Seabrook Island Real Estate introduces the Living Room Gallery
BY ROD MORRIS For The Island Connection
Seabrook Island Real Estate has unveiled The Living Room Gallery, a new curated art and community space designed to reflect the warmth and connection of life on Seabrook Island. Created in partnership with the Seabrook Island Artist Guild, the gallery transforms the real estate company’s lobby into a welcoming, art-filled place open to residents, guests, and visitors.
“Our lobby has always been a welcoming place — we’ve got maps, tide charts, coffee, and a friendly team ready to help,” said Ben Schuyler, general manager of Seabrook Island Real Estate. “But there really isn’t a true ‘living room’ on the island where people can just sit back, chat with a friend, or enjoy a cup of coffee. That’s what inspired us to reimagine our space — a comfortable, casual, art-filled spot that feels like the heart of the community.”
Located just outside the Seabrook Island gate, The Living Room Gallery invites everyone to stop in, whether to view new artwork, meet a friend, or connect with one of the real estate team’s island experts. The gallery’s rotating exhibitions are curated quarterly by the Seabrook Island Artist Guild, led by Michael Younginer.
“It was a natural partnership,” said Schuyler. “The Guild wanted more visibility for local artists, and we wanted to use our space in a way that serves the community.”
Since launching in early fall, the transformation has already energized the space. Upcoming exhibitions include ”The Treasures of Seabrook Island,” a spring and summer artist competition celebrating works inspired by the island. Visitors and residents will be invited to vote for their favorites, with three awards presented in April. The Guild will continue to curate themed exhibitions throughout the year.
“Everyone is so excited about what’s ahead,” added Mary Legare Whaley, marketing manager. “One of our featured artists, Gary Kunkelman — recently named Artist of the Month by the Guild — will have a special piece displayed here. It’s a privilege to showcase such remark-
Kiawah Island election results confirmed, winners sworn in
BY THERESA STRATFORD For The Island Connection
Aswearing-in ceremony for incumbents Mayor Bradley Belt and Town Council Members Luke Farrell and Madeleine Kaye took place on November 10 after election results were certified from the November 4 election.
Belt was elected with 243 votes, Farrell received 230 votes, and Kaye earned 240 votes. This will be Belt’s first full term; he was elected in a special election when the former mayor, John Labriola, resigned in 2024.
This will be the second term for both Farrell and Kaye.
Council Member Madeleine Kaye began her term in 2023. Kaye serves as the Environmental Committee chair, and she chairs the Marsh Management Committee.
Kaye has a background in communications and public affairs and worked for 30 years for Merck & Co., Inc. in a variety of managerial positions. She was a member of the Planning Commission, where she said they made key decisions that impact Kiawah’s future, including issues like rezoning West Beach tracts, drafting a sweeping Marsh Management Plan, working on the Town’s next comprehensive plan and crafting a much-needed tree preservation ordinance.
Council Member Luke Farrell chairs the South Carolina State Accommodation Tax Committee, as well as the Audit Committee and the Ways and Means Committee.
Farrell has an undergraduate degree in chemical engineering and ran chemical plants for two Fortune 500 companies for over 12 years, which helped him develop strong project management and problem-solving skills. He spent the last 25 years on Wall Street as a trader, analyst, portfolio manager, and senior strategist. He worked with and led teams making large financial decisions, while integrating both risk and outcomes, all with clear and measurable accountability. His work on the Kiawah Island Planning Commission allowed him to apply his work experience to decisions affecting land-use, zoning, conservation and comprehensive planning.
Belt serves as the liaison for the Kiawah Conservancy, Kiawah Partners, Kiawah Golf Resort, Kiawah Island Community Association, South Carolina Councils of Governments, City of Charleston, Charleston County, Charleston Area Convention (Continued on page 2)
Photo courtesy of Seabrook Island Real Estate.
Brad Belt Luke Farrell Madeleine Kaye
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Kiawah infrastructure discussed during recent meeting with the county
BY THERESA STRATFORD | For The Island Connection
Next up was Kiawah Island as the staff from Charleston County Public Works visit different municipalities and present about the potential end to the half-penny sales tax for infrastructure.
Devri Detoma, deputy Public Works director for Charleston County, spoke at the most recent Kiawah Island Town Council meeting on November 4. Her main objective was to inform Kiawah’s town council on what the county’s public works department has accomplished in recent years because of the half-penny sales tax and to ask them to supply her
Living Room Gallery
Continued from page 1
able local talent.”
The gallery will also host receptions, exhibit openings, and artist talks. Its first major event will feature renowned watercolorist Mary Whyte on December 3 from 4:30–6 p.m.
Long term, the Artist Guild will continue to curate quarterly exhibitions, keeping displays fresh and dynamic. Seabrook Island Real Estate also welcomes partnerships with other island organizations — including the Club, SIPOA,
Election Results
Continued from page 1
and Visitors Bureau, Johns Island Task Force, Edens, St. Johns Fire District and the Town of Seabrook Island.
Belt spent the last decade or so in executive roles with asset management and investment banking firms. Prior to that, he served in the Administration of President George
Town of Kiawah Island
Planning Commission Workshop
Wednesday, Dec. 3, 1 p.m.
Kiawah Island Town Hall
Planning Commission
Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2 p.m.
Kiawah Island Town Hall
Infrastructure and Public Works Committee
Thursday, Dec. 4, 10 a.m.
Kiawah Island Town Hall
Arts & Cultural Event Council
Thursday, Dec. 4, 2 p.m.
Kiawah Island Town Hall
Environmental Committee
Wednesday, Dec. 10, 1 p.m.
Kiawah Island Town Hall
office with an infrastructure priority list.
The half-penny sales tax has been around since 2004 and was renewed in 2016. “This has led to billions of dollars in infrastructure improvements in Charleston County,” she said.
Today, the county has invested over $4.56 billion in infrastructure improvements. Roughly 12% went to green belt projects, 62% to infrastructure, and 25% to public transit. Out of the $4.56 billion, $3.4 million came from the sales tax. They leveraged about $1.2 million (Continued on page 3)
and the Town — for future collaborations and community events.
“The Living Room Gallery reflects who we are — approachable, community-minded, and deeply rooted in Seabrook Island,” Schuyler said. “We’re not just selling homes; we’re sharing a lifestyle. This space helps people experience that firsthand.”
The gallery will also be featured as a starting point for property tours, giving visitors a taste of Seabrook Island’s artistry and charm before exploring available homes. Social media coverage will highlight featured artists, upcoming events, and gallery updates throughout the year.
W. Bush as the head of the agency responsible for overseeing and ensuring private sector pension plans. He had leadership roles with two “think tanks” and early in his career served in senior counsel roles at the Securities and Exchange Commission and the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs.
Throughout his career, Belt served on the fiduciary or advisory boards of various companies, nonprofit organizations, and professional associations, including the Social Security Advisory Board and UNICEF USA (MidAtlantic).
Town of Seabrook
Planning Commission
Wednesday, Dec. 10, 1:30 p.m.
Seabrook Town Hall
Environment & Wildlife Committee
Thursday, Dec. 11, 1 p.m.
Seabrook Town Hall
Public Safety Committee
Tuesday, Dec. 16, 10 a.m.
Seabrook Town Hall
Town Council
Tuesday, Dec. 16, 2:30 p.m.
Seabrook Town Hall
Community Promotion & Engagement Committee
Thursday, Dec. 18, 1 p.m.
Seabrook Town Hall
K iawah iSland Town h all 4475 Betsy Kerrison Parkway Kiawah Island, S.C. 29455 843-768-9166
SeabrooK iSland Town h all 2001 Seabrook Island Road Seabrook Island, S.C. 29455 843-768-9121 lmanning@townofseabrookisland.org
JohnS iSland c ouncil
Meetings are held at the Berkeley Electric Co-op located at 3351 Maybank Highway, Johns Island, S.C. 29455
Chairman Chris Cannon: 843-343-5113
charle STon c oun T y c ouncil 4045 Bridge View Drive N. Charleston, S.C. 29405 843-958-4700
ciT y of charle STon 75 Calhoun St. Charleston, S.C. 29401 843-724-3745
Kiawah Infrastructure
Continued from page 2
from outside funding sources, like state infrastructure banks or the federal government.
Detoma announced that their accomplishments have included resurfacing 895 miles of roads; constructing close to 50 miles of new bike and pedestrian paths and multi-use paths; and improving over 69 intersections for safety. For public transit, Charleston County has purchased 125 more vehicles and installed over 146 shelters and benches at the stops.
Charleston County’s population has increased by 33% since 2004, and vehicle registrations are up by 41%. They are expecting an additional 42,000 people in Charleston over the next 10 years. “That means more people, more traffic, more accidents,” she said.
She concluded her presentation by sharing a QR code to an online survey that she wants the public to fill out so that they can get a better idea of what infrastructure projects should be a priority if the half-cent sales tax continues.
Kiawah Island Town Council Member Russell Berner voiced that he felt priority had been given to the larger municipalities in Charleston County and not the Sea Island community.
Detoma answered that his feedback on the survey would help them realize where the problems lie. “We’re trying to look at the big picture. Once we see your priorities, we’ll know what to suggest to the county council and let them decide.” She added that the half-penny sales tax may not even become an option to renew, but that if it does, they want to have a clear plan of projects to prioritize with that money.
Berner added that public transportation in Johns Island has been an ongoing issue. “I don’t think we need to do a survey to know that the majority of residents on Johns Island want public transportation,” he said.
She replied, “They are looking for you all to get together publicly and vet that list. If that is something you all feel strongly about, bring that forth, so that we can tell the county council.”
Kiawah Island Town Council Member Lance Spencer reiterated that public transit will be necessary, especially when the MUSC facility opens in December. “It’s been a big focus that’s been increasing. We need CARTA service at least to Freshfields Village to support the workforce, vacationers, constituents and benefactors.
Spencer also mentioned the danger that bike riders experience on Main Road. “It’s very narrow and in poor repair,” he said.
Detoma said that Charleston County will get about $1 million a year to spend on bike paths. She added that they get about 150 projects submitted, on average. “You’ll see five get selected from those 150. There are some criteria, like proximity to a school. There are some legit criteria that we have to look through to determine if it can get funding.”
They hope to get the priorities from municipalities by the end of the year, she said. Then, they will present those to the county council and narrow down the list by the spring.
Speaking for other people in the Kiawah community, Belt voiced that he feels that the Sea Island community disproportionately contributes property taxes for improvements to roads from which they never benefit. “There is relatively little attention being paid to the roads and infrastructure here,” he said. “We are a substantial employment engine, yet our projects are not addressed.”
Detoma concluded her segment of the meeting by saying that she feels the Main Road corridor will become very congested by the traffic numbers. “We need the public’s support,” she said. “We really need to find out what current projects you all need, but we do want to finish what we have promised the public.”
The Lowcountry Land Trust is committed to preserving land on Johns Island
BY THERESA STRATFORD For The Island Connection
As more people move to the Lowcountry, preserving what little undeveloped land we have left becomes a priority.
When Matt Williams, president and CEO of the Lowcountry Land Trust, came and spoke at the recent Kiawah Island Town Council meeting, he stressed the importance of preserving land in the Johns Island area and how doing so could improve traffic.
Before Williams worked for the Lowcountry Land Trust, he worked for the Nature Conservancy. He called himself a “true conservationist,” as someone who has a vested interest in preserving the land in the area since he grew up not too far away in Georgetown County on the Santee River.
He began his preservation by sharing pictures from his childhood and talking about his father, who was a biologist.
“One day in particular, we were fishing on the (Continued on page 4)
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Land Trust
Continued from page 3
Santee delta, and he told my brother and me to look at the horizon, and he said, ‘What do you see?’ And we said, ‘We see marsh; we see trees.’ The point he was trying to make is that what you don’t see are bridges, houses, large developments, and factories. And that, to me, is the power of land protection,” he said.
He spoke about how the Lowcountry Land Trust has been around for nearly 40 years. They work in 17 counties and have easements in those 17 counties. They have protected over 163,000 acres in those areas..
Primarily, the Lowcountry Land Trust writes conservation easements with willing landowners to protect property. They also do some fee simple acquisitions, which means they buy land and then transfer it to a county park, to the Department of Natural Resources for state land or to federal partners like the Forest Service or the Fish and Wildlife Service.
Williams went on to say that protecting land enhances our quality of life. He showed a picture of someone standing outside in nature’s open space. He mentioned that people move here for nature. “We want to preserve this sense of place and this quality of life,” he said, adding that the diverse wildlife in the Lowcountry, as well as clean water and the lush ecosystem, are attractions.
Conversely, he showed a picture of traffic and an aerial view with developments. “If you protect the land, especially outside the urban growth boundary, it helps improve traffic.”
On Johns Island, which is over 48,000 acres, the Trust has protected 4,500 acres of land, which is 8.4%. Williams said they are always looking for more land to protect. He noted that they are working to enhance the Angel Oak Preserve site, which sees about 450,000 annual visitors.
“We have an opportunity now to provide a more comprehensive experience at Angel Oak Preserve. The city of Charleston owns the nine acres around the tree. We own the 35 acres around that nine acres. And we are now in the process of planning a new experience at the preserve where visitors will get an ecological experience, a cultural experience, a historical experience, and even a spiritual experience.”
He continued, “We will try to reduce road traffic along Angel Oak Road. We will be using a certain portion of the preserve for parking. We’re going to be building a raised boardwalk, which will keep visitors contained but also protect the root structure of the tree. We will have visitors enter through a welcome center. So we’re really excited about this project.”
Williams concluded his presentation by saying that conservation is about people. “It’s about developing relationships. Conservation takes time. It takes vision. It takes strategy. And it takes places like this to get together and have those conversations.”
Raised in an artistic landscape: December Artist of the Month Rob Bavier
RBY ROD MORRIS For The Island Connection
ob Bavier grew up on the water. A photo from when he was just 10 months old shows him standing at the tiller of an Interclub dinghy—a fitting start for someone from a family of sailors. Bavier’s grandfather and father competed in the America’s Cup, with his father serving as skipper of Constellation during its successful 1964 defense. With that heritage, it’s no surprise that the artist’s earliest memories are of racing on Long Island Sound and cruising along the ever-changing coast of Maine. The shifting moods of the sea have always fascinated him, and they are vividly reflected in his art. Whether it’s the glassy calm of a windless day punctuated by a playful cat’s paws; the fierce energy of a Nor’easter with spindrift blowing off the wave tops; the quiet isolation of a sunrise in a secluded Maine cove; or the electric intensity of a 100-boat start at Larchmont
(Continued on page 7)
Photo courtesy of Seabrook Island Artist Guild.
A request for Kiawah Island neighbors to support temporary residents from Jamaica
BY JOHN MOFFITT For The Island Connection
Hurricane Melissa made landfall in Jamaica on Tuesday, October 28 as a category 5 storm. It had winds of nearly 185 miles per hour and was possibly the strongest storm to have ever hit mainland Jamaica. The death toll was more than 30 people, and the estimated property damage could be greater than $4 billion dollars. Many residents lost their homes and all of their belongings.
Here at Kiawah, we have approximately 240 Jamaicans that travel here on H2B visas to work. The typical period they are here is between May and December. They leave their families and their homes in order to earn enough to send money home so their lives in Jamaica can be better than they might be otherwise. Many of these individuals have been coming to work at the resort for 20 years or more. They work as servers, housekeepers, bartenders, and every other job at the resort. I am certain that there are many of these folks that you encounter regularly that you don’t consciously think about as being here for the season. They have become friends, people you see year after year.
It is getting close to the time when many of these H2B visa holders are going home for the winter, and they will be back in May. The problem is that many of them have nothing to go home to. In many cases, their homes, cars and belongings have been severely damaged or lost completely. These friends need our help to help them get back on their feet and recover some of what they have lost.
In order to facilitate this, my wife, Barbara and I have established a SPOTFUND site to accept donations. My hope is that by the first of the year, we will have a substantial amount donated by the people of Kiawah that can be directed to these 240 individuals.
The SPOTFUND site is named KIAWAH MELISSA RELIEF FUND. Simply go to the SPOTFUND website at spotfund.com to donate. Search for KIAWAH MELISSA RELIEF FUND, and follow the prompts to donate. The money will be transferred to a Truist account set up specifically to receive these funds.
If there are any questions regarding what we are trying to do or the mechanics, please do not hesitate to email me at johnmoffitt5523@gmail.com. Thank you for taking the time to consider a gift to help our Jamaican friends.
Rob Bavier
Continued from page 6
Race Week, each moment provides inspiration for his work.
Trained as an architect, Bavier began painting watercolor renderings of his designs before branching into fine art. Today, he works primarily in watercolor, oil, and pastel—choosing the medium that best suits his subject and mood. Although he no longer races, Bavier has retired to Seabrook Island, where the ocean and tidal marshes are part of his artistic life. Every summer, he returns to Maine to sail and paint its familiar coastlines.
Bavier is a member of the American Society of Marine Artists and the Oil Painters of America. His paintings have received numerous honors, including “Best in Show” and “Best Watercolor” awards at juried exhibitions. He was invited by the Marlborough Arts Center to present an eight-week solo exhibition, titled Sea Change , showcasing his marine-themed works.
Most recently, his paintings were selected for the ASMA 2021 North Regional Exhibition at the Krasl Art Center and for OPA’s 2021 Salon Show at the Quinlan Visual Arts Center.
Bavier is also a past vice president of the Seabrook Island Artist Guild, where he leads plein air outings for fellow artists.
Join us in celebrating Rob Bavier’s artistic journey at his Artist of the Month reception on Tuesday, December 2, from 4:30–6 p.m. at the Seabrook Island Lake House.
SUNDAYS 8:00 AND 10:30 AM
8:00 AND 10:30 AM
AROUND THE ISLANDS
ONGOING
WHAT: Fleece+ Friday
WHERE: Beachwalker Center
WHEN: Every Friday from 10 a.m. to noon.
MORE INFO: Join the Kiawah Cares Made with Love program to create handmade crafts for children, seniors, Veterans, teachers, new moms and neighbors in need. All skill levels are welcome to make no-sew fleece blankets, craft greeting cards, sew fabric totes, knit/crochet scarves and more.
WHAT: Spirit Tasting
WHERE: Kiawah Spirits, 615 Freshfields Dr.
WHEN: Every Friday and Saturday from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
MORE INFO: Stop by Kiawah Spirits for tastings of select spirits. Guests must be 21 years old to participate. While supplies last.
WHAT: Sea Island Farmers Market
WHERE: 2024 Academy Rd., Johns Island
WHEN: Every Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
MORE INFO: The Sea Island Farmers Market is 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: 36th Annual Holiday Festival of Lights
WHERE: James Island County Park
WHEN: Nov. 14 - Dec. 31
treats and “Scuba Claus.”
WHAT: Letters to Santa
WHERE: Freshfields Village
Our community calendar keeps you updated on local events. From festivals to workshops to family-friendly gatherings. Stay connected and never miss out on the excitement.
WHEN: Friday, Nov. 28 – Friday, Dec. 19
MORE INFO: Families can continue a beloved holiday tradition by dropping letters to Santa in the special red mailbox located near the Christmas trees on The Village Green. Santa’s elves will collect every letter and deliver it directly to the North Pole. Be sure to include a return address—Santa loves writing back!
WHAT: Southern Sips
WHERE: Dunlin Resort, 1030 Sound Drive, Johns Island
WHEN: Every Tuesday and Friday from 3:30 p.m.4:30 pm
MORE INFO: Step into the world of mixology with this Southern Sips Class, where you’ll master the art of crafting two unique cocktails using ingredients sourced directly from the resort’s farm.
WHAT: “A Christmas Carol”
WHERE: Dock Street Theatre, 135 Church St., Charleston
WHEN: Nov. 29 - Dec. 21, 2025
MORE INFO: Return to Victorian era London once more and join Ebenezer Scrooge on a magical journey through time in the heartwarming, original adaptation of the beloved Charles Dickens’ classic, “A Christmas Carol.” First produced by Charleston Stage in 1978, this production has secured its status as a staple holiday tradition in the Lowcountry.
WHAT: South Carolina Ballet: Nutcracker WHERE: Charleston Music Hall, 37 John St., Charleston
WHEN: Dec. 1 - Dec. 3 at 7 p.m.
MORE INFO: Let Tchaikovsky’s musical score of unparalleled lyricism and originality transport you to a dreamlike world of floating snowflakes, dancing
WHERE: Kiawah River, 3883 Betsy Kerrison Pkwy., Johns Island WHEN: 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.
MORE INFO: The Home for the Holidays event is a rare opportunity to tour Kiawah River and The Spring House, the community’s luxury waterfront pool and wellness amenity. A curated collection of homes will also be open. Guided tours will feature newly completed homes on Saltspray Lane, Honey Hole Haven and Jack Island Drive. The holiday market will feature 40 local vendors, farmers and artisans offering distinctive gifts, home décor, jewelry and festive treats. Here’s a glimpse of the talented vendors whose wares will be available:
WHAT: Live music by Dave Landeo WHERE: Freshfields Village WHEN: 1:45–5 p.m.
MORE INFO: Local musician Dave Lander will perform at Freshfields Village.
SATURDAY, NOV. 29
WHAT: Santa Visits the Village WHERE: Freshfields Village WHEN: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
MORE INFO: Santa Claus will be available for complimentary photos in Santa’s Surf Shack on the Village Green. Be sure to bring your camera or phone as families will be able to capture their own special moment this year.
WHAT: DJ Ben Felton WHERE: Freshfields Village WHEN: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
MORE INFO: Enjoy tunes by DJ Ben Felton.
WHAT: Holiday Market WHERE: Freshfields Village WHEN: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
MORE INFO: Shop from local vendors.
SUNDAY COFFEE & CLASS WITH THE RECTOR- 8:45am SUNDAY WORSHIP- 10:00am
Coffee & Fellowship following Worship Service
Womens Bible Study Fellowship - Mondays at 10:00am Healing Prayer Service - Tuesdays at 1:15pm Men’s Bible Study - Thursdays at 7:30am
Hometown tennis star Emma Navarro returns for 2026 Credit One Charleston Open
BY ARIELLE ALPINO | For The Island Connection
Charleston local and World No. 15 Emma Navarro will return to compete in her hometown tournament next year at the Credit One Charleston Open, North America’s largest women’s-only professional tennis event. The 24-year-old American added a second career title to her resume in February at the WTA 500 Mérida Open, where she won the final 6 - 0, 6 - 0, becoming only the fifth player since 2000 to win a WTA final without dropping a game. She will be joined in the field by fellow Americans World No. 6 Jessica Pegula and World No. 7 Madison Keys. The tournament is set for March 28 - April 5 on Daniel Island.
Navarro’s 2025 season included seven quarterfinal finishes, highlighted by a run to the final eight at the Australian Open. In 2024, she reached the quarterfinals at Wimbledon, advanced to the semifinals at the US Open and qualified for the Olympic team for the first time. She will compete in the Credit One Charleston Open for the seventh time next year.
her journey for years, watching her rise from a local standout to one of the sport’s top competitors. Having Emma compete here again brings a sense of pride and excitement to next year’s tournament.”
Navarro has played in front of her home crowd six times with her best result coming this past April when she reached the quarterfinals, falling to fellow American Amanda Anisimova in a hard-fought match that featured two tight sets.
“We’re excited to welcome Emma back to Charleston,” said Bob Moran, President of Beemok Sports & Entertainment. “She represents the strength of American tennis and the remarkable talent that continues to come out of our Charleston community. Our attendees have followed
“I absolutely love coming back to Charleston. Playing in my hometown means so much to me, and having my family, friends and the incredible fans in the stands makes it truly special,” said Navarro. “I feel so fortunate to have grown up in a city that champions women’s tennis and has supported me every step of the way as I chase my dream. Getting the chance to compete at home is something I never take for granted, and I’m really looking forward to being back next spring.”
The nine-day Credit One Charleston Open showcases a singles draw of 48 players, a qualifying draw of 24 players, and a doubles draw of 16 players. The event traditionally hosts more than 90,000 attendees on Daniel Island. Tickets are currently on sale at creditonecharlestonopen.com or by calling 843-856-7900.
Kiawah Island Garden Club looks ahead to 2026
BY KRISTIN B. THOMPSON For The Island Connection
As the 2025 calendar year comes to an end, members of the Kiawah Island Garden Club are looking ahead and planning for the first half of the 2026 season. The members are savoring three activities during the last two months of 2025 – a tour and luncheon of the waterfront and Colonial Lake districts of historic Charleston; a presentation on Ikebana by Master Takaya Sato; and a holiday luncheon at Jasmine Porch.
Future planning includes a class and presentation at Hyams Garden and Accent Store; a class on orchid maintenance and repotting; a wine and cheese (local goat) at Kiawah River; a “Welcome Spring” flower arranging get-together; and a Kiawah garden walkabout and picnic.
In honor of the 250th anniversary of the Revolutionary War, the club is also planning a special tour at the home of one of South Carolina’s Signers of the Declaration of Independence, to include the gardens and a luncheon.
Membership is open to full and part-time residents of Kiawah, Cassique and Seafields. To join, send your contact information, including name, address, email and $15 check made payable to Kiawah Island Garden Club, to Lisa Milo, 70 LeMoyne Lane, Kiawah island, SC 29455.
OAnnual Veteran’s Day Charitable Golf Outing was a
success
BY ALAN ARMSTRONG For The Island Connection
n November 10, Lowcountry golfers teed up at the Seabrook Island Club for the 14th Annual Seabrook Island Veteran’s Day Charitable Golf Outing. The event recognizes veterans and raises money to support the Charleston Fisher House and the Ralph Johnson Veterans Hospital in Charleston. It’s sponsored by the Seabrook Island Club and the Kiawah-Seabrook Exchange Club.
Major donors this year included the Seabrook Island Real Estate Company; Hobson Builders; Bohicket Marina; the McDaniel Family Foundation; and the Greubel Family Foundation.
During the opening ceremonies, the flag was presented by the St. Johns High School Jr. ROTC Color Guard, and WWII veteran Ed Gillen was recognized for his service. The Seabrook Island Club hosted 220 golfers, including 19 Lowcountry Wounded Warriors who wanted to show their support for veterans of all eras.
The Ocean Winds flight winners were Dwight Kress, Kelly Brian, Kevin Stack, and Olivia Frida. The Cooked Oaks flight winners were Charlie Templeton, Carl Lundquist, Steve Duca, and Ricky Gaylord.
In total, the event raised $55,000 for the Fisher House and Ralph Johnson Charleston Veterans Hospital. The date for 2026 will be Monday November 9.
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Seabrook Island Village celebrates a great season
BY SUSAN COOMER For The Island Connection
October was a month of great success for Seabrook Island Village. We honored over 100 volunteers, held two fascinating programs related to technology and health and had a great day fundraising and playing mahjong.
Volunteer programs
Lucy Walton, board member and chair of Volunteer Services and its administration team, headed an elegant celebration to honor the volunteers. Meredeth and Clint Allen opened their lovely home on Jenkins Point for the festivities. Volunteers provided 403 services for a total of 654 hours through October of this year. These services went to members on Seabrook Island and Kiawah River Estates. As Walton noted with pride, “Everyone steps up when needed!” A warm thankyou goes out to other special volunteers as follows:
• Deb Trum provided the most hours (67) and provided 36 services to members;
• Steve Althoff gave 22 hours of basic home chores;
• Paula Adamson is among the organization’s original volunteers who fills in everywhere there’s a need; and
• John Holschuh and his wife, Wendy, are a fantastic team, as they serve on volunteer administration and service teams.
Education programs
With the goal of creating education programs which are timely and help people use technology wisely for health and wellness, the Village created two exceptional workshops supported by a grant from the Town of Seabrook Island.
“Preventing Scams,” held on October 20, consisted of Chad Droze, Systems Analyst at Compu-Experts in Freshfields Village, describing different types of scams found on communication devices. Droze also identified a new technology employing voice cloning to misrepresent reality using artificial intelligence (AI). He said the most important way to be protected is to trust your gut. If something sounds too good to be true, it probably is! Call or text your vendor directly to verify.
The second workshop, held on November 3, was a small group learning session titled “Using Your Apple Watch.” This time, Droze brought Apple watches to life as a health accessory, capable of providing emergency alerts in the event of a fall or accident. The watches can also track health and fitness, provide reminders to take medication, or signal heart arrhythmias. The presentation was so well-received that it will be repeated on December 3 at Kiawah River Estates.
Fun with fundraising
On October 30, SIV hosted its sixth mahjong tournament. A total of 68 women gathered on tournament day, which included wonderful breakfast pastries by Chef Christine; a bit of champagne; a yummy lunch by Chef Van and his team; and lots of door prizes.
SIV thanks The Seabrook Island Club for all they did to help make this event a success. Our thanks also go out to Lori Leary and her “Mah Squad:” Beth Wright, Bobby Robhoz, Lisa McDaniel, and Betty Connell. A part of each tournament player’s entrance fee was donated to SIV. We are also proud to recognize our growing number of generous event sponsors. The next SIV mahjong day of fun will be Thursday, February 26, 2026.
Plans for spring
Plans are already in the works for Spring 2026. Stay tuned for the following:
• January 30: Practical Tips for Safe Movement III: A hands-on workshop at the Oyster Catcher Community Center;
• TBD February: Apple Watches Part II and AI Basics with Chad Droze; and
• TBD March: A new program focused on assuring your estate plans are clear.
Learn more about Seabrook Island Village and keep up with events at seabrookislandvillage.org.
