Town Council is all in for Camp St. Christopher
BY THERESA STRATFORD
For The Island Connection
Camp St. Christopher has been a staple of the Seabrook Island community since 1938. As a devoted neighbor to Seabrook Island residents, Camp St. Christopher continues to make environmental education and spiritual encounters through nature a top priority.
Year-round, over 10,000 campers enjoy learning about the surrounding nature through the Barrier Island Environmental Education Program.
Seeing the value of Camp St. Christopher, the Seabrook Island Town Council recently awarded them grant money in support of the program they offer to the community.
The first sum of money was $230. This sum will go towards purchasing a rain barrel for educational purposes.
Rev. Laura Rezac was on hand to discuss the grant request.
She said, “This is for a new program we are beginning at St. Christopher. We have heard time and time again from different local community members and Seabrook Island residents that they have never even been on the property. We have heard from some of them that they didn’t feel welcome. We want to change that. We are neighbors of all Seabrook Island residents, and we want that community sense. We want people to know they are welcome here. We decided to take advantage of the opportunity that we have when people are here on campus during the sustainability workshop to teach about more sustainable practices in their everyday lives. So, for the first workshop on October 7, this grant would cover the cost of a rain barrel. This would be a demonstration tool, and then we would offer it to one of the participants.”
Rezac went on to say that they would advertise and welcome residents to foster a better community relationship and educate about sustainable practices.
The plan for Camp St. Christopher is to host a different workshop every month, inviting Seabrook Island residents each time. Other workshops are planned for topics like invasive species removal and pollinator gardens, for example.
“We’ll need different materials and different items that will support each workshop,” she added, mentioning that they will apply for future grants to support those efforts, as well.
Seabrook Island Green Space Conservancy receives grant money
BY THERESA STRATFORD For The Island Connection
With build-out on Seabrook Island always looming in the back of residents’ minds, green space has always had the possibility of becoming nonexistent.
That’s why, back in 2000, the Seabrook Island Property Owners Association decided to start a 501c3 charitable organization solely dedicated to identifying, for potential acquisition, highly visible properties that preserve substantial green space and wildlife habitat. Properties may be acquired through charitable donations, bargain
sales, or traditional purchase procedures.
The Seabrook Island Green Space Conservancy is now governed by a board of directors, composed of Seabrook Island property owners who volunteer to serve for a three-year term. Since its incorporation, the Conservancy has acquired, by donation or purchase, an estimated 32+ acres of land.
ICamp St. Christopher was up for another grant with the Town, and this one was for $2,430. Rezac said the purpose of this separate grant was
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In addition to preserving land on Seabrook, they also promote environmentally friendly practices through speakers, publications, and advocacy.
Mayor suggests collaboration to neighboring developments
BY THERESA STRATFORD
For The Island Connection
n an attempt to start some dialogue with three neighboring property owners, Seabrook Island Mayor Bruce Kleinman penned a letter to the owners of record asking for periodic “check-ins.” In the August 26 Seabrook Island Town Council Meeting, Kleinman discussed the gist of his letter and why he felt it necessary to write it. He said he was driven to write the letter due to the upcoming plans to start the Seabrook Island Road drainage project, which
could affect neighboring developments. He also mentioned in the letter that the Town’s long-term planning would be impacted by future developments from neighboring properties.
The Seabrook Island Road drainage project would be substantial, and the Town hopes to have permits in place by the end of the year. In the letter, Kleinman suggested that the owners begin seeking permits for encroachment onto Seabrook Island
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An undeveloped area of Seabrook Island. Photo by Theresa Stratford
PUBLISHERS OF:
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Contributors
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New study on dolphins clarifies the need for 45 feet boundary
BY LAUREN RUST For The Island Connection
Last year, a graduate student with the College of Charleston and Lowcountry Marine Mammal Network conducted a scientific study on the best distance visitors should stand back from strand feeding dolphins and the results are in!
We’ve always suggested 45 feet back from the water’s edge, but we wanted to scientifically test this. The study was done on Kiawah Island. We found the dolphins displayed more disturbance behaviors (chuffing, tail slapping, leaving or not feeding) when visitors were closer than 45 feet. The dolphins also moved away from Kiawah Island and fed more on Seabrook Island when people were too close.
This scientifically (and statistically) shows that keeping visitors back 45 feet is ideal to allow the dolphins to feed undisturbed. It also supports the importance of having educators on the beaches encouraging bystanders to stand back. Thank you all for your continued support of this program and protecting the “locals.”
The study will be submitted for publication in a peer-reviewed journal soon and shared when complete.
Since 2018, the Lowcountry Marine Mammal Network (LMMN) has run a visitor education program at Captain Sams Inlet to educate visitors about dolphins actively feeding there throughout the year. The dolphins participate in a unique feeding behavior called strand feeding, where dolphins temporarily ‘beach’ themselves to catch fish along the shore. The educators recommend bystanders stand at least 45 feet back from the dolphins when present to prevent any disturbances.
The dolphins are aware of people and can alter their behaviors or feeding locations based on human presence, proximity, or group size. While estuarine dolphins strand feed throughout the Lowcountry, those at Captain Sams Inlet are uniquely affected by land-based wildlife viewing. A recent study found that keeping
Town of Kiawah Island
Board of Zoning Appeals
Monday, Sept. 22, 1 p.m.
Kiawah Island Town Hall
Infrastructure and Public Works Committee
Tuesday, Sept. 23, 9 a.m.
Kiawah Island Town Hall
Arts & Cultural Event Council
Thursday, Oct. 2, 2 p.m.
Kiawah Island Town Hall
Arts Council Board
Monday, Oct. 6, 9 a.m.
Kiawah Island Town Hall
Audit Committee
Monday, Oct. 6, 1 p.m.
Kiawah Island Town Hall
a 45-foot distance reduces disturbance; when people stood too close to the shoreline, dolphins displayed more disturbance behaviors that indicated agitation.
Additionally, the dolphins changed their feeding location from Kiawah to Seabrook Island in response to large crowds on Kiawah Island, which represents a change in their natural foraging behavior. To preserve strand feeding at this special location, it’s essential that visitors on both islands give dolphins the space they need to feed undisturbed. Chronic disturbances could change this behavior or shift it away from Captain Sams Inlet.
Do your part, and view from a distance, and don’t be afraid to share this information with others. To learn more about strand feeding, visit lowcountrymarinemammalnetwork.org/what-wedo. If you’d like to volunteer for this program email Lauren at kiawahdolphineducation@gmail.com.
Town of Seabrook
Town Council
Tuesday, Sept. 30, 2:30 p.m.
Seabrook Town Hall
Planning Commission
Wednesday, Oct. 8, 1:30 p.m.
Seabrook Town Hall
Environment & Wildlife Committee
Thursday, Oct. 9, 10 a.m.
Seabrook Town Hall
Utility Commission
Wednesday, Oct. 15, 8:30 a.m.
Seabrook Town Hall
Community Promotion & Engagement Committee
Thursday, Oct. 16, 1 p.m.
Seabrook Town Hall
K iawah iSland Town h all 4475 Betsy Kerrison Parkway Kiawah Island, S.C. 29455 843-768-9166
SeabrooK iSland Town h all 2001 Seabrook Island Road Seabrook Island, S.C. 29455 843-768-9121 lmanning@townofseabrookisland.org
JohnS iSland c ouncil
Meetings are held at the Berkeley Electric Co-op located at 3351 Maybank Highway, Johns Island, S.C. 29455 Chairman Chris Cannon: 843-343-5113
charle STon c oun T y c ouncil 4045 Bridge View Drive N. Charleston, S.C. 29405 843-958-4700
ciT y of charle STon 75 Calhoun St. Charleston, S.C. 29401 843-724-3745
Photo courtesy of LMMN.
Camp St. Christopher
Continued from page 1
in order to have beehives on the property as an educational tool.
“This would be specific to beekeeping and would be the first step to making sure that our staff are well-educated and well-prepared to take care of beehives.”
The grant money would also be used to construct a pollinator garden next to the beehives.
Both grants were unanimously supported by the Seabrook Island Town Council.
Seabrook Island Mayor Bruce Kleinman concluded, “We appreciate all that you do and are thankful for this partnership. These grants were well-written and thought out. Thank you so much for your time.”
Camp St. Christopher and Conference Center encompasses 314 acres on Seabrook Island and contains five distinct ecosystems: intertidal beach, dunes, maritime forest, salt marsh, and freshwater wetlands. Since 1981, the Barrier Island Environmental Education Program has been educating children from the Lowcountry and beyond about these environments, plus the flora and fauna that call them home. The program is staffed by 14 seasonal naturalists who live on-site and teach the students who attend the overnight programs.
Developments
Continued from page 1
Road as soon as possible, since they are currently working on road construction plans.
“I suggest those discussions begin before our road construction project is fully designed, permitted, and commenced,” he said. “The Town’s flexibility with respect to encroachments will be much more restricted once we have constructed and paid for a new road.”
Although Kleinman admitted that the Town is not usually involved in developments outside of the town limits, they have recognized that they should be involved when the developments impact residents or impact the road leading into Seabrook.
“The Town of Seabrook Island was not even at the table when Freshfields, Kiawah River Estates, and Seafields were being approved by Charleston County and/or the Town of Kiawah Island. As a result, each project was designed and constructed without regard to the legitimate needs and priorities of Seabrook.”
He added that the residents pay the price with added traffic, poorly controlled stormwater drainage, and suboptimal encroachment onto Seabrook Island Road.
He ended the letter asking for a meeting to be set up between himself and the development owners.
Seabrook Island Town Administrator Joe Cronin reported that the South Carolina Department of Environmental Services (SCDES) had completed the public hearing component of the road project. The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) commented that the road
project will impact the wetland area off the road because it exceeds one-tenth of an acre in the wetlands.
Cronin said they have gone back to their consultant to revise the road plans to reduce the impact on the wetlands, which would put them into accordance with SCDNR.
“I think right now, it is at two-tenths of an acre,” he added.
The other issue Cronin said they need to address before they can move forward with the plans to fix the drainage on Seabrook Island Road has to do with diamondback terrapins. These turtles are known to nest in that area as well. SCDNR asked for plans to minimize or completely avoid any potential impact on the nesting diamondback terrapin turtles.
“We are trying to get a meeting with them about that,” Cronin explained. “We are hoping to have SCDNR speak to our engineers and consultants about that issue.”
The Seabrook Island Road project is on hold until they can get SCDNR’s concerns addressed.
“We have 180 days to get our response back to them. If we fail to do so, then the project would be deemed withdrawn, and we would have to start the process over again,” Cronin said.
Cronin ended the segment about this issue by saying that he will report back once he meets with the engineers and consultants for the project.
“We want to make sure we are moving as quickly as possible and keeping the permitting process on track,” he concluded.
Green Space Conservancy
Continued from page 1
Seeing the value of the Seabrook Island Green Space Conservancy, the Town of Seabrook Island, along with SIPOA, supports the organization’s efforts.
On August 26, the group appeared before the Council for approval of a $2,500 grant. Susan Leggett, a board member of the Seabrook Island Green Space Conservancy, said that this grant would go toward sponsoring attendance at a symposium on creating resilient living landscapes, as well as supporting the organization’s 25th anniversary celebration and fundraiser.
Leggett said, “We want to attend a full-day program panel discussion on resilient living nature gardens, shoreline buffers, mosquito management, and a whole range of other topics.”
The day-long symposium brings together horticulture, conservation, and landscape design experts, including many local environmental organizations. Leggett said they want to attend for three reasons:
• Learn from experts in the field of ecology and sustainable gardening.
• Network with other professionals and community members who care about resilient landscapes.
• Be inspired and equipped to take action with practical strategies to implement in community projects.
The grant would cover attendance for three people, plus an exhibition table.
The second part of their grant request would go toward the group’s 25th year celebration at Camp St. Christopher on December 5.
“It’s a great opportunity to celebrate the conservation efforts we’ve made over the years and do some additional fundraising. As we look to the future, it is important to recognize past achievements, but also to appeal to the community to support ongoing conservation efforts through property purchases, donations, and community education. We are very excited about the partnership.”
The grant money was approved unanimously by Seabrook Island Town Council.
For more information on how to donate to help preserve land on Seabrook Island, visit sigsc.net/how-to-help.
First annual golf event to benefit rare illness is scheduled for Kiawah Golf Resort
The first annual “Teeing Off to Cure SMA” golf event is taking place on October 26 – 27 at Kiawah Island Golf Resort. This two-day fundraiser will directly benefit Cure SMA, the world’s leading nonprofit organization funding research and providing support for individuals and families impacted by Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA), a rare and progressive neurodegenerative disease.
The story of how this event came to fruition is one of fate, hope, and a community’s desire to ensure that all affected individuals and families in the Lowcountry receive access to life-altering therapies and care.
Laura and Jim Harbin of Folly Beach had never heard of Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) prior to October 25, 2024, the date that their first-born child, Max Harbin, was diagnosed with SMA at 1-week old via newborn screening (NBS). The Harbins learned that SMA is a rare, recessive genetic disorder affecting about one in (Continued on page 8)
Artist of the Month: Building Connection with Creativity
BY ROD MORRIS
For The Island Connection
When asked in kindergarten what she wanted to do with her life, Meg Homeier’s answer was clear: “I am going to be an artist.” That conviction has guided her ever since.
Today, Homeier is known for her experimental mixed-media paintings, which blend alcohol inks and acrylics into luminous, abstract compositions often reminiscent of landscapes. For the past decade, alcohol inks have been her primary medium, prized for their fluidity, unpredictability, and shimmering effects.
In her work, Homeier explores themes of pattern, layering, and light, creating surfaces that shift as they catch the eye. The artist describes her paintings as peaceful and contemplative—inviting viewers to step into imaginative, evolving “scapes” and discover their own reflections within.
Homeier’s creative journey has been shaped by both formal training and practical experience. After earning a liberal arts degree from Columbia College in Chicago, she launched a decorative painting business which flourished for more than 30 years. She was challenged and delighted to
enhance her outreach and room for creativity by opening a large studio in an historic building.
In 2021, the artist relocated full-time to South Carolina, along with her husband, Jeff, where she continues to expand her artistic practice. Beyond painting, she finds joy in gardening, cooking, and restoring homes—creative outlets that echo her lifelong spirit of experimentation. She also shares her passion through teaching workshops, where participants are encouraged to collaborate with the “fluid and persnickety” nature of alcohol inks. One of Homeier’s most memorable experiences was guiding a group of 10 people in creating an eight-foot-long collaborative piece, a process she describes as both challenging and deeply rewarding.
For Homeier, art is not only a personal calling but also a way of building connection—among mediums, people, and the inner and outer landscapes we navigate.
Come experience the variety and richness of Meg Homeier’s mixed media at the reception at the Lakehouse on Monday, October 6 from 4:30 to 6 p.m.
Communities. One Harmonious Mission.
Tickets
On October 25 at 6 p.m., the Junior League of Charleston will gather at the Kiawah Island Golf Resort for an unforgettable evening of art, community, and impact—raising critical funds to support the mission of the League.
The organization is asking residents of the Sea Islands to set the pace by being among the first to purchase tickets. Early action not only secures your spot at this one-of-a-kind event, but it also helps to build momentum right from the start.
League members are deeply grateful to those of you who have already stepped up through sponsorship or by joining the Honorary Committee—your commitment is inspiring and sets the tone for our success.
This year promises:
• A farm-to-table culinary experience with local chefs;
• Artisan cocktails, craft beer and wines;
• Striking works inspired by Van Gogh;
• Exclusive auction items and surprises; and
• A night that fuels our mission of advancing women’s leadership and strengthening our community.
For tickets and more details, visit jlcharleston.org/farm-to-tableaux.
CCharleston Opera Theater kicks off fifth season
BY EDWARD BRENNAN For The Island Connection
harleston Opera Theater will kick off its fifth year of programming this fall with a fully staged production of Bizet’s Carmen, presented in collaboration with the Charleston Symphony Orchestra, Palmetto City Ballet, and the Youth Chorus from the Palmetto Choral Collective. Performances are set for November 7, 9, and 11 at the historic College of Charleston Sottile Theatre.
Known for its unforgettable music and fiery drama, Carmen remains one of the most popular operas of all time, featuring iconic arias such as the “Habanera” and “Toreador Song.” This new production will showcase nationally recognized singers including Ginger Costa-Jackson as Carmen, Jonathan Kauffman as Don José, and Nathan Matticks as the bullfighter Escamillo, among others. This production also features local talent, with live orchestra, dance, and a children’s chorus.
“Charleston Opera Theater is thrilled to bring to life Bizet’s classic story of Carmen. Patrons can expect all the beloved familiarities of this great score accompanied with a unique and supernatural twist in our original production,” said Harold Meers, producer and director. “We are pleased to be partnered once again with the amazing Charleston Symphony, as well as the youth chorus from the Palmetto Choral Collective and the dancers of the Palmetto City Ballet.”
Tickets are on sale now through the George Street Box Office Box Office 843-953-4726 and at cofc. evenue.net/events/COTCM
Teeing Off
Continued from page 5
15,000 births that causes the loss of motor neurons and muscle weakness, affecting walking, swallowing, and breathing.
Fortunately for the Harbins, Max was born at the perfect time to benefit from recent public health and scientific advancements in the diagnosis and treatment of SMA. Thanks to being diagnosed pre-symptomatically through NBS, which did not become available for SMA in South Carolina until 2022, Max’s motor neurons remained intact and made him eligible for a gene therapy called Zolgensma that won FDA approval in 2018. Max received Zolgensma at 4 weeks old at MUSC Children’s Health in Charleston from Dr. Neena Champaign, who has built a nationally recognized genetic medicine program largely from scratch over the past few years to treat children like Max with rare genetic disorders.
The advances in NBS and gene therapy are due in large part to decades of investments and actions taken by Cure SMA, the world’s leading organization dedicated to funding research and providing support to individuals with SMA and their families. Founded in 1984 in suburban Chicago, Cure SMA led the 15-year push for SMA NBS in all 50 states and provided critical seed funding in 2010 for the genetic research that led to the development of Zolgensma.
Around the time of Max’s birth, Cure SMA board member Spencer Perlman and his wife, Farish, long-time residents of Maryland who relocated fulltime to Kiawah Island, were in the early stages of contemplating a Kiawah-based fundraiser for Cure SMA. Perlman has been involved with Cure SMA for 27 years, including the last 11 years on the board, and Farish has assisted the organization with event planning in a volunteer capacity. The Perlmans wanted to establish an event to continue their involvement with Cure SMA and engage the Kiawah community.
By happenstance, Farish also volunteers at the Kiawah Women’s Foundation (KWF) with Max’s grandmother, Barbara Willhoft. Like the Perlmans, Barbara and Gene Willhoft recently relocated to Kiawah Island on a permanent basis from the state of New York. Once it became clear that they had a shared connection to SMA, the families joined forces with close friends on Kiawah, Julie Gidcumb and John Minner, to launch the first Annual “Teeing Off to Cure SMA” golf event, with the support of Cure SMA Chief Development Officer Jamie Gibson and her team.
All proceeds from this event will go to Cure SMA to fund ongoing research and support for the SMA community, particularly those individuals born prior to SMA NBS and gene therapy who continue to face a multitude of unmet needs, including medical care and support for activities of daily living. There are several families in South Carolina affected by SMA that require ongoing support. This event aims to raise awareness of SMA in the Lowcountry and to highlight the groundbreaking work of Dr. Champaign and her team at MUSC Children’s Health.
For information, visit curesma.org/teeing-off-to-cure-sma.
AROUND THE ISLANDS
ONGOING
WHAT: Fleece+ Friday
WHERE: Beachwalker Center
WHEN: Every Friday from 10 a.m. to noon.
MORE INFO: Join the Kiawah Cares Made with Love program to create handmade crafts for children, seniors, veterans, teachers, new moms and neighbors in need. All skill levels are welcome to make no-sew fleece blankets, craft greeting cards, sew fabric totes, knit/crochet scarves and more.
WHAT: Spirit Tasting
WHERE: Kiawah Spirits, 615 Freshfields Dr.
WHEN: Every Friday and Saturday from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
MORE INFO: Stop by Kiawah Spirits for tastings of select spirits. Guests must be 21 years old to participate. While supplies last.
WHAT: Sea Island Farmers Market
WHERE: 2024 Academy Rd., Johns Island
WHEN: Every Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
MORE INFO: The Sea Island Farmers Market is a year-round delight for locals and visitors alike. This market offers a wide variety of fresh produce, artisanal foods and handmade crafts. It’s the perfect spot to start your weekend with a basket full of farm-fresh goodies and unique finds.
WHAT: Weekend Wine-Down
WHERE: Deep Water Vineyard, 6775 Bears Bluff Rd., Wadmalaw Island
WHEN: Every Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
MORE INFO: Attendees can expect tastings ($15 gets you a tasting of 6 samples of the vineyard’s wine and a souvenir stemless glass), drinks, food trucks, live music, and more.
WHAT: Negroni Week
WHERE: Various bars and restaurants
WHEN: Sept. 22 to Sept. 28
MORE INFO: Imbibe Magazine and Campari have once again teamed up with bars from around the world to raise money for the annual Negroni Week celebration. The event benefits Slow Food, a global movement of local communities and activists across more than 160 countries seeking to change the world through food and beverage. Each participating restaurant and bar will donate a portion of proceeds from their Negroni sales to Slow Food. A Negroni is a drink that is traditionally made with Campari, gin, and vermouth, but local bars may offer variations of the drink. Visit
WHAT:
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.
MOJA Arts Festival
WHERE: Various
WHEN: Sept. 25 – Oct. 5
MORE INFO: MOJA Arts Festival is an annual celebration of Black arts and culture and the related artistic contributions to the world, especially through African American and Caribbean legacies. Festival events include visual arts, music, food, dance, poetry, theater, storytelling, traditional crafts and family activities. In addition to its myriad of Arts presentations, MOJA also includes an active and busy educational outreach component of workshops in the public schools and senior outreach in community centers. Visit mojafestival.com for more info.
WHAT: The Fall Tours of Architecture, History, and Gardens
WHERE: Various
WHEN: Oct. 1 - Oct. 31
MORE INFO: Now in its 49th 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. Visit preservationsociety.org/events-tours/ for more info.
FRIDAY, SEPT. 19
WHERE: Charleston Margarita Festival
WHEN: 7 p.m. - 10 p.m.
WHERE: The Rickhouse, 1734 Signal Point Rd., James Island
MORE INFO: After a five-year break, the Charleston Margarita Festival returns for its fifth year. The event brings together 20 of the city’s top bars and restaurants for an evening built around margaritas featuring Don Gato Tequila. Tickets are available now at charlestonmargaritafestival.com.
SATURDAY, SEPT. 20
WHAT: Cars & Coffee Event Finale WHERE: Freshfields Village WHEN: 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
MORE INFO: The final Cars & Coffee event of 2025 will showcase a variety of classic vehicles around The Village Green for visitors to explore, and offer the chance to connect over coffee and breakfast available for purchase from Java Java. The popular monthly seasonal series is set to return in February 2026.
WHERE: Pickle Palooza II
WHEN: 1 p.m. - 6 p.m.
WHERE: The Rickhouse, 1734 Signal Point Rd., James Island
MORE INFO: The largest pickle festival in the Southeast is returning! Get ready for a *brine*-tastic experience as revelers celebrate all things pickles. Whether you’re a pickle enthusiast or just curious to explore the tangy world of pickles, Pickle Palooza is the perfect event for you. This will be a festivalstyle atmosphere with live music featuring multiple bands/DJs, food trucks, beer tents, liquor vendors, games, and more. Visit thepicklepalooza.com.
SATURDAY, SEPT. 27
WHAT: Outdoor Barre Workout at Andell Inn
WHERE: Freshfields Village WHEN: 11:30 a.m.
MORE INFO: An outdoor barre workout at the Andell Inn Women of all ages are welcome. It’ll be a workout focused on strengthening, tightening and toning the full body while enjoying the ocean breeze. Bring a mat and a set of light weights. Don’t worry if you don’t have anything; they will have extras.
SUNDAY, SEPT. 28
WHAT: Johns Island Maker’s Market
WHERE: Hayes Park, 101 Risewell Ct. WHEN: 1 p.m. - 5 p.m.
MORE INFO: With dozens of talented artisans, farmers, chefs, builders, and more from across the Lowcountry, the Maker’s Market is a free and familyfriendly event celebrating all things local. Come stroll the oak-lined streets of Hayes Park and explore handmade goods, original artwork, fresh eats, and one-of-a-kind finds. Whether you are shopping, browsing, or just soaking it all in, this is a perfect way to spend a Sunday in the heart of Johns Island.
THURSDAY, OCT. 2
WHAT: A Conversation with Trey Gowdy and Bakari Sellers
WHERE: Sottile Theatre, 44 George St., Charleston WHEN: 6 p.m.
MORE INFO: The College of Charleston Civility Initiative will host a Q&A featuring authors, commentators, and former elected officials. Trey Gowdy, a former republican member of the U.S. House of Representatives, and Bakari Sellers, a former democratic S.C. state legislator, will attend its kick-off event for the school year. Visit cofc.evenue. net/events/CI for tickets.
Celebrate Charleston’s vibrant Latin and Caribbean cultures at the Latin American Festival
BY SARAH REYNOLDS For The Island Connection
Charleston County Parks invites you to immerse yourself in the authentic music, dance and food found throughout Latin America and the Caribbean. This annual Latin American Festival on October 5 brings people together to celebrate Charleston’s vibrant Latin cultures through non-stop merengue, reggaeton, bachata and salsa music; folkloric artwork and crafts; and authentic foods.
A variety of food vendors will be on site selling Latin and Caribbean foods and desserts, from flavorful empanadas to tasty arroz con pollo.
Gates to the event open at noon, and the entertainment schedule is:
• 1 p.m.: Rumbao Latin Dance Group
• 1:45 p.m.: Furia Tropikal
• 3 p.m.: Salsa Contest with DJ Luigi
• 3:45 p.m.: Magic Juan
Children’s games and an educational area will also be presented by the Charleston County Public Library. Food, beverages and souvenirs will be available for purchase for an additional fee.
Admission to the Latin American Festival is $20 per vehicle in advance (up to 15 people per vehicle) or $25 per vehicle at the event gate. Gold Pass holders are admitted free. No outside food, alcohol or coolers permitted. Pets are not allowed at this event. Accessible parking and accessible restrooms will be available at this event. An accessibility tent with Kulture City sensory bags for checkout will be available.
For additional information on the Latin American Festival, visit CharlestonCountyParks.com, or call 843-795-4386. This event is presented by Figueroa Law and hosted by your Charleston County Parks.
New community The Inlet coming to Seabrook
The Inlet, a new construction community of townhomes, is being developed by Seabrook Island resident Paula Murphy and her son, Keith Murphy, an architect with Island Architects. Together, they have a vision to build with care and respect for the natural setting they treasure. From a design perspective, the homes are meant to feel like a natural extension of Seabrook Island’s lifestyle: one that is peaceful, welcoming, and deeply connected to nature.
“Although zoning permitted more than double the number of residences on the site, we intentionally limited the community to 11 townhomes in order to preserve the live oak corridor, protect the surrounding wetlands, and retain the sense of retreat that defines Seabrook Island,” said Keith Murphy, co-developer of The Inlet and architect with Island Architects.
“Our goal was never to maximize density but to amplify quality, both in the homes themselves and in the way they coexist with the land.”
For Paula Murphy, the project is personal. “As residents, we care deeply about this island and the community that makes it special,” she said. “The Inlet was designed to nestle into the landscape, respecting what makes Seabrook Island so extraordinary. We see these residences as timeless, thoughtfully designed additions to a place we love.”
Construction is slated to begin in the fourth quarter of 2025, with the first townhomes expected to be completed in fall 2026. The community will be constructed by David E. Looper & Company, in collaboration with Island Architects.
To learn more about The Inlet at Seabrook Island, contact listing brokerage Daniel Ravenel Sotheby’s International Realty or visit theinletseabrook.com.
Photo of rendering. Courtesy of Island Architects.
