SULLIVAN'S ISLAND ISLE OF PALMS GOAT ISLAND DEWEES ISLAND LOCAL NEWS
Wild Dunes Yacht Club Holds Change of Command Ceremony
VFW
Post 3137 on Isle of
LENS Foundation Provides Back-to-School Boost for Isle of Palms Heroes
Sullivan's Island Fire Department Shows Support for Local Olympian
Palms Wins All State and All-American Award for 8th Consecutive Year
By Emily Shiffer For Island Eye News
Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 3137 on Isle of Palms has been awarded the All-State and All-American awards for the eighth consecutive year Located at 1004 Ocean Blvd , the Isle of Palms post earned both awards for outstanding membership numbers, recruitment, and volunteer/community service initiatives for veterans, active duty military members, and their families
Former Post Commander and Vietnam veteran Bo Stallings, who now serves as chairman of the post’s House Committee, explains that the AllAmerican awards were given to only 287 VFW posts nationwide out of more than 6,000, making the honor even more special
“It’s very special and hard to get,” said Stallings “It’s a very prestigious award, and we ’ re proud of what we do.”
weekly meals and events for veterans and their families, and more
The post welcomed its new commander, Bryan Brooks, an Army major combat engineer who served in Afghanistan, in June. With over 1,200 veteran members and more than 1,000 auxiliary members (immediate family of VFW members), Stallings notes that Post 3137 has the smallest square footage of any post in the state of South Carolina but boasts the most members.
“Our motto is ‘Serving the living while honoring the dead.’ We plan to continue to do that for years to come, ” said Stallings
IOP City Council Expresses Frustration with the Army Corps of Engineers
By
Joshua Uys For The Island Eye News
On Tuesday, July 23, the Isle of Palms City Council discussed the imminent threat to structures and critical infrastructure on beachfront properties due to erosion events such as Hurricane Idalia, coastal flooding, storm surges, and king tides on the island’s southern end
A resident of Ocean Boulevard called on the council to pass an emergency ordinance to allow property owners near Breach Inlet to install revetments or seawalls for urgent erosion control
“It was recently communicated to the city that the Army Corps will start providing sand to Isle of Palms at the earliest in October, as opposed to June,” the resident said at the council meeting.
“This change in circumstances puts the south end of the island in a dire position ”
Ultimately, the emergency ordinance did not pass, with the council voting 5-3 against it.
“We all know that a wall will, in fact, hurt neighboring properties in an erosional event,” said Councilman Blair Hahn. “So I can't support giving protection to one resident at the expense of the neighboring residents ”
The city has decided to instead rely on sandbags as an erosion control measure until sand arrives from the Army Corps A full sandbag revetment along the 13 beachfront properties between 130 and 304 Ocean Blvd is estimated to cost $400,000.
Steven Traynum with Coastal Science & Engineering recommended that the Isle of Palms pause beach scraping, which will save approximately $50,000 a month, and instead invest in sandbag revetment, assuming there might be another six-month delay from the Army Corps.
The VFW Post 3137 on Isle of Palms Credit: Laura Anderson
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Joshua Uys
Rom Reddy
Mallory Cleary
Mary Pringle
Emily Shiffer
Susan Courtney
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Celebrating a Century: Sullivan’s
Island Resident Celebrates 100th Birthday
By Mallory Cleary For Island Eye News
On August 18, Betty Lancer will celebrate her 100th birthday Lancer has witnessed the rapid growth of Charleston, where she was born and raised. Now residing on Sullivan’s Island, she emphasizes the importance of being near family
I was first greeted by Roslyn Barkowitz, Lancer’s eldest daughter, at the front door of their Sullivan’s Island home
“Mama said that I must offer you something to drink before we t t ” id B k it foreshadowing the was about to ente
Cozied up in th her proud daughte began to reflect o
started at 45 Calhoun Street
Lancer’s parents, Bella and Max Hirsch, immigrated from Poland to New York at a young age. In 1924, Lancer was born in the heart of downtown Charleston, as her mother thought it was best to start a family in the South Lancer was raised in a singleparent household for her first few years of life, as her father continued searching for work up north
By the time her father returned, the family moved in with her aunt due to their economic state Back then, Lancer recalls it cost a fortune to obtain household necessities, such as water heaters and air conditioning, making the winter and summer months the most difficult to live in.
we had such a ball,” Lancer said “We would play games and get really tired The parents would put out blankets on the grass for us to go to sleep, and when it was time to go home, they’d pick us up in a car or whatever we had and take us home because it was too hot to be in the house.”
Folly Beach is another place where Lancer spent time as a child Sullivan’s Island was too expensive for the family to visit because they h d t t ll t th Grace Memorial an ’ s Island en
e Lancer spent ing her
Memminger was
n all-girls school, allowing Lancer to create long-lasting friendships
“By the way, I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention my friend Anna Latto; she’ll be 101 when I’m 100 She and I graduated together,” Lancer said. Lancer and Latto are the only remaining women out of their original friend group of six, which started back at Memminger
“Mama has a great sense of humor,”
Barkowitz said as Lancer told a joke about needing hearing aids and magnifying glasses at her yearly reunion with Latto
Lancer recalled three significant dates from her teenage years that profoundly shaped her life
Although the Great Depression of 1929 created hardships for the Hirsch family, Lancer has positive memories from that time. In 1932, she remembers sitting in front of the radio, an invention that fascinated her, to hear that Franklin D Roosevelt won the presidential election against Herbert Hoover.
The Battery, a historic landmark in downtown Charleston, was an outlet for children to play and catch a breeze during the hot summer months. “From where the Fort Sumter Hotel was to the first cannon was nothing but Jewish immigrants and first-generation children, and
The first was in 1937, when Amelia Earhart disappeared over the Pacific Ocean She still remains dumbfounded over Earhart’s disappearance.
The second was September 1938, when five tornadoes struck the Charleston area The tornadoes destroyed the downtown market and took the lives of 32 people, one of them being Lancer’s classmate at Memminger The storm caused her to have a lifelong fear of storms, especially in September
The last date was 1939,when “Gone With the Wind”came out At 15 years old, Lancer and the Memminger School girls attended a
Betty Lancer (Provided)
100th
(continued from page 2) screening of the movie, where they were amazed by the displays of affection they’d never seen before Alicia Rhett, who played India Wilkes in the movie, spoke to the students about the filming process, as she was from Charleston. Lancer has kept the autograph she received from the actress to this day, as well as a picture of actor Clark Gable on her fridge, proving the lasting effect the movie has had on her.
At 16 years old, when Lancer was living on the corner of Anson and Society streets, she would take the Meeting Street bus to her job on King Street Jules Lancer, her friend who worked for a tire retreading company nearby, introduced her to his brother David Lancer, who also worked at the shop
“That’s the guy I'm going to marry, ” Lancer thought at the time “And I did,” she said during our chat
Lancer attended the College of Charleston in 1941 for one year and then the University of South Carolina for six months Her college education didn’t last long because, in 1942, David enlisted in the U.S. Coast Guard. She found it hard to focus on her studies while being away from David, who was stationed in Beaufort at the time “Sixteen- and seventeen-year-olds today are babies; we were already grown at that age, ” said Lancer The couple got engaged in February 1943 and were married on July 7, 1943, when Lancer was 18 years old A year later, the couple had their first child, Roslyn When Roslyn was five months old, the family moved into a newly developed neighborhood in West Ashley called Byrnes Downs on 13 Campbell Drive. At the time, it was only open to enlisted men and essential war workers They were one of the first families to move there, as the roads weren’t even paved yet. While residing in Byrnes Downs, the Lancers added two more children to their family, Murray and Sheryl Sullivan’s Island, a place Lancer only visited to see her school friend from Memminger or to attend a house party on the corner of Station 28 and Brooks Street, eventually became a place that she would call home As her children got older, they moved to the South Windermere neighborhood of West Ashley Lancer worked as a court clerk alongside her attorney son-in-law, Donald Barkowitz, for 25 years Betty and David would frequently visit the Barkowitzes’ Sullivan’s Island home to spend time with their family, until Roslyn suggested that her parents make their stay permanent. In 1975, after building an apartment in the basement, the pair moved in During that time, Sullivan’s was a place for summer vacationers David Lancer passed away in 1988 at 65 years old, and a year later, Hurricane Hugo hit Charleston. Lancer’s basement apartment was destroyed, resulting in her moving into a condo until reconstruction was finished Berkowitz recalled missing the company of her mother during that time Lancer now spends her days enjoying her favorite afternoon show, “Judge Judy,” and eating chocolate snacks, although she mentions she can’t have as much because of the caffeine Lancer is also a passionate Broadway fan, with her favorite musicals being “South Pacific,” “Show Boat,” and “Fiddler on the Roof,” in which she played the grandmother in Robert Ivey’s Ballet production Before the pandemic, Lancer mentioned that some of her favorite memories were made at Disney World with her family, as they went every year “ We laugh a lot,” said Lancer, after reflecting on the past, causing the room to light up with laughter Turning 100 is something Lancer tries not to dwell on “All I know is that I go to sleep and I wake up. All of a sudden
here I am, ” she said, referring to the mystery of her longevity. What she does know, however, is how she wants to celebrate her birthday: surrounded by her immediate family Through the stories of her life, Lancer has demonstrated the importance of being close to loved ones. She shows that reaching a milestone age is not a big mystery after all The key to a long life seems to be quite simple: surround yourself with people you love and who make you laugh, just as Betty does every day.
The McConnell Foundation Announces 3rd Annual Shining Stars Gala to Honor Children Battling Cancer
By Carol Bogosian For Island Eye News
The McConnell Foundation announced its third annual Shining Stars Gala, a Hollywood-themed black-tie event dedicated to honoring children battling cancer and raising critical funds for pediatric cancer research. The event will be held on Saturday, Sept. 14, 2024, from 6 p m to 11 p m at the Sweetgrass Inn at Wild Dunes Resort
This year ' s Shining Stars Gala aims to be an unforgettable evening of elegance and entertainment, including dinner, dancing, drinks, and live and silent auctions The event will feature a variety of activities and special moments to celebrate the courage and strength of young cancer warriors.
Proceeds from the gala will benefit the pediatric cancer research lab at the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) led by Dr Jacqueline Kraveka Dr Kraveka's lab is one of two in South Carolina dedicated exclusively to pediatric cancer research, making this event even more critical for advancing innovative treatments and finding a cure.
"We are thrilled to host this event and support such an important cause, " said Jen McConnell, founder of The McConnell Foundation "The funds raised at the Shining Stars Gala will directly impact the lives of children battling cancer and bring us closer to finding life-saving treatments "
Tickets for the Shining Stars Gala are available for purchase through Aug. 30, 2024, with special discounted pricing available only through Aug 16, 2024 Individual tickets and tables can be bought online at event gives/shiningstarsgala
The McConnell Foundation Board and Dr. Kraveka (Provided)
Wild Dunes Yacht Club Holds Change of Command Ceremony
By Pamela Marsh For The Island Eye News
The Wild Dunes Yacht Club held its Change of Command ceremony on July 27 at the Links Clubhouse in Wild Dunes The event marked the transition of leadership within the club, with the incoming Fleet Officers for 2024-25 taking their positions. The new officers are Commodore Arlene Southerland, Vice Commodore Jim Brastaukas, Rear Commodore Betsy Walker, Past Commodore Dick Trammell, Secretary Susanne Marolda, and Treasurer Carolyn Trammell.
Each new Fleet Officer was presented with their corresponding burgee to fly on their boat, symbolizing their new roles Outgoing Past Commodore Larry Schneider was honored for his years of service with a plaque presented by Commodore Dick Trammell
The mission of the Wild Dunes Yacht Club is to promote and encourage boating in all its forms and to foster the skills of seamanship and navigation The club boasts a diverse membership, ranging from novice boaters to experienced sailors Among the members is a retired Naval officer who served on a fast-attack submarine, as well as individuals with experience in the Coast Guard and Power Squadron
Boating enthusiasts in the club enjoy a variety of activities, including cruises on the Intracoastal Waterway to Georgetown
trips to Beaufort for the Navy's Blue Angels flight exhibitions, kayaking in Morgan Creek, "raft-ups" in Dewees Creek, running remote sailboats at Sewee Preserve, and day trips to various Charleston restaurants.
Recent educational sessions hosted by the club have featured presentations by the U S Fish and Wildlife Service, the Department of Natural Resources, the College of Charleston Marine Biology Department, and the Great Loop Association These sessions aim to enhance members' knowledge and appreciation of boating and marine life
Left to right - Larry Schneider, Dick Trammell, Arlene Southerland, Jim Brastaukas, Betsy Walker, Susanne Marolda, Carolyn Trammell
Photo Credit: Pamela Marsh
Opinion: Can we still fix our Beaches?
Anyone walking the southern beaches of the Isle of Palms is shocked by the condition of the beaches. Yet, rather than question existing beach management practices, which largely consist of
scraping compacted sand and pushing it up against an increasingly eroded escarpment, our local politicians and environmental agencies profess either helplessness or more of the same Newspapers like the Post and Courier write “editorials” largely crafted by radical environmental groups like the Coastal Conservation League masquerading as tax-exempt 501(c)3 charities Rather than add to this false, ideological debate, listed below are some definitions and studies that may help people come to their own opinions:
Mean high tide line: This line marks the average high tide level over 19 years calculated using long-term tidal observations managed by the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Private property boundaries on oceanfront land typically end at the mean high tide line. The mean high tide line is often misrepresented as where the high tide is on any given day When a homeowner buys land, they pay for the land up to the mean high tide and pay taxes on that land This is how the land was platted and sold
Public trust doctrine: In South Carolina, this doctrine says that the state owns all land below the mean high water mark This means that beachfront owners do not own the land seaward of the mean high tide line described above Once again, this is often misrepresented as the land below the high tide on any given day or any given month.
Quid pro quo with setback lines: “Nor shall private property be taken for public use without just compensation," states the Fifth Amendment to the U S Constitution, which is reiterated in the state constitution and is specifically referenced in Section 48-39-30(C) of the Beach Management
By Rom Reddy For The Island Eye News
Act To get around this, the state created the baseline, which in most instances is set at the toe of the primary dune The state crafted their laws so homeowners gave up jurisdiction on their properties landward from the mean high tide line to the baseline at no cost to the state In return, the state agreed to maintain a dune system that protected the coastline and is the heart of the beach ecosystem The state also agreed to renourish the beaches seaward of the dune system to maintain a healthy beach system. It was a satisfactory arrangement for all sides All homeowners wanted a healthy beach and ecosystem The government took on the responsibility of maintaining the dune system (which also acted as a physical boundary between the public beach and homeowners’ yards), and the government agreed to refurbish the beaches The entire beach management law talks about renourishment and dune maintenance. In 2014, the state agreed to let 1% of accommodation tax money be redirected to these efforts The 2014 Accommodations Tax Beach Fund specifies the funds were to be used exclusively for beach renourishment (new sand), dune maintenance and vegetation, and maintenance of public beach paths This law further reiterated the quid pro quo principle outlined above In almost 10 years, none of the funds have been used for these stated purposes.
Beach renourishment: Every beach management expert in the world has said that if you want a beach, you have to renourish with new sand. In fact, the beach expert from North Carolina who spoke at the beach workgroup meeting said it is a mathematical formula. Calculate how much beach you want, enter it into a spreadsheet, and it will tell you how much sand you need When new sand is placed, it may initially wash out 15 to 20 feet, but it begins to fill in the holes and push the water back, allowing the dune system to eventually establish and stabilize Despite claims to the contrary, other than a small sprinkling of new sand after Idalia, there has been no new sand on the southern beaches in this century. Public funds were appropriated in 2018 to add 600,000 cubic yards to the southern beaches during the Wild Dunes renourishment, but apparently, the funds got used up in the Wild Dunes
and zero sand was added. Any surprise that the beaches are in the condition they are? The argument is that new sand is expensive The only other option is to keep backing up and annexing private property, which is unconstitutional, without purchasing such property, in addition to violating state law, which specifically backed away from a policy of “retreat” in 2018.
Sea walls: This is an issue that excites a lot of emotion. So, I will avoid the ideology and stick mostly with data South Carolina does not ban seawalls, as is the popular narrative. The statute only requires seawalls to be permitted seaward of the setback line. This law has somehow been modified in the press and in council demagoguery Florida studied seawalls extensively and concluded that with sea level rise, everincreasingly aggressive storms, and the expense of sand, oceanfront is best protected by seawalls that are then covered in sand and vegetated. Florida issues matching grants for seawalls and is developing marine-friendly 3D-printed seawalls As one Florida expert testified, “I can place $10 million of sand that can be washed away in one bad, stormy night ” As opposed to an ideological argument that is largely theoretical, it may behoove people to read some of the studies on this subject that have surveyed multiple coastal regions Some examples: “Long-term shoreline changes and role of seawalls in coastal defense” (Japan study 2017) and the Army Corps’ own study about the protection seawalls afforded after Hurricane Sandy Army Corps Study (nan.usace.army.mil/About/HurricaneSandy/Coastal-Projects-PerformanceEvaluation-Study).
It is a far better strategy to let homeowners protect their property with sand-covered vegetated structures and let government focus on a dune system and beach renourishment. Worldwide communities realize that it is not economically or practically feasible to protect the coastline with sand
In summary, if we could only stop attacking each other and put our heads together, we could always come up with the common good. When we have a mayor and council members attacking citizens they represent in (continued on page 7)
Opinion
(continued from page 6)
public, we sow division. Division leads to inaction and a win-lose outcome This issue of erosion has been solved worldwide through good leadership It is obvious we are going backward here. Can we come together and reset?
Reddy or Not represents the opinion of Lucky Dog Publishing owner Rom Reddy but not necessarily the opinion of the newspaper. In keeping with our philosophy of publishing all opinions, we welcome responses, which must be limited to 400 words and will be published on a space-available basis
LENS Foundation Provides Back-toSchool Boost for Isle of Palms Heroes
By Laura Anderson For The Island Eye News
On July 30, the Law Enforcement Neighborhood Support (LENS) Foundation Isle of Palms demonstrated their commitment to community support by gifting back-to-school gift cards to the island's police and fire departments This gesture aims to alleviate some of the educational expenses faced by the families of the city’s public safety personnel as the new school year approaches
Thanks to the generosity of LENS donors, the gift cards will provide much-needed assistance to parents dealing with the rising costs of school supplies
With inflation being what it is, there is an extra burden on parents who need to buy school supplies for their school-age children,” said Isle of Palms Police Chief Kevin Cornett. “The LENS Back-to-School Gift Card program is a significant help to the public safety personnel who need to make sure that their kids have what they need for school. A huge thank you to LENS for doing this This is a tremendous help "
To learn more about the foundation, discover how you can get involved, or make a donation, visit LENSIOP ORG
Turtle Team Continues to Track Loggerhead Hatchlings on Isle of Palms and Sullivan’s Island
By Mary Pringle, Project Leader, Island Turtle Team for SCDNR For The Island Eye News
Credit: Barbara Bergwerf
Our loggerhead nests began hatching on July 12 this season As of July 31, 21 of the 55 Isle of Palms nests had produced hatchlings. The first Sullivan’s Island nest is due the second week of August
The Turtle Team follows the rules of the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, which require that during the season when loggerhead nests are hatching, we wait at least 72 hours after each nest produces the first hatchling turtles to do what is known as a nest inventory At that time, we document the results of what is found under the sand. This includes empty eggshells, unhatched or undeveloped eggs, and hatchlings dead or alive The information on each nest is entered into a central database that includes all of the nests laid in North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, and even some of the many in Florida. That way, the scientists know what happened to every egg laid, every turtle that hatched, and how many made it out onto the beach and into the ocean.
After this three-day waiting period, most of the tiny loggerheads are gone, but sometimes there are a few left in the nest These may be slower to develop, have birth defects, or have been tangled in the roots of dune grasses and sea oats. Some may have flippers that are weak or not functioning well, making digging their way out difficult We release these to crawl to the ocean, giving them a chance for survival
Unfortunately, most hatchlings are eaten by predators in the ocean during the first days after they enter the water But with so many thousands of them making this first dangerous swim to the relative safety of the sargassum weed floating in the Gulf Stream, it is ensured that many of them will survive the 25 to 30 years it takes for them to grow to adulthood
What to Do if You Find a Tiny Turtle on the Beach
If the hatchling is energetic and almost to the water, do not pick it up but follow it and protect it from harm until it swims away. If it is injured or too weak to swim away, or if you find one washed back by the waves that will not swim away, you can call the police at 843-886-6522 and report it Someone from the Turtle Team will come and collect it
City of Isle of Palms Seeking Applications for Boards and Commissions
By City of Isle of Palms For The Island Eye News
The City of Isle of Palms has announced that applications are now open for several boards and commissions
The following positions are available: Planning Commission: Join this commission to contribute to the development and implementation of the community's long-term planning goals for the physical, social, and economic growth, development, and redevelopment of the city Help shape the future of Isle of Palms by considering zoning regulations, land use, and infrastructure plans
1 Environmental Advisory Committee: Collaborate with other members to advise on policies, programs, and initiatives that promote environmental conservation and protection
3
2. Board of Zoning Appeals: This board plays a crucial role in ensuring fair and consistent application of zoning regulations Help review and make decisions on requests for variances, special exceptions, and appeals, ensuring that development projects align with the community's zoning requirements
The city’s boards and commissions meet once a month at City Hall Terms begin on January 1, and members serve two or three-year terms, depending on the board or commission appointed
If you are interested in any of these positions, you can apply online at IOP.net. The deadline to apply is Friday, August 30, 2024. Applications will be considered by the Administration Committee on Thursday, September 5, 2024
A real loggerhead turtle crawls by the ones Lowa Eriksson brought to the inventory of Nest #15 on the Isle of Palms
Charleston’s Kennedy Gray Brings Casual Menswear to Sullivan’s Island
By Emily Shiffer For The Island Eye News
Casual menswear label Kennedy Gray is bringing a laid-back vintage prep look with a nautical lean to Sullivan’s Island at A Maker’s Post, located at 2019 B Middle Street. Founded by Kevin Tillis, 31, Kennedy Gray launched in the summer of 2018, "Offering quality Henleys, t-shirts, polos, sweatshirts, quarter zips, and hats, with plans to expand its capsule wardrobe
Growing up in Marietta, Georgia, Tillis found his personal style young, opting for classic Ralph Lauren and preppy Lacoste oxford button-down shirts he purchased locally or received as hand-me-downs instead of popular choices at the time like gym shorts, sweatpants, and trends.
When talking about where his love of clothing and style derives from, Tillis sarcastically mentioned that in eighth grade, he won Best Dressed among his peers and followed it up with Best Dressed as a senior superlative in high school, establishing an early trajectory for his future career path of designing clothes
“I dressed pretty classic Ivy-Prep for the
most part from fifth grade on, ” says Tillis “I was always in a polo, button-down, or decent-looking tee I kept it pretty dressed up for school I really like classic style and putting my twist and character into it.”
After graduating from the University of Mississippi in 2015 with a degree in Integrated Marketing Communications he had plans to enter the corporate world in Atlanta
However, he “couldn’t sleep for months," feeling the path did not align with what he truly wanted to do He then entered fashion and founded Kennedy
Gray (a name derived from two Tillis family surnames and his middle name, Kennedy) “I knew I wanted to start it and believed in he deep conviction I felt for the vision I had,” he says.
An opportunity arose for him to get his foot in the door with a job at Miller Brothers Ltd., an upscale men ’ s clothing boutique in Atlanta At the time, the owners were also opening a Peter Millar store in conjunction with their original storefront. Tillis gained experience in retail operations and quality at both stores
On his off days, Tillis was working on sketching designs for Kennedy Gray, doing product research, and dreaming out his vision of the products he would launch, including where he would have them manufactured. After rigorous research, he chose Lima, Peru, and ventured there solo in August 2017 to visit different factories to develop prototypes for products including a short-sleeve Henley t-shirt, casual soft wash polos, and logo graphic tshirts with (continued on page 11)
Credit: Richard Vandewater
Kennedy
(continued from page 10)
Kennedy Gray’s signature burgee flag He officially launched the brand in June 2018
The brand had early success Tillis sent country singer Riley Green a direct message on Instagram, offering to send him a few Kennedy Gray Henleys, which he wore on an appearance on the TODAY show in January 2019. The appearance helped boost sales
Tillis moved to the eastside of downtown Charleston in March 2021. Opportunities opened for Kennedy Gray through a connection to Garden & Gun magazine he had fostered during his time at Miller Brothers Ltd., which led to a popup shop opportunity with the publication’s retail store in Charleston in June 2022
More doors opened up, with Kennedy Gray being carried in The Shop at The Dewberry and T D McMurry, as well as appearing in more pop-ups around the area, such as the Old Village Holiday Street Fest the past two years, Java Java in Freshfields on Kiawah, and more Tillis was invited to bring Kennedy Gray to New York City for a shopping event in May 2023 another opportunity that he credits
grassroots organic growth for
“Being in Charleston, I’ve been able to lean further into my creative and artisanal side of design and the nautical scenery and lifestyle I am surrounded by I’ve connected with incredible local artists like Nathan Edwin McClements to be able to be around him and so many others has been so uplifting and inspiring for me to dive further into my craft and dreams,” he says.
“This is my avenue, and this is my canvas to create I get overwhelmed with gratitude and joy because it feels right even amongst the work to be done and internal pressure. I want this to be an opportunity and my vehicle to have an impact in this world and use it how God wants me to operate and run it It’s getting fun ”
For his next Kennedy Gray line, Tillis is actively working on incorporating art into his designs and bringing manufacturing to the South specifically to Georgia and the Carolinas, which have inspired Kennedy Gray in many ways. The first was Tillis’ great-grandfather, Emsley, who had impeccable personal style he crafted from clothes manufactured around his small town in North Carolina. (One of his treasured Izod Lacoste knit polo shirts
hangs in Tillis’ closet )
Another inspiration is his family’s home called Graymont on Lake Rabun in the Northeast Georgia mountains, which was built in 1927 and has fostered six generations.
“Graymont is a time capsule of vintage design and walls covered in my late Great Grandmother Ditty’s artwork,” says Tillis, who adds that his mother is also an artist.
“Combined with the lake’s classic wooden boats, its curated Southern hospitality has shaped my love for nostalgic design and a slow-living, sensible style. Finally, Charleston itself has made up the bones of Kennedy Gray’s aesthetic from its natural beauty to its unique coastal lifestyle
“I’ve been able to lean into how amazing Charleston is and be hyper-locally focused on getting people aware of and excited about Kennedy Gray here,” says Tillis “I wouldn’t be able to pursue this dream without so many people here helping out and supporting and encouraging me right now I’m more excited than I ever have been, and that’s continued to compound through any of the challenges ”
Sullivan's Island Fire Department Shows Support for Local Olympian
The Sullivan's Island Fire Department showed their support for a local woman who competed in the Olympic Games in Paris. On July 25, the department hung a banner outside their building cheering on tennis player Emma Navarro, who made her Olympic debut as part of Team USA
The 23-year-old is an Ashley Hall graduate that is currently ranked No 15 on the WTA Tour
Credit: Sullivan's Island Fire Department
Alan Fleming Tennis Tournament Celebrates 40th Anniversary
By Susan Courtney For The Island Eye News
Autumn is a special time in the Lowcountry, with cool breezes, golden sunsets, and an annual tradition that draws tennis enthusiasts from across the country. This fall, the South Carolina Adult Tennis Tournament of the Year, the Alan Fleming Open Clay Court Championship, returns to Seabrook Island from October 2 to 6 The annual tournament, which is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year, attracts around 350 elite tennis players from all over the country Participants, ranging in age from 30 to 80+, compete in various singles and doubles categories, as well as mixed doubles brackets, vying for the prestigious U.S. Tennis Association (USTA) gold ball award and coveted tournament points
Laura Ferreira, Director of Racquet Sports at the Seabrook Island Racquet Club, coordinates the event with the USTA, with many Seabrook Island residents volunteering their time and expertise to assist with the tournament logistics
Seabrook Island resident Rick McDaniel is a multi-year champion of the tournament. He won his first championship trophy in 1998 with partner Jack Keese in the Men’s 60+ Doubles bracket They went on to win five more championship titles over the years, spanning the 65+, 70+, 75+, and 80+ age brackets. Rick has remained dedicated to supporting the Alan Fleming Tournament and is this year ’ s top contributing sponsor
Attending the tournament as a spectator provides Lowcountry residents with a unique opportunity to watch high-level tennis. As in the past, the event is free to spectators and open to the public The Seabrook Island Club will offer food service, and there are many restaurants located nearby at Bohicket Marina and Freshfields Village
Registration for the tournament is now open, and tournament details can be found at alanflemingtournament net Tennis players 30 and older can register for men ’ s or women ’ s singles and doubles to compete in the Level 3 Open State Championship (ages 30, 40, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80+) Mixed doubles pairs (ages 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, and 80) will compete in the USTA National Level 1/ITF Tournament to win the USTA gold ball in addition to earning Level 1 tournament points Tournament registration includes entry to the oceanfront Friday evening party with cocktails, dinner, and live music. Proceeds support the Sullivan’s Island Employee Assistance Fund, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit aiding Seabrook Island employees Tax-deductible sponsorships are available on the website
Planning Commission: Join this commission to contribute to the development and implementation of the community's long-term planning goals for the physical, social, and economic growth, development, and redevelopment of the city. Help shape the future of Isle of Palms by considering zoning regulations, land use, and infrastructure plans
Environmental Advisory Committee: If you are passionate about environmental issues and sustainable practices, this committee is the perfect fit for you. Collaborate with other members to advise on policies, programs, and initiatives that promote environmental conservation and protection.
Board of Zoning Appeals: This board plays a crucial role in ensuring fair and consistent application of zoning regulations Help review and make decisions on requests for variances, special exceptions, and appeals, ensuring that development projects align with the community's zoning requirements.
City of Isle of Palms
Left: Rick McDaniel, Right: Dub Ward being congratulated by opponents Credit to Susan Courtney
AROUNDTHEISLANDS
ONGOING
EVENTS
CHARLESTONFARMERS MARKET
Every Saturday through December
The Charleston Farmers Market champions Lowcountry farmers, artisans, and community groups, offering local produce, plants, herbs, flowers, vendors, entertainment, and arts and crafts.
Marion Square, Downtown Charleston
REYNIERLLANES: “PASSAGES”
May 24 through September 15
“Passages” showcases the vibrant narrative paintings of established Cuban-American artist Reynier Llanes, blending scenes from nature and daily life with a mystical elegance
Gibbes Museum of Art
AUGUST EVENTS
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Candlelight: A Tribute to Whitney Houston
Experience the magic of Whitney Houston's music at candlelight concerts in Charleston's Carriage House, Magnolia Plantation & Gardens
Magnolia Plantation & Gardens, Charleston | 10:30 a m
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April 6 through August 18
Gibbes Museum of Art's artist spotlight series features South Carolina-born Abstract Expressionists Merton D Simpson and William M. Halsey, known for their successful careers.
Gibbes Museum of Art
WATERFRONTMUSIC& MOVIES
August 2, 9, 16, 23
Mount Pleasant Waterfront Park, Mount Pleasant
2nd Sunday on King Street
Spend your Sunday afternoon shopping and socializing on King Street! Every second sunday of the month, a section of King street is blocked off to host vendors and visitors alike
King Street (Queen to Calhoun), Downtown Charleston | 12 p m
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12 Mahjong Mondays by Holy Mahj
Join friends for Mahjong Mondays every other Monday at The Palmetto Cafe, hosted by Holy Mahj and The Charleston Place
Whether you ' re a pro or new to the game, enjoy a night of laughter and strategy
The Charleston Place Hotel, Downtown Charleston | 5:30 p m
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Carolina Kingfish Classic
Deluxury Dive Bar –Caddyshack Style
Celebrate National Prosecco Day with us! Begin your evening with some bubbly and immerse yourself in a night of delightful festivities Enjoy sparkling conversation and the pleasure of great company
Bourbon and Bubbles, Downtown Charleston | 11 a m National Prosecco Day
Charleston Harbor Resort and Marina’s 5th annual King Mackerel Fishing Tournament offers two days of competitive fishing, beach parties with live music, and southern hospitality, featuring prizes for all ages
Charleston Harbor Resort & Marina, Mount Pleasant | 4 p.m.
Bring blankets and chairs to relax, enjoy a stunning sunset with local music, and watch an outdoor movie with the Ravenel Bridge and Charleston Harbor as the backdrop (continued on page 15)
Wild Dunes is hosting free themed weekend pop-up events at The Nest rooftop bar throughout the summer, with this event being a Caddyshack-inspired Deluxury Dive Bar with unique drinks, hot dogs, and the Caddyshack movie playing
