Isle of Palms Team Responds to 21 Sea Turtle Strandings in 2025
By Mary Pringle, Project Leader, Island Turtle Team for SCDNR
Sea turtles nest from May to August, and their nests mostly hatch from July through September. But they can wash ashore, or “strand,” during almost any month of the year.
Three members of the Island Turtle Team also hold permits from the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources to serve as members of the Sea Turtle Stranding and Salvage Network, part of a multi-regional network coordinated by the National Marine Fisheries Service. Locally, the team responds to any sea turtle that strands on the Isle of Palms or Sullivan’s Island.
The majority of stranded sea turtles are dead, with boat propeller strikes being the most common cause. During one recent season, Sullivan’s Island had the highest number of strandings in South Carolina — likely due to its proximity to boat traffic in Charleston Harbor. Other hot spots for strandings include areas of the Grand Strand and Hilton Head.
When the team receives a stranding call from SCDNR, volunteers on patrol, or other citizens, members are required to conduct a complete examination, taking detailed photos, GPS coordinates, measurements, and scanning for embedded chips or external metal flipper tags. The information is submitted to the network online and emailed to the SCDNR Marine Turtle Network locally.
After documentation, the carcass is marked with bright orange paint to indicate it was reported. Smaller turtles are buried by volunteers, while large ones are buried using heavy equipment by Sullivan’s Island Fire and Rescue or Isle of Palms Public Works.
If a turtle is still alive, it is transported to the medical facility at the South Carolina Aquarium for treatment. This can happen even in January, when turtles that failed to migrate to warmer waters become debilitated from “cold stunning” — a condition in which their bodies cannot function in cold winter water. Cold-blooded reptiles take on the temperature of their surroundings, and this can be fatal.
Sometimes, volunteers participate in a relay when a turtle is being transported to Charleston from another part of the South Carolina coast. This can be stressful when the patient is in critical condition and requires careful handling.
So far in 2025, the team has completed stranding reports on 21 turtles, including 11 green sea turtles — three of which were alive and transported to the aquarium. One live Kemp’s ridley turtle required fishhook removal. There have also been five loggerhead strandings and five Kemp’s ridleys overall. Two of the small green turtles were cold-stunned in Wild Dunes in January. They were named Snowdrop and Dandelion, both of which recovered and were released.
Causes for these strandings include boat strikes for 12 turtles, shark attacks for two, fishhook ingestion for one, cold stunning for two, and unknown causes for five due to either no apparent injuries or advanced decomposition.
Although this aspect of volunteering is often sad, it can also be interesting and rewarding to be part of a network that plays an important role in sea turtle conservation and research.
John Bogosian Announces Bid for Re-Election to City Council: “Let’s Keep Our Island Moving Forward”
A large female loggerhead stranded on top of the rock wall at Station 9 on July 28, an unusual place to land (Credit: Margaret Olive)
PUBLISHERS OF:
The Island Eye News
The Island Connection SiP Magazine
In Memory of Swan Richards
EDITOR
ieneditor@luckydognews.com
ADVERTISING advertising@mylonews.com
ASSISTANT PUBLISHER
Christian Senger
GRAPHIC DESIGNER
Stacey Nichols
CONSULTANT
Lynn Pierotti
CONTRIBUTORS
Geoff Bennett • Katherine Berry
Amber Doskos • Pamela Marsh
Mary Pringle • Aaron Sweet
Joshue Uys • Chris Zoeller
PUBLISHED BY
Lucky Dog Publishing of South Carolina, LLC P.O. Box 837
Sullivan’s Island, South Carolina 29482 843-886-NEWS
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DEADLINE
August 27 for our Setember 5 issue
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Op-eds and letters to the editor do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Lucky Dog Publishing or its staff.
The McConnell Foundation’s Shining Stars “Sea-lestial” Gala Returns to Wild Dunes in Sept.
By Carol Bogosian
The McConnell Foundation is proud to announce the return of its annual black-tie fundraiser, the Shining Stars Gala, set for Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025, at the Sweetgrass Inn at Wild Dunes Resort. This year’s theme, “Sea-lestial,” promises an unforgettable evening under the stars celebrating the brightest lights of all: children impacted by cancer.
Now in its fourth year, the Shining Stars Gala supports pediatric cancer research at MUSC Children’s Health, led by Dr. Jacqueline Kraveka, one of the only researchers in South Carolina dedicated solely to pediatric oncology. Since its inception in 2022, the gala has raised more than $175,000.
The evening will feature a cocktail hour, dinner, an open bar, dancing, and silent and live auctions with one-of-a-kind items and experiences. Local radio personality Brian Cleary will serve as DJ and emcee, and professional auctioneer Teresa Zito with Giving4Good will lead the program.
“This event is deeply personal for us,” said Jen McConnell, who co-founded the foundation with her husband, Josh, after their son, Bodhi, survived a rare and aggressive type of cancer. “We created the McConnell Foundation to help fund the kind of research that saved our son’s life and to fight for the kids who are still in the battle.”
This year’s gala honors Cole Hen-
Opnion: Reddy or Not
derson, a vibrant and joyful boy who died in 2021 at age 2 from neuroblastoma, the same type of cancer Bodhi overcame. Cole’s family will be present at the gala to share his story and help continue the mission of bringing hope to others through research and awareness.
“Only 4% of national cancer research funding is directed toward pediatric cancer,” said Dr. Kraveka. “Events like this gala are critical to making real progress. The support from the McConnell Foundation has been instrumental in allowing us to explore promising new treatment options.”
Dr. Kraveka’s care and dedication are helping advance treatments for children in a significant way. She participates in a national network of oncologists who work together, through private funding provided by organizations like the McConnell Foundation, to develop safer and more effective treatments for children battling cancer.
The network’s most recent success came in the form of a relapse prevention drug known as DFMO. In December 2023, the FDA approved DFMO for use in patients worldwide, bringing new hope to families of children with high-risk neuroblastoma tumors. As Dr. Kraveka continues her research on medications that minimize the risk of relapse, the McConnell Foundation fills a crucial gap by contributing to this underfunded
Trainwreck on the Beach Part 2
By Rom Reddy
Almost a year ago, on Sept. 23, 2024, I published in this column Trainwreck on the Beach. Almost everything in that column has played out, and the destruction of the beaches continues unabated. The Isle of Palms City Council in general, and the mayor in particular, can no longer keep
area of pediatric cancer research.
This year’s Constellation Champion Sponsors include First Financial Group, McConnell Real Estate Partners, Naramore Construction/Island Home Management, the Reddy family, and the Bogosian family, whose generous support is helping make the event possible.
Held at the award-winning Sweetgrass Inn, the gala offers a limited room block for attendees wishing to stay on the property. Guests will enjoy on-site restaurants, elegant ambiance, and close proximity to the beach and resort amenities.
“Our community on Isle of Palms and Sullivan’s Island has shown up in an incredible way year after year,” said Jen. “Their support is changing lives.”
Tickets and sponsorships are available at https://bit.ly/ShiningStarsGala. Early reservations are encouraged, as last year’s event sold out.
Individuals or businesses inspired to support the work of the McConnell Foundation are encouraged to email hope@themcconnellfoundation.com.
putting lipstick on a pig. In the past four years under their watch, the beaches have substantially deteriorated, driven largely by bad policy and a hoax that prevents citizens from protecting their property by threatening them with illegal laws often rooted in ideology. COVID, anyone?
1. In 2014, the (Continued on page 8)
Isle
of
Palms Exchange Hosts 5th Thursday
Gala on Hamlin Creek
By Robbie Berg
On a beautiful summer evening, the Isle of Palms Exchange Club hosted members and guests for a “5th Thursday Gala on Hamlin Creek” to kick off the 2025–26 year of charitable giving. Guests are always welcome and encouraged to join the Exchange Club and participate in charitable fundraisers throughout the year.
Attendees enjoyed music by Baba Bryant, lead singer with High Tide, and shrimp entrées with sides from the Lowcountry Shrimpn’ food truck. Members also shared information about the club’s programs of service: Americanism, Child Abuse Prevention, Youth and Scholarships, and Community.
Exchange Club members are proud to belong to the second-largest Exchange Club in the nation. Last year, they provided $200,000 to nonprofits and youth for scholarships and educational field trips.
With the new year beginning in July, Gen. Michael R. Regner, USMC (retired), spoke on leadership in the United States, receiving a standing ovation. He represented the Americanism Program of Service, and funds from the Flag for Heroes fundraiser were donated to three different veteran support agencies following his presentation.
The club’s next major fundraiser will be the IOP Connector Run on Oct. 4, which aims to raise $150,000 to support 11 different child abuse prevention agencies.
The Isle of Palms Exchange Club welcomes anyone interested in learning about Exchange, a national organization, to attend member dinner meetings on the fourth Thursday of each month. Meetings begin at 6 p.m. with speakers at 7 p.m. The next meeting will be Aug. 28 and will feature Daryll Clark, CEO of Reading Partners, a national reading tutorial program. The Youth and Scholarship Program of Service will be launching a new initiative with Reading Partners to support tri-county schools. Members are asked to bring a book from the program’s reading list to donate to participating youth.
Planning is already underway for the next 5th Thursday event, scheduled for Oct. 30. The Isle of Palms Exchange Club’s dinner meetings and 5th Thursday events are always a chance to meet others who are passionate about giving back to the community through volunteerism, fundraising or donations.
For more information, visit iopexchange.org.
JON REGAN WALTERS
F O R I O P M A Y O R
As a U.S. Army Colonel, Jon Regan was trusted to rebuild war-torn communities around the world. In Bosnia, he coordinated humanitarian relief. In Afghanistan, he wrote the winter relief plans and worked alongside local leaders, the U.N., and provincial mayors. Today, he’s ready to put that same experience to work for Isle of Palms.
Proven Leadership.
Real-World Experience. Residents First.
IOP Rec. Dept. to Host Flower and Plant Design Workshop Series
By Tammy Cox
The City of Isle of Palms Recreation Department will host Flower Power, a flower and plant design workshop series, beginning Monday, Sept. 8, at 10 a.m. with Basic Flower Arranging with Cut Flowers. The series will continue on select Mondays at 10 a.m. through April 7, 2026.
In fun, hands-on classes, interior designer and instructor Elizabeth Newman will share tips and tricks that use nature to add life and color to any home for various seasons and everyday decorating.
“Flowers and plants really add a special touch to your home, so we will discover beautiful ways for you to keep your home full of life,” Newman said.
During each workshop, Newman will also discuss long-term care for each creation so students can maximize the impact of their art.
The cost is $20 per date for Isle of Palms residents and $25 for nonresidents. Each workshop will be held at the Isle of Palms Recreation Center, 24 28th Ave.
Schedule:
• Sept. 8 – Basic Flower Arranging with Cut Flowers
• Oct. 6 – Fall Doorstep Arrangements & Centerpieces
• Oct. 20 – Holiday Centerpieces, Wreaths, Garlands
• Jan. 12 – Cacti and Succulents
• Feb. 9 – Plant Propagation
• March 9 – Green Plant Pots
• April 7 – Spring Flower Arrangements
Visit IOP.net, Facebook, and Instagram for the latest events and happenings.
Isle of Palms ATAX Committee Opens Second Round of Funding
By Christian Senger
The Accommodations Tax Advisory Committee (ATAX) for the City of Isle of Palms has opened a second round of funding for qualified nonprofit organizations. The deadline to apply is Thursday, Sept. 4, 2025, at 5 p.m. Isle of Palms is accepting applications from organizations seeking grants from the 2% state accommodations tax fund for fiscal year 2026. A total of $35,000 remains available for eligible applications.
South Carolina law allows for a 2% tax levy on the rental of all transient accommodations to help support and promote tourism-related activities in municipalities and counties. Individuals staying overnight in hotels, motels, inns and vacation rentals pay the 2% tax in addition to the statewide sales tax and any applicable local sales and use taxes. State law requires that accommodations tax funds be used to attract and provide for tourists and must be spent on tourism-related expenditures.
The application link is available on iop.net/boards-commissions/ accommodations-tax-advisory-committee.
IOP Rec. Dept. Announces 2025 Fall Speaker Series Line up
By Tammy Cox
The City of Isle of Palms Recreation Department has announced a new fact-filled lineup for the 2025 Free Fall Speaker Series.
The series will highlight coastal living, marine life appreciation, and eco-friendly themes with a focus on preservation and conservation. It will explore the rich history of the Lowcountry, from the Native Americans who lived, hunted and fished these lands to the pirates who plundered the coasts.
In addition, the program will feature a mini-series on the Fourth Age of Life and provide upcoming high school seniors with an edge in the college application process and scholarship searches.
Each event will be held at the IOP Recreation Center (24 28th Ave.) beginning at 5 p.m.
Tuesday, Sept. 2
• Navigating the College Application Process with Lisa Gastaldi, Lowcountry College Counseling
Monday, Sept. 15
• Charleston’s Unique Fishery and How We Protect It! Plus, Fishing Tips per Season with Barrier Island Eco Tours
Wednesday, Sept. 24
• Aging Lightly: “Let’s Talk About and Prepare for Care in the Fourth Age of Life” with Kathryn McGrew, Ph.D.
Monday, Sept. 29
• “Word on the Water”: How Healthy Are Our Waterways? with Andrew Wunderly, executive director and waterkeeper, Charleston Waterkeeper
Wednesday, Oct. 15
• Trusts, Probate Process and More with Joshua Hooser, attorney at law, Hooser Legal Counsel LLC
Wednesday, Oct. 22
• Snakes, Lizards, Turtles, Alligators and More with Parker Gibbons, Barrier Island Eco Tours
Monday, Oct. 27
• Native Americans of the South Carolina Lowcountry with Barrier Island Eco Tours
Thursday, Nov. 6
• Financial Planning with Dimi Matouchev, CFP, CPWA, AAMS, financial advisor, and Andrew S. Ross Jr. (Drew), financial advisor
Monday, Nov. 10
• Sharks in the Shallows and Deep with Capt. Joseph Barrier, Island Eco Tours
Monday, Nov. 17
• Lowcountry Pirates Who Darkened Our Waterways and Traded at Our Ports with Barrier Island Eco Tours
Monday, Jan. 26
• Charleston Barrier Islands with Barrier Island Eco Tours Visit IOP.net for more info.
Reddy Or Not
Continued from page 2
Legislature passed the Beach Preservation Act. The law required 1% of the accommodations tax to be diverted to beach preservation, which was specifically defined as three exclusive items: beach renourishment with new sand, dune maintenance and vegetation and maintenance of public beach paths. Would it surprise anyone to learn that not one dollar has gone to these “exclusive” uses? Instead, funds have been wasted on incessant beach scraping, sandbags and other unauthorized uses. Advising this Council for a decade has been a coastal “engineer” who is not an engineer, has a record of being 100% wrong over the long haul, faces no consequences, and is awarded essentially no-bid renewals for “experience.” Valuing experience over competence and results went out almost 40 years ago in the private sector.
2. Instead of relying on metrics such as beach depth and wave run-ups, we have no measurements at all—only rhetoric spouted to Council members who believe in radical ideologies with little basis in science or the real world. Instead of recognizing the need to build beach levels to retreat water and maintain dunes that protect the ecosystem and shoreline, we operate with no dunes and years of “emergency” scrapings that lower the beach and pull water in. Scrapings have been banned or heavily restricted in many states. Several engineers have said there is a formula for maintaining a beach that directly correlates to the amount of new
sand placed on it. This is literally formula-driven.
3. In 2018, the Legislature amended the Beach Management Act (Act 173) to abandon preservation through “retreat” and adopt preservation through “replenishment and renourishment.” Why? Because the Lucas case in the 1990s, and several since, required that retreated land be purchased by the state and the tax base be shrunk. The state and the city, though, still operate under “retreat,” not recognizing the long-term liability. Unfortunately, it will take courage for citizens to fight lengthy and uncomfortable legal battles to assert these rights. Not everyone is prepared to do so, but it is starting to happen.
4. In the interim, the government intimidates citizens with arcane laws not based in fact. The state essentially says it is no longer governed by the setback line jurisdiction and instead will claim jurisdiction over private land based on where vegetation is spotted—regardless of the reason. In other words, if you intentionally take out your shrubs and let the property go natural, the state can claim your land for free while you continue paying taxes. Insane. The city is equally problematic. Its ordinance, originally set up to prevent building on accreted land, is now interpreted to claim unlimited private land from an arbitrary mean high water (MHW) line. By this reading, jurisdiction could extend up to Ocean Boulevard in some cases—at no cost to the city. However, they forgot to read statute 48-39-120 B, which says public trust land is seaward of the MHW mark, and that the MHW mark remains as it was when the property was first developed or subdivided. That makes sense because
all oceanfront owners continue to own and pay taxes up to the original MHW mark. Instead, the city intimidates citizens into thinking the MHW mark for property lines constantly moves. Another hoax that will be easily overturned when citizens stand up and challenge these bullies. Our founders said, “Freedom and property rights go hand in hand. You cannot have one without the other.” We must defend this.
5. We must stop the misleading rhetoric from our local leaders. First, they said the Army Corps project was a $10 million “free replenishment.” More recently, they said it was a $4.5 million free replenishment. The Army Corps, to its credit, always denied this, saying it was simply trying to dispose of spoils from Intracoastal Waterway dredging. As predicted, this has been a disaster. The heavy equipment on the beach 24/7 compacts the sand, lowers the beach, and destroys the ecosystem within the sand. The “spoils” are dirty. Beaches have turned into oil baths in some areas, with garbage such as goggles pumped onto the shore. Visitors are visibly shocked. The sand itself is too fine to stay in place. As a recent resident-sponsored study showed, placing sand on these southern beaches is like pouring water into a leaky bucket. It washes into the Sullivan’s Island party shoals or into the channel on the other side of the bridge, creating bigger problems. This must be fixed first with a groin or equivalent. Prior to the Army Corps project, the beach was beginning to stabilize. Six-foot tides stayed back. Now, six-foot tides reach many escarpments and have largely washed out the so-called “dunes” created by
(Continued on page 11)
INTERPRETED BY: Katherine Berry
OWNER NAME: Tommy & Paige Hall
NAME: Millie
Millie-Moo
AGE: 6 years in September
BREED: Australian Labradoodle
FAVORITE TOY: Bath Mats
VET: Animal Medical Center
FOOD: Farmers Dog
LUCKY DOG
Hello there. I’m Millie-Moo. Thank you for allowing me a moment to tell you my story. I am, after all, quite a lucky lady.
My journey began in Kentucky, where I was meant to remain until Daddy saw me. Apparently, it was love at first sight, and he simply couldn’t let me go. Before I knew it, arrangements were made, and I was whisked away to an island. The journey itself? Oh no—we don’t speak of the car ride, ever! The thought of it makes me shudder. If there’s a choice, I’ll take the golf cart, thank you very much—front seat, wind in my curls, Doodlebug on one side and Mom at the helm. Others may join us, but the front is strictly VIP.
Life on the island is simple: beach, beach and BEACH. Eating is important, yes, but salty wind in my fur is my oxygen. Every morning I prep for departure by dragging bathmats out of the bathroom one by one—my personal fleet of magic carpets. If Mom’s too slow, I escalate to pillow theft. That’s the equivalent of a royal decree: We are leaving NOW. One sniff of her clothing to ensure it’s salty, and we’re off. I am free to run, play and sniff all day—or at least until Mom is ready to go. When she calls for me, I HEAR her; I just choose to let her voice wash over me like distant seagull cries. Ummm … Mom, I cannot be rushed when I’m exploring my kingdom. The dunes are my storybook palace, and each wave brings me a new chapter to review. Eventually Mom threatens to “leave without me,” but I know my little sister wouldn’t allow that kind of scandal.
And if we miss the beach for whatever reason? Cancel my day. Shut my door. Draw the curtains. It’s a tragedy on par with that cursed Kentucky car ride.
When I’m not enforcing mandatory beach time, I enjoy solo retreats. I’m the family’s Mama Bear. I check on everyone, making sure they have what they need, and then I vanish—especially when family arrives. I love them, but overstimulation is real. I’ll happily cuddle with the tiny one in my bed for a bit, but then it’s “namaste in my own space.” A princess must preserve her peace.
A day without the sea is no day at all. My life here is simple, beautiful and brimming with love. My pawprints dig deep, a reminder that I was here, I was loved, and I loved in return. And from the very bottom of my sandy, sunlit heart, I will always be grateful that of all the dogs in the world, the best Mom and Dad chose me. And that, my friends, makes me a lucky dog.
AROUND THE ISLANDS
ONGOING
WHAT: Charleston City Market Night Market
WHERE: Charleston City Market
WHEN: Each Friday and Saturday night, 6:30 p.m. - 10:30 p.m., from March – Dec.
MORE INFO: The Night Market is located between Church Street and East Bay Street. It provides the opportunity to discover quality, unique, local and handcrafted items.
WHAT: Mount Pleasant Makers Mart
WHERE: Park West Recreation Complex, 1251 Park W Blvd., Mt. Pleasant
WHEN: Every Friday from 3:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. from May through Oct.
MORE INFO: The Mount Pleasant Recreation Department Community Affairs & Marketing (CAM) Division is working with local event planner Marianne Stavale Benkoski to organize this new weekly market. The market will feature a diverse selection of vendors offering a wide range of goods, including fresh, locally sourced farm products, prepared foods, and a variety of unique handcrafted items.
WHAT: Beyond Van Gogh and Beyond Monet: The Immersive Experiences
WHERE: Festival Hall, 56 Beaufain St., Charleston WHEN: July 11 - Aug. 31
MORE INFO: A new immersive show combines the widely celebrated Beyond Van Gogh exhibit with the added Beyond Monet exhibit, offering audiences the unique opportunity to experience the masterpieces of both Vincent van Gogh and Claude Monet. Tickets starting at $29.50 with a limited number of VIP tickets available. For tickets and schedules, visit beyondexhibitions.com.
WHAT: Mount Pleasant Farmers Market
WHERE: Moultrie Middle School, 645 Coleman Blvd., Mt. Pleasant
WHEN: The market is open every Tuesday from April – Sept. from 3:30 p.m. until 7 p.m.
MORE INFO: The weekly market, founded in 1998, features vendors selling local farm-fresh produce, meats, sauces, baked goods and other specialty foods, as well as prepared food vendors for those looking for a unique meal. Admission is free and there is plenty of parking is available.
WHAT: Sullivan’s Island Run Club
WHERE: Mex 1 Sullivan’s Island, 2205 Middle St. WHEN: Every Monday at 6 p.m.
MORE INFO: Come out and join the SI Run Club every Monday! All paces are welcome as we enjoy 1-3 mile scenic historic routes along the beautiful shoreline. After the run, we’ll gather back at Mex 1 to celebrate with fun drink specials.
SATURDAY, AUG. 23
WHAT: Sunrise Yoga
WHERE: Mount Pleasant Pier
WHEN: 7 a.m.
MORE INFO: Participants will stretch their bodies, awaken their minds, and fuel their spirits in this uplifting, intention-setting yoga class sure to enhance the day ahead. Sunrise Yoga is inclusive and open to all abilities and fitness levels. Early registration for Sunrise Yoga is available now at CharlestonCountyParks.com (direct link) for $10. Early registration ends at 4 p.m. the day before the program. If space is available, on-site registration will be $12.
WHAT: Let’s Make Musical Instruments
WHERE: Edgar Allan Poe Library, 1921 Ion Ave.,
Sullivan’s Island
Our community calendar keeps you updated on local events. From festivals to workshops to family-friendly gatherings. Stay connected and never miss out on the excitement.
WHEN: 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
MORE INFO: Make shakers and rain tubes as we explore how to enhance music with instruments. Optional/Possible music parade!
WHAT: Proxima Padrada on the NÜTRL Beach Stage WHERE: The Windjammer WHEN: 6 p.m.
MORE INFO: With the release of their new album Into the Way, Próxima Parada is set to play lots of new uplifting tunes this year. After years of touring around the U.S., their songs have become more and more focused on personal growth and groove, where each player adds just what’s needed and makes up a piece of the whole. Their live shows feature improvised sections, hard-hitting solos, and more.
WHAT: Charleston Battery Home Game WHERE: Patriots Point Soccer Stadium, 85 Patriots Point Rd., Mt. Pleasant WHEN: 7:30 p.m.
MORE INFO: The Charleston Battery soccer team take on Loudon United FC in Mt. Pleasant.
SUNDAY, AUG. 24
WHAT: DIY Candy Necklace - Private Jewelry Classes WHERE: Old Village Historic District, Old Village Dr., Mt. Pleasant WHEN: 3 - 5 p.m.
MORE INFO: Interested in learning how to make your own jewelry? This hands-on class is designed for total beginners and creative spirits alike. You’ll learn how to make your choice of a beaded candy necklace or a matching charm and dangle earring set, with guidance every step of the way. No experience necessary—just bring your curiosity. Visit coralstrands.com/collections/things-to-do-incharleston for more info.
WHAT: Andy Frasco & The U.N. with Caleb Hawley on the NÜTRL Beach Stage WHERE: The Windjammer WHEN: 6 p.m.
MORE INFO: Andy Frasco & The U.N. are an American blues rock band formed in Los Angeles in 2007. The band consists of Andrew Frasco (lead vocals, keys), Sam Kelly (saxophone), Shawn Eckels (guitar, vocals), Andee “Beats” Avila (drums, vocals), and Floyd Kellogg (bass guitar).
MONDAY, AUG. 25
WHAT: Art Playtime for Adults: Squeegee Art WHERE: Edgar Allan Poe Library, 1921 Ion Ave., Sullivan’s Island WHEN: 11 a.m.
MORE INFO: Embrace the abstract, meditative wonder of squeegee art! Space is limited and registration is required. Call 843-883-3914 or email poe@ccpl.org for details.
WHAT: Crime After Dark
WHERE: Mt. Pleasant Library, 133 Mathis Ferry Rd. WHEN: 6:15 p.m. to 9 p.m.
MORE INFO: Are you fascinated by true crime? Join us for a monthly discussion on captivating cases that spark your interest! Each meeting will explore a different case or topic. This month: Jaleayah Davis.
TUESDAY, AUG. 26
WHAT: Family Storytime
WHERE: Edgar Allan Poe Library, 1921 Ion Ave.,
Sullivan’s Island
WHEN: 10 a.m. (note time change)
MORE INFO: Enjoy interactive books, songs, and rhymes designed to strengthen your child’s reading readiness. Birth to age 5 and their caregivers.
WHAT: Memoir Writing Circle
WHERE: Edgar Allan Poe Library, 1921 Ion Ave., Sullivan’s Island WHEN: 1 p.m.
MORE INFO: Write from a provided prompt for 20 minutes, then share for friendly feedback. (Memoir Story Share on August 26 – call 843-8833914 for details).
WEDNESDAY, AUG. 27
WHAT: POE-etry critique group
WHERE: Edgar Allan Poe Library, 1921 Ion Ave, Sullivan’s Island WHEN: 1 p.m.
MORE INFO: Gather with fellow poets to share and improve your work. Bring one or two poems to share (limited to 3 pages).
WHAT: Shuck & Savor: A Lowcountry Oyster Experience WHERE: The Bar at Oystercatcher in Wild Dunes, 5757 Palm Blvd., Isle of Palms WHEN: 3 p.m.
MORE INFO: Dive into the history, location, and taste of oysters to truly appreciate their delicate and briny flavor, which is strongly influenced by their environment and the specific species. Indulge in the exquisite flavors of our oyster selection with a platter featuring four distinct oyster varieties, each handpicked for a sensational tasting experience.
THURSDAY, AUG. 28
WHAT: American Mah Jongg WHERE: Edgar Allan Poe Library, 1921 Ion Ave., Sullivan’s Island WHEN: 12 - 2 p.m. (slow play) and 4 - 6 p.m. (all levels) MORE INFO: If you have a 2025 NMJL card, please bring it. NOTE: Beginners are welcome to come, observe, and jump in when they are ready. These are not mah jongg classes.
FRIDAY, AUG. 29
WHAT: SUSTO w/ Rotoglow on the NÜTRL Beach Stage WHERE: The Windjammer WHEN: 6 p.m.
MORE INFO: A season of drastic change is what brought SUSTO frontman Justin Osborne to the band’s fifth full-length LP, My Entire Life. There was a divorce, difficulties re-building his band after the pandemic, and the pain and helplessness of witnessing family members struggle with addiction and mental illness. Despite these challenges, Justin ultimately found himself in a new landscape, with new love and a deeper perspective, all of which is masterfully projected into My Entire Life.
SATURDAY, AUG. 30
WHAT: Rock the 90’s on the NÜTRL Beach Stage WHERE: The Windjammer WHEN: 6 p.m.
MORE INFO: The Official 90’s Rock Tribute takes you back to the glory days of guitar driven rock –an eclectic buffet of all the best in 90’s alternative radio rock – performed exactly like the original recordings.
Betty Lancer Turned 101
Betty Lancer turned 101 on Monday, Aug. 18. She celebrated with her daughter, Roz Barkowitz, along with friends and family on Sullivan’s Island. U.S. Sen. Tim Scott’s office presented a proclamation congratulating her.
Barbados Comes To Charles Towne Landing Barbadian Festival for Labor Day Weekend
By Robbie Berg
Charles Towne Landing, along with the Barbados Carolinas Legacy Foundation, Barbados, the South Carolina National Heritage Corridor and the Barbados Consulate of Miami, will host a historical event Aug. 29–31, “Barbados Comes to Festival.”
This is the second time the Barbadian festival — honoring the Barbadians and their enslaved who came from Barbados to settle and create the first South Carolina colony in 1670 with other English settlers and indentured servants — has been held at Charles Towne Landing. They chose Albemarle Point, the present-day site of Charles Towne Landing State Park.
Rhoda Green, the Barbados and South Carolina honorary consul and president of the Barbados Carolinas Legacy Foundation, urges everyone to experience the rich heritage of Barbados — from food to music to history — and even the opportunity to board the Barbadian ship Adventure at Charles Towne Landing.
“Barbados brings a burst of tropical and cultural expression and flavor reminiscent of the pulse, memory and sound of Charleston past and present,” Green said.
David Baker, manager of Charles Towne Landing, said, “We are honored to host this event and look forward to welcoming the public to experience this important cultural story firsthand. This festival offers a meaningful opportunity to honor the deep and enduring cultural ties between Barbados and Charleston that played a critical role in shaping the region’s identity. By highlighting this chapter of history through music, food, storytelling and fellowship, the festival not only educates but also uplifts.”
For more information and to purchase tickets, visit barbadoscometo.com.
Festival Schedule
• Aug. 29: Welcome reception at the host hotel, The Moxy, 5–7:30 p.m.
• Aug. 30: Bridgetown Market/Festival at Charles Towne Landing, 11 a.m.–4 p.m., featuring Bajan entertainers, food, drinks, genealogy and historical programming.
• Aug. 30: Gala at Founders Hall, Charles Towne Landing, 6–11 p.m. — an evening of island elegance and entertainment, celebrating heritage and community in true Bajan style.
• Aug. 31: Church service with the Lowcountry Voices, 10–11:30 a.m.
• Aug. 31: Oistins Fish Fry at the Legare Waring House, Charles Towne Landing, 4–7 p.m.
Isle of Palms
Photo Credit: Island Eye News
Reddy Or Not
Continued from page 7
the city with Corps sand—promised as the solution. Another colossal waste of money that enriched the contractor and engineer.
6. Finally, the very idea that homeowners cannot protect their property—and that the city or state will not, or are too incompetent to do so—is frightening. The false narrative that property owners only care about themselves and not the beach makes no sense if you think about it. Why else would someone live on the beach if they did not care about it? In my case, several elected officials spread the false narrative that my protective structure, built landward of the setback line (identified in my deed as a jurisdictional line), would damage the beach and neighboring property. Almost two years later, there is little damage to the beach. Both immediate neighbors have publicly said my structure helped them, and one even wrote to all Council members confirming this. Not one dollar of public money has been spent on scraping or sandbags, and most visitors comment on how much nicer my yard looks compared with the rest of the beach. Would we stop for a minute and question our assumptions—or why Florida, Georgia, and many other states follow different strategies? No. Instead, we follow the definition of insanity: doing the same failed things with the same failed people and expecting different results.
There is only one solution: for property owners and beachgoers to wake up, examine the assumptions they have been operating under, and realize there are better solutions than failed policies that are destroying the beaches for the public and property owners. Maybe vote these folks out and replace them with a less ideological group. Our only other option is the courts. Maybe we don’t prevail at first, but prevail we will. The stakes are too high. 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.
Luxury Vacation
