Nominations for IOP committees, boards and commissions approved
By Brian Sherman
For The Island Eye News
The Isle of Palms City Council finalized a list of candidates for its standing committees and for various boards and commissions at its Dec. 5 meeting.
The list, a collaborative effort of Mayor Phillip Pounds, six current Council members and two newcomers who will be seated early next year, will be officially voted on after Elizabeth Campsen and Ashley Carroll are sworn in Jan. 2. (Continued on page 13)
IOP faces another erosion issue
By Brian Sherman For The Island Eye News
The city of Isle of Palms has been doing its best to deal with severe erosion issues at Breach Inlet in recent months, scraping and trucking in sand and installing sandbags in an effort to protect properties threatened by the Atlantic Ocean until the Army Corps of Engineers launches a $10-million project that will benefit both IOP and Sullivan’s Island.
Now erosion has reared its fickle head in another part of IOP’s 7-mile-long shoreline, along Beachwood East in Wild Dunes. The problem is “what we dealt with in 2016 and 2017,” according to Steven Traynum of Coastal Science & Engineering, a company that has provided consulting services to the city since 2007. At the IOP City Council’s
Nov. 28 meeting, he recommended limited scraping and possibly trucking in sand and using sandbags until nature fixes the problem “or we can implement a larger project.”
Traynum explained that every five to seven years, sand moves through the Dewees delta, which shifts, allowing a large quantity of sand to migrate to the IOP beach. He said the process, which can take a couple of years, could add up to 500,000 cubic yards of sand to the beach.
“The shoal is currently 400 to 500 feet offshore. Until that shoal attaches, that area is going to continue to erode,” he said.
“This is not going to be a very quick fix.”
IOP City Administrator Desiree Fragoso said work started between 13 and 17 Beachwood East the week of (Continued on page 4)
Council split over giving ATAX funds to Isle of Palms Chamber
By Brian Sherman For The Island Eye News
Did the Isle of Palms Chamber of Commerce support specific office seekers in the Nov. 7 election and play a role in defeating a referendum that would have limited the number of investor-owned short-term rentals on the island? The Chamber’s president claimed that the organization can legally endorse candidates and platforms but didn’t, while a City Council member disagreed, pointing out that “they clearly took sides.”
The discussion over the Chamber’s even-handed approach to the recent election or lack thereof arose Nov. 28, while the Council was deciding whether to follow the recommendations of the Accommodations Tax Advisory Committee and award $10,000 in ATAX funds to the Chamber to complete a project that includes hanging café lighting on the land side of Ocean Boulevard in the Front Beach commercial district. The Chamber already installed lights on the ocean side of the street.
Council Member Katie Miars voiced her displeasure with the plan.
“It’s my understanding that when the Chamber of Commerce was started, the Municipal Association explained to them that it’s best that they stay out of politics and don’t take sides in elections,” Miars said. “In the past election, they specifically supported four candidates. They had an issue that they were very vocal on. I just don’t feel comfortable giving them money to spend, and I don’t necessarily feel that the candidates they supported should be voting to give them money. That seems awkward to me.”
The candidates Miars referred to were Jimmy Ward and Ashley Carroll, who won seats on the Council Nov. 7, and incumbents Kevin Popson and Rusty Streetman, who were defeated.
Chamber President Ryan Buckhannon, a former Council member, later responded to Miars’comments.
“She showed up to a meeting without having documented proof. Clearly she was lying,” Buckhannon said. “The Chamber did not endorse any candidates and did not host any meet and greets for any candidates. We had monthly (Continued on page 4)
Kicking off the holiday season
The holiday season moved into full swing early this month. On Sullivan’s Island on Dec. 1, top, Dorn and Helena Kubinski threw the switch to turn on the Christmas lights during a celebration at Town Hall and Stith Park. A visit from Santa, bottom, was among the many activities available during the Isle of Palms Holiday Street Festival Dec. 2. More photos on page 6.
Photo by Rob Byko.
Photo by Brian Sherman.
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A great start to the holiday season
Dear Island Neighbors,
I hope you are enjoying a happy and warm holiday season. We sure got it off to a great start on the evening of Friday, Dec. 1, with the annual Stith Park and Fire Station lighting event. The lights on the station, Town Hall and the park are fantastic. Thanks very much to the members of the Fire Department, volunteer Fire and Rescue Squad and all our other town employees – Maintenance, Town Hall, Police – for getting all the decorations put together and the preparations for a safe and fun event in place.
We were graced with another fine performance by the Wando High School Chorus, led by Director Eric Wilkerson and Associate Director Stephanie Kinney, after which islanders Dorn and Helena Kubinski flipped the switch to turn all the lights on. Thanks to Munnerlyn Pyrotechnics for a fireworks show that many folks have called our best ever. Thanks also to Santa, who accommodated a very long line of youngsters who wanted their face time (the in-person kind) with him.
And a special thanks to Fire Chief Anthony Stith for his usual great job of overseeing the whole operation.
Be merry but wary
Please remain cautious about things during this happy and busy time of year. Chief Stith reminds us to keep the Christmas trees watered and use only UL-approved lights.
Police Chief Griffin urges everyone to try to avoid having delivered packages linger in front of your house where they can be easy pickings for porch pirates. Ask a neighbor to look after any packages that arrive when you’re not there. If you are leaving town, consider getting your place put on house watch by our police. To do so, download the form here and drop it off at Town Hall during regular business hours: bit.ly/SIHouseWatch.
If it looks like we’ve got a freeze impending, you may want to consider shutting off your water before you leave. Water and Sewer Director Greg Gress suggests you learn how to shut off your water with your customer shutoff valve. You can get information at bit.ly/ SIWDShutOff. If you do this and have a standard water heater with a tank, you should cut it off if you shut off the water to the house.
Speaking of Town Hall
As you might expect with everything going on, our town staff are as ready for a little time off as we are. While our public safety folks will continue looking after us 24/7, Town Hall will be closed beginning Friday, Dec. 22 through Tuesday Dec. 26, as well as Monday, New Year’s Day.
New Year’s Day Polar Plunge
The 29th Annual Polar Plunge event, originated and promoted continuously by Dunleavy’s Pub, is now a treasured New Year’s Day tradition for the entire Island. The actual plunge into the water is at 2 p.m. on Monday, Jan.1, but folks will begin gathering and celebrating hours before that. Many of our island restaurants will
be participating with special outside food and beverage service. Please be careful driving through the commercial district, and remember that many more folks than usual will be milling about very close to Middle Street. Station 221/2 seaward of Middle Street will be closed to vehicular traffic. Please recall that the “reason for the freezin’” is to raise funds for the Special Olympics. Come out to celebrate with neighbors and strangers, enjoy food and beverage, but please bring cash to contribute to the many Special Olympics volunteers. If you plan to actually join – versus watch – the plunge, here is a tip from painful personal experience: Wear some kind of dunkable footwear. Running barefoot over hard-packed little sand ridges gets painful quickly, especially in the cold. Wear your wackiest costume. Come on out to see hundreds of your neighbors go off their meds all at once at a great family event.
Don’t forget how your pooch rings in the new year
Remember that dog licenses have to be renewed annually, based on the calendar year. The 2024 dog permits are available at Town Hall: $25 for Island residents’ dogs and $50 for nonresident dogs. In either case, don’t forget to bring your updated rabies certificate – more precisely, the dog’s certificate, unless you plan on biting anyone.
Town administrator search update
As noted previously, we have established a search committee for the difficult task of selecting the next town administrator, who will follow our long-serving, island-born Andy Benke. We have advertised the position in appropriate venues, and the committee, after establishing the parameters and procedures of our process, has made the first-pass review of the applications we’ve received.
We appreciate the assistance of the Municipal Association of South Carolina, which has provided help from one of their staff with much experience in municipal administration to participate in our review of applications.
We continue to review the applications in a very systematic and timely manner to help Council make their decision in the most efficient and objective manner possible. I’ll have more information soon.
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LET’S CELEBRATE! IT’S REPEAL DAY 2023
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A RIVALRY TALE AS OLD AS TIME: SOUTH CAROLINA VS. CLEMSON
Boasting a rich history, the state of South Carolina hosts one of collegiate football’s most hellacious and enduring rivalries in the nation.
In recent weeks, there has been an uptick in reported cases of a respiratory canine virus, sparking concerns among dog owners and veterinarians alike. This condition in dogs is being widely referred to as a "mystery dog illness,"
Erosion
Continued from page 1
Dec. 4, after the city received permission to proceed from the Ocean & Coastal Resource Management division of the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control.
“We requested a larger area, but they came out and measured, and those were the only properties where the tide was within 20 feet,” she said.
Jimmy Bernstein, who lives on Beachwood East, addressed the Council at its Nov. 28 meeting, pointing out that “in the past week, the erosion has been severe.”
Chamber
Continued from page 1
Chamber meetings, which some candidates showed up for. There were three meet and greets, two at the Refuge and one at the Windjammer, but the Chamber did not sponsor any of them.”
He added that the Chamber sent out two mailers, which “basically just regurgitated the city’s information.”
“We took the stats that the city supplied and put that information out there,” Buckhannon said.
“It was very obvious that the Chamber was involved in this past election,” Miars countered. “There was at least one piece of literature
“I wanted to implore the Council to take action,” he said. “It’s overwhelming in its impact.”
Traynum told the Council that only a small percentage of the island, around 2,500 feet out of 7 miles, has an erosion problem. He said the Corps of Engineers is expected to open bids for its project on Dec. 29 and that the contractor wouldn’t begin pumping sand from along the Intracoastal Waterway to the IOP and Sullivan’s Island beaches for at least another month after that.
“We’re looking toward mid-February before any substantial amount of sand is on the beach,” he said, adding that the Corps project would probably take around five months.
for Ashley Carroll with the Chamber on it, and the Chamber clearly promoted all four candidates.”
Miars was opposed to giving money to the Chamber for another reason: She said numerous lights that had already been installed weren’t working properly and that “quite frankly, it did not look that great.”
Council Member John Bogosian asked if the city would be better off bypassing the middleman and spending the $10,000 to put the lights up. Meanwhile, Council Member Scott Pierce questioned how much the electricity to run the lights would cost the city.
“I’m a little bit concerned that we’re letting one entity plug into city assets,” he said.
The Chamber’s application for funding was approved by a 6-3 vote, with Miars, Pierce and Bogosian voting no and Streetman, Popson, Ward, Council Members Jan Anderson and Blair Hahn and Mayor Phillip Pounds voting in the affirmative.
The Council also unanimously approved $20,000 for Mary Alice Monroe’s Wild Dunes Author Event and $2,500 to the YWCA of Greater Charleston for a reception during Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Tribute Week, both scheduled in January.
Happy Holidays
Here’s to all good things this holiday season.
Service to the city
Two Isle of Palms Council members whose terms will expire at the end of the year were honored for their service to the city at the Council’s Dec. 5 meeting. Receiving plaques from Mayor Phillip Pounds were Kevin Popson, above, and Rusty Streetman.
Photo by Brian Sherman.
Photo by Brian Sherman.
Both local barrier islands celebrated the holiday season earlier this month. On Dec. 1, Sullivan’s Island Mayor Pat O’Neil kicked off the festivities, which included music by the Wando High School Chorus, a visit from Santa and a fireworks show produced by Munnerlyn Pyrotechnics. On Dec. 2, area residents flocked to Front Beach for the annual Isle of Palms Holiday Street Festival, featuring arts and crafts, food vendors, live entertainment, carnival rides and that guy with the long white beard.
Sullivan’s Island Photos by Rob Byko.
Isle of Palms photos by Brian Sherman.
The American holly is a ‘ridiculously tough’ tree
By Mary Pringle
IOP Environmental Advisory Committee
For The Island Eye News
There are 400 species of hollies in the family aquifoliaceae. The American holly, known as ilex opaca, is a beautiful evergreen that is native to the Southeastern United States, growing from coastal Massachusetts to central Florida and west to Missouri and Texas. The word “opaca” refers to the opaque or dull sheen of the leaves and fruit compared to English holly, which is much shinier.
This is a medium-sized evergreen tree that will thrive in sun or shade and often grows in the forest as an understory tree. Native Americans used the preserved berries for buttons and traded them for goods and also made tea with them to treat coughs. George Washington and Thomas Jefferson both mention in their writings that they planted American holly trees in their gardens. The website americanholly.org calls it a “ridiculously tough” tree.
American holly grows in all soil types, has a slow to medium growth rate and does not like too much water. Some sources say it can reach 50 feet to 60 feet in height if given enough room; others say 20 feet to 30 feet. The normal shape is conical or pyramidal, and it can be trimmed or pruned to maintain this pleasing shape or even made into a hedge with several hollies. I need to prune mine several times a year to keep them the size and shape that will fit the space where they are planted.
When we built our house a little over 20 years ago, I admit the reason I planted two American hollies, one on each side of the entrance steps, was because I wanted those beautiful thorny leaves and berries for decorating during the Christmas holiday season for wreaths and arrangements around the house or to tie onto presents. To some Christians, the thorny leaves symbolize the crown of thorns, the red berries the drops of Christ’s blood
and its evergreen quality life after death.
However, this native tree is more than decorative. The small white flowers in early summer are food for pollinating bees. The red berries in the fall and winter are toxic to humans and pets but can feed mockingbirds, bluebirds, brown thrashers and cardinals. Flocks of robins and cedar waxwings find much needed fuel here for their migration north at the end of the winter. I love to watch those flocks strip the berries because it means I will not have to sweep them up when they drop in coming months. The thick foliage canopy is a good place for songbirds to hide from predators and take shelter from storms. American holly is a host plant for the Henry’s Elfin butterfly and is eaten by some small animals, including squirrels and wild turkeys, but it’s not attractive to deer.
Like most hollies, each tree is either male or female, with only the female producing berries. Nurseries say to buy both so the females will be pollinated. But when I bought my pair, I didn’t know that and got two females. However, every year, they both are covered with red berries, so it seems there must be a male holly somewhere nearby and perhaps the bees are carrying the needed pollen to my female trees.
For more information about the American holly, visit hgic.clemson. edu/?s=american+holly.
Photo by Mary Pringle.
Fall migration at the Sullivan’s Island Bird Banding Station
By Sarah Harper For The Island Eye News
The fall 2023 migration banding season has come to an end. We had a busy season at the Sulllivan’s Island Bird Banding Station, with a wide variety of warblers, sparrows and other songbirds. We banded 782 birds from 43 different species.
We recaptured 40 birds, including a gray catbird that was originally banded in the fall of 2015 as a hatching year bird, making him or her about 8.5 years old. Many songbirds can live a decade or more. It’s only possible to collect longevity data by placing unique numbered bands on the birds and catching them again in subsequent years.
We had many winter resident birds returning to Sullivan’s Island for a third or fourth year in a row. Site fidelity to a wintering grounds was documented this year for six species, including yellow-rumped warblers, gray catbirds, orange-crowned warblers and a ruby-crowned kinglet.
We never captured many of the species that we heard and witnessed on a daily basis, including northern flickers, cedar waxwings, American goldfinches, blue-headed vireos and tree swallows. We watched thousands of tree swallows descending into the wax myrtles and cedars like mini tornados. Their flocks looked like smaller versions of the starling murmurations in Europe.
We finally captured one tree swallow this year – the first one since 2016. Presumably, the birds must have superior vision and are able to easily avoid the nets. The bird pictured is another winter resident, the white-throated sparrow. You can hear their sweet whistled song in the early spring before they depart for their breeding grounds in Canada.
Sept. 6 – Nov. 19, 2023
Totals
American Redstart-33; Baltimore Oriole-1; black-and-white warbler-5; blue jay-4; blackpoll warbler-1; black-throated blue warbler-8; brown thrasher-9; Cape May warbler-1; Carolina chickadee-6; Carolina wren-6; chestnut-sided warbler-1; common yellowthroat-60; downy woodpecker-1; Eastern kingbird-1; Eastern phoebe-2; gray catbird-353; gray-cheeked/Bicknell’s thrush-1; great-crested flycatcher-1; hermit thrush-1; house Wren-9; indigo bunting-4; magnolia warbler-5; myrtle warbler-53; Northern cardinal-14; Northern mockingbird-1; Northern waterthrush-34; ovenbird-2; painted bunting-5; Philadelphia vireo-1; prairie warbler-18; ruby-crowned kinglet-8; red-eyed vireo-26; slate-colored junco-1; song sparrow-2; swamp sparrow-2; Swainson’s thrush-3; tree swallow-1; Traill’s flycatcher-1; white-eyed vireo-27; Western palm warbler-65; yellow-breasted chat-1; yellow-bellied sapsucker-2; yellow warbler-2. Total:-782
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.
Christmas Eve Candlelight Service
AA Meetings Mon, Fri and Sat, 6:30-8 p.m. Dec 3, 10, 17 & 31, 10 a.m. Sunday Worship
Photo by Sarah Harper.
White-throated sparrow.
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
• 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
IOP Marina offers a unique combination of a neighborhood ambiance
A one-stop shop for all your boating needs
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
• Convenient online booking system for quick and easy reservations
• Benefit from our professional staff's expertise and personalized recommendations
NOW OPEN: SHIP STORE
• Newly revamped and upgraded
• 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
Isle of Palms Exchange members pay visit to Brookgreen Gardens
By Robbie Berg For The Island Eye News
Being an Isle of Palms Exchange Club member has many benefits, including the feel-good moments of supporting our veterans, child abuse prevention agencies, youth activities and scholarships. But we also have a lot of fun and fellowship during our monthly dinner meetings, social events, shag dances and a new activity started this year through our Social and Outreach Committee: field trips.
This summer a “special garden tour of Charleston” was provided to our members, and, on Dec. 3, some of our members and their guests traveled to Brookgreen Gardens for a look at its “Nights of a Thousand Candles.” Brookgreen never disappoints, but this evening was magical, with all of the beautiful lights, balmy weather that was perfect for strolling through the various areas of the gardens and, of course, the camaraderie of being with friends. All of these elements helped to make wonderful memories and new friendships.
At the end of the evening, before boarding our bus and traveling back to the Exchange Club, there was chatter about “Well, where are we going next?” As a result, plans are underway for the next Exchange Club adventure.
Merry Christmas Merry Christmas
Fitness Court set to open at IOP Rec Center
By Lindsay Valenti For The Island Eye News
The city of Isle of Palms is about to unveil a new outdoor gym, a capital project of the National Fitness Campaign’s initiative to improve and enhance the quality of life for those who live on the island.
The Fitness Court, located at the IOP Recreation Center, will officially open at 10 a.m. Dec. 15, and area residents are invited to attend to learn about upcoming community wellness events and programming.
The NFC, which partners with municipalities and schools to plan, build and fund healthy communities, awarded the city a $30,000 grant to help fund the program.
“We are excited to offer free fitness opportunities for residents and visitors of Isle of Palms. The Recreation Center is a wellness hub for the community, and we are thrilled to see our facility and options for fitness programs expand,” said IOP Recreation Director Karrie Ferrell.
For more information about The Fitness Court, visit iop.net or call Ferrell at 843-886-8294.
LENS holds environmental conservation day for local kids
get hands-on with crab touch tanks, enjoy “find the crab” bingo and see casting nets in action; planting spartina seedlings; and participating in water sampling and testing with Charleston Waterkeeper.
Special recognition
Travis Stafford, left, who will retire as the Isle of Palms fire marshal at the end of the year, was recognized for his service to the city at the IOP Council’s Dec. 5 meeting. Looking on were his wife, Kelly, and IOP Fire Chief Craig Oliverius.
IOP Exchange Club Members at Brookgreen Gardens.
Photo by Brian Sherman.
The Isle of Palms Law Enforcement Neighborhood Support program held its Youth Environmental Conservation Day Dec. 4 at the IOP Exchange Club. Highlights of the event included: Casual Crabbing with Tia, where area kids had the opportunity to
Photos courtesy of the LENS program.
Town Hall
Continued from page 1
Two Council members, Jimmy Ward and Blair Hahn, made nominations to standing committees that were different than what was presented by the mayor, which means the Council might be tasked with voting on five different candidates for the Administration Committee and four each for the Public Safety and Public Services & Facilities committees.
The original list would have placed Campsen, John Bogosian and Carroll on the Administration Committee; Jan Anderson, Jimmy Ward and Bogosian on Public Safety; and Katie Miars, Scott Pierce and Hahn on Public Services & Facilities.
Ward, however, nominated himself, Carroll and Hahn for Administration, then Hahn suggested that Campsen serve on Public Safety and Bogosian take a spot on Public Services.
City Administrator Desiree Fragoso explained that no nominations can be made after Dec. 15. However, she said, if a Council member declines to serve on a specific committee or doesn’t receive at least five votes from the nine-member Council, thus creating a vacancy, a Council member could nominate anoth-
er colleague to serve on that committee. Fragoso said that on Jan. 2, the Council will vote on each committee member in the order in which they were presented on Dec. 5. Once three members have been approved by a majority of the Council, the voting is over. Therefore, if Campsen, Bogosian and Carroll all receive at least five votes, Ward’s nominees for Administration – himself and Hahn – will not be considered. The same will hold true for the other two committees.
Nominations also were presented for three-year terms on the Accommodations Tax Advisory Committee: Ray Burns, Rebecca Kovalich, Park Williams and Mike Boykin; two-year terms on the Planning Commission: Jeffrey Rubin, Suzanne Nagelski, Ron Denton and Richard Steinert; two-year terms on the Environmental Advisory Committee: Laura Lovins, Dane Buckout and Todd Murphy; a one-year student term on the Environmental Advisory Committee: Lucia Spiotta; a three-year term on the Board of Zoning Appeals: Ellen Gower; a two-year term on the BZA: Robert Miller; and a one-year term on the BZA: Susan Wheeler.
Others nominated were Michael Molony for city judge; Chris Skipper for associate judge; Mac McQuillin for city attorney; and Culver Kidd for city prosecutor.
Sullivan’s bike campaign nears its goal
By Brian Sherman For The Island Eye News
With less than two weeks remaining in its third annual bike drive benefiting the Marine Corps’ Toys for Tots program, the Sullivan’s Island Police Department was within shouting distance of its 2023 goal of 300 bicycles. According to Deputy Chief Glenn Meadows, who has directed the campaign since its inception in 2021, 239 bikes had been donated by area residents, businesses and churches as of Dec. 5. The bikes will be loaded up in front of Town Hall on Dec. 18 and transported to North Charleston by Timmy Hayes Moving. They will be distributed to children on Christmas Day. To learn more about the drive or to donate bikes or helmets, contact Meadows at 843-834-4298.
A Christmas service for those who are hurting
By Faith Jeffcoat For The Island Eye News
This holiday season, we invite you to acknowledge and honor your feelings and know that it’s OK not to be OK, even when the world is wrapped in festive joy. Our Blue Christmas service is a quiet, candlelight Christmas service for those who are hurting or ill in body or soul. Please join us on Dec. 17 at 6 p.m. at the Church of the Holy Cross in the historic stone church on Middle Street in Sullivan’s Island.
We want to reach out and comfort those who are grieving, mourning or hurting and those who are alone and seemingly without hope. There will be a time to worship through song. You are welcome to join us in this worship or to simply sit back and allow the worship to surround you, taking you into God’s holy presence. There will be a time to reflect on being “blue” this Christmas and a short liturgy.
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: 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.
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.
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 17
WHAT: Caroling, Cocoa and Cookies
WHERE: First United Methodist Church,12 21st Ave., Isle of Palms WHEN: 5 p.m.
MORE INFO: Learn more at iopmethodist.com.
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 19
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.
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.
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 20
WHAT: Last Minute Holidays Gifts (grades 6-12) WHERE: Edgar Allan Poe Branch Library, 1921 Ion Ave., Sullivan’s Island WHEN: 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
MORE INFO: Haven’t found the perfect gift yet? Don’t panic – create one. Choose from our Perler bead crafts, candle holders and pencil pouches to make a gift this holiday season. No reservations required. Grades 6-12 only. To learn more: ccpl.org/branches/Sullivans-island.
THURSDAYS, DECEMBER 21 and 28
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 p.m.-6 p.m. (experienced players) MORE INFO: Learn to play the fun and fast-paced game of American Mah Jongg. If you have a 2023 card, please bring it. To learn more: ccpl. org/branches/Sullivans-island.
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 22
WHAT: 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 to experiment with different arts and crafts! Grades 6-12. No reservation needed. To learn more: ccpl.org/ branches/Sullivans-island.
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 24
WHAT: Advent Season at First Methodist Church WHERE: First United Methodist Church,12 21st Ave., Isle of Palms WHEN: Blended Worship Service,10 a.m.; Christmas Eve Family Service, 4 p.m.; Christmas Eve Traditional Service, 4 p.m.; Christmas Eve Traditional Service, 6 p.m.; Christmas Eve Traditional Service, 9 p.m.
MORE INFO: Learn more at iopmethodist.com.
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 29
WHAT: Coffee with the Mayor WHERE: Isle of Palms Recreation Center, 24 28th Ave. WHEN: 9 a.m.-10 a.m.
MORE INFO: Join IOP Mayor Phillip Pounds for an informal coffee date to get to know him, discuss issues and ask questions. Learn more at IOP.net.
MONDAY, JANUARY 1
WHAT: Dunleavy’s Polar Bear Plunge to Benefit the Special Olympics WHERE: Dunleavy’s Pub, 2213 Middle St., Sullivan’s Island WHEN: The plunge begins at 2 p.m.; activities start way earlier MORE INFO: Join the fun, wear your wackiest costume and take a dip in the Atlantic Ocean along with thousands of others who support the Special Olympics. To learn more: dunleavysonsullivans.com.
Island Eye • LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Artificial turf requirements
The Island Eye News printed an article in its Dec. 1, 2023, publication stating that the Wild Dunes Community Association is now allowing artificial turf on residential lots. Unfortunately, the article did not specify the requirements for installing artificial turf. An application for minor work must be submitted to the ARC along with a turf sample and a site plan showing the location of the proposed installation. The application fee is $50. The turf may only be used within a fence surrounding a pool area or in a fencedin area that has been approved according to the ARC standards, with a maximum allowed enclosed area of 450 square feet.
As stated in the WDCA Architectural Review Standards, “Artificial turf may be used upon review
and approval by the ARC. The use of artificial turf is limited to: (1) the rear of a residence where an in-ground pool has been installed and the application is within the confines of the pool fence and the exterior perimeter of the fence heavily vegetated; or (2) the rear of a residence where a fence is installed for child and/or pet play in accordance with the ARC fence guidelines. Installation must be completed by a professional contractor specializing in artificial turf installation. Artificial turf must be appropriately maintained for a manicured appearance. A sample of the product to be used and the installation method must be submitted during the application process.”
Jacob Hildebrand Community association manager
One Lucky Dog
Owner: Eileen Charron and son Brenden Charron Dog’s name: Mabel, AKA Maby Baby, Mabes, Princess, Rotten, Jar Jar Binks
Age: 8 ... ish
Breed: Blue tick coon hound/beagle (blue teagle)
Unusual quirk: Treats cannot be used as bribes
Food: Wilderness salmon
As my dad says, “There’s nothing normal about me,” but what is normal? I like to think of my personality as uniquely individual and very blue teagle. I’m described as sweet, salty with a side of just enough psycho to keep you in check.
I entered the scene when my dad was talking to his mom about whether to get a girlfriend or a dog and she quickly responded, “A dog. Definitely a dog.” A few short weeks later, I showed up in my dad’s life, on the side of the road in Florida.
The name came from a conversation between Dad and a friend about what to name me since I was a dead ringer for a grandmother crossed with Jar Jar Binks. Having a resemblance of someone’s feisty relative helps – and it stuck.
It’s likely you’ll hear me coming before I cross your path. Excitement resonates through the melodious baying sound I started singing when I was little. I’m told this is what got me kicked out of my Dad’s apartment and relocated to IOP. Poor me – wink wink.
Now my days are filled with sleeping in, sunrise beach walks, sleeping under Eileen’s desk and riding shotgun while she works. I need to keep an eye on her, making sure she stays on assignment. That’s my job. If you’re splashing too much, running too fast or making too much noise, you will be warned by the fun police – AKA me. I’ll keep you in line, but, I do confess, something takes over me when my nose catches a scent in the air. When I pop my nose in the air and grab that sweet scent of deer, all bets are off; I’m running like the wind. My blood runs from my brain to my nose, and all I can think about is hunt, chase, catch – all while baying loud and proud.
If you hear me coming, stay on alert. The cutest, sweetest, saltiest blue teagle is engaged and on a mission to track you down.
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.
Charlie Post Classic set for Sullivan’s Island
By Amy Lauren Scott For The Island Eye News
The 39th annual Charlie Post Classic 15K/5K is scheduled for Jan. 27. The race begins at 8:30 a.m. at the Sullivan’s Island Fish Fry Shack. Presented by the Charleston Running Club, the event honors the late Dr. Charlie Post, a well-known runner, triathlete and family physician who volunteered his time and medical talents to the running community. 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 and refreshments.
To register, volunteer or sponsor, visit CharliePostClassic.com.
