Pretty Poe
RENOVATED POE LIBRARY TO OPEN MARCH 25
BY DOUG REYNOLDS
Charleston County Public Library (CCPL) will open the renovated Edgar Allan Poe/Sullivan’s Island Library (Poe Library), located at 1921 Ion Ave., on Tuesday, March 25. The public is invited to attend a ribbon-cutting ceremony beginning at 9 a.m. at the branch.
The Poe Library closed in August 2024 to undergo renovations as part of the ongoing $108.5 million referendum-funded project passed by Charleston County voters in 2014 to build five new libraries and renovate all existing branches. Updates included new paint and furniture, refreshed restrooms with new flooring, upgraded IT systems, and infrastructure improvements to HVAC and electrical. Designs for the renovations were created by Liollio Architecture.
The ribbon-cutting ceremony will include speakers from the library and Charleston County government, as well as elected officials. In
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Fort Moultrie Dock Closing
BY BRETT SPAULDING
Fort Sumter and Fort Moultrie National Historical Park has announced the temporary closure of the Fort Moultrie Dock, effective Wednesday, March 5. The Fort Moultrie Dock serves as the primary location for maintenance, preservation, and law enforcement activities within the park. The dock has deteriorated to a point where it requires replacement.
This marks the first phase of a project to replace the Fort Moultrie and Fort Sumter docks and enhance the Liberty Square Dock in downtown Charleston. The Fort Moultrie Dock will be closed for approximately one year, with the Fort Sumter Dock replacement set to begin later this year.
The Fort Moultrie Dock, nearly 50 years old, has deteriorated to
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Leaving Lasting Impressions
IOP SELECTS WINNERS FOR PRESTIGIOUS LENS PUBLIC SAFETY AWARDS
BY LAURA STRECKER
The Isle of Palms community is coming together once again to honor individuals who go above and beyond in their service to public safety. The LENS Community Public Safety Awards, presented by the Isle of Palms Law Enforcement Neighborhood Support (LENS) Foundation, recognize outstanding members of the Isle of Palms Fire and Police departments for their exceptional dedication to community engagement and public safety.
This year’s honorees include Officer Kevin Barattini of the Isle of Palms Police Department and Firefighter Braxton Comer of the Isle of Palms Fire Department. Both have been recognized for their commitment to community public safety outreach—an approach that fosters strong relationships between public safety officials and the people they protect.
The LENS Community Public Safety Awards were established to honor public safety personnel who exceed their duties,
not just in emergencies but in everyday interactions that make a lasting impact.
“These awards are about more than just recognizing outstanding service,” Mayor Phillip Pounds said. “They highlight the importance of collaboration, trust, and strong partnerships between public safety officials and the people they protect. Officer Barattini and Firefighter Comer exemplify what it means to serve with dedication, leadership, and heart.”
The LENS Foundation introduced a new nomination process this year, allowing Isle of Palms citizens and city staff to directly submit recommendations for outstanding public safety personnel.
The awardees were selected based on criteria including:
• Positive impact on colleagues, citizens, and the broader community
• Implementation of innovative safety programs or initiatives
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IOPPD Officer Kevin Barattini (center) beside Sergeant Chad King with a participant at a LENS Bicycle Safety Event.
PHOTO BY LAURA STRECKER
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CONTRIBUTORS:
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Poe Renovations
addition to the ribbon cutting, patrons will have the opportunity to meet the branch staff, take pictures with CCPL’s mascot, Owlbert, explore the branch, and more.
For more information about the Poe Library and other library branches around Charleston County, visit ccpl.org/branches.
LENS Awards
Continued from page 1
• Strengthening of community partnerships
• Efforts in crime reduction and public safety enhancement
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Op-eds and Letters to the Editor do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Lucky Dog Publishing or its staff.
“This award embodies LENS’ core mission of bringing the community and public safety officials closer together,” said Ted Kinghorn, director of the IOP LENS Foundation. “We are thrilled to honor these remarkable individuals and celebrate the spirit of partnership that makes our island a safer, stronger place for all.”
On May 12, 2025, Officer Barattini and Firefighter Comer will be honored at a special preevent ceremony inside Islander 71 Restaurant from 4:30 to 5 p.m. During this pre-reception, outstanding volunteers who have demonstrated exceptional support for public safety personnel and a deep commitment to the community will also be recognized. Following the ceremony, the
celebration will continue at the LENS Neighborhood Block Party—an annual event that brings together residents, first
responders, and local supporters in appreciation of public service. Locals are invited to register for the LENS Neighborhood Block Party for an evening of celebration, community, and fun—all in support of the Isle of Palms Police and Fire departments. The event will honor this year’s Public Safety Award recipients while bringing neighbors together to strengthen relationships with local first responders. Guests can look forward to live music, food stations, balloon art, jugglers, face painting, and an interactive touch tank for hands-on fun. Kids and adults alike can enjoy the hula hoop station, beaded bracelet-making, and 30-minute eco boat tours, while fire trucks and stilt walkers add to the lively atmosphere. With special favors, prize drawings, and a 50/50 raffle, the night promises to be an unforgettable community celebration. Kids under 16 attend free with an accompanying parent. Register to attend at LENSIOP. ORG.
Braxton Comer (far right).
PHOTO BY LAURA STRECKER
Disco’s Back
the point that its usefulness is limited and it no longer provides adequate accessibility for visitors and staff. The park picnic area and the Bench by the Road Memorial will be inaccessible during construction. However, the General Moultrie gravesite and an alternate picnic area will remain open. Portions of the parking lot and lawn will also serve as staging areas for the project, limiting access for buses, recreational vehicles, and other large vehicles. Visitors should refer to the park website for further guidance.
The new dock is expected to last approximately 50 years
and will accommodate various National Park Service vessel types. It will enhance safety and improve the visitor experience on the dock and in the surrounding area.
Fort Moultrie is located at 1214 Middle St. on Sullivan’s Island. The park represents the history of static seacoast defense in the United States, from the American Revolution to the end of World War II. The park is open daily, and a site fee applies. For more information, call 843-883-3123, visit nps.gov/fosu, or follow on Facebook. To visit Fort Sumter, contact Fort Sumter Tours for ferry tickets at fortsumtertours.com.
ISLANDER 71 TO HOST STUDIO 54 TRIBUTE SHOW WITH ME & MR. JONES
BY CHRISTIAN SENGER
Get ready to dust off your sequins and relive the magic of Studio 54. In honor of the legendary nightclub’s anniversary, local band Me & Mr. Jones is bringing the glitz, glam and iconic disco sound back to the stage for a one-nightonly, nine-piece live band Studio 54 tribute show, “Le Freak,” on Friday, April 18, 2025, at Islander 71 on Isle of Palms. Doors open at 5 p.m.
Studio 54, which first opened in April 1977, became the ultimate hotspot for music, fashion and over-the-top nightlife, hosting some of the most iconic artists of the disco era. Me & Mr. Jones will pay tribute to that golden age with a setlist featuring legendary hits from Donna Summer, Chic, the Bee Gees, Earth, Wind & Fire, and
more.
“This isn’t just a concert—it’s an experience,” said bandleader and lead singer Alyce Marie. “I don’t do cheesy gimmicks—I’m all about flashy details, stimulating effects and personally curated design for all of my shows and events. We’re recreating the magic of Studio 54 with the music, the vibe and the unforgettable energy that made it legendary, and I want it felt on both sides of the stage. Life is too short for boring, so expect the most.”
Guests are encouraged to dress in their boldest disco attire for the ultimate throwback night. The evening will feature a dance floor, themed cocktails, vendors, DJ sets, and more.
General admission and VIP tickets are available now on Eventbrite.
The Fort Moultrie Dock on Sullivan’s Island.
Reddy or Not: The Sad Mr. Hahn
BY ROM REDDY
If you’ve watched Councilman Blair Hahn lately, you must wonder how he ever got elected—let alone how he ever became a member of the bar. Well, I can shed some light on the first item and take responsibility for being the one who talked him into running.
I first met Mr. Hahn when he was chair of BIPA, a group formed to represent residents’ interests when the City Council at that time was being overrun by state mandates on parking and access. I mistakenly thought Mr. Hahn would carry the zeal he displayed at BIPA meetings to City Council. Over a cup of coffee, he agreed that running would be a good idea. He was part of a team of five that ran on a common agenda of putting residents first—the others being Pounds, Anderson, Bogosian, and Miars.
Boy, has Hahn been a disaster or what?
I made the cardinal error of offending his giant ego when my opinion piece questioned whether it was a conflict of interest for him to be an Isle of Palms council member while simultaneously serving as co-founder of another entity, The Palm Republic, which declared “independence” from South Carolina and sued the state. Apparently, no one can question his “Beaudacious Highness,” as he wanted to be called. I have been a target ever since, including when he filmed a video—later publicized—
criticizing me while standing at the entrance to my home, endangering me and my family.
Several residents have discovered the real Mr. Hahn the hard way, getting yelled at and insulted simply for questioning his Highness at council meetings. After witnessing all of his angry, public eruptions, his Highness decided to put on a grand act last month—complete with aggressive yelling, name-calling, and flipping off other council members. The outburst was so extreme that one member left, while another publicly stated she felt threatened and feared for her safety.
Of course, like most weak, highego individuals, his Highness takes no responsibility, issues no public apology, and instead attacks others. His favorite target? My longtime friend, Councilman John Bogosian. Why? Because John is a decent guy who doesn’t indulge in vile, nasty attacks. Hahn’s reasoning? John must be corrupt, a suspicious figure placed on the council by me as a “puppet” so I can take over the island. His proof? Zero. Ignore the fact that Hahn ran on the same platform as John at the same time. Ignore the fact that
not a single piece of legislation has ever been requested or passed by John—or anyone else—that would benefit me. Ignore the fact that I have no business or commercial interests on the island. Not a shred of evidence. But a convenient attack line for his Highness to deflect from owning his behavior.
He recently attributed the entire sham surrounding the hiring of the administrator to John. Why? Because, apparently, I did not like Doug. I barely know Doug, and I have never even discussed the hiring process with anyone. But facts don’t matter to Mr. Hahn. It’s just another convenient deflection.
What an embarrassment to the island to have someone like Mr. Hahn representing the wonderful people of this community. Let me take responsibility for my part in this fiasco. While I have never attempted any of the things Hahn so freely accuses me of—driven by his blind rage that I don’t bow to his Highness—I did have coffee with him and encouraged him to run in 2021.
And for that, I apologize.
Reddy or Not represents the opinion of Lucky Dog Publishing owner Rom Reddy but not necessarily the opinion of the newspaper. In keeping with our philosophy of publishing all opinions, we welcome responses, which must be limited to 400 words and will be published on a space-available basis.
Island Chic: Effortlessly Stylish Trends for Spring 2025
BY ASHLEY REID MARTIN
Chasing trends is not my thing. I tend to play the long game when it comes to style—a slow evolution that, as I’ve gotten older, involves leaning into comfort (some may say a little too far on this one), honing in on the shapes and colors that flatter my body, and maybe just peppering in a few trendier items. (Currently, I’m playing with oversized bag charms and silver statement jewelry.)
One of the beautiful things
about island life in the Lowcountry is that we get to live much of the year in my dream wardrobe: bathing suits, beach cover-ups and wide-brimmed hats. For the most part, we enjoy a wonderfully casual lifestyle, far from the constraints of citified “dress.” That said, we are also a shamelessly stylish set and will not be set to pasture when it comes to staying current and relevant in today's fashion world. The trick—and we do this so well—is casually incorporating a
Food, Friends, and Giving Back
IOP EXCHANGE CLUB HOSTS ANNUAL OYSTER ROAST
BY ROBBIE BERG
What better way to spend a sunny day than on Hamlin Creek with a bucket full of Louisiana oysters and friends? That’s exactly what more than 200 people decided to do on March 8 at the Isle of Palms Exchange Club.
This decades-old oyster roast, named after Bud and Cecily Stack, who originated it, has been an annual tradition for many returning supporters. All proceeds go toward scholarships for TriCounty area seniors and support youth programming through the Isle of Palms Exchange Club’s Youth and Scholarship Program of Service.
A surprise “oyster lover” was in attendance representing the Stack family—Betsy Vaska, Cecily Stack’s daughter. She now lives out of state but likes to attend when she’s back in the area. Thank you to the Stacks for starting this fundraiser.
One attendee, a Sullivan’s Island native who now lives in Florida, returns every year to be part of this worthwhile cause and “Party on the Creek.” He also became a member of the Isle of Palms
Exchange Club two years ago after attending. Another attendee from Mount Pleasant proudly told a volunteer, “This is my favorite event of the year,” and thanked her for the opportunity to support area youth.
A huge thank-you goes to the many volunteers from the Isle of Palms Exchange Club and the surrounding area who helped make the event a success. However, one of the biggest contributors to our oyster roast fundraiser’s success is our sponsors and donors. A special thank-you to our sponsors: Coastal Marinas/The Outpost, Jim Smitherman, Cathy Beemer, Robbie Cessna Berg, Jon and Carol Bogosian, Edward Jones, and Betsy and Andres Vaska, along with our numerous other donors.
Stay tuned for an update on this success story as scholarships for area seniors will be awarded on April 24 at the Isle of Palms Exchange Dinner. All awardees and their families will be invited and celebrated. Thank you all for your support!
hint of what’s new and effortlessly blending it into our wardrobes as if it has been there all along. À la, “What, this old thing?”
For spring 2025, we have an easy one to work with: stripes! “Fisherman core” is big this season, and stripes are everywhere. From traditional nauticalinspired blues and whites to whimsical, Italian Rivieraesque wide stripes in vibrant colors, the buffet of stripes is endless. Many of us already have plenty of raw material to work with in our closets. The key is taking a maximalist approach and boldly mixing stripes in unexpected ways—for example, mixing directions (a horizontalstriped top with vertical-striped pants) or, instead of pairing a striped top with a solid bottom, mixing it up with a contrasting print in a similar shade (a largescale floral or abstract print would make a fun combo).
At Goldbug, The Shop on Sullivan’s Island, we’re loving stripes overlaid with text, like this Me369 dress pictured, which
features wide sunset-colored stripes with “Good Vibes Only” printed in large font across the bottom hem, or these versatile jute totes embroidered with “Sullivan’s Island” over a colorful striped background. Other trends for spring include romanticism—think delicate sheer fabrics and lots of ruffles; artisanal touches—think hand-worked details such as braiding, beading, crochet and fringe; and boho—oversized pieces and lots of layering, especially dresses over pants. Katie Poole, owner of Bennie & Coco on Sullivan’s, is embracing the romantic and artisanal concepts with her spring offerings.
“The pieces I’m most drawn to are the ones that feel like they’re out of a different era. All of the crochet and embroidery are right up my alley,” she says.
Whether you choose to have some fun playing with trends this season or not, remember: The true key to style is embracing whatever makes you feel good and helps you show up in the world as your best, kindest and most confident self.
(above) Sheryl Proctor, Bill Dunleavy (center) and Tom Proctor enjoy the St. Patrick Day festivities. (below) The Dunleavy staff ready for the big day.
Ethics, Governance, & Credibility
BY RANDY BELL
As outlined in the Feb. 21 edition of The Island Eye, Mayor Phillip Pounds has again completely disregarded process and a parade of outcry from citizen comments.
Let’s review the facts.
There was no public disclosure or discussion of any of the three external finalist candidates' qualifications for the most important city position—the Isle of Palms administrator (CEO). The city human resources manager has "slow-walked" all FOIA requests related to the search while serving as a direct report to the interim city administrator and candidate, Douglas Kerr.
Per multiple reports in The Post and Courier, other news outlets, and The Island Eye News, Mayor Pounds discussed Kerr’s newly discovered interest at a proposed salary level of $180,000. Without authority and void of process, Pounds added Kerr to the interview list. There was no vote of the committee and no vote of the council. Pounds had zero authority to act unilaterally. Furthermore, Pounds proposed that the Isle of Palms Council not even interview the three finalist candidates that the For Good People (FGP) search firm had already scheduled for interviews and made travel arrangements for.
Kerr has repeatedly stated to council members and the public his desire to retire; however, following his conversation with Pounds, he was magically moved to the lead position with a minimum salary requirement of $180,000 to accept the position—a 27% increase from the recently departed city administrator, who had a master’s degree in public administration and many years of experience as a city administrator. Kerr’s recent salary as deputy administrator, according to Isle of Palms posted salary data, was $121,914. Kerr’s interest is understandable, as his retirement salary moves from approximately $60,000 per year to $90,000 per year—a lifetime benefit approaching $1 million. Perhaps Pounds can explain to the public his personal justification for the continued breach of process and ethical standards. Is this an attempt to control city administration by “purchasing influence and loyalty”? The city administrator serves the community, and any appearance of impropriety is disconcerting.
In a News 2 interview, Pounds stated his reasoning for the selection: “We’ve had a significant amount of turnover in our leadership.” Let’s review that statement. Other than planned
retirements, Isle of Palms leadership has seen almost zero turnover. The city hired Police Chief Cornett in 2020 and Fire Chief Oliverius in 2022, both with full council due process and public disclosure of qualifications. The recreation director was an internal promotion following the retirement of the previous director. The finance director was hired two years ago to replace the retiring director, and public works has a fully qualified succession-planned candidate to replace the current director. Pounds’ statements lack credibility. With a seasoned and qualified executive team in place who possess the "institutional knowledge" Pounds said was at risk, and the stated objective of Kerr’s retirement plans, there was no better time to make the administrator change. Next up, “We have a lot of projects going on.” Could this be the long-planned Waterway bike path? This is pure comedy, as the projects underway preceded his mayoral tenure.
With public disclosure of FGP’s three selected candidates blocked by Isle of Palms HR and administration, residents are rightfully questioning the unethical selection for this critical city position. On Feb. 26, as predicted, Councilman Hahn made a motion to negotiate with
Kerr. The motion to hire Kerr passed with a 6-3 vote. The pay package vote passed with a 5-4 vote to offer “Package C.” Anyone interested in betting on the “enticed candidate pay package”? The over/under is $180,000.
Is FGP (the search firm) “negotiating” with Kerr, or is the salary a "fait accompli" at $180,000? Comparable position salaries are below $150,000, assuming advanced degrees in public administration and previous city administrative experience.
The Isle of Palms will now pay FGP 20% ($36,000 at $180,000) of year-one salary plus expenses for the advice and work product ignored by the voting majority.
Anyone viewing or listening to the Feb. 25 council meeting and citizen comments should be disgusted by this mayor’s disturbing, irresponsible, and unethical actions. This begs the even more disturbing and unanswered question—why?
To Mayor Pounds’ comment, “Hopefully we can put this behind us and move forward…” When the unethical behavior stops and appropriate corrective actions are taken, our beloved Isle of Palms can heal and move forward. It starts with city leadership, not mayoral platitudes.
IOP City Council 1, Constituents 0
BY AL CLOUSE
At the recent Isle of Palms City Council meeting on Feb. 25, 2025, I, along with several other citizens, exercised our First Amendment rights during the public comment period. We are grateful to live in a country where this is allowed; unfortunately, others do not. Council gives each speaker three minutes—no handicap for being over 70.
The credibility and backgrounds of the citizens who spoke were as follows: two former City Council members—one with a senior executive career, the other in technology; the owner and CEO of a specialized national recruiting firm for 40 years; an attorney; an accountant; various respectable citizens from diverse professional backgrounds; and me, the common man.
As the constituents spoke, a recurring theme emerged, sparked by four previous opeds in the Island Eye News. The discussion centered on Mayor Phillip Pounds and the council’s ill-advised strategy to bypass a previously welldefined procedure for hiring a new city administrator, as
well as a clear violation of the council’s Code of Conduct. Yes, several constituents, including myself, called for resignations. However, the speakers also provided the council with a realistic solution: acknowledge the mistake, go back to square one, and do it right the second time. This is the approach I was raised on, my children were raised on—a proven method for cultural course correction.
Recently, Mount Pleasant Mayor Will Haynie followed this approach, preempting a major issue. He did not move the goalposts or prioritize personal interests. Instead, he took responsibility—true leadership.
In contrast, on IOP, based on my understanding, Mayor Pounds’ questionable agenda seemed to have a narrow 5-4 majority. Clearly, the constituents’ messages were compelling enough for the mayor and his supporters to reconsider their actions. Nothing was set in stone—or was it?
I encourage everyone to watch the public comments and form their own opinion: https://youtube.com/ watch?v=LmRD-Jtvivg.
The following morning, on Feb. 26, 2025, City Council voted 6-3 to move forward with offering the city administrator position to a current employee. This individual was never part of the posted hiring process, did not apply by the Dec. 31, 2024, deadline, and, based on my understanding, repeatedly told some council members that they were nearing retirement and not interested in the job. Despite the constituents’ warnings to avoid missteps, the council ignored them. As a result, the repercussions for the city and its stakeholders are now multiplying due to the mayor’s and council’s arbitrary actions.
What does all this mean? Simply put, five council members, plus one who reversed their stance to avoid being in the minority, demonstrated that their governance—or lack thereof— was more powerful than the voices of the people they represent. A fatal mistake.
Many of us believed that council members were elected to serve their constituents, not personal interests. The old adage, "If you find yourself in a hole, stop digging," did
not resonate with the council. They also failed to account for the number of people each constituent represents.
As requested by some of the constituents, it is time for Mayor Pounds and Councilman Hahn to resign. Please do not wait for the court of public opinion to speak in November.
Additionally, it is essential to preserve and release the "phantom video" of the executive session. My understanding is that the video was viewed live by certain IOP employees. If this is true, we need to identify who accessed it. Those employees who viewed the session breached confidentiality, making it a matter of public record. While the video may not have audio, I believe most can interpret the IOP signature body language and gestures.
Finally, an independent forensic law firm should be engaged to document the facts surrounding this situation and present their findings to the public.
Remember when your mother repeatedly told you not to do something, but you did it anyway? How did that work out for you?
LENS Invites Community to Block Party
BY PAUL COLEMAN
Honest question for you… How are we doing as an island community? Are we thriving? Are we connected as neighbors? Are we creating a positive place to call home?
Let me start by saying that I love our island community!
We are truly blessed to live in such a beautiful place with so many great people—I like to say the islands are a wonderful place to live, learn, work, and play.
Our family moved here seven years ago, and my wife grew up on the Isle of Palms. We feel like island people. But even so, we recognize that as a community, we have areas where we can grow.
If there were such a thing as a “community scorecard” that allowed us to rate the health of our island community, what would your rating be? Zero to 10, with zero being awful and 10 being the best.
But where the scorecard would get real is with the next question: “Rate your personal contribution to the health of this community—zero to 10, with zero meaning, ‘I am distant and uninvolved,’ and 10 meaning, ‘I am connected in the community and care for others.’”
What would you answer?
Positive and healthy communities exist because of the personal contributions of their residents. The scores on our community scorecard will improve when those of us who live, learn, work, and play on the islands foster a strong, connected community and embrace opportunities for growth.
What if I told you that taking a positive personal step
was as simple as attending a neighborhood block party?
On Monday, May 12, starting at 5 p.m., the LENS Foundation is hosting a Neighborhood Block Party at Islander 71, featuring live music, entertainment, prize drawings, food, and more. This will be the best block party the islands have ever seen!
This LENS event is a fundraiser to benefit Isle of Palms police officers and firefighters and promotes one of LENS’s core values: neighborhood, represented by the "N" in LENS.
This event creates an opportunity to bring our community together—across all ages. (Yes, the block party is for ages 0 to 100!)
Sure, it’s just one event, but it’s also one opportunity to strengthen our community. Imagine the positive interactions, conversations, laughter, fun, and connections that can happen in just a few hours. Doesn't that sound great?
Would you consider attending? Your presence can make a real difference.
Let’s come together, enjoy one another, and be island neighbors. Hope to see you there!
Tickets for the fundraiser are $75 per person, and kids under 16 attend free with an accompanying parent. The ticket price covers all activities, food, and entertainment.
Find out more or purchase tickets at LENSIOP.org.
Paul Coleman serves as a member of the LENS Advisory Board, is an island pastor, and deeply loves the island community.
Wild Dunes to host Spring Equinox Sunset Floating Sound Bath
BY MICAH CLARK
As the spring equinox approaches—a time of renewal, balance and fresh beginnings—Wild Dunes Resort is hosting a one-of-a-kind wellness experience: the Spring Equinox Sunset Floating Sound Bath on March 20 from 6 to 7:15 p.m. at the Boardwalk Inn Pool.
This immersive sunset ritual invites guests to drift weightlessly on water while bathed in the vibrational frequencies of crystal singing bowls, gongs and chimes, creating a profound mind-body connection. Sound healing
expert Michelle will lead the session, harnessing the power of sound and water to enhance relaxation, reduce stress and align energy—just as day and night find perfect harmony on the equinox. With wellness travel on the rise, floating sound baths are an emerging trend, combining aquatic therapy, meditation and vibrational healing in a way that’s both transformative and deeply restorative. This exclusive event at Wild Dunes Resort is one of the first in the region to bring this practice to life in such a stunning, natural setting.
Wild Volunteers
BY ELISABETH ST. JOHN
“Can you rescue an animal this small?”
was a question heard multiple times at the Keeper of the Wild Oyster Roast Fundraiser, held Sunday, Feb. 23, at Magnolia Plantation. The answer?
Yes—but it takes a lot of hard work and dedication from volunteers.
Baby squirrels, raccoons, and opossums are nurtured in climate-controlled incubators and hand-fed warmed formula hourly. The baby bottles have the tiniest tips and are sterilized at each feeding. Just as a mother dog cleans her puppies after feeding, preventing soiling and promoting hygiene, incubators must be cleaned multiple times per day. In this operation, volunteers take on the mother’s role. One volunteer confided that during busy times, just as one cycle of feeding and cleaning ends, another begins. That’s motherhood.
But again, the answer to a successful rescue is yes. Keeper of the Wild has nurtured, rehabilitated, and returned more than 160,000 wild mammals to their natural habitats, ensuring they can survive and fulfill their roles in the ecosystem. What are those roles, you ask?
Wildlife act as nature’s “sanitary engineers,” performing vital functions to maintain a healthy environment. A balanced ecosystem benefits everyone—from children playing outside to the cleanup of carrion on highways.
Here are just a few examples of their impact:
• Deer, groundhogs, and other wildlife naturally groom woodlands and savannahs, reducing fire hazards. Raccoons and squirrels help control acorn populations before they sprout, and deer and groundhogs eat any seedlings that do take root.
• Opossums consume disease-causing carrion, often from roadkill, reducing contamination of land and water. Contrary to common belief, opossums do not carry rabies or fleas.
• Predators like foxes, opossums, raccoons, and bobcats help control populations of rats, mice, poisonous snakes, insects, and ticks—making outdoor activities safer for humans.
• Seed dispersal by wildlife leads to the growth of maritime and inland forests, as well as native flowers like ox-eye daisies, which support pollinators and bees essential for crop fertilization.
• Otters play a crucial role in maintaining clean waterways by consuming a variety of aquatic species and preventing overpopulation. These playful animals eat about 25% of their body weight daily—maybe they should start a fitness club for overweight critters.
The oyster roast fundraiser was a tremendous success. Guests enjoyed delicious chili, fresh oysters, and an array of other tasty foods. The auction, organized by Suzanne Sortor and her dedicated team of volunteers, featured an impressive selection of items.
An incredible 96% of the event’s proceeds go directly toward animal rehabilitation and shelter expenses. While a small team of paid staff supervises operations, the majority of the work—from grass-cutting to baby feeding to veterinary services and fundraising—is carried out by volunteers. Keeper of the Wild operates without debt, ensuring all funding for repairs, replacements, or expansions is secured before projects begin, thanks to founder Janet Kinser and her board.
Hurricanes and storms often bring an influx of distressed, injured, and orphaned animals. During these critical times, volunteers redouble their efforts to save every possible creature.
Come see our new ambassadors, Todd, Simon, and Melvin. Magnolia Plantation’s new Wildlife Center collaborates with Keeper of the Wild, giving non-releasable animals diplomatic status as ambassadors for their species.
Found an injured animal? Call 843-636-1659—a rehabber or transporter may be available nearby. For injured birds, contact Birds of Prey in Awendaw at 843-971-7474. For more information or to volunteer, visit keeperofthewild.org. Keeper of the Wild is based near Walterboro, S.C., and serves nine coastal counties, including the barrier islands.
Luxury Vacation Home Management
Working with a rescued baby squirrel. PHOTOS PROVIDED
IOP Rec. Department Hosts Art & Cars in the Park
BY OWEN BAILEY
The City of Isle of Palms Recreation Department will host Art & Cars in the Park on Saturday, April 12, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The event will feature:
• Art show
• Car show — hot rods, muscle cars, antiques, collectibles, and special-interest cars
• Live music — Blue Plantation Band
• Food trucks
• Specialty vendors
• Bilingual Book Walk, Tree Hugs, and Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony at 10:30 a.m.
• Educational Tree Hugs Stroll & Learn at 11 a.m.
Following the Tree Hugs Book Walk and Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony at 11 a.m., attendees are invited to join:
• Ash Connelly, vice president and lead arborist, Charleston Tree Experts
• Gerald Benoit, arborist, Gerald Benoit ISA LLC
• Matt Simms, zoning administrator, City of Isle of Palms
• Susan Hill Smith, Isle of Palms Cleanup Crew
• Members of the Isle of Palms Environmental Committee for an educational Tree Hugs Stroll & Learn. Topics will include:
• Benefits of trees — social, communal, environmental, and economic
• All about palms — selection, planting, and maintenance
• Mature tree care — routine maintenance, tree inspection, mulching, fertilizing, and pruning
• Other fun facts and interesting tidbits
According to arborist Gerald Benoit, “A thousand forests start with one acorn.” At a minimum, one oak tree reduces erosion, protects soil from the elements, provides valuable shade, produces acorns—an essential highprotein food source for wildlife—offers a renewable wood source, creates habitats for wildlife and insects, enhances carbon sequestration, improves air quality, aids in water conservation, and more. Every tree counts.
For the latest event updates, visit IOP.net, Facebook, and Instagram.
Shark Teeth Inspire Jewelry and Adventure
Morgan and Blake Hill were married about two years ago and began an adventurous life together. An important first step involved purchasing a boat and going on water excursions in and around Charleston. Sometimes it was just the couple together, and other times they were joined by friends for shark tooth hunting expeditions and homemade pizza. They gained experience, learning the best locations and weather conditions for successful shark tooth hunting. The couple suggests booking an excursion with Coastal Expeditions if you want to find shark teeth locally. Their greatest find is a large, creamy megalodon tooth.
“It’s a treasured possession,” Morgan said. “We’ll never give it up!” Morgan has a background in marketing, while Blake’s professional experience focused on custom home construction. As Morgan grew her influencer business, the couple saw an opportunity for Blake to help by concentrating on the business end while Morgan focused on the creative side.
The couple encouraged and supported each other. One of
BY CLAUDIE BENJAMIN
their earliest ventures involved designing and producing jewelry with some of the thousands of shark teeth they had collected. Morgan formed a partnership with local jewelry designer Haley Holzworth, who started a jewelry business 23 years ago while still in high school. That business, Hermosa Jewelry, is thriving and recently expanded, replacing the small original boutique with a larger one at 861 Coleman Blvd. in Mount Pleasant while also moving its second location into a bigger space at 189 Saint Philip St. in downtown Charleston.
Morgan’s stint with Haley was creative and rewarding. But after six months, the idea of living for a year as full-time RVers drew Morgan and Blake into a new and exciting life of cross-country travel, exploration and discovery.
With her partner in shark tooth jewelry literally on the road, Haley said she will continue to design earrings and necklaces using natural finds and materials, as she has done for many years. The elements she incorporates into her jewelry are acquired on gem-sourcing trips that take her out West for several days before she returns to her studio with fresh inspiration.
“Shark tooth collecting is a thing,” Haley said. Where to find the teeth is often a closely held secret. Folly Beach and Drum Island are two popular sources that are fairly well known.
Once, on a fossil-hunting excursion led by a paleontologist among Charleston’s barrier islands, Haley and other fossil hunters were advised not to tell anyone where they had been, not to take photographs and not to try to return on their own.
Haley started making jewelry while attending Wando High
School from 2002 to 2005 and had already launched her business before graduating. From the beginning, shark teeth were, and continue to be, among the many naturerelated materials and sources of inspiration for her designs.
With Haley and Morgan’s collection, the designs were mostly made from teeth Morgan had found. The two collaborated on designs that incorporated shark teeth, combining them with small freshwater pearls, semi-precious gemstones and gold and silver wire fashioned into earrings, necklaces and charms sold at the two Hermosa Jewelry stores.
Hermosa will continue to produce and expand its shark tooth jewelry, which Haley said is “in higher demand than ever.” She noted that while many customers purchase finished designs, some who have been lucky enough to find their own fossils on the beach bring them into the store to have a piece designed around their discovery. Haley loves the challenge of designing around a customer’s special find, turning a simple beach discovery into a timeless keepsake.
Haley Holzwort
PROVIDED
AROUND THE ISLANDS
Our community calendar keeps you updated on local events. From festivals to workshops to family-friendly gatherings. Stay connected and never miss out on the excitement.
ONGOING
WHAT: The Charleston Festival
WHERE: Various
WHEN: March 13 to April 13
MORE INFO: The Festival has evolved into a holistic celebration of Charleston’s history, architecture, culture, and community. This month-long event will continue to present House & Garden Tours and engaging lectures and new programs and venues to explore.
WHAT: Beetlejuice The Musical
WHERE: North Charleston Performing Arts Center
WHEN: March 25 to March 30
MORE INFO: Based on Tim Burton’s dearly beloved film, this hilarious musical tells the story of Lydia Deetz, a strange and unusual teenager whose whole life changes when she meets a recently deceased couple and a demon with a thing for stripes.
WHAT: Spring SWEAT Series
WHERE: Mount Pleasant Towne Centre
WHEN: Every Wednesday in April, 6 p.m.
MORE INFO: This free fitness series will occur live and in-person at The Oaks (across from Barnes & Noble) each week. Bring your yoga mat, water and friends along to enjoy the spring weather by participating in this free, outdoor fitness series.
SATURDAY, MARCH 22
WHAT: Annual Community Yard Sale
WHERE: Hartnett Boulevard between 27th and 29th Avenue
WHEN: 8 a.m. to 11 a.m.
MORE INFO: The Isle of Palms Recreation Department hosts the Annual Community Yard Sale. Over 50 vendors will be selling used or ‘like new’ items just outside of the Recreation Center. The sale of retail items will not be permitted. For more information, contact Kelsey Marsh at 843-886-8294 or visit iop.net.
WHAT: Lymeapalooza 2025
WHERE: Mainland Container Co. Kitchen & Bar, 1528 Ben Sawyer Blvd, Mt Pleasant
WHEN: 12 p.m.
MORE INFO: Project Lyme will present Lyme-A-Palooza 2025, a music festival focused on raising awareness for Lyme disease in South Carolina.
MONDAY, MARCH 24
WHAT: Locals Night
WHERE: Islander 71 Fish House and Raw Bar, 80 41st Ave.
WHEN: 5 p.m. - 11 p.m.
MORE INFO: 50% off entrees (must be part of Islander 71 Locals
Tide Chart
1:49am/2:05pm 2:55am/3:10pm 4:03am/4:16pm 5:06am/5:18pm 6:02am/6:15pm 6:54am/7:09pm 7:44am/8:00pm 8:32am/8:49pm 9:20am/9:39pm 10:09am/10:30pm 10:59am/11:23pm 11:54am 12:20am/12:53pm 1:22am/1:57pm 8:16am/8:04pm 9:19am/9:13pm 10:20am/10:23pm 11:17am/11:27pm 12:09pm 12:26am/12:58pm 1:21am/1:45pm 2:14am/2:31pm 3:06am/3:17pm 3:58am/4:05pm 4:50am/4:54pm 5:45am/5:47pm 6:43am/6:45pm 7:45am/7:48pm
Hurricanes, storms, etc., are NOT included in tide time predictions and can be very different. Tide predictions are PREDICTIONS; they can be wrong so use common sense.
Source: saltwatertides.com
Club Loyalty Program).
WHAT: Spring Litter Sweep
WHERE: Isle of Palms
WHEN: 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.
MORE INFO: The Isle of Palms Cleanup Crew hosts another litter sweep in partnership with the South Carolina Aquarium’s conservation team. Includes a welcome session geared toward students, groups, businesses, families, and other newcomers. Volunteers should meet near the city restroom building and Coconut Joe’s in the 1100 block of Ocean Boulevard.
TUESDAY, MARCH 25
WHAT: Edgar Allan Poe Library Ribbon Cutting
WHERE: 1921 Ion Ave, Sullivan’s Island WHEN: 9 a.m.
MORE INFO: Welcome back to the Poe Library! The ceremony will include speakers from the library, Charleston County government and elected officials. In addition to the ribbon cutting, patrons will have the opportunity to meet the branch staff, take pictures with CCPL’s mascot Owlbert, explore the branch, and more.
THURSDAY, MARCH 27
WHAT: Jenna Bush Hager and Barbara Pierce Bush: Presented by Buxton Books and The Charleston Library Society WHERE: Grace Church Cathedral, 98 Wentworth Street WHEN: 6:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
MORE INFO: Jenna Bush Hager and Barbara Pierce Bush celebrate their new picture book, I Loved You First. Readers, writers, and book lovers can hear a conversation about the writing process, what Jenna and Barbara are reading, and why they love books.
FRIDAY, MARCH 28
WHAT: Charleston Bluegrass Festival
WHERE: Woodlands Nature Reserve, 4279 Ashley River Rd, Charleston WHEN: March 28 and 29
MORE INFO: Family-friendly camping event filled with bootstomping bluegrass performances, scenic camping, local food and craft vendors, kayaking, biking, and more. The music lineup includes Kitchen Dwellers, SUSTO Stringband, Sicard Hollow, Liam Purcell & Cane Mill Road, Tan & Sober Gentlemen, and more.
WHAT: The Garden Club of Charleston’s 89th Springtime in Charleston House & Garden Tours
WHERE: Downtown Charleston
WHEN: 1 p.m. - 5 p.m.
MORE INFO: This year’s tour includes two different historic districts - South of Broad on Friday, March 28 and Ansonborough/ Wraggborough on Saturday, March 29. There will be Plein Air artists and musicians in various gardens and refreshments available throughout.
WHAT: The Midnight City on the Beach Stage
WHERE: The Windjammer WHEN: 6 p.m.
MORE INFO: The Midnight City is an Alternative Pop Indie band from Charleston. They are also a full-time cover/party event band with over 12 years experience.
WHAT: Yorktown Movie & Game Night
WHERE: Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum, Mt. Pleasant WHEN: 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
MORE INFO: Includes a variety of games, live music, lite bites, and a special movie screening on the iconic Hangar Deck. Alcoholic beverages available for purchase. $10 per member, $15 per nonmember. Secure your tickets at patriotpoint.org/movienight
SATURDAY, MARCH 29
WHAT: Credit One Charleston Open
WHERE: Credit One Stadium, Daniel Island WHEN: March 29 to April 6
MORE INFO: Celebrating its 25th year, the award-winning tennis tournament marks the start of the Hologic WTA Tour clay court season and takes place at Credit One Stadium on Daniel Island.
WHAT: Oyster Roast
WHERE: Islander 71 Fish House and Raw Bar, 80 41st Ave. WHEN: 12 p.m. - 6 p.m. (or until supplies last)
MORE INFO: $30 all-you-can-eat oyster roast.
THURSDAY, APRIL 3
WHAT: Colt Ford on the Beach Stage WHERE: The Windjammer WHEN: 6 p.m.
MORE INFO: A Georgia singer, songwriter, rapper, musician, performer, and co-founder and co-owner of Average Joes Entertainment. He notched five consecutive Top 10 debuts on the Billboard Top Country Albums Chart.
A Bright Yellow Beauty with a Dark Side
BY: JOHN NELSON
You have probably seen this plant’s bright butter-yellow flowers; it is commonly abundant in old agricultural fields and along roadsides. The plants are sometimes present in the thousands, producing a brilliant floral display in the fall, sometimes even surviving a light frost. This species occurs nearly throughout the southern states and well into the Mississippi River Valley. It is most commonly seen at lower elevations, particularly on the coastal plain and piedmont, and is not often seen in the mountains. It can create quite an autumnal display at the edge of an old field, alongside sunflowers, morning glories, asters, and ragweed.
This plant belongs to the bean family, Fabaceae (or Leguminosae, if you prefer). The flowers are characteristic, with five unequal petals exhibiting bilateral symmetry. This floral structure is repeated in many members of the bean family: the largest petal at the back is called the “banner” or “standard.” Two narrower petals on each side are “wing” petals, and two even narrower “keel” petals at the bottom embrace and protect the stamens and pistil. If you find this plant in bloom, you can easily take a flower apart with your fingers and see this five-petal architecture. Some rather romantic botanists have likened the flowers’ shape to butterflies, describing them as papilionaceae. After blooming, the ovary of each flower expands into an inflated pod (or legume), which is initially
green but eventually becomes nearly black. When the pods are ripe and dried out, the shiny black seeds rattle around inside, like miniature maracas. (In fact, the genus name of the plant is derived
from the rattlesnake genus, Crotalus, in reference to the rattling seeds.)
The plant's foliage is somewhat unusual for a member of the bean family. Most herbaceous members of this family have leaf blades divided pinnately into a number of discrete leaflets, such as kudzu, clover, and lespedezas, which have three leaflets, or wisteria, which has seven to nine. However, our Mystery Plant is unique in that its leaves are simple—somewhat rounded at the tip and tapering down to the base—not divided into leaflets.
In addition to being beautiful, this plant (which is native to southern Asia) is useful in controlling erosion and building up the soil through the biochemical process of nitrogen fixation. The species was introduced to the Southeast for these reasons and, being rather weedy, has spread. However, there is a downside: all parts of the plant are somewhat poisonous to poultry and livestock, making it an agricultural liability. It is, however, great for teaching in the classroom, and I’ll soon need to go out and harvest a bucketful for my Botany Boot Camp class.
John Nelson is the retired curator of the Herbarium at the University of South Carolina. As a public service, the Herbarium offers free plant identifications. For more information, call 803-777-8175 or email johnbnelson@sc.rr.com.
PHOTO BY LINDA LEE
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