Taking Charge of a Modern Era
SEABROOK SETS A PRECEDENT WITH ELECTRIC CARS
BY THERESA STRATFORD
For The Island Connection
The first step was taken to establish the first electric vehicle charging stations on Seabrook Island when the Mayor and Town Council members approved the installations at the November 28 Seabrook Island Town Council Meeting.
These would actually be the first and only EV charging stations on both Seabrook Island and Kiawah Island at the current time. The four Level-2 Universal EV Chargers will be installed in the parking lot of Seabrook Island Town Hall.
A Berkeley Electric Cooperative grant for $25,000 is mostly funding the charging stations.
Seabrook Island Town Administrator Joe Cronin explained, “I had some additional conversations with Berkeley Electric Cooperative, and they agreed to allow us to be the second recipient for a grant program they established a couple years ago. The first project was up in Goose Creek. They provide up to $25,000 in funding for vehicle charging infrastructure. As of right now, there is no electric car charging infrastructure on Seabrook or Kiawah.”
He added, “We don’t want that grant money to go to waste, so we have continued to work with them.”
The charging stations would go at the end of the Town Hall parking lot. Cronin said that this has been a long time
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Christmas Comes Early for Conservation
NEW PROPERTIES ON KIAWAH ACQUIRED FOR PROTECTION
BY JENNIFER WILSON WOODY
For The Island Connection
he Kiawah Conservancy announced the receipt of conservation easements on four new properties this year. On December 5, the Kiawah Conservancy and the Limehouse family signed a conservation easement to protect 253 acres of marshland and four large hummock islands. This property was one of the last unprotected stretches of marshland along the Kiawah River and is the only remaining parcel of the former Mullet Hall Plantation.
Like all marshes, this land plays a critical role in the ecological health of the area by protecting against the effects of sea level rise and natural hazards. It is home to some of the most biodiverse wildlife habitats in the Lowcountry and holds historical and cultural significance, as the hummock islands contained within it were responsible for the production of sea
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MYLO N EWS
PUBLISHERS OF The Island Eye News, The Island Connection & SiP Magazine
Denise K. James editor ICeditor@luckydognews.com
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Christian LeBlanc social media christian@luckydognews.com CONTRIBUTORS Theresa
Conservation (continued from page 1)
island cotton, a highly sought-after strain of cotton unique to the Lowcountry due to its high salt tolerance. This property is preserved in honor of Julian S. Limehouse Jr., who passed down his generational appreciation for the natural environment to his heirs. From herding cattle on horseback to farming, hunting, fishing and frolicking around in the marsh, this property represents all the beautiful memories the family members made and have together. The Kiawah Conservancy is honored that the Limehouse family has placed trust in us to ensure this land and its rich history are protected in perpetuity.
Three additional conservation easements came to the Kiawah Conservancy this year through the Kiawah Partners. In November, the Conservancy closed on three conservation easements with the Kiawah Partners, which cover 1,230 acres. The marshlands and hummocks around Kiawah Island, subject to eight conservation easements through the Kiawah Conservancy, were then transferred to the Kiawah Island Community Association. The Kiawah Conservancy is grateful to the Kiawah Partners for ensuring these critical marshlands and hummocks are preserved in perpetuity, and we look forward to our continued partnership with the Kiawah Island Community Association as we steward and monitor our conservation easements in their ownership.
By the end of this year, the Kiawah Conservancy will have preserved over 3,860 acres of natural habitat within the Kiawah River Watershed. A perpetual gift of land greatly supports the Kiawah Conservancy’s mission, it preserves unique habitats and wildlife and retains the rich culture and history of the area.
Contact the Kiawah Conservancy’s Land Preservation Specialist, Collie Farah, at Collie@kiawahconservancy. org or 843-768-2029 to learn more about donating your undeveloped property or to schedule a visit to one of our protected lands. Visit us online at kiawahconservancy.org to learn more about our work in preservation, restoration and conservation education and become involved in these efforts.
New Year, New People to Vote For
A SPECIAL TOWN COUNCIL ELECTION FOR KIAWAH ON JANUARY 30
FROM THE TOWN OF KIAWAH ISLAND
For The Island Connection
The Charleston County Board of Voter Registration and Elections will conduct the Special Town Council Election for the Town of Kiawah Island on Tuesday, January 30, 2024 at the Sandcastle at 1 Shipwatch Road, Kiawah Island. The polling location will be open from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m.
This is a nonpartisan, at-large municipal election for one council seat. Election results will be determined by the plurality method. Term of office will expire November 2025.
You must be a registered voter in the state of South Carolina to vote in this election. This election is separate from KICA's Board of Directors Election.
Statement from 2024 Town Council Member Candidate Alex Fernandez
“Gloria and I first visited Kiawah in 2011, and it was love at first sight. We began to bring the family here on vacation in 2012 and purchased our Turtle Villa in 2017. We decided to make this paradise our permanent home in 2019 and moved to our present house on Snowy Egret in 2020.
I have been semi-retired for several years, participating with my sons in a family business in Florida. I began to get involved in the community by participating in local events and, in 2018, was appointed to KICA’s Finance Committee. In 2021, I ran and was elected to the KICA Board. My goals as a KICA Board member were clear: more transparency and disclosure to our members, sound financial management of the community’s finances and focus on the Board’s long-term strategic decisions.
While on the KICA Board, significant disclosures occurred with respect to finances. Now we see a quarterly report outlining how your assessment is spent, how your assets are invested and, most importantly, how we have prepared for any important emergency impact to our island.
I focused on our HR structure, concluding that the turnover was costly — not only financially, but by putting a strain on the staff, potentially lowering the quality of the work performed. I insisted with management that we had to think out of the box to resolve this issue. After long analysis and debates, with my strong recommendation, the KICA Board implemented several salary and benefit changes. In October 2023,
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Civic Calen dar
TOWN OF KIAWAH
Special Call Town Council
Tuesday, Dec. 19, 9 a.m.
Kiawah Town Hall
Ways and Means Committee
Tuesday, Dec. 19, 10 a.m.
Kiawah Town Hall
Arts and Cultural Event Council
Thursday, Jan. 4, 2 p.m.
Kiawah Town Hall
Arts Council Board
Monday, Jan. 8, 10 a.m.
Kiawah Town Hall
TOWN OF SEABROOK
Public Safety Committee
Tuesday, Dec. 19, 10 a.m.
Seabrook Town Hall
Town Council
Tuesday, Dec. 19, 2:30 p.m.
Seabrook Town Hall
Utility Commission
Wednesday, Dec. 20, 9:30 a.m.
Seabrook Town Hall
PLEASE CHECK WITH YOUR TOWN HALL FOR ITS HOLIDAY HOURS.
New People to Vote For (continued
from page 2)
KICA’s Director of HR prepared a presentation for the Board that showed that turnover has plummeted and, for the first time in many years, KICA is overstaffed in several departments. What some had called higher HR costs, I called an investment that is now paying back. At the October 2023 KICA Board meeting, Board Chair Jerry McGee thanked the Board for getting ahead of this and specifically thanked “Alex, who initially started the process.”
These are just two examples of how I strive to resolve issues for the benefit of our residents. Now, I want to move forward and be one of your representatives on the Town Council.” Statement from 2024 Council Member Candidate Madeleine Kaye
“My daughter and I first visited Kiawah almost 40 years ago; she was still a toddler. Driving through the gate was a revelation: Kiawah was magical and magnetic. We kept coming back with friends and family, and I finally became a homeowner in 2004, first with villas at Seascape and Turtle Cove, and later with a home on Sea Marsh.
I’m running for Town Council because Kiawah is at a critical time in its development. If elected, I will listen to your input, consider all reasonable viewpoints and apply my experience and judgment to work toward the best possible outcomes for Kiawah.
The issues facing the Town are varied and complex, including:
• Working with SouthStreet Partners to responsibly develop the Beachwalker parcels;
• Working with Riverstone Properties to oversee the expansion of Freshfields;
• Working with KICA to protect our roads, pedestrians, and bikers; and
• Working with the Conservancy to manage our fragile marshlands.
My experience will be especially relevant to deal with these issues. As a member of the Planning Commission for the past three years, I’ve been involved in key decisions that impact Kiawah’s future, including development of the Comprehensive Marsh Management Plan, rezoning key island parcels and working on the Town’s Comprehensive Plan, which plots the Island’s course over the next five to 10 years.
As a member of the ARB Work Group, I’ve witnessed the value of collaboration among a core group representing both KICA and the Town.
As the Chair or Co-Chair of the Our World lecture series for 12 years, I capitalized on team management skills to lead a diverse volunteer committee, which brought the community programs on everything from Red Knots to Charleston Harbor management to Boeing operations.
As a Co-Chair of the Marsh Management Committee, I’ve gained an increased appreciation of the fragility of our marshlands and worked on programs designed to enhance and sustain them.
During my 29-year career in management at Merck & Co. Inc., I led sales teams, managed business intelligence, served as a solutions consultant and headed executive communications. My track record during both my professional career and my volunteer activities on Kiawah is defined by teamwork and consensus building. A successful Town Council will be dependent upon the ability of its members to cooperate, collaborate and reach sensible solutions. I look forward to serving the community as a member of the Town Council.
New Year, New Faces for Seabrook Island COULD YOURS BE AMONG THEM?
BY THERESA STRATFORD For The Island Connection
As the Town of Seabrook Island closes out another calendar year, they find themselves in the same position as many entities around the nation do: with a number of open positions.
The new Town Council will begin their terms in 2024, but with that will be the beginning terms of many other new team members on a variety of boards, commissions and committees. There are also openings among Town staff, as well. The following bodies are currently soliciting for volunteer applications:
• Due to resignations, the Accommodations Tax (ATAX) Advisory Committee is looking to fill one at-large seat for an unexpired term and one cultural seat for an unexpired term. The applicant for the cultural seat must be familiar with the cultural community of the area, including knowledge of the area arts, historical preservation, museums and festivals. These terms expire on December 31, 2024. The committee meets at least once per year.
Per the Town’s website: “The ATAX Advisory Committee consists of seven members, a majority of whom are selected from the hospitality industry. At least two of the members must be from the lodging industry, and at least one member shall represent local cultural organizations. Committee members are appointed by Town Council and serve for a term of two years. The ATAX Advisory Committee meets at least one time per year for the purpose of reviewing and providing recommendations to the Town Council on the expenditure of funds generated by the 2% State ATAX. By law, State ATAX funds must be used exclusively for the promotion of tourism, arts and cultural activities within the community.”
• Due to a resignation, the Board of Zoning Appeals is looking to fill one seat of an unexpired term. This term will end on December 31, 2025. The board meets on every fourth Wednesday at 1 p.m. Along with being a registered voter of the town, each board member is required to complete a six-hour planning orientation course during their first year and three hours of continuing education in each subsequent year.
Per the town’s website: “The Board has three specific powers, duties, and responsibilities:
» To hear and decide appeals for variances from the requirements of the zoning ordinance when strict application of the provisions of the ordinance would
result in unnecessary hardship. State law outlines four criteria which must be met in order to qualify for a variance, and it is incumbent upon the applicant to demonstrate how the request satisfies each of the four criteria;
» To permit uses by special exception when designated within the zoning ordinance; and
» To hear and decide appeals where it is alleged there is an error in an order, requirement, decision or determination made by an administrative official in the enforcement of the zoning ordinance.”
• Due to term expiration, the Community Promotions & Engagement Committee has four seats to fill. The appointments will be for two years starting on January 1, 2024 and ending on December 31, 2025. The committee meets once per quarter.
Per the Town’s website: “The Community Promotion & Engagement Committee is tasked with the following responsibilities:
» To assist with the creation, planning, preparation, promotion, execution and evaluation of various town-sponsored events and activities;
» To identify resources necessary to ensure the success of town-sponsored events and activities, including, but not limited to, sponsors, vendors, suppliers, entertainment, crowd control and public safety;
» To review and provide recommendations to Town Council on the procurement and awarding of contracts for goods and services related to town events and activities;
» To develop, recommend and implement strategies for engaging town residents, property owners, visitors and businesses;
» To provide recommendations on overall communication strategies and methods;
» To administer the town’s Community Promotions Grant program; and
» To perform such other duties which may be assigned or requested by the Town Council.”
• Due to term expiration, the Environment & Wildlife Committee has four seats to fill. Each appointment is for a term of two years. The committee meets once per quarter.
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Appointments
Per the Town’s website: “The Environment & Wildlife Committee is tasked with the following responsibilities:
» To review and provide recommendations to Town Council on general matters related to the town’s environment and wildlife;
» To periodically review and provide recommendations to Town Council on updates to the town’s beach management ordinance;
» To coordinate with outside entities, community organizations and state and federal agencies on issues related to the town’s environment and wildlife;
» To identify, develop and recommend programs and/or projects which enhance awareness, promote conservation and protect the community’s environmental and wildlife resources, including programs and/or projects which may be eligible for grant funding;
» To monitor current and proposed legislation, regulations and litigation at the state and federal level which may impact the town’s environment and wildlife; and
» To review and provide recommendations to the Town Council on the procurement and awarding of contracts for goods and services related to the town’s environment and wildlife.”
• Due to term expiration, the Planning Commission has three seats to fill. Each appointment is for a term of two years, starting on January 1, 2024 to December 31, 2025. The Planning Commission meets every second Wednesday of the month at 1:30 p.m. Along with being a registered voter with the Town, board members must complete a six-hour planning orientation course during their first year and three hours of continuing education in each subsequent year.
Per the Town’s website: “ The Commission is responsible for undertaking a continuing planning program for the physical, social and economic growth, development and redevelopment of land within the town. To fulfill this role, one of the primary functions of the Planning Commission is to prepare, review and periodically update the town's official comprehensive plan. In order to implement the recommendations of the plan, the Commission is also charged with preparing and recommending to Town Council specific instruments and measures.”
• Due to term expirations, the Public Safety Committee has four seats to fill. Each appointed term will last for two years starting on January 1, 2024 to December 31, 2025. This committee meets once per quarter.
Per the Town’s website: “The Public Safety Committee is tasked with the following responsibilities:
» To develop and maintain a planning process which will result in the
systematic preparation and continual re-evaluation and updating of all elements of the town’s Comprehensive Emergency Plan;
» To review and provide recommendations to Town Council on general matters related to public health and safety;
» To identify resources necessary to ensure the safety and well-being of the public;
» To coordinate with outside entities, community organizations and emergency service providers on issues related to emergency management and disaster response planning;
» To coordinate with emergency service providers, including, but not limited to, law enforcement, fire suppression and emergency medical services in order to plan for and respond to potentially unsafe or life-threatening situations;
» To review and provide recommendations to Town Council on the procurement and awarding of contracts for emergency-related goods and services; and
» To undertake public relations activities to increase the public's awareness of potential hazards affecting the Seabrook Island community including, but not limited to, hurricanes, floods, torna does and earthquakes.”
• Due to term expirations, the Public Works Committee has four seats to fill for two-year terms starting January 1, 2024 to December 31, 2025. This committee meets once per quarter.
Per the Town’s website, the Public Works Committee is tasked with the following responsibilities:
» “To develop, recommend, and provide oversight of an ongoing capital improvements plan for the town;
» To review and provide recommendations to Town Council on the following:
* major upgrades, expansion and improvements to the town’s road and drainage infrastructure;
* road maintenance projects;
* pathway and greenway areas;
* traffic operations;
* the construction and expansion of town buildings and other facilities, as well as major upgrades thereto;
* issued related to surface water management;
* major beach-related projects;
* proposed plans, designs and architectural renderings, as well as overall project scopes and budgets;
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coming. Berkeley Electric Cooperative also recommended a vendor to Seabrook Island to install this type of charging facility.
“They came out and did a site assessment,” he added. “We put a proposal together to do the trenching to tie into our existing electric lines and to run the connections out to the parking lot.”
The total cost to install the four charging stations comes to $29,962, so the Town will pay the difference beyond what the $25,000 grant will cover. If the Town Council wanted to spend only the amount of the grant, they would have to install only three charging stations.
“We have some money in our budget, and since we want to eventually replace Town vehicles with EVs or hybrids, I think it would be beneficial to have a fourth station, so our recommendation would be to move forward with the installation of the fourth one,” he remarked.
Council Member Jeri Finke said, “I support going with the four charging stations, even though it exceeds the grant a little bit because we do have the money. I want to thank Joe and the staff. I support this effort of having an electric fleet for Town vehicles. I appreciate Joe for following up because we had put this on the back burner when we were trying to figure out the Town garage, and I think it is important to go ahead and use this grant and get these publicly available stations installed and go from there, so thank you, Joe.”
Speaking of the garage, Cronin said that he made sure the Town’s contractor came out to inspect the plans for the EV charging station, in case the Town wants to go ahead with the garage expansion or any other expansion to Town Hall in the future. He wanted to make sure that the trench and lines would not interfere with those possible future plans on the Town Hall site.
“If we had to relocate them in the future, we would basically just be popping out the charging stations and we can rerun the lines as needed to an alternate location if that became necessary. We wanted to make sure that if our site were to change in the future, that there wouldn’t be any issues with the charging stations,” he added.
One citizen comment was raised about whether people would be charged to use the EV stations or if charging was free, since, as the resident said, “only about 50 people in the Town own an electric car and the other 1,900 do not.”
can make it available to charge. It is built in and we can set our rates. I believe this one is set up through an app. There are different manufacturers and they all do it differently. This one is not set up to tap a card in; it has a QR code and an app that this manufacturer uses for anyone who wants to use that charger. If we did set it up to take payments, then they would go to the app and make a payment through the app, and those funds would come to the town.”
He concluded, “Ultimately, how and if people will pay to charge their EV is up to the future council once the chargers are installed and put in place.”
The Town Council unanimously approved the installation of the charging stations for electric cars in the parking lot of Town Hall. No timeline was given for when they would be installed.
» To coordinate with outside entities, community organizations, private developers and state and federal agencies on issues related to the town’s facilities and infrastructure; and
» To review and provide recommendations to Town Council on the procurement of goods and services related to town facilities and infrastructure.”
Along with announcing the openings on boards, commissions and committees at the Seabrook Island Town Council meeting on November 28, Town Administrator Joe Cronin also went over the prospect of having a new Town Attorney.
“One of the first tasks of the new council in 2024 will be to appoint a new Town Attorney,” he announced. “It has to be done at the first regular meeting after being sworn in. Currently, we are in the process of asking for a request of proposals or request for qualifications to solicit interest from lawyers to serve as Town Attorney.”
The new council would review those qualifications for the appointment in January.
“We have had the same Town Attorney for 30 years. I don’t know if our current one would be continuing on with us,” Cronin explained. “I know he is now the new managing partner of his firm, and he is shedding some clients, so there is a good possibility that we will have a new town attorney going forward. We were his first client, and he charges us a sweetheart rate, so with a new town attorney, those rates would go more in line with traditional market rates. We have $30,000 now budgeted, but we may have to consider addressing that.”
Per the Town’s website, qualified attorneys should have experience advising and representing South Carolina municipalities and must be a member in good standing of the South Carolina Bar. It is also preferred that they have at least five years of experience in municipal or county law, commercial law, contracts, real estate or other related areas.
The Town Attorney is expected to coordinate operational activities and priorities with the Mayor and/or Town Administrator and to carry out the Town Council’s policy directives. The Town Attorney must adhere to the highest ethical standards. He or she would be appointed to a two-year term to run concurrently with the terms of the Mayor and Town Council.
As for Seabrook Island Town staff, they are currently looking for an administrative assistant/clerk of court due to a promotion for a current staff member and some shifting around of team members. Assistant Town Administrator Katharine Watkins is serving as the interim Clerk of Court until the opening is filled.
More information about the positions and details about how to apply can be found on the Town’s website, at townofseabrookisland.org.
Contributions for a Merrier Holiday
THE 17TH YEAR OF THE MT. ZION FUND
BY JANE MARVIN For The Island Connection
The Mt. Zion Holiday Fund Committee on Seabrook would like your help to put smiles on the faces of Mt. Zion Elementary school children during the holidays. The funds you contribute are used to buy clothes, shoes, books and toys. Every family also receives a gift certificate for a holiday meal.
For the 17th year, your contributions have made a merrier holiday season for over 1,300 students and their families. Please consider a donation to give these children and their families a memorable holiday experience. Your contribution will put an extra-wide smile on the child who receives a gift made possible by you — and it will likely make your holiday season merrier as well.
You may make your check payable to Mt. Zion Holiday Fund and mailed to Charlotte Moran, 2530 The Bent Twig, Seabrook Island, South Carolina, 29455. Other committee members will be happy to take your checks as well. They are Marilyn Armstrong, 843-768-9252; Paula Adamson, 843-768-4881; Flo Gilson, 678-643-5755 and Jane Marvin, 336-413-0704. Your checks may also be dropped off at the Seabrook Island Racquet Club or Golf Shop.
There’s a new boat club at Bohicket Marina COME CHECK US OUT
BOAT CLUB
• Offers the ultimate boating experience without the hassles of ownership
• Experience the charm of the Lowcountry waterways, where boating dreams come to life
• Take advantage of exclusive perks as a member of our Boat Club
• Hassle-free boating lifestyle where we do all the work for you
• Access reservations through our Custom App for easy bookings
• Unlimited access with future reservation options as well as day-of opportunities
• Access to the four sister locations throughout the Charleston area
• A one-stop shop for all your boating needs
BOAT RENTALS
• Bohicket Marina offers the freedom of boating to all with our new Boat Rental fleet
• Wide range of boats tailored to your needs and preferences, pontoons & center consoles
Perfect for both experienced boaters and beginners discovering a new hobby
Convenient online booking system for quick and easy reservations
Benefit from our professional staff’s expertise and personalized recommendations
World-renowned oceanographer visits SC Aquarium
BY SUSAN MCLAUGHLIN
For The Island Connection
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There was a noticeable glint of empathy and understanding in Dr. Sylvia Earle’s eyes as she peered into the rehabilitation tank at Burrata, a green sea turtle recovering from a severe lung infection in the South Carolina Aquarium Sea Turtle Care Center.
Earle was in Charleston to accept the Lifetime Achievement Award at the annual South Carolina Aquarium Conservation Gala. She has achieved an impressive number of firsts: setting the world untethered diving record after descending 1,250 feet beneath the ocean’s surface, serving as the first female chief scientist for the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and as National Geographic’s first female explorer-inresidence.
aquarium with heart,” Earle said. “When I first came here years ago, this didn’t exist. To see the success in taking in turtles that would not have survived if left on their own, bringing them back to good health. I find this just exhilarating and inspiring. Bravo to what you are doing here.”
Earle learned about Burrata’s story and also about Cheddar, a Kemp’s ridley sea turtle recovering from predation and fishing hook injuries; Ricotta, a green sea turtle recuperating from surgery to remove monofilament fishing line; Asiago, a green sea turtle healing from an extensive boat strike wound; and Brie, a loggerhead sea turtle regaining strength from the impacts of debilitated turtle syndrome. With each story, Earle reaffirmed the critical importance of sharing these sea turtles’ journeys with the public – to protect the ocean and to inspire action and change.
This year’s gala celebrated the many women in science at the Aquarium, many of whom found their calling after drawing inspiration from Earle’s decades-long accolades – including the Aquarium’s own all-female Sea Turtle Care Center team.
When Earle last visited the Aquarium in 2016, all sea turtle rehabilitation efforts were confined to the Aquarium basement, beyond public viewing. With lofty goals to bring this critical conservation work to the forefront for all guests to witness firsthand, the Aquarium spent years fundraising and renovating a portion of the first floor to accommodate Care Center operations and the increasing intake of sea turtle patients. Nearly seven years later, Care Center Manager Melissa Ranly and sea turtle biologist Grace Buschiazzo were able to show off this life-changing expansion to Earle.
“I am thrilled to be here at the Aquarium in Charleston. It’s an
“There are so many ways to embrace the ocean, even if it is not your career, like someone working in aquariums or with individual species,” Earle explained. “We are sea creatures. We are as dependent on the ocean as the sea turtles. The ocean keeps us alive. Whatever it is you choose to do –become a teacher or a captain of a boat or a car mechanic – whatever it is that makes your heart beat fast, the ocean could and should be a part of your life.”
The South Carolina Aquarium is home to more than 5,000 animals, from river otters and sharks to sea turtles and shorebirds. Visitors can also get an inside look at the Sea Turtle Care Center, a working hospital dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation and release of sick and injured sea turtles.
Brie the loggerhead, sea turtle biologist Grace Buschiazzo (left) and Dr. Sylvia Earle. PHOTO COURTESY OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA AQUARIUM.
ONGOING
around the islands...
WHAT: Holiday Market in Marion Square
WHERE: Marion Square in Downtown Charleston
WHEN: Dec. 18 through Dec. 23
MORE INFO: Explore a diverse selection of art, crafts, and holiday gifts, making it the perfect opportunity to complete your holiday shopping ahead of time. Join us on Saturdays and Sundays from 9 am to 3 p.m..
FRIDAY, DEC. 15
WHAT: Art Walk on Broad
WHERE: Broad Street, Downtown Charleston
WHEN: 5 p.m. - 8 p.m.
MORE INFO: Stroll through the historic Broad Street district, where local galleries and shops showcase a vibrant collection of artworks during this monthly art walk.
SATURDAY, DEC. 16
WHAT: Vienna Light Orchestra Christmas Concert
WHERE: Holy Spirit Catholic Church
WHEN: 2 p.m.
MORE INFO: Experience the magic of the holiday season with VLO’s enchanting Christmas concert in the charming South Carolina Society Hall, near Rainbow Row. Immerse yourself in the timeless beauty of seasonal music, illuminated by over two thousand candlelights.
Charlie Post Classic set for Jan. 27 on Sullivan’s Island
BY AMY LAUREN SCOTT
For The Island Connection
The 39th annual Charlie Post Classic 15K/5K is scheduled for January 27. The race begins at 8:30 a.m. at the Sullivan’s Island Fish Fry Shack at 1424 Hennessy Street.
Presented by the Charleston Running Club, the event honors the late Dr. Charlie Post, a wellknown runner, triathlete and family physician who volunteered his time and medical talents to the running community. Post served as head of the College of Charleston’s student health services and was the team physician for varsity sports. The proceeds from the race fund a scholarship in his memory, which is awarded annually to a student athlete at the College of Charleston.
For the remainder of 2023, runners will pay $50 to enter the 15K run and $40 for the 5K run/walk – but prices will increase on Jan. 1. Registration includes a chip-timed 15K run or 5K run/walk, a finisher’s medal, a long-sleeve shirt, refreshments and the satisfaction of knowing that you help College of Charleston student athletes.
Sponsorship opportunities are available for small to large businesses. The Charleston Running Club is a not-for-profit 501c(3), so sponsorships are tax-deductible.
To register, volunteer or sponsor, visit CharliePostClassic.com.
WHAT: Charleston Jazz Orchestra: Holiday Swing
WHERE: Charleston Music Hall, 37 John Street
WHEN: 7:30 p.m.
MORE INFO: Experience the magic of the season with the Charleston Jazz Orchestra’s Holiday Swing concert, featuring jazz renditions of beloved holiday tunes.
SUNDAY, DEC. 17
WHAT: Second Sunday on King Street WHERE: King Street, Downtown Charleston WHEN: 1 p.m. - 5 p.m.
MORE INFO: Enjoy a festive afternoon of shopping, dining and live entertainment as King Street transforms into a pedestrian-only zone for the monthly Second Sunday event.
THURSDAY, DEC. 21
WHAT: Lowcountry Artist Market
WHERE: Charleston Area Convention Center, 5001 Coliseum Drive WHEN: 10 am - 4 p.m.
MORE INFO: Discover a diverse selection of artworks and crafts created by local artists, perfect for finding unique holiday gifts at the Lowcountry Artist Market.
FRIDAY, DEC. 22
WHAT: “The Nutcracker Ballet”
WHERE: Sottile Theatre, 44 George Street WHEN: 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.
MORE INFO: Enjoy the enchanting performance of “The Nutcracker Ballet,” presented by the Charleston Ballet Theatre, and make it a memorable holiday outing for the whole family.
WEDNESDAY, DEC 27
WHAT: Poetry Reading and Open Mic Night
WHERE: Redux Contemporary Art Center, 1056 King Street WHEN: 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
MORE INFO: Join local poets and spoken word artists for an evening of literary expression at Redux Contemporary Art Center’s Poetry Reading and Open Mic Night.
FRIDAY, DEC 29
WHAT: Charleston Symphony Orchestra: A Viennese New Year
WHERE: Gaillard Center, 95 Calhoun Street
WHEN: 7:30 p.m.
MORE INFO: Ring in the New Year with the Charleston Symphony Orchestra as they perform timeless Viennese waltzes and classics at the Gaillard Center.
The Most Wonderful Time of Year . . . for Savings on Taxes
TIPS FOR FINANCIAL SUCCESS
BY CURTIS LOFTIS, STATE TREASURER
For The Island Connection
There’s no escaping the hustle and bustle of December. Even if you love gift shopping, festive music and holiday parties, the end of the year is often nothing short of exhausting.
While I know the most wonderful time of the year is probably also your busiest, I’d like to recommend you add a simple activity that could help boost your savings and lower your taxes.
Review your 529 savings.
Start by reviewing the amount of savings in your Future Scholar, South Carolina’s 529 account. Are you on target to meet your savings goals? Next, review the contributions you have made to your 529 account this year. Have you contributed all your budget allows?
By contributing as much as possible as early as possible, your college savings have the chance to grow over time, and your earnings will have the ability to be compounded for as long as possible.
Time to consider an additional contribution that could not only boost your college savings but also help you reap the benefits of South Carolina state tax incentives.
Keep the following in mind when considering an end-of-year (or any time) contribution:
Know what you can save on your state income taxes.
South Carolina allows residents to deduct 100% of their 529 contributions to a Future Scholar account. That very generous tax benefit is one of the best in the nation. Use it to your advantage by making an extra contribution to your Future Scholar account in 2023.
Know the deadlines for receiving income tax benefits.
You can contribute to your 529 account at any time. However, each state sets a deadline for contributions that qualify for tax savings for the current year. South Carolina’s Future Scholar deadline extends all the way up to Tax Day - April 18, 2024 – allowing you to claim those contributions on your 2023 tax returns. Consider front-loading your account.
If you are financially able, you may want to consider frontloading your 529
college savings plan. Front-loading allows a larger amount of money to be given at one time so the funds have the ability to compound for longer than they would if making regular annual contributions.
The IRS has a special gifting provision for frontloading 529 accounts that allows you to exceed the $17,000 annual gift tax limit for an individual (or $34,000 for spouses). When you front-load, you contribute a one-time gift of the amount usually allowed over five years without the gift tax consequences. That’s five years’ worth of maximum contributions at one time ($17,000 x 5 = $85,000). By front-loading, you can contribute $85,000 per child in year one, sit back and enjoy the benefits of compounding interest on the larger amount. The contribution is tax deductible and will be treated as if you gave $17,000 per year for five years by the IRS. If you file jointly, you and your spouse are allowed to frontload up to $170,000. It’s important to remember that any gifts you make to the Future Scholar account beyond these amounts over the five years could be subject to federal taxes. A tax professional can help you decide if front-loading is good for your family.
Decide to use your tax refund for what’s important.
Are you expecting a tax refund check in 2024? Consider using it to invest in your child’s future education. Earmark it now for a lump sum contribution to boost the college savings in your 529 account. That way, you won’t be tempted to spend it on something less meaningful.
Appreciate the tax-free benefits of saving for college with a 529 plan.
Enjoy these last days of 2023 and the wonderful benefit of watching your Future Scholar savings grow tax-free. Before long, the time will come when you’ll be using those funds to pay for qualified education expenses, and when you do, I know you’ll be thrilled to withdraw those funds tax-free, too.
Curtis Loftis is the State Treasurer of South Carolina. He also serves as the administrator of South Carolina’s Future Scholar 529 College Savings Plan. Visit treasurer.sc.gov or futurescholar.com for more information on ways to save through a 529 plan.
9:45am/9:53pm 10:37am/10:48pm 11:31am/11:48pm 12:28pm 12:52am/1:27pm 1:57am/2:27pm 3:01am/3:27pm 4:02am/4:24pm 4:59am/5:19pm 5:51am/6:11pm 6:40am/6:59pm 7:26am/7:45pm 8:10am/8:29pm 8:51am/9:11pm
3:05am/4:01pm 3:57am/4:52pm 4:53am/5:44pm 5:53am/6:39pm 6:58am/7:36pm 8:06am/8:33pm 9:13am/9:29pm 10:17am/10:24pm 11:16am/11:16pm 12:09pm 12:06am/12:58pm 12:53am/1:45pm 1:38am/2:28pm 2:22am/3:10pm
Standing: Tom Peck, John Halter, Amanda Benepe, Ryan Straup, Patsy Zanetti, Ingrid Phillips, Mary Ann Lloyd, Stuart Spisak, Joy Dellapina, Michelle Almeyda-Wiedemuth Seated: Pat Polychron, Chip Olsen, Stuart Rumph, Kathleen McCormack, Marc Chafe