Keeping Pace
SULLIVAN’S MAPS OUT MAJOR STORMWATER UPGRADES
BY JOSHUA UYS
Sullivan’s Island’s stormwater drainage system, installed decades ago by the South Carolina Department of Transportation, is now struggling to keep pace with modern environmental challenges. Much of the infrastructure is clogged, deteriorating or simply not designed to handle the increasing volume of rainfall and high tides the island has experienced in recent years—issues expected to worsen with climate change and vertical land subsidence.
To address these concerns, the civil engineering firm SeamonWhiteside (SW+) was tasked with developing an island-wide stormwater master plan and infrastructure improvement strategy.
(continued on page 3)
The Unsung Hero
REVISITING THE REVOLUTIONARY BATTLE THAT CHANGED HISTORY
BY LAURA STRECKER
WBY JOSHUA UYS
On Tuesday, Jan. 28, the Isle of Palms City Council approved a $50,000 allocation to install 100 new sandbags along a vulnerable stretch of beach near Seagrove Lane and Beachwood East. The decision addresses a gap in the shoal that has allowed waves to encroach on the dry sand beach in front of five to six properties.
where crews will dredge 50,000 to 60,000 cubic yards of sand from the Breach Inlet channel. That sand will be placed between 2nd and 9th avenues. Dredging is expected to take about two weeks, with crews working at a pace of 6,000 to 8,000 cubic yards per day.
(continued on page 4)
hen Norm Rickeman and his wife, Kathy, moved to Sullivan’s Island in 2021, they thought they were settling into a charming coastal community. What they didn’t realize was that their new home sat on what Rickeman now calls “hallowed ground.” A retired business consultant and self-proclaimed history buff, Rickeman discovered a piece of Revolutionary War history that remains largely overlooked: the Battle of Sullivan’s Island.
Steven Traynum, a coastal expert with Coastal Science and Engineering, reported generally favorable beach and weather conditions for the Isle of Palms so far this year.
“The beach right now is in as good of a condition as we’ve seen it anytime within the past year,” Traynum said. “We’re in a really good window right now as far as tides go; we see that reflected in the condition of the beach.”
He noted that no tides exceeding six feet are forecast until late March, with the next king tide event expected in April.
Traynum also outlined an estimated timeline for ongoing and upcoming beach preservation projects. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) anticipates completing its beneficial use project on Sullivan’s Island by the end of February. Once finished, equipment will be moved to the Isle of Palms,
Following the inlet dredge, a largerscale project will begin, adding 500,000 cubic yards of sand as part of the USACE’s beneficial use program, similar to the work wrapping up on Sullivan’s Island.
As construction extends into sea turtle nesting season, USACE will implement additional protections for endangered species. Daily beach patrols will monitor and identify nests to ensure minimal disruption while work continues.
The USACE project is designed to limit disruptions, with only about 100 feet of beach closed at any given time. Beachgoers will still be able to access the shoreline by walking behind the construction zone. However, a separate city-led effort to truck sand from the harvest zone may cause more significant disruptions. Traynum expressed optimism that this supplemental project could be completed before Memorial Day weekend, minimizing the impact on the start of the summer tourism season.
Norm Rickeman.
Letter from the Mayor of Sullivan’s Island...
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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: Feb. 12 for our Feb. 24 issue
Dear Island Neighbors,
We survived the Great Blizzard of ’25! Hopefully, you and your family made it through without incident, and the kids (and grown-ups) had some fun— without becoming part of any “Hey Y’all, Watch This!” videos of us Southerners getting creative with snow and ice.
We’ve got a variety of items to cover, so let’s get started—first with a very serious one. Recent Harassment Incident
You’ve likely seen news stories about the disturbing encounter that occurred on the island last week, in which someone (not a resident) confronted some landscaping workers and, according to the viral video of the incident, appeared to impede their movement and harass them, verbally and otherwise, about their status in the U.S.
While this is not the sort of incident any community wants to be associated with, the news stories did carry the Sullivan’s Island byline. Our police department handled the situation as swiftly and expertly as anyone could hope for. Under the leadership of Chief Glenn Meadows and Deputy Chief Monty Anders, our great officers, along with law enforcement professionals from other agencies, were able to identify, charge, and arrest the suspect in less than two days after it was reported. The case is now in the hands of the justice system, where it belongs.
Though the incident brought unwanted attention to the island, please assure any family, friends, or associates who contact you about it that our law enforcement professionals handled it promptly and professionally. The behavior shown in the video is not something we tolerate, much less support.
Thank You, Larry Dodds!
At our December Council meeting, we had the bittersweet task of recognizing the retirement of our longtime (44 years!) town attorney, Larry Dodds. Please watch the beginning of the meeting, where we read the resolution honoring and thanking Larry. He made some warm and personal comments about his dedication to the town. You can stream the meeting at [link], and the adoption and reading of the resolution, along with Larry’s gracious comments, begin just after the 1:00 mark. Please take a few minutes to watch and see the great dedication and service Larry has shown to his hometown.
Welcome, Attorney John Linton!
While we cannot replace Larry’s experience and historical knowledge of the island, we are extremely fortunate that attorney John Linton will assume the role of town attorney. John has represented the town in a number of significant matters over the last several years, and as an East Cooper resident, he is part of our community, with family on the island. John has an impressive reputation in the local legal community, and
Furman University
Dean’s List Fall 2024
The following Furman University students who live in your area were included on the dean's list for the 2024 fall semester.
Furman's dean's list is composed of full-time undergraduate students who earn a grade point average of 3.4 or higher on a fourpoint system.
Furman is a private, undergraduate liberal arts and sciences university of 2,500 students in Greenville, South Carolina. The university is noted for its rigorous academic program and strong faculty. Its 940-acre campus is widely recognized as one of the most beautiful in the nation.
we are fortunate to have him work more closely with us going forward.
Draft of Historic Design Guidelines
Some time ago, we obtained grant support from the National Park Service’s Historic Preservation Fund, administered by the South Carolina Department of Archives and History, to draft and compile guidelines for the repair, renovation, and modification of the many protected historic structures on the island. This is just a first step in codifying such guidelines, but it is an important one.
A crucial component of this early stage is disseminating our consultants’ recommendations and gathering input from residents. A great opportunity to provide your feedback is at an open house before the Town Council meeting on Tuesday, February 18. It will begin at 5:00 p.m. at Town Hall and will allow you to review the draft guidelines and interact with the consultants and staff.
The draft guidelines are available at bit.ly/SIHDGDraft.
Coyote Activity
Police Chief Meadows reminds us that coyote breeding season is in February and March. You may see increased coyote activity. For more information, visit bit.ly/ SCDNRCoyote.
We want to track coyote sightings and interactions. Please report non-threatening observations to the Charleston County Consolidated Dispatch Center at our police nonemergency number: 843-7437200 (think of the school plus 200—SIES 200).
Of course, if you observe active aggression by a coyote, call 911.
See you around the island!
Pat O’Neil
Mayor 843-670-9266
oneilp@sullivansislandsc.gov
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.
At the heart of the university's academic experience is The Furman Advantage, a personalized, four-year pathway that combines engaged learning with immersive experiences outside the classroom. The Furman Advantage prepares students for lives of purpose, successful careers and community benefit. Learn more at furman.edu/furmanadvantage.
Johns Island, South Carolina
Beck Dean. Parents/guardians: Michelle and Derek Dean Isabella DeCosty. Parents/guardians: Fiore DeCosty and Angela Rumph Catherine Hester. Parents/guardians: Jerry and Julia Hester Meagan White. Parents/guardians: Robin and David White.
Stormwater Upgrades
Aaron Aiken of SW+ presented the firm’s findings to Town Council on Tuesday, Jan. 28.
The report revealed that much of the island’s drainage infrastructure is significantly undersized, with large portions rendered ineffective due to clogging. As part of their research, the firm gathered photos and feedback from residents, which they say provided invaluable data for validating their findings and could bolster future federal and state grant applications.
Currently, Sullivan’s Island has approximately 55,000 linear feet of stormwater pipes. If SW+’s recommendations are fully implemented, that figure will nearly double to 92,000 feet. The proposed improvements are designed to extend the functionality of the island’s stormwater system through 2074, ensuring effective flood mitigation for the next 50 years. SW+ estimates an annual maintenance cost of $4 million in today’s dollars.
The plan recommends 18 projects, categorized into two groups: high-priority improvements that require immediate action and future extensions to expand the system’s surface area over time.
“It’s no surprise to me as an engineer that Osceola Avenue ranks high on this priority list,” Aiken said. “Much of that is due to tidal intrusion, which comes over the roadway—and as time goes on, it’s only going to get worse.”
To address this, SW+ recommends raising Osceola Avenue by 18 inches at its lowest point and installing a new stormwater collection system that will channel water to a pump station at Station 10. The estimated cost for this segment is $9.8 million.
Other high-priority areas include Station 22 ½ and Station 26 ½, both of which require upgrades to larger pipes and the installation of a tidal backflow preventer, estimated at $1.8 million and $7 million, respectively.
n Saturday, March 1, the City of Isle of Palms invites people of all ages to attend Front Beach Fest, a day of dancing, eating, and more on Ocean Boulevard. The free event runs from noon to 4 p.m.
Attendees can enjoy live music from Vinyl Daze and the Shem Creek Boogie Band, handmade arts and crafts from more than 40 local vendors, food from island restaurants, and multiple areas dedicated to kids’ entertainment. For more information, visit iop.net.
Unsung Hero
Now, just in time for the 250th anniversary of this pivotal battle, Rickeman has captured its story in his newly published book, Unsung: William Moultrie and the Battle of Sullivan’s Island. The book, which he describes as an “interpretive guide,” shines a spotlight on a critical moment in the Revolution that could have changed the course of American history. Rickeman will share his findings and passion for this history at a special event on Feb. 20, 2025, at the Sullivan’s Island Club.
A Battle That Defied the Odds
The Battle of Sullivan’s Island in 1776 might sound like a long shot—and it was. Just days before the signing of the Declaration of Independence, 435 untested militia found themselves inside a makeshift fort made of palmetto logs and sand, facing off against the British Navy, the most formidable naval force in the world at the time. Some 2,500 redcoats had been offloaded at Long Island (now Isle of Palms) and were poised for attack. On paper, it should have been a disaster. But somehow, against all odds, they pulled off a stunning victory.
Not only did this win keep Charleston safe in 1776, but it also gave the Patriots a much-needed morale boost, proving that standing up to the British wasn’t just possible—it could work. The triumph delayed British control of the South for four crucial years, buying the colonies time to rally and organize. That scrappy little palmetto fort? It became a symbol of resilience, inspiring South Carolina’s state flag and securing its place in history as one of the Revolution’s most surprising and important battles.
“The British thought this would be a mosquito swat,” Rickeman said. “They landed 2,500 redcoats for a land invasion at Breach Inlet, expecting to march right onto the island. But the tides were seven feet deep instead of the expected 1.5 feet. Three of the nine warships in Charleston Harbor got stuck on sandbars, and Commodore Peter Parker famously had his pants blown off by a cannonball.”
According to Rickeman, the geography of Sullivan’s Island played a crucial role in the victory. The British ships never got closer than 300 yards to Fort Sullivan (later renamed Fort Moultrie) due to treacherous sandbanks. The fort’s palmetto-log walls absorbed the impact of cannon fire, while the Patriots’ cannons inflicted devastating damage on the British fleet.
“It was one of the greatest underdog victories in American warfare,” Rickeman explained. “But its significance is often lost because Charleston fell to the British four years later. What people don’t realize is that if Sullivan’s Island had fallen in 1776, Charleston—and possibly the entire Revolution—might have been lost.”
William Moultrie: The Humble Hero
At the heart of this victory was William Moultrie, the commander of the fort. Despite his critical role in defending Charleston, Moultrie’s contributions have largely been overshadowed in the annals of American history. Rickeman believes this oversight stems from a combination of factors, including Moultrie’s humility and the lingering biases of Civil War-era narratives.
from page 1 (continued on page 5)
“Moultrie wasn’t braggadocious,” Rickeman said. “His memoirs barely mention his promotion to
Unsung Hero
general. But his leadership prevented the British from taking Charleston in 1776, a strategic win that arguably helped save the Revolution. I believe the British would have had a much easier time controlling and winning the Carolinas in 1776 than they experienced in 1780.”
Rickeman laments that Moultrie’s legacy has been overshadowed by events in the North. “If this battle had happened in Boston Harbor, every schoolchild would know about it,” he said. “Moultrie deserves to be considered a national hero and patriot.”
The Making of Unsung Rickeman’s journey to writing Unsung began with a volunteer opportunity at Fort Moultrie. As he immersed himself in the fort’s history, he became fascinated by the details of the battle and the individuals involved. “I’d never even heard of the battle at Fort Moultrie before,” he admitted. “But the more I learned, the more I realized how significant this event was.”
Inspired by the upcoming 250th anniversary, Rickeman decided to take matters into his own hands. “I wanted to republish an earlier book on the battle, but the author wasn’t interested,” he explained. “So, I thought, ‘Well, someone should write a book about this.’ And a park visitor said, ‘Why not you?’”
Rickeman spent months researching, drawing on sources like Victory on Sullivan’s Island by David Lee Russell and unpublished writings by National Parks historian Edwin Bearss. “My driving force was to get the book out before the anniversary and have it available at Fort Moultrie,” he said. “All proceeds from book events and signings go to the nonprofit
Friends of Charleston National Parks, as do royalties from online sales.”
Living History
As a volunteer at Fort Moultrie, Rickeman has a front-row seat to history every day. He delights in sharing unscripted stories with visitors and helping them connect with the past. But he’s also keenly aware of the challenges of preserving this history.
“There isn’t much physically remaining from the battle,” he said. “My one wish? That every house on Sullivan’s Island would have this book and know this story. We live on ground that played a major role in American history.”
An Invitation to Remember Rickeman’s Feb. 20 event at Sullivan’s Island Club promises to be a captivating evening for history buffs and curious locals alike. He will delve into the untold stories of the battle, the ingenuity of the Patriots, and the enduring legacy of William Moultrie. The event will also feature updates from NPS
Acting Superintendent Dawn Davis and a book signing. You can purchase tickets at FRIENDSCNP.ORG.
“This was a major event in American history that people don’t know about,” Rickeman said. “We started winning the war on June 28, 1776.”
Rickeman hopes his book and speaking engagements will inspire a renewed appreciation for Sullivan’s Island’s role in the Revolution. “Come to Fort Moultrie and at least know the story,” he urged. “We live on an incredibly significant part of American history.”
Later this spring, Rickeman will speak at Battery Gadsden in April and the Charleston Library Society in June. With the 250th anniversary approaching on June 28, 2026, he plans to host monthly gatherings at the Sullivan’s Island Club next year as a lead-up to the historic date.
Whether you’re a history enthusiast or simply curious about the island you call home, Unsung offers a fresh perspective on Sullivan’s Island’s Revolutionary past—and a reminder of the heroes who stood here before us.
Light and Hope A JOURNEY THROUGH WISHES AT THE 2025 WISH NIGHT GALA
BY LAUREN NELSON
Make-A-Wish South Carolina recently announced its 2025 Wish Night Gala will take place on March 1, 2025, at the Wild Dunes Resort on the Isle of Palms. The evening will celebrate the hope, strength, and resilience inspired by wishes and the remarkable journeys they create for children with critical illnesses.
With the theme “A Journey Through Wishes,” the gala will take guests on an emotional and inspiring experience, showcasing the profound impact of wishes.
Event Highlights:
• Inspirational Stories: Hear directly from wish families as they share how wishes have transformed their lives.
• Wish Moments in Progress: Celebrate the courage of children currently on their wish journey.
• A Special Live Wish Reveal: Witness the heartwarming moment when a child learns their wish is being granted—live at the event.
• Engaging Hosts: Co-emcees Lila, a wish alumna, and Brooke Ryan, beloved radio personality from the Charleston Radio Group’s Two Girls & a Guy morning show, will guide the evening.
• Dynamic Co-Auctioneers: Join Erin Kienzle, host of Lowcountry Live! and founder of Giving Good Events, alongside wish alum Stephen, as they lead the exciting live auction.
• Live and Silent Auctions: Bid on exclusive experiences and items while supporting life-changing wishes.
• Special Guests: Meet inspiring wish kids, including Journey (“I wish to be a mermaid”), Kamden (“I wish to be the best soccer player ever”), and Adaleigh (“I wish to be a ballerina”).
“This year’s gala is not just a celebration—it’s a chance to be part of the life-changing journey that every wish represents,” said Misty Farmer, president & CEO of Make-A-Wish South Carolina. “From dreams to milestones, every step of a wish brings light and hope to children, their families, and our community.”
Tickets for the Wish Night Gala are now available. Proceeds from the evening will help grant wishes for local children battling critical illnesses in South Carolina.
To purchase tickets or learn more, visit wishnightsc.com.
Wild Dunes Resort to Host Spring Hiring Event
BY KATRINA ARCHULETA
Wild Dunes Resort will host its annual spring hiring event on Saturday, Feb. 8, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Sweetgrass Pavilion.
Opportunities are available across multiple departments, including culinary, guest services, and retail, for both seasoned professionals and those beginning their careers.
Employees receive several benefits, including free room
nights, discounted stays for friends and family, a 401(k) with company match, health insurance, paid time off, and more. Interested candidates can learn more and apply at tinyurl. com/bde2n8rc.
While advanced registration is recommended, walk-ins are welcome, and virtual interview opportunities are available. For more details, including a complete list of open positions and benefits, visit careers.hyatt.com.
Networking Freedom
FORT MOULTRIE TO HOST EVENT TO CELEBRATE INCLUSION IN UNDERGROUND RAILROAD NETWORK TO FREEDOM
BY BRETT SPAULDING
The National Park Service recently announced that park staff will host “A Strike for Freedom: The Underground Railroad at Fort Sumter and Fort Moultrie” on Saturday, Feb. 15, 2025, at 10 a.m. in the Fort Moultrie Visitor Center theater. The event will celebrate the recent inclusion of Fort Sumter and Fort Moultrie in the Underground Railroad Network to Freedom program, a National Park Service initiative dedicated to sharing stories of those who sought freedom from enslavement.
the park sites for inclusion. Immediately following the talks, a plaque presentation will take place. At 1 p.m., a park ranger will lead a walking tour of the Fort Moultrie grounds, highlighting the harbor paths that enslaved individuals traveled in pursuit of freedom.
A $10 entrance fee is required for adults 16 and older to enter the park. Military veterans and visitors with an America the Beautiful pass receive free entry.
Visitors will have the opportunity to learn about the Network to Freedom program and hear about the escapes from slavery that qualified
Portions of the event may be recorded and featured in educational materials for the Underground Railroad Network to Freedom program.
For more information, call 843883-3123 or visit www.nps.gov/ fosu.
Furry Fun
TOWNE CENTRE & CAS TO HOST PUP BOWL VIII ON FEB. 8
BY SARAH LOUISE RHODES
Mount Pleasant Towne Centre and the Charleston Animal Society are teaming up again to host Pup Bowl VIII, the cutest football game around, on Saturday, Feb. 8, from noon to 3 p.m. This annual puppy adoption event and family fun day will feature live music, kids’ activities, local food trucks, beverage vendors, and more at Towne Centre’s The Oaks, located across from Barnes & Noble.
Tickets are $10 per person, with free entry for children under 12. All ticket fees will be donated to the Charleston Animal Society. The event will begin with a performance of the national anthem by a student from Bach
to Rock, accompanied by the Lucy Beckham High School Pep Band. At halftime, Sons a Pitches will perform a seasoned blend of blues, country, R&B, and Americana.
Food options include snacks from Zimos Gyros, Taternator, Delights Desserts & Coffee, Crazy Chris’s Concessions, Nothing Bundt Cakes, and Holy City Popcorn. Guests can also enjoy beer and wine from Burtons Grill & Bar.
Adopters will be entered into a drawing to win a $500 gift certificate to Park West Veterinary Associates, which can be used toward their new pet’s first wellness visit, recommended testing and deworming, vaccinations, and more.
PHOTO PROVIDED
Lighthouse Program Draws Large Audience
BY MIKE WALSH
The evening of Thursday, Jan. 16, saw the Sunrise Presbyterian Church sanctuary nearly filled as Battery Gadsden Cultural Center presented its first program of the year. The speaker, National Park Service Ranger Shelby McAllister, detailed the history of Charleston’s various navigational lights that have guided ships into the harbor for centuries. While McAllister covered earlier lighthouses— including the Morris Island Lighthouse—and various range lights and other navigational aids, it was clear the crowd was there to hear about Sullivan’s Island’s own iconic structure, officially known as the Charleston Light.
McAllister, a native of Iowa and "virtually a child of the cornfield," as she describes herself, graduated from Simpson College with a degree in education and a minor in history. She soon discovered that classroom teaching was not for her. Thanks to an internship at Harpers Ferry National Historical Park, she found her true calling with the National Park Service. After working at Shiloh National Military Park and Lincoln’s Home in Springfield, Illinois, she has spent nearly three years at Fort Sumter–Fort Moultrie National Historical Park. Over time, she has fallen in love with the Charleston area’s rich history, particularly its
maritime heritage, including the lighthouses that have stood above the water and the German U-boats that once prowled beneath it.
McAllister’s account of the Sullivan’s Island Lighthouse fascinated the audience for many reasons. Completed in 1962, it was the last lighthouse built by the federal government and was intended to replace the Morris Island Light, which—due to erosion caused by the Charleston jetties—ended up thousands of feet out in the Atlantic. The structure’s designer, Jack Graham, was an architect on active duty with the Coast Guard when he was asked to submit a design for consideration. Graham had left the Coast Guard before a final decision was made and was unaware his design had been chosen until he read about the new Sullivan’s Island Lighthouse
in a boating magazine. Years later, Graham returned to Sullivan’s Island before his death in 2022 to be honored as the designer of what has become the island’s most iconic landmark.
But why a triangular shape?
As McAllister explained, Graham studied under renowned architect Louis Kahn at the University of Pennsylvania. Kahn was a strong proponent of the triangle as a design element, and Graham incorporated this concept into the lighthouse. He also believed the aerodynamic shape would help the structure withstand strong winds—a theory that was proven correct when Hurricane Hugo caused only minor damage to the tower.
Island natives in the audience recalled that when the lighthouse was first illuminated in 1962, it was the second brightest light in
the Western Hemisphere, with 28 million candlepower, turning many island bedrooms from night into day. After repeated complaints, the light was reduced to 1.2 million candlepower and has continued to be dimmed by the Coast Guard as modern navigation technology has made lighthouses less essential.
Longtime residents also remembered that the lighthouse was originally painted red and white. However, after the red faded to an unsightly pink, the color scheme was changed to its current black and white. Other unique features of the lighthouse include its aluminum skin—the only one of its kind—air conditioning, and an elevator. The Sullivan’s Island Lighthouse was transferred to the National Park Service in 2007 and is now part of Fort Sumter–Fort Moultrie National Historical Park.
The most common question among those who attended the presentation? When will the lighthouse reopen to visitors, as it once did in the past? According to McAllister, significant deterioration must be addressed before the structure is safe for public access. While the park hopes to secure funding for the necessary repairs, the cost is substantial. Unfortunately, visitors shouldn’t expect to take in the panoramic view from the top of the 140-foot tower anytime soon.
AROUND THE ISLANDS
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.
ONGOING
WHAT: BEEPLE
WHERE: Gibbes Museum of Art, 135 Meeting St, Charleston WHEN: Daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
MORE INFO: The Gibbes Museum will feature Beeple’s latest kinetic sculptures. A trailblazer in digital art, he gained worldwide recognition. His work has been showcased in several prestigious museums.
WHAT: Oyster Roast
WHERE: Islander 71 Fish House and Raw Bar, 80 41st Ave. WHEN: 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. (or until supplies last)
MORE INFO: $30 all you can eat oyster roasts every Saturday.
WHAT: A Raw Bar Birthday
WHERE: Fleeting Landing, Charleston WHEN: Througgh Feb. 13
MORE INFO: Fleet Landing celebrates the 1-year anniversary of its raw bar with specialty oyster flights boasting creative flavors like Caprese, Not Quite Nigiri, Coastal Martini, and Mt. Aloha. Guests can pair the flight with a glass of Camille Braun for $30.
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 7
WHAT: Author Luncheon with Signe Pike/Victoria Benton Frank WHERE: Halls Signature Events, Charleston WHEN: 12 p.m.
MORE INFO: Join Blue Bicycle Books for an author luncheon with Signe Pike, best-selling author of “The Lost Queen” series. Pike will be discussing the latest in the series, “The Shadowed Land,” in conversation with Victoria Benton Frank. Tickets are $42.
WHAT: Oyster Hour
WHERE: Islander 71 Fish House and Raw Bar, 80 41st Ave. WHEN: 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
MORE INFO: Enjoy $2 raw oysters and champagne specials.
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 8
WHAT: 10th Annual Building Healthy Communities 5KRun/ Walk & Wellness Expo
WHERE: Hampton Park, 30 Mary Murray Dr., Charleston WHEN: 8 a.m.
MORE INFO: The 10th Annual Building Healthy Communities 5KRun/Walk & Wellness Expo also includes an after-party, award ceremony, and raffle. All proceeds for the event will benefit the MUSC Children’s Health Wellness Works Program.
WHAT: Save the Light Half Marathon and 5K WHERE: Folly Beach WHEN: 8 a.m.
MORE INFO: This race supports the preservation of the Morris
Tide Chart
4:17am/4:40pm 5:18am/5:39pm 6:12am/6:31pm 7:00am/7:18pm 7:42am/8:02pm 8:20am/8:42pm 8:56am/9:20pm 9:30am/9:57pm 10:04am/10:33pm 10:39am/11:11pm 11:16am/11:53pm 11:59am 12:41am/12:49pm 1:38am/1:46pm 10:35am/10:36pm 11:32am/11:32pm 12:22pm 12:24am/1:07pm 1:12am/1:49pm 1:56am/2:27pm 2:37am/3:02pm 3:17am/3:35pm 3:57am/4:06pm 4:36am/4:38pm 5:18am/5:13pm 6:05am/5:54pm 6:58am/6:44pm 7:58am/7:44pm
Hurricanes, storms, etc., are NOT included in tide time predictions and can be very different. Tide predictions are PREDICTIONS; they can be wrong so use common sense.
Source: saltwatertides.com
Island Lighthouse by Save the Light, a grassroots non-profit organization formed in 2000 to save the lighthouse from being lost to the sea. Both the half marathon and 5K races are USATF-certified and start and finish near the Folly Beach Pier.
WHAT: Hiring Event
WHERE: Wild Dunes WHEN: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
MORE INFO: Wild Dunes Resort will host its annual springtime hiring event at the Sweetgrass Pavilion. For more details and to explore the complete list of available positions and benefits, visit careers.hyatt.com.
WHAT: Oysters on the Point: Dave Landeo
WHERE: Charleston Harbor Resort & Marina, Mt. Pleasant WHEN: 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.
MORE INFO: This winter series features locally steamed oysters, live music, Holiday Market, Bloody Mary Bar, and plenty of beer choices. Tickets available online at CityPaperTickets.com or at the door.
WHAT: The Piedmont Boys
WHERE: The Windjammer WHEN: 9 p.m.
MORE INFO: South Carolina’s The Piedmont Boys were started over a decade ago by frontman Greg Payne. They’ve played thousands of shows, logged thousands of miles, released four albums, toured half the continental U.S., shared stages with everyone from Eric Church to Charlie Robinson.
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 9
WHAT: 2nd Sunday on King Street
WHERE: King Street, Charleston WHEN: 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.
MORE INFO: King Street will be shut down to through traffic from Queen to Calhoun, roughly 1/2 mile. Strolling guests can enjoy music, shopping, dining, and more.
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 10
WHAT: Locals Night WHERE: Islander 71 Fish House and Raw Bar WHEN: 5 p.m. - 11 p.m.
MORE INFO: 50% off entrees (must be part of Islander 71 Locals Club Loyalty Program).
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 12
WHAT: Bourbon & Bounty
WHERE: Garden and Gun Headquarters, Charleston WHEN: 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.
MORE INFO: An intimate supper inspired by the land, sea, and sky, prepared by celebrated Southern chefs Daniel Heinze of Vern’s and David Bancroft, of Acre and Bow & Arrow, accompanied by Blade and Bow Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey cocktails, live music, and wine pairings.
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 14
WHAT: Southeastern Wildlife Exposition (SEWE) WHERE: Various WHEN: Feb. 14-16
MORE INFO: SEWE will celebrate its 43rd showcase, at multiple venues throughout downtown Charleston. For more information on the event, visit sewe.com.
WHAT: Old Soul w/ Jared Pettey & The Headliners WHERE: The Windjammer WHEN: 10 p.m.
MORE INFO: OldSoul is a Rock and Roll project featuring members Tristan Lamunion (vocals/guitar), Toni Josafat (vocals), Ryan Frankett (vocals/bass), and Joshua Jarman (drums).
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 15
WHAT: A Strike for Freedom WHERE: Fort Moultrie WHEN: 11 a.m.
MORE INFO: Attendees can learn about the freedom seekers and escapes from slavery that qualified the park sites for admission to the Underground Railroad Network to Freedom program. Immediately following the program there will be a plaque presentation. For more information visit nps.gov/FOSU.
WHAT: Jayson Arendt WHERE: The Windjammer WHEN: 10 p.m.
MORE INFO: Jayson Arendt soulful voice, heartfelt lyrics, and genuine connection have earned him a growing fanbase and recognition in the country music scene.
ONE LUCKY DOG
GUINNESS
Interpreted by: Katherine Berry
OWNER NAME: Kayla Ledue
AKA: Guinee Pig or Benjamin AGE: 10 years
BREED: Scottish Terrier Poodle Mix…aka a ‘Scoodle’ FAVORITE TOY: Meh…not my thing but give me a blanket and I’m hooked
FOOD: Dry/Wet Combo
Helloooo Everyone! It’s me, Guinness, the one and only pampered ‘Scoodle’ living in the best place on earth with my favorite human on the planet; however, ‘Nona’ is a close second. She gets a good wiggle when I hear we’re going to see ‘grandma,’ but Mom is my steak and forever Valentine.
We met while she was still in college, as she was caring for another sibling, but unfortunately, he didn’t survive, so I stepped up to the job and have never looked back. I quickly became the favorite roommate and picked up the nickname Guinee Pig AND acquired a middle name, Benjamin… lots of names to choose from, but I’m never too far away from Mom’s toes so she doesn’t need to yell too much…unless… ’SQUIRREL’. Wait, I’m back. Having windows on 3 sides of my home allows me to chase squirrels around the block from the comfort of the couch, where I position myself proudly on the highest perch. The distance I can cover from the back of the couch is a short man’s dream.
My ideal treat would be a charcuterie board; don’t bother with the grain, I’m not interested, and toys, well, there’s just something on the floor to clean up. My motto is to roll low and slow. It’s the best way to be, and I offer this way of life to anyone. Mom needs reminding sometimes too. I can sense her heart rate escalate while she’s working—I’m usually asleep under her desk—if I feel she’s getting frustrated and stressed
OR hasn’t given me the proper dosage of love, I will promptly hop to her lap, nudge her phone to fly across the room in order to take a ‘time-out,’ and give me cuddles to focus on the things in life that matter most: being loved by ME—a top priority. In my wise years, I have figured out there are very few things in life a good cuddle session can’t resolve. Fact.
Some of my favorite activities include walks to the Rec Center, where the smells are non-stop. There are so many smells from humans and canines that come and go all day. Boy oh boy, I get so excited with the smell smorgasbord. Luckily, it’s close by; otherwise, my short little legs may not make it. I also need to make sure no animals are living behind the television; they are scary since I can never find them to give them a sniff. One day, we were watching ‘Lion King,’ and I looked behind the television over and over again, but they were nowhere to be found. WHAT THE…. Then, it was gone, and the TV was dark. So confusing.
Life as a lucky dog is picture perfect. Who knew a little guinea pig like me could end up living the life that I do, and I owe it all to my human, who has the biggest heart. She took care of me and my late brother our whole lives, and I never needed much. In my 10+ years, she has helped me mature, not age. My lifeline is strong, and as her lucky dog, my only goal in life is to help Mom live life fully, squeezing every moment we share with smiles on our faces and enough cuddles to last 7 lifetimes. Happy Valentine’s, Mom.
