Mitigating Storm and Sea Damage
LONGVIEW VS. DAY OF INSTALLATION FIXES
BY CLAUDIE BENJAMIN
When Rebecca Fanning, Sullivan’s Island director of resilience and natural resource management, discusses drainage improvements, she emphasizes the distinction between gray and green stormwater infrastructure. Gray infrastructure, she explains, relies on pipes and pumps, while green infrastructure leverages wetlands, forests, sand and earth to mitigate flooding.
“Gray infrastructure like diesel pumps and pipes works best the day it is installed and weakens over time, whereas
green infrastructure tends to grow stronger,” Fanning said. Green solutions can be as simple as planting a tree or leaving leaves in your yard. “We have so much water to contend with on the island; even a square foot of planted ground makes a difference,” she added.
Sullivan’s Island, while beautiful, is highly vulnerable to climate change effects like intense rainfall and rising temperatures. Fanning cited Hurricane Debbie and Helene as examples, noting that “together, they eliminated about 100 feet of beach in certain
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Safeguarding IOP
COMMITTEE CHARTS PROACTIVE POLICIES FOR SHORELINE PRESERVATION
BY JOSHUA UYS
In January 2024, the Isle of Palms established the Beach Preservation Ad Hoc Committee to evaluate existing beach policies and propose strategic recommendations to the City Council. After a year of research, collaboration with coastal engineers, and analysis of neighboring communities’ practices, the committee presented its findings at a workshop on Tuesday, Jan. 14.
Cindi Solomon, a committee representative, highlighted the economic benefits of beach renourishment.
“For every dollar spent on beach renourishment, the state sees $1,200 in economic development generated by tourists,” she said. “Additionally,
federal, state, and local governments collectively gain nearly $130 in tax revenue per dollar spent.”
The committee recommended a proactive, data-driven approach to managing beach conditions. It proposed biannual reviews of beach health and conditional triggers to prompt council action. For example, if 1,500 feet of beach is projected to reach critical thresholds for minimum healthy beach volume or dune width within the next 12 months, the council should consider midscale solutions such as shoal management or sand recycling. Large-scale interventions, such as offshore dredging and renourishment, should be
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The South Carolina Beach Advocates held their 11th annual meeting at Wild Dunes on January 16th and 17th. From left to right, they areCrawford Moore (Mayor of Edisto Beach and incoming Vice Chair), Angela Christian (Administrator of Georgetown County), Phillip Pounds (Mayor of Isle of Palms), Alan Perry (Mayor of Hilton Head), Marilyn Hatley (Mayor of North Myrtle Beach and outgoing Vice Chair), Governor Henry McMaster, Stephanie Tillerson (Administrator of the Town of Kiawah Island), Brian Henry (Mayor of Pawleys Island), and Pat O’Neill ( Mayor of Sullivan’s Island). Look for full coverage in our February 7 issue.
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Safegaurding IOP
Continued from page 1
implemented if a full mile of beach is projected to reach these thresholds.
Councilman Scott Pierce supported the structured plan, citing its efficiency.
“We’ve got triggers; the objective here is to allow our administration to act without needing council approval every time a threshold is met,” he said. “We need to codify this into our plans, ensure they’re actionable, and secure funding.”
Councilman Jimmy Ward also emphasized the need to leverage external funding sources.
“We need to tap into county funding,” he said. “We send so much money every year; we need to start getting some in return. This is a beach for everyone— it affects the economy of the entire county and state.”
PHOTO BY
Storm Damage
safeguard their properties. This potential policy shift could reduce reliance on public sand scraping and sandbagging efforts, freeing up resources for broader renourishment projects.
Mayor Philip Pounds suggested consulting additional experts before implementing any policy changes. He proposed seeking input from Dr. Nicole Elko, a coastal consultant for Sullivan’s Island.
“If we’re heading toward a policy shift, I’d want another set of eyes on that,” he said.
Councilman Blair Hahn, however, expressed concerns about hard structures.
“You can build a hard structure if an engineer certifies it won’t impact your neighbor,” he said. “But no one has ever built one because no engineer will make that guarantee. We know hard structures negatively affect adjacent properties.”
In response to Councilman Hahn, Councilman John Bogosian said, “There’s been different case studies and evidence that suggests that’s not the case and I’m not sure you’ve seen those or not, but there’s a lot of evidence to suggest that it not only helps anyone that builds these structures, but also helps the neighbors and up and down the beach.”
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DEADLINE: Jan. 29 for our Feb. 7 issue
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The workshop included a key discussion about the role of local government in protecting private property. The council is considering allowing homeowners to construct hard structures to
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stretches, taking massive amounts of sand with them.” She pointed to the resilience of green infrastructure, such as erosion control provided by seagrasses. This spring, natural regrowth will begin as seeds and roots help rebuild the foredune in the storms’ aftermath.
Historically, pipes have been the go-to solution for drainage not only on Sullivan’s Island but across barrier islands and worldwide. However, on Sullivan’s, a network of larger drainage pipes is now necessary to handle increased stormwater caused by development and more frequent severe flooding. Existing pipes also need reconfiguration, as many have been misaligned over time by ground settling.
Fanning, who took on her role with the town last spring after being recommended by Jeff Jackson, an independent contractor and naturalist with years of experience on Sullivan’s, praised the town’s commitment to preserving and restoring its forests and beaches.
Recently, the town received a completed Stormwater Master Plan developed by Seamon Whiteside and Associates (SW+). The plan outlines a comprehensive drainage infrastructure improvement strategy, and details can be found on the town’s website at sullivansisland.sc.gov.
In addition to this plan, the town has assembled an “allstar” team of contractors— including Weston & Sampson,
During the citizen comment period, Kerry Solomon expressed support for subsurface erosion control structures.
”There’s good data to suggest that when installed properly these can be very effective not only protecting property during extreme situations, but can also be helpful to the beach,” he said.
The committee also outlined recommendations to enhance beach resilience, including scheduling beach renourishment projects every eight years instead of 10 and hiring a full-time employee to oversee resilience initiatives and manage beach preservation efforts.
Elko Coastal Consulting, and McCormick Taylor— to create a Resilience and Sea Level Rise Adaptation Plan. This plan, broader in scope, will complement the Stormwater Master Plan. Both initiatives are federally funded through FEMA’s Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) program, which also includes funding for next steps identified during planning.
Fanning said the town is encouraging the community to participate in the planning process. Information about upcoming public meetings will be shared in the town’s newsletter, which residents can sign up for at tinyurl. com/5exurf4v.
Cindi Solomon.
JOSHUA UYS
Rebecca Fanning.
PHOTO PROVIDED
Finding the Path
IOP COUNCIL APPROVES $328K EMERGENCY ACCESS PATH PROJECT
BY JOSHUA UYS
The Isle of Palms City Council has approved a $328,000 contract with Truluck Construction Inc. to build an emergency access path connecting Ocean Boulevard and 14th Avenue to the beach through the County Park.
The project aims to improve emergency medical services (EMS) and responder access to the beach, addressing challenges caused by beach erosion.
“This became particularly crucial when erosion began impacting traditional access points,” Interim City Administrator Douglas Kerr said. “Historically, responders used 9th and 5th Avenue accesses, but those have become increasingly unreliable.”
The original project budget of $250,000 was set two years ago based on preliminary estimates without detailed designs. However, the lowest
bid came in at $328,000, which includes a remoteoperated gate and a clatter bridge. To offset costs, Charleston County has agreed to cover part of the $54,000 cost for the clatter bridge, bringing the city’s share closer to initial projections. While the county will manage routine maintenance of the path, the city will remain responsible for major repairs.
“A new access gate would give EMS and responders the ability to get out to the beach at a moment's notice,” Kerr said.
During a special council meeting on Jan. 7, Councilman Scott Pierce expressed frustration over the county’s limited financial contribution, noting that most of the project is on county property and serves the broader community.
The County Park is expected to be closed for much of February to facilitate the project.
IOP to Celebrate Completion of Public Dock
BY CHAUNDRA YUDCHENKO
Isle of Palms officials invite the community to celebrate the completion of the city’s new public dock with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Friday, Feb. 7, 2025, from 10:30 to 11 a.m.
The free event will take place at the Isle of Palms Marina, located at 50 41st Ave.
In September 2020, the Isle of Palms City Council voted to create a public dock and greenspace in the area previously leased to a commercial water sports operation. In November 2023, council members awarded a contract to Truluck Construction for renovations, which include a 16-foot-wide pier with a covered area, benches, swings, and a new floating dock. The updated dock also features an ADAcompliant gangway and kayak and paddleboard launch access. Construction began in April 2024, while planning for the greenspace remains ongoing.
A day on the island now offers more than just the beach.
Residents and visitors are encouraged to visit the marina to enjoy additional adventures, such as dolphin spotting and kayaking.
“Our public dock was designed to promote community engagement, provide more activities for guests, and enhance our coastal environment,” said Isle of Palms Mayor Phillip Pounds. “Everyone is welcome to stop by and enjoy a variety of recreational activities by our serene waterways.”
The public dock is open daily from sunrise to sunset and is currently free to use on a firstcome, first-served basis. Rules and parking information are available at iop.net.
For questions, contact the city at (843) 990-7076 or email hello@ iop.net.
Saving our Beaches
BY SCOTT PIERCE
Afull house of concerned residents attended the Isle of Palms Beach Ad-Hoc Committee’s presentation of more than 20 actionable recommendations at the Jan. 14 City Council workshop. Several residents spoke in support of the recommendations, emphasizing a sense of urgency.
The committee was formed in February 2024 to address ongoing erosion and challenges that have threatened the Isle of Palms beach, dunes, public access, and property since early 2023. The recommendations are the result of nearly a year of work by the committee, which includes four residents and three council members. Goals of the Committee:
• Review Isle of Palms (IOP) beach restoration policies and practices
• Develop recommendations for proactive responses to beach erosion
• Create consistent and sustainable funding mechanisms for future needs and projects
Presenting on behalf of the committee, Isle of Palms resident Cindi Solomon summarized the collaboration and effort required to prepare the recommendations. To ensure all viable options were considered, the committee interviewed representatives from regional and out-ofstate coastal communities with successful proactive programs, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, coastal consultants, regulators, legislators, engineers, financiers, and attorneys.
The committee reached unanimous consensus on all recommendations except for two topics. The first involves repealing legacy ordinance language prohibiting hard erosion structures within 250 feet of the mean high water mark. Four members recommend repealing the language, while three favor modifying it. The second area of disagreement concerns the city’s role in providing emergency assistance.
Summary of Major Recommendations:
• Review Isle of Palms Beach Restoration Policies
• Define IOP’s healthy beach profile target: 600 cubic yards per foot at inlet zones and 380 cubic yards per foot elsewhere.
• Establish triggers for when the council should consider mid- to large-scale projects.
• Consider becoming a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers-managed beach.
• Establish property owners’ responsibilities for maintaining dunes within private property, following the Folly Beach model.
• Prohibit construction of new pools seaward of the maximum build line.
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PHOTOS BY LYNN PIERROTTI
Continued from page 4
• Seek a second opinion on emergency protective actions, future beach nourishment programs, and other protection options, including groins, sandbag installation, and actions taken over the past two years.
Proactive Response to Beach Erosion
• Reduce the frequency of large-scale projects from 10 to 8 years.
• Initiate the permitting process earlier to ensure permits are always on hand.
• Hire a full-time employee to oversee resilience efforts, including beach management.
• Establish a Beach Preservation Committee composed of five residents and two council members.
• New and Consistent Funding Mechanisms for Future Needs and Projects
• Create separate accounts for emergency restoration, large-scale nourishment projects, and other beach-related initiatives.
• Raise revenue to support the proposed proactive beach nourishment schedule, using options ranging from local to federal sources.
• Engage state lobbyists and legislators to amend state law to allow beach renourishment to be added to the Municipal Improvements Act, enabling the city to establish a special-purpose tax district.
• Advocate for state law changes to give coastal communities flexibility to raise revenue for renourishment, such as real estate transfer fees or additional accommodations tax (ATAX) funding.
• Develop a cost-sharing plan with Wild Dunes for projects along areas that lack public access.
Included in the presentation packet is an inflation-adjusted cost estimate for the long-term proactive nourishment plan. The average annual cost projection is similar whether an 8-year or 10-year cycle is implemented. Over a 32-year period, the total estimated funding requirement for major nourishment projects is $191 million, which includes five major projects. The initial project, estimated at $22.6 million, aims to restore the Isle of Palms to a healthy beach. These cost estimates exclude annual emergency projects, monitoring, and other maintenance expenses for the beach and dunes.
Interim City Administrator Douglas Kerr will present the recommendations to the council at its next meeting on Jan. 28 for consideration or to determine the next steps.
You can view the meeting here: youtube.com/watch?v=PdPCmSzoX5Y.
Members of the Keenagers socialize before lunch. Keenagers meet the first Wednesday of the month at noon at the IOP Rec Center.
(left) Volunteer Josh Hooser helps with check in. (right) Chicken and Lasagna were provided and members brought sides and desserts.
Searching for Thelma’s Homemade Wine
BY CLAUDIE BENJAMIN
Thelma's Homemade Wine was written and performed by Sullivan’s Island musician, singer, and songwriter Bob Tobin. The genre could be classified as rhythm and blues or perhaps Americana. The song is about an exceptional woman and her homemade elixir. It’s also, in a way, about the mystery of discovering and enjoying the things that bring joy.
Thelma, the central figure in the song, is Tobin’s creation. The wine is a product of his imagination, and the name Thelma was borrowed from a girl who dated a friend of Tobin’s decades ago when the nearly 84-year-old singer-songwriter was a teenager. “Her name just fit the song,” he said.
Tobin credits his inspiration for songs to “all directions” stemming from years of experience in various occupations, many of which are tied to the water and coastal regions. He worked as a tugboat captain, served four years in the Coast Guard, spent several years commercial fishing, and for 25 years before retiring, he built docks, boathouses, boat lifts, and even some homes.
His earliest memory of performing was singing “Silent Night” at a Christmas program hosted by a kindergarten near his family home on Huger Street in Charleston’s Westside in the mid-1940s. Tobin’s love for music began with listening to singer Al Jolson on a 1940s-era radio. Around 1947, his family moved to Mount Pleasant, where he started elementary school. Today, Tobin takes great joy in meeting for lunch on the first Monday of every month with a dozen or more members of his first-grade class. “It amazes me that so many are still around,” he said. In high school, Tobin’s serious interest in music began when he joined a doo-wop a cappella quartet that often performed before football games on Fridays.
Music took a back seat for a while. Years later, Tobin and his brother moved to Gulf Shores, Alabama, and opened a marine construction business. Before the move, he had begun teaching himself to play the harmonica.
Hard times struck after about a year, and Tobin spent much of his time writing songs and honing his harmonica skills. During this period, he frequented a bar and grill called the Flora-Bama, which straddles the Florida-Alabama state line. One memorable night, a well-known singer noticed Tobin discreetly playing his harmonica in a corner and encouraged him to join him on stage.
Soon after, Tobin returned to Charleston and began performing his songs at local venues. He met and married Adele, a potter with a studio and gallery on Sullivan’s Island. The couple formed a musical duo and played together at various Charleston-area venues for many years. They still perform occasionally.
Over the past two decades, Tobin has performed across the United States, in Mexico, and in his favorite location, Costa Rica. “It never gets old,” he said. He continues to write songs and co-write with other talented songwriters, always striving to bring melody, rhythm, and lyrics together seamlessly.
For the past 14 years, Tobin has been invited to perform at the Frank Brown International Songwriters Festival, held every November at the now-expanded and world-famous Flora-Bama. This spring, he will join his talented young friend Tim Styles for a brief tour in California.
Tobin has released three CDs, which can be ordered online at his website, www. bobtobinmusic.com. His next local performances with his band, the Sons a Pitches, are scheduled for January 30 at the Mainland Container in Mount Pleasant from 6 to 9 p.m. and February 8 at Mount Pleasant Towne Centre from noon to 3 p.m. The Sons a Pitches:
• Ed Hunnicutt: Vocals, harmony, guitar, and bass
• Bob Sachs: Vocals, harmony, mandolin, and guitar
• Larry Jefferies: Vocals, harmony, guitar, and bass
• Bob Tobin: Vocals, harmony, guitar, and harmonica
“We do a mixture of mostly original songs and popular cover tunes,” Tobin said.
DOGE SC to Spend more than $2.5 million Fighting the Agency State in South Carolina
BY DOGE SC
Prominent South Carolina entrepreneur and founder of the grassroots-advocacy organization, OurVoiceSC.com, Rom Reddy recently announced the launch and funding of a new, statewide nonpartisan PAC- DOGE SC with an initial investment of $2.5 million. The PAC will advocate on behalf of dismantling the “Agency State” at the state level that the incoming Trump Administration is looking to achieve federally.
“We are going to be supporting policies that bring the federal Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) strategies to South Carolina,” said Mr. Reddy, a long-time South Carolina businessman and philanthropist. “Because, unfortunately, South Carolina has developed an unconstitutional fourth branch of Government with over 100 agencies, staffed by unelected bureaucrats who are accountable to no one.”
The PAC will focus on Legislative efforts to tear down the Agency state, cut the unelected bureaucrats by at least half, repurpose these jobs to the private sector and return the money to the taxpayers ,so South Carolina becomes a zeroincome tax state. This has the potential to lift South Carolina up from being ranked 41 out of 50 states in median family income.
“Many of the Legislators I talked to recognize that the President’s efforts to rein in the deep state can only be sustained if the States participate and dismantle the agency state also,”
Mr. Reddy said. “South Carolina is ready to take on this challenge with the right leadership. The PAC will also support Legislative efforts in 4 key areas- fixing education, roads , violent crime, and health care quality/access where South Carolina has enormous potential but ranks as a bottom 10 state “
Backed by an initial $2.5 million personal investment from Mr. Reddy, DOGE SC plans to raise at least $2.5 million more in the coming months as it provides the funding, connections to national organizations and support to Legislators to help South Carolina lead the way back to a low-tax, low-regulation, selfgoverning state with the citizens in charge.
“The country was founded almost 250 years ago with a sovereign self-governing citizenry whose rights come from God,” added Mr. Reddy. “These unelected agencies believe our rights and our freedom come from them. We will restore God’s rightful place as a 250th anniversary gift to this State and our country.”
To learn more about Our Voice SC, visit ourvoicesc.com.
PHOTO PROVIDED
A Literary Affair to Remember
20 YEARS OF THE WILD DUNES AUTHOR EVENT & WEEKEND WITH MARY ALICE MONROE
BY LAURA STRECKER
In the golden light of Charleston’s Lowcountry, hundreds of readers gathered on Isle of Palms for a milestone event: the 20th anniversary of the Wild Dunes Author Event & Weekend with Mary Alice Monroe. What began as a single day small gathering of writers and readers two decades ago has blossomed into a highly anticipated annual celebration of storytelling, community, and the magic of the written word. This year’s sold-out weekend experience was headlined by literary icons Mary Alice Monroe, Patti Callahan Henry and Kwame Alexander.
A Weekend of Inspiration and Camaraderie
The three-day event, held at the picturesque Wild Dunes Resort, offered something for every book lover. From Friday’s festive kickoff at Islander 71 to Saturday’s intimate author gatherings, culminating in Sunday’s grand panel discussion, the event blended literary excellence with warm Southern hospitality. Proceeds benefited Reading Partners, a nonprofit that provides research-backed literacy programs to students, ensuring that every child has access to quality education.
Friday: Local Authors Shine at Islander 71
The weekend kicked off with cocktails, light appetizers, and captivating conversations at Islander 71. Guests heard from three local authors: Susan Boyer (The Sullivan’s Island Supper Club), Roger Jones (The Final Victory), and Caroline Cleveland (When Cicadas Cry). Each author shared the inspiration behind their newly released novels, offering attendees a glimpse into their creative processes.
Saturday: A Day of Intimate Gatherings and Discovery
Saturday unfolded like a beautifully crafted novel. Brunch at the Indigo Rooftop at Wild Dunes was a highlight, with Mary Alice Monroe offering behind-the-scenes insights into her upcoming book, Where the Rivers Merge (set for release on May 13, 2025). Against the stunning backdrop of the ACE Basin, Monroe eloquently discussed the history of the land and her passion for conservation. “Territorialism is the enemy of the earth,” she said. “We all share one fragile home, and it’s our responsibility to protect it.”
At 2 p.m., attendees participated in a poetry workshop led by South Carolina’s former Poet Laureate, Marjory Wentworth,
who eliminated the fear of writing poetry and inspired our creativity. “Poetry is about the feelings,” Wentworth shared. The workshop was a highlight for Katie Alley, one half of a devoted sister duo from Myrtle Beach. “I’ve never thought about poetry before,” she shared, “and it was so inspiring.” Katie and her sister Elizabeth, a retired teacher, have turned attending this event into a Christmas gift-
Cocktails with Kwame Alexander, an electrifying session with the Newbery Medal-winning author of The Crossover. Larger-than-life yet profoundly relatable, Alexander captivated the audience with his charm, readings, and deeply personal anecdotes.
Alexander reflected on the wisdom imparted by his mentor, the legendary Nikki Giovanni. “She told me she could teach me how to write but not how to be interesting,” he recounted. Inspired by Giovanni, Alexander committed to staying curious and engaged with the world, a philosophy that continues to fuel his storytelling. In an emotional moment, he shared the experience of writing Giovanni’s obituary, a deeply personal tribute to the woman he called his “second mom” and the person who taught him to write. Driven by his passion for storytelling, he has traveled across six continents, teaching others the power of words. Angela May asked provocative questions that he sometimes answered with a poem, delighting the audience.
The session wasn’t just heartfelt—it was peppered with humor and lively moments. Kelly, a fifth grader in the audience and a fan of The Crossover, asked if the book was autobiographical. “It’s totally made up,” Alexander replied with a grin, before explaining how imagination can transform ordinary experiences into something extraordinary.
Alexander also described a recent experience on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, where Colbert whispered a stanza from E.E. Cummings into his ear moments before the show. “It filled me with such peace,” he said. “Words have the power to do that. They can heal, inspire, and change the world.”
Sunday: A Grand Finale and Lifelong Connections
giving tradition, purchasing tickets the moment they’re released. They made it a point to participate in every gathering, from Friday’s lively kickoff to the intimate book club meeting with Friends & Fiction at the Boardwalk Inn. Reflecting on the experience, Katie added, “It was great to try something completely new, like the poetry class—it’s about more than just books for us.”
The day culminated with
The Indigo Ballroom at Sweetgrass Inn provided the perfect setting for Sunday’s main event: a panel featuring Kwame Alexander, and Patti Callahan Henry. Mary Alice Monroe, usually moderator, took the stage as guest with her new novel, Where the Rivers Merge, stepping in for Kristin Harmel. Polly Buxton of Buxton Books deftly kept the questions provocative and lively for ninety minutes. Guests also enjoyed a signature cocktail by Firefly Distillery, desserts from Nothing Bundt Cakes, coffee (including Monroe’s Beach House Blend) from Charleston Coffee Roasters, and a silent auction
Kwame Alexander reading to the room.
Polly Buxton and Mary Alice Monroe toasting at the event.
The panel of authors on stage
Katie and Elizabeth Alley.
Mary Alice Monroe, Kwame Alexander, Patti Callahan Henry and Marjory Wentworth .
Amanda Earnhardt holds up her favorite Mary Alice Monroe novel.
A Love Song
OHM RADIO ONCE AGAIN OFFERING SINGING TELEGRAMS FOR VALENTINE’S DAY
BY CHRISTIAN SENGER
Local radio station 96.3 FM Ohm Radio is bringing back its singing telegram deliveries this Valentine’s Day for the seventh consecutive year. Surprise your loved one with an in-person musical performance of a love song performed by local musicians anywhere in Charleston or the surrounding areas on Friday, Feb. 14, between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.
For $65, you can choose from a list of love songs to surprise your sweetheart with an in-person singing telegram, complete with a handwritten Valentine. Song options:
• “Your Love Keeps Lifting Me (Higher and Higher)” — Jackie Wilson
• “All My Love” — Coldplay
• “Open Arms” — Journey
• “Always Be My Baby” — Mariah Carey
• “You Are My Sunshine” — Traditional
For $80, you can select your own song, and the local musicians will learn and perform it in person.
If you’re looking for a different way to share the love, Ohm Radio offers additional options:
• Dedicate a song to your special someone on air during the station’s Valentine’s Day hour, complete with a shout-out, for $25.
• For long-distance relationships, order a digital video performance for $40.
Proceeds from telegram sales benefit Ohm Radio, Charleston’s first commercial-free, listener-supported, community-focused radio station. Donations are tax-deductible and support its programming. Ohm Radio broadcasts live from The Refinery, 1640 Meeting St., Suite 100, in downtown Charleston.
Event Continued from page 8
supporting Reading Partners. J. McLaughlin’s pop-up shop added to the festive atmosphere. Mary Alice and Angela looked fabulous in the McLaughin clothes! Wild Dunes never disappoints with the Southern themed appetizers presented with a color scheme and flowers inspired by Monroe’s Where the Rivers Merge book cover.
The panel of New York Times bestselling authors was both thought-provoking and playful. When asked about writing multigenerational novels, Alexander remarked, “In order to write them, you need to go through something—heartbreak, love, loss. You need to go there.” Monroe reflected on the emotional highs and lows her novels evoke, adding, “Readers crave those moments—they connect us to our humanity.” Callahan reflected on “books connected us.”
Among the over 400 attendees were two women whose loyalty has become part of the event’s twenty-year lore. Amanda Earnhardt of North Myrtle Beach has attended every Wild Dunes Literary Weekend since its inception. “It started with just 50 people,” she recalled. “Now it’s grown into something truly special. Books bring people together.” Amanda has introduced friends and family to the event over the years but treasures the opportunity to make new
connections. “I would follow Mary Alice Monroe anywhere,” she said with a laugh, recalling her first meeting with Monroe at Pawleys Island in 2002.
Melanie Guill, a longtime fan of Monroe from Seneca, South Carolina, experienced her first Wild Dunes weekend this year. A devoted reader of The Beach House Series, Guill arrived wearing a custom denim jacket embroidered with her nickname “Lovie,” a tribute to Monroe’s beloved character. She teared up as Monroe signed the jacket between the embroidered initials of Guill’s granddaughters. “I absolutely loved this,” Guill said. “You leave feeling like you know the authors—they become your friends.”
A Celebration of Words and Community
As the weekend ended, guests departed with signed books, cherished memories, and a renewed appreciation for the power of storytelling. This milestone event proved what longtime attendees like Katie, Elizabeth, Amanda and Melanie already know: books have the power to create community, inspire connection, and transform lives.
In its 20th year, the Wild Dunes Author Event & Weekend with Mary Alice Monroe affirmed its place as a literary beacon in the Lowcountry—a gathering of kindred spirits united by a shared love of words.
Monroe
ONE LUCKY DOG
MEIMEI ( little sister in Chinese)
Interpreted by: Katherine Berry
OWNER NAME: Mike and Deanna Yen
AKA: Ms. Fussy-Britches, Da Babeee, Widdle
AGE: 8 years young
BREED: Golden Retriever
FAVORITE TOY: Lil Woobies
FOOD: Royal Canine GI High Fiber
VET: Animal Medical Center of Mt. Pleasant – Elaine Beck
Hi, my name is MeiMei! It’s so nice to share my story with you. Gah, I’m just so thankful to be here and so happy! I want to start by introducing myself. My name, MeiMei, means “little sister,” and I’m still missing my best friend and big sister, Yummy, who recently crossed the rainbow bridge at 12 years young. She was everything to me, and I still miss her so much. BUT I heard Mom and Dad talking, and maybe, just maybe, I’ll get a little brother or sister soon! I hope I’ll be half as good at being a big sister as Yummy was to me.
Now, a little bit about me. I’m the socialite of the pack, a tug-of-war champ, and the first to be allowed on the furniture! Humans are my absolute favorite, and I must have their attention. If too much time passes without focusing on MeiMei, I slam my booty to the ground to announce, “It’s time to pay attention!” If that doesn’t work, I’ll snort loudly as my exclamation point!
You see, my heart beats for the attention I get. The more pets I receive, the stronger my heart beats, fueling my focus on being the best dog ever.
Training is so much fun for me, and I truly enjoy learning. (Psst, one time I overheard Mom and Dad say I was the smartest of their retrievers… ahem… can we say “WINNING?!”)
Training wasn’t natural for me at first since I was so much
smaller, but after my first session— where I mostly observed—I decided to toughen up my mental game. Once I did, oh yeah, everything clicked. Dad and I rocked our sessions so well that I advanced to MORE training, including agility! And then, my dream came true: I was selected as a therapy dog!
Being a therapy dog is the best— pets all day to power my kind heart. For a socialite pup like me, brightening someone else’s day boosts my happiness meter to the max. My motto is: “Pet me, and we’ll both be happy!” I couldn’t be the best version of me without the best Mom and Dad ever. Their love is so nurturing and allows me to be unapologetically myself. As long as my heart beats, my goal is to make them proud and give puppy kisses at every opportunity. Their love fuels my soul, and with so much goodness in my life, how could I not be the luckiest dog ever?
Illuminating History Through Art
WELCOMES ARTIST IN
BY LAURA STRECKER
On a cold Friday afternoon in January, the wind swept gently across the storied grounds of Fort Moultrie on Sullivan's Island. Tiana Whitehead, a 22-year-old senior at the College of Charleston’s School of the Arts, crunched through frost-dusted grass as she explored the historic site with park ranger Shelby McAllister and Artist in Park Program Coordinator Michelle Haas. The trio moved through the weathered brick corridors and open batteries as McAllister and Haas recounted the layered history of the site, each detail sparking Whitehead's curiosity. She listened closely, absorbing the spirit of the site as the first official student artist chosen for Charleston’s National Parks’ participation in the National Park Service’s Artist in Park Program.
The Artist in Park Program is a National Park Service initiative adopted by Charleston’s National Parks, which include Fort Moultrie, Fort Sumter, and the Charles Pinckney National Historic Site. It highlights how art can serve as a lens to understand and share our collective history. The program honors the legacy of artists who have documented and interpreted American stories,
BROOM& GROOM!*
offering a bridge between the past and present. From Indigenous traditions to the works of Hudson River School painters, art has been an integral part of appreciating natural and cultural heritage. Today, it continues to inspire and engage, creating opportunities for dialogue about our landscapes and societal challenges.
Whitehead’s journey into this role began when a professor at the College of Charleston introduced her to the program. She applied,
submitting examples of her mixedmedia work, which often centers on fabric painting and the human form. Originally a biology major, Whitehead shifted her focus to the arts during her junior year, captivated by how art can explore identity, storytelling, and history.
Whitehead, who will graduate in spring 2025, has long been fascinated by the intersections of history, mythology, and artistic expression. Her inspirations range from Frida Kahlo to folk art and religious iconography,
often incorporating themes of the body, eyes, and figures into her work. Her own body, adorned with tattoos resembling her artistic style, reflects this fascination. She has a particular interest in Egyptian history and storytelling, drawing inspiration from ancient artistic expression, which she connects to the complex historical narratives and evolving interpretations found within Charleston’s National Parks.
When asked why she applied for the Student Artist in Park opportunity, Whitehead said, “I’m hoping to learn how to work with an established organization, dive into historical archives, and incorporate elements of nonfiction into my otherwise surreal storytelling.”
Haas, who has been with the National Park Service for 21 years and at Fort Moultrie for a decade, said the program has two key components. The first is the Student Artist in Park initiative, a partnership with the College of Charleston and Friends of Charleston National Parks, which hosts a student artist for a semester-long independent study culminating in a gallery exhibition. The second opportunity, which will begin recruiting local amateur and (continued on page 13)
(left to right) Michelle Haas, Tiana Whitehead, Shelby McAllister at Fort Moultrie.
Park Artists Continued from page 12
professional artists this spring, invites participants to create art inspired by any of the three park sites during the fall.
This year marks the program’s first fully structured iteration, though its roots trace back to 2023, when photographer Christian Fiedler requested a special-use permit to capture long-exposure photographs using the pinhole camera technique known as solargraphy. His focus on the Charleston Light served as an informal trial run for what has now become a sustainable program designed to connect art, history, and community engagement.
Fort Moultrie acting Superintendent Dawn Davis praised the program's evolution, emphasizing how art can inspire new ways of understanding historical spaces. “The information has always been here,” she said, “but now people are asking different questions.” Davis commended Whitehead for her creative approach, highlighting how her artwork will offer a fresh lens on the parks’ narratives.
Whitehead has already visited all three sites and received a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion grant from the College of Charleston to help fund her project. She plans to visit regularly throughout the spring, working onsite in a visible volunteer uniform and engaging
with visitors curious about her artistic process. A public schedule will soon be available, allowing guests to see her at work and learn about her creative process firsthand.
For those inspired by Whitehead’s residency, the tradition of plein air painting remains alive within Charleston’s National Parks. In the past, the parks collaborated with the Mount Pleasant Artist Guild for open-air painting events at the Charles Pinckney National Historic Site, and visitors are encouraged to bring their own canvases and brushes to capture the beauty and history of the sites.
As Whitehead continues her work, she remains drawn to the parks' unique lighting, stating, “I’ve always loved the light around here, so I bought light-sensitive materials that I hope to use in my shadow studies. I’ll be doing a lot of research on the parks as part of this project.”
Friends of Charleston National Parks, a local nonprofit dedicated to preserving and enhancing Charleston’s National Parks by funding projects that protect their cultural, historic, and natural resources, proudly supports the Artist in Park Program. They look forward to witnessing how Whitehead's creative vision will illuminate new dimensions of Charleston’s National Parks for the community.
AROUND THE ISLANDS
ONGOING
WHAT: Museum Mile Month
WHERE: Various
WHEN: Entire month of January
MORE INFO: With the Museum Mile Month pass, visitors gain access to a series of historic sites and cultural organizations along Meeting Street. For this year’s participating organizations and more info visit charlestonsmuseummile.org.
WHAT: BEEPLE
WHERE: Gibbes Museum of Art, 135 Meeting St, Charleston
WHEN: Daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
MORE INFO: The Gibbes Museum will feature Beeple’s latest kinetic sculptures. Beeple, a trailblazer in digital art, gained worldwide recognition. His work has been showcased in several prestigious museums.
SATURDAY, JANUARY 25
WHAT: Oyster Roast
WHERE: Islander 71 Fish House and Raw Bar, 80 41st Ave. WHEN: 12:15 p.m. to 6 p.m.
MORE INFO: $30 all you can eat oyster roast until 6 p.m. (or until supplies last).
WHAT: Kids Are Cool Family Festival
WHERE: Woodlands Nature Reserve, 4279 Ashley River Rd, Charleston
WHEN: January 25 and 26, 1 p.m.
MORE INFO: A weekend of eco-conscious fun and outdoor adventure. During the event, the 6,000-acre reserve will transform into a hub of family-friendly activities designed to inspire a love for the outdoors and raise awareness about environmental stewardship.
WHAT: Oysters on the Point: Gritty Flyright
WHERE: Charleston Harbor Resort & Marina, 20 Patriots Point Rd, Mt. Pleasant WHEN: 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.
MORE INFO: This winter series features locally steamed oysters, live music, Holiday Market, Bloody Mary Bar, and plenty of beer choices. $12 General Admission at the door, $10 online at CityPaperTickets. com. Children 12 and under are free.
WHAT: Nirvani – A Nirvana Tribute Experience
WHERE: The Windjammer WHEN: 10 p.m.
MORE INFO: For Nirvani, it’s much more than simply being a tribute band. It’s about paying homage to a golden era in music and the unique and raw atmosphere Nirvana contributed to that era. Nirvani embodies Cobain, Novoselic, and Grohl in their talent and authenticity. Each band member is dedicated to portraying both the
appearance and playing styles of their Nirvana counterparts. This combined with their use of authentic vintage instruments makes Nirvani a live tribute concert experience that leaves audiences simultaneously satisfied and longing for more.
SUNDAY, JANUARY 26
WHAT: Not Your Bubbie's Shakshuka 2025
WHERE: Congregation Dor Tikvah, 1645 Raoul Wallenberg Blvd. WHEN: 6 p.m.
MORE INFO: This annual fundraiser will again be a celebration of all that Jewish cuisine has to offer. This unique 21+ event brings together some of the finest home chefs in town for an upscale cooking competition featuring traditional Ashkenazi and Sephardi foods with a modern flair. To volunteer to cook, contact Marcie at msrosenberg114@gmail.com.
THURSDAY, JANUARY 30
WHAT: All You Can Eat Crab Legs
WHERE: Coconut Joe's, 1120 Ocean Blvd.
WHEN: 4 p.m. to 10 p.m.
MORE INFO: All-you-can-eat crab legs for $39.99. Dine-in only, 2 hour max.
FRIDAY, JANUARY 31
WHAT: Oyster Hour
WHERE: Islander 71 Fish House and Raw Bar, 80 41st Ave.
WHEN: 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
MORE INFO: Enjoy $2 raw oysters and champagne specials
WHAT: 21st Annual Hot Stove Banquet with Bo Jackson
WHERE: Gaillard Center, 95 Calhoun St.
WHEN: 6 p.m.
MORE INFO: The Charleston RiverDogs will host their 21st Annual Hot Stove Banquet with former MLB and NFL star Bo Jackson as the keynote speaker. The event will open with a cocktail hour and silent auction and more. A program, including a conversation with Jackson, will close the evening. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the MUSC Shawn Jenkins Children's Hospital.
WHAT: The Broken Hearts – Tom Petty Tribute on the inside stage WHERE: The Windjammer WHEN: 9 p.m.
MORE INFO: Celebrate the life and music of Tom Petty. The band will be performing the Heartbreakers top hits – songs that will get you up on your feet dancing, singing, and wanting more.
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 1
WHAT: Oyster Roast
WHERE: Islander 71 Fish House and Raw Bar, 80 41st Ave. WHEN: 12:15 p.m. to 6 p.m.
MORE INFO: $30 all you can eat oyster roast until 6 p.m. (or until supplies last).
WHAT: Edwin McCain
WHERE: Charleston Music Hall, 37 John St. WHEN: 8 p.m.
4:28am/4:30pm 5:20am/5:22pm 6:10am/6:11pm 6:56am/6:58pm 7:39am/7:43pm 8:22am/8:29pm 9:04am/9:15pm 9:48am/10:04pm 10:33am/10:55pm 11:23am/11:51pm 12:18pm 12:53am/1:20pm 2:00am/2:27pm 3:09am/3:35pm 10:39am/10:28pm 11:29am/11:21pm 12:16pm 12:10am/1:01pm 12:58am/1:44pm 1:46am/2:27pm 2:33am/3:10pm 3:22am/3:54pm 4:14am/4:40pm 5:09am/5:30pm 6:09am/6:24pm 7:15am/7:23pm 8:24am/8:28pm 9:32am/9:33pm
Source: saltwatertides.com
MORE INFO: From Charleston, Edwin McCain is going on over 30 years of hits and worldwide touring. He has been called a “street corner prophet” by the USA Today, an “aching tenor” by Slate Magazine, and a “great American romantic” by the New York Times. He is best known for songs like(“I’ll Be” and “I Could Not Ask For More.”
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 2
WHAT: Candlelight Vigil to remember Caitlyn the Dog WHERE: Charleston Animal Society, 2455 Remount Road, North Charleston WHEN: 5:30 p.m.
MORE INFO: The Charleston Animal Society invites the community to attend a Candlelight Vigil to remember Caitlyn the Dog and all victims of animal cruelty.
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 4
WHAT: A Foxy Feast
WHERE: By The Way, 45 ½ Spring Street, Charleston WHEN: 6 p.m.
MORE INFO: A collaboration dinner event between By The Way and Graft Wine Shop. Guests can enjoy a four-course meal prepared by Executive Chef Marcus Shell and Uptown Hospitality Group Partner Alec Gropman, and wine pairings presented Femi Oyediran and Miles White of Graft Wine Shop. Proceeds from the ticket sales will benefit the Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation and support those impacted by the recent wildfires in California. Tickets are available for $200 per person (including wine pairings, taxes and gratuity) and can be purchased via Resy.
