Council members talk noise and make some of their own
By Brian Sherman For The Island Eye News
The Isle of Palms City Council failed to take action on yet another iteration of a proposed new noise ordinance, not long after Wild Dunes resident Al Clouse perpetuated what has become somewhat of a local tradition by asking city leaders – for the 19th time, he said – to do something about the sounds emanating from the Sweetgrass Inn. And Terri Haack, representing the resort, also made her regular trip to the podium, providing her opinion on necessary changes to a draft that was compiled by the IOP Planning Commission.
All this happened at a Nov. 14 workshop, where Council members also chose to delay action on picking a parking vendor for the 2024 season. The two issues were tethered in another way – sort of. The Council discussed the word
raucous, defined in the latest draft of the ordinance as “any sound created by yelling, screaming, the use of horns, whistles or similar devices or the banging of objects with the primary purpose of creating noise.” During the parking discussion, Council Member Blair Hahn provided somewhat of an example, raising his voice as he sparred with his colleague Scott Pierce concerning whether he sat through two long presentations from the four prospective parking vendors.
Clouse, who has pointed out numerous times that his house is about the same distance from the Sweetgrass Inn as a Major League pitcher’s mound is from home plate, point out that “at this point, our city has demonstrated they do not have the will to do the right thing.”
He asked that any action on the issue (Continued on page 5)
SI Council wants to keep situation at former Town Hall from getting worse
By Brian Sherman For The Island Eye News
The Sullivan’s Island Town Council hasn’t decided what the longterm future holds for the building that served as Town Hall for more than four decades.
City officials have, however, determined that it’s necessary to hire a professional mitigation company to get rid of the mold, rats and other undesirables that hastened the abandonment of the one-story brick structure at 1608 and (Continued on page 7)
Army Corps project will benefit island beaches
By Brian Sherman For The Island Eye News
Work is expected to begin in January on a $10 million U.S. Army Corps of Engineers project that will bring much-needed sand to the beaches at both the Isle of Palms and Sullivan’s Island.
At a Nov. 13 public meeting held at the IOP Exchange Club, Corps Project Manager Jacob Kyzar said the contractor, to be chosen by the end of December, will determine which barrier island will be the first to receive sand. Around 500,000 cubic yards will be transported through a pipeline from the Intracoastal Waterway to IOP, while Sullivan’s Island’s beach will be fortified with 175,000 cubic yards. Kyzar explained that a cubic yard of sand is about the size of a washing machine.
The sand has been dredged from the Intracoastal over the past 10 to 15 years, Kyzar said, and stored in areas along the Waterway.
Neither island will pay for the sand, but both will be responsible for moving it after it is placed between the high tide and low tide lines. IOP City Manager Desiree Fragoso said she didn’t know what IOP’s part of the project would cost, but she pointed out that at least part of it could be paid for through a grant from South Carolina Parks and Recreation. The city also can draw from its Beach Renourishment Fund, which is fueled by a 1% tax on short-term rental properties.
Kyzar said the Corps’ portion of the project would be a 24/7 operation and would be completed on both islands sometime between January and June. He noted that the beach would remain open except in (Continued on page 2)
Among those providing information about the upcoming Corps of Engineers beach renourishment project on the Isle of Palms and Sullivan’s Island were, left to right, Corps Project Manager Jacob Kyzar; Steven Traynum, president of Coastal Science & Engineering; and IOP City Attorney Mac McQuillin.
Rats, mold and other undesirables forced the town of Sullivan’s Island to abandon the building that had served as Town Hall for more than four decades.
Photo by Brian Sherman.
Photo by Brian Sherman.
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Bike campaign rolls toward its goal
By Brian Sherman For The Island Eye News
As Thanksgiving weekend approached, the Sullivan’s Island Police Department was nearly two-thirds of the way toward its goal of collecting 300 bikes for economically challenged children in the Lowcountry.
Deputy Police Chief Glenn Meadows, who got the town involved in the Marine Corps’ Toys for Tots program in 2021 and has directed the campaign ever since, reported that as of Nov. 22, 197 bikes had been donated by area residents, businesses and churches. The bicycles will be loaded up in front of Town Hall on Dec. 18, transported to North Charleston by Timmy
Hayes Moving and distributed to children on Christmas Day.
Meadows said Sgt. Adrian Smith would be on hand to represent the Marine Corps at the Dec. 18 bike-loading ceremony.
Those wishing to donate bikes to the cause can drop them off at Town Hall or have them shipped to 2056 Middle St., Sullivan’s Island, S.C. 29482. Most of the bicycles must be assembled, a job that is being handled by employees from several of the town’s departments. To learn more about the Sullivan’s Island bicycle drive or to donate bikes or helmets, contact Meadows at 843-834-4298.
IOP Exchange Club flies 165 flags to honor veterans
By Robbie Berg For The Island Eye News
The Isle of Palms Exchange Club’s Americanism Committee erected 165 flags for Veterans Day, a perfect way for families and friends to honor those who served in the military.
Members and tourists saw the 85 flags waving in the wind at the IOP Exchange Club from Nov. 3 through November 15, each with a tag noting the veteran’s name, rank and other information. Volunteers from the IOP Exchange Club also erected 80 flags at Towne Centre in Mount Pleasant. It was a beautiful sight, with many families taking pictures in front of the flags dedicated to their loved ones who served our country. Many stories could be told by the families of their sacrifice and service.
The Isle of Palms Exchange Club’s Americanism Committee has provided more than $25,000 in donations this year to organizations including the Fisher House, Tri-County Veterans Network, Vantage Point Foundation, Project Street Outreach, DVA Disabled Veterans, Lowcountry Food Bank, Project Street Outreach, Tri-County Elder Care, Growing Minds, PGA Hope and the VA Hospital. The committee also has provided direct help to veterans in need, including bus tickets for employment training and renovation materials for housing.
Thank you to our fallen veterans and their families for their ultimate sacrifice and to our veterans who have served our country throughout the years here at home and across the world.
And thank you to our sponsors and donors for your
Army Corps
Continued from page 1
the contractor’s immediate work area.
IOP’s part of the project, which will begin a month or more after the Corps starts transporting sand, will take four to six weeks, according to Steven Traynum, president of Coastal Science & Engineering, which has provided consulting services to the city since 2007.
City Attorney Mac McQuillin, part of a panel that included Kyzar, Traynum, Fragoso and Deputy Administrator Douglas Kerr, told the ap-
support of our veterans. The Flags for Heroes Fundraiser raised $11,295.
proximately 60 people in attendance that the city’s part of the project would require temporary, two-year easements from the owners of property where sand will be placed – between 2nd Avenue and 10th Avenue.
“Permanent easements would be better. In case there is an emergency situation, the town could go right to work,” he said, noting that no easements will be necessary for the Corps of Engineers project.
He added that the easements won’t decrease the value of the beachfront properties, pointing out that “it will probably increase be-
cause of the erosion protection.”
“If I owned a house, I’d want that easement to be as close to my house as possible,” Traynum added.
The city of IOP has been paying Collins Construction to scrape sand and install sandbags since October to protect properties threatened by severe beach erosion from 120 to 206 Ocean Blvd. In addition, on Oct. 10, the IOP City Council passed an emergency ordinance that allowed property owners between 100 and 914 Ocean Blvd. to circumvent a city law and install 1-cubic-foot sandbags at their own expense.
Photo courtesy of the IOP Exchange Club.
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Please join the Town of Sullivan’s Island and Thomas and Hutton Engineering for the third and final review of the Stith Park master plan.
The meeting will be held in Town Hall on Thursday December 7, 2023 at 6pm. During that time, the public will be able to review previous suggestions that have been incorporated into the plan and provide further comment on the conceptual design.
Noise
Continued from page 1
be delayed until January, when a new Council is sworn in. Incumbents Rusty Streetman and Kevin Popson were defeated in the Nov. 7 election, while Pierce retained his seat and newcomer Elizabeth Campsen earned a spot on the Council.
Haack pointed out that Wild Dunes supports the adoption of a new citywide noise ordinance.
“Under the current ordinance, there can be no comprehensive resolution due to the broad language that fails to establish a clear, enforceable standard,” she said, asking that the testing period to determine if noise exceeds the limit should be extended to two minutes – instead of the proposed 30 seconds – and that speech and music not be treated differently than other sounds.
“After all, noise is noise,” she said.
Deputy City Administrator Douglas Kerr pointed out that under the Planning Commission proposal, any reading above 55 decibels would violate the ordinance in residential and commercial areas between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m. Sunday through Thursday and 11 p.m. and 7 a.m. Friday and Saturday. In residential areas, 70 decibels would be the limit from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday. On Front Beach, the limit would be 90 decibels from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
All maximum decibel levels would be reduced by 5 decibels “if the primary source of sound is speech or music.”
Eventually, Mayor Phillip Pounds suggested that the issue be passed on to the Council’s new Public Safety Committee take, which will not meet until January.
The decision on hiring a parking vendor was pushed forward to the Council’s Nov. 28 meeting, but not before what became a heated discussion on whether to immediately reduce the number of contenders from four to two. Pounds and Hahn favored paring the choice down to Municipal PCI and Pivot Parking. The other vendors being considered were One Parking and The Car Park.
“They already handle parking very similar to what we currently have –parking in grass and sand areas and sides of the road,” Hahn said. “That seems to be a good fit for us.”
“I’m confused. What are we doing? This has been going on for over a year. We need to have a parking vendor in my opinion.”
Pierce disagreed, pointing out that “it would be helpful to do some of that work that you were talking about, mayor, with the financial analysis and also look at the capabilities and other aspects and characteristics of the suppliers before we do a down selection.”
• IOP Council member Blair Hahn
“Those two stood out. Why would we go down the path with the two that may not?” the mayor asked. “I think there’s one or two I wouldn’t waste time on.”
“I think we have a little bit of time. I’d rather do it right than fast,” Pierce responded. “I know we’ve been working on this for a while, but we’ve had a couple of missteps. I think we’re on a good path now.”
“I’m confused,” Hahn chimed in. “What are we doing? This has been going on for over a year. We need to have a parking vendor in my opinion. I’m not aware of any missteps that have happened. We’ve had these four people come twice and give us basically the same presentation.”
That’s the when the discussion heated up and the noise level approached what some might consider to be raucous.
“I don’t think it was the same exact presentation,” Pierce told Hahn, who responded: “I sat through both of them.”
“Actually, you didn’t. You were outside doing your newscast,” Pierce said.
“OK. So I missed two minutes. I sat through both of them, Scott,” Hahn said, the level of his voice raising considerably. “I’m offended by you saying what you just said. It is offensive.”
“It’s a fact,” Pierce said, and Hahn ended the discussion with “You need to tighten up a little bit, Buddy.”
Town Hall
Continued from page 1
1610 Middle St. in June 2011.
At their Nov. 13 meeting, Council members directed Town Administrator Andy Benke to seek bids on what it would cost “to put the building in some kind of safe status where it’s not going to continue to degenerate or get worse,” Mayor Pro Tem Justin Novak said.
Council members previously discussed the possibility of letting town employees handle the job, but that idea failed to gain traction.
“I think we’re all in agreement that we don’t want to put town folks at risk and hire a professional company to do it,” Councilman Scott Millimet said at the Nov. 13 meeting. “I think you almost got to get it into shape to mothball, ripping out anything that can continue to decompose or attract mold – basically get it into a state that would remain a steady state.”
what the environment inside the building, built by the U.S. Army in 1911 or 1912, is like, Benke responded: “Absolutely. That’s what prompted us to evacuate. I have the environmental reports on the mold, and it’s unlikely that it improved itself.”
Benke added that “we believe it’s certainly occupied by creatures, the roof probably isn’t watertight and groundwater is causing additional problems.”
“I doubt seriously the Army put a moisture barrier down before they constructed it,” he said. “I don’t know that we’ll ever be able to stop those two issues. The best we could do is remove anything that mold would attach itself to. It sounds like the drop ceilings and carpet need to be ripped out.”
Benke said files and documents required by state archive statutes have been removed from the building “to the best of our knowledge.” He added that there isn’t any asbestos in the building.
done soon.
“We’ve kicked the can down the road as far as we should. This is an attempt to clean up, mitigate and just stabilize, not to renovate. I think that will be a later discussion what the town intends or what the best use of that property is or disposition of it,” he said.
In other action Nov. 13, Novak read a resolution honoring Nelson Gerena, who is retiring after 38 years in law enforcement. He has been with the Sullivan’s Island Police Department since October 2014. Police Chief Chris Griffin described Gerena as “dedicated, loyal, dependable and hardworking.”
“I hope he stays healthy and enjoys his retirement.
He earned it,” Griffin said.
When asked by Novak if he has any sense of
Council Member Gary Visser, who earlier this year floated the idea of renovating the building to provide low-cost housing for town employees and teachers, agreed that something needs to be
The Council also approved a proclamation declaring Nov. 16 as World Pancreatic Cancer Day on Sullivan’s Island.
There’s a new boat club at the IOP 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
• Brand new Center Consoles
BOAT RENTALS
• Completely revamped and upgraded marina facilities & services
• IOP 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
SHIP STORE: NOW OPEN
• Newly revamped and upgraded. Hours: 7am – 7pm. Kitchen: 7am – 3pm (breakfast ends at 10:30am)
Start the day right with a delightful cup of coffee and a delicious breakfast at our waterfront café Mouthwatering lunches made from locally sourced ingredients, served fresh
• Full range of convenience store items and services for last-minute needs
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At its Nov. 13 meeting, the Sullivan’s Island Town Council honored Nelson Gerena, left, who is retiring after 38 years in law enforcement. A resolution was passed and presented to Gerena by Mayor Pro Tem Justin Novak.
Battery Gadsden members enjoy second annual Lowcountry feast
From Battery Gadsden Cultural Center
One of the most popular benefits of membership in Battery Gadsden Cultural Center has become the Lowcountry feast for its current members.
On Friday evening, Nov. 3, about 80 people gathered on the grounds of Battery Gadsden to enjoy an evening of food and fellowship. The autumn weather was perfect, just chilly enough to make the glowing firepit worthwhile. The setting outside the old artillery battery was accentuated by a perimeter of tiki torches, and the food, again provided by Jamie Westendorf’s catering, was delicious: pulled pork, Lowcountry boil, a fabulous Mediterranean tomato salad, and, of course, banana pudding and praline cookies.
Adele Tobin, vice president of the group, noted, “It’s amazing. You take a nice evening with good food and drink, then offer people the
chance to get together with old friends and to make new ones, and you have the perfect recipe for a good time. You don’t have to do anything fancy. This is what community is all about.”
An addition to the food and fun was the announcement by BGCC of its Volunteer of the Year award. This year’s recipient is Rob Byko, who has donated his remarkable talents to the group by photographing nearly every one of its events over the past several years. Those photos have then been seen on the BGCC website, in its social media and on event posters like those announcing the annual Carolina Day celebration. Rob’s efforts are deeply appreciated.
“We continue to pursue our mission of preserving the island’s culture of both history and art in every way possible,” said BGCC President Mike Walsh. “We plan to have another full schedule of programs in 2024, starting in January with a presentation by renowned nature photographer Cacky Rivers. Ever-popular historian Dr. Nic Butler will be back in the spring, and we’re planning a memorial lectureship as a way to honor our dear friend and historical consultant, the late Roy Williams.”
Additionally, the Battery Gadsden Cultural Center’s oral history project continues to grow,
with the 14th interview soon to be added to the collection at the Lowcountry Digital Library.
“Our board is constantly looking for new ways to serve the community and provide benefits to our members,” Walsh said. “But this evening’s dinner is far and away our favorite way of saying thanks to our members and supporters.”
Based on remarks heard afterward, everyone in attendance felt the same.
Rob Byko, right, was honored as this year’s winner of the Battery Gadsden Cultural Center Volunteer of the Year award. Presenting him with a certificate of appreciation was BGCC President Mike Walsh.
Photo courtesy of BGCC.
Photo courtesy of BGCC.
Celtic Christmas concert slated for Mount Pleasant
By Everett White
For The Island Eye News
Carroll Brown and friends will present a Celtic Christmas concert Dec. 15 at White Gallery in Mount Pleasant.
Born and raised on the farm in rural South Carolina where he lives to this day with his wife, Carroll Brown was first influenced musically in church and from what scatterings he could pick up from nighttime radio. His mother, the church pianist, taught him his first chords on the guitar. This gift of music remained his constant companion. His first performances were playing guitar and singing in his pre-teen years in his home church.
During his career, Carroll lived in Nashville, where he worked with numerous songwriters and helped produce nationally released records. The ’80s brought Carroll to Charleston, where he gave countless live performances and started a successful recording studio. Now, with more than 49 years in the music world, Brown possesses a wealth of musical knowledge and a vast repertoire of songs and stories.
This year will mark his 23rd annual holiday show; he will be performing with Marci Shore, Michael Murray and Bob Sachs. The live acoustic program will include familiar, spiritual, secular and Celtic traditional seasonal songs, complemented by storytelling of family holiday gatherings and Christmas then and now. Carroll and his band aim to deliver an interactive and memory making show that will be sure to fill all with the holiday spirit.
There will cash bar of beer and wine. Tickets are $20 and are available at soulshinechs.com. White Gallery is located at 709 Coleman Blvd. The doors open at 7 p.m.
Seabrook claims Three Island Challenge
The Three Island Challenge is over for 2023, and, as has been the case in recent years, Seabrook came out on top with 2,985 points. Wild Dunes took second place with 2,885 points and Kiawah was third at 2,878. The Three Island Challenge is an annual golf competition pitting the three island clubs against each other in a round robin event. Each team is comprised of 18 players and three matches are scheduled – one at each location. Points are distributed playing a game called nines, and the winner is the club that tallies the most points after all three matches are completed.
As seen on
Mount Pleasant Book signing event will feature Palmetto State authors
By Angela May
For The Island Eye News
Barnes & Noble in Mount Pleasant Towne Centre will host the ultimate holiday book-signing event, featuring eight bestselling Lowcountry authors. Activities are scheduled to get underway at 3 p.m. Dec. 9.
Join Mary Alice Monroe at this festive event with some of her esteemed author friends. The gathering showcases writers representing a variety of literary genres, including historical fiction, contemporary, mystery and children’s literature.
Participating authors are Mary Alice Monroe, New York Times bestselling author of “A Lowcountry Christmas”; Susan Boyer, USA Today bestselling author of “Lowcountry Getaway”; Brittany Butler, author of “The Syndicate Spy”; Lindy Keane Carter, author of “The Rice Birds”; Victoria Benton Frank, author of “My Magnolia Summer”; Angela May, New York Times bestselling co-author of The Islanders series; Kristen Ness, author of “At Loggerheads”; and Signe Pike, author of “The Lost Queen” series.
At the event, participants get to interact with the authors at their signing stations and have their books personalized.
“Autographed books are a perfect present for the book enthusiasts on your gift list,” said Aaron Howard, manager of the Mount Pleasant bookstore, adding that “We are thrilled to bring back this festive shopping experience for its third consecutive year. It’s a joy to see readers engaging with the authors and discovering their works, many of which either take place in the Lowcountry or are written by local writers.”
Those unable to join the event but want signed and personalized books can simply contact the bookstore to place an order. The books can then either be picked up from the store or delivered to your doorstep.
For questions about the event, contact Barnes & Noble at Mount Pleasant Towne Centre at 843-216-9756.
Candy Campaign
The Suzy Kopp Real Estate Team on the Isle of Palms has completed another successful campaign, collecting the community’s leftover Halloween candy to support Blue Star Mothers of Coastal Carolina. Hundreds of pounds of candy will be packaged and sent to members of the military currently serving overseas.
Spoleto announces team for the world premiere of ‘Ruinous Gods’
By Katharine Laidlaw
For The Island Eye News
Spoleto Festival USA has announced the cast and creative team for the world premiere performances of “Ruinous Gods,” a new full-length chamber opera by composer Layale Chaker and librettist Lisa Schlesinger.
Running from May 24 through June 1 and co-produced and co-commissioned by Spoleto Festival USA, Opera Wuppertal and Nederlandse Reisopera, the work explores the trauma of refugee syndrome through an operatic dreamscape depicting resignation syndrome, a child’s psychological response to displacement. Tickets go on sale Jan. 26.
The production will be co-directed by theater directors, dramaturgs and Zoukak Theatre Company founding members Omar Abi Azar and Maya Zbib, with costume design by Sarah Leterrier, scenic design by Joelle Aoun and lighting design by James Ingalls. Conductor Kamna Gupta will lead from the podium, and the cast includes Karim Sulayman as Crow; Taylor-Alexis Dupont as Hannah; Teryn Kuzma as H’ala; Leroy Davis as Blue Dove and Dr. Undertow; Sharmay Mu-
sacchio as Swift; and Sarah Shafer as Sophia.
Grounded in testimonies from survivors and families of those afflicted with resignation syndrome, the evocative opera follows the experiences of Hannah and her 12-year-old daughter, H’ala, who suffers from a traumatic response to the state of living in the limbo of displacement. Evident in refugee camps around the world, resignation syndrome causes the child, most often between the ages of 8 and 15, to fall into a nonresponsive sleep.
Loosely based on the Greek myth of Persephone and Demeter, “Ruinous Gods” traces H’ala’s journey to an “underworld” landscape, where she is joined by other children who have fled their homes. As H’ala sleeps, Hannah navigates the effects of her daughter’s detachment and faces the unforgiving realities of their refugee status. Though the work does not name a specific setting, pointed moments allude to camps on the island of Lesvos, the practice of familial separation, deadly water crossings and a figure named “Jeb Fezos,” who represents society’s desensitization to billionaires’ gross spending on pet projects rather than initiatives for the common good. Despite the painful context of the characters’ situation, the work finds moments of friendship, empathy, humor and hope in the darkest moments.
In a joint statement, Schlesinger and com-
poser Chaker said: “‘Ruinous Gods’ challenges political otherness through music that amplifies marginalized voices and incites and fosters curiosity, connection, empathy and openness.”
Musically, the work is rooted in the traditions of Arabic maqam and Western classical music. Created for six soloists, a chorus and a chamber ensemble of strings, oboe/English horn, bassoon, flute, clarinet, harp, percussion and piano, the score includes the use of a microtonal keyboard.
Said Chaker: “Its musical branches reach a multitude of musical landscapes and languages spanning contemporary classical music, with influences from Arabic, Ottoman, Hindustani, Persian and Hindustani music, as well as jazz and free improvisation. It alludes in form and structure to the chorus in ancient Greek tragedy, while some sung texts also stem from Babylonian and Assyrian divinations and incantations.”
Founded in 1977 by Pulitzer Prize-winning composer Gian Carlo Menotti, Spoleto Festival USA is internationally recognized as America’s premier performing arts festival. For 17 days and nights each spring, Spoleto Festival USA fills Charleston’s historic theaters, churches and outdoor spaces with performances in opera; theater; dance; and chamber, symphonic, choral and jazz music. Presenting more than 100 performances, the 2024 season takes place May 24 to June 9.
Kamna Gupta
Expedition will study sharks along the Southeastern coast
By Paige Finney
For The Island Eye News
OCEARCH embarked on its 46th ocean research expedition Nov. 27 to further its knowledge of white sharks as they migrate to the Southeastern United States for the winter. Alongside 41 collaborators from 28 research institutions, the organization will help scientists collect data to support 24 science projects that will help them understand the history of the white shark in the Western North Atlantic Ocean.
During Expedition Southeast, OCEARCH’s goal will be to study mature animals to determine how they utilize their overwintering area and identify what oceanographic features and diet resources are important to them. Examination of these adult animals – particularly females – might also help scientists better understand the species’ reproductive cycle.
OCEARCH data shows a trend where larger animals demonstrate greater use of the waters off the continental shelf than juvenile animals, particularly adult females in the late winter and spring. As a result, Expedition Southeast will target coastal areas near North Florida, South Georgia and the Carolinas, as well as offshore areas closer to the continental shelf and the Gulf Stream. The extensive range of habitat that white sharks use from December to mid-May extends from Cape Hatteras, North Carolina, to the Atlantic Coast of Florida and into the Gulf of
Mexico.
“Unlike in the summer fall foraging area, where white sharks aggregate around feeding areas, they are much more dispersed and elusive throughout the region during this time period, making them challenging to find and study,”
OCEARCH Chief Scientist and Veterinarian Dr. Harley Newton explained.
OCEARCH’s Western North Atlantic White Shark Study is the most comprehensive study of white sharks in the world and includes a full health assessment of each shark, microbiological studies, movement, temperature and depth studies through the use of three different tags. With 92 sharks studied in the Western North Atlantic Ocean, OCEARCH is in the last stages of its sample collection in this region. The team has just eight sharks left to reach its goal of 100 sharks sampled and tagged.
Western North Atlantic’s white shark range where we need to know what the sharks are eating, what environmental threats they’re facing, and, after we tag them, where they return to next summer. The work will be exciting but challenging, and each and every shark our science team is able to study will be pure gold,” said OCEARCH Senior Science and Academic Advisor Dr. Bob Hueter. Expedition Southeast departed from Jacksonville, Florida, on Nov. 27, with a final docking planned in Morehead City, North Carolina, on Dec. 15. You can explore alongside the team in real time on social media @OCEARCH.
December 6, 13 & 20
Advent Midweek Worship services will be posted on Facebook
December 21
The Longest Night service will be posted on Facebook Christmas Candlelight Worship on Facebook and live at St. Mark’s December 24 at 5:30 p.m.
“At this point in our study, it’s all about filling in the remaining critical gaps. Expedition Southeast takes us to a place and time in the
Christmas Eve Candlelight Service AA Meetings Mon, Fri and Sat, 6:30-8 p.m.
Dec 3, 10, 17 & 31, 10 a.m.
This woody plant changes from season to season
By John Nelson
For The Island Eye News
The other day I was getting a bit philosophical, or at least introspective, I suppose, thinking about how things change – especially people. Can it be that during our lifetimes, each of us goes through a number of identities as we age? Well, sure. It’s got to be that way. Here’s how it works: Once you get older, your friends and family recognize you not as the way you were as a toddler or as a kid or teenager but as a different person as you change through these various stages – only with the same name. Depending on the number of people with whom you’ve come in contact with during your life, you’ve actually been lots and lots of different people. OK – enough of those deep thoughts. But it does remind us that we humans have a single lifetime and that we grow steadily older during that lifetime. In a way, plants are a bit different.
For instance, woody plants, that is, trees and shrubs, have a finite lifetime but go through seasonal changes that appear as different “installments” of the same individual, over and over. Here’s an example. In the Southeast, this is a widespread, mostly wetland shrub, occurring from Maryland down to Texas, including much of Florida. It doesn’t show up too much in the Appalachians, though. It is a plant of riversides and creeks. It’s a member of the rose family, a
subset of that family whose members are characterized by producing a fruit that we call a “pome.” A pome is derived from a flower with a number of pistils and a floral receptacle called a “hypanthium,” swelling and eventually enclosing all of the seeds. Yes, this is what you see in an apple, pear, loquat or quince. With these, the edible part is the sugary, water-filled tissue of the swollen hypanthium – the fruit is technically found only within the core. Of course, you can eat the core along with the deliciously swollen hypanthium, but most people don’t do that.
Our mystery plant has quite a number of cousins, all producing pomes and belonging to the same genus, and you’ve almost surely seen a few on your various outings. These species occupy a number of different habitats, and some get to be tree-sized.
Right now, this particular species is producing its brilliant pomes, which will be visible through the winter, until they fall or the critters eat them. The fruiting plants make quite a show on a dark, wintry day and in cultivation would surely bring a pop of color to anyone’s hibernal garden.
But remember, the same individual featured in the image looks completely different in the spring. Instead of flashy fruits, it will be covered with hundreds of brilliant white flowers, also a
show-stopper. In this way, such woody plants, during their life spans, go through some really serious visual changes from season to season. We humans aren’t like that – just one “season” for us.
John Nelson is the retired curator of the Herbarium in the Department of Biological Sciences at the University of South Carolina. As a public service, the Herbarium offers free plant identifications. For more information, visit herbarium.org or email johnbnelson@sc.rr.com.
“Greenhaw” •: [Answer Crataegus viridis]
L to R: Cal McCombs, Utah (Mascot), Layne McCombs Kipp and Lauren Ford (Real Estate Assistant)
Photo by John Nelson.
Storms and predators affected South Carolina’s sea turtle nesting season
By Erin Weeks
For The Island Eye News
South Carolina’s sea turtle nesting season officially concluded in early November, with a total of 6,628 nests for the state – a higher than average year that was tempered by losses from tropical storm Idalia, high tides and predators.
Two loggerhead sea turtle nests kicked off the season on May 2, 2023, and nesting peaked in the first full week of July. Loggerheads lay the vast majority of nests in South Carolina, but 2023 also saw 19 green and two Kemp’s ridley sea turtle nests.
In late August, Idalia moved into South Carolina as a tropical storm and grazed the Southern coastline.
“Idalia was a trifecta of water issues,” said South Carolina Department of Natural Resources biologist Michelle Pate, who oversees the agency’s nest protection program. “We had a supermoon, king tide and tropical storm all at once.”
National Wildlife Refuge, where significant nest losses occurred. All told, SCDNR biologists estimate 600 nests drowned or washed away due to Idalia.
Idalia and king tides – unusually high tides that occur around new and full moons – accounted for two-thirds of 2023’s nest losses, with coyotes, raccoons and armadillos responsible for much of the remainder. Sea turtles have evolved to take some losses in stride; loggerheads nest along a vast stretch of coastline over a long season, limiting the impact of individual storms and predators. But combined with continually eroding beach habitat, these individual threats can become “a real issue,” Pate said.
dation took a toll.”
“Idalia was a trifecta of water issues. We had a supermoon, king tide and tropical storm all at once.”
The tide, rain and storm surge flooded many coastal beaches, washing away sea turtle nests and habitat in the process. The storm took a particularly heavy toll on Edisto Island and the Cape Romain
Michelle Pate • SCDNR biologist
“The increased number of false crawls showed that nesting mothers had to make multiple attempts to find a good spot on the beach,” Pate said. “Then, water issues and increased coyote and armadillo depre-
As usual, two islands in the Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge – Cape and Lighthouse islands – saw the highest nest density, comprising 43% of the state’s total nests. This undeveloped part of the coastline typically sees the greatest nesting activity and is monitored by a small and dedicated team of U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service staff and volunteers.
Teams of SCDNR-permitted and trained volunteers surveyed the rest of South Carolina’s populated coast, monitoring nests, collecting important data and serving (Continued on page 15)
SC Ports is a major economic engine for South Carolina
By Liz Crumley
For The Island Eye News
Having a world-class port in South Carolina generates a nearly $87 billion statewide economic impact on the Palmetto State each year, according to a study authored by Dr. Joseph Von Nessen, a research economist and professor at the University of South Carolina Darla Moore School of Business.
“Port operations attract port-dependent businesses to locate or expand throughout the state, generating billions in economic impact and supporting thousands of jobs for South Carolinians,” Von Nessen said. “Our state’s economic success is directly linked to SC Ports’ continued growth.”
In addition to being an economic engine for South Carolina, SC Ports supports 1 in 9 jobs in the state, according to the 2023 SC Ports’ Economic Impact Study. This translates to 260,000 jobs that are tied – directly or indirectly – to port operations and port users. This accounts for jobs that are connected directly to the port, as well as for jobs at port-dependent business throughout the state, from the advanced manufacturers to the mega retailers, at small and big businesses alike.
“Having a top 10 U.S. container port in South Carolina makes a big economic impact
across the state,” SC Ports President and CEO Barbara Melvin said. “SC Ports is proud to play a role in supporting South Carolina’s economy and creating generational opportunities for South Carolinians.”
By supporting thousands of port-dependent businesses throughout the state, SC Ports drives economic growth and supports high-wage jobs for South Carolinians. Port operations and related activities generate $17.6 billion in labor income for South Carolinians that would not exist otherwise, translating into an average annual income of nearly $68,000 for all jobs supported – either directly or indirectly – by SC Ports, which is approximately 23% higher than
the average labor income in South Carolina.
“When new jobs are created, this economic impact can be felt in our communities as people buy homes, spend at local stores and build strong foundations for their families,” Melvin said.
“When we invest in port infrastructure, we invest in South Carolina.”
SC Ports has operations in the Lowcountry, Pee Dee and Upstate, serving customers around the state by efficiently moving imports and exports so that they can run their businesses and reach their consumers. The Upstate accounts for the highest concentration due to its large manufacturing base.
“Our port system is truly a port for our entire state, and you can see that impact in every region,” Melvin said.
A loggerhead hatchling makes its way to the ocean at Botany Bay Heritage Preserve.
Photo by Emma Berry/SCDNR.
Photo courtesy of SC Ports.
One Lucky Dog
Owner: Wes, Courtney, Wells, Ginny and fourlegged bro, Buster-Brown Byrd.
Vet: Dr. Epstein - Animal Medical Center. Food: Purina Pro.
Hi ya’ll. I’m Ruby May Byrd, the oldest sibling in our family and also the official mayor of Forest Trail, a staple of the community who for over a decade has had the pleasure of meeting and greeting hundreds of walkers, runners and bikers with my award-winning smile.
I moved in with Mom and Dad before my human brother and sister arrived, but my super-sized litter is where I learned to be a good big sister. I had so many brothers and sisters, so I was always trying to keep the peace. When I was adopted, through Pet Helpers in James Island, I was so relieved not to have so much responsibility that I slept straight for the first few days. Mom says I was a little meatball, but, once I slept off the PTSD from my litter, I bounced up and quickly dialed into my new surroundings.
One of my favorite people is mailman Joe. If I’m in a deep sleep, I can hear the hum of his truck approaching, and I get so tickled when he takes a moment to visit with me. Sometimes, he’ll even throw a stick. However, I must confess, UPS Russell runs a close second. Many moons ago, I decided to take a solo stroll through the neighborhood and ended up out of bounds. Mr. Russell spotted me from a distance. “Ruby. Is that you? You don’t live over here.” He loaded me up like one of his packages, and I got to ride in his truck. What other dog do you know that has cruised in the actual UPS truck? Wow – what a moment.
Not every day is as exciting, but each day is fresh. Since entering “senior lady” status, I prefer things simple. Each morning, I wake up with my human brother and sister. Once they’re safely off to school, I eat breakfast, then it’s off to find a solar section of the lawn to charge my batteries.
I’m as lucky as a dog can be, for sure.
If you have a “Lucky Dog” with a story to share, email me at LuckydogsIOP@gmail.com to set up a quick visit with you and your pup.
Nesting season
Continued from page 14
as educational ambassadors to curious beach-goers. This volunteer force of 1,300 South Carolinians has been at work for over 40 years and plays an invaluable role in sea turtle conservation.
Sea turtle nest numbers have been trending upward not just in South Carolina but across the Southeastern coast in the past decade. The 2019 season marked an all-time high for our state with 8,792 nests. High nest numbers are good news, but they’re only part of the equation – the federally threatened loggerheads still have significant milestones to meet before federal officials consider them to be “recovered.”
“If we can’t get hatchlings to emerge and make it to the ocean, then an increase in nest numbers doesn’t help,” Pate said.
A tentative estimate of 387,608 hatchlings made it to the ocean from South Carolina beaches in 2023. Only a fraction of sea turtle hatchlings survive to adulthood, but every survivor makes a difference in this protected population.
How to help sea turtles in the off-season
Sea turtles don’t disappear from our coast after nesting season – some use South Carolina’s coastal waters year-round. Here’s how you can help in the off-season:
• Boat carefully. Keep an eye out for wildlife while boating, particularly in small tidal creeks where young sea turtles are likely to feed.
• Report any stranded or dead sea turtles to the Department of Natural Resources 24-hour hotline at 800-922-5431.
• Check off for wildlife when completing your state tax returns. Help SCDNR keep wildlife in your life by checking off your contribution to the Endangered Wildlife Fund during the tax season.
Wild Dunes now permits artificial turf in residential areas
By Ada Jenkins For The Island Eye News
Historically, artificial turf has been permitted in only the hotel and resort areas of Wild Dunes –until October 2023, when the Wild Dunes Community Association board decided to grant residents the same privilege.
Bryan Vogt, president of ProGreen Charleston, chalked up the previous turf prohibition in Wild Dunes to people simply lacking information and background on the product.
“My initial thought is that folks just didn’t understand the benefits of installing artificial turf in residential settings,” said Vogt, adding that the company’s website offers an abundance of information aimed at educating the public about synthetic grass.
For example, The ProGreen website lists the following benefits of residential artificial grass:
• It saves time and money – and your back – on maintenance.
• It lowers water consumption,
which helps the environment –and businesses can even earn Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design credits.
• Your entire lawn will look look pristine – even the areas that are historically mud pits.
• It’s pet-friendly; you can pick up pet waste easily and pet urine drains quickly.
And, of course, artificial grass eliminates the need for lawn mowers and other items that are necessary to take are of natural grass.
“There also is no need for fertilizers and other grass-upkeep products that go into the ground and eventually pollute our national waterways with chemicals. In that aspect, environmental harm is greatly reduced,” Vogt added.
Turf drastically lowers water consumption since there is no need for an irrigation system, and artificial turf also assists with drainage issues in residential areas.
“Turf drains extremely well. We put it over a granite rock base so
water is able to penetrate through the turf and go directly into the ground,” Vogt explained. “Part of our service is to come in and regrade so that there is proper drainage once we put the turf down.”
With better drainage, there are fewer puddles and less mud in yards with turf, which eliminates breeding grounds for mosquitoes and other critters that reside in natural grass.
Despite all these benefits, there are still inevitable concerns from people regarding using synthetic grass for residential lawns.
“It’s common knowledge that one of the main issues with artificial turf is how hot it gets when sitting in the sun all day,” the ProGreen website acknowledges.
However, the same paragraph offers a solution. Known as “Cool Play,” this infill developed by engineers at ProGreen is an organic combination of cork and coconut fibers that retains moisture from the air to provide much cooler surface temperatures.
Vogt encourages people to visit
progreen.com to for more information and to read the company’s blogs. “I think it’s important for people to do their research and ask questions to get a better understanding of what our turf does,” Vogt remarked. “It’s not for every setting, I would say, but it does solve a lot of issues that we come across here in the Lowcountry.”
www.uspecans.com
This is how a South Carolina town got its name
By Mary Pringle
IOP Environmental Advisory Committee
For The Island Eye News
After the Civil War, my husband’s maternal great-grandparents, Franklin and Adeline Burroughs, lived in Conway, South Carolina. They would go on weekend excursions to the beach by horse and wagon. They would tell their friends to meet them near a certain thicket of myrtle trees. There were no buildings, so the women would sleep in the wagons and the men under the wagons. In 1899, the Conway Seashore Railroad built a rail line to the ocean, and, by 1900, more people started going there.
It was decided that the name of this place they were calling New Town should be changed to something more fitting. Beach lots were selling for $25 to $100 each. A contest to rename the town was held, and “Miss Addie,” as she was called, won the competition by suggesting Myrtle Beach, naming it for this wonderful native plant she knew.
The wax myrtle is a small native tree or bush also known as Southern bayberry, candleberry or tallow tree because its small blue berries are covered with a layer of wax. It is in the myrtle family, with a scientific name of morella cerifera. It has multiple branches and aromatic leaves and can reach up to 20 feet in height. It grows along the
coastal plain from Virginia all the way to Texas. We see it in the dunes here, and it is also available for sale at plant nurseries. It can be pruned into a beautiful, compact tree shape with multiple trunks. It grows in dry or wet soil and also is salt tolerant. Male and female flowers are on separate trees. This plant has traditionally been used for making bayberry candles and soap as well as having many medicinal uses. It was listed in the American National formulary of drugs until 1936.
The wax myrtle is one of the most numerous and valuable plants in the Maritime Forest on Sullivan’s Island. Many species of birds fatten up on its high-calorie berries for migration or even spend the winter here. I sometimes have the privilege of helping Sarah Harper at the Sullivan’s Island Bird Banding Station, where right now one of the most frequently banded species of songbirds is the yellow-rumped warbler, which is listed in the banding log as the myrtle warbler – coded MYWA – because of its love for this food source.
On Nov. 6, we were thrilled to see from the banding station a flock of about 500 tree swal-
lows flying above the dunes and feasting on berries from wax myrtle and red cedar trees. Swallows like the tree swallow, the barn swallow and the purple martin are insect eaters, but only tree swallows can spend the winter here in large foraging groups because of plants like the wax myrtle. The Sullivan’s Island Bird Banding Station in the Maritime Forest is documenting important scientific information in great detail about birds either living here or migrating through who rely on these native plants for survival. Sarah has banded more than 1,100 birds so far in 2023. It is always special to be able to handle those birds and see the wealth of valuable native plants that thrive in the Maritime Forest.
Around the Islands
ONGOING
WHAT: GriefShare Recovery Seminar
WHERE: Great Hall, Church of the Holy Cross – 2520 Middle St., Sullivan’s Island.
WHEN: Every Tuesday, 2 p.m.-4 p.m., Jan. 9 through April 9, 2024.
MORE INFO: Sponsored by the Church of the Holy Cross, the seminar is free and all are welcome. GriefShare features nationally recognized experts on grief recovery topics. Seminar sessions include “Is This Normal?” “The Challenges of Grief,” “Grief and Your Relationships,” “Why?” and “Guilt and Anger.” To learn more and to register, call 678-523-8783 or email caryn.woodison@gmail.com.
WHAT: Sea Island Builders Toy Drive
WHERE: 2113 Middle St., Suite 100, Sullivan’s Island WHEN: Through Dec. 15.
MORE INFO: To learn more: 843-883-7430.
WHAT: Home Economics for Kids
WHERE: IOP Rec Center.
WHEN: Mondays, 3 p.m.-4 p.m.
MORE INFO: A six-week program, open to kids in grades K through 5, will set up participants for success on how to host a gathering, interact and mingle with others, set a table and comparatively shop prices to get the best deals. To learn more: IOP.net.
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 1
WHAT: So You Want to be a Veterinarian.
WHERE: Edgar Allan Poe Branch Library, 1921 Ion Ave., Sullivan’s Island WHEN: 4 p.m.-5 p.m.
MORE INFO: Join us as we explore future career pathways and what it takes to get there. Through books, activities, crafts, guest speakers, videos and more, we’ll see where our current interests can take us and try out new ones along the way. Ages 5+. To learn more: ccpl.org/branches/Sullivans-island.
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 2
WHAT: IOP Holiday Street Festival WHERE: Front Beach. WHEN: 2 p.m.-7 p.m.
MORE INFO: Live music, carnival rides, local arts and crafts vendors, restaurants and even a visit from Santa Claus. The city of IOP will officially light its 24-foot tree at around 5:30 p.m. To learn more, visit iop.net/recreation or call 843-886-8294.
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 2 and TUESDAYS, DECEMBER 5 and 12
WHAT: Family Storytime
WHERE: Edgar Allan Poe Branch Library, 1921 Ion Ave., Sullivan’s Island WHEN: 10:30 a.m.
MORE INFO: Join us for stories, songs and rhymes that support early literacy. To learn more: ccpl.org/branches/Sullivans-island.
TUESDAYS, DECEMBER 5 and 12
WHAT: Memoir Writing Circle
WHERE: Edgar Allan Poe Branch Library, 1921 Ion Ave., Sullivan’s Island WHEN: 1 p.m.
MORE INFO: Join us to get your stories started. Write from a provided prompt for 20 minutes, then share for friendly feedback. To learn more: ccpl.org/branches/Sullivans-island.
THURSDAYS, DECEMBER 7 and 14
WHAT: American Mah Jongg
WHERE: Edgar Allan Poe Branch Library, 1921 Ion Ave., Sullivan’s Island WHEN: Noon-2 p.m. (all levels) and 4-6 p.m. (experienced players).
MORE INFO: Learn to play the fun and fast-paced game of American Mah Jongg. To learn more: ccpl.org/branches/Sullivans-island.
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 8
WHAT: After School Art Club for Teens and Tweens.
WHERE: Edgar Allan Poe Branch Library, 1921 Ion Ave., Sullivan’s Island. WHEN: 4 p.m.-5 p.m.
MORE INFO: Come hang out after school to experiment with different arts and crafts. Meetings every second and fourth Friday. Grades 6-12. No reservation needed. To learn more: ccpl.org/branches/Sullivans-island.
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 13
WHAT: POE-etry critique group
WHERE: Edgar Allan Poe Branch Library, 1921 Ion Ave., Sullivan’s Island. WHEN: 1 p.m. (after hours).
MORE INFO: Gather with fellow poets to share and improve your work. Bring six copies of one or two poems to share with fellow poets (limit 2-3 pages). To learn more: ccpl.org/branches/Sullivans-island.
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 15
WHAT: So You Want to be a Holiday Elf
WHERE: Edgar Allan Poe Branch Library, 1921 Ion Ave., Sullivan’s Island. WHEN: 4 p.m.-5 p.m.
MORE INFO: Do you think you have what it takes to be a holiday elf? Join Miss Heidi for stories and challenging games to put your elving skills to the test. Ages 5+. To learn more: ccpl.org/branches/Sullivans-island.
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 16
WHAT: Beach Lovers Book Club
WHERE: Edgar Allan Poe Branch Library, 1921 Ion Ave., Sullivan’s Island. WHEN: 10 a.m.
MORE INFO: Come for a lively discussion of Anthony Doerr’s “All the Light We Cannot See.” To learn more: ccpl.org/branches/ Sullivans-island.
