IEN Apr 5, 2024

Sullivan’s Island administrator continues to learn on the job SI

By Brian Sherman For The Island Eye News

Despite having served local governments in South Carolina for nearly two decades, Joe Henderson realizes that he doesn’t know everything about being the chief administrative officer of a seaside town of just under 2,000 residents. He is, however, confident that he’s ready to assume the role of Sullivan’s Island’s town administrator, and members of the Town Council apparently agree. At their regularly scheduled monthly meeting March 19, they voted to offer him the opportunity to replace Andy Benke, who will retire in June after 21 years on the job.

“There’s still some coaching to be done,” said Henderson, who has worked for the town since June 2013 and has served as Benke’s deputy for the past two years. “In town government, you should always be willing to learn, and you should always be open to creativity and new ideas.”

Henderson’s first job with Sullivan’s Island was as the zoning administrator, where he worked with the town’s various boards and commissions. He was later promoted to the position of director of planning and zoning, then to deputy administrator in 2022, when he started working more closely with the Police, Fire and Water and Sewer Departments and “learning more about what goes on with the town.” He’s well-aware that his life will change somewhat when he takes over as town administrator at the Council’s June 18 meeting.

“There won’t be any hours off. I’ll be on call 24/7,” he said. “It will demand a lot more of my time and much greater responsibility.”

The path he has taken during his career has prepared him for new job, he said. Henderson earned a bachelor’s degree in political science at Coastal Carolina University, a graduate certification in urban planning from the College of Charleston and a master of public administration from Clemson University. (Continued on page 5)

By Brian Sherman For The Island Eye News

The Charleston Water System contends that Sullivan’s Island owes it $1 million or so and has threatened to cut off the town’s water supply in July. Town officials claim they have a valid threedecade-old contract with CWS that will be automatically renewed for an additional 15 years. Regardless of whether the case ends up in court, “there will always be something to come out of the faucet when you turn it on,” according to Sullivan’s Island Town Administrator Andy Benke.

“We would prefer to resolve it in mediation, but, if we have to, we’ll go to court,” said Sullivan’s Island Mayor Pat O’Neil. “I think the chances are pretty slim that will happen. We’re going to do everything possible to make sure it doesn’t.”

An Oct. 6, 2023, letter from the CWS to O’Neil and Benke stated: “To make it clear, absent a new water supply contract beginning on July 20, 2024, SI will no longer have water service from CWS upon the (Continued on page 12)

WDMGA will host Par 3 Challenge – with a twist

By Brian Sherman For The Island Eye News

The Wild Dunes Men’s Golf Association, which has been waging a battle against prostate cancer for more than a decade, has come up with another weapon in its fight to eliminate a disease that is expected to affect nearly 300,000 men in the United States in 2024.

The WDMGA’s annual Charity Golf Fundraiser, the largest single private fundraiser in the world for the Prostate Cancer Foundation, is scheduled for May 11 on the Wild Dunes Links Course. Before that, however, the Association will (Continued on page 13)

Joe Henderson will assume his new role as town administrator of Sullivan’s Island at the Town Council’s June 18 meeting.

Photo by Brian Sherman.

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Andy

follows through with his threat to retire

Dear Island Neighbors,

As many of you know, our able town administrator of 21 years, Andy Benke, is finally making good on his threat to retire. Andy is leaving quite a fine legacy, which we’ll get to in a future column. However, at our Town Council meeting on March 19, we selected our next town administrator, Joe Henderson, who is currently serving as our deputy administrator. The appointment will take effect at our regular Council meeting on June 18.

This capped off a long and deliberate process. Although Council made the final decision, we had a search committee that participated in the process from its start in October of last year. The search committee consisted of Mayor Pro Tem Justin Novak, Council Administration Committee Chair Jody Latham, outgoing Town Administrator Benke, HR Director Pam Otto and the mayor. We consulted from the beginning with the Municipal Association of South Carolina, whose field representative, Ashley Kellahan, was tremendously helpful in guiding us on best practices. We advertised the position at our website, the Municipal Association of South Carolina job board, Monster.com and that other newspaper.

About that yard debris

As spring cleaning efforts pick up speed, this is a good time to remember a couple of things. Republic Services handles pickup of our garbage, yard debris and recycling. For yard debris, our contract covers pickup only of clippings, cuttings and branches that are produced by the resident. It does not cover stuff produced by landscaping companies. So if you use a landscaping service, they are responsible for removal of what they cut, rake and blow. Please ensure that they do this.

For materials produced by residents, tree limbs should be less than 4 feet long and 4 inches in diameter. Because of limited capacity of the trucks, Republic may not be able to pick up infinite amounts of yard debris piled up by very hardworking residents, so if you create lots of stuff for the curb, it may take a couple of trips before it can all be collected. Please be patient.

Beach renourishment on Sullivan’s Island?

This yielded 23 applications from South Carolina and other states. We first winnowed this field down to 13, whose applications were scored in detail. From that group, we selected eight applicants for interviews and then got consent from five of them for us to check their references. After reviewing all the available information, Council voted unanimously to offer the position to Henderson, who did an excellent job as director of planning and zoning from 2013 until his well-deserved promotion to deputy administrator in 2022. I have no doubt that Joe will provide excellent stewardship and leadership in the years to come.

We’ll have more about these changes in the next couple of months, as we also begin the search for our next deputy administrator.

And another hire for a new position

I’m delighted to report the selection of the town’s first director of resilience and natural resource management. Rebecca Fanning has dedicated herself to environmental preservation, restoration and education for more than 10 years. Her experience started with several years along the California coast, before returning to her native Charleston, where she has helped more than 20 local organizations in their efforts to restore and enhance our Lowcountry environment.

Rebecca has earned master’s degrees in environmental science and in public administration from the College of Charleston, after an earlier bachelor’s degree in Russian language and literature from Bard College. Let’s hope she won’t need that Russian as she works along our coast and waterways.

Kudos to Gary Visser, chair of the Council’s Land Use and Natural Resources Committee, for his leadership in establishing and filling this new and long-needed position. And special thanks to Pam Otto for her organizational efforts with the searches for this post and the administrator’s.

Fortunately, beach renourishment is seldom needed for the island. However, the beach on our eastern – IOP – end is very dynamic, including periodic erosional periods.

An interesting opportunity has appeared in an Army Corps of Engineers project related to dredging of the Intracoastal Waterway. Because of space limitations in the areas where the spoil from dredging is placed, the Corps has embarked on a beneficial use project for some of that material, to renourish the Breach Inlet ends of IOP and SI. The specifics are still being worked out, but the Corps has engaged its contractor to move the stuff from the spoil sites to the general area of our beaches. However, this does not include actually spreading it on the beaches. We on SI have engineers designing possible approaches to getting our sand to our beach – or at least closer – and will then approach contractors for bids. It may be possible to also deposit some of this material on high ground behind the beach at Breach Inlet, for future possible use elsewhere on the island.

This is a work in progress. We’ll have more details when available.

Arbor Day

As a recognized Tree City USA community for eight years, each spring we continue the national tradition of celebrating the importance of trees with our Arbor Day recognition. This year that will be on April 26, from 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Stith Park. There’ll be plenty of activities for grownups and kids, music, sapling giveaways and other activities. For details, go to sullivansisland.sc.gov/community-connections/ arbor-day.

See you around the Island!

Pat O’Neil , Mayor 843-670-9266

Twitter: @oneilpm1 • oneilp@sullivansisland.sc.gov

Beachfront homeowners file suit against DHEC and city of Isle of Palms

Seven Isle of Palms homeowners have filed suit against the city of IOP and the Department of Health and Environmental Control in circuit court. The basis for the suit is that both IOP and DHEC have not replenished/renourished the beach with new sand and maintained a viable dune along the base line as required by the Beach Management Act and the city’s own beach management plan.

In addition, the suit alleges that the IOP ordinances restricting homeowners from protecting their properties with any type of erosion control

structure is illegal because the city’s jurisdiction over private property cannot exceed the state’s jurisdiction – which the suit alleges is limited to private property seaward of the setback line. The Island Eye News has learned that several other homeowners have retained counsel and are exploring options against the city and DHEC.

The island Eye News has reached out to the city for comment but did not receive a response. Additional information on this breaking story will be available shortly online at MyLonews.com

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Continued from page 1

He’s a certified floodplain manager, arborist and building inspector and is also certified by the American Institute of Certified Planners. Various internships also have played a key role in him being qualified to replace Benke, a Sullivan’s Island icon. Henderson interned with Horry County and in the city administrator’s office in

Myrtle Beach.

“That’s when I realized how diverse that role was. That opened my eyes to what my career would be,” he explained.

Henderson gained valuable experience working for the city of Conway, serving as zoning administrator and interim planning director. He said working with Benke also helped get him ready him for his new position.

“I was fortunate to have Andy

Earth Day lecture slated for April 22

Author Doug Tallamy will speak on “Understanding Our Native Barrier Island Landscape” April 22 on Sullivan’s Island.

The Earth Day lecture, sponsored by the town of Sullivan’s Island Tree Commission, is scheduled from 6 p.m. to 7:15 p.m. You will be able to watch the Zoom presentation either at Town Hall, 2056 Middle St., or from home. A question-and-answer session will follow.

According to Tallamy, the author of “Nature’s Best Hope,” “In the past, we have asked one thing of our gardens: that they be pretty. Now they have to support life, sequester carbon, feed pollinators and manage water.”

To register to watch the program, email Jessi Gress at jgress@sullivansisland.sc.gov.

as a mentor, especially the past two years,” Henderson said.

Sullivan’s Island Mayor Pat O’Neil stated: “We were privileged to have Andy Benke serve as the administrator since 2003 and wish him well in retirement. His efforts helped keep Sullivan’s Island a desired place to live and visit. An Andy’s deputy administrator, Joe Henderson is well-suited to succeed him. I am confident that the great work we have started over the past years will continue with Joe.”

Henderson lived in Louisiana until he was 8 years old, when his family moved to Conway. On two different occasions, his parents, who met in the Peace Corps, relocated the family to Columbia in South America. He said he speaks Spanish, “but not as much as I used to.”

He and his wife, Cari, have two teenagers who currently attend Lucy Beckham High School in Mount Pleasant: Olivia, 16, and Joseph, 15. He also has a 26-year-old daughter, Jenna, from a previous marriage.

According to Henderson, the biggest challenges facing Sullivan’s Island right now are stormwater management and dealing with the

question of resiliency. He said the town has five major ongoing stormwater initiatives and is about to embark on “a really exciting project,” the development of a resilience and sea level rise adaptation plan, funded by a $150,000 grant from FEMA.

He added that he intends to remain in his new position “for as long as they’ll have me.”

“I’ve grown to love the island. After working to develop its comprehensive plan, I understand the vision and the plan for the island,” he said.

Cheryl

Daniel

Linda Laird

Mary Hunter

Michelle Austin

Renee Meyer

Scott Layton

Steve

Suzi Baldrick

Tracy Meredith

Dennis Samuelson

Ginger Samuelson

Elise

Clay

Lucie

Sarah

Carolina Coastal Team

Elise Kennedy Group

Presson Moore Group

Cunningham Group

Council boots noise ordinance back to committee

By Brian Sherman For The Island Eye News

Isle of Palms’ long-running efforts to establish a viable noise ordinance hit another snag March 26, when the City Council voted to return the issue to its Public Safety Committee for further consideration.

The Council voted unanimously not to pass on first reading an ordinance that would have repealed a section of the city’s code of ordinances and established maximum allowable decibel readings during specific hours of the day and in specific areas of the city.

Council member Katie Miars responded to Bogosian’s comments by pointing out that the Council began discussing decibel levels at the request of Police Chief Kevin Cornett. The chief said the city’s current noise ordinance is subjective and therefore difficult to defend in court. He added that most property managers on IOP already have installed noise monitoring devices in their shortterm rentals.

“I don’t believe we have a consensus on Council to get anything through.”

• IOP Council Member John Bogosian

“I don’t feel like we’re ready to have a first reading on this ordinance,” said Council member John Bogosian, who serves as chair of the Public Safety Committee. “It needs to go back to

During the citizens’ comments part of the regularly scheduled Council meeting, Terri Haack, representing the owners of Wild Dunes Resort, said the proposal to establish a maximum noise level for the area surrounding the Sweetgrass Inn but not for Front Beach is not equitable.

“It doesn’t seem fair to carve out businesses in one area of the city, implying the city can trust Front Beach businesses to be responsible but can’t trust the rest of the businesses or

residents in the city,” she said. “The resort has worked diligently and tirelessly to mitigate noise.”

According to Haack, Wild Dunes, which has had an ongoing conversation with nearby resident Al Clouse about noise emanating from the Sweetgrass Inn, has removed 14 speakers at the hotel’s pool, suspended all amplified music at the pool deck, turns off music and TV at the Oystercatcher outside bar by 10 p.m., decreased pool hours and suspended most activities at the pool.

“Sound is monitored by the resort staff, off-duty police are present on Fridays, Saturdays and any special event and a manager on duty is available 24/7,” she added. “Group and social contracts have noise clauses in them. Protocols are in place, all amplified music is hosted indoors and the sixth-floor terrace and bar no longer has amplified music.”

She asked the Council if “this noise ordinance only about Mr. and Mrs. Clouse against the Sweetgrass Inn?”

Shelley Miles also spoke during the citizens’ comments portion of the meeting, pointing out that the provi-

sion that gives the city the authority to revoke a rental license after five noise infractions over a 12-month period “is too severe of a punishment.”

“If enthusiastic golfers create noise celebrating a great shot and are caught exceeding the noise threshold – if after five violations, does Wild Dunes lose its business license?” she asked.

In other action March 26, the Council appointed Margaret Miller to the Accommodations Tax Advisory Committee, approved a mutual aid agreement with the Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office and approved an application for Share the Stoke Surf School to offer surfing lessons. The Council also agreed to pay Coastal Science & Engineering $33,733.50 for a comprehensive survey of the southern end of the island and “additional emergency coordination necessary” until the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers begins pumping sand from locations along the Intracoastal Waterway to the IOP beach.

In addition, the Council approved proclamations for Arbor Day, Peace Officers’ Memorial Day and American Red Cross Month.

Bird Banding Demonstration

Guided Maritime Forest Tour Visit with the Island Turtle Team

Face Painting / Scavenger Hunt / Puzzle Challenges

Nature Bingo & Trivia

Kids

So Much More!

IOP Council rejects changes to seawall ordinance

By Brian Sherman For The Island Eye News

An emergency ordinance apparently will expire before property owners near Breach Inlet will be able to take advantage of the opportunity build seawalls to protect their homes from the severe erosion that has plagued the southwest end of the island for nearly a year.

At a March 26 meeting, the IOP City Council voted unanimously against amending the emergency ordinance that was passed by a 7-2 vote Feb. 20. The original ordinance, which will expire April 20, can be extended for an additional 60 days.

At issue, according to Deputy City Administrator Douglas Kerr, was that the engineers who will be involved in the project are uncomfortable with the language in both ordinances. Specifically, they don’t want to be responsible for erosion the seawalls might cause to adjacent properties.

“We have been working through those engineers to try to come up with agreeable language that they could live with.”

• IOP Deputy City Administrator Douglas Kerr

“We pretty quickly after that ordinance was enacted heard back from the two engineers that are heavily involved with designing these seawalls for property owners on the island. They pretty quickly said we’re going to have issues with the certification language we have included in the ordinance,” Kerr told the Council. “We thought we were adopting something that was routine and probably would be acceptable to engineers; we learned after we enacted it that it wouldn’t be and that we didn’t think that it was realistic that a seawall could get permitted through the city process with that language in there.”

“We have been working through those engineers to try to come up with agreeable language that they could live with,” he added.

The ordinance considered by the Council March 26 included the following section: “Seawalls and revetments shall be designed by a reg-

Special events set for National Park Week

By Brett Spaulding For The Island Eye News

Fort Sumter and Fort Moultrie National Historical Park will celebrate National Park Week with special events and social media posts April 20 through April 28. The nine-day celebration is scheduled for the Fort Moultrie Visitor Center at 1214 Middle St. on Sullivan’s Island and the Fort Sumter Visitor Center at 340 Concord St. in Charleston. All activities are free and entrance fees at Fort Moultrie will be waived on April 20.

Saturday, April 20 - Fort Moultrie visitors can design and dye a flag, and Fort Sumter visitors at Liberty Square will learn about typical birds found at the park and receive Grab-and-Go bird seed balls. Events are set from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m., while supplies last.

Monday, April 22 - On Earth Day, join a ranger at the Fort Sumter Visitors Center at Liberty Square for a conversation about our impact on the Earth and receive a Grab-and-Go wildflower ball from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m., while supplies last.

Wednesday, April 24 - On Career Day at Fort Moultrie, join park rangers, archaeologists, park partners, curators, law enforcement and more to learn what they do in the park. This will be a hands-on and interactive time with fun activities from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Saturday, April 27 - Visitors can take part in Junior Ranger Day and earn a Junior Ranger pin and archaeologist patch by working with the park archaeologist, while supplies last. The event will be at Fort Moultrie from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The park represents the history of static seacoast defense in the United States from the American Revolution to the end of World War II. For further event information, call 843-883-3123. Additional information about Fort Sumter and Fort Moultrie National Historical Park is available at nps. gov/fosu.

istered, qualified engineer and include a certification from the engineer that the seawall or revetment has been designed in such a way as to not accelerate erosion or negatively impact adjacent or down-drift lots under normal conditions, excluding named storm events and long periods of tidal inundation.”

Kerr recommended that city staff work with the engineers, their attorneys and their insurance providers “to see if we can come up with anything that would satisfy.” He added that staff also would make sure any ordinance the Council passes concerning seawalls and revetments does not create potential legal issues for the city.

“We’ve heard from Mac (City Attorney Mac McQuillin) that there should be an offsetting requirement for the city to be held harmless in the event that lawsuits do come as a result of the seawall,” he said.

The March 26 amended ordinance considered included the following section: “Residents that elect to install a seawall or revetment shall assume all responsibility over any and all impacts to adjacent property owners and agree to indemnify and hold harmless the city in connection with any claims made against the city, its officials, agents, employees, inspectors or advisors concerning or relating in any way to the resident’s seawall or revetment. Prior to the issuance of any permit, the resident shall sign an agreement memorializing the terms of this paragraph.”

Are you tired of

Water

Continued from page 1

termination of the contract (July 19, 2024), and service will be discontinued on Saturday, July 20, 2024.”

According to the 1994 agreement between Sullivan’s Island and CWS: “The life of this contract shall extend for a term of 30 years from the date of execution and shall be automatically renewed for additional 15-year periods unless Sullivan’s Island gives 180-day written notice. … of its intent not to renew this contract.”

Both Sullivan’s Island and the Charleston Water System agree that the town has been paying the water system 88 cents per thousand gallons since 2017. CWS contends, however, that the rate is “arbitrary and unsupported by the facts, the contract, sound rate-making policies and the public policy of this state.”

O’Neil pointed out that the price the town pays CWS is “a minority of what shows up on you water bill.”

“We’ve got staff that serves the water side of things, and we’ve spent millions redoing water mains on the island over the last 15 to 17 years. The price we pay CWS is a small part of the water bill.”

Benke said the average water bill on Sullivan’s Island for a family of four – around 6,000 gallons – is roughly $82 per month “and a comparable amount for sewer.”

When the contract was signed, the town of Sullivan’s Island agreed to pay CWS $1,986,216 to help with the cost of connecting its lines to Sullivan’s Island. O’Neil pointed out that the contract said Sullivan’s Island would not have to pay any additional capital charges except for work done for the benefit of the island’s water supply.

According to Benke, Sullivan’s Island got its water from two wells prior to 1989, when Hurricane Hugo damaged the well that was located at Station 25 and Quarter Street.

“The engineers went to work, and the idea was to put a line under the harbor to connect Sullivan’s Island and the Isle of Palms with a pipeline to provide surface treated water. They guaranteed Sullivan’s Island 750,000 gallons a day,” he said.

He added that, if necessary, Sullivan’s Island can buy water from Mount Pleasant or the Isle of Palms, which the town has done three times in the past, he said, when service from Charleston was temporarily lost.

“It’s disappointing that the leadership at Charleston water System has apparently decided to ignore the confidentiality agreement put in place during the mediation of our long-standing dispute,” said O’Neil, apparently referencing statements made in a recent Post and Courier article.

“Years ago, CWS decided to raise our rates as if our signed contract with them did not exist,” he added. “As CWS knows, we’ve simply been continuing to pay the undisputed amount set in our long-standing, signed agreement. We hope everyone will understand we’re standing firm on the principle that signed contracts are signed contracts. It’s the right thing to do for our citizens. We will continue our good-faith efforts to reach an appropriate agreement through mediation or, if need be, in court.”

Local organizations playing a role in Lowcountry Earth Week

By Victoria Bock For The Island Eye News

Back by popular demand for the second year, Lowcountry Land Trust will partner with more than 50 local, conservation-minded organizations, including the town of Sullivan’s Island, Sullivan’s Island for All and the Isle of Palms Cleanup Crew, to continue its Lowcountry Earth Week initiative in 2024. This week-long celebration of the Lowcountry’s natural environment, scheduled from April 22 through April 28, is set to feature a diverse array of volunteer opportunities, nature activities, seminars, workshops and festivals.

The initiative aims to engage the community and raise awareness about the importance of the many methods of conservation in the Lowcountry. The grand culmination will be a family-friendly Earth Week celebration and exhibition at Holy City Brewing in North Charleston on April 28, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. A complete listing of events can be found at lowcountryearthweek.org.

Challenge

Continued from page 1

add to the more than $2 million it has raised for the Foundation by hosting its first Par 3 Challenge on April 19. The field of competitors will be limited to 54 people – and participants will be limited to using only two clubs: a driver and whichever other weapon they choose.

Mike Muzzy, chair of the WDMGA’s Prostate Cancer Foundation Committee, said the front 9 on the Links Course will be transformed into nine par 3 layouts, all between 100 and 170 yards long. Golfers must tee off and putt with their driver. The idea for the Par 3 Challenge was the brainchild of WDMGA member Dave Palame.

The entry fee is $130, with $100 of that going toward the proceeds of the May 11 annual tournament. Participants will receive Wild Dunes branded hats – “Wild Dudes” for the men and “Wild Gals” for the women – bourbon and wine from Total Wine & More and possibly other prizes as well. Handicaps won’t come into play, and each player will be able to buy up to two extra tee shots for the closest to the pin competition on the 4th and 8th holes. The proceeds for these mulligans will be split down the middle between the winner and the Prostate Cancer Foundation event on May 11.

Following the competition, golfers will convene at Huey’s for a social gathering.

“It’s like something none of us have ever played before,” Muzzy said. “It’s uniquely different and a lot of fun, and some most unexpected things will happen.”

To sign up for the Par 3 Challenge and to learn more about the May 11 tournament, visit wdmga-pcf.org.

IOP Exchange Club teams up with Darkness to Light

By Deb Barr For The Island Eye News

Joining forces with Darkness to Light, a prominent national not-for-profit organization dedicated to preventing child sexual abuse, the Isle of Palms Exchange Club is working to create prevention-oriented communities by training adults throughout the Lowcountry.

Grounded in the experiences of survivors, Stewards of Children is a 2.5-hour training that features poignant storytelling and expert testimony to teach adults practical actions they can take to reduce child sexual abuse in their organizations, families and communities. The training is one of the only evidence-informed, adult-focused, child sexual abuse prevention programs in the United States that has been proven to teach adults to prevent, recognize and react responsibly to abuse.

The IOP Exchange Club will host this training free to the public on April 16. The doors open at 5:30 p.m. for refreshments and Pizza, and the training begins promptly at 6 p.m.

“Ending child sexual abuse should not rely solely on the courage of a child to speak up. We as adults must be more aware of what is happening around us to protect our children,” said Laura Evans, a member of the IOP Exchange Club.

“We are incredibly proud of Stewards of Children, but we know its impact would not be possible without the dedication of fearless advocates working to get it in the hands of those who need it most,” said Darkness to Light’s CEO and Senior Director of Curriculum Design and Research Rhonda Newton. “Our work would not be possible without organizations like the IOP Exchange Club. They are truly the driving force behind making prevention possible, transforming communities and protecting all children.”

Darkness to Light released an updated and enhanced version of Stewards of Children in 2023 and was honored with two Telly Awards for its efforts. The Darkness to Light team is currently working to re-authorize facilitators to deliver the training to parents, child advocates, educators and other leaders.

For more information on Stewards of Children, visit thenewstewards.org.

Hosted By:

Suddenly in Command: preparing for emergencies on the water

By Ada Jenkins

For The Island Eye News

Imagine you’re enjoying a serene afternoon on the water, the sun dappling through the clouds, casting a golden glow on the gentle waves. You’re miles from shore, lost in the tranquility of the moment, when suddenly the captain, your guide and the one person who knows the boat inside and out, slumps over, incapacitated. Panic surges as you realize the vastness of the ocean around you and your lack of knowledge concerning how to navigate back to safety.

This scenario, frightening as it may seem, underscores the critical importance of being prepared for any emergency on the water – an expertise that the Suddenly in Command course, presented by the Law Enforcement Neighborhood Support Foundation Isle of Palms, aims to provide. It’s a stark reminder of how quickly a perfect day at sea can turn into a desperate plea for knowledge and control.

On April 13, the LENS Foundation will host the event at the IOP Exchange Club, located at 201 Palm

Blvd., from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. This initiative is poised to be a crucial resource for families, boaters and all individuals eager to deepen their knowledge of maritime safety.

Suddenly in Command addresses the potential scenario where an individual might unexpectedly need to take control if the captain is incapacitated. This educational opportunity is especially for those not typically at the helm; it is designed to prepare them for emergency situations. The curriculum will cover understanding different types of boats, operating and managing onboard equipment and comprehending vital safety procedures.

Susan White, a representative from the East Cooper Flotilla of the Coast Guard Auxiliary, has praised LENS for its steadfast commitment to promoting water safety. She highlighted the history of collaboration between the two organizations, which includes two Water and Kids programs and a Boat America course aimed at those 12 and older.

White stressed the importance of

Partnering together throughout your life

ensuring all passengers are equipped to handle emergencies, particularly in situations where the captain is unable to lead. The course is designed to fill this knowledge gap, offering over two hours of instruction aimed at empowering individuals to effectively manage unexpected situations.

“It is critical for the safety of all that other riders are sufficiently competent to respond to emergency situations that render the boat’s captain unable to perform normal duties. This two-plus-hour course helps to close this gap,” she said.

The necessity of such an initiative is underscored by recent statistics indicating South Carolina as one of the top states for boating accidents and fatalities. By mid2023, the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources reported 74 boating accidents leading to seven deaths. The previous year saw 22 fatalities out of 170 reported accidents. These alarming figures highlight the critical need for heightened safety education and preparedness.

The event is sponsored by Quar-

terdeck, formerly known as Coastal Marinas, which operates six local marinas and offers extensive boat club memberships and boat rentals. Brenda Callari and Mike Shuler of Quarterdeck expressed their pride in supporting an event that promotes safety on the water, emphasizing the peace of mind that comes from knowing all individuals on board possess the knowledge to navigate safely.

The LENS Foundation’s upcoming event is a testament to the organization’s dedication to fostering a culture of preparedness and vigilance aimed at reducing the risk of accidents and enhancing the enjoyment of recreational boating activities in South Carolina. Families, boating enthusiasts and individuals passionate about maritime safety are encouraged to attend and benefit from the valuable insights and expertise offered by industry professionals.

For more information about the event and to secure your spot, visit lensiop.org/events. For inquiries or assistance, email Kinghorn.ted@ gmail.com.

Shore Beats Work

One Lucky Dog

By Katherine Berry

Owner: Liz, Sawyer, Kalani and Mairol

Dog’s name: Gidget, Gibby, Gibbers, Giggy

Age: 3.5 years

Breed: American Eskimo + pomeranian + doberman + mini pinscher

Favorite toy: Lobster + balls

Vet: Pleasant Pet Care

Food: IAMS

Yew – what’s up everybody? I’m Gidget, the rough and tough furball on surfer’s lane. Don’t let my fluffy appearance insinuate I’m passive, because if you walk down my street, I will quickly let you know otherwise. I will destroy your ego if you come anywhere near my territory or my people. From atop my stoop, I’ll see you coming. I’m here to protect and herd. I’ve got my family’s back and protect them like a mother duckling. Chaos is everywhere, but there is always time to love each other. Life is too short, especially in dog years.

My story began in Horry County. Born amid confusion, with all kinds of breeds around me, I’m pretty sure I won the dog lottery when my mom magically found me for Sawyer, my BFF human. He had a vision of a white pomeranian as a furbuddy, and, with so much transition in our lives, it was a good call for Mom to swoop me up. We are best buddies, and I have loved watching him grow up. Our favorite thing to do together is selifies. I love a good selfie.

The day starts as soon as Mom throws the treat outside for me to retrieve. It’s my checkered flag to get the engines off and running to start my patrolling in the yard. Honestly, I cover the block. That’s how rad I am. We love the beach, and, when Mom takes me, I love to dig. Digging for what? No clue. Does it matter? It’s good cardio.

I have two felines in the house; they’re my mentors. So, yes, we do get into a little trouble every once in a while, but only because it’s a requirement. That’s what the cats tell me. I make up for it by cleaning up the floors when food drops. I’m kinda like a Roomba, making sure the floors are clean, especially after the littlest human, Kalani, makes a mess.

I’m happy, yappy and super sweet, a watchdog for my family and dedicated to keeping the house filled with laughter. I love a good belly rub, and, if you get the chance to cuddle, you’ll see I have the softest coat. My family says they got lucky with me, but I’m pretty sure I’m the lucky one.

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.

AA Meetings

Pastor

BGCC speaker talks about the impact of America’s pastime

By Mike Walsh

For The Island Eye News

Diehard baseball fans on Sullivan’s Island were recently treated to an entertaining evening dedicated to their favorite sport.

On March 21, Battery Gadsden Cultural Center welcomed baseball expert Heather Rivet as its monthly speaker. Rivet is a historian whose background is in program planning and management. Having worked in the past for such groups as Historic Charleston Foundation and the Charleston Museum, she now is with the Charleston Library Society. But as a lifelong baseball fan, one of her most treasured experiences was the summer she spent interning at the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum in Cooperstown, New York.

Rivet said she’s not a “stat” person. That was her father, who could quote any and every statistic, especially those having to do with their favorite team, the Philadelphia Phillies. Instead, she has always been more interested in the cultural and social impacts of America’s pastime.

Those impacts in South Carolina can be traced back to the Civil War and Reconstruction, when the game was brought south by Union troops. By 1867, The New York Times was hailing “base ball fever” and the establishment of “nearly a dozen” Charleston teams, “both Black and White” as evidence that “the last spark of rebellion’s feelings

has died out among the people here.”

If that was ever true, it didn’t last. Rivet went on to detail the replacement of sectional tensions by the rise of racial tensions during the Jim Crow era, including the infamous Charleston baseball riot of 1896. Early professional teams included the Fulton Base Ball Club, part of the Southern League of Colored Base Ballists, and the Charleston Seagulls, their White counterpart, in the Southern League.

After World War II, Charleston saw the explosion of youth baseball, mainly Little League. Its competitor was Dixie Youth Baseball, whose uniforms initially included the Confederate flag on their shoulder patch. Segregation continued throughout these early years of youth baseball. As related by Rivet, one of the most poignant stories surrounded the Cannon Street All-Stars, an all-black Little League team that in 1955 was entered in the South Carolina Little League tournament. That tournament was boycotted by every White team, so the Cannon Street team was declared state champions by

forfeit. They were invited to the Little League World Series in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, but, because Little League rules stated that teams had to actually win a game at each level, not through

forfeit, they were not allowed to participate.

So did Abner Doubleday, second in command at Fort Sumter when the Civil War began, actually invent the game of American baseball? Rivet may have burst a few bubbles in the audience when she said that there is ample evidence that Doubleday was ever the inventor of the game we call baseball. Strike three, Abner. You’re out.

Heather Rivet, a lifelong baseball fan, talks about her favorite sport.

Photo by Rob Byko.

UNDERSTANDING OUR NATIVE BARRIER ISLAND LANDSCAPE

Doug Tallamy, Author Nature’s Best Hope

Monday April 22, 2024

Join us at Town Hall, 2056 Middle Street, for Mr. Tallamy’s presentation or watch from home.

To register, email Jessi Gress at jgress@sullivansisland.sc.gov

Click here to join the zoom meeting.

“In the past, we have asked one thing of our gardens: that they be pretty. Now they have to support life, sequester carbon, feed pollinators and manage water.” D. Tallamy

Earth Day Lecture

Sponsored by

Town of Sullivan’s Island Tree Commission

Historic Sullivan’s Island Home sells for $9 million

By Amanda Bunting Comen For The Island Eye News

Jimmy Dye, founding partner and broker-in-charge of The Cassina Group, successfully represented the owners on the sale of 1702 Ion Ave., a significant transaction for Sullivan’s Island. The property, a stunning five-bedroom, 3.5-bath, 7,344-square-foot home, was sold for $9 million, a notable milestone for the island’s real estate market.

Originally constructed as the base commandant’s quarters, the exquisitely preserved historic home holds a unique place in history as the largest and most elaborate surviving structure at Fort Moultrie. Its significance was further accentuated during World War II when it was the residence of Chief of Staff George C. Marshall.

“I am thrilled to have had the opportunity to represent the sellers on this extraordinary property,” said Dye. “Its rich history and timeless elegance make it a truly one-of-a-kind home, and I am proud to have been involved in the sale.”

The property’s distinctive features include expansive wraparound porches, tin printed ceilings, multiple fireplaces, gracious rooms, 9-foot ceilings throughout, a renovated kitchen and a private pool. Its charm and historical significance were a draw for buyers, leading to the property going under contract a mere seven days after being listed with Dye. This sale not only underscores the enduring appeal of Sullivan’s Island but also highlights Dye’s exceptional ability to navigate high-value transactions in the luxury real estate market. The Cassina Group has a dominant presence on Sullivan’s Island, closing 2023 as the No. 1 firm for sales on the island.

IOP offers free beach yoga

By Tammy Cox For The Island Eye News

The Isle of Palms Recreation Department’s free beach yoga series will return in 2024, from May through October. Classes will be held every Tuesday from 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. at the 25th Avenue beach access. All residents and visitors of all fitness levels are welcome to attend.

IOP Recreation Center instructor Kathy Berry will guide participants through adaptive moves and poses, with a focus on an overall mind and wellness journey. Enhanced by salt air, sunshine and rhythmic waves, this yoga experience is an excellent way to increase flexibility, strength and endurance; reduce stress; improve concentration and creativity; lower body fat; and stimulate the immune system.

Participants, who can register at IOP.net, should bring a large towel, yoga mat, yoga blocks and water. To learn more, visit IOP.net.

Jimmy Dye

Photo by Nick Cann.

These plants thrive on Isle of Palms on their own

By Mary Pringle • IOP Environmental Advisory Committee For The Island Eye News

After months of planning, the native plant demonstration garden sponsored by the city of Isle of Palms and its Environmental Advisory Committee has been planted. The process began on a cold and windy day on Feb. 29, when 12 volunteers removed the turf near the driftwood and palmetto tree in the center of the triangle of open space at Seventh Avenue and Palm Boulevard. With the help and direction of Sharleen Johnson of Native Plants to the People, the turf and weeds growing in it were dug up and the ground covered with compost and pine straw.

This property is owned by the Isle of Palms Water and Sewer Commission, which has given the city temporary permission to use the space. In addition to the native plants in the center, there will be a purple martin gourd rack holding six large white plastic gourds and two benches donated by IOP residents. There also will be a city of Isle of Palms sign with a QR code so visitors can open a diagram that identifies the names and locations of the plants.

On March 14, many of these same volunteers, four of whom are members of the Environmental Advisory Committee, returned and planted dozens of native plants that are surrounded by a black plastic edging. Eleven of these plants have been featured in The Island Eye’s series of native plant articles. These are blanket flower (gaillardia), dune sunflower, lance-leaf coreopsis, Turk’s cap hibiscus, purple coneflower, orange coneflower, spotted beebalm, butterfly milkweed, muhly grass (sweetgrass), yucca and spiderwort. As a bonus, prickly pear cactus, a trumpet creeper vine and toadflax were already growing there.

Some of the other native plants are two kinds of sage, three kinds of aster, foxglove, goldenrod, wild bergamot, common yarrow and ground covers called frogfruit and blue-eyed grass.

Native plants and wildflowers do not tolerate transplantation well

unless they are very young – just beginning to grow. That means it will be a few weeks before they are noticeable in the garden – but with a good start of watering and weeding done by volunteers, it is our hope that they will not only be beautiful but will provide lots of pollen and nectar for different wildlife pollinators, including hummingbirds, butterflies and bees. They

will also survive and reproduce by seed, spreading without any more watering needed once they are established. That is the beauty and value of native plants that thrive here on their own.

A crew of workers helped prepare and plant the city’s native plant demonstration garden. Left to right: Liz Sheridan, Mikey Collins, Robbie Berg, Dee Ann Bauer, Mary Pringle, Todd Murphy, Sharleen Johnson, Laura Lovins, Cyndy Ewing and Sandra Brotherton. Workers not pictured: Kathy Berry, Raye Ann Osborne and Debbie Suggs.

Photo by Dee Ann Bauer.

Around the Islands

ONGOING

WHAT: Sullivan’s Island Story Share

WHERE: Edgar Allan Poe Branch Library, 1921 Ion Ave., Sullivan’s Island

MORE INFO: The Poe Branch Library is partnering with the Battery Gadsden Cultural Center in 2024 to collect stories of Sullivan’s Island life, and we need your help. All ages are welcome to participate, and every month will feature a new writing prompt to guide your story. Stories can be as short as a paragraph or several pages. If your story features characters or memories of Sullivan’s Island, we invite you to share these at our Island Story Share sessions and add them to Battery Gadsden and the South Carolina History Room’s repository of island stories. To learn more and get this month’s prompt, stop by the library or email poe@ccpl.org.

MONDAY, APRIL 8

WHAT: Talk on partial solar eclipse

WHERE: Fort Moultrie Visitors Center

WHEN: 3 p.m.

MORE INFO: There is a $10 per adult charge for the ranger-guided tour. Children under 15 can participate at no charge. The program will focus on how eclipses happen and will explore historical eclipses that have been seen in the Charleston area. To learn more: nps.gov/fosu.

TUESDAY, APRIL 9

WHAT: LENS Leadership Series

WHERE: IOP Exchange Club

WHEN: 6-7 p.m.

MORE INFO: Author and editor Prioleau Alexander will be the speaker. Jim Thompson will serve as the moderator for the program, and participants will receive a complimentary copy of Alexander’s book, “Where Have All the Cowboys Gone?” To learn more: lensiop.org/programs.

WHAT: Family storytime

WHERE: Edgar Allan Poe Branch Library, 1921 Ion Ave., Sullivan’s Island

WHEN: 10:30 a.m.

MORE INFO: Join us for stories, songs and rhymes that support early literacy. To learn more: ccpl.org/branches/Sullivans-island.

TUESDAYS, APRIL 9 and APRIL 16

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, APRIL 10

WHAT: POE-etry critique group

WHERE: Edgar Allan Poe Branch Library, 1921 Ion Ave., Sullivan’s Island

WHEN: 1 p.m. (after hours)

MORE INFO: Gather with fellow poets to share and improve your work. Bring six copies of one or two poems to share with fellow poets (limit 2-3 pages). To learn more: ccpl.org/branches/Sullivans-island.

THURSDAY, APRIL 11

WHAT: Narcan Training & Overdose Prevention Seminar

WHERE: Edgar Allan Poe Branch Library, 1921 Ion Ave., Sullivan’s Island

WHEN: 6-7 p.m.

MORE INFO: This training with Shelby Joffrion of the city of Charleston Police Department is highly recommended for individuals at risk of an opioid overdose, as well as friends and family members of those at risk. It is also valuable for health care providers, social services providers, law enforcement personnel and emergency response providers. Participants will have the opportunity to take a Narcan harm-reduction kit with them at the conclusion of the one-hour training. Children in grades 6-12 are welcome with their parent/ guardian. Reservations requested - 843-883-3914 or email poe@ccpl.org.

THURSDAY, APRIL 11 and APRIL 18

WHAT: American Mah Jongg

WHERE: Edgar Allan Poe Branch Library, 1921 Ion Ave., Sullivan’s Island

WHEN: Noon-2 p.m. (beginners) and 4-6 p.m. (experienced players)

MORE INFO: Learn to play the fun and fast-paced game of American Mah Jongg. If you have a 2024 card, please bring it. To learn more: ccpl. org/branches/Sullivans-island.

SATURDAY, APRIL 13

WHAT: Suddenly in Command

WHERE: Isle of Palms Exchange Club

WHEN: 9-11 a.m.

MORE INFO: The Isle of Palms Law Enforcement Neighborhood Support program will sponsor a family-friendly boating safety class designed to teach people who aren’t normally at the helm of a boat how to deal with unforeseen circumstances. To learn more: lensiop.org.

WHAT: Vispo stained glass - teens and adults

WHERE: Edgar Allan Poe Branch Library, 1921 Ion Ave., Sullivan’s Island

WHEN: 11 a.m.

MORE INFO: Visual poetry, or vispo, is the combination of art and poetry. Using the provided plexiglass and art supplies, create your own piece of visual poetry. Some designs will be provided. You are welcome to bring your own 8.5 x 14 artwork to use as a template. Grades 6-adult welcome. Registration requested: 843-883-3914 or email poe@ccpl.org.

SATURDAY, APRIL 13 and SUNDAY, APRIL 14

WHAT: Commemoration of the start of the Civil War

WHERE: Fort Moultrie

WHEN: 11 a.m.; 1 p.m.; 3 p.m.

MORE INFO: Visitors will learn how the Civil War impacted and reshaped the country. There will be an encampment throughout the day April 13 and from 9 a.m. to noon April 14. To learn more: nps.gov/fosu.