2025 Sullivan’s Island Tree Lighting
from the 2025 Sullivan’s Island Tree
ing celebration, which was held on Friday, December 5 at Stith
The event include performances by the
Photos Credit: Rob Byko Photography
Photos
Light-
Park.
Wando Chorus.
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
Joshua Uys • Chris Zoeller
Campbell Sullivan
PUBLISHED BY
Lucky Dog Publishing of South Carolina, LLC P.O. Box 837
Sullivan’s Island, South Carolina 29482 843-886-NEWS
Submit your letters to the editor to: ieneditor@luckydognews.com
DEADLINE
December 18 for our December 26 issue
For more information and for digital flip-throughs of current and past issues, please visit mylolowcountry.com
Op-eds and letters to the editor do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Lucky Dog Publishing or its staff.
Message From The Sullivan’s Island Mayor
By Mayor Patrick O’Neil
Dear Island neighbors, Happy holidays!
I hope your shopping, decorating, cooking, and travel plans are all going well. Not to put a damper on things, but our public safety professionals would like me to share some tips to stay safe during the season.
PERSONAL SAFETY
Thanks to Police Chief Glenn Meadows for the following security advice:
If you’re traveling, ask a neighbor to pick up packages left on your porch, as well as mail and newspapers, to avoid tempting porch pirates and signaling that no one is home. Similarly, don’t post your travel plans on social media. Consider putting a few lights on timers so the house looks lived in.
If you’ll be away, you can ask our police to put your house on watch status. Fill out the form here (https:// bit.ly/SIPDHouseWatch). You can email a scan of the completed form to Chief Meadows at gmeadows@sullivansisland.sc.gov or drop it off at Town Hall.
When shopping, stay aware of your surroundings and keep your purchases out of sight in your trunk or under a cover in your car. When out and about, trust your instincts — if something feels wrong, leave immediately.
Be aware of online deals that seem too good to be true, and double-check any emails or online ads with special offers or requests for charitable donations.
FIRE SAFETY
Fire is always a concern this time of year. Fire Chief Anthony Stith and Assistant Chief Amanda Hawver offer this guidance:
If you have a real Christmas tree, keep it well hydrated (watered daily) and away from any heat source. After Christmas, as soon as it dries out, take it to the curb. If you have an artificial tree, do not use electric lights on metallic trees.
Have your chimney cleaned annually and always use a fireplace screen. Never burn wrapping paper or evergreen boughs in the fireplace.
Don’t overload electrical outlets by plugging too many lights or devices into any one outlet. Check cords and bulbs before plugging in your holiday lights. Don’t use indoor lights outdoors. Keep your outdoor cords above ground.
Check your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, and verify that your fire extinguishers are charged. Keep them handy — even if it offends your sense of holiday design. (They’re red; they’ll fit right in.)
lid over the pan and turn off the burner. If you’re planning to fry a turkey for any holiday celebration, you do not want this to be a “Hey y’all, watch this” event. Fry away from your house, and not under it or any other structure or low-hanging tree. Make sure the oil level can accommodate the turkey without spilling over and causing a fire. Check that the turkey is fully defrosted before adding it to the oil — otherwise the water released will cause an instant boil-over. Do not try any of this without watching several turkey-frying safety videos and having that fire extinguisher nearby. And NEVER leave the setup unattended once the heat is on.
NEW YEAR’S DAY POLAR PLUNGE!
The 31st annual Polar Plunge event, originated and promoted continuously by Dunleavy’s Pub, is now a treasured Island New Year’s Day tradition. The actual plunge into the water is at 2 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 1, but folks will begin gathering and celebrating well before that. The slow trek to the beach will begin around 1:30 p.m. — don’t underestimate how long it will take.
Many of our Island restaurants will be participating with special outdoor service for food and beverages. Please be careful driving through the commercial district. Town staff has planned a newly modified traffic pattern from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on New Year’s Day, with the following closures:
• Station 22.5: Between Middle Street and I’On Avenue
• Station 22: Between Middle Street and I’On Avenue
• Middle Street eastbound (toward Isle of Palms): Between Station 22 and Station 22.5
For people using ride-share services, a mandatory drop-off and pick-up lane will be located on the north side of Middle Street east of Station 22.5 to avoid unnecessary congestion.
Please remember that the “Reason for the Freezin’” is to raise funds for Special Olympics South Carolina. Please bring cash to contribute to the many Special Olympics volunteers. If you can’t attend, you can donate at https://so-sc.org.
If you plan to actually join — vs. watch — the plunge, here’s a tip from painful personal experience: Wear some kind of dunkable footwear. Running barefoot over hard-packed little sand ridges gets painful quickly, especially in the cold.
Wear your wackiest costume. Come on out to see hundreds of your neighbors go off their meds all at once at a great family event.
HAVE A FINE SEASON!
Happy Hanukkah, Merry Christmas, and Happy New Year!
See you around the Island!
Pat O’Neil Mayor 843-670-9266
oneilp@sullivansisland.sc.gov
Never leave cooking unattended. If a small grease fire occurs, slide a
Correction: A headline on Page 1 of the Nov. 28, 2025, issue of The Island Eye News stated that the Sullivan’s Island Town Council had “adopted” the final Sea Level Rise Adaptation and Resilience Plan. The council voted to “receive” the plan, not adopt it. The headline has been updated online. We regret the error.
Holiday Street Festival Photos
Residents and visitors enjoyed the Isle
on Saturday, Dec. 6
Photos provided by Isle of Palms Recreation Department
of Palms Holiday Street Festival
SIES Chorus performing in the Windjammer
Bennett McConnell, Margaret Weatherly, Charlotte Jones
Olivia & Vivian Hauff, Santa Claus & Mayor Pounds
Jo Coleman, Maci Coleman, Lily Coleman & Vance Coleman
Wild Dunes Announces 21st Annual Author Event & Weekend for January 16–18
By Christian Senger
The 21st Annual Wild Dunes Author Event & Weekend, hosted by bestselling author Mary Alice Monroe, will return to Isle of Palms from Jan. 16–18, 2026. The long-running literary gathering draws more than 500 readers each year for three days of conversations, panels, and programs featuring nationally recognized authors.
This year’s headliners include four New York Times bestselling writers: Marie Benedict, Virginia Evans, Paula McLain, and Victoria Christopher Murray. Monroe will moderate the Sunday main event, with opening remarks from Buxton Books owner Polly Buxton. The Charleston bookstore is the weekend’s presenting bookseller.
Sunday Main Event – Jan. 18
The weekend culminates Sunday at 2 p.m. with a 75-minute author conversation and audience Q&A, followed by book signings. Attendees can enjoy a coffee and tea bar, a Buxton Books pop-up shop, and a curated silent auction. Proceeds benefit Reading Partners SC.
Tickets:
• General Admission ($52): Includes general seating and one signed hardcover.
• VIP ($145): Includes four books, a tote bag, front-row seating, and access to Saturday add-on events.
• VIP All-Access ($275): Includes all VIP benefits plus entry to each Saturday event.
Saturday Programming — Jan. 17
Registration to these literary events is only available to guests who have purchased a ticket to the Sunday Main Event and include:
• 11 a.m. — Books & Brunch with Kardea Brown ($75): Brunch, mimosas, and a signed copy of her new cookbook.
• 2 p.m. — Writing Workshop with Paula McLain ($42): A small-group class on craft and creativity.
• 5 p.m. — Prose & Pinot with McLain and Murray ($35): A sunset rooftop conversation with wine and appetizers.
Wild Dunes Resort is offering special room rates for attendees. Guests can call 866-499-7122 for details.
Tickets can be purchased on citypapertickets.com.
IOP VFW Post 3137 Hosts Coast Guard Members for Cornhole Tournament and Family Day
By Pamela Marsh
The Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3137 on the Isle of Palms recently welcomed more than 70 members of the U.S. Coast Guard Base Charleston — along with their families — for a day of relaxation, friendly competition and community connection.
The event, which featured a cornhole tournament and lunch at the oceanfront post, was coordinated by Bob Patterson, the post’s current patriotic instructor, and George Page, past VFW Auxiliary president. Patterson, who served in the Coast Guard from 1976 to 1982, said the post is proud to support active-duty service members and their families.
Among those attending were Capt. Eric Jones, commanding officer of Coast Guard Base Charleston; Command Master Chief Matt Valenti; Lt. Commander Doug Wood of Base Operations; and Chief Warrant Officer Matthew Kulesza, who served as the morale officer overseeing the Coast Guard family event.
Capt. Jones noted that Coast Guard Base Charleston has a workforce of 275 members and supports 11 local tenant units, including seven major commands. The base provides depot-level mission support for operational partners across South Carolina, Georgia and northern Florida. Charleston is also poised to become a major future hub for the Coast Guard, with plans to homeport up to 10 major cutters. Construction is underway on several new facilities at the former naval complex on the Cooper River.
The cornhole competition drew enthusiastic teams, with “I Have a Dog Named Scout” — Ashley and Ryan Morris — taking home the top prize. The runners-up, “Stonies,” featured Calan Keller and Braden Walters. Winners enjoyed a celebratory prize and the requisite bragging rights.
After the awards ceremony, attendees and volunteers gathered for a casual lunch of hamburgers and hot dogs. Capt. Jones expressed appreciation for the warm hospitality shown by the VFW and the Isle of Palms community.
For more information about VFW Post 3137 and its Auxiliary, visit VFW3137.org.
Leader in Luxury Real Estate
Battery Gadsden Goes to the Dogs
By Mike Walsh
Since its completion in 1906, our venerable Battery has seen many events — two world wars, Hurricane Hugo, the construction of a first-class elementary school next door, and significant changes in the social and political fabric of Sullivan’s Island, to name a few. It has also been used for many purposes — artillery battery, searchlight location, public library, performing arts stage, garden club, and gathering spot for numerous community events. But there had been nothing quite like the scene on Nov. 6, when members of the Charleston County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO), both human and canine, used Battery Gadsden as their training facility.
The dogs are part of an unusual group of specially trained sniffer dogs — but not trained to detect what you might expect, such as explosives, narcotics, or human remains. This group of four-legged crime fighters has the remarkable ability to home in on electronic storage devices. There is a chemical used in the manufacture of all modern electronics, and that chemical releases an odor these dogs can be trained to detect. Everything from cellphones and iPads down to the smallest thumb drive or SD card is fair game. If the device contains a chip, these canines can find it. In many cases, such devices hold the electronic evidence needed to convict individuals involved in child pornography.
As explained by CCSO Detective Jason Bowen, the coordinator of the event, the dogs are specially trained by Matrix K-9, a company in Wallingford, Connecticut, owned and operated by former Connecticut State Police Trooper Kerry Halligan. After meeting with Detective Bowen and his black Lab sniffer dog, Cypher, it was determined that Battery Gadsden — with its many rooms, nooks, and crannies — could provide an appropriate challenge for Cypher and the other dogs.
The session involved seven officers from different agencies and five of their specially trained dogs. Some members of the Battery Gadsden Cultural Center board were invited to watch as Cypher and the others were put to the test. As board member Hal Coste remarked, “This was amazing! These incredible animals were able to sniff out the smallest electronic device no matter where it was hidden.” Detective Bowen added, “It was a great day of training at Battery Gadsden.” BGCC was pleased to be part of this crimefighting effort.
To learn more about the company that trains these dogs, visit matrixk9. com. To see more about Cypher and his work, visit http://bit.ly/4osFczh.
IOP Recreation Department Announces 2026 Free Speaker Series
By Staff
The City of Isle of Palms Recreation Department will launch its 2026 Free Speaker Series on Saturday, Jan. 10, offering residents and visitors a robust lineup of educational, health, nature and community programs throughout the year.
The series opens with Ladies Fishing and Coastal Skills, presented by Barrier Island Eco Tours at 10:30 a.m. The program is designed as a hands-on indoor and outdoor experience, teaching participants how to identify edible plants, select rods and reels, choose the right rigs, harvest shellfish, cast nets, tie nautical knots and learn about coastal wildlife.
The 2026 slate features a diverse mix of experts, including physicians, financial advisors, attorneys, artists and naturalists. Topics range from estate planning and cybersecurity to healthspan and longevity, South Carolina birds, sea turtles, arthritis, herpetology and the history of Charleston’s barrier islands. Several sessions will include lunch, provided at no cost.
The long-running speaker series will continue through May before taking a summer break. Events will resume in September, with a full list of fall speakers expected to be announced in August. All programs are free and open to the public.
“We’re excited to offer another year of educational and engaging topics that appeal to all ages,” the Recreation Department said. “This series is one of our most popular community traditions, and we encourage everyone to attend.”
Events take place at the Isle of Palms Recreation Center, 24 28th Ave. Updates and new announcements will be shared regularly on IOP.net and the city’s social media channels.
2026 Speaker Series Schedule
Saturday, Jan. 10, 10:30 a.m.
Ladies Fishing & Coastal Skills
• Barrier Island Eco Tours
Monday, Jan. 12, 5 p.m.
Prostate Cancer FAQ: Diagnosis, Prognosis, Treatments & Support
• Dr. Denny Kubinski, urologist and longevity specialist
Wednesday, Jan. 21, noon — Lunch provided Financial Health & Planning
• Dimi Matouchev, CFP, CPWA, AAMS, financial advisor
• Andrew S. “Drew” Ross Jr., financial advisor
Monday, Jan. 26, 5 p.m.
Charleston Barrier Islands
• Barrier Island Eco Tours
Monday, Feb. 2, 5 p.m.
Healthspan vs. Lifespan: Longevity & Aging
• Dr. Denny Kubinski
Tuesday, Feb. 10, 5:30 p.m.
Estate Planning & Living Trusts
• Jimmy Foti, Foti Law Firm
Wednesday, Feb. 25, 10:30 a.m.
SC Birds
• Charles Donnelly, Holy City Birding
Tuesday, March 3, 10:30 a.m.
Facts About Arthritis
• Dr. Carolyn Anderson
Thursday, March 12, 5 p.m.
Artificial Intelligence: The Good, the Bad, the Curiosity of It All
• Sherry Dwelle
Monday, March 23, 9:45 a.m.
Asian Longhorned Beetle Infestation
• Jacob Beach, Program Manager, Clemson University Department of Plant Industry
Wednesday, April 1, 11 a.m.
Herpetology
• Barrier Island Eco Tours
Thursday, April 9, noon — Lunch provided
Estate Planning & Probate
• Jenson Bonanno, attorney, Schwartz Legacy Planning
Thursday, April 9, 5 p.m.
Cybersecurity
• Sherry Dwelle
Monday, April 13, 9:45 a.m.
Osteoporosis & Bone Health
• Katy Connor, MS, MSPAS, PA-C
Wednesday, May 6, 11 a.m
Sea Turtles
• Barrier Island Eco Tours
Tuesday, Sept. 8, 6 p.m.
Guardianship
• Gina Melella, Outreach Manager, Schwartz Legacy Planning
Tuesday, Sept. 15, 11 a.m.
The Power of Positive Painting
• Robert Maniscalco, artist, producer and writer
Wednesday, Oct. 14, 5 p.m.
Estate Planning
• Casey Schwartz, attorney, Schwartz Legacy Planning
Dr. Jeffrey Johnson
Battery Gadsden Salutes the Marines’ 250th Birthday
By Mike Walsh
Nov. 10 is recognized each year as the birthday of the United States Marine Corps. This year, the milestone took on even more significance as the Corps celebrated 250 years of service. To mark the occasion, Battery Gadsden Cultural Center welcomed Marine Lt. Col. (Ret.) Ed Forte as its November speaker.
On Nov. 20, an enthusiastic audience at Sunrise Presbyterian Church heard Lt. Col. Forte deliver a presentation titled “In the Age of Wooden Ships and Iron Men: The Marines in the Revolution, 1775-1783.”
The talk covered the origin of the Corps, authorized by the Continental Congress in 1775, and the first recruitment drive at Tun Tavern in Philadelphia. Forte also discussed organization, uniforms, equipment, and the roles of Marines during the War for Independence. Dressed in an authentic Revolutionary Marine uniform, he explained that in addition to Continental Marines, there were also State Marines and even privateer Marines.
While the image of Marines aboard ships— maintaining order, firing from the masts, or boarding enemy vessels with cutlasses—is accurate, Forte highlighted lesser-known roles. Marines participated in amphibious landings, operations ashore, and conflicts on inland rivers
and lakes. They served with John Paul Jones and were with George Washington during the harsh winter encampment of 1779–1780 in Morristown, New Jersey. Nearly 5,000 American troops, including Marines, were captured when the British took Charleston in 1780.
One of the more captivating stories focused on the “Wild Irish Geese,” Irishmen who left behind religious oppression and limited opportunities in Britain to serve in European armies, primarily French. When France joined the American Revolution, a brigade of the “Geese” served as Marines on John Paul Jones’ ship Bonhomme Richard, including during its legendary battle with the British ship Serapis off Flamborough Head in September 1779, earning them a place in Marine Corps history.
Ed Forte was born and raised in New Jersey. After graduating from Fairleigh Dickinson University, he entered the Marine Corps. Following 23 years of service, he pursued a distinguished career as a history educator in Fulton County, Georgia, earning numerous accolades. He now continues his passion for history as a volunteer at Fort Sumter-Fort Moultrie National Historical Park and as a reenactor in the Second South Carolina Continental Line, Col. William Moultrie’s regiment.
Battery Gadsden was honored to feature Lt. Col. Forte as part of its ongoing speaker series.
BGCC board member and fellow Marine, Hal Coste, with Ed Forte
Sullivan’s Islander, Marine Gen. Mike Regner with speaker Ed Forte
AROUND THE ISLANDS
ONGOING
WHAT: Oyster Roast
WHERE: Islander 71 Fish House and Raw Bar, 80 41st Ave., Isle of Palms
WHEN: Every Saturday through March
MORE INFO: All you can eat oysters for $30. Available at noon until they’re gone.
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: 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.
WHAT: 36th Annual Holiday Festival of Lights
WHERE: James Island County Park
WHEN: Through Dec. 31
MORE INFO: The 36th annual Holiday Festival of Lights returns to James Island County Park beginning Nov. 14, bringing one of the Lowcountry’s most beloved holiday traditions back for the season. The festival will be open nightly from 5:30 to 10 p.m. through Dec. 31. The festival features more than 750 light displays along a three-mile driving route, plus attractions including the Festival Express train, a 50-ton sand sculpture, an old-fashioned carousel, a climbing wall, and marshmallow roasts. Visitors can also shop for gifts, enjoy snacks, and see live entertainment on select evenings.
WHAT: Miracle @ SWC
WHERE: Saltwater Cowboys, 130 Mill St., Mt. Pleasant WHEN: Through Dec. 31
MORE INFO: The waterfront favorite transforms into a winter wonderland as the Miracle Pop-Up Bar takes over Mount Pleasant. Expect twinkling lights, tinsel-trimmed décor, and festive cheer served by the sleigh-full.
WHAT: Aquarium Aglow
WHERE: South Carolina Aquarium, 100 Aquarium Wharf, Charleston
WHEN: Select evenings in December
MORE INFO: This November and December, the South Carolina Aquarium opens on select nights after dark for transformed by captivating colors and inspiring illuminations. The Aquarium Aglow holiday series features new immersive installations, photo ops, sweet treats and “Scuba Claus.”
WHAT: Sippin’ Santa Pop-Up Bar
WHERE: Prohibition, 547 King St., Charleston
WHEN: Various dates through Dec. 31
MORE INFO: Prohibition will once again transform into a winter wonderland with the return of its annual Sippin’ Santa Holiday Pop-Up, running from Friday, Nov. 28 through Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2025. Guests can enjoy new and returning tiki-inspired cocktails and mocktails served in Sippin’ Santa’s collectible holiday mugs and glassware, while Prohibition’s culinary team will offer special seasonal menus.
WHAT: Photos with Santa Claus
WHERE: Mount Pleasant Towne Centre
WHEN: Various dates through Dec. 24
MORE INFO: Families can capture holiday memo-
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.
ries with professional Santa photos at The North Pole (1744 Towne Centre Way). Plus, pets can have their picture made with Santa every Monday.
WHAT: “A Christmas Carol”
WHERE: Dock Street Theatre, 135 Church St., Charleston
WHEN: Various dates through Dec. 21
MORE INFO: Return to Victorian era London once more and join Ebenezer Scrooge on a magical journey through time in the heartwarming, original adaptation of the beloved Charles Dickens’ classic, “A Christmas Carol.” First produced by Charleston Stage in 1978, this production has secured its status as a staple holiday tradition in the Lowcountry.
WHAT: South Carolina Ballet: Nutcracker
WHERE: Sottile Theatre, 44 George St., Charleston
WHEN: Dec. 19 - Dec. 21 at Various Times
MORE INFO: Charleston’s holiday gem, The Nutcracker, returns with a dash of Lowcountry charm. Join the Sugarplum Fairy and young orphan Clara as she embarks on a whimsical journey brimming with dreams of brave soldiers, glittering snowflakes and a bustling town marketplace buzzing with quirky shopkeepers and treasures galore. This tale will warm your heart, reminding you that the love of family is the greatest gift of all. Tickets available at palmettocityballet.org.
FRIDAY, DEC. 12
WHAT: Holiday Movie Night
WHERE: Islander 71 Fish House and Raw Bar, 80 41st Ave., Isle of Palms
WHEN: 6 p.m. - 11 p.m.
MORE INFO: Family-friendly Holiday Movie Night. They’ll have free kids’ meals with a purchase of an adult entree, plus a hot cocoa bar.
SATURDAY, DEC. 13
WHAT: Holiday Market & Oyster Roast
WHERE: Islander 71 Fish House and Raw Bar, 80 41st Ave., Isle of Palms
WHEN: 12 p.m. - 4 p.m.
MORE INFO: Enjoy all you can eat oysters for $30, holiday cocktails, holiday vendors ,and live music with 40 Years Too Late at 1 p.m.
WHAT: Holiday Parade of Boats
WHERE: From the Cooper River, through the Charleston Harbor, and into the Ashley River WHEN: 6 p.m.
MORE INFO: This display of lighted and festive boats is a family-friendly event. View the procession along Charleston’s waterfront or decorate your own boat and join the parade (advance registration required).
SUNDAY, DEC. 14
WHAT: Breakfast with Santa WHERE: Indigo Rooftop at Wild Dunes Resort WHEN: 8:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
MORE INFO: Enjoy breakfast while Santa makes a special appearance. It’s the perfect opportunity to enjoy delicious food, meet Santa, and create lasting memories with your family. Adults are welcome to enjoy a mimosa bar during this reservation-style event. Each reservation is for one hour and half. Guests are welcome to stay and enjoy the rooftop views.
WHAT: Ugly Sweater Brunch
WHERE: Five Loaves Cafe, 1055 Johnnie Dodds Blvd., Suite 100, Mount Pleasant WHEN: 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
MORE INFO: Throw on your brightest, funniest, or most fabulously over-the-top holiday attire and enjoy
seasonal brunch specials and a hot cocoa station.
WHAT: “For Unto Us” Concert
WHERE: First United Methodist Church, 12 21st Ave., Isle of Palms
WHEN: 4 p.m.
MORE INFO: A Christmas concert including “Messiah” and other works celebrating the coming of the Christ Child will start at 4 p.m. Dec. 14. The event will feature members of the Charleston Symphony Orchestra, Charleston Symphony Choir and the Chancel Choir of First United Methodist Church.
THURSDAY, DEC. 18
WHAT: Pitt Street Stroll
WHERE: Old Village, Mount Pleasant
WHEN: 5 p.m.
MORE INFO: All businesses will be open late (until 7 p.m.). There will be pop ups from additional businesses as well.
SATURDAY, DEC. 20
WHAT: Vodkas & Latkes in the Barbara Pearlstine Social Hall
WHERE: Kahal Kadosh Beth Elohim, 90 Hasell St., Charleston WHEN: 7 p.m.
MORE INFO: Celebrating the 7th night of Hanukkah in support of KKBE and We Are Family’s work in the LGBTQIA+ community. KKBE provides a range of social justice advocacy and direct support for LGBTQIA+ congregants and the wider community. Patti O’Furniture returns this year to lead attendees in BINGO, dreidel, and awareness. General Admission tickets include one BINGO card, open bar, and crispy latkes with your choice of a selection of gourmet toppings including beef short rib, sautéed garlic shiitake mushrooms, salmon roe and cream cheese, sour cream, and applesauce. VIP tickets include all of the above as well as a dedicated section with dedicated staff and Champagne and Caviar. This event is for people 21 years old and up.
FRIDAY, DEC. 26
WHAT: NUTCRACKER! Magical Christmas Ballet
WHERE: North Charleston Performing Arts Center, 5001 Coliseum Dr., North Charleston WHEN: 1 p.m. and 5 p.m.
MORE INFO: A spectacular holiday experience featuring an international cast, whimsical puppetry and opulent costumes and sets, hand-crafted by the finest artisans of Europe. Go back to a simpler time and make memories your family will cherish forever. Tchaikovskys timeless score sets the stage for a Christmas your family will never forget.
WHAT: DJ MEDIC on the inside stage
WHERE: The Windjammer, 1008 Ocean Blvd., Isle of Palms WHEN: Doors at 9 p.m.
MORE INFO: 21-and-up event. $10 admission
WEDNESDAY, DEC. 31
WHAT: New Year’s Eve Rooftop Dinner
WHERE: Indigo Rooftop at Wild Dunes Resort WHEN: 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
MORE INFO: Ring in the New Year with a festive rooftop family dinner featuring a delicious Chinese menu, all under the stars.
WHAT: New Year’s Eve with Weird Science
WHERE: The Windjammer, 1008 Ocean Blvd., Isle of Palms WHEN: Doors at 9 p.m.
MORE INFO: Celebrate New Year’s Eve with this local 80’s cover band
How Isle of Palms Turned One House Into Santa’s Workshop
By LENS Foundation
By the time the sun slipped behind the marsh on Dec. 2, Ted and Anne Kinghorn’s Isle of Palms home had transformed into something between a holiday movie set and a cheerful firecode violation. Stacks of board games — Life, Sorry, Monopoly, Clue, Jumanji and more — rose like festive skyscrapers along the walls. Rolls of wrapping paper unfurled across tables and chairs.
Dozens of neighbors filtered in, armed with scissors, tape and the kind of seasonal spirit that can make even the most complicated gift-wrapping job feel like a communal triumph. The mission: wrap more than 100 board games for the families of Isle of Palms first responders, a project led by LENS Foundation board representative and holiday crusader Lexi Kinsaul.
“As a board representative, it is my special holiday mission to collect over 100 board games to bring smiles to our first responders and their families,” Kinsaul said, pausing beside a tower of Candy Land. “These gifts are a small token of our gratitude for their dedication all year long.”
But thanks to a stunning act of generosity from Yanni Law Firm — a donation of 140 brand-new board games — the LENS team found themselves delightfully ahead of schedule and heartwarmingly overwhelmed.
John “Yanni” Bohren of Yanni Law APC reflected on why he supports the mission so wholeheartedly: “It is with great honor that I can play a small part in this year’s mission. I appreciate the opportunity to give back to these fine heroes and to be invited into this amazing organization.”
“Thank you, Yanni, for your unbelievable
generosity and for bringing the fun,” Kinsaul added. “Your kindness is the perfect expression of holiday spirit.”
The gifts will be delivered during a special luncheon on Dec. 17 at 11:30 a.m. at the Isle of Palms Public Safety Building, where LENS volunteers will once again come together — this time with sandwiches instead of scissors — to celebrate the families who protect the island with courage and compassion.
But if the board games and wrapping paper are the most visible symbols of the season, they represent only a fraction of what the LENS Foundation quietly accomplishes year-round.
It’s easy to spot the popsicle deliveries on
Labor Day weekend, the back-to-school gift cards slipped discreetly to public safety families, the Thanksgiving loaves of bread from The Blue Root or the December board-game blitz. What you don’t see are the hardship awards that help with emergency medical bills. The educational scholarships — like the recent $4,000 award to a firefighter’s daughter beginning her academic journey. The equipment and training needs funded quietly and quickly when departments come up short.
“There’s a lot happening behind the scenes at all times,” said Director Ted Kinghorn, who has turned generosity into a well-honed art form. “While this is a season people are more cognizant of giving, we try to adopt this spirit year-round. Our police officers and firefighters need our support all year. Donations help us say yes when an officer asks for help with their child’s tuition or a chief is short on funds for equipment or vital training programs.”
And so, under the glow of string lights and the rustle of holiday wrap, Isle of Palms once again reminded itself what community looks like — neighbors helping neighbors, gratitude made tangible and joy wrapped with care.
As the island heads into the holidays, consider this your gentle nudge: if you’re looking for a gift that never goes out of style, supporting the LENS Foundation just might be the most meaningful item on your list.
May your season be merry, your board games competitive and your hearts as full as the LENS toy drive. Happy holidays, Isle of Palms — may generosity be your brightest tradition of all.
Learn more at LENSIOP.org.
Ali is a Sullivan’s Island resident with a sharp eye for smart coastal investments. She understands the market because she lives it—helping clients nd the right homes, whether for lifestyle, legacy, or long-term value. Check out the last quarter‘s market statistics below!
Isle of Moms: Holiday Magic on the Island
By Jen Prod and Lisa Ernst
Jen: The holiday spirit hit Isle of Palms in full force this week, and not just because Santa and Mrs. Claus were spotted riding around on a golf cart handing out cookies. There was something bigger happening — something that made the whole island feel connected and in the holiday spirit.
Lisa: It started with that golf cart ride, which felt like the most Isle of Palms Christmas moment ever. Santa climbed aboard at the Rec Center, waved like a pro, and suddenly families were spilling out of houses. Kids were running barefoot down driveways, parents were snapping pictures and dogs were pulling every human they could toward the cookies.
Jen: And while Santa remembered the cookies, he completely forgot the naughty list.
Lisa: Which meant, of course, that everyone on Isle of Palms was officially nice for the day. No one was checked twice and everyone got a cookie.
Jen: Later that week, the island gathered again, this time indoors at the LENS community giftwrapping night. More than 30 neighbors came together with rolls of paper, stacks of board games ready to be wrapped and an eagerness to help.
Lisa: And these gifts mattered. Every board game wrapped was for the first responders and their families who serve and work on Isle of Palms. The goal was simple but meaningful: to give these families something fun, shared and joyful during the holidays.
Jen: What struck us is how seamlessly both moments connected — Santa bringing magic to the streets and neighbors wrapping gifts for the people who protect those streets. The two events featured very different scenes, but they held the same heartbeat.
Lisa: This island shows up — for joy, for service, for each other.
Jen: And while we still cannot promise Santa will forget the naughty list next year …
Lisa: We can promise that this island will have a holiday filled with generosity, heart and community.
Where Local Expertise Meets
Lisa & Mark Mitchell, REALTORS® Lisa: (843) 864-4601 lmitchell@dunesproperties.com Mark: (843) 847-7980 mmitchell@dunesproperties.com
Prod and Ernst. Picture Credit: Isle of Moms Santa with some local children. Picture Credit: Isle of Moms
