Fork Cancer Event Set for Feb. 1 at Islander 71
By Christian Senger
Fork Cancer, an American Cancer Society fundraising event, will take place Sunday, Feb. 1, from 1 to 4 p.m. at Islander 71 on Isle of Palms.
The all-you-can-eat-and-drink event will benefit the Richard M. Schulze Family Foundation Hope Lodge in Charleston, a free home away from home for cancer patients undergoing treatment.
Guests can sample gourmet hors d’oeuvres from 10 of Charleston’s top restaurants, along with craft beers, specialty cocktails and creative oyster shooters. The afternoon will also include live music, a live auction and additional entertainment.
Tickets are on sale now at forkcancercharleston.org/tickets-donations.
Fork Cancer, presented by MUSC Hollings Cancer Center, provides critical support for Hope Lodge, which offers free lodging and a supportive community for cancer patients and their caregivers. Located on Calhoun Street, the Charleston Hope Lodge helps ensure patients can focus on treatment without the added burden of housing costs.
Charleston’s Hope Lodge was the first Hope Lodge built by the American Cancer Society and was founded 56 years ago.
City of Isle of Palms to Host Front Beach Fest
By Kelsey Marsh
The Isle of Palms invites people of all ages to enjoy a day of dancing, dining and family-friendly fun on Ocean Boulevard on Saturday, March 7, 2026, from noon to 4 p.m.
This free event will feature live music by The Casual Suspects and The Yacht Club. The afternoon will also include handmade arts and crafts from more than 40 local vendors.
Island restaurants and other local food vendors will line the street, offering a variety of popular dishes. With multiple areas dedicated to children’s entertainment, the event is designed to be enjoyed by the entire family.
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
January ?? for our January ?? issue
For more information and for digital flip-throughs of current and past issues, please visit LuckyDogNews.com
Op-eds and letters to the editor do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Lucky Dog Publishing or its staff.
By Mike Walsh
Letter to the Editor: The 250th?
The 250th anniversary of the founding of our nation. The 250th anniversary of the Battle of Sullivan’s Island. To recognize all this is going to what? Cost some money? Utilize town resources? Bring some more tourists to the island? What do we get out of it? Maybe businesses get a few more patrons. Maybe the battle that occurred here on June 28, 1776, finally gets recognized as one of the most important events of the American Revolution. But should we care that Charleston — which includes us — was designated as one of only four “signature cities” in the nation for the 250th? Sure, they’re going to be celebrating down at Fort Moultrie. Is that good enough? And when the governor, members of Congress, the British ambassador, the secretary of the interior and maybe the president of the country pass through our community on the way to Fort Moultrie, how will we demonstrate the pride we have in our community and its incredible Revolutionary history?
Here are some facts. I first published an article in the Island Eye News in October 2024, 15 months ago, under the title “How Will Sullivan’s Island Celebrate Our Nation’s 250th Anniversary?” In that article, I reported that a small group of volunteers was meeting occasionally to work on answering that question. These brainstorming sessions were very productive and included representatives from town government, the arts community, educators, community service organizations and islanders at large. The group came up with many ideas, some great, some not really workable. But in that article, I issued a plea saying, “But we need more. We need your input. I’ll try to keep you informed as this project progresses, but in the meantime, if anyone has thoughts about how the 250th anniversary of this great nation of ours should be celebrated locally, please send them to me.”
The result? Zero. No input. No communication. Absolutely nothing — that is, until the brouhaha broke out regarding the tagline for the welcome sign. I’m not going to revisit that discussion. I fully understand the sensitivities it provoked. But I want to make it perfectly clear that none of this has been done in a vacuum or without many opportunities for public input. All ideas for celebrating the 250th that have come to my attention have been presented in multiple public forums — the public facilities
committee, the recreation committee, the Town Council workshop and the full Town Council meetings. The photos of the palmetto log fort project from 1976 have been shown more times than I can count.
So my question to the current critics, as well as those who have now come up with some very positive suggestions, is simply this: Where have you been since October 2024? The 250th has been going on since April 19, 2025. As I write this, we are only 165 days away from Carolina Day 2026 and 171 days away from July 4.
If we do the least that can be done for this 250th anniversary of one of the most important events in world history, we are going to be embarrassed. We have the opportunity to shine a spotlight on our community and show the country how this event “heard ’round the world” should be recognized. This won’t be done with only marching bands and a few food trucks. It won’t even be done with completion of a palmetto log fort wall, if that happens. This is going to take an islandwide effort. It’s going to take imaginative and creative ideas. It’s going to take dedication to make this something special. And yes, it’s going to take some investment.
I’ve tried to conceptualize how we — or at least I, as an islander — would feel if we do little to nothing to recognize our 250th birthday. I’ll have to clean this up a little bit so it can be printed, but it’s probably best stated in the opening speech by George C. Scott from the movie Patton. You’ll remember he’s standing in front of that huge U.S. flag talking to the troops he’s about to lead into battle. At the end of this iconic speech, he says, to the effect, “By God, I envy you men. I really do. Thirty years from now, when you’re sitting around your fireside with your grandson on your knee and he asks you what did you do in the great World War II, you won’t have to say, “Well, I shoveled manure in Louisiana.”
So, 30 years from now, when our descendants ask us what we did for the great 250th birthday of America, what will we say?
Disclaimer: I write this as an individual, not as the president of Battery Gadsden Cultural Center. The opinions expressed are mine alone and not those of the organization or its board of directors.
All letters submitted to The Island Eye News must bear a full name, address and phone number for verification. Only the author’s name and city will be printed. Submissions are excepted via email to ieneditor@luckydognews.com or mail to P.O. Box 837 Sullivan’s Island, S.C. 29482.
Letters may be edited for length and readability. The Island Eye News reserves the right to reject letters that are libelous, unseemly, not individually addressed to The Island Eye News or that have been previously published elsewhere.
Isle of Palms Recreation Department Youth Basketball League tips off with exciting schedule
By Jeff Lovins
The IOP Youth Basketball League tipped off its winter season Jan. 7 with an exciting schedule for players ages 7 to 14. Teams are sponsored by several local businesses and organizations, including:
5-6 Year Olds-Coaches (no scores are recorded): Isle Do It Coastal Concierge - Joe Amon Carroll Realty - Brent Jones IOP Chamber of Commerce - Ryan Killian Windjammer - Nancy Lempesis
7-8 Year Olds-Coaches (scores not published): DeepWater Church - Christine Zamboki
Just One More Chapter Publishing - Ryan Killian IOP Exchange Club - Keaton Mims D3 Investments - Stacie Marksbury
9-10 Year Olds – Coaches:
Just One More Chapter Publishing – Norm Brahen D3 Investments – Davis Marksbury Carroll Realty – Tony Romeo
9-10 Year Olds Box Scores Jan 5th – 17th Team
Max Prod of Just One More Chapter Publishing led scoring for this age group.
11-14 Year Olds – Coaches: Culp Real Estate – Dennis Koutoufas Church of the Holy Cross – David Cumbie IOP Pizza – Guy Barnocky
11-14 Year Olds Box Scores Jan 5th – 17th Team
Mason Milliron of Culp Real Estate led scoring for this age group.
All games are held in the Isle of Palms Recreation Center gymnasium. Go to IOP.Net/Recreation/Athletics and click on Youth Basketball for the schedules. All parents and spectators are invited to watch!
A Message from the Isle of Palms Chamber of Commerce
President
By Zach Lary
The start of the year is an important time to reflect on where we are and set clear priorities for where we are going. The Chamber’s mission remains rooted in supporting local businesses, strengthening partnerships across our community and promoting our island as the go-to, family-friendly travel destination. As president, I intend to make decisions and take actions that support this mission.
The Chamber will focus on several key efforts throughout the year, including:
• Enhanced marketing and promotion of member businesses, with an emphasis on increasing visibility through coordinated campaigns, storytelling and partnerships that highlight the unique offerings of our local economy.
• A more diverse mix of in-person member and community events, designed to foster meaningful connections not only among businesses but also with residents and the broader community. These events will range from networking and educational opportunities to collaborative community gatherings.
• Stronger collaboration and communication, ensuring the Chamber continues to serve as a constructive bridge between businesses, residents and city leadership on issues that impact the Isle of Palms.
• Marketing the Isle of Palms as the ideal family-friendly destination it is. Our economy and businesses thrive on off-island and out-of-town visitors. It’s important that families from all over know what our island has to offer and what makes it special.
The Chamber is more than a business organization; it is a platform for community, collaboration and support for our island’s businesses, residents and visitors. Whether you are a longtime business owner, a new entrepreneur or a resident interested in the future of the Isle of Palms, your perspective and participation matter.
I want to welcome our business members, resident members and partners to 2026 and thank you for your continued support. It’s what makes our business community, and our island, so strong. It is an honor to serve as president of the Isle of Palms Chamber of Commerce and help guide the Chamber’s work as we look ahead.
Zach Lary President Isle of Palms Chamber of Commerce
Ben Franklin Circles use conversation to spark transformation
By Delores Schweitzer
With celebrations of America 250 on many minds this year, it’s easy to focus on the names, dates, costumes and flags that defined key battles and events. We will see television programs, movies, reenactments and parades that bring the spirit of 1776 to life. But what about the seeds that sowed this revolution — the deeper ideas that took years to germinate into concrete action?
Fifty years before Benjamin Franklin signed the Declaration of Independence, he was an energetic young man looking for structure, purpose and a group of friends to inspire him. In 1727, he founded the Junto Club, a mutual-improvement society also known as the Leather Apron Club, with a group of 12 like-minded tradesmen eager to discuss morality, philosophy and how those ideas played out in the politics of colonial America. For 38 years, the group gathered on Friday nights to share what they were reading and to hone proposals for public projects such as Philadelphia’s first lending library, volunteer militia, hospital and fire company.
Nearly 300 years later, Ben Franklin Circles exist to keep those conversations and challenges alive, with twin goals: to help us improve ourselves and to help us improve our world. If your New Year’s resolution is to step away from your devices, live more intentionally and engage with others through meaningful conversation, this program may be for you. Over the next year, participants will meet monthly to discuss the 13 virtues outlined in Benjamin Franklin’s Autobiography: temperance, silence, order, resolution, frugality, industry, sincerity, justice, moderation, cleanliness, tranquility, chastity and humility.
Meetings will take place at the Edgar Allan Poe Sullivan’s Island Library, located at 1921 Ion Ave. on Sullivan’s Island. An introductory meeting was held Monday, Jan. 12. The first topic, temperance, will be discussed Monday, Jan. 26, at 10 a.m., followed by one topic per month thereafter. Light refreshments will be served.
Reservations are requested. Call 843-883-3914 or email poe@ccpl.org. To learn more, visit www.benfranklincircles.org.
ATTENTION RESIDENTS
The Town of Sullivan’s Island seeks residents interested in serving on the Town’s Boards and Commissions. The following seats are open:
Planning Commission:
Two (2) seats for term expiring September 2026
Interested residents should submit application packet by 4:00PM on Wednesday, January 14, 2026
Please contact Pamela Otto at potto@sullivansisland.sc.gov or (843)883-5744 with applications or questions.
Information and applications are also on the Town website at https://sullivansisland.sc.gov/ government/boards-commissions
Zach Lary
New Restaurant, Quarter French, Set to Open on Broad Street in Spring 2026
By Christian Senger
A new all-day dining restaurant, Quarter French, is set to open in spring 2026 at 40 Broad St. in downtown Charleston. The project comes from Charleston natives Mike and Kathleen Shuler, owners of the Blind Tiger Pub, along with business partner and sommelier Nathan Wheeler. The team says it hopes to create a neighborhood bistro in the heart of the French Quarter.
The group has restored the historic circa-1806 Broad Street property with an emphasis on preserving its original character. Plans include indoor and outdoor seating, as well as a four-season courtyard designed for year-round use.
Quarter French will draw broad inspiration from French cuisine but will not aim to be strictly traditional. The menu will focus on bistro-style dishes with subtle French influences and locally sourced ingredients, offered across breakfast, lunch and dinner. A cocktail program and expansive bar will complement the food, and a wine cellar designed by Wheeler is expected to be a standout feature.
The restaurant reflects the group’s interest in historic preservation and Charleston’s dining culture. The name is a playful reference to both its loca tion and Mike Shuler’s family background — three-quarters native Charles tonian and one-quarter French — a heritage passed down from his maternal grandmother, who moved to Charleston after World War II.
Quarter French is expected to open in spring 2026. Updates are available on Instagram at @quarterfrench_chs and at quarterfrenchcharleston.com.
As a founding partner and broker-in-charge of The Cassina Group, Charleston’s innovationdriven real estate firm, Jimmy understands the delicate nuances of selling luxury properties like yours. If you are thinking of buying or selling or know someone who is, now is the time to start the conversation. Please give Jimmy a call at 843.452.6482 or via email at JDye@TheCassinaGroup.com
Isle of Palms Exchange Club to Host Annual Oyster Roast on March 7
OystersDeck!On
By Robbie C. Berg
LIVE MUSIC SINGLE SELECT OYSTERS
LIMITED SEATING OFFERED. SPONSORSHIPS $55 THRU JAN $65 thru feb $75 in March
LIMITED SEATING OFFERED. SPONSORSHIPS AVAILABLE.
The Isle of Palms Exchange Club will host its annual Oyster Roast on Saturday, March 7, from 2 to 6 p.m. at 201 Palms Blvd.
Attendees will enjoy views of Hamlin Creek from the Exchange Club patio while feasting on steamed oysters, chili and hot dogs, and bidding on items through an online auction. The annual fundraiser is a longtime tradition for many families and friends, with proceeds supporting scholarships and youth educational programming for hundreds of young people across the Tri-County area, including Charleston, Dorchester and Berkeley counties.
The event benefits the Exchange Club’s Youth and Scholarship Programs of Service. Each year, funds raised through ticket sales and sponsorships are used to award scholarships to rising high school seniors. Over the 2024 and 2025 events, the club awarded 28 scholarships totaling $67,000.
Planning for this year’s Oyster Roast began in December and will continue through the event and beyond. Following the roast, the large number of oyster shells collected will be donated to the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources for oyster bed renourishment, supporting long-term Lowcountry oyster sustainability.
Those interested in attending or becoming a sponsor can find more information at ticketstripe.com/iopoysterroast.
Espresso Martini Festival Returns in February
By Christian Senger
Last year’s sold-out Espresso Martini Festival will return Saturday, Feb. 7, 2026.
The festival will be held at The Rickhouse on James Island, 1734 Signal Point Road, and will expand to two sessions — noon to 3 p.m. and 6 to 9 p.m. — each capped at 400 attendees. Guests can sample espresso martinis crafted by leading Charleston bars and bartenders, enjoy live music, and browse a curated local vendor market.
Early Bird Cold Brew Coffee Vodka, produced locally by Cannon Distillery, will return as the featured vodka for the 2026 festival. Each session will also include a Judge’s Choice competition, awarding a $500 cash prize and additional prizes to the winning bartender.
The 2025 Judge’s Choice winner was The Establishment, while MOMO earned the People’s Choice award.
Restaurant participation, sponsorship opportunities and vendor spots are now open. Interested businesses can apply at espressomartinifestivals.com/participationform.
Letter
to
the
Editor:
Preserve the Historic Name of Sullivan’s Island Creeks
By Hal Coste
The creek systems behind Sullivan’s Island have changed greatly over the years. In regard to the Jan. 9 article in Island Eye News, “Dredging Cove Creek,” I would like to offer my recollection of this waterway.
In all my 79 years on the island, I have never heard it called Cove Creek until recently.
My concern is not so much the dredging itself, but the changing of timehonored, familiar names that should not be lost to history.
Government Cut ran from Cove Inlet at Station 9 to the old post quartermaster’s dock at Station 16. Dredging work on this “cut” began in 1915 and was maintained by the Army to allow deep-draft boats to ferry supplies and ordnance to the dock.
From there, the stream turns east and flows behind Station 19, the old town dump. Miller’s Creek, as this winding waterway has been known for years, once connected to Breach Inlet through what was known as the “Sullivan’s Island Narrows” before the causeway (Highway 703) was completed in 1945.
Miller’s Creek’s flow was then cut off.
In Edgar Allan Poe’s 1843 story The Gold-Bug, he describes this creek, writing, “Sullivan’s Island is separated from the mainland by a scarcely perceptible creek oozing its way through a wilderness of reeds and slime.” This area of reeds and slime now abuts the backyards of multimillion-dollar homes.
By the way, when spoken or in print, it is Sullivan’s Island — never the abbreviated “Sullivans.” Good grief!
Hal Coste Board member, Battery Gadsden Cultural Center
All letters submitted to The Island Eye News must bear a full name, address and phone number for verification. Only the author’s name and city will be printed. Submissions are excepted via email to ieneditor@luckydognews.com or mail to P.O. Box 837 Sullivan’s Island, S.C. 29482.
Letters may be edited for length and readability. The Island Eye News reserves the right to reject letters that are libelous, unseemly, not individually addressed to The Island Eye News or that have been previously published elsewhere.
Photos Provided
Isle of Palms Police Become Sensory Inclusive Certified
By Matthew Storen
Officials with the Isle of Palms Police Department are the first law enforcement agency in South Carolina to receive the Sensory Inclusive First Responder Certification from KultureCity.
The certification process included training all staff at the Isle of Palms Police Department by medical and neurodivergent professionals on recognizing individuals with sensory needs and responding to situations involving sensory overload.
According to KultureCity, the designation “is a testament to the organization’s commitment to inclusivity and accessibility for individuals with sensory needs.” KultureCity’s flagship Sensory Inclusive program has been widely adopted by venues, stadiums, cultural institutions and first responders across the nation and around the world. The program provides training and resources to help staff better accommodate individuals with sensory sensitivities. As a result, families and individuals can more comfortably experience and enjoy time on the Isle of Palms.
Sensory bags equipped with noise-canceling headphones, fidget tools, verbal cue cards and weighted lap pads will also be available to community members who may feel overwhelmed by their environment or during emergency situations. The bags will be available at the Isle of Palms Police Department headquarters and placed in select patrol vehicles.
“With this new certification, the Isle of Palms Police Department is now better prepared to assist individuals with sensory sensitivities in having the most comfortable and accommodating experience possible while enjoying our community,” Isle of Palms Police Chief Kevin Cornett said.
IOP Exchange Club, East Cooper Shag Club to Host Shag Lessons and Dance
By: Robbie Berg
On Sunday, Feb. 15, the Isle of Palms Exchange Club and East Cooper Shag Club will host Shag lessons followed by a dance at the Exchange Club.
Shag lessons will be taught by Linda Walker, a well-known shag instructor on the East Coast. Participants can learn the basics or brush up on their skills before enjoying a shag dance featuring music by DJ Furman Dominick.
The partnership between the Isle of Palms Exchange Club and the East Cooper Shag Club began in January 2023 with “Shag by the Sea” and has since included four dances each year at the Exchange Club.
The entry fee for the afternoon is $10. Dance lessons will take place from 2 to 3 p.m., followed by the dance from 2 to 6 p.m. at the Exchange Club, located at 201 Palm Blvd. The event concludes with sunset views over Hamlin Creek, with views toward the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge.
“Whether you are a beginner shagger or an experienced dancer, come join the fun,” organizers said. The Feb. 15 event runs from 2 to 6 p.m. Additional dances are scheduled for June 7 and Oct. 11.
“Make a year of shagging!”
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: 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: Yoga on the Lawn
WHERE: Hotel Indigo Mount Pleasant, 250 Johnnie Dodds Blvd., Mt. Pleasant
WHEN: Every Sunday at 2 p.m.
MORE INFO: Join Charleston Power Yoga at Hotel Indigo for a refreshing way to reset for the week ahead. Surrounded by the breeze and Lowcountry sunshine, you’ll flow through an energizing, all-levels class led by an expert instructor. Bring your mat, breathe deeply, and make this weekly getaway part of your Sunday ritual.
WHAT: Charleston Boat Show
WHERE: Charleston Area Convention Center, 5001 Coliseum Dr., North Charleston
WHEN: Various
MORE INFO: More than 200 watercraft will be on display at the Charleston Boat Show from Jan. 23-25 at the Charleston Area Convention Center Complex. The annual event is a onestop shop for all things boating and features new model leisure watercraft and marine gear, show-only deals, live music, and food trucks. This year will showcase upwards of 100 different boat brands and more than 130 exhibitors.
WHAT: Charleston Comedy Week
WHERE: Various
WHEN: Jan. 24 through Jan. 31
MORE INFO: The weeklong festival, a collaboration among local venues and comedy groups, will feature local, regional and national comedians performing improv, stand-up and sketch comedy. Highlights include stand-up shows from Pete Holmes, Pauly Shore, Sherri Shepherd, Tim Heidecker with Neil Hamburger, Tom Papa, Ms. Pat and more.
SATURDAY, JAN. 24
WHAT: Let’s Build It!
WHERE: Edgar Allan Poe Branch Library, 1921 Ion Ave., Sullivan’s Island
WHEN: 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. (drop in)
MORE INFO: Join Miss Sara for building fun! Use wooden and foam blocks, big and small Legos, magnetic tiles, marble runs, tinker toys and
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.
k-nex to make your engineering dreams a reality.
WHAT: Pay What You Can Day
WHERE: Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum, Mt. Pleasant
WHEN: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
MORE INFO: Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum will offer flexible admission pricing based on visitors’ needs. Guests are welcome to pay any amount they choose for standard museum admission. Pay What You Can tickets must be purchased in person at the ticket booth. Active-duty military in uniform and children under six receive free admission. Standard parking rates still apply and will be charged at the usual hourly rate.
WHAT: Oyster on the Point: B.I.L.L. Wilson Band
WHERE: Charleston Harbor Resort & Marina, 20 Patriots Point Rd., Mt. Pleasant
WHEN: 2 p.m. - 6 p.m.
MORE INFO: The Charleston Harbor Resort and Marina’s popular Oysters on the Point series will return for several dates this winter. During each event, guests can enjoy buckets of steamed oysters, live music, beach games, cold beverages, and more.
MONDAY, JAN. 26
WHAT: IOP Free Speaker Series - Charleston Barrier Islands with Barrier Island Eco Tours WHERE: Isle of Palms Recreation Center, 24 28th Ave.
WHEN: 5 p.m.
MORE INFO: The City of Isle of Palms Recreation Department’s 2026 Free Speaker Series offers residents and visitors a robust lineup of educational, health, nature and community programs throughout the year.
TUESDAY, JAN. 27
WHAT: Family Storytime
WHERE: Edgar Allan Poe Branch Library, 1921 Ion Ave., Sullivan’s Island WHEN: 10 a.m.
MORE INFO: Enjoy interactive books, songs, and rhymes designed to strengthen your child’s reading readiness. Birth to age 5 and their caregivers.
WEDNESDAY, JAN. 28
WHAT: POE-etry Critique Group
WHERE: Edgar Allan Poe Branch 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: Pauly Shore
WHERE: Wit’s End Comedy Club and Lounge, 3320 Rivers Ave., North Charleston
WHEN: 8 p.m.
MORE INFO: Pauly Shore tasted super-stardom in 1990 when his MTV show “Totally Pauly” hit the airwaves to major fan approval. The show ran for six years, leading Pauly to a one-hour HBO comedy special, “Pauly Does Dallas,” and starring roles in films like “Jury Duty,” “In the Army Now,” “Bio-Dome,” “Encino Man,” “Son In Law,” and “A Goofy Movie.”
THURSDAY, JAN. 29
WHAT: American Mah Jongg
WHERE: Edgar Allan Poe Branch Library, 1921 Ion Ave., Sullivan’s Island
WHEN: 12 p.m. - 2 p.m. (slow play) and 4 p.m. - 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.
SATURDAY, JAN. 31
WHAT: Pay What You Can Day WHERE: Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum, Mt. Pleasant WHEN: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
MORE INFO: Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum will offer flexible admission pricing based on visitors’ needs. Guests are welcome to pay any amount they choose for standard museum admission. Pay What You Can tickets must be purchased in person at the ticket booth. Active-duty military in uniform and children under six receive free admission. Standard parking rates still apply and will be charged at the usual hourly rate.
SUNDAY, FEB. 1
WHAT: 42nd annual Lowcountry Oyster Festival WHERE: Boone Hall Plantation & Gardens, 235 Long Point Rd., Mt. Pleasant WHEN: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
MORE INFO: The festival, billed as the world’s largest oyster celebration, will feature more than 45,000 pounds of steamed oysters available for purchase at market price. Attendees can also enjoy oyster shucking and eating contests, wine, domestic and imported beers, specialty cocktails, a children’s area called “Pluff-a-Palooza,” and a food court highlighting local restaurants. Multiple live music acts will perform throughout the day, including headliner The Yacht Club, known for its mix of soul, jazz, R&B, funk, and disco.
WHAT: Fork Cancer
WHERE: Islander 71 Fish House and Raw Bar, 80 41st Ave., Isle of Palms WHEN: 1 p.m. - 4 p.m.
MORE INFO: The all-you-can-eat-and-drink event will benefit the Richard M. Schulze Family Foundation Hope Lodge in Charleston, a free home away from home for cancer patients undergoing treatment. Guests can sample gourmet
AROUND THE ISLANDS
hors d’oeuvres from 10 of Charleston’s top restaurants, along with craft beers, specialty cocktails and creative oyster shooters. The afternoon will also include live music, a live auction and additional entertainment. Tickets are on sale now at forkcancercharleston.org/tickets-donations.
WHAT: Yoga on the Lawn
WHERE: Hotel Indigo Mount Pleasant, 250 Johnnie Dodds Blvd., Mt. Pleasant, WHEN: 2 p.m.
MORE INFO: A refreshing way to reset for the week ahead. Surrounded by the breeze and Lowcountry sunshine, you’ll flow through an energizing, all-levels class led by an expert instructor. Bring your mat, breathe deeply, and make this weekly getaway part of your Sunday ritual.
MONDAY, FEB. 2
WHAT: IOP Free Speaker Series - Healthspan vs. Lifespan: Longevity & Aging with Dr. Denny Kubinski
WHERE: Isle of Palms Recreation Center, 24 28th Ave.
WHEN: 5 p.m.
MORE INFO: The City of Isle of Palms Recreation Department’s 2026 Free Speaker Series of-
fers residents and visitors a robust lineup of educational, health, nature and community programs throughout the year. This talk features Dr. Denny Kubinski, urologist and longevity specialist.
TUESDAY, FEB. 3
WHAT: Family Storytime
WHERE: Edgar Allan Poe Branch Library, 1921 Ion Ave., Sullivan’s Island WHEN: 10 a.m.
MORE INFO: It’s Edgar’s Birthday! Celebrate by creating your own tiny Poe Museum in a recycled mint tin!
WHAT: Memoir Writing Circle
WHERE: Edgar Allan Poe Branch 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 January 27 – call 843883-3914 for details)
THURSDAY, FEB. 5
WHAT: American Mah Jongg
WHERE: Edgar Allan Poe Branch Library, 1921
Ion Ave., Sullivan’s Island
WHEN: 12 p.m. - 2 p.m. (slow play) and 4 p.m. - 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.
SUNDAY, FEB. 7
WHAT: Pup Bowl IX
WHERE: Mount Pleasant Towne Centre, 1218 Belk Dr., Mt. Pleasant
WHEN: 12 p.m. - 3 p.m.
MORE INFO: Mount Pleasant Towne Centre is once again teaming up with the Charleston Animal Society to kick off THE big game weekend with the cutest football game of the year. Pup Bowl IX returns Saturday, Feb. 7 at The Oaks, located across from Barnes & Noble. Guests can cheer on adoptable puppies while enjoying live music, browsing local vendors and taking part in hands-on activities for children. Tickets for the family-friendly event are $10 in advance and $15 on the day of the event, with 100% of proceeds benefiting Charleston Animal Society. Tickets are available online.
From Isle of MOMS to Heart of the Palms
By Jen Prod and Lisa Ernst
Isle of
MOMS
began as a way to highlight the local businesses and people that make the Isle of Palms feel like home. It was always about community, connection and supporting what’s local.
A few weeks ago, however, we realized the name no longer fully reflected our goals and vision for the future.
While our heart has always lived on this island, so much of its energy flows back and forth across the bridge every day. The businesses we partner with, the stories we tell and the people we meet are part of a larger exchange between the Isle of Palms and the surrounding Charleston area. We wanted a name that allowed us to honor that connection and expand it.
That shift led us to Heart of the Palms.
Heart of the Palms represents the pulse and pull between island life and the greater Lowcountry community. It gives us the space to continue highlighting island businesses while also sharing the ideas, creativity and collaborations that connect us beyond the island.
One of the first things we did under this new name was partner with Somerby Assisted Living for a spa and beauty day. Hosted by our daughters, the afternoon was spent giving facials and manicures to the women who live there. It was simple, joyful and a reminder that community shows up in small, meaningful ways.
We also joined Second Sunday on King Street in downtown Charleston, where we played a game called Pass the Poem. We started a poem and invited street perform-
ers and passersby to add lines throughout the day. By the end, we had created a poem written by the Charleston community.
Closer to home, we collaborated with business owners on Sullivan’s Island to create a lighthearted music video set to “Surfing U.S.A.” It was playful, local and rooted in the spirit of this place.
Our heart and home will always be on this island. Heart of the Palms simply gives us a way to share what’s good here with the world and bring the best of what’s across the bridge back to the place we love.
Follow our adventures on Instagram, TikTok and Facebook at @heartofthepalms.
