The Sullivan’s Island Town Council has three new members and a new mayor pro tem.
Carl Hubbard, Jody Latham and Ned Higgins, the top three vote-getters in the May 2 election, were sworn in at the Council’s June 20 meeting, while Justin Novak was chosen to serve as mayor pro tem. The decision wasn’t quite unanimous; Novak abstained but received the support of his six colleagues.
The vote to approve the Council’s committee’s was unanimous. Scott Millimet will serve as chair of the Finance Committee, which includes all seven members of the Council. Latham heads Administration, along with Millimet and Novak; Gary Visser is the Land Use and Natural Resources chair, with Hubbard and Mayor Pat O’Neil; Hubbard is at the helm of Public Facilities, with Higgins and Visser; O’Neil heads Public Safety, with Hubbard and Millimet; Higgins is the Recreation chair, with Latham and Novak; and Novak is taking the reins of Water and Sewer, with Latham and Visser.
(Continued on page 5)
IOP Council considers beach erosion issue
By Brian Sherman For The Island Eye News
The Isle of Palms City Council will consider short-term options to deal with beach erosion at the southwest end of the island while waiting for possible long-term help from the Army Corps of Engineers.
Council members were expected to look at a proposal put together by Coastal Science & Engineering at their regularly scheduled June 27
meeting. Company President Steven Traynum presented a report to the Council at its June 13 workshop, pointing out that two or three properties are close to being within 20 feet of the high tide line, which is defined by the state as an emergency situation.
“We will send a proposal for a sand placement project that would cover the most impacted area,” Traynum said later. “They asked for a quote for engineering and design so they could get
Marina boat club is up and running
By Brian Sherman For The Island Eye News
The waterfront deck is all but finished, the parking lot is nearing completion and the store probably will be open for business sometime in July. However, one important aspect of the Isle of Palms Marina already is up and running and drawing interest from island residents. The boat club, according to the company that purchased the Marina leases late last year, drew around 60 members during its first couple of weeks of operation.
“We’re delivering everything we said we would,” (Continued on page 3)
quotes to do the actual work.”
He pointed out, however, that serious help might be on the way from the federal government. He said the Corps of Engineers is considering a “beneficial use project,” where beach-quality sand would be taken from islands created along the Intracoastal when the waterway was dredged and transported to the IOP and Sullivan’s Island beaches. He said the goal is to begin work on this project (Continued on page 4)
The town of Sullivan’s Island celebrated Carolina Day June 24, marking the 247th anniversary of the Battle of Sullivan’s Island, which took place on June 28, 1776. Re-enactors with the Second South Carolina Regiment prepare to fire a musket salute during the ceremony. Left to right: Huger McClellan of McClellanville; Jack Gatlin of Hilton Head; and Matt Ringo of Winder, Georgia. More photos on page 13.
General Manager Scott Toole, left, and Mike Shuler, managing partner and principal investor of 32 North, at the Isle of Palms Marina boat club.
Photo by Brian Sherman.
Photo by Brian Sherman.
2 • June 30, 2023
Animal Society wants county to pay its fair share
By Brian Sherman For The Island Eye News
The human population of Charleston County is exploding, and, as a result, the area’s pet population is growing at a rapid rate as well. Unfortunately, according to the president and CEO of the first animal protection organization in South Carolina, the county has not been paying its fair share of the cost of supporting the mission of the Charleston Animal Society.
Joe Elmore pointed out that the Animal Society’s overhead in the past fiscal year reached $4.5 million and that the county contributed less than half of that – $2.1 million – to the organization’s budget. He said up until 2019, the county assumed its financial obligation.
“We’ve had a long-standing relationship with the county. We all know our community needs have changed over the years,” Elmore said. “I’m optimistic we can get a contract that brings this all up to date. It needs to be a fair and full contract for the humane disposition of animals. I’m optimistic we will work this out.”
Elmore said three types of animals have a temporary home at the Animal Society’s headquarters in North Charleston or in foster homes: those that are brought in by animal control officers, dropped off by individuals or surrendered by their owners for one reason or another.
“Whoever pays for what animals doesn’t matter,” Elmore said. “As the vendor, we just need to be paid fairly and fully so we can keep this public health and public safety issue under control.”
A major public safety aspect of the Society’s job, according to Elmore, stems from the fact that as many as two-thirds of the instances of dog bites or attacks in the county involve dogs that have not been spayed or neutered. He pointed out that the Animal Society spends millions of dollars
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spaying and neutering animals in an effort to mitigate the impact of overpopulation, which, in turn, has eliminated the necessity for additional animal shelters to be built, “saving the community tens of millions of dollars.”
“Unfortunately, we have been underfunded by the county when it comes to the humane, contractual services we provide that are necessary to supporting public health and safety,” he said.
Elmore added that the Animal Society has received some financial help from Lowcountry municipalities. For example, the town of Mount Pleasant is expected to contribute $280,000 to the Society in the coming fiscal year, while North Charleston donated the land where the Society headquarters stands, provides venues for various Society events and has awarded grants to help offset the cost of spaying and neutering animals.
The Society’s shelter was over capacity when it was built in 2008, Elmore said. It is supposed to house 230 animals, far short of the thousand or so dogs, cats and others currently in the system. Most of the overflow ends up in foster homes.
“We are extremely pressured,” Elmore stated. “That’s one reason we have got to invest so much of our donor dollars in spaying. At least two additional shelters are needed in our community.”
“Thank God for our foster volunteers,” he concluded.
ATTENTION RESIDENTS
The Town of Sullivan’s Island seeks residents interested in serving on the Town’s Boards and Commissions. The following seats are due to expire:
Planning Commission:
Four (4) seats for 1 and 3-year terms ending September 2024 and September 2026
Tree Commission:
Two (2) seats for 3-year terms ending September 2026
Board of Zoning Appeals: One (1) seat for 1-year term ending September 2024 (for a vacated, unexpired term)
Interested residents should submit application packet by 4:00 p.m. on Friday, August 4, 2023
Please contact Pamela Otto at potto@sullivansisland.sc.gov or (843) 883-5744 with applications or questions.
Information and applications are also on the Town website at
IOP Marina
Continued from page 1
Mike Shuler, the manager and principal investor of 32 North, commented. “The boat club is unique. It fits the Lowcountry lifestyle. We want the residents of Isle of Palms to feel that this is their Marina.”
The club offers its members the option to pay $550 a month, on an annual contract, for “essentially unlimited usage” of 21-foot and 24-foot boats, Shuler said. There are no upfront membership fees, and friends, neighbors or relatives can even share a membership for a total of $750 monthly.
“There are 14 prime Saturdays a year, and, of those, you’ll get a boat most of the time,” Shuler pointed out.
The best way to reserve your boat, he said, is to use the club’s app, which gives you the option to order any extras you need for a nominal extra fee, including life jackets, fishing equipment, skis or inner tubes. In addition, all boats are equipped with GPS systems, which means that if you get lost or have engine trouble, boat club employees will have no trouble finding you.
“We’ve got people selling their boats so they can join the boat club.”
Mike Shuler • managing partner and principal investor of 32 North
“Even for lifetime boaters, it takes the hassle out of boating,” Shuler commented. “It’s no fun trying to find a parking space for your trailer or washing your boat. When you get back, you just leave. You don’t even have to clean it. We’ve got people selling their boats so they can join the boat club.”
Isle of Palms residents who don’t join the boat club won’t have to pay to launch their boats at the Marina, and they’ll be able to park for free as well, on either side of the road that separates the parts of the Marina under the city’s control from the section leased by 32 North.
Shuler said the parking lot on his side of the Marina, much of which is paved with pervious material, should be completed soon, and the Marina store, which closed for renovations last year, is set to re-open shortly.
“We said what we were going to do, and we’re doing it,” he remarked. “We want this place to shine. And don’t forget: We’re your neighbors.”
Mayor Carmen R. Bunch Park (Palm Blvd next to Harris Teeter)
Isle of Palms Marina (50 - 41st Ave)
Beach erosion
Continued from page 1
by later this year or early in 2024. At the workshop, Council Member John Bogosian said the Isle of Palms shouldn’t bear the brunt of the financial cost of renourishing the beach.
“These are public beaches. It shouldn’t be the Isle of Palms tax money that’s going solely for beach renourishment. I think that’s something we need to take up with some of our representatives and our lobbyists to make sure we get our voices heard,” he commented.
According to City Administrator Desiree Fragoso, the city has approximately $7.5 million in its beach renourishment fund. IOP collects a 1% tax on hotel rooms and short-term rentals, a revenue stream that brought in $1,836,468 in fiscal year 2022.
Traynum pointed out that currently, only one structure, a swimming pool on the property just north of beach access 2, is within 20 feet of the high tide line. He added, however, that several other properties are within 30 feet of the line and that “they could be qualified before too long.” He said once the city receives a permit from Ocean & Coastal Resource Management with the Department of Health and Environmental Control, homeowners would be able to spend their own money to hire a contractor to bring in sand to place in front of their property. Those within 20 feet of the high tide line would be eligible for scraping and sandbags.
Traynum said that typically, the beach recovers from winter erosion in the summer, but, considering the possibility of storms during the hurricane season, “it’s not predictable what’s going to occur and when.”
“It’s certainly a concern that we need to be out front of as much as possible if erosion impacts a greater area or more properties,” said Traynum, whose company has done work for IOP on a regular basis since 2007. “If there were more houses where erosion is within 10 feet or in a larger area, it would be a lot easier for the city to respond to that. Doing it piecemeal would be a lot less efficient.”
“While today it is only one house, we’re well aware that one storm puts
everything in an emergency situation pretty quickly,” he added.
Traynum also noted that Coastal Science & Engineering is not recommending the use of sea walls along the IOP shore. He pointed out that the city prohibits sea walls within 200 feet of the OCRM setback line, and he said Coastal’s recommendation would be to leave that law in place.
“If one person installs a sea wall, it increases erosion to their neighbors. When there’s erosion behind it for other homeowners, the sea wall starts to fail,” he explained.
Local Realtor named to prestigious list
By Molly Glover For The Island Eye News
Six Realtors with The Cassina Group, including Sullivan’s Island resident Jimmy Dye, have been named to America’s Best Real Estate Professionals List.
The annual list, compiled by Real Trends, is based on production from 2022 and honors the top 1.5% of more than 1.6 million real estate professionals in the United States.
In addition to Dye, Robertson Allen, Ashley Graham, Jackie Kelly, Charles McIntosh and Caroline Perkins Mollica were all recognized for their 2022 sales volume.
As a founding partner and broker-in-charge, Dye understands the delicate nuances of selling luxury properties. The Cassina Group was the No. 1 firm on Sullivan’s Island in 2022.
“We have always known that we have the best Realtors in Charleston, and it is an honor to have so many of our agents recognized nationally for their successes in 2022,” said Owen Tyler, managing broker of The Cassina Group.
The Cassina Group closed nearly $485 million in sales in 2022, cementing its status as the No. 1 boutique firm in the Charleston area. Despite external factors such as low inventory and higher mortgage rates, the company is continuing to excel this year, with more than $363 million in closed and pending sales.
Jimmy Dye
Volunteers needed for day after litter sweep on IOP
The Isle of Palms Cleanup Crew and IOP Police Department are working together to keep the coast clean and keep America beautiful by hosting a special joint litter sweep July 5, the morning after the city’s scheduled fireworks show at Front Beach.
Everyone is welcome to volunteer for this all-ages activity, which coincides with the IOP Cleanup Crew’s usual Wednesday Breakfast Club litter sweep but will be extended for an extra half hour, running from 7 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. All supplies will be provided, and advanced registration isn’t required.
Volunteer check-in will be along the beach walkover in the 1100 block of Ocean Boulevard, between the outdoor showers and the building with the IOP postcard mural – next to Coconut Joe’s.
Volunteers are asked to collect litter for at least 30 minutes and afterward can enjoy breakfast discounts at Acme Lowcountry Kitchen, Sea Biscuit Café and Café Paname.
“The Isle of Palms Police Department looks forward to our continuing
Council seats
Continued from page 1
Council members also unanimously approved resolutions thanking former Police Department employee Nelson Gerena, Water and Sewer Department employee John Myers and the three outgoing Council members who did not seek re-election: Greg Hammond, Kaye Smith and Bachman Smith – the only person on hand to accept the Council’s resolution.
“I always thought that the easiest way to perform the job is to make sure you support the staff because they’re the ones who run the island, and they’re the ones who do such a great job
participation with the Isle of Palms Cleanup Crew and the July 5 morning litter sweep,” said IOP Police Sgt. Matthew R. Storen. “This is a vital part of our community engagement that helps to protect our beloved natural resources so that we can continue to enjoy them.”
“The more people we have at the beach, the more litter we see, and we know the Fourth of July holiday week is one of the busiest times of the year on the island. We can use all the cleanup help we can get,” said IOP Cleanup Crew Co-founder Susan Hill Smith.
The Cleanup Crew uses volunteer power to keep the coast clean, protect natural ecosystems and public health and document litter to help solve the pollution crisis. Working with the South Carolina Aquarium’s conservation team and the Aquarium’s Litter Journal, the crew has collected and documented more than 140,000 litter items since 2018. Summer litter sweeps at Front Beach are held twice a week: from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. Mondays and 7 a.m. to 8 a.m. Wednesdays.
difficult is when you really find out the value of service, so stick with it whatever may come.”
The resolution cited Smith’s work as chair of the Council’s Water and Sewer Committee for the past six years, noting that he “provided crucial knowledge and leadership to help accomplish tremendous improvements in the town systems, especially the complete upgrade of the sewer treatment plant, great improvements to the wastewater collection system and continued modernization of the water distribution system.”
of keeping the island straight and making sure everything is up to par for the residents,” said Smith, who was first elected to the Council in 2015. “While it wasn’t always easy, when it was
The resolution also stated that he “has been a consistently articulate, courageous, forceful and rational voice for maintaining the island’s most iconic and beloved qualities, especially in his defense of our invaluable natural resources, including the island’s protected land, Maritime Forest and marshes, as well as our irreplaceable historic resources.”
In other action June 20, the Council approved mayor’s proclamation designating June 28 as Carolina Day on the island, voted to raise water and sewer rates by approximately 3% and passed on third and final reading an ordinance that amends the town’s personnel policies and establishes a personnel handbook.
“It’s been a very long time coming,” said Novak, who played a key role in completing the
Preservation Society of Charleston accepting nominations for Carolopolis awards
By Sam Spence
For The Island Eye News
The Preservation Society of Charleston is accepting nominations for its annual Carolopolis awards until Sept. 15. Now in its 70th year, the award is a time-honored tradition celebrating the Charleston community’s commitment to preserving its rich cultural history and architectural heritage.
From West Ashley to North Charleston to Sullivan’s Island, the Carolopolis award recognizes the best of preservation across the Lowcountry to inspire lasting stewardship of our region’s historic places. The PSC invites homeowners, architects, contractors and others to nominate their exceptional projects in the following five award categories: Exterior - for exceptional exterior rehabilitation, restoration or preservation; Interior - in recognition of excellence in interior preservation of historic, publicly accessible
buildings, including but not limited to civic and cultural buildings, as well as houses of worship; New Construction - to bring focus to high-quality, new construction projects within historic contexts. Residential, commercial and mixed-use buildings are all eligible and must relate to the scale of surrounding, historic buildings; Resilience - for projects that adapt historic properties to changing climate conditions while adhering to best practices for historic preservation and retaining the integrity and character of the structure; Pro Merito - for properties that received a Carolopolis at least 20 years ago and have maintained a high standard of preservation or have undergone a second, significant exterior rehabilitation or restoration.
Visit the PSC website at preservationsociety.org to download the nomination form, view past winners and learn more about the Carolopolis award program.
Ned Higgins was sworn in by Mayor Pat O’Neil.
Carl Hubbard was sworn in by Mayor Pat O’Neil
Jody Latham was joined in her swearing in ceremony by her mom, Pat Latham.
Photo by Brian Sherman.
Photo courtesy of the town of Sullivan’s Island.
Photo by Brian Sherman.
Wild Dunes struts its pickle power
By Katherine Berry For The Island Eye News
It’s not uncommon to hear the word “pickleball” every day – and there’s a reason why. People who play the ever-popular sport love it and have found that most of those who give it a shot are just as fond of it. Like good gossip, pickleball continues to grow. A flame has been ignited and the spark is spreading like wildfire, on the Isle of Palms and just about everywhere else. People of all ages enjoy the sport, and it’s accessible and easy to learn. It rewards new players with an instant “dink” of dopamine.
Wild Dunes is responding to the demand of pickleball on a new level. For starters, the Wild Dunes Pickleball Association has been established and recruited one of the top 25 players in the world – Damien Spizzo – as its director of pickleball.
Spizzo enjoyed a successful professional tennis career, but, when his brother-in-law invited him to visit his new winery, which had pickleball courts, his life flipped. He quickly shifted from being a tennis pro to becoming one the world’s best pickleballers and a competitor in tournaments around the globe. His passion for the sport prompted him to launch a new career path, landing him in the Lowcountry, working with Wild Dunes to elevate his and its influence on the game.
Dawn Marquez, president of the WDPA, shared that the organization’s goal is “to ensure the community of pickleball players keep joy on the court through sharing ideas, playing together and expanding the community for everyone to enjoy.” Marquez is a passionate pickleballer who began her journey as a means to “shut her mind off and find freedom.” She also travels for tournaments to elevate her game and wants Wild Dunes to be on the map for players.
Upcoming camps, clinics and lessons are available to everyone – no membership is required. The Wild Dunes summer pickleball schedule runs through Sept. 8 and is open to all ages. Opportunities are available for corporate events, team-building workshops, wedding parties and other activities.
Beginner camps are scheduled for Monday through Saturday, from 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m., followed by one-hour intermediate and advanced camps starting at 9:30 a.m. Junior clinics, for those ages 6 to 13, are held Thursday through Saturday from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. A camp, with Spizzo and Anderson Scarpa, both ranked in the top 25 in the world, is set for July 22 and July 23, from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. To sign up for any of these camps, visit destinationhotels.com/wild-dunes/tennis/pickleball.
Wild Dunes also offers regularly scheduled open play and doubles and will continue to add programming.
Spizzo is working with Dynamic Universal Pickleball Rating to assist in ranking players based on their points won, type of games and outcomes. He encourages everyone to sign up for the free service on MYDUPR.com to become more familiar with the process. DUPR will also update players with new opportunities to explore the game and players in different markets.
Pickleball is not a trend; it’s clearly here to stay. Both Marquez and Spizzo, along with more than 9 million players in the United States, have officially stamped themselves as “pickleheads.” The goal at Wild Dunes is to incorporate something for everyone in a sport where fun comes first.
To learn more, email Spizzo at damian.spizzo@destinationhotels.com or Marquez at wdpickleball@gmail.com.
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Now we know loggerheads nest in the Maritime Forest
By Mary Pringle
For The Island Eye News
We have known for some time that the Maritime Forest on Sullivan’s Island protects against storm surges and is a valuable stopover for migratory birds to rest and feed. But, until this month, we never knew it could also be a nesting habitat for loggerhead turtles. On June 12, Diane Brumley and Jenn Gragg discovered that a nesting turtle crawled ashore between the Sand Dunes Club path and Station 18. She encountered not only an escarpment from recent
Nesting update
June 21
Isle of Palms nests • 20
Isle of Palms false crawls • 28
Sullivan’s Island nests • 7
Sullivan’s Island false crawls • 8
erosion but also many small, dead trees that have recently been exposed on the beach. When this happens, people call it a boneyard beach because of the skeletal remains of trees that have died from saltwater inundation. This has happened on Capers, Bull and Hunting islands and many
other places along the South Carolina coast.
When the Turtle Team followed her tracks for about 40 yards, we saw that she kept trying to find a dry and elevated spot to lay her eggs, crawling an obstacle course around the dead trees and looking for a spot that would not flood and kill her eggs. Along the way, she bumped into an eroded wall of sand eight or nine times before finally making it up into the edge of the Maritime Forest, where she managed to get up off the flat beach.
She crawled into the forest, where she knocked down some dog fennel and dug up some dewberry vines. The tide had gone into the forest beyond her nest, so we knew it would likely go there again and flood the nest. She laid her eggs at the foot of a dead tree that we recognized as the spot where a few seasons ago a red-tailed hawk sat watching loggerhead hatchlings coming out of a nest on the beach at midday. The hawk had swooped down and ate at least three tiny turtles before we were able to scare it away.
Because of debris and spartina wrack, this egg chamber was a little difficult to locate, but we did find a large clutch of 140 eggs and moved them out onto an elevated dune nearby for safe incubation. Erosion is also a problem along the area of the Isle of Palms near Breach Inlet, where turtles are not finding any dry beach before they
encounter a high vertical wall of sand that they are unable to climb.
The portion of nesting season when eggs are being laid was about halfway complete on June 21, the day of the summer solstice, with nest numbers slightly lower than in 2022.
Turtle Team members Mary Pringle, Diane Brumley and Jenn Gragg follow tracks of a loggerhead that nested in the Maritime Forest.
Photo by Raye Ann Osborne.
One Lucky Dog
Oh Ma Gah! Of course, I’d love to tell ya’ll a little about me. Hi, I’m Birdie or, as my mama likes to call me, Birdie Boo Miss America, which I like. I mean, my Mom dresses me up, puts me in bows and sometimes I get bows on top of my bows.
I may be fluffy and cute, but I have a side of sass with a rebel soul. I see myself as a pioneer poodle. I am a poodle by design but I don’t fit the typical poodle category. For starters, I don’t have a poodle haircut. When my bows are down, I’m an 80s rocker dog. Mom calls me her rockin’ rebel beauty queen.
Exercise is overrated; walks aren’t my thing. Instead, homemade obstacle courses are my jam. I see the obstacles and strategize the best way to efficiently bolt through them and then I’m off!
Each day is filled with lots of love for my mom and dad, and I made a promise to them to love them unconditionally, which is pretty easy considering how lucky I am and how much I love them. If you see me anytime soon, wish me happy birthday! I’ll be 3 on July 12!
Owner: Sean and Tiffany Chesney.
Dog’s name: Birdie, AKA: Birdie-Boo Miss America. Age: 2.9 years young.
Breed: Toy poodle.
Favorite toy: Jaws shark.
Unusual quirk: Creating obstacle courses to treat of choice, which is actually ice cubes.
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. Thank you • Katherine.
IOP Exchange Club shows its gratitude to service members
By Robbie Berg
For The Island Eye News
Carolyn Blashek started Operation Gratitude 20 years ago in her living room, putting together care packages for the military in Iraq. Since its inception, the organization has sent more than 3.8 million care packages to military service members.
“Volunteers are the lifeline of our organization,” according to Vicki Johnson, director of the national volunteer network at Operation Gratitude. “We could not provide care packages or battalion buddies without the support of our volunteers, whether knitting scarves, writing letters or donating other items. The packages from home remind them that a grateful nation stands with them.”
On June 19, Operation Gratitude provided 300 battalion buddies kits to volunteers from the Isle of Palms Exchange Club, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Veterans Administration and the Charleston area community. Battalion buddies are hand-stuffed teddy bears for the children of service members. When Joint Base Charleston requested the care packages and battalion buddies for their service members, instead of having them shipped from California, Vicki contacted the Isle of Palms Exchange Club to construct the bears. She has had a long-standing relationship with the Exchange Club through the Fisher House and now Operation Gratitude.
Carol Truslow, the Americanism Committee Chair for the Isle of Palms Exchange Club noted: “I am overwhelmed by the enthusiastic support from our Americanism Committee and IOP Exchange Club members willingly giving their time to this meaningful activity to share with service people and show our heartfelt support. This is a token of our love and gratitude to our military families.”
Carol’s Army hospital unit was activated during Desert Storm, and she saw the need of the troops and their families firsthand for items that are provided by Operation Gratitude.
To learn how you can support our military, visit operationgratitude.com.
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Learn about gut health at the Edgar Allan Poe Library
By Kathy Craig For The Island Eye News
Did you know that a healthy gut is vitally important to an overall healthy body? If you are wondering just how “gut health” affects your daily life and well-being, join us at Edgar Allan Poe/Sullivan’s Island Library July 19 from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. for an open and candid discussion about the benefits of forming good nutritional habits that benefit your gut health.
The guest speaker will be Alaine Mills, a registered dietitian at the Medical University of South Carolina’s Health and Wellness Institute. Mills is a certified specialist in sports dietetics, with degrees in nutrition and kinesiology.
“What’s really interesting is that the research shows when you start incorporating more plant foods into your diet, that can create change in your gut microbiome overnight,” she said, adding that these changes to your gut microbiome cause a ripple effect.
Join Mills as she explains this effect, introduces you to new ways to improve your overall health and discusses the importance of choosing to make healthy lifestyle choices. Start to take control of your health by marking your calendars and learning some simple steps that can empower you to change your habits for the better. Knowledge is power; share what you learn from this discussion with friends and family. Living optimally can be a daily challenge, but there are some simple steps you can take to make changes your life.
Craig is a library associate at the Edgar Allan Poe Branch Library, located at 1921 Ion Ave. on Sullivan’s Island. For more information on this or other library programs and services, call 843-883-3914, email poe@ccpl.org, or visit ccpl.org.
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The Sullivan’s Island Fire and Rescue Fish Fry returned for the first time since before the COVID-19 pandemic. Local residents and others turned out in large numbers June 24 for the 71st annual event, which has been a Sullivan’s Island staple since 1948.
Turtles are the topic of first Sea Stroll & Learn
By Tammy Cox
For The Island Eye News
The city of Isle of Palms and the Island Turtle Team will host a Sea Stroll & Learn on the beach at 25th Avenue July 13, the first in a series offered by the IOP Recreation Department this summer. The event, free for residents and visitors, is scheduled to get underway at 7:30 a.m.
During the Sea Stroll & Learn, the Turtle Team will share details about the IOP turtle population. They will talk about nesting patterns, how to identify turtle nesting areas, what to do if you see a nest and how to ensure that turtles feel welcome, safe and guarded during the nesting season.
The Island Turtle Team patrols the Isle of Palms and Sullivan’s Island beaches from May to August. Pairs of volunteers head out at sunrise to check for turtle tracks on the beach from the ocean. Most of the turtles that nest on the islands are loggerheads, but occasionally a green turtle or a leatherback will pay a visit.
If volunteers find tracks on the sand, they engage a core group of trained volunteer experts who determine if there is a nest and evaluate
what to do next. If the turtle has laid the nest below the high tide line, the team will relocated it to a more suitable spot where the eggs can safely incubate. The nest location is secured, marked, recorded and monitored until the hatchlings have made their way to the ocean.
“We are so excited to join our amazing Island Turtle Team to provide a new educational series for our residents and visitors that ensures sustainability for our beautiful island for all to enjoy for years to come,” said IOP Recreation Director Karrie Ferrell.
To register for the Sea Stroll & Learn, visit iop.net/programs-classes/ adult-programs.
IOP farmers market set for July 20
By Owen Bailey For The Island Eye News
The Isle of Palms Recreation Department will host its second monthly farmers market July 20 at the Recreation Center.
Activities are scheduled from 4 p.m.to 7 p.m. on the Rec Center’s front lawn. The market will offer more than 60 booths featuring local produce, crafts, artwork, photography, specialty foods, tinsel hair, balloon art, face painting and more. The theme of the July farmers market is IOP Rocks!
“During the June event, we had lots of butterfly kisses and happy faces,” said IOP Recreation Director Karrie Ferrell. “July promises to be as exciting, with various booths and displays, yummy food and family-friendly activities. We encourage both our residents and visitors to join in the fun.”
Farmers markets also are scheduled for Aug. 1 - Next to the Sea with The Blue Plantation Band; Sept. 21 - Safety with Isle of Palms Police and Fire; and Oct. 19 - Spooky, Kooky Ghoulie Funfest.
Photo courtesy of the IOP Rec Department.
Photo courtesy of the IOP Rec Department.
The town of Sullivan’s Island celebrated Carolina Day June 24, marking the June 28, 1776, Battle of Sullivan’s Island, when, at the beginning of the Revolutionary War, Col. William Moultrie and his troops successfully defended Charleston Harbor against a major British Naval force. Clockwise, starting at top left: Connie Mahan, vice regent of the Ft. Sullivan Chapter, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution with Sullivan’s Island Mayor Pat O’Neil; bagpiper Grange Simons; Master of Ceremonies Mike Walsh, president of the Battery Gadsden Cultural Center; re-enactors from the 2nd South Carolina Regiment and the 1st North Carolina Regiment firing off a musket salute; John Wages, a re-enactor representing the South Carolina Navy; and the re-enactors from South Carolina and North Carolina.
The weather is warmer and the fishing is excellent
By Capt. Geoff Bennett For The Island Eye News
Great fishing conditions have arrived. Weeks full of warm temperatures and sunny weather have made our fishery come alive. Bait is everywhere and fish are eagerly chasing it down. Anglers have a full host of options now that our seasonal species have arrived to complement the traditional targets of redfish and trout. Time to get out on the water.
Fishing for redfish is very productive. Blue crab fished on the bottom is very effective. Remove the shell and legs of a blue crab and cut the body in half. Put a size 3/0 circle hook through the hole where the flipper fin used
to be and make sure the hook point is exposed. There’s no need to keep the rod in your hands; instead, put it in a rod holder. Once that rod starts to bend, don’t pick it up until the drag starts screaming.
Pastor Phil Clark
St. Mark’s Lutheran Church
We’ve found consistent trout action on artificials as an alternative to the traditional popping corks. Small plastic artificials that mimic small baitfish have been getting crushed. The Z-man 3 3/4-inch Streakz in smoky shad is an excellent choice. Paired with a 1/8-ounce jighead, these lures worked best moved slowly through the water column. Trout will usually hit when you lift them up in a jigging motion.
The flounder bite has been picking up as well. We’ve been catching lots of flounder with mud minnows under a popping cork. Of course, the more traditional method of fishing finger mullet along the bottom around structures is still a prime technique. Move the bait slowly, and, when you think you have a bite, wait a few seconds – if you can – before setting the hook.
My favorite summertime fish is the ladyfish. They are becoming increasingly present with the warmer water. These lively fish will smack bait under a popping cork and make your drag zing. Their hard runs and acrobatic jumps make these fish so entertaining. You’ll often catch them in the same spots you target trout. See you on the water.
Since 2009, Capt. Geoff Bennett has operated Charleston Charter Fishing, providing light tackle charters. USCG licensed and insured, Capt. Bennett is committed to providing a safe and enjoyable charter to anglers of all skill levels and ages. For more information, call him at 843-324-3332, visit charlestoncharterfishing.com or email captain@charlestoncharterfishing.com.
Keith Cummings of Cape Hatteras, North Carolina, shows off a redfish.
Second session added for LENS water safety program
By Kitty Redmond Strawn
For The Island Eye News
The Isle of Palms Exchange Club’s Law Enforcement Neighborhood Support program scheduled a second session of its innovative children’s water safety program at Sullivan’s Island Elementary School after the first session, scheduled for July 1, was quickly fully booked. Those who missed out on the July 1 program will be able to sign up to attend on July 29.
Children ages 5 to 9 and their parents are welcome to attend, and snacks and beverages will be provided. Attendees must register in advance at lensiop.org. The program, scheduled from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m., will be led by Susan White, a certified Coast Guard instructor. She will provide a unique opportunity for local children to learn about water and boat safety, including how to safely navigate a boat, where and how to sit on a boat, proper boat etiquette and safety. A docked boat will engage
students in experiential learning.
Please make sure to pack water and sun protection for children attending the event.
LENS IOP provides many community-wide events throughout the year. On Sept. 9, the IOP Exchange Club will offer a boating certificate course for children 12 and up. The program will include an introduction to boating, boating laws, proper safety equipment, safe operation and navigation and boating emergency protocols. The course, which offers an opportunity for children to obtain a boating license, is free to LENS Lieutenants participants and $25 for nonmembers. To become a LENS Lieutenant, visit lensiop.org.
The LENS program is committed to offering programs and events that are beneficial to the local community and working with members of the local community to create opportunities such as children’s water safety courses. To learn more, email kinghorn.ted@gmail.com.
Salute From The Shore honors U.S. military
By Morgan Moseley For The Island Eye News
Numerous military aircraft will soar along the South Carolina coast July 4, during Salute from the Shore’s 14th annual Independence Day tribute to America’s bravest. Patriotic beach-goers will be dazzled by planes such as F-16s from Shaw Air Force Base, a C-17 from Joint Base Charleston and two civilian-owned vintage aircraft, including a Nanchang CJ-6s and a Focke-Wulf FWP-149. The planes’ flight path will span the length of South Carolina’s coastline.
The air show will kick off at 11 a.m. from Murrells Inlet, with the civilian-owned aircraft flying down the coast to Folly Beach. They are expected to reach Isle of Palms at 11:40 a.m. At
Mystery Plant
1 p.m., two F-16s from Shaw Air Force Base and a C-17 from Joint Base Charleston Air Force Base will make their way down the coastline, beginning at Cherry Grove and ending in Beaufort County in the Lowcountry. The F-16s are scheduled to arrive at IOP at 1:15 p.m., with the C-17 following at 1:29 p.m.
This fast-moving showcase of freedom offers beach-goers a chance to salute those in the armed forces who are currently serving or have served our country. Everyone is invited to celebrate this patriotic occasion to honor the U.S. military. Beach-goers are encouraged to wear red, white and blue, wave American flags and salute the aircraft as they fly by.
Salute from the Shore is a nonprofit, grass-
A popular shrub
By John Nelson For The Island Eye News
Lots of people in the Southeast and beyond grow this plant as a shrub or hedge without really knowing its identity. It is a native evergreen, and it is widely cultivated as a popular yard plant, especially in the South. There are several popular horticultural forms, various of which are excellent for use in topiary. Here in town, I’ve seen a tall variety with weeping branches. Some of these forms resemble the common boxwood, with its slow growth and tiny leaves, but boxwood is completely unrelated to our mystery plant. All boxwood leaves occur in pairs. Our plant has leaves alternating singly on the stems. It grows naturally from Virginia to Eastern Texas. In the Carolinas, it is a coastal plain plant, commonly seen in maritime forests and extending into counties of the inner coastal plain. In its natural habitat, it can be a small tree or perhaps more commonly either a slender or broadly-branched shrub. On larger plants, the bark is attractive, smooth and gray. The plants are evergreen, bearing small, leathery leaves that snap if bent end to end. The margins of the leaves are shallowly scalloped; this sort of leaf margin is said to be “crenate.”
The flowers are small and white and not particularly showy, but they are fragrant and bees love them. The female plants produce beautifully conspicuous red berries, which are quite lustrous as well. Some varieties have yellow fruit. I hope that you will remember from botany class that when you have a tree species that has separate “male” and “female” individuals, the term for such a species is dioecious. The term monoecious, which you
roots group of patriotic South Carolinians founded to honor the armed forces on Independence Day. On a day when family and friends gather to celebrate, many courageous military members serving our country overseas are away from their loved ones. The founders of Salute from the Shore seek to recognize their sacrifices and honor them on a day when Americans celebrate our freedom.
The vintage aircraft are flown by volunteers, and weather conditions and mechanical issues may play a role in determining how many aircraft ultimately will fly.
For more information about Salute from the Shore and about this year’s Independence Day event, visit salutefromtheshore.org.
also hear sometimes, is used for a species whose separate male and female flowers are found on the same individual, such as corn. But back to our mysterious shrub.
In addition to being an important component of our maritime forests and other coastal ecosystems, as well as a very pleasing landscape plant, this native has had an additional interesting association with humans: A considerable amount of caffeine is available from the dried leaves. In fact, there is a notion that the American colonists developed a taste for this tea, which would have been a good backdoor way of avoiding the British tax on “real” tea.
Native Americans apparently brewed the leaves to make a beverage. Traditional and perhaps somewhat speculative histories indicate, as well, that very strong versions – or perhaps very large doses – of these brews were sometimes used in ceremonial events as a way of purging the system through vomiting. The scientific name alludes to this tradition.
Otherwise, the plant actually became rather important through much of the South, at least into the early 1800s, and then again during the Civil War, as an acceptable tea – properly diluted, of course. It is sometimes still served today, but I’ll probably stick with Earl Grey.
You might want to read more about it in “Black Drink: A Native American Tea,” by Charles Hudson.
[Answer: Yaupon, Yaupon holly, Ilex vomitoria]
John Nelson is the retired curator of the Herbarium at the University of South Carolina, in the Department of Biological Sciences. As a public service, the Herbarium offers free plant identifications. For more information, visit www. herbarium.org or email johnbnelson@sc.rr.com.
Don’t be surprised if someone you know qualifies for Meals on Wheels
By Sarah Vega For The Island Eye News
Residents of Mount Pleasant, Isle of Palms, Sullivan’s Island, Daniel Island, Cainhoy and Wando, especially those who have moved from other areas of the country, might be surprised to know that East Cooper Meals on Wheels doesn’t fit the stereotype of only serving senior citizens who are living in poverty. The independent, local nonprofit has always operated by its own broad and inclusive set of rules. Thanks to support from the local community rather than the federal government, East Cooper Meals on Wheels serves people of all ages and incomes by providing much more than one meal a day.
“We’re here for people after surgery, chemotherapy patients, new moms who had a C-section or are facing postpartum depression, people with broken bones, adults serving as the primary caregiver for their mom or dad and so many other challenging situations,” said George Roberts, president and CEO of East Cooper Meals on Wheels. “If you can’t stand at the stove long enough to prepare a nutritious meal for yourself, you qualify for meals,” he said.
It’s not just lunch that the local nonprofit delivers to those who live in ZIP codes 29464, 29466, 29451, 29482 or 29492. Qualified recipients can receive lunch and dinner up to seven days a week, fresh fruit, healthy breakfast items
and milk twice a month and even pet food for cats and dogs. The organization also delivers a monthly supply of Ensure or Glucerna to anyone in need of supplemental nutrition or anyone who is unable to consume solid foods, including those in hospice care.
In addition to all the nutrition services, the nonprofit’s community health liaison, Christine Dean, RN, CHPN, provides guidance to new recipients as they incorporate meal deliveries and healthy eating into their daily routine. In addition, caring volunteers offer connection and a sense of safety, especially for those who live alone. The impact is so much more than just dropping off food.
“Christine also reassures our new recipients about the benefits of accepting help,” Roberts said. “There’s often a sense that because you live in a nice neighborhood or close to family that someone else is more deserving of a meal. However, if we can relieve a burden – emotional, time or financial – that’s exactly why Meals on Wheels is here. It’s all about improving quality of life for our neighbors.”
Here are just a few examples of recent situations where meal delivery made a difference –and none of these people are living in poverty:
• A man who is caring for his bed-bound wife was less than thrilled to be referred by his daughter. He didn’t see how meals were helping
since he “can cook grilled cheese.” After talking with him about limiting deliveries to a few days a week, he’s now happy to have the extra help.
• A woman and her husband were hesitant to “take meals when someone else probably needs them more.” She has severe back pain, can’t stand at a stove to cook, struggles to get in and out of a car and is awaiting an opportunity for surgery, while her husband is recovering from surgery. They were delighted to learn that their situation is exactly why Meals on Wheels exists.
• A woman’s sister was worried because her sibling wasn’t cooking, wasn’t eating and just had a new pacemaker installed. The sibling was really unsure about whether she wanted the meals and a daily visit from a volunteer at first, but, after just a couple months of enjoying healthy, fully-prepared meals and making new friends, she loves it.
If you or someone you know could benefit from a meal and a daily visit, you can sign up online at ecmow.org or contact Stacey Haile at 843-881-9350 or shaile@ecmow.org. If you’d like to make a gift to East Cooper Meals on Wheels in support of its summer “It’s Not Just Lunch” campaign, all gifts of $100 or more will be matched, up to $8,000, by Hidden Ponds Nursery. Donations can be made at ecmow.org or mailed to P.O. Box 583, Mount Pleasant, South Carolina 29465.
New LENS program will give IOP families a voice
By Laura Anderson For The Island Eye News
The Isle of Palms Law Enforcement Neighborhood Support program has introduced its latest initiative, LENS Lieutenants, which is aimed at providing young IOP families with an affordable way to benefit from the efforts of the organization.
LENS Lieutenants is a platform for families to voice their input and shape future community programs that cater to their needs and aspirations. By joining LENS Lieutenants, families not only contribute to the betterment of their neighborhoods but also gain a voice in establishing initiatives that promote safety, enrichment, development and fun for all.
To become a part of the program, families are requested to make a tax-deductible annual donation of $50, which enables them to actively participate in program discussions and decision-making processes, empowering them to shape the future of community-based programs on the island.
Instead of imposing programs without input, LENS values the opinions of young families. By collaborating with parents, LENS aims to identify and implement programs that produce high-value community-based initiatives.
Community leader Paul Coleman, who serves on the IOP LENS Advisory Board and as the lead pastor of DeepWater Church, commended the swift positive impact of LENS on the local
law enforcement community.
“They’ve raised awareness and fostered unity among our men and women in blue,” said Coleman, pointing out the significance of the recent LENS banquet. “Think about it – when was the last time so many on the island were unified on something?”
Excited about the future, Coleman and his wife recently joined the LENS Lieutenants program, eagerly anticipating the upcoming events, especially considering how these programs will affect their three daughters.
Sponsored by the IOP Exchange Club, LENS collaborates with partners such as the IOP Recreation Department, Wild Dunes, the Coast Guard, the Red Cross, the IOP Fire Department and the Veterans of Foreign Wars, establishing a wide range of resources and expertise. LENS sponsors events such as National Night Out, in partnership with the IOP Police Department and IOP Recreation Department, as well as the highly anticipated Sullivan’s Island Elementary School Father-Daughter Dance. In addition, LENS promotes bike safety through its Bike Rodeo, providing valuable knowledge and awareness to members of the community.
Isle of Palms resident Lisa Ferguson is delighted to be a part of the LENS Lieutenants program. She remarked that it’s a great platform to foster connections among families within the IOP community and beyond.
“Juggling the demands of daily life, including children, school and sports, can be very hard. It’s truly heartwarming to belong to a community that understands this and provides opportunities for family-centric activities and connections,” she said.
“My family and I recently attended the Bike Rodeo that LENS Lieutenants sponsored, and it was terrific. My middle son, Charlie, even won a bike,” Ferguson added.
She said that witnessing the enthusiastic participation of numerous families at the event was a true testament to the strength of the community: “LENS Lieutenants is truly making a positive impact, and I am grateful to be a part of it.”
LENS aims to explore additional programs that will benefit families. Water safety, golf cart safety, first aid and babysitting training are among the topics generating interest. LENS plans to host two events in the fall: a wine tasting at the IOP Exchange Club to foster further discussions among parents and the highly anticipated “Crabbing with Tia” gathering, which will offer a fun and educational experience.
By joining the LENS Lieutenants, families gain a meaningful opportunity to actively shape the future of their neighborhoods. To become a part of this empowering initiative, simply fill out the LENS Lieutenants program application at lensiop.org and embark on a journey to create safer, enriched and more vibrant communities for all.
Around the Islands
ONGOING
WHAT: Isle of Palms Cleanup Crew summer litter sweeps
WHERE: Check in at 1100 Ocean Blvd. beach access by Coconut Joe’s and IOP city restroom building.
WHEN: 6-7 p.m. Mondays and 7-8 a.m. “Breakfast Club” Wednesdays through Labor Day.
MORE INFO: Volunteers help for at least 30 minutes. Supplies provided. Enjoy discount at IOP restaurant after. No advance registration – help when you can. Follow us at facebook.com/IOPCleanup.
WHAT: Community meditation
WHERE: IOP Rec Center
WHEN: Thursdays at 9 a.m.
MORE INFO: Outdoors, under the oaks - weather permitting; indoors on colder or bad weather days. Free. To learn more: iop.net/recreation.
MORE INFO: Featuring over 60 vendors, music, local farm-fresh produce, family friendly themes and activities and food trucks. To learn more: iop.net
WHAT: Free Beach Yoga Flow
WHERE: 25th Avenue
WHEN: 7:30 a.m. every Tuesday
MORE INFO: IOP.net
Isle of Palms Summer Camps
Soccer Shots • July 31-Aug. 4
Get Your Spike-On Volleyball • Aug. 7-10 Gymnastics • Aug. 7-10 Cheernastics • Aug. 7-10
WHAT: IOP Farmers Market
WHERE: IOP Rec Center
WHEN: Every third Thursday, 4-7 p.m., June through October
MORE INFO: Featuring over 60 vendors, music, local farm-fresh produce, family friendly themes and activities and food trucks. To learn more: iop.net.
TUESDAY, JULY 4
WHAT: Independence Day fireworks
WHERE: Front Beach area of the IOP beach
WHEN: 9-9:30 p.m.
MORE INFO: The area of the beach between 21st Avenue to 3rd Sea Cabins will close at 6:30 p.m. Guests may remain inside the Isle of Palms County Park area or behind the restroom facilities to watch the show.
WHAT: Sullivan’s Island Golf Cart and Bike Parade
WHERE: Starts at Sunrise Presbyterian Church; ends at Sullivan’s Island Elementary School WHEN: Starts at 9 a.m.
MORE INFO: Rain or shine. To be considered in the cart and bike decoration competition, you must have a registration number for your cart or bike. Registration will be available at Town Hall through Monday, July 3.
WHAT: Party and fireworks
WHERE: Stith Park, Sullivan’s Island
WHEN: 5:30 p.m.
MORE INFO: Bring a chair or a blanket. Music will be provided by the Shem Creek Boogie Band, with fireworks starting around 9 p.m. No dogs will be permitted in the park, and alcohol is prohibited.
FRIDAY, JULY 7
WHAT: CD Art for Teens
WHERE: Edgar Allan Poe Branch Library, 1921 Ion Ave., Sullivan’s Island WHEN: 4 p.m.
MORE INFO: Create flashy new home décor with CDs and craft supplies. Grades 6-12. To learn more: ccpl.org/branches/Sullivans-island.
FRIDAY, JULY 11
WHAT: Charleston County Resident Perks
WHERE: Edgar Allan Poe Branch Library, 1921 Ion Ave., Sullivan’s Island WHEN: 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
MORE INFO: Bring your questions for the offices of the county auditor, assessor, board of elections and voter registration, probate and treasurer. To learn more: ccpl.org/branches/Sullivans-island.
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.
TUESDAY, JULY 13
WHAT: Sea Stroll & Learn
WHERE: On the IOP beach at 25th Avenue WHEN: 7:30 a.m.
MORE INFO: Hosted by the IOP Rec Department and the Island Turtle Team, the event is free for all residents and visitors. To learn more: iop.net.
FRIDAY, JULY 14
WHAT: Jungle Jim’s “Wild About Reading Balloon Magic Show”
WHERE: Edgar Allan Poe Branch Library, 1921 Ion Ave., Sullivan’s Island WHEN: 10:30 a.m.
MORE INFO: Jungle Jim combines balloon artistry, magic, comedy and improv to create an amazing experience for children. To learn more: ccpl. org/branches/Sullivans-island.
SATURDAY, JULY 29
WHAT: IOP Beach Run
WHERE: Front Beach, IOP WHEN: 8 a.m.
MORE INFO: There will be a 5K run/walk and a 10K run. Register at raceroster.com or the IOP Recreation Center. To learn more: iop.net or 843-886-8294.
