Since May 2005 PRESORT STANDARD US POSTAGE PAID CHARLESTON, SC PERMIT NO. 137 POSTAL PATRON
Volume 22 • Issue 19
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October 2, 2026
Wild Dunes Resort Celebrates Fall and Holiday Happenings with Seasonal Events By Olivia Mock Wild Dunes Resort is bringing the fall and holiday seasons to life with a lineup of familyfriendly events running through December. From Halloween fun during Frightmare by the Sea and festive fall festivals to Thanksgiving feasts, holiday happenings and Breakfast with Santa, the Isle of Palms resort will offer a variety of ways for families to celebrate throughout the season. You can learn more at wilddunesresort.com. Upcoming schedule: Frightmare by the Sea Date: October 24 | 6 - 8 pm Location: The Plaza at Wild Dunes Resort About: Experience a spooktacular evening as Wild Dunes Resort comes alive with Halloween spirit for its Frightmare by the Sea, featuring a live DJ, enjoy trick-or-treating throughout the
plaza, and Halloween Costume Contest for a chance to win exciting prizes. Harvest Festival Date: November 25 | 5 - 7 pm Location: Swim Center at Wild Dunes Resort About: Celebrate the beauty of the season at Wild Dunes Resort’s Harvest Festival. Gather with family and friends to enjoy outdoor activities, a petting zoo and a fall-inspired menu featuring seasonal flavors and coastal favorites. Thanksgiving Feast Date: November 26 | 11 am - 2 pm Location: Osprey Ballroom at the Sweetgrass Inn About: Celebrate Thanksgiving at Wild Dunes Resort with a festive feast designed for gathering. Savor a chef-crafted spread of holiday classics and seasonal specialties, all thoughtfully prepared and beautifully presented.
Holiday Festival Date: November 27 | 5 - 7 pm Location: Osprey Terrace & Ballroom at the Sweetgrass Inn About: Celebrate the start of the holiday season at Wild Dunes Resort with an evening of festive fun for the whole family, complete with holiday activities and crafts, an oyster roast and tree lighting ceremony. Breakfast with Santa Date: December 13, 2026 | 8 am - 12 pm Location: Indigo Rooftop at Wild Dunes Resort About: Gather with family and friends for a chef-prepared breakfast with Santa, featuring seasonal favorites, fresh pastries and hearty coastal-inspired dishes, all served in the warm and inviting atmosphere of Indigo Rooftop.
Battery Gadsden to Host 5th Annual Members’ Dinner By Mike Walsh Anybody remember the opening lines to the old rock ’n’ roll song “Stagger Lee”? It went, “Oh, the night was clear, and the moon was yellow, and the leaves came tumblin’ down.” It may not be time for tumblin’ leaves, but hopefully the night will be clear and the moon will be yellow on the evening of Saturday, Oct. 10, when Battery Gadsden Cultural Center hosts its fifth annual members’ dinner. This has undoubtedly become the most popular benefit offered to current members of BGCC. Last year saw 120 members gather on the grounds of Battery Gadsden for a wonderful evening of food, fun and fellowship. We are thrilled to have again secured the services of well-known local caterer Jamie Westendorf. Everyone knows that means plenty of delicious Lowcountry food, and no one will leave hungry! The social hour will begin at 5 p.m. with an offering of beer, wine and soft drinks, and Jamie will start serving at 6:30 p.m. As in the past, we will be honoring some folks who have
gone above and beyond in supporting BGCC. Live music will be provided this year by popular local musician Chris Cordero. This annual event is offered as a free benefit to those who have taken the time to join and support BGCC and are current on their membership. All our memberships include spouses or significant others. Members may also bring guests for a charge of $20 each. If you’ve not joined in the past, this would be a great time to do so. That’s easily done through our website, batterygadsden.org. Not sure whether you’re up to date on your membership? Have other questions? Just contact us at batterygadsden@gmail.com, and we’ll be happy to respond. In order to give our caterer an accurate head count, reservations are required. Reservations should also be made at batterygadsden@gmail.com. The deadline for reservations is Sunday, Oct. 4. Please join us for this memorable evening under the stars at Battery Gadsden!
Page 2 • IslandEyeNews.com • October 2, 2026
Loggerhead Nesting Season Ends With 58 Nests on Isle of Palms, Sullivan’s Island
PUBLISHERS OF: The Island Eye News The Island Connection SiP Magazine In Memory of Swan Richards EDITOR ieneditor@luckydognews.com ADVERTISING advertising@mylonews.com ASSISTANT PUBLISHER Christian Senger GRAPHIC DESIGNER Stacey Nichols CONSULTANT Lynn Pierotti CONTRIBUTORS Geoff Bennett • Katherine Berry Amber Doskos • Pamela Marsh Mary Pringle • Aaron Sweet Joshua Uys • Chris Zoeller Campbell Sullivan PUBLISHED BY Lucky Dog Publishing of South Carolina, LLC P.O. Box 837 Sullivan’s Island, South Carolina 29482 843-886-NEWS Submit your letters to the editor to: ieneditor@luckydognews.com DEADLINE October 21 for our October 30 issue For more information and for digital flip-throughs of current and past issues,
By: Mary Pringle, Project Leader Island Turtle Team Loggerhead nesting season has ended for our two islands. The Isle of Palms had 41 nests, and Sullivan’s Island had 17. The most nests IOP has ever recorded was 57 in 2019, with Sullivan’s Island recording 15 that year, giving the Island Turtle Team a record 72 nests in 2019. This year, the state of South Carolina has had an outstanding nesting season, with 8,066 nests recorded at this time. Compare that with 3,916 South Carolina nests in 2025. Islands such as Kiawah and Hilton Head, with long shorelines and normally around 200 nests, have more than doubled their usual numbers. Sullivan’s Island had never recorded more than 15 nests, and we broke that record with 17, even though there is erosion in some parts of the beach. The renourishment project in areas of IOP did not affect our nesting because it did not begin
until nesting was in its final phase, with only one nest laid in late July, and that one was not in Wild Dunes. Night work, which could have affected nesting, did not begin until after the last nest was laid in Wild Dunes on July 22. The Turtle Team worked well with Marinex Construction when daytime staging began at the north end of the Isle of Palms shortly after the Fourth of July. Night work, which could have affected nesting, did not begin until after the last nest was laid in Wild Dunes and safely relocated away from that area. We monitored the beach for turtle activity each morning at dawn until our patrol ended Aug. 15. Then, a paid worker watched all night for turtles and will continue to do so until the season officially ends Oct. 31. Our hatch success average on IOP was affected by three nests where the eggs failed to develop at all. We do not know the reason for this, but it is unusual. We suspect that at least two, and maybe all three, were from the same female turtle because of the timing of when they were laid and their locations. Every loggerhead mother will mate in the spring and then lay eggs throughout the season at twoweek intervals. Perhaps there was a medical problem involved. It is rare that one fails to find a mate to fertilize any of her eggs. We look forward to seeing the results of the maternal genetics samples that we took from all 58 of our 2026 nests. We hope this will give us more information about what happened. We collected ma-
ternal DNA samples when the nests were laid and then 23 more samples when they hatched for paternity identification. These samples were sent to the Shamblin Lab at the University of Georgia for analysis. We are glad to say that, once again, we had no known coyote predation this year, even though coyotes are seen frequently. Ghost crabs were about the only predator, and they do minimal damage to eggs and hatchlings. Our records show that 4,824 new hatchlings made it to the ocean from the Isle of Palms and Sullivan’s Island before the season ended. As always, we owe a big thank you to the almost 200 team members who rose at dawn all summer to patrol the beach; the vacation rental companies that helped keep our beaches dark by educating renters; and the police, fire and city administrators and other workers on both islands who assist us in multiple ways to allow our hatchlings to make it to the ocean safely. Isle of Palms • Total nests: 41 • False crawls: 47 • Average incubation: 53.4 days • Mean clutch count: 108.9 eggs • Total eggs laid: 4,495 • Average hatch success: 79.1% Sullivan’s Island • Total nests: 17 • False crawls: 31 • Average incubation: 53.2 days • Mean clutch count: 113 eggs • Total eggs laid: 1,945 • Average hatch success: 81.5%
please visit LuckyDogNews.com Op-eds and letters to the editor do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Lucky Dog Publishing or its staff.
CORRECTION: Last issue we ran the wrong author on the article “Island Turtle Team Helps Rescue ‘Chili’ the Kemps Ridley Sea Turtle”. It was written by Mary Pringle. We apologize and appreciate the excellent work she does for our publication.
Page 3 • IslandEyeNews.com • October 2, 2026
Chief Mandy Hawver recently graduated from the South Carolina Chief Officer Academy.
Letter to the Editor: How Sullivan’s Island Spending Compares With Neighboring Communities
Credit: Sullivan’s Island Fire Department
Sullivan’s Island Fire Department Assistant Chief Mandy Hawver recently graduated from the South Carolina Chief Officer Academy. Her recognition was presented by Chief Shannon Tanner, president of the South Carolina Fire Chiefs Association, and Chief Glyn Hasty, the association’s first vice president.
By Ned Higgins A common complaint about Sullivan’s Island finances is that the town is spending too much. In 2025, the town budget was almost $10 million. Ouch! But that said, what’s a reasonable cost to operate our town? One way to get a sense of the reasonableness — or excessive indulgence — of our town budget is to look at the finances of our neighbors. The graph shows our general expenses between 2017 and 2025, along with those of a few neighboring municipalities. Not only is our budget in harmony with our neighbors, but we’re all increasing our expenditures at approximately the same rate. The increases for the four municipalities from 2017 to 2025 are: • Folly Beach: 2.5 times • Kiawah Island: 1.8 times • Sullivan’s Island: 1.8 times • Isle of Palms: 1.6 times These comparisons are not exactly apples to apples. Kiawah Island does not employ its own police or fire departments, and Folly Beach has recently taken on several capital improvement projects, both of which have a significant impact on their towns’ budgets. However, from a big-picture perspective, spending by the Town of Sullivan’s Island is consistent with similar municipalities. Or, to put it another way, we’re riding in the thick of the peloton. Ned Higgins Sullivan’s Island Town Council
All letters submitted to The Island Eye News must bear a full name, address and phone number for verification. Only the author’s name and city will be printed. Submissions are excepted via email to ieneditor@luckydognews.com or mail to P.O. Box 837 Sullivan’s Island, S.C. 29482. Letters may be edited for length and readability. The Island Eye News reserves the right to reject letters that are libelous, unseemly, not individually addressed to The Island Eye News or that have been previously published elsewhere.
2201 Middle Street, Sullivan’s Island (843) 883-3708
Page 4 • IslandEyeNews.com • October 2, 2026
LUCKYDOG
INTERPRETED BY: Katherine Berry OWNER NAME: Dave, Elizabeth and Zoey Newman NAME: Berney, Bad Egg – Bernerd AGE: 4 BREED: Coker Spaniel FAVORITE TOY: Humans VET : Riverbank Vet Clinic – Johns Island FOOD: Purina Pro Plan
Berney
Hey! Hey! I’m Berney! It’s me, Berney! I’m right here! Hold on, should I spin around? How about this angle? What about now? Wait, wait, wait! Look what I can do! (WHOA!) OK. Settling. (Exhale.) Nope. Can’t do it. I’m just SO EXCITED! Everything in life makes me excited. Our humans, my brother, daylight, you name it! It’s so great to be alive and living on this island, especially with the best big brother there ever was. Sunny is cool, calm and collected. I, on the other paw, am chaos dressed in fur. He’s proper and patient, and thankfully, he humors me through all my spinning, barking and general tomfoolery. I’m three years younger, although I’m afraid I’ve aged him twice that. But it’s nice to have balance in the house, yes? My brother is the one who would read directions. I’m the reason they wrote them! I’m the scrappy one with the caramel coat, big fluffy paws and eyes full of every moment, all at once. Sunny has the composure of a distinguished gentleman enjoying his morning newspaper. I have the attention span of a squirrel at a fireworks show. SQUIRREL?! Wait. Where was I? Oh, yes. My brother. We approach everything differently. Even when Ms. Jane gives us her delicious homemade cookies, I snatch ‘em like it’s my last meal, while Mr. Perfect over here won’t even eat them! It’s insane! A perfectly baked cookie, all alone. Don’t worry, little buddy, I got you. He also loves his alone time, which I don’t understand. I need to be everywhere, with everyone, all the time. If he wanders off for a little peace and quiet, I’m up! I’m there! I’m coming! Wait. Where are we going again?
Sunny is serious about his 7:30 a.m. beach time, and I’m down with that! I wish he’d chase me with the ball once in a while, but instead, he turns his nose up as I bum-rush him to claim the prize. He loves the beach but refuses to get his paws wet. If the ball rolls into the water, he simply waits for Mom or Dad to retrieve it. A dog who has trained his humans to retrieve. Genius! And get this. If Mom and Dad separate during our struts in the sand, Sunny says, “No go.” I don’t even notice until he notices. Then, naturally, I agree with him. Family meeting! Everybody back together! Let’s GO! We’re opposites in every way. I burn through my day like a bottle rocket with paws. When the sun goes down, so do I. Meanwhile, Sunny is just getting started, tossing his toys around and enjoying his evening. I’m only serious about one thing in life, and that’s SLEEP. I crash. Legs up, belly exposed, completely out of commission. And don’t even THINK about disturbing me. I’ll go from lovable little brother to disgruntled old man faster than you can say, “Who’s a good boy?” I’ve got to recharge! Tomorrow is coming, and there’s a whole new day of living to squeeze in! My lucky dog life is all about Sunny. He’s the calm to my chaos, the brains to my zoomies and the big brother who keeps us together. He may not chase me, share my enthusiasm or appreciate my early-morning acrobatics, but he’s always there. And wherever he goes, you can bet your biscuits I’ll be right there. Because the only thing better than being a lucky dog is having a big brother to share it with. Now, where’d he go? SUNNY! WAIT FOR MEEEE!
Exclusive Properties Named Charleston’s No. 1 Vacation Rental Company for the Fourth Time in the Post and Courier’s Charleston’s Choice Awards By: Megan Bailey
Exclusive Properties, the family-owned Isle of Palms vacation rental and property management company, has been voted the No. 1 Vacation Rental Company in the Post and Courier’s 11th annual Charleston’s Choice Awards. This marks the company’s fourth win in the category. This year’s Charleston’s Choice Awards drew more than 183,000 votes across more than 350 categories, making it one of the Lowcountry’s largest reader-driven recognitions of local businesses. Exclusive Properties was named the winner from a field of three finalists that also included Sweetgrass Properties and Salty Air Vacation Insights. “Winning this award a fourth time means so much to our whole team, because it comes directly from the people who stay with us and the community we call home,” said Shelley Miles, Owner of Exclusive Properties. “Our guests trust us with their family vacations, their reunions, their once-a-year getaways. We take that seriously, and we’re grateful to everyone who took the time to vote.” For more than 20 years, Exclusive Properties has specialized in luxury vacation homes on the Isle of Palms, managing some of the island’s most exclusive properties. What sets the company apart is its hands-on approach to caring for every guest and homeowner, with a team that is available to answer all calls and emails. Whether guests want a private chef, a fishing charter, a boat cruise around Charleston Harbor or simply a dinner recommendation, the Exclusive Properties team connects them with trusted local vendors to make it happen. Homeowners enjoy a direct line to the owner and office staff, while a proactive maintenance team keeps every home in top condition. To celebrate the win, the company invites the community to check out its commercial on YouTube, which showcases its homes and the Isle of Palms lifestyle that keeps guests returning year after year. Watch it at https://youtu.be/kSquRjUubl0. For more information or to book a stay, visit www.exclusivepropertiesus.com or call 843-886-4753.
Page 5 • IslandEyeNews.com • October 2, 2026
The Lonon Foundation Announces Shuck Fest 2026 to Support Children Impacted by a Parent’s Cancer
By Maddy Marshall The Lonon Foundation (TLF) is proud to announce the return of Shuck Fest 2026, its signature annual fundraiser benefiting children and families navigating a parent or caregiver’s cancer diagnosis or cancerrelated death. Presented by Charleston Oncology, Jody and Chloe McAuley, and Baird, Shuck Fest will take place on Saturday, November 7, 2026, from 1–4 p.m. at the Isle of Palms Exchange Club. The annual waterfront oyster roast brings the Charleston community together for unlimited oysters, catering from Rosemary & Rye, live music, local beers, a silent auction, whiskey pull, and more—all in support of The Lonon Foundation’s UPLIFT Program. And for college football fans, there’s no need to choose between Shuck Fest and game day: college football games will be playing throughout the event, so guests can catch the action while they shuck for a cause. “Children experience a parent’s cancer diagnosis in their own unique way, and they need support that meets them where they are developmentally,” said Maddy Marshall, MS, CCLS, Executive Director of The Lonon Foundation. “Shuck Fest gives our community a really fun way to come together while making this specialized support possible. Every ticket helps us provide children and families with the tools, connection, and ongoing support they need during an incredibly difficult time.” Event Details Date: Saturday, November 7, 2026 Time: 1–4 p.m. Location: Isle of Palms Exchange Club Tickets: $75 General Admission, including unlimited oysters and chili, live music, and more Purchase Tickets: https://go.rallyup.com/shuckfest2026/ More Than 7,000 Tri-County Children May Be Impacted An estimated 2.85 million children in the United States are living with a parent who has been diagnosed with cancer. Applying national prevalence estimates to current U.S. Census population data suggests that more than 44,000 children in South Carolina may be living with a parent who has been diagnosed with cancer. In Charleston, Berkeley, and Dorchester Counties alone, more than 7,000 children may be living with a parent who has been diagnosed with cancer, including approximately 1,400 whose parent may be in the early phases of treatment and recovery. For these children, a parent’s cancer can bring fear, uncertainty,
changes in family routines and familial roles, and feelings of isolation. “As someone who has spent many years working alongside patients and families affected by cancer, I believe this type of psychosocial support is an essential part of comprehensive cancer care,” said Maureen A. Melody, MBA, Vice President & Chief Executive Officer of Charleston Oncology. “Medical treatment addresses the disease, but organizations like The Lonon Foundation help care for the emotional well-being of the entire family. Their work provides comfort, connection, resilience, and a sense of normalcy during an extraordinarily difficult time.” Through its UPLIFT Program, The Lonon Foundation provides families with individualized support from Certified Child Life Specialists, developmentally appropriate cancer education, therapeutic and expressive activities, and in-person and virtual peer programming at no cost to the family. Support is tailored to each family and can continue throughout diagnosis, treatment, palliative care, and bereavement. Proceeds from Shuck Fest help make this year-round support possible and allow The Lonon Foundation to reach more children and families throughout the Lowcountry.
Page 6 • IslandEyeNews.com • October 2, 2026
JIMMY DYE Founding Partner, Island Resident, REALTOR®
Jimmy Dye is the co-founder of The Cassina Group with over 20 years of experience, specializing in luxury, waterfront, estates, and historic properties across the coast of South Carolina. RealTrends ranks him among the top 1.5% of agents in the United States. A member of REALM, Jimmy Dye offers unmatched expertise and a global network connecting premier Lowcountry properties with qualified buyers worldwide. For more information on these exceptional homes, contact Jimmy Dye at 843.452.6482 or visit JimmyDye.com.
2871 ION AVENUE, Sullivan’s Island
2302 RAVEN DRIVE, Sullivan’s Island
Carolina Children’s Charity to Host Cornhole Tournament, Concert at The Windjammer By: Sonya Beale Carolina Children’s Charity will host its 14th annual Cornhole Tournament and an evening of live music on Saturday, Oct. 10, at The Windjammer on Isle of Palms. Presented by Jimmy Dunn State Farm Insurance Agency, the beachfront fundraiser will benefit Lowcountry children with birth defects and childhood diseases. The cornhole tournament will begin at 12:45 p.m. on the beach volleyball court. Registration is $40 per two-person team, and players must be 18 or older. All teams must register online by 12:15 p.m. on the day of the event. On-site check-in will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Prizes will be awarded to the top two teams. Cornhole players will also receive free admission to the evening’s concert. Doors for the live music portion of the fundraiser will open at 6 p.m. Advance tickets are $15 and tickets at the door are $20. The music lineup includes: PalMetalHead, 7 to 7:50 p.m. — An ‘80s hard rock and heavy metal set featuring music from Metallica, Iron Maiden, Tesla, Ozzy Osbourne and others. Headrush, 8 to 9:30 p.m. — ‘70s rock, Texas blues and classic metal with a punk edge, including a Van Halen and Journey tribute. GlamNation, 9:45 p.m. to close — Charleston-based ‘80s hair metal tribute band. Carolina Children’s Charity was founded in 1987 to assist Lowcountry children with medical needs. The organization provides grants to help families access services including therapy, medical equipment, medical care and medications. Since its founding, the nonprofit says community support has helped it provide more than $4.9 million to local children. All money raised through the Oct. 10 fundraiser will remain in the Lowcountry to support children in the community. Registration for the cornhole tournament is available at WindjammerCornhole2026.eventbrite.com. Concert tickets are available at the-windjammer.com.
Page 7 • IslandEyeNews.com • October 2, 2026
Erin Wilson from Columbia, SC with a redfish
September Offers Ideal Conditions for Inshore Fishing By Capt. Geoff Bennett Ideal conditions make September one of the best times of the year for inshore fishing. Cooler water temperatures, abundant bait and significantly lighter boat traffic create a perfect environment for success, offering big rewards for anglers willing to focus on fishing. Redfish and trout begin aggressively striking artificial lures this month, making soft plastics exceptionally effective. A Z-Man 3.75-inch StreakZ in Smokey Shad paired with a 1/8-ounce jig head is a reliable starting point, though heavier weights may be necessary depending on depth and current. When working a spot, experiment with your retrieve speed, as simply speeding up or slowing down the action can often trigger a hesitant strike. Even with the rise of artificial lures, popping corks remain a go-to tactic for both trout and redfish. Suspending live shrimp, mud minnows or plastic imitations roughly 18 to 24 inches below the cork yields great results, especially when drifted over shell rakes and along grassy banks during mid-to-high tide. Meanwhile, giant bull redfish measuring more than 36 inches begin moving from the jetties and nearshore reefs into local harbors and inlets to feed on large mullet and menhaden. To target these heavy hitters, rig a stout rod with heavy braided line, a 50- to 60-pound leader and a 7/0 circle hook baited with fresh chunks of cut bait. Position yourself over distinct depth changes and wait for the rod to double over. See you on the water! Since 2009, Capt. Geoff Bennett has operated Charleston Charter Fishing, providing light-tackle charters. Clients can choose from a full menu of artificial-lure, live-bait and fly-fishing options, with charters tailored to their preferences. U.S. Coast Guard-licensed and insured, Bennett is committed to providing a safe and enjoyable charter for anglers of all ages and skill levels. For more information, call Bennett at 843-324-3332, visit charlestoncharterfishing.com or email captain@charlestoncharterfishing.com.
Page 8 • IslandEyeNews.com • October 2, 2026
Me & Mr. Jones to Present Madonna Tribute at Islander 71
By: Alyce Rogers On Thursday, Oct. 8, Charleston-based band Me & Mr. Jones will present “Vogue: A Bold Tribute to Madonna,” a full-band tribute to the “Queen of Pop” at Islander 71 on Isle of Palms. The eight-piece live tribute will feature Charleston singer and performer AlyceMarie performing songs from throughout Madonna’s career alongside the musicians of Me & Mr. Jones. Organizers say the high-energy show will celebrate Madonna’s decades of influence on pop music, fashion and culture. The event will also feature DJ sets by See Jane Spin, an LED dance floor, lighting and special effects, “Immaculate Collection”-themed drink specials and Material Girl-inspired decor. Tickets are available through Eventbrite.
LENS Foundation Launches Affordable Housing Initiative for Isle of Palms First Responders By LENS Foundation The Law Enforcement Neighborhood Support Foundation (LENS IOP) has launched a new Affordable Housing Program for First Responders, providing housing support to members of the public safety community at several stages of their housing journey. The three-part program was developed in partnership with service providers to address immediate temporary housing needs, provide greater flexibility for rent payments and help first responders and their families pursue homeownership. “This is another great benefit LENS is bringing to our staff to fill a need and, more importantly, provide another tool for personnel retention and recruitment for these critical roles,” Isle of Palms Mayor Phillip Pounds said. “I believe this program is unique to other municipalities, and we are so fortunate to have it.” Stop-Gap Housing The Stop-Gap Housing initiative provides temporary, transitional housing for first responders with an immediate short-term need. For stays of fewer than two weeks, LENS IOP will work with the South Carolina Lutheran Retreat Centers’ Coastal Retreat Center on Palm Boulevard to determine availability and coordinate reservations. “First responders give so much to our communities, often being there for others in moments when they are needed most,” said Lori Bode, executive director of South Carolina Lutheran Retreat Centers. “Our retreat centers exist to provide places of welcome, rest and renewal, and this partnership with LENS IOP gives us an opportunity to extend that mission in a very practical way.” Flexible Rent Support The Flexible Rent Support initiative is designed to help participants manage monthly cash-flow challenges. Through Flexible Finance Inc., or Flex, participants can receive information and guidance about flexible rent arrangements, including options to divide monthly rent into two or more payments. “At Flex, we believe that people who protect our communities should not have to sweat their rent,” said David Sullivan, vice president of partnerships. “By letting firefighters and police officers split their monthly payments into smaller, more manageable installments, we help first responders keep more breathing room in their budgets and one less thing to worry about after a long shift.” Pathway to Homeownership The Pathway to Homeownership initiative provides prospective firsttime homeowners with consultations, evaluations, financial education and a recommended path toward purchasing a home. Through a partnership with Huntington Bank, Branch Manager Kate Polcha and her staff will provide guidance through established modules covering key financial topics. The program will also identify potential grants and other funding opportunities that could help make homeownership more attainable. “Partnering with the LENS Foundation is an incredible opportunity to combine two causes that are very important to me: financial literacy and supporting our local first responders,” Polcha said. “I am passionate about helping people build financial confidence and achieve their goals, and I’m grateful for the chance to share that knowledge with the men and women who do so much for our communities.” Organizers say the three initiatives are designed to provide support ranging from an immediate need for housing to greater financial flexibility while renting and a longer-term path toward homeownership. “LENS continues to identify and implement creative opportunities to support our public safety professionals through community-driven initiatives and collaboration,” Isle of Palms Fire Chief Craig Oliverius said. “This new trailblazing programming in regard to housing education and homeownership will be impactful and make a difference, as housing and owning a home is a big piece of the American dream.” Ted Kinghorn of LENS IOP said rising costs have made housing assistance particularly important for first responders. “There is no better time than now to offer affordable housing assistance to our first responders,” Kinghorn said. “Increased inflation and rising interest rates make it more difficult to manage rental expenses and achieve the purchase of a home. We hope our first responders utilize these services as their needs arise.” More information and program details are available at LENSIOP.org.
Page 9 • IslandEyeNews.com • October 2, 2026
Love-struck in San Sebastian By Carol Antman This was the moment I began to fall in love with San Sebastian, Spain: Mark and I were enjoying our seafood dinner on a cafe-lined street; the Gothic church at the corner had just chimed the hour. And then … a charanga band marched in. Suddenly, we were surrounded by musicians and dancing “big heads”: 14-foot-tall costumed characters with traditional papier-mâché masks. Giggling children scattered as shorter characters with grotesque heads swatted them with bladders. A moment later, they marched off, and all returned to normal. Just another magical moment in the town’s Semana Grande festival. Parades popped up to surprise us all week. “Fire bulls” raced down streets, shooting sparks and chasing people. Fireworks filled the skies at night, and concerts and tournaments took place each day. So colorful. Everyone falls in love with the food in San Sebastian. It has more Michelin restaurants (19!) per capita (200,000) than anywhere in the world! Since it was our anniversary during our two-week stay, we treated ourselves to a tasting menu lunch at a scenic hillside restaurant, Mirador de Ulia. Every dish was a precious artwork of local seafood, produce and sweet creations. One night, we went on a pintxos tour. It’s their version of tapas, and it’s traditional to go from one bar to another eating them. Our guide, Raphael, explained that local chefs went to France in the 1980s and came back with recipes to elevate bar food. It became so popular that every bar serves some. “This street is 250 meters long and has 50 bars,” Raphael told us as we enjoyed tender mussels, ham, cheeses, codfish, sausages and local wine. It’s a dry, slightly fizzy white wine called txakoli that’s poured with a flourish to aerate it. And the bakeries! Do the Basques really eat that much pastry every day? Everyone seems to be walking around with a loaf of French bread under their arm. The panaderia downstairs from our Airbnb had fabulous coffee. But the bakery a half-block away had better croissants. The one another block away had the best jamón ibérico sandwiches. There’s a popular local cheesecake that can’t be missed and a cream-filled turnover we just had to try. A 15-minute walk took us to the town’s historic center. It’s nestled at the foot of Mount Urgull, with a picturesque port and cobbled streets, remnants of the town’s walled city. Gothic and Baroque buildings surround squares filled with flowers, musicians and vendors. The beautiful San Telmo Museum, inside a former convent, exceeded our expectations for learning about Basque history. As people do in Europe, the locals walk everywhere. They wheeled shopping carts, pushed wheelchairs, walkers or strollers. Lots of bicycles and buses that could take you anywhere for pennies. One of our biggest surprises was the weather. Our intention is to leave Charleston every August and stay somewhere cooler. That’s getting harder to do. We began in Barcelona, where temperatures approached 90 degrees. Our Airbnb in San Sebastian had no air conditioning. I almost canceled, but the landlord assured me it would be fine. And it was. There is a weird microclimate there due to the location on the Bay of Biscay. Most of all, I fell in love with the beach. What a special city to have a perfect swimming beach right downtown, plus another one around the bend that’s perfect for surfing. Signs at the entrances say (in Spanish and Basque), “Every summer, breathe and listen to the ocean. No phones or smoking on the beach.” As I took off my shoes one day, the woman next to me nonchalantly changed into her bathing suit without modesty. A moment later, a group of robed women in abayas walked into the surf fully clothed. And most wonderfully, as I surfaced from each wave, the view of the historic city filled the horizon. Excursions were a short cab ride, ferry boat or walk away. Santa Clara Island, just offshore, has a site-specific installation built inside an abandoned lighthouse. At Chillida Leku, we strolled through a monumental sculpture garden. The awesome Guggenheim Museum in nearby Bilbao was a highlight. And we spent a relaxing day at La Perla, bathing in the hydrotherapy pools and Jacuzzis. Can you tell that I fell in love? Who wouldn’t! If You Go: San Sebastian is in northern Spain, just south of the French border. We arrived via train from Barcelona. Flights from the U.S. require flying to Madrid or another European hub and then to Bilbao. There is also a small airport in San Sebastian. We booked the Bellas Artes apartment from Always Easy (alwayseasyrental.com) and loved it.
Photo Credits: Carol Antman
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Page 10 • IslandEyeNews.com • October 2, 2026
AROUND THE ISLANDS MULTIPLE DAYS WHAT: The Fall Tours WHERE: Various WHEN: Oct. 1 - 31 MORE INFO: Now in its 50th year, the Preservation Society of Charleston’s signature Fall Tours are specially designed to showcase Charleston’s unique cultural and architectural heritage. Enjoy walking tours, house and garden tours, or in-depth tours of neighborhoods and residences all throughout the city. WHAT: XscapeWorks Halloween WHERE: XscapeWorks, 2430 Air Park Rd., North Charleston WHEN: Select dates from Sept. 25 - Oct. 31 MORE INFO: The Original Creator of Boone Hall Fright Nights transforms XscapeWorks Into “XscapeWorks Halloween,” a Live-Actor Haunted Experience Unlike Anything Else in Charleston. XscapeWorks, known as Charleston’s largest and most extreme escape room facility, is going even more extreme this fall with the launch of XscapeWorks Halloween, a frightfilled horror experience featuring live actors. WHAT: Southern Screams Haunted House 2026 WHERE: Holy City Brewing, 1021 Aragon Ave., North Charleston WHEN: Select dates from Sept. 25 – Nov. 7 MORE INFO: Southern Screams presents MACABRE, Charleston’s most immersive and terrifying haunted house experience. Open for 25 horrifying nights beginning September 25, MACABRE plunges guests into a world of darkness, dread, and pure fear. Do you dare enter?
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.
artist from North Carolina. He has accumulated over 3 million followers online through releasing music with legends such as John Oates, Billy Ray Cyrus, the band WAR, and songs with the infamous electronic music label Monstercat. SATURDAY, OCT. 3 WHAT: NAMIWalks WHERE: Palmetto Islands County Park, 444 Needlerush Pkwy., Mt. Pleasant WHEN: 9 a.m. MORE INFO: NAMI Charleston Area will host its annual NAMIWalks fundraising event. The community-wide event brings together residents, families, advocates and business partners to raise money, reduce stigma and promote mental wellness across the Lowcountry. WHAT: Connections BBQ - Men’s Group WHERE: First United Methodist Church WHEN: 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. MORE INFO: BBQ fundraiser by Connections - the men’s group at First United Methodist Church on Isle of Palms. A BBQ pork platter with baked beans, coleslaw, pickles and a roll is only $10. A container of BBQ (close to a pound) with no sides is $12. Pre-order online and pick up at the drive-through at the church. You can buy tickets online at iopmethodist.com using Venmo or place your order as you drive through at the church and pick it up immediately. Net proceeds are donated exclusively to local charities. SUNDAY, OCT. 4
WHAT: Lewis Hatch Chile Roast WHERE: Rancho Lewis, 1503 King St., Charleston WHEN: 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. MORE INFO: Pitmaster John Lewis will bring FRIDAY, OCT. 2 the flavors of New Mexico back to Charleston for the annual Lewis Hatch Chile Roast. The WHAT: Saxsquatch – on the NÜTRL Beach family-friendly festival will run from 1 to 4 Stage WHERE: The Windjammer, 1008 Ocean Blvd., p.m. and feature 4,000 pounds of Hatch chiles roasted on-site, chile-inspired dishes from more Isle of Palms than 30 local chefs, live music and other activiWHEN: 6 p.m. ties.. MORE INFO: Saxsquatch is a 7’ tall multi-instrumentalist, producer, and electronic music WHAT: The Expendables on the NÜTRL Beach Stage WHERE: The Windjammer, 1008 Ocean Blvd., Isle of Palms WHEN: 6 p.m. IS HOSTING AN MORE INFO: The Expendables perform at the Windjammer.
Island Eye Events
TUESDAY, OCT. 6 S U N D A Y, N O V E M B E R 1 5 FROM 3-6PM L I V E M U S I C • D R I N K S PA C E S MORE INFO TO COME
WHAT: Beach Yoga WHERE: Isle of Palms WHEN: 7:30 a.m. MORE INFO: The
City of Isle of Palms Recreation Department continues its free Beach Yoga Series at the 25th Avenue beach access. All residents, visitors and fitness levels are welcome. Participants are encouraged to bring a large towel or yoga mat, blocks and water. In the event of inclement weather, classes will move to the Isle of Palms Recreation Center, 24 28th Ave. For updates, visit iop.net or follow the city on Facebook and Instagram. WHAT: Play Dayz WHERE: Mount Pleasant Towne Centre WHEN: 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. MORE INFO: Mount Pleasant Towne Centre invites kids ages 10 and under to join Play Dayz at The Oaks. Play Dayz features exciting and engaging activities for you and your kids to enjoy. The best part is Play Dayz is completely FREE! Just register at the event to participate. Make sure to stick around after the event and enjoy lunch, snacks and shopping! Play Dayz is held outside at The Oaks, our park across from Barnes & Noble. WEDNESDAY, OCT. 7 WHAT: Adult Drawing Class with Giselle Harrington WHERE: Isle of Palms Recreation Center WHEN: 8 a.m. – 10 a.m. MORE INFO: Students will learn the fundamentals of drawing including the ability to see related abstract shapes, use sighting tools to take measurements, perspective, how to fill the page, and finally how to see related value shapes in a scene. Students will learn how this applies to painting across media. This is an adult beginners drawing class. Sign up through the Isle of Palms Recreation Center website, or call (843) 886-8294. THURSDAY, OCT. 8 WHAT: Barks & Bingo WHERE: Mount Pleasant Towne Centre WHEN: 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. MORE INFO: This pup-friendly event will take place at Burtons Grill & Bar. Participants can enjoy multiple rounds of bingo for the chance to win prizes for themselves and their pups, dine on food and drinks from Burtons’ full menu, and take home a party favor from Hairy Winston Pet Boutique. Reservations are required and limited. WHAT: Live Under the Oaks WHERE: Mount Pleasant Towne Centre WHEN: 6 p.m. MORE INFO: Mount Pleasant Towne Centre will welcome back its free outdoor concert series, Live Under the Oaks, this fall. Guests are invited to bring chairs or blankets and enjoy live music.
Page 11 • IslandEyeNews.com • October 2, 2026
Charleston Opera Theater Unveils 2026/2027 Season By Edward Brennan Charleston Opera Theater (COT) has announced its 2026-27 season, and tickets are now on sale. COT is inviting audiences to experience the power of the human voice through two distinct mainstage productions and a series of special events throughout the Lowcountry. The season opens with “The Singers Table: An Operatic Cabaret” on Nov. 13, 14 and 15 at the historic College of Charleston Sottile Theatre. “Professional singers will share the music and stories that inspired them to pursue the rigorous life of an opera singer,” said Harold Meers, founder and artistic director. “Starring Shannon Jennings (last seen in Charleston as Mimi in our 2024 production of ‘La Bohème’), Andrew Potter, Kenneth Stavert and a host of other familiar COT voices.” Join these celebrated singers with your seat on stage for an evening you won’t soon forget. The season culminates with Giuseppe Verdi’s “La traviata” on April 1 and 4, 2027, again at the College of Charleston Sottile Theatre, performed in partnership with the
Charleston Symphony. One of opera’s most beloved masterpieces, “La traviata” tells the tragic story of Violetta Valéry and Alfredo Germont through Verdi’s soaring music and deeply human storytelling. “This moving opera contains some of Verdi’s most beautiful music and will feature rising star soprano Suzanne Burgess in the title role of Violetta,” Meers said of the new production, which he will direct. “This season offers two very different ways to experience the extraordinary power of the human voice,” said Edward Brennan, general director of Charleston Opera Theater. “From the intimacy of ‘The Singers Table’ to the grand full staging of ‘La traviata’ with the Charleston Symphony in the pit, we’re excited to engage and elevate our community with another season of exceptional opera.” Special Events COT will kick off the season with two special events this fall. Cocktails for a Cause, on Oct. 6 at The Harbour Club at WestEdge, will feature live
performances, light hors d’oeuvres and drinks from a cash bar. The celebration will support the upcoming season, with 50% of ticket proceeds going directly to COT. On Oct. 25, COT will present “Opera on the Half Shell” at Sheldon Farms on Wadmalaw Island, just 30 minutes from downtown Charleston. The afternoon oyster roast will feature live opera performances, oysters, chili, hot dogs, drinks and fellowship. “Opera on the Half Shell” is this season’s cornerstone fundraising event for Charleston Opera Theater, and proceeds will support the season’s programming. Sponsorship opportunities are still available, and interested parties should contact Brennan for more information. Together, these events offer audiences an opportunity to gather, celebrate and support professional opera in Charleston. Tickets are available through the George Street Box Office or by calling 843-953-4726. Additional information about both mainstage performances and tickets is available at CharlestonOperaTheater.org or through the George Street Box Office.
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