POLAR PLUNGE DUNLEAVY’S PUB
Dunleavy’s Pub held its annual Polar Plunge on New Year’s Day 2026. The event raises money for Special Olympics South Carolina.
Photo Credit: Staff
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
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DEADLINE
January 14 for our January 23 issue
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Dredging Cove Creek Could Take Up to Two Years, Consultant Tells Council
By Joshua Uys
At its Dec. 16 meeting, Sullivan’s Island Town Council received a presentation from Ross Nelson of Westervelt Ecological Services outlining the planning, permitting and logistical challenges associated with dredging projects in the Lowcountry.
Nelson, who spoke in an unpaid capacity as a professional courtesy, has longstanding ties to the island. He has surfed on Sullivan’s Island since his college years and has founded and sold multiple consulting firms. Toler’s Cove Marina has been his primary dredging client for years and regularly uses the town’s confined disposal facility.
“It is not an easy process to go through,” Nelson said, referring to the permitting requirements associated with dredging.
Nelson explained that dredged material is typically handled in one of three ways: reused for a beneficial purpose, disposed of in a confined disposal facility, or barged offshore to a designated disposal site — a method he described as slow and costly.
Sullivan’s Island’s Sea Level Adaptation and Resilience Plan includes a recommendation to dredge Cove Creek and consider placing a thin layer of dredged sediment over nearby marshland as a beneficial use. Known as “thin-layer placement,” the technique raises marsh bed elevation and improves resilience to sea level rise.
The town currently owns a confined disposal facility, last rebuilt in 2008. Since then, it has been used once by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, more than four times by Toler’s Cove, and once by the National Park Service to clear access to a dock. If the town plans to use the facility again, Nelson said it will likely need to be rebuilt.
From feasibility studies to contractor selection, Nelson estimated the full dredging process typically takes between 18 and 24 months. One of the earliest and most critical steps is sediment testing, which determines whether the material consists of sand, silt or mud and whether it contains contaminants. This testing can take six to eight months and largely dictates how and where the material can be disposed of. Regulatory agencies generally will not begin permitting until the sediment analysis is complete.
Once permitting begins, the project must be
reviewed by multiple agencies, including the Army Corps of Engineers, the South Carolina Bureau of Coastal Management, the Department of Natural Resources, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the State Historic Preservation Office, the National Marine Fisheries Service and the Environmental Protection Agency. All agencies must sign off before dredging can proceed. Public input is also part of the process. The Army Corps issues a public notice for the project, and the town must address comments received during that period.
A bathymetric survey would also be required to determine how much material must be removed. Nelson estimated that more than 100,000 cubic yards of sediment could be dredged from Cove Creek.
“The easiest part of dredging is removing the mud,” Nelson said. “The hardest part is figuring out where to put the mud.”
Approximately 200 acres of marsh could potentially be used for thin-layer placement. However, the technique is still relatively new in South Carolina, having been used only once near Beaufort. As a result, additional studies may be required, potentially lengthening the permitting timeline. While states such as New Jersey and regions near Baltimore have used marsh-building techniques for years, Nelson cautioned that available marsh acreage may not be sufficient to accommodate the full volume of dredged material.
He also emphasized that dredging would not be a one-time effort. Cove Creek will continue to accumulate sediment over time, requiring ongoing maintenance.
“There’s no way to know if it’s every five, 10 or 40 years,” Nelson said, “but it’s going to be an ongoing process you will have to commit to.”
Mayor Pro Tem Justin Novak asked about risks associated with the project. Nelson cited sediment quality as a primary concern, noting that material with too much sand would provide limited benefit to the marsh, which requires finer silt. He also warned that placing sediment too thickly could inhibit vegetation from reestablishing.
Battery Gadsden to Present Life and Works of Jim Booth
By Mike Walsh
For many who grew up in the Charleston area, the images painted by the late artist Jim Booth represent the quintessence of the Lowcountry.
Originally studying architecture at Clemson University, Booth took an art class and discovered his true calling. After serving a combat tour in Vietnam with the U.S. Marines, he returned to the Charleston area and began a long career as a professional artist. He opened his own gallery in 1977, entered several major art shows and soon found himself winning award after award, including South Carolina Wildlife Federation Artist of the Year in 1978 and 1982.
In 1997, Booth painted Running the Wind to help promote the inaugural Charleston to Bermuda Race, launching a lifelong passion for sharing his art with local nonprofits. In the years that followed, he donated thousands of prints to area organizations while continuing to grow his success as an artist. His signature cause was the Morris Island Lighthouse. Booth was a founding member of Save the Light Inc. and used his painting First Light to help purchase the lighthouse and support its protection and restoration.
By the time he closed his gallery in 2018, after more than 40 years as a self-taught professional artist and business owner, Booth had sold more than 200,000 reproductions to local collectors and buyers nationwide. Today, Jim Booth Legacy Art continues to honor his vision of giving back by donating and selling select pieces in support of local nonprofits.
On Thursday, Jan. 15, Battery Gadsden Cultural Center will host Booth’s daughter, Tracey Booth Owens, founder of Jim Booth Legacy Art, as its first speaker of 2026. As a child, Owens spent many days helping in the Jim Booth Art Gallery and later worked there during summers throughout her high school and college years, gaining extensive experience with her father’s art and loyal customer base. When she began working full time, she put that experience to immediate use, managing the fall 1996 release of her father’s painting Hurricane, which sold out in just three days.
Owens’ latest project is the production of a new book, Beacon of the Lowcountry: The Life, Art and Legacy of Jim Booth. Her presentation will explore the book’s origins, including early conversations with her father, his recorded reflections and how she assembled the material. She will also provide an overview of the book’s contents, which include memorabilia, personal photographs, inspirational images for paintings, Booth’s own descriptions of his work, and excerpts from letters he wrote while serving in Vietnam.
Continuing her father’s legacy of supporting local nonprofits, Owens has donated two of his works — Fort Sumter and Sullivan’s Island Light — to the Friends of Charleston National Parks. Both pieces will be on display at the presentation. Friends Executive Director Cheri Yates will explain how the works will be used to raise much-needed funds for Charleston’s national parks. Copies of Owens’ new book will also be available for purchase and signing at the event.
The first installment of the 2026 BGCC Speaker Series will be held at 6 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 15, at Sunrise Presbyterian Church, 3222 Middle St. on Sullivan’s Island. As always, the BGCC Speaker Series is free and open to the public.
Tracey Booth Owens
Jim Booth in front of his gallery
Painting of the Sullivan’s Island lighthouse
Beacon of the Lowcountry: The LIfe, Art and Legacy of Jim Booth
Dear Island Neighbors,
Message From The Sullivan’s Island Mayor
I hope your holidays were enjoyable and your new year is off to a very promising beginning.
The start of the year is a perfect time to make sure you’re on top of Town information. You can see the options, and sign up for them, at: https://sullivansisland.sc.gov/residents/town-notification-sign-ups . In particular, please note the Everbridge Emergency Notification System that sends text and/or email alerts concerning road closures, severe weather updates, emergency water main breaks, public works projects and other pertinent information.
Also, please make sure that our Water and Sewer Department has your current phone number for any needed emergency contact when you’re not home. They won’t be able to reach you if all they have is your former land line number, and if you’ve got water spewing from a busted pipe under your house, time is money. Please contact Mary Poole, our Administrative Specialist who handles water and sewer billing. You can call her at 843 883 5733 or email her at mpoole@sullivansisland.sc.gov .
2025 WAS A BUSY YEAR!
This is a logical time to look back on the last year and note the many accomplishments of our great Town staff. Needless to say, while we hit these milestones in 2025, most of them were the results of efforts begun in earlier years.
Flooding Prevention, Stormwater Management and Resilience:
• Reflecting years of planning and grant-seeking, we kicked off major stormwater management improvements to create new systems for the Station 28.5 and Station 31 basins. Town Administrator Joe Henderson has been very effective in making this possible.
• Joe also led smaller but no less critical efforts to repair and re-establish other drainage areas across the Island. We continue to seek funding for other flood prevention projects.
• Development of the Town’s first comprehensive Resilience and Sea Level Rise Adaption plan was also completed, reflecting a longstanding process with much community input.
Town Capital Improvements:
• Stith Park improvements got underway, including contracting for necessary stormwater engineering and ordering new equipment for the Tot Lot.
• The parking lot next to Battery Thompson (behind the Post Office) was extensively renovated to make it more functional and attractive.
• The last 450 feet of water main in the area of the Fort, Island Club and Fish Fry Shack was replaced, a long-awaited milestone that required partnership with the National Park Service. The former pipe was more than 70 years old!
• The former Cove Inlet Bridge approach (next to the boat landing) was extensively stabilized and replanted with native species. This is a little-known spot that offers a great, up-close view of the Intracoastal Waterway and boat traffic; check it out!
Budgeting Processes and Communication:
• We initiated the development of a separate capital budget, apart from the usual operating budget, and a 5-year capital improvement plan.
• Through the efforts of Town Administrator Joe Henderson, Comptroller Jason Blanton and former Finance Committee Chair Scott Millimet, online access to the Town’s budgetary information is now readily available via the new Transparency Center and Budget Book. The Center is a standalone web application outlining the Town’s process of planning, presentation and adoption of the capital and operating budgets, and showing the state of budget development in real time. The Budget Book provides a description of all Town funds, revenues and expenditures, departmental organizational chart, and explanation of debt service and bonding.
Public Safety:
• Our Police Department underwent the required triennial review by the South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy (SCCJA) and passed with flying colors. The review covered a wide range of areas, and resulted in a commendation of the department for its professionalism, cooperation, and commitment to accountability and best practices in law enforcement.
• The professionalism and effectiveness of our Police Department was shown clearly on Thursday, May 1, 2025, when someone drove a car into a group of unprotected children and adults outside the Sunrise church, hitting two children and one adult after threatening many more. Thankfully, and miraculously, there were no fatalities; however, one teacher suffered severe injuries requiring surgeries and hospitalization. Amazingly, the children’s injuries were not serious. The incident resulted in a massive, highly organized and ultimately effective multi-agency manhunt and apprehension of the suspect, involving 130 law enforcement and public safety personnel from more than 20 agencies, under the leadership of Chief of Police Glenn Meadows and Deputy Chief Monty Anders.
• Deputy Chief Anders graduated from the prestigious Charleston Police
Department Executive Leadership Summit. This rigorous four-month program brought together law enforcement leaders from across South Carolina, North Carolina and Georgia.
• Through the leadership of Fire Chief Anthony Stith and Assistant Chief Mandy Hawver, the Town earned the Fire Safe South Carolina Community Designation. These designated communities continually work to reduce home fire-related injuries in South Carolina.
• With the hard work of our officers and the generosity of Island residents, the 5th Annual SIPD Christmas Bike Drive benefiting Toys for Tots provided 312 bikes and 62 helmets to kids in the Charleston area.
Land Use and Natural Resources:
• Phase 2 of our nature trail in the protected land opened, running from the Station 16 beach path to the Station 18 ½ (lighthouse) path. It offers some views of that Town land that you may not have caught before. Thanks to Director of Resilience and Natural Resources, Rebecca Fanning for her leadership of this important project, which was funded in large part by a grant from the South Carolina Parks and Recreation Department.
• To promote education about our abundant natural resources, 17 Townled nature walks were held, attended by more than 90 residents and offIslanders. This does not include the many youngsters who joined walks via our partners at SIES, the Island Club, or the Poe Library.
• The first Sullivans Island Historic District Design Guidelines manual was completed and adopted. Kudos to Planning and Zoning Director Charles Drayton for shepherding this project.
• The Town was designated a Tree City USA for the 9th consecutive year.
I’m looking forward to our 2026 accomplishments, but until then... ...see you around the Island!
Pat O’Neil Mayor 843 670 9266 oneilp@sullivansisland.sc.gov
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
Brad Shattuck selected as Superintendent of Fort Sumter and Fort Moultrie National Historical Park and Charles Pinckney National Historic Site
By Brett Spaulding
Acting Regional Director Darrell Echols for the National Park Service (NPS) Interior Region 2, South-Atlantic Gulf announced the selection of Brad Shattuck as the new Superintendent of Fort Sumter and Fort Moultrie National Historical Park and Charles Pinckney National Historic Site. Shattuck assumed the Superintendent position on Nov. 2, after serving the past ten years as the Regional Chief of Facilities Management for Interior Region 2.
“Brad’s extensive experience in facilities management and deep commitment to preserving our national treasures make him the ideal leader for the parks,” said Echols. “I am confident that under his guidance, these historic sites will continue to thrive as cherished resources for our visitors and our communities, especially as we prepare to celebrate America’s 250th birthday. We look forward to supporting Brad in his mission to enhance the visitor experience while protecting the resources of these iconic parks.”
Throughout his 27-year government career, Shattuck has held various management positions, including Superintendent of Fossil Butte National Monument, Facility Manager at Saguaro National Park, Canyon de Chelly, and Navajo National Monument, and Natural Resource Manager at Chaco Culture National Historical Park. He also served in multiple roles as an Interpretive Park Ranger and began his NPS career in Badlands and Big Bend National Parks as a Resource Assistant Volunteer.
“I am deeply honored to accept the position of superintendent of the Charleston Area National Parks,” said Shattuck. “These treasured landscapes hold profound natural, cultural, and historical significance. As we prepare for and celebrate America’s 250th birthday, I am thrilled to be part of this momentous occasion. I look forward to working collaboratively with local communities, historical societies, tribal partners, stakeholders, and all who cherish these parks to preserve the cultural and natural resources of these significant sites for future generations.”
Prior to his federal service, Brad worked with the Nature Conservancy’s Iowa Chapter and the Iowa Woodbury County Conservation Board. In his personal time, he enjoys staying active with family and friends through running, hiking, traveling, and exploring his passion for diverse and delicious food.
Luxury Vacation Home Management
Shattuck (Credit: NPS)
Everything Old Is New Again at Historic Royall Avenue Address
By Jack Tracey
Everything old is new again at 102 Royall Ave. in the heart of Mount Pleasant’s historic Old Village.
Established in 1945, the address is now home to The H & R Sweet Shop alongside Major Hats & Suits, where Anthony Major remains one of the area’s most highly recommended purveyors of headwear for men and women. After concluding a 28-year career with the Charleston County School District specializing in fixtures, furnishings, equipment and functional design, Major now offers hats for everyday wear and special occasions alike.
From bonnets and fascinators to bowlers and fine fedoras, the shop features a carefully curated selection sourced from milliners and hatters around the world — a collection considered second to none in the Lowcountry.
Next door, The H & R Sweet Shop — a well-storied and widely revered restaurant — enters its ninth decade with a bright new chapter in its kitchen and cozy dining room. Longtime operator Raleigh “Coffee” Johnson has stepped away from day-to-day operations, while his niece, Renee Johnson, remains on staff to protect the restaurant’s treasured recipes and assist new manager Richardean Hubbard.
Hubbard brings more than 30 years of experience from the kitchens of Publix stores in Jacksonville, where she served as a bakery manager. A Mount Pleasant Seven Mile resident, she brings a warm, positive demeanor that fits seamlessly with the restaurant’s welcoming atmosphere.
Together, the team continues the Sweet Shop tradition as a “meeting place for friends,” serving classic Southern comfort food. The streamlined menu features longtime favorites, including sandwiches, burgers, sides and soul food, along with fish, shrimp and oyster specials, plus pork chop and chicken dinners.
The H & R Sweet Shop is open for dine-in service daily from 11:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Takeout orders can be placed by calling 843-8842118. Hubbard is also offering catering services for family gatherings, events and parties. To inquire, call her directly at 843-359-1220.
IOP Exchange Making Children’s Christmas’ Merrier
By Robbie Berg
Members of the Isle of Palms Exchange Club once again demonstrated their generosity during the holidays by supporting Chicora School in North Charleston.
The club partnered with Dana VanHook, Darla Wiles and students from Ashley Hall to donate $1,300 toward the purchase of student uniforms for the Ashley Hall “Santa Bags,” which are distributed to Chicora students each Christmas.
Chicora School of Communications is a Title I school, with approximately 90 to 100 percent of its students qualifying for free or reduced-price lunch. Since 1999, Ashley Hall in downtown Charleston has sponsored Chicora during the holiday season by providing gift bags custom-assembled for each student. Chicora teachers help compile lists of specific needs, which may include socks, shoes, school uniforms, books and a special interest item.
The project allows Ashley Hall students to contribute to the holiday spirit by giving their time to assemble “Santa Bags” filled with donated items tailored to each child’s needs and interests. The initiative aligned well with the Isle of Palms Exchange Club’s Youth and Scholarship Program of Service,
Sullivan’s Island Police Department
Achieves
Full Compliance with SCCJA Policy Standards
The Sullivans Island Police Department has been officially notified by the South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy (SCCJA) that it is in full compliance with all policies and associated law enforcement standards mandated under South Carolina Code of Laws Section 23-23-85.
Following evaluation and review of submitted policies and documentation, SCCJA evaluators determined that the Sullivans Island Police Department met all required policy standards for 2025 and provided acceptable proof of compliance for calendar years 2023 and 2024.
The evaluation covered required policies and compliance documenta tion in the following areas:
• Vehicle Pursuits
• Duty to Intervene
• Recruit Training
• Early Warning Systems
• Internal Affairs
• Execution of No-Knock Search Warrants
• Use of Force
• Hiring and Termination
• Body-Worn Cameras
In a letter addressed to Chief Glenn Meadows, the South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy commended the department for its professionalism, cooperation, and commitment to accountability and best practices in law enforcement.
State law requires agencies to undergo periodic re-evaluation at least once every three years to ensure continued compliance with these standards.
“Achieving full compliance with SCCJA standards demonstrates our continued commitment to transparency, accountability, and excellence in policing,” said Chief Glenn Meadows. “I am proud of our officers for their diligence and their continued dedication to serving our community with integrity. Meadows added, “I also want to extend my thanks to Director Swindler of the SCCJA and the compliance evaluator, Robert Bianco, for their professionalism and clear guidance during the audit. The partnership our agencies share is vital to ensuring high professional standards, accountability, and continued public trust in law enforcement.”
making the club a contributing partner for the Santa Bags. Members of the Isle of Palms Exchange Club raised $1,300 at their holiday dinner to purchase uniforms in sizes 6 to 16. The Santa Bags were delivered to Chicora School on Dec. 17, 2025. Pictured is a portion of the bags delivered. VanHook and Wiles attended the Exchange Club’s holiday dinner to thank members for their support and expressed their appreciation for the club’s generosity.
Lithium Battery Fire Damages Detached Garage on Sullivan’s Island
By Christian Senger
The Sullivan’s Island Fire Department responded to a garage fire at 8:07 a.m. Saturday at 2502 Atlantic Ave., according to officials.
Firefighters received assistance from the Sullivan’s Island Police Department, Mount Pleasant Fire Department, Isle of Palms Fire Department and Charleston County EMS.
The fire was brought under control quickly, and no injuries were reported. Damage was limited to a small detached garage.
Officials determined the fire was caused by lithium batteries in a golf cart
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: Ice Skating on the Point
WHERE: Charleston Harbor Resort & Marina, 20 Patriots Point Rd., Mt. Pleasant
WHEN: Multiple days in Sept.
MORE INFO: The Beach Club at Charleston Harbor Resort & Marina will once again offer “Ice Skating on the Point,” its seasonal waterfront ice-skating rink and Winter Wonderland attractions. The synthetic rink, now in its fourth year, has become a popular holiday tradition for locals and visitors. The rink is open to resort guests and the general public. It uses a non-toxic, fully recyclable material rather than traditional ice and requires no energy to maintain.
WHAT: Charleston Restaurant Week
WHERE: Various
WHEN: Jan. 9 - Jan. 18
MORE INFO: The popular Charleston Restaurant Week offers patrons the opportunity to explore and enjoy cuisine from area chefs, as participating restaurants offer specially-selected lunch and dinner menus. Usually well over 50 restaurants from across the region participate in the event and several restaurants also offer brunch options. Visit restaurantweeksouthcarolina.com for more info.
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.
FRIDAY, JAN. 9
WHAT: What Makes You Strong Visionboarding
WHERE: Edgar Allan Poe Branch Library, 1921 Ion Ave., Sullivan’s Island WHEN: 4:30 p.m.
MORE INFO: Explore different strengths categories inspired by the Clifton Strengths test. Think about which strength or strengths you relate to and how you want to channel it at school and in your daily life. Then, combine paper layering, paint, sketching, stickers, and collage to create a vision board inspired by your strengths. For grades 5-8.
SATURDAY, JAN. 10
WHAT: Off-Road Duathlon
WHERE: Laurel Hill County Park, 1400 SC-41, Mt. Pleasant WHEN: 8:30 a.m.
MORE INFO: Conquer the trails of Laurel Hill County Park at our annual Off-Road Duathlon. This three-part event, in partnership with Anne Moore Endurance Coaching, features a beginner-friendly
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.
two-mile run, seven-mile bike, followed by another two-mile run.
WHAT: PAWS for Reading
WHERE: Edgar Allan Poe Branch Library, 1921 Ion Ave., Sullivan’s Island WHEN: 10 a.m.
MORE INFO: Read a book (or a story of your own) to a non-judgemental, tail-wagging friend!
WHAT: IOP Free Speaker Series - Ladies Fishing & Coastal Skills
WHERE: Isle of Palms Recreation Center, 24 28th Ave. WHEN: 10:30 a.m.
MORE INFO: The City of Isle of Palms Recreation Department launches its 2026 Free Speaker Series, 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. 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.
WHAT: Oysters on the Point with Thomas Champagne with Friends
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.
WHAT: Mex 1 Snowboard Rail Jam
WHERE: Firefly Distillery, 4201 Spruill Ave., North Charleston WHEN: 4 p.m.
MORE INFO: The Mex 1 Snowboard Rail Jam will return to Firefly Distillery, bringing an action-packed evening of snow, music, and high-energy competition. The annual event features top snowboarders from across the country performing under the lights, backed by live music from Strawberry Squad. Organizers say this year’s event will feature more snow, more riders, and a massive new video screen to give spectators the best view of every trick. Get tickets on citypapertickets.com.
WHAT: PBR Pendleton Whisky Velocity Tour
WHERE: North Charleston Coliseum, 5001 Coliseum Dr., North Charleston WHEN: 7 p.m.
MORE INFO: The Professional Bull Riders Pendleton Whisky Velocity Tour is the top expansion series of the PBR. The PBR is NOT a rodeo format. It’s two hours of pyro, music, and the most intense bull riding action the world has to offer, filled with heart-pounding, bone-crushing action, and a star-studded lineup of the world’s best riders and animal athletes.
SUNDAY, JAN. 11
WHAT: Second Sunday on King 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, JAN. 12
WHAT: Ben Franklin Circle
WHERE: Edgar Allan Poe Branch Library, 1921 Ion Ave., Sullivan’s Island WHEN: 10:30 a.m.
MORE INFO: Embrace the transformative spirit of America 250 with a deep dive into Ben Franklin’s classic 13 virtues! Ben Franklin Circles are face-toface salons driven by two goals: to help us improve ourselves and to help us improve our world. We will use Ben Franklin’s personal self-improvement plan to spark discussion and support participants’ goals and aspirations. Visit benfranklincircles.org to learn more. Reservations requested - call 843-883-3914 or email poe@ccpl.org.
WHAT: IOP Free Speaker Series - Prostate Cancer FAQ: Diagnosis, Prognosis, Treatments & Support WHERE: Isle of Palms Recreation Center, 24 28th Ave. WHEN: 5 p.m.
MORE INFO: The City of Isle of Palms Recreation Department launches its 2026 Free Speaker Series, offering 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, JAN. 13
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 October 28 – call 843-883-3914 for details)
WEDNESDAY, JAN. 14
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: Kids’ Night: Hot Cocoa, S’mores & Balloon Twisting
WHERE: East Bay Deli, 1120 Oakland Market Rd., Mt. Pleasant
WHEN: 5 p.m. - 8 p.m.
MORE INFO: Kids will love making their own hot cocoa, roasting s’mores, getting a balloon animal, and enjoying a FREE kids’ meal. One FREE kids’ meal during Kids’ Night with the purchase of an adult meal. Dine-in only.
THURSDAY, JAN. 15
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.
WHAT: DIY Friendship Bracelets
WHERE: Edgar Allan Poe Branch Library, 1921 Ion Ave., Sullivan’s Island WHEN: Drop-in from 3 p.m. - 4 p.m.
MORE INFO: Join Miss Mary Lena to create DIY Friendship Bracelets made with hemp, beads, and more!
Pickleball tournament surpasses fundraising goal
By Susan Hill Smith
Wild Dunes Pickleball Association’s first charity pickleball tournament netted $40,000 for pediatric cancer research at the Medical University of South Carolina.
“I was overwhelmed with gratitude for our extremely generous community,” said WDPA President Jen Stephens, who works and plays regularly at the Wild Dunes Tennis & Pickleball Center. She noted the final tally exceeded expectations. “So many people gave monetary donations, as well as items for the silent auction and raffle, and it was a huge success. Not only that, but everyone who played in the tournament was part of the fundraising.”
Held Sunday, Nov. 16, the Paddles Up to End Childhood Cancer tournament featured three divisions of men’s and women’s doubles played across Wild Dunes Resort’s six pickleball courts. Fifty-two participants took part in competitive play, and an additional 23 players joined a “Just for Fun” round-robin later in the afternoon.
The day concluded with a catered players party and silent auction. “We raised money for critical research while enjoying a fun day of competitive pickleball,” said Josh Smith, director of pickleball for Wild Dunes Resort. “It’s a proud first for our program as we help lead the development of the sport in the Charleston area.”
The WDPA board expressed thanks to all sponsors, businesses and individuals who contributed auction items, including Jeff’s Bagels, which provided breakfast for players and spectators. Top sponsors and donors included The Day Dinkers, Wild Pickle Chicks, Taverna Philosophia, Slotchiver & Slotchiver, Carroll Investors, Carroll Realty, Gwen’s, Network Security Services, DeepWater Church and Dunes Properties.
Winners by DUPR level:
Women’s 3.0: Laurie Pounds and Carol Webber
Women’s 3.5: Sue Crowell and Diane Duffy
Women’s 4.0: Joann Terrell and Liz Lyman
Men’s 3.0: Dave Strickert and Gregg Scott
Men’s 3.5: Tabb Evans and Mark Mills
Men’s 4.0: Chris Marquez and Russ Bridgham
Doubles teams in the women_s 3.0 level of the Paddles Up tournament. Photo by Mic Smith Photography LLC
Laurie Pounds and her pickleball partner were first-place winners at the 3.0 level for women. Photo by Mic Smith Photography LLC
Isle of Palms resident Mia Howe competes in the Wild Dunes Pickleball Association_s Paddles Up tournament.
Photo by Mic Smith Photography LLC
Mia Howe (left) and Katie Miars compete in the Wild Dunes Pickleball Association tournament. Photo by Mic Smith Photography LLC
Jan Moore enjoys a lighter moment during competitive play at the Paddles Up tournament. Photo by Mic Smith Photography LLC
Barrier Island EcoTours to Host New Birding Excursion in February
By Brittany Walker
Locally owned Isle of Palms ecotour company Barrier Island EcoTours is hosting its first-ever birding excursion on Saturday, Feb. 28, from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., offering guests a guided, immersive look at the Lowcountry’s rich coastal birdlife.
The four-hour excursion will be led by local master naturalist and avian expert Nicole Marie Pettinelli of the Charleston Bird Club, alongside BIET’s experienced naturalists. The tour will explore tidal flats and inlet sandbars during low tide — prime conditions for spotting shore and wading birds, waterfowl and raptors.
Guests will enjoy a boat ride to Capers Island, where they can bring a packed lunch for a picnic and explore the island’s boneyard beach, making the experience both educational and scenic.
Tickets are $75 per person and can be purchased online. Follow BIET on Instagram and Facebook for updates.
