walk around the grounds of The Sanctuary Hotel to teach about bluebirds and the crucial role we must play in their conservation.
The Kiawah Conservancy’s Earth Day Celebration – Earth Day Kiawah-style – was followed the next day by the Barrier Island Earth Day 5k and Festival on Seabrook Island—Earth Day Seabrook-style. If you missed these two wonderful events this year, mark your calendars to attend in April 2026.
The Earth Day Celebration and Earth Week Activities on Kiawah are programs offered by the Kiawah Conservancy. To learn more about the Kiawah Conservancy and upcoming programs, visit kiawahconservancy.org. To learn more about the Kiawah Conservancy’s Earth Day Celebration and Earth Week activities, or to sign up as a volunteer or vendor, contact the Conservancy’s educational outreach specialist, Katie Jonjevic, at katie@kiawahconservancy.org. For more information on the Barrier Island Earth Day 5k and Festival, contact naturalist@stchristopher.org.
A baby kangaroo, left, and taxidermied bobcat, above, were popular with guests.
PHOTOS COURTESY OF ELIZABETH ST. JOHN
Being a Good Neighbor
SEABROOK CONTINUES TO SUPPORT THE BARRIER ISLANDS FREE MEDICAL CLINIC
BY THERESA STRATFORD For The Island Connection
Although Seabrook Island’s Community Promotions and Engagement Committee did not recommend approving a $2,500 grant to the Barrier Islands Free Medical Clinic (BIFMC), the Seabrook Island Town Council approved it anyway.
The grant money would be used for diabetic and medical screening supplies, according to Melissa Frank, executive director for the BIFMC on Johns Island.
The fine print for approving grant requests in the Town’s application clearly states, “Community Promotion Grants may be awarded to provide financial support for programs, projects, and activities that are designed to benefit the Town of Seabrook Island by promoting and enhancing community wellness, cultural and historical awareness and economic development within the town; or which improve citizen participation, satisfaction and sense of place among town residents and visitors.”
The “within the town” part was what hung up the Community Promotion and Engagement Committee and ultimately led to their recommendation to deny the request.
Frank, who attended the meeting virtually, explained the benefits of BIFMC before Council’s action.
BIFMC is a nonprofit, free medical clinic located on Johns Island. They provide a medical home to over 1,000 adults in the Tri-county area who do not have medical insurance. The majority of the patients come from Charleston County, specifically the 29455 zip code. Many of them work on Seabrook Island as well.
There is no cost for patients at BIFMC. They provide primary care services, but they also provide 16 different specialties directly on site. There are only 10 staff members, including Frank. They have over 100 volunteers, 15% of whom are Seabrook Island residents, according to Frank.
The volunteers consist of doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, physician assistants and other administrative staff.
“There is a great sense of community,” Frank explained. “A lot of our volunteers will hang out after their shifts. I am so grateful for the support we receive.”
She added that 85% of their patients work at least one job. The type of work varies, but 21% work in landscaping; another 21% work in the cleaning business – whether that is commercial or in the homes – 35% work in home improvement, like masonry, carpentry
or construction; and 20% work in hospitality.
She noted that the patients who work in home improvement all work on either Seabrook, Kiawah or Johns Island. The ones in hospitality are working on Johns Island or downtown Charleston.
Seabrook Island Town Administrator Joe Cronin asked Frank to expand on the fact that BIFMC helps to lessen the burden on area emergency room visits, especially since there will be a brand new emergency room opening near Seabrook and Kiawah later this year.
“If we didn’t exist, our patients would absolutely rely on ER visits,” Frank said. “These patients would have no alternative. We partner with Roper because there is value in keeping patients out of ERs when possible, unless it is a true emergency. We like to address things preventively. For example, we screen for seven different cancers. We want to help patients before they get sick. The emergency rooms in the Tri-county area are familiar with us and will send us referrals of those who do not have a medical home.”
Seabrook Island Town Council Member Dan Kortvelesy commented that approving this grant falls under being a “good neighbor.” He said, “These people may not live on Seabrook Island, but they work in our community and provide services. It is our responsibility to help. I think $2,500 is a minimal amount to show support. No one argues that this is a great organization. They have doctors and nurses volunteering from Seabrook.
It is a part of our greater community.”
Seabrook Island Town Council Member Darryl May added that when these grants come up at Town Council meetings, he always looks for a nexus to the town. “Some have a remote relation
to our town, but some have very strong connections,” he explained. “This is a wonderful thing to do. There are so many volunteers from Seabrook, and of course, there are so many people who use the service who work here. This has a close connection to Seabrook, and I enthusiastically support it.”
The grant was approved unanimously by Seabrook Island Town Council.
BIFMC services anyone living in the areas of Charleston, Dorchester or Berkeley Counties who are below the poverty limit and without medical insurance. That means that anyone without health insurance and with an income of $45,000 for a single-family home can receive care. A family of four without insurance can receive care from the Barrier Islands Free Medical Clinic if they make $94,000 or less.
As of December 2024, the clinic had 67,000 visits free of cost since opening in 2008. It is completely funded by donations, grants and internal fundraisers. Along with primary care, some of the specialties they offer are dermatology, gynecology, urology, psychiatry, chronic disease management and nutrition. They also offer free prescriptions.
For more information, visit bifmc.org.
Barrier Islands Free Medical Clinic.
SAG Member Brenda Tilson wins Blue Ribbon
BY ROD MORRIS For The Island Connection
Brenda Tilson, a longtime Seabrook Island resident and accomplished artist, has once again brought recognition to the community by winning her second consecutive blue ribbon at the 42nd annual North Charleston Arts Fest. Competing in the pastel medium, Tilson stood out among hundreds of artists showcasing their work across a variety of styles and disciplines.
Tilson and her husband, Jim, have called Seabrook Island home since 2000. A dedicated member of the Seabrook Island Artist Guild, she was also recently featured as the April Artist of the Month at the Lake House. Her consistent success in art competitions across South Carolina has earned her numerous accolades, but her recent back-to-back first-place finishes drew the attention of the Seabrook Island Art Guild Board members—and gave the community an opportunity to learn more about the artist behind the ribbons.
Tilson’s journey in art began in her teenage years, when she discovered a passion for sketching people, buildings and everyday life. That early love of drawing led her to a career in interior design, where she worked closely with architects to illustrate structures and interiors. These early experiences laid the groundwork for her future as a fine artist, with sketching becoming the core of her creative process.
“Drawing and sketching become the anchor of my work,” she shares with a smile, “and pastels are just cosmetic dressing.”
Since retiring in 2005, Tilson has devoted
herself fully to her art, often spending 20 hours a week at her easel. She has a particular fondness for capturing animals, people, buildings and boats—subjects that reflect her keen eye for detail and storytelling. Interestingly, despite living in one of the most scenic coastal communities in the Lowcountry, Tilson steers clear of painting beaches, birds, marshes and landscapes. “They’re just not on my list,” she laughs.
Her award-winning painting, Charleston’s Finest, now proudly hangs in her home—a testament to her skill, dedication and creative spirit.
by Joy Millar
Brenda Tilson, left, with her award-winning painting.
Support the Arts!
PICCOLO PREVIEW WAS A MAGICAL KICKOFF TO SPOLETO SEASON
BY ELIZABETH ST. JOHN For The Island Connection
Mellow woodwind warbling of “Summertime,” possibly George Gershwin’s most famous lyric composition, opened the Piccolo Preview at The Church of The Holy Spirit on Johns Island. A melodic and relaxed soprano voice in the tonality of the woodwind joined the soothing clarinet with the intentionally sleepily drawled verse.
‘It was magic hearing “Summertime” performed this way,’ a friend later confided. “It transported me to rocking on the porch overlooking the creek while sipping sweet tea!”
The synchrony was heavenly, and it was as if the piano danced a sultry dance, and the clarinet and voice were the same instrument. Jill Terhaar Lewis’ voice, Robert Lewis’ artistry on the clarinet and subtle piano accompaniment by Gerald Gregory started off the program. A Charleston-based husband-andwife team, the Lewises perform as The In-Between-Ensemble, and are known for their musical talent and compositions. Set to the words of Charleston Poet Laureate Marcus Amaker about Hampton Park, the second number was musically composed by Robert.
(Today a Charleston landmark and city park, Hampton Park was an orange grove on the Gibbes plantation in the
1700s, converted into an elite horseracing track from 1792 to 1882. In 1903, the renowned firm of Olmsted & Olmstead added botanical features, focusing on shade. The park was named for the first Governor of South Carolina after reconstruction, General Wade Hampton. Much enjoyed by bicyclers, parents with strollers, runners and folks walking dogs, the former racing-track pathway is the same roadway people enjoy today.)
Charleston Jazz Academy’s Wednesday Night Jazztet, a combo of talented high school students directed by Demetrius Doctor, enthusiastically took the stage next. Demetrius’ musical career started young. At age 5, he already was a self-taught pianist in church, and his Gullah-Geechee roots proudly show in his musical leadership of the young group. Olin Watson on piano and Abbie Paul on bass carefully synchronized their accompaniment with Juelz Utreras on tenor saxophone, Grant Corde on trumpet and Harrison Chandler, alto saxophonist. Each artist played solo segments, receiving enthusiastic applause. The final third of the program was a dedicated tribute to Nina Simone. Tonya Nicole spoke to your soul in her renditions of “I Put a Spell on You,” and other Nina Simone jazz
offerings. Jonathan Lovett, on piano and LaVonta Green on bass created a velvety background for her sensuous performance. Nicole says her mission is “to move people – to love, to heal, to feel.” The audience loved the trio’s performance – “She’s going places” was the comment overheard. Nicole is a cancer survivor and a core ensemble member at PURE Theatre, in addition to teaching her varied artistry.
The Piccolo Spoleto Preview was made possible by the Kiawah Island Arts Council and the City of Charleston. Piccolo Spoleto is produced and directed by the City of Charleston Office of Cultural affairs, who state as their mission: “To provide access to the Spoleto Festival USA experience for everyone, regardless of their economic, social, or physical circumstances, and to provide opportunity for excellent local and regional artists, writers and performers to be presented … through the Piccolo Spoleto Festival venue.”
Founded by Pulitzer prize-winning composer Gian Carlo Menotti, Spoleto Festival USA opened in 1977. Aptly named for the town in Spoleto, Italy, Menotti founded the annual Festival of Two Worlds in 1958 and wanted an accompanying festival in Charleston. Today, Spoleto features more than 700
performances over 17 days. Performance schedules and tickets for the festival can be found on the web at spoletousa.org. For more questions, call Scott Watson, Director of the Office of Cultural Affairs, at 843-724-7305.
Tonya Nicole sang jazz by Nina Simone. PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE KIAWAH ISLAND GARDEN CLUB
ONGOING
around the islands...
WHAT: Charleston City Market Night Market
WHERE: Charleston City Market
WHEN: Each Friday and Saturday night, 6:30 p.m. - 10:30 p.m., from March –December
MORE INFO: Located between Church Street and East Bay Street. It provides the opportunity to discover quality, unique, local and handcrafted items.
WHAT: Music on the Green
WHERE: Freshfields Village
WHEN: Every Friday from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
MORE INFO: The Village Green will be alive with song and dance from various local artists every Friday night from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Guests are encouraged to bring chairs and blankets, purchase snacks and drinks from surrounding businesses, and come together to enjoy a lively Lowcountry evening outdoors.
WHAT: Sea Island Farmers Market
WHERE: 2024 Academy Rd., John’s Island
WHEN: Every Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
MORE INFO: A year-round delight for locals and visitors alike. This market offers 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 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: Spoleto Festival USA
WHERE: Various
WHEN: May 23 to June 8
MORE INFO: Charleston sets the stage for more than 120 unforgettable performances, including six world premieres and two U.S. premieres across opera, theater, music, and dance. Tickets are available for purchase at spoletousa.org or by calling 843-579-3100.
FRIDAY, MAY 16
WHAT: TOKI Bites & Brews Food Truck Fest
WHERE: Kiawah Island Town Hall
WHEN: 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.
MORE INFO: Kiawah Island is excited to introduce TOKI Bites and Brews, a brandnew summer food truck festival series designed to bring the community together over great food and good company. This food truck rodeo will transform the Town Hall green space into a lively gathering spot one Friday each month through August.
WHAT: Cars & Coffee
WHERE: Freshfields Village
WHEN: 9 a.m. - 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.
SATURDAY, MAY 17
WHAT: May Litter Sweep
WHERE: Mingo Point, 876 Kiawah Island Parkway, Johns Island
WHEN: 9 a.m. - 11 a.m.
MORE INFO: Join the Kiawah Conservancy and the South Carolina Aquarium for a litter sweep. This is a free event and no registration is necessary. All litter sweep materials will be provided. Bug spray and sunscreen are always recommended. Don’t forget your water bottle to stay hydrated.
WHAT: Festival of Hope
WHERE: First Baptist New Athletic Complex, 2051 George L Griffith Blvd, James Island WHEN: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
MORE INFO: A day of community, music, prizes, unity, and purpose. The familyfriendly event is free to attend. Event includes live music, carnival games, activities for families, a mechanical rodeo shark, Kids Zone run, free lunch voucher for the first 1,000 attendees, vendors, Color Guard Ceremony by the Ralph H. Johnson American Legion Post 147, and much more.
SUNDAY, MAY 18
WHAT: 25th Anniversary Block Party
WHERE: South Carolina Aquarium, 100 Aquarium Wharf, Charleston WHEN: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
MORE INFO: Liberty Square in downtown Charleston will transform into a lively festival ground. Guests can enjoy a variety of free family activities including a climbing wall, bounce houses and face painting. A selection of local food trucks will also be selling lunch. The South Carolina Aquarium is offering $25 general admission tickets on Sunday, May 18, and Monday, May 19. Advanced purchases are encouraged. For more information, visit scaquarium.org/block-party.
WHAT: The "Run Charlie Run." 5k
WHERE: Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Park, Charleston
WHEN: 3 p.m.
MORE INFO: The event includes a custom finisher's medal, a ticket to that evening’s game, and everyone finishes the race at home plate, congratulated by RiverDogs players.
WHAT: 17th Annual Chef’s Potluck
WHERE: Holy City Brewing, 1021 Aragon Ave, North Charleston WHEN: 4 p.m. - 7 p.m.
MORE INFO: More than fifteen talented local chefs teaming up with farmers, fishermen, and ranchers, for the freshest local ingredients the Lowcountry has to offer. Amazing raffle packages available exclusively at the event. Kids 12 and under are free and can enjoy activities under the Petit Chefs Kids Tent. Plus, baby goat petting session with The Goatery at Kiawah River.
THURSDAY, MAY 22
WHAT: Bobcat Bash
WHERE: Mingo Point, 876 Kiawah Island Parkway, Johns Island
WHEN: 6 p.m. - 10 p.m.
MORE INFO: A new fundraising event dedicated to preserving the natural beauty and extraordinary wildlife of Johns, Kiawah, and Seabrook Islands. This exciting evening promises a delightful mix of local flavors, captivating entertainment, and a chance to make a lasting impact on the Kiawah Conservancy’s conservation efforts. There will be live music, food, drinks, raffles, 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 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.
SATURDAY, MAY 24
WHAT: Memorial Day Weekend Music on the Green WHERE: Freshfields Village WHEN: 6 p.m.
MORE INFO: Head to the Village Green at Freshfields Village for a complimentary, outdoor concert featuring Tru Sol.
SATURDAY, MAY 31
WHAT: Outdoor Barre Workout at Andell Inn
WHERE: Freshfields Village WHEN: 11:30 a.m.
MORE INFO: An outdoor barre workout 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. Bring a mat and a set of light weights (1-3lbs). Don’t worry if you don’t have anything, they will have extras.
Rockstar to Sauce Star
JOE GALLAGHER’S SECOND ACT
BY EMILY SHIFFER For The Island Connection
Locally made tomato sauce is a rarity in the Lowcountry, but Joe Gallagher Jr. has made it a reality. Also known as Chef Giuseppe, Gallagher founded Apastioli Specialty Foods in Charleston in 2024.
Italian on both sides of his family, Gallagher, 43, was the first to write down his grandmother’s recipe for her famous sauce. “I had to go through the due diligence,” he says.
Years later, he made the sauce from scratch to go with the eggplant parmigiana that he brought to a social gathering last year—and it was a hit.
“They went nuts,” says Gallagher. “My friends said I should sell it. But I never thought about getting into the food industry.”
His sauce stood out as being low acidity, low sodium and low calorie— and it is made with love.
“It is slow-cooked. Each batch takes about six hours. It’s very meticulous and labor-intensive, but you can taste the quality,” he says.
So he made a prototype and started selling his homemade sauce to his friends and family and created a website to reach more fans. Then he had an epiphany: He decided to
contact the Piggly Wiggly in North Charleston to see if they would be interested in selling his locally made sauce.
“The manager ordered six cases,” he says.
Within a month, the sauce was in four stores. Today, it is in 15 Piggly Wiggly locations and soon to be delivered to select Food Lion stores, with conversations underway to expand into Walmart, Publix, Harris Teeter, Whole Foods, Ingles, Trader Joe’s and more. Gallagher is also in talks with major national distributors, including UNFI, Lipari Foods, and C&S Wholesale Grocers.
“We can’t produce enough because the demand is so high,” Gallagher adds. “I’ve been blessed.”
Since then, Apastioli Specialty Foods has launched over 10 products, with over 25 new recipes for Italian cookies, cannoli-flavored lip balm, frozen vegan meatballs and more.
Gallagher’s journey to success has been a long one. Originally from New Haven, Connecticut, which Gallagher notes has a lot of Italian influence, he moved to the Lowcountry in 2014.
“When I came down, I was
originally in the entertainment industry. I was a professional musician and singer/songwriter,” he says. In 2017, Gallagher was in a horrific car accident that required two spinal surgeries.
“At the time I was in contention for Best New Rock Artist at the Grammys, and it ended my career as a musician,” he shares. “I tried staying in the music industry and went through absolute hell on earth trying to recover from surgery—but I had no feeling in my hands for four years. It was a nightmare.”
Gallagher explains that during that time he became dependent on drugs and a “bad alcoholic.”
“Just over a year ago, I got sober. It's been a ride, let me tell you,” he says.
His healing journey has been one of total redemption. With feeling back in his hands, he is playing guitar again at his church.
And his plans for Apastioli have grown far beyond food jars.
In addition to his growing product line, Gallagher is releasing a memoir titled From Bars to Jars: A True Southern Redemption Story, coming to Amazon and select physical retailers on June 1. The audiobook version, narrated by Gallagher himself, will launch the same day on Audible. Pre-sales for both are now available at Apastioli.com.
Gallagher is also developing Apasioli Farms, a 1,700+-acre agricultural and manufacturing
project in South Carolina designed to vertically integrate the production of Apastioli products while creating a groundbreaking sustainable agritourism destination.
“Our dream has been to build a farm,” he says. “We’re looking at land where we can grow all our own ingredients and build a solar-powered facility that can process up to 300,000 jars a month.”
But the vision for Apastioli Farms extends well beyond production. Plans include weekend retreats, farm-to-table luxury dining experiences, educational workshops on organic agriculture and small business development, corporate events, nonprofit fundraisers and private celebrity concerts.
Gallagher also hints at a forthcoming Netflix or Paramount series currently in development. From Bars to Jars: The Series will be a blend of reality and scripted storytelling based on his memoir. The show would follow life on the farm, highlight sober living, showcase local talent and explore the behind-the-scenes journey of building a food empire from scratch.
“We want to use this land to inspire, educate and serve,” he says. “Whether it’s recovery ministries, domestic violence prevention or simply giving people a place to dream again—we’re building something bigger than a brand. This is a movement.”
He credits God for every step. “Nothing is too big for God to handle,” he says.
Dependable Insurance Protection from the Experts in Coastal Living
Kiawah homeowners expand philanthropic initiative
Dear Kiawah and Seabrook Friends and Neighbors:
We’ve been fortunate to be part of the Kiawah/Seabrook community for over 25 years and currently live in Cassique. Like many of you, the island is our family’s “happy place,” where we’ve cherished so many of life’s special moments. But the inherent dichotomy that exists between the beauty and wealth of our two islands and the increasingly daunting circumstances faced by thousands of people living just beyond our gates has become impossible to ignore.
In the past few years, we’ve spent significant time in the low-income communities across the Charleston Sea Islands, raising our awareness of the widespread poverty and severe deficit of essential resources and services that exist in these areas. We also commissioned The Joseph P. Riley Center for Livable Communities at The College of Charleston to conduct a community needs assessment study that reinforced the extreme challenges that are faced by so many living within just a few miles of us.
Moved by all we had seen and experienced, we formed the Beyond Our Gates Foundation of Kiawah & Seabrook, which is structured as a public 501(c)(3) endowment-based, grant-making community foundation. The mission of Beyond Our Gates is to improve the lives of our less fortunate neighbors in the five nearby Charleston Sea Islands by investing in them, connecting them to urgently needed resources and empowering them to build a future filled with hope and opportunity.
We’ve made a personal, initial seven-figure commitment to the foundation, and in the fall of 2023 awarded an inaugural series of $300,000 in grants to 16 amazing nonprofits serving critical needs in our adjacent communities. Our second series of grants, totaling just over $500,000, was awarded in fall 2024 to 25 incredible service organizations doing essential work in the struggling neighborhoods not far from where we call home. Our vision is that Beyond Our Gates will evolve into a long-term vehicle to enable the generous residents and institutions of Kiawah and Seabrook to recognize and support those who are living lives that are so close to us in proximity, but in stark contrast to ours in reality.
It’s been incredibly rewarding to see the tangible impacts that Beyond Our Gates is already having on these often-forgotten communities that have existed for so long right beside us as “islands of poverty amidst a sea of prosperity.” We invite you, our friends and neighbors on Kiawah and Seabrook, to join us in this important mission.
Beyond Our Gates Foundation will be hosting a large scale meeting on June 25 at The River Course Ballroom from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. to gather the homeowners of Kiawah and Seabrook together for an evening of fellowship and foster a community-wide dialogue about the many people in urgent need living just beyond our gates. The event is free for all. Please join us for the event and visit us at beyondourgates.org to learn more about this critical mission.
With hope and gratitude, Brian and Karen McDonagh Co-Founders, Beyond Our Gates Foundation of Kiawah & Seabrook
DOGESC sounds no better than DOGE
I write in response to Rom Reddy’s “Reddy or Not” rants about South Carolina’s government and his DOGESC initiative in the April 18 and May 2 editions of The Island Connection.
First, Mr. Reddy is owner of Lucky Dog Publishing, which publishes The Island Connection, which is supposed to be an informational, non-partisan, local news magazine. Mr. Reddy clearly has personal issues with the government over his controversial seawall, which lead him to thrash out at the government in general, ala MAGA, regardless of the consequences.
Second, DOGESC is patterned after the federal DOGE effort, which has been a dismal and immoral failure. Elon Musk was sent packing because of his senseless “chainsaw” elimination of agencies important to our nation’s national security and the health of our citizens, along with his butchering of the lives of tens of thousands of hard-working public servants. Moreover, his promised fiscal savings were highly exaggerated.
Why anyone would want to bring that DOGE effort to South Carolina, is beyond me. DOGESC’s agenda seeks elimination of 50% of South Carolina’s government employees, putting 30,000 South Carolina citizens on the unemployment line and crippling public services upon which South Carolinians rely. Next, DOGESC wants to reduce the state’s tax rate to 0% while claiming it wants to rebuild the state’s roads and education systems. Where is the state going to get the necessary money for roads and schools if there are no state taxes? Increased property or sales taxes?
Third, Mr. Reddy rails against the Governor, the legislature, state agencies, the state judicial system and apparently the Atlantic Ocean. The answer to everything but the latter is to elect better politicians. If he doesn’t like the regulations left in place for decades by Republican governors and legislatures, he should vote for a change in the next election.
Finally, Mr. Reddy’s comments about the laws relating to seawalls conspicuously omits reference to South Carolina’s 1988 Beachfront Management Act, which prohibited construction of new seawalls on beachfront properties. According to public reports, the state’s environmental protection agency advised Mr. Reddy of this prohibition before he started his seawall construction, but he went ahead with the project. A well-respected administrative judge recently ruled that the 1988 ban applied regardless of setback lines. Mr. Reddy has every right to appeal that decision, but he is not justified in criticizing the entire government because of a single failed litigation.
As the Kiawah Island Garden Club ends its 2024/2025 program year, the group has been asked by Kiawah Island Mayor Brad Belt to consider planning and executing a community garden on the grounds of the Kiawah Municipal Building. There are many things to consider in planning a garden – for example, the size, location, plantings to be included, continuing maintenance and wildlife impact, as well as other concerns.
The Garden Club is forming a committee to start the planning process. While the Garden Club is made up of many full and part-time residents of Kiawah with a variety of past gardening experiences and skills, we would welcome participation from other members of the community. If you would like to participate on a committee exploring possibilities for the garden, please email Kristin Thompson: kristin@ rhettsbluff.com.
The Garden Club’s most recent activity was celebrating spring by making May baskets. The planning process for the next program year, 2025/2026, has begun as members take a break for the summer.
Under consideration for next season include trips to Riverside Park, Colonial Park, Botany Bay, Ambrose Family Farm and Charleston Aquatic Nurseries; activities such as strawberry picking, making sweet grass baskets, pumpkins and flowers; educational programs such as growing and repotting orchids; and speakers from organizations such as Native Plants to the People, The M.A.R.S.H. Project, Carolina Ocean Alliance and The Point.
A Planning Committee will be researching and fine-tuning the prospective programs and will be starting the exploration of establishing a garden on the Municipal Building grounds.
May flower baskets a hit at Kiawah Island Garden Club
BY ELIZABETH ST. JOHN For The Island Connection
Kristin Thompson shared a lovely tradition from her childhood with the Kiawah Island Garden Club. She would make a flower basket, and then ring the doorbell to her grandmother’s house and present the basket to her surprised and delighted grandmother. In Thompson’s heritage, ladies would make flower baskets in May, and present them as a loving surprise to someone they wanted to honor.
Our baskets were ready on the tables under the Night Heron Park Pavillion and contained a tray and oasis for the flower placement. Working with a flower wholesaler in North Charleston, the Thompsons picked out and picked up bouquets of roses, carnations and other flowers in natural spring colors.
A how-to on filling the baskets, starting with large blooms nearer the bottom, was shared at the beginning of the meeting, and then the creativity of each Garden Club member and guest was unleashed. Each basket was a work of art and a source of pride for its owner – not to mention the source of many happy and smiling faces.
Thompson is the energetic and inspired leader of the Kiawah Island Garden Club, beautifully assisted by her husband, Joe,
who moved tables, bought flowers and sorted and displayed them. His help has been an integral part of the enjoyment by members of the 2024- 2025 season.
This was the last official program before summer vacation, but the 2025-2026 season starts with more special events in autumn.
