Since May 2007 PRESORT STANDARD US POSTAGE PAID CHARLESTON, SC PERMIT NO. 137 POSTAL PATRON
Volume 22 • Issue 20
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October 30, 2026
What Can We Do to Help Our Birds? BY MELANIE FINN | For The Island Connection
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igrating bird populations have lost 90% of their flock in the past 30 years. That is a loss so alarming that sirens should be going off day and night on all the coastal areas and islands. Only in 2019 did Felicia Sanders, a coastal bird biologist with the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, and her team discover that some 20,000 Whimbrels fly continuously
for 45 days and 4,500 miles from northern South America, and land on Deveaux Bank to refuel for their long trip to Canadian summering. They all land within three days, specifically on Deveaux Bank off the coast of Seabrook in the Ace Basin, to eat fiddler crabs and other less musically talented clams and delicacies. After resting and restoring body fat, each flock lifts off to journey the remaining 2000+ miles to Hudson Bay. Deveaux Bank used to comprise 215 acres and is a sandbank, subject to storm and tide fluctuations. It is currently down to about 4 acres due to king tides and hurricanes, Captain Chris Crolley confided in the Lowcountry Land Trust trip in 2025.
Compared to the Whimbrels’ utter exhaustion, work seemed relatively simple for filmmakers Matt Aeberhard and Andy Johnson. Supported by Sanders, who transported them to and from the island, the two nightly burrowed themselves in the sand to film and observe in detail how the Whimbrels arrive, feed and later depart Deveaux Bank. The 10-minute film, produced by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, “Deveaux Bank: Reflections of a Cultural Ornithologist,” paired Matt and Andy’s gorgeous footage from Deveaux with the narration of poet and writer J. Drew Lanham. According to Sanders, this film was a vital tool in convincing lawmakers to endow Deveaux with formal sanctuary status, providing real protection to the migrating Whimbrel and other birds that use the island. Knowing there were more stories to tell, Aeberhard and writer Melanie Finn teamed up to start the media non-profit, BirdStory. They partner with Cornell, sharing film footage and continuing their close working relationship with Johnson, who is now Senior Video Producer at National Audubon. BirdStory’s first film, Stories to Save Us: The Saltmarsh Sparrow, is a product of this enduring, bird-centered alliance. By following the filmmakers through the process of making a sequence on the Saltmarsh Sparrow, the audience learns about Aeberhard’s filming techniques as well as Finn’s research into the human impacts on salt marshes (Continued on page 11)
Seabrook Island Village Sponsored a Presentation on Fire Safety For The Island Connection
Chief Fire Marshal Tim Pristatskiy
Senior Captain Ed Singleton
Seabrook Island Village, Neighbors Helping Neighbors, was pleased to present a community program on fire safety at the Lake House on October 9. Chief Fire Marshal Tim Pristatskiy, assisted by Senior Captain Ed Singleton, shared the remarkable history and rapid growth of the Johns Island Fire Department. Chief Pristatskiy described its beginnings with the hiring of its first—and only—professional firefighter in 1969, the construction of the first fire station in 1978 and the challenges faced by early volunteers. Today, the Johns Island Fire District has 148 employees and seven fire stations. October is Fire Safety Month, and this year’s initiative is titled “Charge into Fire Safety!” Chief Pristatskiy and Captain Singleton highlighted the potential risks of lithium-ion batteries, the rechargeable batteries used in many everyday devices. Because these batteries can react to extreme
heat and cold, they may ignite and cause fires that cannot be extinguished with water. Their advice: never use inexpensive, off-brand chargers; do not leave devices plugged in after they are fully charged; and if a device becomes hot, unplug it and allow it to cool. Audience members asked many questions and signed up for home safety checks and smoke detector installations. Seabrook is fortunate to have a top-notch fire department that responds to emergencies well beyond fighting fires. Much of its work involves emergency medical response, advanced life support, rescues involving vehicles, boats, homes, and assistance to individuals facing many other types of emergencies. When you see our firefighters, thank them for all they do. They are dedicated, caring and always willing to help. They deserve our heartfelt thanks.
Page 2 • LuckyDogNews.com • October 2, 2026
PUBLISHERS OF: The Island Eye News The Island Connection SiP Magazine Christian Senger Assistant Publisher
Charleston Caddie Launches American-Made Golf Apparel Brand After Two Years of Development
Theresa Stratford Editor tmmart89@gmail.com Stacey Nichols Graphic Designer Advertising advertising@mylonews.com Lynn Pierotti Consultant lynn@luckydognews.com Contributors Theresa Stratford Melanie Finn Elisabeth St. John Lily Addicott Melissa Andrews Reese Thompson Future submission deadline: November 4 for the November 13 issue PUBLISHED BY Lucky Dog Publishing of South Carolina, LLC P.O. Box 837 Sullivan’s Island, South Carolina 29482 843-886-NEWS For more information, check out LuckyDogNews.com Want to share this paper with a friend? Digital flipbooks of each print issue can be found at LuckyDogNews.com. Op-eds and letters to the editor do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Lucky Dog Publishing or its staff. Old Island Eye, Island Connection Issues Available
A
For The Island Connection
fter more than two years of development, Ocean Course caddie Henry McGannon has launched Holdout Golf Threads, a new golf apparel brand built around American manufacturing, domestic materials and a visible supply chain. McGannon, who has spent the last 13 years caddying at golf courses including Pinehurst, Eagle Point, Biltmore Forest and the Ocean Course at Kiawah Island, began developing Holdout after years of working in golf and previously running an apparel company. The brand’s first collection includes two garments: the Range Shirt, a lightweight French terry overshirt inspired by American workwear, and the Standard Polo, a performance golf polo made with recycled REPREVE® yarn. The garments are designed, developed and cut and sewn in the United States, with the supply chain intentionally kept visible. For the Range Shirt, the organic cotton is grown in Texas and moves through American textile suppliers before being made into the finished garment. McGannon has spent the development process building relation-
ships with the farmers, textile suppliers, patternmakers and manufacturers involved in making the garments. “The goal was never just to put ‘Made in USA’ on a label,” said McGannon. “I wanted to know where the materials came from, who made them and how they became the clothes we’re wearing. Once you start looking into how clothing is actually made, you realize how complicated it is.” That process has not always been easy. McGannon spent more than $10,000 developing the first collection and made seven prototypes of the Range Shirt before settling on the final version. He also discovered that finding certain components domestically could be nearly impossible. The buttons used on the Range Shirt and Standard Polo were the only components he ultimately could not source from an American manufacturer. The name Holdout came from one of those unexpected moments in the supply chain. About 18 months ago, McGannon was speaking with Mark Leonard of Hill Spinning in Thomasville, North Carolina, while trying to trace the supply chain of a fabric. When discussing why Leonard was still
operating a domestic spinning business despite the industry’s decades-long shift overseas, Leonard told him, “I don’t know if we’re just stubborn or stupid, but we’re holdouts.” The phrase stuck. McGannon eventually named the brand Holdout, and later discovered that Hill Spinning spins organic cotton for Spiritex, which supplies the French terry and rib used in Holdout’s Range Shirt. Holdout’s first collection is currently being funded through Kickstarter, with the campaign running through October 31 at noon. If funded, the campaign will finance the first production run of the Range Shirt and Standard Polo, both of which will be cut and sewn in the United States. “The Kickstarter is really just the next step,” said McGannon. “I’ve spent the last two years figuring out whether I could actually build this supply chain and make these garments the way I wanted to. Now I want to make the first production run and see where we can take it.” The collection and Kickstarter campaign are available at holdoutgolf. com and through Holdout’s Kickstarter campaign.
Town of Kiawah Island
Town of Seabrook Island
Ways & Means Committee Tuesday, Nov. 3, 10 a.m. Kiawah Island Town Hall
Planning Commission Wednesday, Nov. 4, 1:30 p.m. Seabrook Island Town Hall
K iawah Island Town H all 4475 Betsy Kerrison Parkway Kiawah Island, S.C. 29455 843-768-9166
Town Council Tuesday, Nov. 3, 1 p.m. Kiawah Island Town Hall
Environment & Wildlife Committee Thursday, Nov. 12, 10 a.m. Seabrook Island Town Hall
Seabrook Island Town H all 2001 Seabrook Island Road Seabrook Island, S.C. 29455 843-768-9121 info@townofseabrookisland.org
Planning Commision Wednesday, Nov. 4, 2 p.m. Kiawah Island Town Hall
Town Council Tuesday, Nov. 17, 2:30 p.m. Seabrook Island Town Hall
Johns Island Council Meetings are held at the Berkeley Electric Co-op located at 3351 Maybank Highway, Johns Island, S.C. 29455 Chairman Christina Gammons White
Arts & Cultural Events Council Thursday, Nov. 5, 2 p.m. Kiawah Island Town Hall
Discretionary Grants Committee Wednesday, Nov. 18, 10 a.m. Seabrook Island Town Hall
Charleston County Council 4045 Bridge View Drive North Charleston, S.C. 29405 843-958-4700
Infrastructure and Public Works Committee Tuesday, Nov. 10, 1 p.m. Kiawah Island Town Hall
Community Facilities & Infrastructure Committee Thursday, Nov. 19, 1 p.m. Seabrook Island Town Hall
City of Charleston 75 Calhoun St. Charleston, S.C. 29401 843-724-3745
Page 3 • LuckyDogNews.com • October 2, 2026
and online. The recreational limit is two U.S. bushels of oysters and one-half bushel of clams per day, limited to two calendar days per seven-day period. One U.S. bushel is equal to eight gallons. There is a maximum possession limit of three personal limits per boat or vehicle. Clams must be at least one inch thick. Additional rules and restrictions may be found in the SCDNR Rules and Regulations, available where licenses are purchased or online. Commercial Shellfish Harvest Commercial harvest of shellfish requires a commercial saltwater license, mandatory harvester training, and other licenses and permits depending on where the harvest will occur. Call the Marine Permitting Office at 843-953-9301 (Option 4) for additional information on commercial harvesting requirements.
It’s Shellfish Season For The Island Connection
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he 2026-2027 season for recreational harvest of shellfish (clams and oysters) in South Carolina’s coastal waters opened one-half hour before official sunrise on October 1. The recreational shellfish season will remain open through May 15, 2027, unless conditions warrant extending or shortening the season. In the event of a hurricane, major rain event or pollution spill, shellfish beds may be temporarily closed by the South Carolina Department of Environmental Services (SCDES, formerly SCDHEC). Harvesters should check with SCDES to verify whether any closures are in effect. Closure information is available by calling 1-800-2851618 or through an interactive map on the SCDES website. SCDES will also use these resources and local newspapers throughout the year to announce temporary closures resulting from unusual rain events or spills. Recreational harvesting is permitted on all Public Shellfish Grounds and State Shellfish Grounds within areas of open or approved water quality, as noted on shellfish maps. Twenty public and seven State Shellfish Grounds are managed exclusively for recreational gathering. An additional 58 State Shellfish Grounds are managed for both recreational and commercial harvest. Recreational harvesters should obtain updated public or State Shellfish Ground maps at the beginning of each season, as areas open to harvest may change from year to year. Maps of designated harvest areas may be downloaded from the SCDNR website or accessed through the Recreational Map Web Application. Printed maps may also be obtained by calling 843-953-9854 or writing to the Shellfish Management Section, Attn: Andy Hollis, SCDNR, P.O. Box 12559, Charleston, SC 29422-2559. When requesting maps, please specify the general area where you wish to harvest. Recreational harvesters must have a Saltwater Recreational Fishing License, available from SCDNR, at many fishing supply stores
Shellfish Season Best Practices •All harvesters are encouraged to “cull in place” by breaking off and leaving dead shell and smaller oysters on the shoreline, where they will continue to grow and provide habitat for other oysters. Only harvest clusters or singles of larger oysters. •If you enjoy eating oysters, remember to recycle your shells. Check online or call 843-953-9397 to find locations near you where shells can be dropped off for recycling. •Please note that recycled shell placed in any SCDNR receptacle becomes South Carolina state property and is illegal to take. All shells collected by SCDNR are used to restore shellfish grounds in coastal South Carolina.
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Page 4 • LuckyDogNews.com • October 2, 2026
Kiawah Art Guild Announces Their 2026-2027 Season Plans BY ELISABETH ST. JOHN | For The Island Connection
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host of great workshops are on the agenda for the Kiawah Art Guild members this fall and into the new year. On Nov. 4, Karen Hewitt Hagan will present a workshop on “Abstracting the Southern Marsh.” Hagan describes herself as “ever evolving” after first enjoying careers in television, radio and as a gallery owner herself, before developing her marker in painting. Hagan will teach member artists to abstract with various techniques in acrylics and oils. In visual art terms, abstracting means “creating a visual work that does not try to show a realistic or accurate picture of the physical world,” my new BFF named AI, shared. If you’d like to participate, the one-day workshop cost is $150, and sign-up is available on the KAG website. The Fall Artisan Market, a two-day gift show, will host local artists and makers, including Kiawah Art Guild members. Gwen Emery has been busy crafting jewelry creations to add to original paintings, handcrafted pottery and home decorations by Guild members and local artisans. The artwork and crafts available at this event are outstanding, and it is a great time to purchase those special holiday gifts. KICA members will be able to enjoy an exclusive preview market on Nov. 13 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., but everyone in the islands and Charleston area is invited to The Fall Artisan Market on Nov. 14, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Kiawah Island Sandcastle. Just tell the Kiawah Island Gate you’re going to the Sandcastle, and signs will lead the way. For those who are giving up alcohol as a New Year’s resolution, this may be shocking, but wait, it’s not the grape-related kind! The mid-winter, Jan. 13 Guild meeting will be followed by a mini-workshop on alcohol inks. Meg Hormeier is a mixed media artist who blends alcohol inks and acrylics. AI shared that Alcohol Ink art is a “vibrant, fast-drying fluid painting style that uses highly pigmented, alcohol based dyes on non-porous surfaces.” Artist Gwen Emery adds, “Alcohol Ink will be shown on non-porous paper, tiles, glass or metal. It is vibrant and expressive.” Emery’s work on exhibit at the October KAG show reflected these qualities. Canvas is passé for this method of artwork. Do come and find out the details! Coming up on Jan. 20 are plans for a first-time event: The Kiawah Art Guild Exhibition at the Sandcastle, including nearly a dozen artists’ works. Not a market, but simply a way to share conversation, inspiration and artwork with the community. The Wednesday gathering is a great way to get to know one another and to share stories about the driving forces behind the exhibited works. Everyone, including members, friends or those just interested in art, is cordially invited. If you are coming off-island, please tell the Kiawah Gate that you’re attending the Kiawah Art Guild Exhibition and follow the signs to the Sandcastle. Mark Horton is well known for Lowcountry landscapes and has a gallery downtown that includes his own works and those of other artists. A native of the state, influenced by the Hudson River School painters among others, Horton expresses his fascination with the effects of light and weather on the landscape. His works reflect his love for the Lowcountry and its people. Horton will spend two days, Tuesday and Wednesday, Feb. 23 and 24, teaching a workshop at Kiawah. The cost is $280, and reservations can be made on the website. Pictured here are from the very successful Oct. 17 KAG show. For more information, or to view the entire 2027 calendar of upcoming Guild plans, please see the website, kiawahartguild.org. The Kiawah Art Guild welcomes new members regardless of their art backgrounds and experience. Check out the KAG website and complete the form on the contacts page so we can have the privilege of meeting you and learning about your artistic interests.
Page 5 • LuckyDogNews.com • October 2, 2026
Photograph courtesy of Conservancy of the Sea Islands.
What Falls in Autumn Grows in Spring BY LILY ADDICOTT | For The Island Connection
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pring is celebrated as a season of rebirth, with colorful blooms, fresh leaves and fragrant flowers displayed across our Sea Islands. Yet spring’s renewal would not come without a prosperous fall. As days shorten and temperatures cool, many trees drop their leaves, fruits, seeds and cones to the forest floor, setting the stage for the next generation of life. These seeds are taking their first steps into the complex ecosystems that surround them. Over time, trees and woody plants have developed many ways for a seed to travel away from its mother tree by taking on different seed shapes, sizes, textures and smells. Fleshy fruits attract animals, prickly seeds hitch a ride on fellow hikers, and lightweight seeds may be carried by wind and rain to the perfect place to take root. Consider the familiar sights beneath our feet: from sweetgum balls and acorns to pine cones and palmetto drupes, all of these seeds are trying to disperse away from their parent tree to find an open space with better resources and less competition. Sometimes
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these seeds need a helping hand or two to move to a new site, which is where the friendly critters we know and love come into play. Birds, small mammals and rodents are some of nature’s most effective seed dispersers, moving seeds between habitats by eating fruits or carrying seeds away for storage. Forest animals typically consume these seeds and digest the fruity parts, releasing the seed back to the environment and giving it a better chance of survival. Another common technique is called scatter hoarding, used by seed predators, like squirrels and jays, in which they bury multiple seed caches in different places to save for later. Some of these hidden caches are eventually forgotten, allowing the seeds to germinate and grow into seedlings and saplings. However, such wildlife does not always lend a helping hand. They also consume many of the seeds they collect, giving them a complicated ecological role as both seed predators and seed dispersers. Without animal intervention in seed move-
ment, the natural landscapes we know and love would have different ways of growing, spreading and existing. Protecting land and the wildlife that uses those habitats is essential to maintaining ecosystem health and function on our Sea Islands. The squirrels and the bluejays across maritime forests, wetlands and marshes are the planters of our future forests. Next time you step across an acorn-strewn path, consider the journey those seeds may face. Every forgotten acorn or buried seed represents a small opportunity for a new tree to take root, reminding us that the next generation of the Lowcountry’s forests may depend, in part, on the everyday habits of the wildlife around us. Through its mission to protect and conserve the natural landscapes of our Sea Islands, Conservancy of the Sea Islands helps safeguard the habitats and ecological relationships that allow these cycles of renewal to continue for generations to come. Learn more about the Conservancy and its work at conservancyoftheseaislands.org.
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Page 6 • LuckyDogNews.com • October 2, 2026
AROUND THE ISLANDS MULTIPLE DAYS WHAT: Fleece+ Friday WHERE: Beachwalker Center WHEN: Every Friday from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. 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. SATURDAY, OCT. 31 WHAT: Outdoor Barre Workout at Andell Inn WHERE: Freshfields Village WHEN: 11:30 a.m. MORE INFO: Enjoy a fun 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 and watching gators swim in the pond. Bring a mat and a set of light weights (1-3lbs). Don’t worry if you don’t have anything, they’ll have extras. THURSDAY, NOV. 5 WHAT: Dolphin Walks with Lauren Rust WHERE: Kiawah Beachwalker Park WHEN: 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. MORE INFO: Enjoy a 3 mile walk and talk to see and hear strand feeding dolphins with dolphin biologist, Lauren Rust. Registration is required. FRIDAY, NOV. 6 WHAT: TOKI Blood Drive at Town Hall WHERE: Kiawah Island Town Hall WHEN: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. MORE INFO: Did you know each blood donation with The Blood Connection saves three lives? Be a hero and donate blood at the TOKI sponsored blood drive. Register at donate.thebloodconnection.org/donor/schedules/ drive_schedule/312841. In addition, donors will receive a $40 electronic gift card for their life-saving donation. WHAT: On the Border (Eagles Tribute Band) WHERE: Kiawah Beachwalker Park WHEN: 7:30 p.m. – 9 p.m. MORE INFO: Delivering authentic sound, tight harmonies, and a high-energy live concert experience. As the premier Eagles tribute recreating the music, vocals, and feel of one of rock’s greatest bands. TUESDAY, NOV. 10 WHAT: Erinys Quartet WHERE: Seabrook Island Club WHEN: 7:30 p.m. MORE INFO: The internationally award-winning Erinys Quartet is a force of joy, power, and prodigious unity.
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.
These brilliant artists unequivocally delight in music-making — a delight that can’t help but be shared by audiences and acclaimed worldwide! Named for the Erinyes (a.k.a. the Furies) from the Greek tragedy Oresteia by Aeschylus, Erinys Quartet was founded at the Sibelius Academy in Helsinki, with roots in Estonia, Lithuania, Greece, the US, & Finland. FRIDAY, NOV. 13 WHAT: 4th Annual Bobcats & Bluegrass WHERE: Kiawah Island Town Hall WHEN: 2:30 p.m. – 5 p.m. MORE INFO: Come and enjoy the following activities: presentation on the island’s bobcat population from Town biologists, spirit and wine tastings, lite bites from Martin’s Bar-B-Que Joint, Bluegrass music on the lawn by Moto-Grass, special giveaways, and more. This is a free event; however, registration is required. You can register on Eventbrite. SATURDAY, NOV. 14 WHAT: Fall Artisan Market WHERE: Sandcastle, 1 Shipwatch Drive, Kiawah WHEN: 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. MORE INFO: The Sandcastle’s annual holiday popup returns with local artists and makers selling original paintings, photography, pottery, woodwork, jewelry and home décor. It’s a good chance to find a one-of-a-kind gift, a hostess present or something for your own home. To attend, stop at Kiawah’s gatehouse to receive a special event pass. WHAT: Lowcountry Smoke & Shuck WHERE: Freshfields Village WHEN: 3 p.m. – 6 p.m. MORE INFO: Garden & Gun returns to Freshfields Village for a celebration of the flavors and traditions of the Lowcountry. The open-to-the-public gathering on the Village Green features food and drinks available throughout the afternoon from some of the region’s favorite culinary talents, including an oyster roast and steamed shrimp by CudaCo. and whole hog roast from The Peculiar Pig. Bring a chair and stay for seasonal cocktails and live music. TUESDAY, NOV. 17 WHAT: Andy & Friends WHERE: Seabrook Island Club WHEN: 7:30 p.m. - 9 p.m. MORE INFO: Join celebrated pianist Andrew Armstrong as he leads the next program of his chamber music series, Andy & Friends. WEDNESDAY, NOV. 18 WHAT: Film Showing WHERE: Seafields, Kiawah Island WHEN: 3 p.m. - 5 p.m.
MORE INFO: Enjoy a screening of “The Ghost and Mrs. Muir.” There is no cost to attend and no tickets are required, but seating is first come first serve SATURDAY, NOV. 21 WHAT: Cars & Coffee WHERE: Freshfields Village WHEN: 9 a.m. - 11 a.m. MORE INFO: Arrive in your favorite ride or stop by the Village Green to browse unique, antique and other cool cars. Coffee and breakfast will be available for purchase at Java Java. MONDAY, NOV. 30 WHAT: Andy & Friends: Show 1 WHERE: Seafields WHEN: 7:30 p.m. - 9 p.m. MORE INFO: Join celebrated pianist Andrew Armstrong as he leads the next program of his chamber music series, Andy & Friends. WEDNESDAY, DEC. 16 WHAT: Piano Bar - Hunter Feick WHERE: Seafields, Kiawah Island WHEN: 5 p.m. - 7 p.m. MORE INFO: The Piano Bar is a relaxed, social gathering where guests can enjoy live music while visiting with friends and neighbors. It is intentionally more casual than a traditional concert, with conversation and connection being part of the experience. With several opportunities to attend throughout the season, we look forward to welcoming our growing community to these evenings of music, conversation, and good company. ONGOING WHAT: The Fall Tours WHERE: Various WHEN: Oct. 1 - 31 MORE INFO: Now in its 50th year, the Preservation Society of Charleston’s signature Fall Tours are specially designed to showcase Charleston’s unique cultural and architectural heritage. Enjoy walking tours, house and garden tours, or in-depth tours of neighborhoods and residences all throughout the city. WHAT: XscapeWorks Halloween WHERE: XscapeWorks, 2430 Air Park Rd., North Charleston WHEN: Select dates from Sept. 25 - Oct. 31 MORE INFO: The Original Creator of Boone Hall Fright Nights transforms XscapeWorks Into “XscapeWorks Halloween,” a Live-Actor Haunted Experience Unlike Anything Else in Charleston. XscapeWorks, known as Charleston’s largest and most extreme escape room facility, is going even more extreme this fall with the launch of XscapeWorks Halloween, a fright-filled horror experience featuring live actors.
Page 7 • LuckyDogNews.com • October 2, 2026
Climb Into the Treehouse With the Garden Club BY ELISABETH ST. JOHN | For The Island Connection
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he Kiawah Island Garden Club’s goal is to climb into the newest addition to the Kiawah Resort family, the Treehouse, on Nov. 9. The climb constitutes a few steps into a plethora of activities and food resources. Planned for families, and particularly fun on a rainy day or for evening entertainment, the Treehouse offers bowling, snacks, an arcade and crafting studios to island visitors and residents. For the Garden Club, the event comes with a complimentary $20 arcade card, accompanying the choice of activity: screen
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printing a T-shirt or tote bag, or pottery-painting. For details, reservations or to join, see kiawahislandgardenclub.org and contact kristin@rhettsbluff.com. Also mark your calendars for Dec. 8 for the KIGC annual holiday luncheon. This fun event is held at the gorgeous Sanctuary Hotel. Of course, there will be a group photo taken, so the plan is to gather in the lobby at 11:45 a.m. in colorful holiday garb. Can you make candles? We learned how to make
some at the Charleston Museum, which is notably the oldest museum in the country in this 250th anniversary year. The venerable museum hosted the Kiawah Island Garden Club on Oct. 23 for a handson, interactive program on beeswax candle making. Not into candles? The program also included a segment on the use of invisible ink and decoding with cypher wheels. (I can just visualize Ralphie, from the Christmas Story movie, decoding his Ovaltine message.) Then a short ramble through garden allées designed by legendary landscape architect, Loutrel Briggs, took members to lunch at 39 Rue de Jean. If you missed this event, be sure to put the November and December dates on your calendar! Who says museums are boring? Our own Charleston museums, the Gibbes and Charleston Museum, rank among the first to be founded in the nation. The Gibbes, located at 135 Meeting Street in a 1905 Beaux-Arts mansion and named after benefactor James Shoolbred Gibbes, focuses on diversity in Lowcountry heritage, including contemporary and historical perspectives, and hosts seminars, presentations and current collections. Mary Whyte, renowned watercolor artist and resident, just finished showing 26 pieces of her magnificent collection celebrating the American Spirit and the 250th anniversary of founding our country. What greater gift than to become a member and support these stellar museums? The Kiawah Island Garden Club welcomes fulland part-time residents. For more information or membership, please see kiawahislandgardenclub.org.
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Page 8 • LuckyDogNews.com • October 2, 2026
Seabrook Island Garden Club Welcomes Pat Hrick of Always Abloom BY MELISSA ANDREWS | For The Island Connection
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he October 2026 Seabrook Island Garden Club meeting featured Pam Hrick, a floral designer who fell in love with the art of pressed flowers. She discussed different flower pressing processes and demonstrated her technique using a wooden flower press with layered cardboard, paper and felt. She also brought large pieces of her art, as well as cards, bookmarks and gift tags, to show the many ways pressed flowers can be preserved and enjoyed. Her website, alwaysabloom.com, and contact information can be found on seabrookislandgardenclub.com. The November Garden Club meeting will be held on Nov. 11 at 9:30 a.m. at the Oyster Catcher Community Center. It will feature Jen Tyrrell from the South Carolina Audubon presenting how to create a bird-friendly yard on Seabrook Island. Please remember to bring cash for our raffle, $1 per ticket, to benefit our philanthropy activities. Visitors are welcome to attend meetings and are asked to make a $5 donation. We hope to see you in November!
Pat Hrick, Always Abloom, featured speaker
Seabrook Island Veterans Day Charitable Golf Event
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Julie Minch, Jan Connor, Melinda Yocum
For The Island Connection
he Seabrook Island Club and the Kiawah-Seabrook Exchange Club will be sponsoring their 15th Annual Seabrook Island Veterans Day Charitable Golf Event on Nov. 9 to honor veterans who have served the country and will raise money to support the Ralph Johnson Veterans Hospital and the Friends of Fisher House. Seabrook Island Real Estate, Hobson Builders, Bohicket Marina, Greubel Family Foundation and McDaniel Family Foundation will be major donors. The United States Flag will be presented by St. Johns High School Jr. ROTC Cadets. Wounded Warriors from Iraq and Afghanistan will be participating as honored guests. The event will be a captain’s choice scramble format beginning with a 9:30 a.m. shotgun start. Teams will be flighted for awards based on total team handicap. The Club will be serving a Captain Sam’s buffet with grilled burgers, chicken sandwiches and all the trimmings in the Atlantic Ballroom following play. Team and individual registrations are welcome. The entry fee for Seabrook Island Club members is $100 plus applicable golf fees. For non-club members, the fee is $200. $75 of the entry fee will be set aside as a charitable contribution to the Ralph Johnson Veterans Hospital and Fisher House. You may register for the event by calling the Seabrook Island Golf Shop at 843-7682529, sending an email to golf@seabrookisland.com or, if you are a Seabrook Island Club member, click golfgenius.com/ggid/zb8y7v/ register. If you cannot play in the event but would like to make a contribution, you can send a check to Alan Armstrong, 2427 Golf Oak Park, Seabrook Island, SC 29455. Checks should be made payable to the Friends of Fisher House or the Ralph H. Johnson Veterans Hospital. If you have any questions, please call Alan Armstrong at 410-2747545 or email him at alan9631@comcast.net.
Page 9 • LuckyDogNews.com • October 2, 2026
Experience Matters!
Vicki Parry at the October 17 Kiawah Art Guild show
34 Years of Seabrook Island Real Estate Expertise
BY ELISABETH ST. JOHN For The Island Connection
K
iawah Art Guild Member, Vicki Parry enjoys painting commissioned pet portraits. Although she paints a variety of topics including landscapes and marshscapes, she has long specialized in animals. A pastel of her horse hung in the office of John, her devoted and supportive husband, and upon his retirement was donated to the Kiawah Art Guild House Tour Art Show two years ago. It winks at me from the atrium wall, but I don’t have to clean its stall! Guernsey-cow-faces smiled at visitors to the very successful October 17 Art Guild Show, along with the close-up of a Maltese puppy, so cute and real, you wanted to take him home with you. That, of course, is possible when Parry does a commissioned piece. You can take home the pet portrait, and only take care of the model for it, the one that needs to go outside for a walk. The portrait is there for you to enjoy, rain or shine! For a gift that will be opened this Christmas, Parry donated a pet portrait to a fortunate charity. The enthusiastic winner elected to have her grand-dogs painted for the dogs’ owners in Atlanta. The two dogs are named Toby and Spot and are hard to tell apart. The “grand-dogmother” supplied many pictures, including the one taken by the UPS driver as proof of delivery when he delivered packages to the front door of their Atlanta home, with the dogs enthusiastically welcoming him from behind the sidelights! Parry “took the ball and ran with it” and created a marvelous piece, personalizing it for the Christmas gift it is going to be for the Shih Tzu family. Kiawah Art Guild members’ work can be seen under the “members” tab on the website, kiawahartguild.org. If you like a particular item or style, click on the artist’s picture for more photos, and at the top of the page is a tab for email contact with the artist. The Christmas 2026 Gift
Seabrook Island’s #1 Sales Team We don’t just sell Seabrook Island, we live, work, and play on Seabrook Island. Sales Executives, REALTORS® SeabrookRealEstate.com 843.768.3921
Real Estate Office: 843.768.2560
Page 10 • LuckyDogNews.com • October 2, 2026
TIDE CHART saltwatertides.com
DATE
HIGH TIDE
LOW TIDE
SAT., OCT. 31
HIGH: 12:39 A.M., 1:12 P.M.
LOW: 6:30 A.M., 7:32 P.M.
SUN., NOV. 1
HIGH: 1:47 A.M., 1:18 P.M.
LOW: 6:36 A.M., 7:36 P.M.
MON., NOV. 2
HIGH: 1:55 A.M., 2:22 P.M.
LOW: 7:45 A.M., 8:37 P.M.
TUES., NOV. 3
HIGH: 2:59 A.M., 3:22 P.M.
LOW: 8:51 A.M., 9:33 P.M.
WED., NOV. 4
HIGH: 4:00 A.M., 4:18 P.M.
LOW: 9:54 A.M., 10:25 P.M.
THURS., NOV. 5
HIGH: 4:57 A.M., 5:09 P.M.
LOW: 10:52 A.M., 11:13 P.M.
FRI., NOV. 6
HIGH: 5:47 A.M., 5:55 P.M.
LOW: 11:46 A.M., 11:58 P.M.
SAT., NOV. 7
HIGH: 6:32 A.M., 6:37 P.M.
LOW: 12:35 P.M.
SUN., NOV. 8
HIGH: 7:13 A.M., 7:18 P.M.
LOW: 12:40 A.M., 1:21 P.M.
MON., NOV. 9
HIGH: 7:53 A.M., 7:57 P.M.
LOW: 1:19 A.M., 2:04 P.M.
TUES., NOV. 10
HIGH: 8:32 A.M., 8:37 P.M.
LOW: 1:58 A.M., 2:46 P.M.
WED., NOV. 11
HIGH: 9:10 A.M., 9:16 P.M.
LOW: 2:35 A.M., 3:25 P.M.
THURS., NOV. 12
HIGH: 9:48 A.M., 9:56 P.M.
LOW: 3:11 A.M., 4:04 P.M.
FRI., NOV. 13
HIGH: 10:27 A.M., 10:37 P.M.
LOW: 3:47 A.M., 4:43 P.M.
Town of Kiawah Island and Conservancy of the Sea Islands Partner to Permanently Protect Betsy Kerrison Parkway Property For The Island Connection
T
he Town of Kiawah Island and Conservancy of the Sea Islands are pleased to announce a partnership to permanently protect 4455 Betsy Kerrison Parkway, adjacent to the Town’s Municipal Center. Under the partnership, the Town will contribute $1.2 million toward the acquisition, becoming the long-term owner of the property. The Conservancy will contribute $300,000 toward the conservation easement and will hold the easement, ensuring the property’s conservation values are protected in perpetuity. The easement will help preserve the rural character and viewshed of Betsy Kerrison Parkway, protect local watershed resources and the area’s rural landscape, and prevent development incompatible with the surrounding community, while allowing the property to be used for civic, cultural, recreational, educational and other public purposes. This partnership demonstrates what can be accomplished when conservation organizations and local governments bring their respective strengths to the table. The Conservancy brings its focus on permanent land protection and conservation stewardship, while the Town was positioned to make a long-term investment in a property with significant community value. The effort reflects a broader approach to conservation – one that protects not only wildlife habitat, but also watersheds, rural landscapes, sense of place and community character. The acquisition is a strong example of timely action, creative problem-solving and partnership producing a lasting benefit for the community and future generations.
Seabrook Island Village Introduces New Social Membership For The Island Connection
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eabrook Island Village will launch a new membership level in January 2027. The Social Membership will offer Seabrook Island and Kiawah River Estates residents a welcoming way to connect with long-term friends and meet new neighbors. Planned activities include ice cream socials, bingo, movie nights, outdoor games, group walks, holiday and cultural events, and more. Seabrook Island Village will host a pre-launch event in November. All residents of both communities and existing Seabrook Island Village members are invited to learn more about the new Social Membership at a dinner and movie event on Nov. 10. Membership in Seabrook Island Village is not required. What: Dinner and a showing of Steel Magnolias When: Nov. 10 Time: 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Where: Oyster Catcher Community Center Cost: Free Join us to learn about this exciting new program and enjoy an evening with neighbors. Please RSVP by Nov. 5 at SeabrookIslandVillage.org. Questions? Contact Debbie Ely at 404-414-5716. Seabrook Island Village is an established nonprofit organization that helps members with transportation, household chores and caregiver relief. To learn more, please visit SeabrookIslandVillage.org.
Page 11 • LuckyDogNews.com • October 2, 2026
few appreciative raccoon-babies’ footprints in the early morning, too! Birds BirdCast. Sign up for BirdCast Southeast Continued from page 1 Notifications at birdcast-alert@birds.cornell.edu to learn how many birds are expected to fly overhead each night. You can help by lowering outside that are leading to the bird’s possible extinction. BirdStory is now putting the finishing touches on lights and protecting glass so birds do not fly into its next film, “Stories to Save Us: The Whimbrel,” plate glass and windows. There are ideas to help here: stopbirdcollisions.org which Aeberhard and Johnson have filmed over Plant Natives. Ah yes, you don’t like an overthree years, on Deveaux but also in the Arctic, grown garden look? It doesn’t have to be that way Barbados, Surinam and northern Brazil. Finn if you or your designer plan carefully. Just look adds, “We hope this will be ready by next Spring, at food values before you say ‘no.’ The seed of a Lowcountry Center for Conservation utilizes in time for the migration!” gorgeous Koosa Dogwood cannot begin to equate permeable surfaces for driveway and parking. BirdStory and Cornell also produced “A Black the food value of an indigenous dogwood to a miRail’s Tale,” in which artist Lynn Tomlinson cleverly portrays the elusive Black Rail bird that exists grating bird. The saw briars that used to shred my in marshes and former rice plantations. “The film legs on our Georgia farm produce a seed that is Panelists, principal leadership of BirdStory. asks us to see what we often overlook,” said Finn. powerful for overwintering birds…it’s like bird-vi“Whether that’s a tiny bird, a piece of history or a tamins on steroids, so let it grow! For a more garden-acceptable vine, let the thornless perennial, personal memory we have of a place.” smilax vine, grow into your trees. It doesn’t harm Even though all three of these films have them, but it does feed the birds. Poison Ivy and won awards, the filmmakers are not looking for the Virginia Creeper also have stunning Fall foliawards. They want to initiate grassroots action age, and the fruits are full of massively important and strategy through truthful films, to save the bird nutrients! In North Carolina, you see poison birds from further loss due to human expansion ivy all over the “Cradle of Forestry Biltmore Esand intervention. The Deveaux Bank film is tate,” shrouding tree trunks in brilliant fall color already available on YouTube, and the Stories-toSave-Us series as well as A Black Rail’s Tale will be and full of dark, luscious winter-food berries for birds. Just stay a distance away if you are allergic. available at the birdsofamerica.film site soon. To Mulch with chips. When your live-water-oak quote the website: “To save a species you need to canopy or palms need trimming, ask the arborsave a landscape. To save a landscape you need to ist to dump the chips in your yard and use the citing experience. Spread the word and act locally! tell its story.” mulch. They last for years, decaying slowly and Resources: The standing-room-only evening event sponbuilding up our island-sandy-soils, and cost, well, BirdStory. For more information or to host a sored by the Lowcountry Land Trust centered the sweat of spreading your own chipped clipfilm-showing in your community, contact Finn around the question: What will you do to help pings! If you prefer pinestraw for looks, you can at melanie@birdstory.org. Visit the website at mitigate the damage so we do not lose our amazalways edge the chips. birdsofamerica.film. ing bird populations one by one globally? Support the Land Trusts. The OLT, the LLT, The Lowcountry Land Trust is available Get Involved. Islands and coastal areas have for stewardship and hosts meaningful events. Shorebird Stewards, Turtle Patrols, wildlife rescue the Conservancy of the Sea Islands and others conserve property under strict rules, restraining lowcountrylandtrust.org and rehabilitation organizations like Keeper of Lowcountry Center for Conservation. The the Wild in Walterboro, Awendaw’s Birds of Prey human development to a point that the property can support both humans and the native popubeautiful, unique facility is centrally located on Center, plus many more rehabilitators who work lations of sea, wild, and birdlife. It’s like buying a Old Town Road and is available as a hub for local from their homes. Find those organizations and vacation insurance policy for nature! groups through the endowment, vision and involunteer and support them. The Kiawah Island Make the Glass around your home safe for spiration, by Emily Ravenel Farrow. Contact the Conservancy places wire reefs to help stabilize birds. A very frightening report on the front page Lowcountry Center for Conservation at facilimarsh edges, and building and placing the reef of this website tells us that a billion, yes, with a B, tymgr@lowcountrylandtrust.org or call 843-996boxes is a fun social thing with remarkable, 4600. At the entrance, a replica of the unique positive outcomes. All species are interdependent, birds meet their demise crashing into man-made structures. There are ideas to help here: stopbirdtapered brick columns found at Spring Island and and helping marshes helps sea life, wildlife and collisions.org/solutions-glass/#retrofit-products Sheldon Church is incorporated into the architecbirdlife. Drive Responsibly. What, you say? Rememture! Deploy Your Vote! Make your vote count, and ber, speed limits often were designed with wildlife Find your closest drop-off location for oyster research where the candidate you’re supporting concentration and passage in mind, as well as shell recycling at bit.ly/oystershellrecycling. stands on wildlife and conservation. Does the local landowners who didn’t know their home’s The Conservancy of the Sea Islands candidate’s stance mirror your interest in conservation and restoration? If not, find one who cares access road would become the “Kiawah/Seabrook Marine Reef Program invites participants. about South Carolina’s wilderness. You may want Freeway!” Don’t speed. Instead, slow down, give a conservancyoftheseaislands.org wandering egret passage, and savor the beauty of a Kiawah Island Shorebird Stewards stay to subscribe to the newsletter of Conservation Lowcountry sunset through the mossy beards on really busy, so please do reach out to help them! Voters of South Carolina, who vet and endorse our gorgeous, shady, live-oak-lined roads! kshorebirds@gmail.com political candidates working in the state for their What’s the adage? proactive outcomes when legislation and events Think globally and act occur that have an impact on South Carolina’s locally? Let’s do that beautiful lands and wildlife. cvsc.org Share Your Interest. Talk to friends and neigh- seriously, y’all! The bird you save might just be bors about these films and the predicament of the one your grandchilbirds. Once they’re intrigued, ask them to help. dren get to see! Recycle, Reuse, Repurpose. Use that box Did you hear the again, flatten that tissue paper and use it again, story about Matt Wildispose properly of recyclables and drop your oysliams, CEO of LLT? ter shells at the DNR recycling sites. Every bit of He recently saw a flock trash we repurpose stays out of landfills. Up and of birds no one could down our East Coast, North and South, landfills identify, “in tuxedo often dump or fill in marshes. Bird Feeders. Migrating birds need high-ener- dress, with a crown gy seeds like safflower or sunflower seeds. To min- on their heads.” It was imize yard debris, buy the shelled seeds from Ace a flock of Bobolinks, Hardware, Chewy.com or your favorite bird web- once quite a common site. Clean your bird feeder weekly with soap and bird, but in recent www.kiawahhousecare.com hot water and maybe even some bleach; rinse gen- times not so. He was so excited that even erously before reinstalling. Keep a clean dish of today, he stops and tells water on your outdoor table for the rehydration of migrating and local species. You may discover a strangers about this ex-
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Page 12 • LuckyDogNews.com • October 2, 2026
Why Native Plants Matter to Our Sea Islands
N
BY REESE THOMPSON | For The Island Connection
ative plants are a species that have occurred naturally in a particular region for thousands of years, evolving alongside local wildlife. Over time, these plants and animals have developed close ecological relationships, with many insects becoming dependent on specific plants for food and reproduction. These relationships are especially important for herbivorous insects, including caterpillars, which feed on native vegetation and become an important food source for birds, skinks and other insect-eating wildlife. During this year’s Native Plant Week (Oct. 18 to 24), Conservancy of the Sea Islands brought community members together to explore the relationships between native plants and wildlife through educational presentations, guided nature walks and hands-on activities. Offered as part of the Conservancy’s Native Plant Week programming, these events provided a closer look at the plants growing throughout our coastal landscapes and why they are so important to maintaining healthy ecosystems. At the Johns Island Library, Sharleen Johnson, an ecologist and founder of Native Plants to the People, explored these connections during her presentation, “Native Plants, Caterpillars, and Healthy Ecosystems.” One of the key takeaways was the important role caterpillars play in supporting songbird populations, particularly during nesting season. While adult songbirds may eat seeds, berries and other foods, many species rely heavily on insects to feed their growing chicks. Caterpillars are especially valuable because they are soft-bodied, nutrient-rich and easier for young birds to digest. A single brood of chickadees may require 6,000 to 9,000 caterpillars before leaving the nest. The availability of these insects depends heavily on the plants growing nearby. Many caterpillar species can only feed on certain native plants, meaning that landscapes dominated by nonnative ornamental vegetation may provide fewer suitable food sources for them. This relationship has become increasingly important as bird populations continue to decline. A 2019 study published in Science estimated that North America lost nearly three billion breeding birds, approximately 29% of its bird population, between 1970 and 2017. Habitat loss, changes in land use, and other environmental pressures have contributed to declines across numerous bird species.
The Conservancy’s Native Plant Week programming also gave participants an opportunity to identify plants growing naturally throughout our Sea Islands. During a community BioBlitz at The Gathering Ground, participants encountered hollies bearing berries, goldenrod, sparkleberry, saw palmetto, coral bean and other native species, each supporting wildlife in different ways. Holly and sparkleberry fruits provide seasonal food sources for birds and other animals. Goldenrod is particularly valuable during the fall, when its flowers provide nectar and pollen for bees, butterflies and other beneficial insects. Despite a common misconception, goldenrod is not a major cause of seasonal allergies. Its pollen is primarily carried by insects, while ragweed, which releases large amounts of airborne pollen, is a more common cause of fall hay fever. Saw palmetto, a familiar sight in coastal forests, produces flowers that attract pollinators and fruits consumed by wildlife. Its dense, fan-shaped foliage also provides cover for small animals. Coral bean, recognized by its bright red, tubular flowers, is especially attractive to hummingbirds, which feed on its nectar. Beyond flowering plants and shrubs, native trees play an equally important role in supporting biodiversity. Oak trees are considered keystone plants because they support an exceptionally large number of insect species. Across the United States, more than 940 species of caterpillars have been documented feeding on oaks, making these trees important food sources for moth and butterfly larvae. On our Sea Islands, native oaks, including live oaks, provide habitat for insects, birds and other wildlife. Their branches offer nesting sites, their acorns feed birds and mammals, and their leaves support caterpillars that become food for insect-eating animals. What happens beneath these trees is just as important as what happens in their canopies. Many moth and butterfly species spend part of their life cycles in fallen leaves or soil. Some caterpillars drop from trees to pupate on the ground, where they depend on leaf litter and undisturbed vegetation for protection. One way to support these insects is by creating intentional “soft landings” beneath native trees. These areas consist of fallen leaves, native groundcover and other natural vegetation that provide shelter for insects completing their life cycles. As leaves decompose, they also return nutrients to the soil that help retain moisture and support organisms involved in breaking down organic material. As concerns grow over declining insect populations, the way residential landscapes are maintained can also influence local biodiversity. Traditional lawns and ornamental gardens may offer limited habitat for native insects, particularly when they contain few host plants or are regularly treated with insecticides. Homeowners can help by planting a variety of native species that flower at different times of the year, providing nectar and pollen throughout the growing season. Including native trees and shrubs also creates food sources and shelter for a plethora of wildlife. Leaving some fallen leaves, reducing unnecessary pesticide use and allowing portions of a yard to grow more naturally can provide additional habitat. Even small patches of native vegetation can help support insects and wildlife, particularly when connected to larger natural areas. The plants growing throughout our Sea Islands are part of a much larger ecological network than we realize. Through programs like Native Plant Week, Conservancy of the Sea Islands helps bring attention to these relationships and the importance of protecting the natural landscapes that sustain them. Understanding these relationships offers a different perspective on the plants we encounter every day, including those growing right outside our homes.
Page 13 • LuckyDogNews.com • October 2, 2026
The Reddy Room: Dock Owners: The S.C. Bureaucrats Are Coming for You! BY ROM REDDY | For The Island Connection
D
uring the gubernatorial race, I took a lot of flak for protecting my private property based on a simple constitutional principle-if land is deeded to you and you pay taxes on it, government cannot step on to your land and claim they have authority over it without buying it. A large American flag flies proudly on my property in honor of that principle. Now, the bureaucrats at the Department of Environmental services (DES) are coming for you dock owners. I do not own a dock and have no skin in this game, but I recognize the playbook. Unelected bureaucrats are coming for your rights as dock owners with the same talking points. For all of you dock owners, read this post and act. This is the DES playbook used on beaches. They plan to rinse and repeat with dock owners. It starts by the bureaucrats at DES (who run their own evil empire with zero oversight) quoting the same noble objective that goes something like this: DES claims they have been “ tasked to promote the economic and social welfare of the citizens while protecting the fragile areas of the coast “ (this is similar language used by their masters - the far left, radical Coastal Conservation League, a 501 C3 taxpayer subsidized organization). All this means is that in the name of the environment, private property rights will be shredded by a bunch of bureaucrats we never elected. DES says they are not changing the law (which they are not authorized to do) but merely “ clarifying” existing law, so it makes life easier for them and the citizens they enforce these laws on. These “clarifications” are done in the form of regulations (the state has almost 90k of them) which have the force of law. As they did on beach regulations and as they are proposing to do with docks, these are not “clarifications” but wholesale changes that give them more power and take away the rights of private citizens. How did they come up with these “clarifications”? The same way as beaches- a “blue ribbon workgroup” that is a cover for their pals at the Coastal Conservation league and a bunch of other left leaning environmentalists. For all you dock owners, pay close attention to the changes in regulations they are proposing especially for R. 30-1.D(50) and R.30-12 A(2). They claim these changes are to “streamline standards applicable for construction of private and joint use docks” throughout the state. They plan an “ information session” on October 13th in N. Charleston and a formal hearing at the Administrative Law court in Columbia on October 27th. They will then submit it to the House and Senate Committees with the lie that these changes merely clarify existing law, and these committees will rubber stamp these changes that become the new law. Get involved now and lawyer up ASAP. Maybe too late, but that is what they count on. Being a surprise to you is part of the plan. The pre-amble to the changes that are repeated about a dozen times in the amendments say “the SC coast has experienced a significant population growth including a proliferation of private docks leading to navigation, access and natural resource impacts.” The bureaucrats at DES are therefore going to fix this not by changing the law and going through a formal process like they should but by “clarifying existing regulation.” You decide whether a handful of items I have listed below (not the full list by the way) qualifies as a clarification.
The new regulations change allowable dock square footage and the width of the creeks. The calculation of width appears to be at staff discretion. Some changes are blatant. for example, docks will not be permitted in creeks less than 21 feet wide up from 10 feet wide. This is no clarification but a change in the law. Joint use docks changed from 2 times square footage to 1.5 times square footage. Removed language in some cases that “boat storage structures will not count against total dock square footage”. So, presumably they will now count toward the square footage limitation. Boat lifts and drive-ons also appear to count toward allowable square footage. Changed requirements for roofs on docks and now appears to be largely at the discretion of DES staff. Department staff now has discretion to determine allowable channel ward dock extensions with vague new requirements (that will always be interpreted against you judging by their approach on beaches). Maintenance and repair definitions appear to be at discretion of staff- words like “major engine repair” is prohibited. Presumably a desk bound bureaucrat will determine major vs. not so major .Requirements on whether normal maintenance to piers and walkways will be allowed is vague. It is not clear to me how grandfathering works after a storm or after a sale. If not questioned, it will be left to discretion of staff or will require compliance with the new regulations. There are numerous other restrictive changes couched as clarifications to fool these committees that approve them. Not that it takes much to fool them. When I ran for Governor, I ran on the principle that our rights come from God. Government’s job is to protect or secure these rights. So, even though I don’t own a dock, I can see how wrong this is and how the role of Government in our lives needs to be reset or we will lose the dream our founders had of a self-governing citizen. For all of you who may have an interest in this, please read up on yet another power grab in what is supposedly a red state and fight this before you give these folks more firepower to victimize you. As Einstein said “The strength of our Constitution depends entirely on the
determination of every citizen to defend it.” God bless this great Republic. The Reddy Room (reddyroom.com) represents the opinion of Lucky Dog Publishing owner Rom Reddy, but not necessarily the opinion of the newspaper. In keeping with our philosophy of publishing all opinions, we welcome responses, which must be limited to 400 words and will be published on a space-available basis.
Page 15 • LuckyDogNews.com • October 2, 2026
Liollio Architecture to Begin Study on a New Seabrook Island Town Hall BY THERESA STRATFORD | For The Island Connection
T
he Town of Seabrook Island has begun meeting with Liollio Architecture to complete a facility assessment and space-needs study for a new town hall. At the September 22 Town Council meeting, Seabrook Island Town Administrator Joe Cronin announced the Town’s Community Facilities and Infrastructure Committee’s involvement in the meetings, which began at the end of September. Liollio also met that day with the buildings and grounds director and other town staff. The goal was for Liollio to get a better understanding of the day-to-day operations, or as Cronin put it, “to get an idea of what works and doesn’t work with the existing facility.” He added, “We will give them all the background information that they need to move forward and put together a facility assessment and space needs study.” There will be a second round of meetings, and Cronin will be identifying some different groups and organizations in the community to weigh in on the plans with more of a public perspective. Cronin finished his announcement with an invitation to all of Town Council that, if they wanted to meet with Liollio, they
should let him know. Liollio Architecture was chosen by Seabrook Island Town Council in June after an extensive request for proposal process from various design firms. Seabrook Island Town Council Member Thomas Hund, chair of the Community Facilities and Infrastructure Committee, said Liollio had a deep understanding of the project, which is why they were chosen. According to the Liollio website: “Liollio provides sustainable architecture, interior design and historic preservation for public projects. With 70 years of experience and now in their third generation of leadership, they are a studio of civic-minded design professionals who value subtle, restrained design rooted in context, culture and collaboration.” Increasing the size of Town Hall would make a positive impact, according to Hund, who also said that they need to be prepared for what is going to change with the town in the future. Seabrook’s current town hall structure is located at 2001 Seabrook Island Road. It was constructed in 2001 and measures a little over 4,400 square feet. The design includes space for public meetings and offices for administrative staff.
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redefining aging.
The lifestyle at Bishop Gadsden is defined by a beautiful balance of indoor inspiration and outdoor vitality. While creativity and cultural expression elevate the spirit, our grounds and connections to the environment invite residents to embrace the best of Fall in the Lowcountry. Within this vibrant setting, our community offers a range of elegant residences designed for both private comfort and neighborly connection - so you can feel at home, stay engaged, and be in the heart of it all.
bishopgadsden.org 1 Bishop Gadsden Way Charleston, SC 29412
Page 14 • LuckyDogNews.com • October 2, 2026
Gary Kunkelman Named November Artist of the Month For The Island Connection
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n a departure from his recent single-subject approach, Seabrook Island artist Gary Kunkelman invites viewers on a journey across time and place with his November Artist of the Month exhibit. From ancient Athens to modern-day Havana and, of course, the Lowcountry, his newest paintings explore a wide variety of subjects and perspectives. The exhibit features figurative works, an area in which Kunkelman has earned recognition in recent years, alongside what he describes as “a new take” on landscapes. Together, the paintings explore the many ways inspiration finds expression in the world around us. “I try to show that in a variety of environments and expressions,” Kunkelman explains. “These range from the timelessness of a child dancing, to a spontaneous expression of joy on a crowded city street, to a classical Greek potter, whose work was considered divine inspiration realized by human hands.” Visitors will also discover new paintings celebrating Gullah culture, along with a fresh interpretation of sunsets. For these landscapes, Kunkelman draws inspiration from the Japanese tradition of the floating world, known for its striking graphic compositions. “They have a two-dimensional graphic effect—modeling is minimized, line and color predominate,” he said. Meet the artist and discover the inspiration behind his work. The entire community is invited to Kunkelman’s artist reception on Nov. 3, at the Lake House. After casting your ballot in the local and state elections, take time to enjoy an inspiring artistic experience from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. The paintings will remain on display at the Lake House throughout November. Kunkelman’s recent accomplishments include election to the International Guild of Realism, a prestigious organization dedicated to recognizing and promoting outstanding realist painters worldwide. A painting from his forthcoming series, Spirit Portraits: Imagining a Gullah Mythology, was selected by the jury for the Guild’s current Fall Showcase exhibition. To explore more of Kunkelman’s work, visit garykunkelman.com.
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Lagoon View 2 BR | 2.5 BA | 1,092 SF
Golf View 1 BR | 2 BA | 774 SF
Call our exceptional team of Seabrook Island real estate experts today for a behind-the-gate tour of our beautiful private island. SEABROOKISLAND.COM | 843.768. 2560 Club membership is required for ownership. Club amenities are reserved for Members and guests.