IEN May 17 2024

Dominion plans to take down 523 palmettos

By Brian Sherman

For The Island Eye News

Despite the efforts of Sullivan’s Island officials, blowback from local residents and the role palmettos have played in the history of the island, Dominion Energy apparently will soon begin eliminating 523 of the trees that the power company says are too close to overhead lines.

A young Sullivan’s Islander decided to do something about Dominion Energy’s plans to eliminate 523 palmetto trees. Keegan Novak’s “Don’t Cut ’um down” signs are now visible on trees throughout the island.

A contractor hired by Dominion will begin cutting the trees flush to the ground – without removing the stumps – during the last week in May, according to Dominion spokesperson Paul Fischer. He said the work would take two three months. On May 9, Sullivan’s Island Mayor Pat O’Neil held out hope that some of the trees might be replanted elsewhere.

“Our staff will be looking at which trees might be relocated,” he said. “Those that are up amongst the wires already can’t be relocated, and we understand why they need to be removed.”

According to local resident Karen Byko, in January 2020, Dominion identified 247 palmettos that needed to be removed. She said O’Neil was able to obtain a reprieve for 125 of them.

The mayor isn’t confident of the same success this year, holding out hope for “probably a fairly small number.”

Rebecca Fanning followed a circuitous journey back home to Sullivan’s Island

By Brian Sherman

For The Island Eye News

Rebecca Fanning grew up in West Ashley and, because both sides of her family owned homes on Sullivan’s Island, she spent her summers on the island. On April 9, she began work as the town’s first-ever director of resilience and natural resource management, completing a circuitous journey, both personally and professionally, that took her to Upstate New York, Austria, Russia, California and finally back to her Lowcountry roots.

“I decided I needed something more meaningful. I wanted to make a difference for my community and the planet.”

~ Rebecca Fanning

Even as a child, Fanning was a birder, regularly visiting Magnolia Gardens and the Caw Caw Interpretive Center as well as the Maritime Forest on Sullivan’s Island. She also had what she called “a serious travel bug” that led her to head north following her high school years. She studied Russian and German at Bard College in Annandale-on-Hudson, New York – she speaks both those languages – and lived in Austria and Russia before returning to the United States, working as a docent, trainer and cleanup site captain at the Marina Shorebird Nature Center in Berkeley, California.

“I get it. They want to get rid of things that might pose a hazard to the continuity of their service,” O’Neil remarked.

In a May 9 meeting with representatives of Dominion, the mayor noted the historical significance of the town’s palmetto trees. In June 1776, South Carolinians defeated a large British fleet and won an important victory early in the American Revolution. The patriots were successful because Fort Sullivan – later Fort Moultrie – was made of palmetto logs that were able to withstand the British barrage.

“They did not appear moved,” O’Neil said of the Dominion delegation.

Trimming some of the trees would not be an option, according to the town’s newly-hired director of resilience and natural resource management.

“They would have to be trimmed every month when they send out a (Continued on page 7)

“I decided I needed something more meaningful. I wanted to make a difference for my community and the planet,” she said.

(Continued on page 6)

Photo by Brian Sherman.

PUBLISHERS OF:

The Island Eye News

The Island Connection

SiP Magazine

“Where To” Map

Brian Sherman • Editor ieneditor@luckydognews.com

Laura Anderson • Web Editor

Jeff Lovins • Sales Manager jeff@luckydognews.com 843-885-8662

Lynn Pierotti • Consultant lynn@luckydognews.com

Christian LeBlanc • Social Media christian@luckydognews.com

CONTRIBUTORS:

Carol Antman • Robbie Berg

Katherine Berry • Tammy Cox

Sarah Harper

Chaundra Yudchenko

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:

May 22 for our May 31 issue

The Island Eye News, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Lucky Dog Publishing of South Carolina, LLC, is a free, independent newspaper published every two weeks and is for and about the Isle of Palms, Sullivan’s Island, Goat Island and Dewees Island. Copies are mailed free of charge to every active mailbox in our coverage area and are also available at area businesses. Contributions of information, pictures and articles are welcomed, are used according to space limitations and news value and cannot be returned except by special request. Op-ed articles and letters to the editor do not necessarily reflect the opinion of Lucky Dog News or its writers. All Advertising rates are listed at: islandeyenews.com under “advertising.”

Chair of the Senate of Ireland visits Sullivan’s Island

By Brian Sherman For The

Island Eye News

Sullivan’s Island officials got a visit from an old friend May 3, when the chair of the Senate of Ireland dropped by Town Hall.

Sen. Mark Daly was in the United States as part of an effort to develop trade agreements between Ireland and individual states. Mayor Pat O’Neil presented him with a plaque commemorating his visit, and Daly gave the mayor a replica of the green, white and orange flag that was first flown in 1848 and eventually became the national colors of the Republic of Ireland.

Besides O’Neil, Daly also spoke with Council members Justin Novak, Ned Higgins and Gary Visser, Town Administrator Andy Benke and Judge Michael Molony.

Council members first became acquainted with Daly when he sent O’Neil and the rest of the Council a Happy St. Patrick’s Day email on March 16, 2021.

“As chair of the Senate of Ireland, I would like to wish you a very happy St. Patrick’s Daly,” the email said. “I would also like to extend an invitation to you, your family, friends or constituents to visit the Irish Senate, where I would be

delighted to give a VIP tour.”

After mentioning the “long and enduring relationship between our two republics,” Daly noted that “If you would have time to take a call, I would be delighted to wish you a happy St. Patrick’s Day personally or at a time convenient for you.”

The Sullivan’s Island took advantage of Daly’s offer, and the chair of the Senate of Ireland appeared by Zoom at the Council’s regularly scheduled meeting that evening, taking a few minutes to wish everyone on the island a happy St. Patrick’s Day.

IOP Farmers Market is back, bigger and better than ever

By Tammy Cox For The Island Eye News

The Isle of Palms Recreation De-

partment will kick off its 2024 Farmers Market & Food Truck Jam series on June 20. This event experienced a huge amount of growth in 2023 and will expand even more in 2024. To date, more

than 80 vendors have been secured for June.

In addition to adding artists, crafters, specialty food vendors, local farmers, local vendors and family-friendly activities, the event will now feature a food truck jam aimed at providing a cultural cuisine experience. The tastes

Your Local Services

will include local flavors and specialties and dishes from around the country and around the world.

Additional dates for the Farmers Market include July 18, Aug. 15, Sept. 19 and Oct. 17, always from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Rec Center.

To learn more, visit IOP.net.

Sullivan’s Island Mayor Pat O’Neil, right, with Mark Daly, chair of the Senate of Ireland, and a replica of the flag that was first flown in 1848 and eventually became the national colors of the Republic of Ireland.

Photo by Brian Sherman.

Scan the QR codes for exclusive digital content and trending articles, enhancing your reading experience beyond print.

But that's not all! To keep you informed and engaged, we invite you to subscribe to our newsletter. By subscribing, you'll receive event updates, news highlights, and exclusive half-off deals sent straight to your inbox.

CHARLESTON GOLF COURSE ROUND-UP

SINGLE IN THE HOLY CITY: CAN YOU FIND YOUR MONDAY MORNING PERSON IN CHARLESTON?

“It’s not about finding your Friday or Saturday guy. It’s about who you want to spend Monday morning with.” Could this be a reality in the Hoiy City?

In the Charleston metro area, you'll find a variety of outstanding courses. Here is a simplified guide for your golfing ventures.

KIAWAH ISLAND NAMED ONE OF THE BEST FAMILY BEACH VACATION SPOTS IN THE U.S.

Travel + Leisure has just unveiled its selections for the finest Family Beach Vacation Spots in the U.S., and one of our sea islands made the list.

RIVERDOGS ADD BIG NAMES TO 2024 LEGENDS IN THE SOUTH GAME PRESENTED BY THE MARINO FAMILY

SOUTH CAROLINA STUDENT WINS 2024 POETRY OURSELVES COMPETITION

CITY OF CHARLESTON CELEBRATES COMPLETION OF ITS LATEST AFFORDABLE HOUSING PROJECT

City of

MAYOR COGSWELL ANNOUNCES DUI CHECKPOINTS TO CRACK DOWN ON IMPAIRED DRIVING

Mayor William Cogswell announced effective immediately, the Charleston Police Department will deploy strategically positioned D.U.I. checkpoints

MYLO

On Friday, the National Endowment for the Arts revealed that Jessie Leitzel, a senior at Charleston County School of the Arts in South Carolina, clinched the 2024 Poetry Ourselves competition's top spot with her original poem.

Once again, the Charleston RiverDogs will host a charity softball game in midJune at Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Park, featuring former Major League Baseball players.

The

Charleston marked a significant milestone with the ribboncutting ceremony for the James Lewis, Jr. Apartments situated at 89 Hanover Street.

Coffee,

Scenic

Historic

Learn about tech at the Rec

By Tammy Cox

For The Island Eye News

The Isle of Palms Recreation Department will offer additional innovative technology classes starting in June.

Information technology specialist Sherry Dwelle will provide help sessions; a website design and launch four-week series; Google basics classes; and advanced website sessions.

All participants should bring their devices so that the training is specific to their needs. This series will not cover software programming.

Technology help sessions

11 a.m. to noon • June 4, June, 18, July 9, July 23, Aug. 6, Aug. 20 $25 per date for residents; $30 per date for non-residents.

Website design and launch

10 a.m. to 11 a.m. • June 4 through June 25; Aug. 6 through Aug. 27 $100 for residents; $105 for non-residents.

Google basics

11 a.m. to noon • July 9 - Google docs and sheets • July 16 - Google gmail and drive • July 23 - Google calendar and contacts • July 30 - Google meet and chat $25 per date for residents; $30 per sate for non-residents.

Advanced website options

11 a.m. to noon • Sept. 10 - website integration • Sept. 17 - vlog, blog and podcast • Sept. 24 - upscale growth Registration opens in August $25 per date for residents; $30 per date for non-residents.

Jazz at the fort – prelude to the American Revolution

From the Battery Gadsden Cultural Center

For the second year, Battery Gadsden Cultural Center is co-sponsoring, along with the Friends of Charleston National Parks, a special evening of music featuring the Charlton Singleton Quintet. On June 4 at 6 p.m., Singleton, of Ranky Tanky fame, will bring his own style of jazz to the grounds of historic Fort Moultrie on Sullivan’s Island.

If you were lucky enough to hear last year’s concert, you know what a hit it was and will not want to miss this year’s event.

Bring your own folding chair or picnic blanket, and beer, wine and small charcuterie boxes are included in the admission price of $50 for members and $55 for non-members.

There are a limited number of tickets available at eventbrite.com/e/jazzin-the-fort-a-prelude-to-the-revolution-tickets-892142190307.

That “something” was almost two years with Save the Bay in Oakland, California, where, among other duties, she played a role in two long-term salt marsh restoration projects. The Lowcountry beckoned, however, and Fanning answered the call, returning to the East Coast to attend Trident Tech for a year, then earning “two degrees for the price of one” at the College of Charleston – a master’s in both environmental science and public administration.

Her resume also includes stints with Charleston Harbor Tours; Magnolia Plantation; the Student Garden at the Stono Preserve; the Charleston Resilience Network; the South Carolina Sea Grant Consortium; the Butler Conservation Fund in Andrews, South Carolina; and an internship with Robinson Design Engineers, where she wrote proposals, reports and manuals and conducted analyses for site design and plans for projects ranging from mitigation banks to municipal parks.

“I was so lucky I had that opportunity,” she commented, citing the company’s dedication to protecting the environment.

In June 2020, Fanning founded Community Hydrology, an entity aimed at encouraging people and organizations from Georgetown to Port Royal Sound to take small steps that collectively become big steps toward establishing ecological integrity. She said people who are concerned about flooding, rather than waiting for the feder-

al government to act, can do things that work if everyone participates, such as rain gardens and tree plantings.

“When there are no plants, water says on the ground and that leads to flooding,” she explained. “We were empowering people to do small acts which can have a huge impact.”

All this prepared Fanning for her position as Sullivan’s Island’s director of resilience and natural resource management, where she said her job will be “proactive adaptation to the increasing challenges we face, including flooding and the inevitable storms,” as well as “conserving and fostering appreciation for the Maritime Forest.” She’ll be studying new construction sites and providing input on landscaping that will reduce flooding and help control storm water runoff; reviewing tree removal permits; advising the Tree Commission and the Town Council; and helping to implement the town’s Resilience and Sea Level Rise Adaptation Plan.

tempted by its eggs, including snakes, raccoons, possums and even armadillos.

Fanning’s reverence for the 200-acres-andgrowing forest has not waned in her absence from Sullivan’s Island. She pointed out that among the many creatures that live in the forest either temporarily or year-round include the painted bunting, which is easily recognizable by its blue, red, green and yellow color. The bird has thrived because the forest provides the perfect habitat, but, since it nests close to the ground, it also is susceptible to any animals that might be

Fanning, who teaches in the undergraduate Environmental Studies program at the College of Charleston, pointed out that according to author and professor of agriculture and natural resources Doug Tallamy, oak trees, a staple in the Maritime Forest, support 450 different species of caterpillars. And because their soft bodies provide an easily digestible form of baby food for young songbirds, the oaks and the caterpillars together help the forest’s avian population thrive.

She added, however, that plants that are not native to the forest can be a big problem. No one planted these interlopers, she noted. Birds ate their seeds elsewhere and later deposited them in the Maritime Forest.

“In a big picture perspective, it comes down to what plants are on the ground,” Fanning concluded.

Photo by Brian Sherman.

giant leaf,” said Rebecca Fanning. “The only practical way is to cut them to the ground. You can’t shorten them. It’s ethically irresponsible to plant trees under power lines. Eventually they will meet their death.”

She added that she would visit each of the 523 trees scheduled to be removed “to see if it’s possible to relocate at least some of them.”

Fischer pointed out that Dominion’s goal “is not to remove trees but to remove risk.”

“Trees and tree limbs continue to represent the No. 1 reason for power

Turtle nesting season opens early on the Carolina coast

From the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources

South Carolina’s sea turtle nesting season began a couple days earlier than normal with a loggerhead nest reported in Garden City.

Members of the Garden City Surfside Sea Turtle Guardians located the nest April 29 while walking the beach. They are among the team of more than 1,500 volunteers and biologists that will regularly patrol South Carolina’s beaches through October to count, monitor and protect sea turtle nests.

May 1 traditionally marks the beginning of sea turtle season in South Carolina, but recent sea turtle activity indicated nesting might begin early this year. Earlier in April, volunteers with North Myrtle Beach Sea Turtle Patrol noted the first false crawl of the season, made by a loggerhead female who came ashore but returned to sea without nesting.

Overall, sea turtle nest numbers across the Southeast have trended up over the past decade, making biologists across the region optimistic that these threatened reptiles are beginning to recover after several decades of conservation efforts.

Four sea turtle species nest on South Carolina beaches: loggerheads, greens, Kemp’s ridleys and leatherbacks.

outages, and the routine safeguarding of overhead facilities remains critical to helping ensure a safe, resilient and reliable electric system and to keep the lights on for all the customers we serve,” he said, adding that trees that will grow to be taller than 15 feet are not suitable for planting near overhead lines.

Fischer said that unlike other trees, palmettos cannot be pruned – neither can they be reduced in height. He added that for safety purposes, they usually can’t be relocated either.

“Dominion Energy will continue to work collaboratively with the town and property owners to ensure the proper planting of the right tree in the right place to avoid utility trimming or removal as the trees mature,” Fischer said.

He also noted that property owners should never hire a private contractor to trim a tree located near a power line.

“Only qualified utility line clearance contractors who meet OSHA qualifications are legally permitted to work within 10 feet of power lines or work on a tree that has branches within 10 feet of power lines,” he explained.

Rec Center to host listening sessions

By Chaundra Yudchenko For The Island Eye News

The next step in the city of Isle of Palms Community Enrichment Plan project includes gathering feedback from IOP community members through listening sessions that will be held May 29 at 10 a.m. and June 5 at 5:30 p.m. at the IOP Recreation Center.

Attendees will be able to provide feedback on issues relating to quality of life and tourism. During both events, there will be a separate session that will allow those ages 9 to 14 to engage and share their input. All others are welcome to attend the larger group session.

The IOP Community Enrichment Plan project, launched in the fall of 2023, will continue to use substantial community input to guide the city on how to productively deal with the complexities and challenges of regional population growth while ensuring Isle of Palms thrives as the most sustainable, family-friendly beach community in South Carolina. The city is partnering with Explore Charleston, the College of Charleston and The McNair Group on the project.

Community Enrichment Plan updates are available at iop.net/projects/ community-enrichment-plan-iopthrives.

One Lucky Dog

By Katherine Berry

Owner: Joe Settimio

Dog’s name: Boo

Nicknames: Just Boo

Age: 7 years

Breed: Belgian Shepherd

Favorite toy: Pete the Dragon

Food: Homemade by Dad – love to share my meals with Dad

You know the shy but stealth friend you have that is the life of the party without trying? Well, that’s me. I’m Boo. No nicknames needed – just Boo.

Born in Florida and shuttled to IOP, life has always guided me to being a lucky dog, but the real reason I’m a lucky dog is because I have the best human as my guide in life. My moto is “what’s next Joe?” Wherever he goes, I go. I’m his shadow and often his shadow is a lap dog only because I want to be as close as possible. Mom and Dad manifested a lap dog but didn’t specify a weight limit, so all 57 pounds of my “Fabio” fur curls up in my dad’s lap as often as possible.

Dad will say I’m high maintenance, but it’s only because I’m in the gifted and talented bunch of canines. A: I’m a working dog and B: It’s all about impressing him. His happiness fuels my fire, and one of his favorite things to do, which becomes one of my favorite things to do, is my agility course in the backyard. Sneaky Joe stuck a boat in the middle of it as part of my training to trick me to “get in the boat.” I used to be afraid to get in the boat, but not anymore. Now I sit pretty in the boat and gallop through the rest of the obstacle course as fast as Joe can run.

Joe and I know why I’m a lucky dog. He takes me on adventures, we share meals together and we go to Bottles every Thursday, so we both get treats. He enjoys craft brews and me – well it’s all about cookies and hugs.Is there anything better? He says I steal the show, but it’s only to make him proud. Of all the humans created on this planet, I found the perfect one for me. My pawprints will always follow Joe. He’s the reason I’m such a lucky boy.

If you have a “Lucky Dog” with a story to share, email me at LuckydogsIOP@gmail. com to set up a quick visit with you and your pup. Thank you • Katherine.

Island Eye • COMMENTARY

or not

Are We Free?

By Rom Reddy

“Man is not free until government is limited” ~ Ronald Reagan It was not that many years ago that Reagan’s statement may have seemed redundant in America. Not anymore. The federal government has grown almost 40% in the last four years. Much of that growth has gone to increasing the federal bureaucracy, and that bureaucracy is then used to oppress the citizens. Unfortunately, as the head grows, the body grows. Our state and local governments have also grown dramatically. South Carolina boasts agencies like the Department of Health and Environmental Control, which is approximately 4,000 strong, and the Department of Transportation, which has approximately 5,000 employees. Apparently, they aren’t big enough. DHEC will be split into two groups this summer –the Environmental group and the Health group. Oops. All these agencies are out of space, so we will spend about $490 million to relocate them from owned offices in downtown Columbia – not nice enough or big enough –to leased offices in the suburbs. SCDOT controls about two-thirds of the roads in the state, including substantially all of the roads on our islands. This is the fourth highest state-controlled road system in the nation. Let’s not talk about the results. Our roads are anywhere between the second and fourth worst in the nation. Don’t fret, taxpayer. We are adding more people.  DHEC and its subsidiary, Ocean & Coastal Resource Management, have completely changed their mission. They were supposed to help maintain our beautiful beaches and other waterfront areas. Instead, they are destroying all the above and have switched their mission to a policing agency, grabbing private property to temporarily gain more waterfront until they destroy that and grab more private property. On nonbeach waterfront, DHEC requires a professional surveyor to establish a critical area for state jurisdiction over private property – but it does not always like the answers. So now they require the surveyors to stamp their survey, saying DHEC reserves the right to change the critical area at its discretion.

And change it they do. Usually, these changes establish government jurisdiction over owners who cannot afford to fight the threats of jail time, fines or destroying the livelihood of the contractor or owner. Beachfront is even more egregious. The state uses a process to analyze the impacts of erosion over a seven-to-10-year period and establish jurisdictional lines over private property. There is a legal agreement with private property owners that these lines – termed the base line and setback line – are the limit of the state’s jurisdiction over private property. This jurisdiction over private property claimed by the state at no cost was supposed to be a carefully thought out process that is periodically reviewed and approved by the Legislature and the governor.

Why the sensitivity? Because the Fifth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution prevents government from annexing private property through regulation without just compensation. For many years, the public/private partnership functioned with a strict adherence to these jurisdictional lines that are established in state law. No more. Since we are one of the few states that does not have a routine program to replenish the beaches and maintain a protective dune that is essential to the beach ecosystem and protection of the coastline, we are losing our beaches at an increasingly rapid pace. The solution? Cross over the state jurisdictional base lines and

Gratitude to our superheroes

The Homeland Security Act of 2002 defines first responders as “those individuals who in the early stages of an incident are responsible for the protection and preservation of life, property, evidence and the environment, including emergency response providers.” We have depended on them since, literally, the beginning of time. In 62 B.C.,

setback lines and start applying definitions that were meant to apply seaward of the setback lines to private property landward of the setback lines, thus annexing private property with no compensation. On some homes, the state now claims jurisdiction up to the foundation, including pools and landscaping. Voila! They destroyed the beaches but just got some new beach by illegally annexing private property. In a few months, they will lose that as well and will have to annex more. One homeowner asked OCRM: “Where does this stop?” The answer: “It does not.” Constitution? That does not apply. State law? Unnecessary inconvenience. Try to get justice in court? We will bring the full power of government down on you along with our loyal friends, the radical environmental groups such as the Coastal Conservation League. Who is the CCL? Apparently, they are a tax exempt 501c( 3) charity. Huh? Just this week, they came up with a solution that they broadcast in the Post and Courier: “managed retreat” from the coastal areas. Wait: South Carolina changed state law in 2018, abandoning retreat and instead adopted a replenish, renourish and hold-the-line approach. Well, that is some stupid law that tax-exempt charities like the CCL do not have to worry about.

Then, we have our local Council. They keep over $8 million of beach nourishment funds in their bank allocated from the accommodations tax while the beaches are getting decimated – no dry sand beach at high tide, no dunes as required by law and beach levels down 8 to 10 feet. Their actions so far? Disastrous long-term beach scraping that even OCRM admits is bad for the beach and causes beach levels to drop. Anyone notice how the beach seems to be getting better ever since they stopped the 24-hour scraping? But 800 to 1,000 votes gives our Council the intellect to do as they please and stop listening to the citizens. Watch how the citizens advisory committee on beaches has been hijacked by Mayor Phillip Pounds, his staff and several Council members.

Let’s not forget the contribution of Blair Hahn. At the last Council meeting, after spewing a bunch of false, ignorant information about erosion control, he said: “If you want to see how bad erosion control structures are, google Kid Rock, whose structure destroyed his neighbors.” Well, some citizens followed his advice and discovered that Kid Rock’s neighbors realized that those who did not have erosion control structures all suffered harm uniformly, regardless of where they were located, and that municipality has now decided that erosion control works and plans to extend its erosion control structures to other properties.

Ignorance is bliss on the part of one of the most divisive, inconsequential members of Council. Now that the beach strategies are a mess, our Council will take up the two-year battle on noise ordinances. Here is an idea. Drop the noise ordinance requirements with idiotic meters during the daytime. Require the ordinance at night, starting 10 p.m. weekdays and 11 p.m. weekends and stop listening to people telling you that police or compliance officers cannot use their judgment as to when a disturbance is a disturbance at night. Apparently, nine noise citations were issued all last year, and we are wondering why we have a compliance issue?

It is time that government officials understand that they are not rulers who have the authority to make laws that appeal to them personally, that they should not espouse their wild, unresearched theories and that they shouldn’t be using their positions to exercise their personal vendettas. Government should represent those who put them there. So let’s get government out of our lives and out of our pockets. Stop talking about your beliefs and start listening to those who put you there. Only then will we be free and self-governing, as our Founding Fathers intended.

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 Eye • LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Rome established the office of aedile to manage fires that broke out in public buildings. Ambulances have evolved from the carts used in the 1400s. When a 1965 report indicated that more lives were lost to accidental deaths than in the Korean War, the Nixon Administration made several recommendations on how to counteract these tragedies. The era of modern day first responders was born.

“The Avengers” movie series features a team of

superheroes who unite to prevent an alien army from enslaving humanity. But these fictional characters pale in comparison to the superhuman strength demonstrated every day by our first responders. These brave souls do not wear spandex and capes, nor do they carry web shooters and batarangs. They wear badges. This simple piece of metal represents extreme bravery and selfless dedication to enforcing the law. (Continued on page 10)

Reddy

Letters

Continued from page 9

Our community is fortunate to be served by an outstanding police and fire presence committed to serving and protecting its citizens. These men and women work around the clock to prevent the infiltration of crime and rush to aid those in distress. The integrity of this island, our little piece of paradise, continues to strengthen in partnership with the LENS program as it provides education and resources and supports the personal emergency needs of those who serve.

Bravery is not the absence of fear but action in the face of fear. (Mark Messier) The next time you see one of our badge-wearing superheroes, take a minute to express your gratitude for facing our collective fears with brave hearts. Our appreciation for their courage and sacrifices cannot be expressed often enough.

Michelle Paige • Isle of Palms

A shout-out to two community lifesavers

Another annual Prostate Cancer Foundation golf tournament fundraiser was held May 11 at Wild Dunes. It’s an incredible event supporting research and other efforts that save lives.

Two Isle of Palms community members – John Cipkala and Mike Muzzy – have led the charge for this event for several years, and it’s become the largest single fundraising event for prostate cancer research. What an amazing gift for the beneficiaries of this critical research. John passed the baton a few years ago to Mike Gollobin to carry on, and he remains a huge supporter. They gladly volunteer their time and rally hundreds of others from all over the country each year to make this event such a success.

There have been significant strides made for prostate cancer diagnosis, treatment and monitoring that simply weren’t available just five years ago. The next time you run into John, Mike or the support team that made this event happen – or participants – please thank them for their efforts and contributions.

Scott Pierce • Isle of Palms

at Sullivan’s Island Bird Banding Station

By Sarah Harper For The Island Eye News

We have had an exciting spring at the Sullivan’s Island Bird Banding Station. I have been opening the station a little earlier than usual to target chuck-will’s-widows.

Photo by Vicky Gall.

We captured an adult male on April 17, shortly before dawn. These nightjars are

IOP expands the personalized brick program to the Bark Park

By Tammy Cox For The Island Eye News

With lasting messages engraved into the history of Isle of Palms, residents and nonresidents can record precious memories and honor the unconditional love our four-legged companions provide – or have provided.

IOP recently added a location to its personalized brick program. The Bark Park features 4-inch by 8-inch bricks at a cost of $75 per brick, which includes three lines of copy – 36 characters.

The original program includes the walkway in front of the Recreation Center at the main entrance: 4-inch by 8-inch bricks, three lines, 36 characters, $75 per brick; 6-inch by 6-inch bricks, three or four lines, 45 characters, $100 per brick; and 6-inch by 8-inch bricks, three or four liners, 52 characters, $125 per brick.

crepuscular, meaning they are mostly active at dusk and dawn. They also appear to be more active on nights with a full moon. They have wide bills with a huge gape, and their plumage is a cryptic brown pattern. Their diet is primarily beetles, along with the occasional moth, dragonfly and even small bird. One chuckwill’s captured at its wintering grounds in Venezuela had an entire bat in its stomach. Consequently, chuck-will’s-widows regularly consume sand and small rocks to aid in digestion, mainly to break up beetle exoskeletons.

There is little known about the breeding habits of this species, mostly since they nest directly on the ground, and they are extremely difficult to locate while on the nest. They breed in the Southeastern United States in a variety of habitats, including dense, scrubby habitats and woodlands with pine or cedar present. We have yet to locate a nest on Sullivan’s Island, but we know they have settled into their breeding territories and are singing every night and morning.

If you would like to visit or volunteer at the Sullivan’s Island Bird Banding Station, contact Sarah Harper at sullivansislandbirds@gmail.com.

Celebrating the Earth through art on Sullivan’s Island

Sullivan’s Island’s Earth Day, held April 27, included a poster contest for local elementary school students. Organized by Sullivan’s Island for All, the contest was a collaboration among Karen Byko of SIFA, the librarians at the Poe Library and Julie Cooke of Sandpiper Gallery. All art that was submitted was displayed in Poe Library during the Earth Day celebration. Winners in each grade were selected beforehand and were displayed in the Poe Library on the day of the event. The winning posters were moved to the windows of Sandpiper Gallery from April 29 through May 3.

Submission Criteria

For kids in grades K-2, the theme was “I love the Earth and the Earth loves me!”

Kids in grades 3 through 5 had two options:

1. Create a comic strip about a team of superheroes whose job it is to protect Planet Earth. What would you call your superhero team? Would they have any special powers? Who would the “bad guys” be? Describe one of their adventures.

2. Select one of the following quotes and draw a picture to illustrate the words. Include the quote you selected in your poster.

“The Earth laughs in flowers” - Ralph Waldo Emerson

“The Earth has music for those who will listen” - George Santayana

“Each raindrop has its own story” - Robin Wall Kimmerer

Judging

There were three judges: Julie Cooke, the owner of Sandpiper Gallery, and local artists Leslie Pratt-Thomas and Beth McLearn. Julie created the judging criteria, oversaw the judging at Poe Library, created the displays and awarded the prizes.

Caroline Neary

First grade, first place

“I designed it this way because the Earth is in my heart.”

Cole DeMay

First grade, second place

“You must take care of the Earth, and the Earth will take care of you.”

Lua DeMay

First grade, third place

“I love the Earth, and the Earth loves me, and I love my family.”

Addie Robertson Second grade first place

“If you protect the Earth, the Earth will protect you.”

Eloise Rupp

Second grade, third place

“I want to make a difference in the world, and I will start by cleaning the beach.”

Sophie Robertson Fifth grade first place

“We all play one small part in one big world.”

Second grade second place

“You

by Roy Byko.

Judges included, left to right, Leslie Pratt-Thomas, Julie Cooke and Beth McLearn.

Maryjane Handel

should always love the Earth, and the Earth will love you back.”

Photos

Art at the Rec scheduled for June 20

By Tammy Cox

For The Island Eye News

The Isle of Palms Recreation Department will team up with area artists to host the first annual Art at the Rec art show on June 20.

Admission is free to the blind-juried show, scheduled from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Rec Center. Mediums include watercolor, acrylic, pastels, oil, etching, sketching, mixed media and photography.

Featured Artists are Mimi Wood, Becky Thompson, Lily Matheson, Barbara Bernstein, Mark Thompson, Norma Morris Ballentine, MJ Obrien, Sharon Ray and Jack Gracey of Isle of Palms; Grace Stenhouse and Robin McCrae of Mount Pleasant; Barbara Lassiter of Sullivan’s Island; and Giselle Harrington, Rachel Basye and Dennis Fulbright of Charleston.

Participants in the IOP Recreation Department youth art classes – Blooming Artists, ages 3 through 5 and Stroke of Genius, ages 6 through 10 – will produce art

specifically for the show, design and merchandise the booth, develop a work schedule to man the booth during the event and sell their art and reproductions.

n g C r o g h a n s J e w e l B o x G o l d b u g H e r l o n g A r c h i t e c t u r e + I n t e r i o r s I s l a n d E y e N e w s O y s t e r C a n d l e C o m p a n y P e d a l H a r b o r T o u r s P r o s p e c t R e a l E s t a t e P a r t n e r s R e f u e l R y a n B e c k S a n d p i p e r G a l l e r y S c h i r m e r I n s u r a n c e S e a I s l a n d B u i l d e r s S h a d e s S h o p A b o v o S o u t h e r n T u r f C o m p a n y S u l l i v a n s I s l a n d F i r e D e p a r t m e n t T i p l i n g G u i t a r s

Spotlight on apprentices at Spoleto

By Carol Antman

For The Island Eye News

As Allison Ross-Spang approached her 2013 graduation with a bachelor’s in arts management from the College of Charleston, she had a common problem: “I didn’t know exactly what I wanted to do for a career.” But she was certain of her passion: “I knew that I enjoyed helping others bring art into the world.”

Her direction became clear when, on a professor’s suggestion, she applied for an apprenticeship at Spoleto Festival U.S.A.

“It felt like the perfect stepping stone after graduation,” she said.

Eleven years later, she is an associate producer.

“It has had a huge influence on my career. I’ve been very lucky to be able to grow and change roles throughout the years, so it’s certainly made me who I am today,” she explained.

Spoleto Festival U.S.A. describes its apprenticeship program as “a unique, seasonal employment opportunity to develop skills under the guidance of professional arts administrators and technicians.” It attracts college-age and early career applicants from across the country to work four to six weeks in everything from marketing to ticketing to special events. Selected applicants are given a $600 per week salary, travel assistance and housing in college dorms. But the bonus of attending performances and meeting arts luminaries is the most valued part.

“I was able to attend incredible showcases of art and talent that, as a 20-yearold college student, I may not have been able to attend otherwise,” May Lebby Thompson, a box office associate, said.

Apprentices describe the intense working environment as “fast-moving,” “eye-opening” “fun” and “exhausting.” Chloe Wright returned for her fourth time this year as a marketing apprentice.

“One day you might be working on PR, helping coordinate interviews or writing blog posts. The next you’ll be running from one concert to the next with your camera, capturing content for social media,” she pointed out.

Savannah Wray is an artist services apprentice charged with making sure the talent has everything they need. Her big-

gest surprise was “I didn’t expect to spend nearly as much time at Walmart as I did!”

It’s an incredibly inspiring environment that depends on creative collaboration.

Phillip Snyder is working as an associate producer.

“The thrill of getting to work on a team to make something happen has always been extremely intoxicating to me,” said Snyder, who is working as an associate producer. “It felt good to be in charge of something, even though it sometimes came with a lot of pressure.”

It’s exciting that “You get a chance to infuse your own talents and artistry in the work,” Wright added, and Thompson said “I was surprised by how much responsibility the apprentices were trusted with. I felt very appreciated and important.”

It’s also a formative experience for these young professionals. For Lily Stone, it “solidified my love for the arts.” For Snyder, it influences his year-round career teaching music in college: “… the perspective I have gained from being on the producing side of the performance arts helps me immensely to mentor my students in their careers.” Wright, a freelance video producer, finds that her Festival experiences are her best calling card.

“So much of my work that I display to clients looking to hire me … comes from these 17 days in Charleston. Not only do I get an extensive amount of material that I can display in my portfolio, but I get the room to develop my skills and try new things in such an artistically vibrant environment,” she pointed out.

The Festival’s high standards are the result of talent on stage and behind the curtain. Apprentices play an essential role and are enormously impacted. As Snyder found, “Getting to work so closely with people presenting and procuring art at the very highest level was an experience that changed my life.”

The Spoleto Festival U.S.A. runs from May 22 through June 9. To learn more, visit spoletousa.org.

Photo by Adam Straughn.

Old Crow Medicine Show.

Isle of Palms Exchange Club presents scholarships

By Robbie Berg

For The Island Eye News

Thirty-two guests were welcomed at the April 25 Isle of Palms Exchange Club dinner, including high school counselors, mentors and parents of 14 high school seniors who were awarded a total of $34,500 in college scholarships.

This always is a special evening for the students and their parents, and Exchange members always look forward to the evening and presenting the scholarships, which are funded by the annual Oyster Roast and scholarship donors. They look forward to hearing stories of overcoming life’s obstacles that might overwhelm most youngsters. The scholarship winners have survived and excelled through their high school years. All in the room realized how outstanding these students are for striving to become outstanding students and achieving their goals.

special because the IOP Exchange added three new categories. Brian Boroff provided the funds for three students to receive $3,000 each to pursue their IT higher education.

Three scholarships were presented to students receiving the Exchange Youth of the Year awards, and three students received scholarships for the ACE awards, one of them advancing to the South Carolina District and the possibility of earning the National Exchange Club’s $15,000 scholarship.

This year’s awards dinner was made even more

In addition, IOP was the only Exchange Club to award Middle School scholarships. Each student was selected based on their volunteer work with nonprofits. The students were from the Lowcountry Youth Program, which serves youth in the tri-county area.

The evening culminated with tears as Calvin McCombs, grandfather of the Legacy Scholarship winner, presented his granddaughter, Vivian

Kipp, with the award. The Legacy Scholarship was a first-time award for the IOP Exchange, and the winner will be submitted to the National Exchange for consideration of receiving a $15,000 scholarship that will be awarded in July at its national convention. The Legacy award is given to a child or grandchild of an IOP Exchange member who is or was a service member or first responder. Calvin was in ROTC at the Citadel and served in the U.S. Army Adjutant General’s Corps in personnel.

Congratulations to our winners. We are proud of you.

Photo courtesy of the IOP Exchange Club.

The Wild Dunes Mens Golf Association has now raised more than $2.2 million for the Prostate Cancer Foundation. The honoree of this year’s event, which included an 18-hole four-person scramble, a par 3 tournament, an online auction and a Friday night cocktail party, was Wild Dunes Director of Sports Jeff Minton. He was presented with commendations from the city of Isle of Palms, the Prostate Cancer Foundation and the WDMGA, as well as a framed photo of he and his father, Bob Minton, who was a victim of prostate cancer.

voting has begun!

MyLo Lowcountry and Holy City Sinner proudly launched a photo contest, inviting photographers of all skill levels to capture the essence and unique beauty of Charleston, SC through their lenses.

All entries are featured on our website at: MYLOPHOTOCONTEST.COM. We invite you to browse through the gallery of stunning submissions and vote on your favorite photos! The voting process consists of two rounds. Contestants receiving the highest number of votes on their photos will be crowned the winners. Check out our site for details on the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place prizes! SCAN HERE TO VOTE

First Round 4/30 - 5/21

Second Round 5/22 - 6/5

During the initial three-week voting round, voters have the opportunity to assess the entries and choose their favorites, narrowing down the field to the top 10 contestants.

The top ten finalists then advance to the final two-week voting round, where the community's votes will determine the ultimate winners of the MyLo Photo Contest.

WINNERS WILL BE ANNOUNCED ON JUNE 6, 2024 VIA EMAIL AND ON THE WEBSITE.

HERE ARE JUST A FEW OF THE STUNNING ENTRIES:

PRIZES:

Prize packages consist of cash and giveaways.

First Place Prize: Valued at $5,000

Second Place Prize: Valued at $2,500

Third Place Prize: Valued at $1,000

PROUD THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS:

Around the Islands

ONGOING

WHAT: Sullivan’s Island Story Share

WHERE: Edgar Allan Poe Branch Library, 1921 Ion Ave., Sullivan’s Island

MORE INFO: The Poe Branch Library is partnering with the Battery Gadsden Cultural Center in 2024 to collect stories of Sullivan’s Island life. Every month will feature a new writing prompt to guide your story. Stories can be as short as a paragraph or several pages. If your story features characters or memories of Sullivan’s Island, we invite you to share these at our Island Story Share sessions and add them to Battery Gadsden and the South Carolina History Room’s repository of island stories. To learn more and get this month’s prompt, stop by the library or email poe@ccpl.org.

SATURDAY, MAY 18

WHAT: Taste of Sullivan’s Island

WHERE: The Island Club, 1452 Poe Ave., Sullivan’s Island WHEN: Noon to 3 p.m.

MORE INFO: The Island Club, a local gathering spot on Sullivan’s Island, will host a fundraiser on May 18 that will raise money to renovate the historic building that has been the site of community events since 1946. The event includes a silent auction online at app.galabid.com/islandclubfundraiser.

WHAT: Meditative Mood Boards

WHERE: Edgar Allan Poe Branch Library, 1921 Ion Ave., Sullivan’s Island WHEN: 11 a.m.

MORE INFO: Explore the meditative nature of multimedia art with our moodboard creation program. This program is suitable for teens and adults. Registration is not required. To learn more: ccpl.org/branches/sullivans-island.

WHAT: Beach Lovers Book Club

WHERE: Edgar Allan Poe Branch Library, 1921 Ion Ave., Sullivan’s Island WHEN: 10 a.m.

MORE INFO: Come for a lively discussion of the gripping memoir, “The Paris Bookseller,” by Kerri Maher. To learn more: ccpl.org/branches/ sullivans-island.

TUESDAY, MAY 21

WHAT: Isle of Palms Hurricane Expo WHERE: IOP Rec Center WHEN: 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.

MORE INFO: With hurricane season beginning soon, the city of Isle of Palms is taking proactive measures to inform residents and visitors about steps to prepare for a storm. A wide range of vendors and community partners will participate. Along with planning tips, Hurricane Expo attendees will receive guidance on what to do during and after a storm, ways to protect their homes and local evacuation route information. To learn more: 843-886-6428.

THURSDAYS, MAY 23 and MAY 30

WHAT: American Mah Jongg

WHERE: Edgar Allan Poe Branch Library, 1921 Ion Ave., Sullivan’s Island WHEN: Noon to 2 p.m. (beginners) and 4 to 6 p.m. (experienced players)

MORE INFO: Learn to play the fun and fast-paced game of American Mah Jongg. If you have a 2024 card, please bring it. To learn more: ccpl. org/branches/sullivans-island.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 29

WHAT: Isle of Palms Community Enrichment Plan WHERE: IOP Recreation Center WHEN: 10 a.m.

MORE INFO: Attendees will provide feedback on quality of life and tourism. There will be a separate session for those ages 9 to 14 to share their input. The IOP Community Enrichment Plan project uses community imput to guide the city on how to deal with the challenges of regional population growth while ensuring the Isle of Palms thrives as the most sustainable, family-friendly beach community in South Carolina. To learn more: iop. net/projects/community-enrichment-plan-iopthrives.

SATURDAY, JUNE 1

WHAT: Piccolo Spoleto Sand Sculpting Competition

WHERE: Front Beach, Isle of Palms

WHEN: Registration begins at 8:30 a.m.

MORE INFO:The 34th Annual Piccolo Spoleto Sand Sculpting Competition is free and open to those who would like to show off their sand-sculpting abilities. To learn more: iop.net or 843-886-8294.

THURSDAY, JUNE 20

WHAT: Art at the Rec

WHERE: Isle of Palms Recreation Department

WHEN: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

MORE INFO: Admission is free to the blind-juried show. Mediums include watercolor, acrylic, pastels, oil, etching, sketching, mixed media and photography. Featured artists are Mimi Wood, Becky Thompson, Lily Matheson, Barbara Bernstein, Mark Thompson, Norma Morris Ballentine, MJ Obrien, Sharon Ray and Jack Gracey of Isle of Palms; Grace Stenhouse and Robin McCrae of Mount Pleasant; Barbara Lassiter of Sullivan’s Island; and Giselle Harrington, Rachel Basye and Dennis Fulbright of Charleston. To learn more: IOP.net.

WHAT: IOP Farmers Market & Food Truck Jam

WHERE: Isle of Palms Recreation Department WHEN: 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.

MORE INFO: The Isle of Palms Recreation Department will kick off its 2024 Farmers Market & Food Truck Jam series. In addition to artists, crafters, specialty food vendors, local farmers, local vendors and family-friendly activities, the event will now feature a food truck jam aimed at providing a cultural cuisine experience. To learn more: IOP.net.