Rom Reddy Announces Campaign for Governor of South Carolina
Launching Immediate Seven Figure Statewide Ad Plan Will Not Take Donations or Endorsements: “this campaign is between me and the voters.”
By Reddy for Governor Campaign (Charleston, SC) Rom Reddy, businessman, founder of DOGESC and a seven-figure donor to President Trump, today announced that he is running for Governor of South Carolina, launching an immediate seven figure statewide two week advertising buy.
In an unprecedented move, Reddy said he will not accept any campaign donations for the upcoming primaries nor will he seek endorsements. “Self-governance is making your case to the citizen directly and not clouding the issue with special interest money and endorsements,” Reddy said.
In explaining his late entry into the race, Reddy added “I have always believed the role of government is to protect and defend our God given rights. Instead, government has taken this power and weaponized it against the citizen. We have the highest income tax rate of any red state, property taxes that are a life sentence and government spending that has doubled in the last decade. However, we are at the bottom in education, roads ,median family income and health care and at the top in crime and the growth of the agency state. In other words, we are a red state run like a blue state. This has to stop.”
Reddy is a graduate of the Wharton Business School and has spent his entire career in the private sector starting or turning around businesses primarily in American manufacturing. He plans to spend the next few months touring the state and meeting and talking to everyday citizens.
“There are two lanes in this race. In one lane are all the other candidates with over 50 years in government who take money from PAC’s, corporations and special interest but claim they have your back. In the other lane is me, a successful private sector guy who has rejected special interest money and will be a voice for the voiceless,” Reddy added.
For more details visit www.reddyforgovernor.com.
Photos from the 2026 Sullivan’s Island St. Patrick’s Day Block Party, which was held on Saturday, March 14.
Photos Credit: Rob Byko Photography
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
March 25 for our April 3 issue
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Op-eds and letters to the editor do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Lucky Dog Publishing or its staff.
IOP Exchange Club Oyster Roast Raises Funds for Local Scholarships
By Robbie Berg
On the first warm and sunny day of the season, loyal Isle of Palms Exchange Club Oyster Roast attendees enjoyed a “delightful and delicious” day on Hamlin Creek with a full bucket of Louisiana “single select” oysters. More than 230 people gathered with friends and family, knowing they were helping the Exchange Club raise money for its scholarship program benefiting graduating seniors in the Tri-county area.
This decades-old oyster roast, named after Bud and Cecily Stack, who originated the Exchange Oyster Roast, is eagerly anticipated by club members and loyal participants. One attendee who now lives in Florida but is a native of Sullivan’s Island returns every year to be part of this worthwhile cause and “Party on the Creek.” After attending for several years, he became a member of the Isle of Palms Exchange Club three years ago and has been a major sponsor for the past two years. Another attendee from Mount Pleasant told one of the volunteers, “This is my favorite event of the year,” and thanked her for the opportunity to support local youth.
A large thank-you goes to the many volunteers who helped make the event possible, including members of the Isle of Palms Exchange Club and ROTC cadets from Wando High School. A special thank-you also goes to the sponsors of the 2026
Oyster Roast. Sponsors for this year’s event were: Oyster Level — Cathy Beemer; Lustrous Pearl Level — The Outpost at IOP Marina and Quarterdeck Marinas, and James Smitherman; Pearl Level — Jimmy Blanchard, Andrew and Beth Harmstone, Bob and Gwen Lowe, and Robbie Cessna Berg; and Marsh Level — John and Carol Bogosian, Scott and Jennie Pierce, Dan and Barbara Brown, John and Tonya McGue, and Howard and Sharye Ray. Thanks also go to the numerous donors, 50/50 ticket purchasers and oyster roast attendees who supported the event.
Stay tuned for an update to this success story, as scholarships for area seniors will be awarded April 23 at the Isle of Palms Exchange Dinner.
City
in June
By Tammy Cox
The City of Isle of Palms Recreation Department’s Farmer’s Market & Food Truck Jam series will kick off June 18, 2026, and continue on the third Thursday of each month through October. The event will feature local farmers, artisans, crafters, specialty vendors, food trucks, live music, family-friendly activities and more. Each event in the series will run from 4 to 7 p.m.
Farmer’s Market & Food Truck Jam schedule:
• June 18
• July 16
• Aug. 20
• Sept. 17
• Oct. 15
Visit iop.net, Facebook and Instagram for the latest events and updates.
All awardees and their families will be invited and celebrated. Thank you all for your support.
2026 Isle of Palms Front Beach Fest
Battle of Sullivan’s Island Video to be Shown at SI Town Hall
By Battery Gadsden Cultural Center
The brand-new Battle of Sullivan’s Island video will be shown at Sullivan’s Island Town Hall on Tuesday, April 7. Produced by Wide Awake Films for the SC250 Commission, the 13-minute film aims to increase awareness of the American victory on June 28, 1776, celebrated each year as Carolina Day.
Despite turning away the British and delaying their plans for the Southern colonies for another four years, the battle remains one of the most underrecognized victories of the Revolutionary War.
The presentations will take place at 5:30 p.m. in the Town Council chambers and will be followed by a panel discussion moderated by Rob Shenk, chief content officer for Wide Awake Films. Panelists will include Norm Rickeman, a Sullivan’s Island resident, Fort Moultrie volunteer and author of Unsung: William Moultrie and the Battle of Sullivan’s Island, and Mike Walsh, a Sullivan’s Island resident, Fort Moultrie volunteer and president of Battery Gadsden Cultural Center. Both have a strong interest in raising awareness of the battle.
Co-sponsored by Battery Gadsden Cultural Center, the Friends of Charleston National Parks and the Town of Sullivan’s Island, the events are free and open to the public. Residents are encouraged to bring neighbors, especially those new to the area, for the opportunity to learn more about this important chapter in local and national history.
Island Easter Services Opportunities
Staff Report
The following Easter services will take place across the Islands on April 5:
Community Sunrise Service (a collaborative effort of multiple churches on the Islands) - 6:45 a.m. — Breach Inlet Beach, Sullivan’s Island side
DeepWater Church — Front Beach near the pier, Isle of Palms - 10 a.m. | Bring a chair | Free parking in municipal lot
First United Methodist Church — 12 21st Ave., Isle of Palms - 9 and 10:30 a.m. services
Holy Cross Anglican Church — 2520 Middle St., Sullivan’s Island - 8 and 10:30 a.m. services (child care at 10:30 a.m.)
Isle of Palms Baptist Church — 14 24th Ave., Isle of Palms - 11 a.m. service
St. Mark’s Lutheran Church — 300 Palm Blvd., Isle of Palms - 10 a.m. service
Sullivan’s Island Baptist Church — 1753 Central Ave., Sullivan’s Island - 8:30 a.m. pancake breakfast, 10 a.m. service, 11 a.m. egg hunt
Sunrise Presbyterian Church — 3222 Middle St., Sullivan’s Island - 10 a.m. Celebration of the Resurrection
Island Club to Host Batik Workshop with Artist Arianne Comer
By Carol Antman
Island Club members are invited to a special workshop with batik artist Arianne Comer on Saturday, April 25, from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Island Club.
Comer is an art consultant, indigo and community arts advocate, lecturer, teacher and textile artist who has been an artist-in-residence in South Carolina since 1995.
Using Comer’s stamps depicting images from the Gullah tradition and indigo dye, participants will help create a large expanse of fabric. The piece will serve as the backdrop for the Island Club’s June 20 concert at Sunrise Church commemorating the Declaration of Independence. Afterward, the creations will be transformed into artwork for the club.
The workshop is free for members and is suitable for adults and children ages 10 and older. Participants may drop in anytime during the afternoon and stay as long as they like, but space is limited.
Corporal Joshua Poole Named 2025 Officer of the Year
By Glenn Meadows, Chief of Police
The Sullivan’s Island Police Department announced that Cpl. Joshua Poole has been selected as the 2025 LENS SI Officer of the Year, an honor made especially meaningful because it was determined by an overwhelming vote of the Sullivan’s Island community. Poole serves as the school resource officer at Sullivan’s Island Elementary School.
The award was presented Saturday, Feb. 28, 2026, during a private celebration for the police department. The event was sponsored by the LENS SI Foundation and brought together officers and their families in recognition of their work and the partnership that helps keep Sullivan’s Island safe.
Poole was honored not only for his professionalism and commitment to public safety, but also for the trust, respect and appreciation he has earned from residents he serves each day. His dedication reflects the principles of community-focused policing and the spirit of service that defines the Sullivan’s Island Police Department.
The department also thanked the LENS SI Foundation for sponsoring the event and for its continued support of officers and the community. Officials said they are equally grateful to residents for their ongoing trust, encouragement and partnership.
For more information about LENS SI, visit lenssi.org.
Battery Gadsden to present U-Boat program
By Mike Walsh
If you happen to visit the Fort Moultrie Visitor Center, you will find as part of its World War II exhibit two mentions of German U-boat incursions into Charleston Harbor during the war in 1942. According to the display, both submarines laid 12 mines and escaped without being detected. The mines were cleared, though, and no damage was done to shipping. But is this the true story? Did these two events actually happen? Were there others that occurred in our waters? We know the U-boat threat along the U.S. coastline during the war was extensive. Was Charleston, one of the major East Coast ports, ignored after 1942?
The answers to those and many other fascinating questions will be explored Thursday, March 26, when Battery Gadsden Cultural Center welcomes back National Park Service Ranger Shelby McAllister as its monthly speaker. Shelby’s presentation is titled The Unseen Threat: German U-Boats in Charleston Waters. If you were fortunate enough to hear Ranger Shelby’s presentation on the lighthouses that have existed in our area over the centuries, you know she is a wonderful presenter and excellent researcher. She has delved deeply into the records of the U-boat threat, both in the U.S. and Germany, and has made discoveries many people have never heard of.
Ranger Shelby is a native of Iowa. After finding that classroom teaching wasn’t for her, she joined the National Park Service and served at Harpers Ferry, Shiloh, and Lincoln’s Home in Springfield, Illinois, before coming to Fort Sumter and Fort Moultrie National Historical Park.
This presentation, part of BGCC’s monthly speaker series, will take place at 6 p.m. Thursday, March 26, at Sunrise Presbyterian Church, 3222 Middle St., on Sullivan’s Island. As always, these talks are free and open to the public.
Important notice: Due to construction, Middle Street may be closed between Station 30 and Station 32. However, the church parking lot is still accessible from Middle Street north of Station 32 or from Jasper Boulevard.
Fisher Recycling Announces Isle
of Palms Glass
By Elizabeth Fisher
Drop Sites
Fisher Recycling announced that an “anonymous concerned citizen” stepped in to sponsor two drop sites to keep the recycling program operating with the city’s permission for at least another year.
The bins were delivered March 14 and are ready for glass recycling. The following items are accepted: glass bottles, glass jars and all colors of glass. The following items are not accepted: plastic bags, lids, bottle caps, ceramics, dishes, mirrors, window glass, light bulbs, trash or mixed recycling.
Drop site locations (open 24/7):
Mayor Carmen R. Bunch Park (next to Harris Teeter)
2200 Waterway Blvd.
Isle of Palms
Isle of Palms Marina (near Fire Station)
Ranger Shelby
City of Isle of Palms Hosts Easter Egg Hunt
By Kelsey Marsh
The Easter Egg Hunt is back. On Saturday, April 4, at 10 a.m. sharp, children ages 12 and under will begin a mad dash for eggs at the largest Easter egg hunt this side of the IOP Connector.
The free IOP Easter Egg Hunt will be held at the Isle of Palms Recreation grounds, located at 24 28th Ave., and will be sectioned into four different age groups for the hunt. Age groups will be 3 and under, 4–6 years, 7–9 years, and 10–12 years.
All participants will receive a bag of Easter candy for their efforts. After hunting for eggs, children can enjoy jump castles, snow cones, face painting and even get a picture with the Easter Bunny.
In the event of inclement weather, all festivities will be moved to the gym in the Recreation Center.
For more information, call 843-886-8294 or visit iop.net.
LENS Foundation Opens Nominations for 2025 Isle of Palms Public Safety Awards
Staff Report
The LENS Foundation (Law Enforcement Neighborhood Support Foundation) is now accepting nominations for the 2025 Isle of Palms Public Safety Awards, which recognize two outstanding members of the Isle of Palms Police and Fire departments.
The awards honor first responders who go above and beyond in service to the community — whether through acts of bravery, consistent professionalism, compassionate service or leadership that inspires others. Community members are encouraged to nominate a firefighter or police officer whose work deserves recognition.
Award recipients will be honored during the foundation’s annual banquet, The Cheese Ball, scheduled for
New Beginnings at Shop Abovo
Sullivan’s Island boutique creates community through fashion, events, and giving back
By: Hanalei Potempa
Tucked along the lively streets of Sullivan’s Island, Shop Abovo has become more than just a boutique — it’s a community gathering place where fashion, local culture and charitable causes intersect. Through creative events and carefully curated clothing collections, the shop has built a reputation for bringing people together while giving back.
Shop owner Kasey Jane Dameo started by selling her boutique clothing online and at pop-ups in her community, reinvesting all her profits right back into the shop. In 2020, she opened her first brick-and-mortar location in New Jersey.
Shortly after, she made the move to Charleston, setting her sights on the exact space she sells from now, as it opened up right when she arrived.
“I think the stars aligned perfectly that it opened up when I got down here. And this is my dream. It’s been perfect just to be on Sullivan’s and be a part of Charleston and the community,” Dameo said.
She shared that there is special meaning behind the boutique’s name, as “abovo” is a Latin root that means “new beginnings,” and the community she has built has definitely embodied that meaning.
“We’ve built a pretty amazing community of locals, people who have just newly moved here,” she said. “It’s just a place where we could just be girls together and spend time in a beautiful place shopping for beautiful clothes.”
The shop also uses this spirit of new beginnings to give back to the community. In addition to hosting fun and creative events throughout the year, Shop Abovo incorporates animal adoption events.
“Thousands of people come out to the island to walk past the shop, spend time in our front yard, come in and out of the shop or shop at the local businesses. We saw that as a perfect opportunity to get the puppies in the faces of the right people,” she said.
Dameo describes the style of her boutique as “boho chic,” emphasizing that there’s a little something for everyone, regardless of age or style.
“My mom and my grandma were two of my biggest supporters when I first started, so I liked the idea of three generations being able to walk into the shop and all leave with something,” Dameo said.
The boutique is constantly bringing in new items in addition to its popular Charleston and Sullivan’s Island merchandise. She said she gets a lot of style inspiration for the pieces from the women of Charleston themselves.
“Of all ages, they’re all super hip and cool, and just people-watching and being out and about in my own city definitely helps to inspire,” she said.
For the shop’s owner, Shop Abovo has been rewarding in many ways, adding that helping her customers feel confident “means the absolute world.”
May 14, 2026, at Wild Dunes Resort. Winners will receive formal recognition on stage and a commemorative award acknowledging their service.
The banquet is a longstanding island tradition that brings together residents, community leaders and first responders to celebrate local service while raising funds for public safety initiatives. Proceeds support training, equipment, wellness programs, moraleboosting events and other departmental needs.
To nominate a member of the Isle of Palms Fire or Police departments, visit lensiop.org/public-safety-awards.
Community members are encouraged to help spotlight those who protect and serve the island with dedication and heart.
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: Roller Skating on the Point
WHERE: Charleston Harbor Resort & Marina, 20 Patriots Point Rd., Mt. Pleasant
WHEN: Select days from March 6 to March 29
MORE INFO: Located beneath the Charleston Harbor Pavilion, the family-friendly roller rink will be set up in the same space as the resort’s popular wintertime synthetic ice rink.
Individual tickets are $18 per person and include skate rentals and up to 60 minutes of skating.
WHAT: The Charleston Festival
WHERE: Various
WHEN: March 18 – April 11
MORE INFO: Historic Charleston Foundation has celebrated houses, history, and culture through its annual spring festival since its founding in 1947 as the Festival of Houses and Gardens. As the Foundation’s longest running fundraising and educational event, the Festival has evolved into a celebration of Charleston’s history, architecture, culture, and community.
FRIDAY, MARCH 20
WHAT: Weird Science on the inside stage
WHERE: The Windjammer, 1008 Ocean Blvd., Isle of Palms
WHEN: Doors at 9 p.m.
MORE INFO: Charleston’s Favorite 80’s cover band takes the stage.
SATURDAY, MARCH 21
WHAT: 23rd Annual ArtFest
WHERE: Mount Pleasant Towne Centre
WHEN: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
MORE INFO: This annual festival at the Mount Pleasant Towne Centre brings families and cultural enthusiasts together with budding and professional artists for an event that showcases a diverse array of local and regional artistic talent. Local music, dance, and visual arts studios offer stunning performances by some of the area’s most talented individuals and groups.
WHAT: Paws in the Park
WHERE: Brittlebank Park, 185 Lockwood Dr, CharlestonC
WHEN: 12 p.m. - 4 p.m.
MORE INFO: South Carolina’s largest pet-friendly festival is back, featuring live music, brews, a chili cook-off and all the oysters you can eat.
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.
WHAT: Charleston Battery Home Game
WHERE: Patriots Point Soccer Stadium, 85 Patriots Point Rd, Mt Pleasant
WHEN: 7 p.m.
MORE INFO: Cheer on the Charleston Battery as they take on Birmingham Legion FC.
WHAT: Rock the 90’s on the NÜTRL Beach Stage
WHERE: The Windjammer, 1008 Ocean Blvd., Isle of Palms
WHEN: Doors at 6 p.m.
MORE INFO: Rock the 90’s USA: The Official 90’s Rock Tribute takes you back to the glory days of guitar driven rock – an eclectic buffet of all the best in 90’s alternative radio rock – performed exactly like the original recordings.
SUNDAY, MARCH 22
WHAT: Resident Artist Welcome Brunch & Art Show
WHERE: Wild Dunes Resort
WHEN: 2 p.m. - 4 p.m.
MORE INFO: The Gallery at Sweetgrass celebrates their newest resident artist, Heather MacQueen Jones. Enjoy a relaxed afternoon featuring light charcuterie bites, an opportunity to meet the artist, and a first look at Heather’s newest works on display.
WHAT: Yoga on the Lawn
WHERE: Hotel Indigo Mount Pleasant, 250 Johnnie Dodds Blvd., Mt. Pleasant
WHEN: 2 p.m.
MORE INFO: Charleston Power Yoga hosts a refreshing way to reset for the week ahead.
MONDAY, MARCH 23
WHAT: IOP Free Speaker Series: Asian Longhorned Beetle Infestation with Jacob Beach, Program Manager, Clemson University Department of Plant Industry WHERE: Isle of Palms Recreation Center, 24 28th Ave. WHEN: 9:45 a.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.
WHAT: Ben Franklin Circle: the Virtue of Order WHERE: Edgar Allan Poe Branch Library, 1921 Ion Ave, Sullivan’s Island WHEN: 10:30 a.m.
MORE INFO: Ben Franklin Circles are face-toface salons driven by two goals: to help us improve ourselves and to help us improve our world. Visit benfranklincircles.org to learn more.
WHAT: Hiring Event
WHERE: Wild Dunes Resort WHEN: 1 p.m. - 5 p.m.
MORE INFO: The property is hiring across the culinary and operations teams. From Resort Cooks, Culinary Supervisors, and Sous Chefs to Pool Attendants, Resort Drivers, Servers, Bartenders, Banquets, Stewards, and more — Wild Dunes Resort is growing their team.
TUESDAY, MARCH 24
WHAT: Tortellini Workshop & Dinner
WHERE: Two Blokes Brewing, 547 Long Point Rd., #101, Mt. Pleasant
WHEN: 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
MORE INFO: Looking for the perfect night out with your friends or an exciting date night? Discover the art of pasta in Chef Michel’s hands-on Tortellini-making course. Learn to craft pasta sheets from scratch, fill them with your choice of pumpkin or classic ricotta and cook them to perfection, pairing them with a selection of complimentary sauces. This class
includes a full dinner. Get tickets on eventbrite.com.
SATURDAY, MARCH 27
WHAT: The Broken Hearts – Tom Petty Tribute on the NÜTRL Beach Stage
WHERE: The Windjammer, 1008 Ocean Blvd., Isle of Palms
WHEN: Doors at 6 p.m.
MORE INFO: The great loss of Tom Petty, the beloved Florida Beatle, shocked the music world. So, this band celebrates his life and music by performing the Heartbreakers top hits – songs that will get you up on your feet dancing, singing, and wanting more!
WHAT: Grace McNally Trio
WHERE: Mount Pleasant Presbyterian Church, 302 Hibben St.
WHEN: 7 p.m.
MORE INFO: The free concert will feature the Grace McNally Trio, known for imaginative arrangements, original compositions, and dynamic interpretations of classical repertoire, jazz standards, and Latin American folk songs. Blending influences from West Africa and the Americas, the trio creates a captivating musical journey that transcends genres and cultures.
WHAT: The Novatones
WHERE: The Windjammer, 1008 Ocean Blvd., Isle of Palms
WHEN: Doors at 9:30 p.m.
MORE INFO: The Novatones perform on the inside stage!
SATURDAY, MARCH 28
WHAT: Cooper River Bridge Run
WHERE:The start is at the corner of Simmons and Coleman Blvd in Mt. Pleasant.
WHEN: 8 a.m.
MORE INFO: The Cooper River Bridge Run is one of the best 10-K races in the world. It includes worldclass competition in a unique setting with unparalleled participant satisfaction. Learn more at ridgerun.com.
WHAT: Stop Light Observations on the NÜTRL Beach Stage
WHERE: The Windjammer, 1008 Ocean Blvd., Isle of Palms
WHEN: Doors at 6 p.m.
MORE INFO: Stop Light Observations is a 4-piece band born and raised in Charleston.
WHAT: John Wood Band on the inside stage WHERE: The Windjammer, 1008 Ocean Blvd., Isle of Palms
WHEN: Doors at 9:30 p.m.
MORE INFO: The John Wood Band is a soulful sixpiece rock band out Wilmington, NC. With an array of influences, The John Wood Band creates a unique sound and an energetic live show.
SUNDAY, MARCH 29
WHAT: Braxton Keith – on the NÜTRL Beach Stage WHERE: The Windjammer, 1008 Ocean Blvd., Isle of Palms
WHEN: Doors at 6 p.m.
MORE INFO: Braxton Keith, a 20something Country songwriter and musician performs at The Windjammer.
WHAT: AC Scar & Reverse Cowgirl on the inside stage WHERE: The Windjammer, 1008 Ocean Blvd., Isle of Palms
WHEN: Doors at 9:30 p.m.
MORE INFO: Reverse Cowgirl is a brand new Charleston-based project spearheaded by AC Scar, the stage name of local country music songwriter Andrew Scardino. “Bayou” is the debut single from the project, recorded at local studio The Space with Ben Somerville, with the rhythm section from local rockers
INTERPRETED BY: Katherine Berry
OWNER NAME: Mary and Lee
NAME: Judd
‘Judd-Muffin’
AGE: 8
BREED: Blue Tick Hound Mix
FAVORITE TOY: Toys? No, let’s destroy it however, I do like a good Nyla bone
VET : Patrick Vet
FOOD: Science Diet
Judd
DOGLUCKY
Well hey there, friends — name’s Judd. Blue tick hound from upstate South Carolina, currently following my nose wherever the breeze takes me. First mate. Snack inspector. With amber eyes, long legs and an even longer list of places to investigate.
The motto for my lucky dog life is: Hike hard, nap harder and snack hardest.
My story began when Mom broke me free from my adoption home. Mom met my sister at a coffee shop and when she heard I was waiting, she decided on the spot it was time to go get her Judd. See, Mom had always dreamed of a big boy like me whose name would be Judd — an uncomplicated buddy to explore life with.
At first I was a little timid, but now I’m her “Judd-Muffin,” and together it’s magic. Dad’s cool too, but I’m not his muffin anything. But if he has one to share? Now we’re talking.
Life in the hills was fun, but then we moved to the beach and — whoa — the smells! You cannot imagine the level of information contained in one single beach breeze. My nose instantly turned into a NASA satellite. Now I get to scan the dunes, analyze seaweed, decode tide pools and occasionally sample the local cuisine every day. Yes please and thank you.
Ahem. And yes, I eat some unusual things. And yes, they are often salty. No, I will not be elaborating.
I also believe fences are more like suggestions. My backyard is my sanctuary to take in the sun, but on occasion the world beyond beckons and I decide it’s time to see what happens outside the walls. I’ve wandered into homes to meet the neighbors, and another time I found myself sitting at a restaurant
with some new friends who shared their table snacks. I value community outreach opportunities.
Today I have this charger thing around my neck and boundaries have been established. I guess the times I bolted to the Windjammer to take in the scents, sounds and scenery weren’t ideal. So now I’m wired up and my days of bolting are on hold.
I’m what you might call a thoughtful wanderer. A quiet observer of the world.
Mornings are my favorite part of the day. When Dad gets moving, I watch carefully for the signs: shoes being located, jacket appearing, grabbing my charger. That’s when the spinning starts.
The bucking.
The twirling.
Imagine a deer, a tornado and a caffeinated ballerina … all happening at once. That’s me when an adventure is on the horizon.
I throw my head in the air and sing my hound song to alert the masses.
YEW! An adventure is about to begin!
Let’s go everywhere, try everything and ask forgiveness later.
At the end of my day I stretch out in the sun, take in the world and think about how strange life can be. One minute you’re waiting to be rescued, and the next you’re galloping with the people you’re meant to be with, doing what you were born to do.
Turns out the world is a pretty wonderful place — especially when you follow your nose.
Mom and Dad, thank you for letting this hound bunk down for life.
Heart of Palms: The Island That Hands You a Ladder
By Jen Prod and Lisa Ernst
A month after launching our channel, we were filming and ended up at lunch next to Helen Leland, founder of Blender Bombs. She overheard us talking about our idea and offered our first collaboration. We had about 100 followers. She did not ask for statistics. She sent a contract and told us she was cheering for us.
That was our first ladder.
In month two, Megan Moulton, a world-renowned interior designer, welcomed us into her store for filming and a behind-the-scenes interview. She treated us as if our voices mattered, even though we were absolute beginners. Another ladder.
Leslie at II Brunettes offered us a brand deal. When we asked why us, she said she had been so blessed that she felt called to bless other women building something new. That is what rooting for beginners looks like.
Jaclyn at Younger You trusted us to represent her brand while we were still finding our footing. She was shaping her own business at the same time. We were beginners together, climbing side by side.
Naomi from Pop and Pallet donated her time and talent to help us celebrate gratitude at the Isle of Palms Recreation Center when we could offer her nothing in return. Her heart aligned with ours, and that was enough for her to show up.
The Island Eye gave us a column just weeks into this journey.
Zach Lary at the Isle of Palms Chamber and Ted Kinghorn with LENS connected and encouraged us along the way.
We have learned something important: this island roots for beginners. It does not wait for perfection. It does not require proof. It looks for heart.
When someone is brave enough to start, this community hands them a ladder.
Heart of the Palms exists because people chose to lift instead of measure.
If you are sitting on an idea right now, wondering whether you are ready, maybe you are not looking for proof.
Maybe you are just looking for a ladder.
We hope you find one here.
Fort Sumter and Fort Moultrie National Historical Park to Commemorate First Shot of the Civil War
By National Park Service
On April 11, Fort Sumter and Fort Moultrie National Historical Park invites the public to commemorate the 165th anniversary of the opening shots of the American Civil War. The park will observe a fee-free day.
The park will host a variety of special programs:
Living historians in period clothing will portray soldiers and civilians.
There will be musket-firing demonstrations at 11 a.m. and 1 and 3 p.m. Park rangers will present programs at 10 a.m., noon and 2 p.m.
Hands-on interactive activities will take place at History Row, where visitors can learn about historic games, make their own cartridge and sachet, learn about clothing of the time and more.
All activities will take place at Fort Moultrie, located at 1214 Middle St. on Sullivan’s Island. The event will run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, call 843-883-3123 or visit www.nps.gov/fosu.
Jen Prod and Lisa Ernst
