Residents and visitors of all ages are invited to a day of dancing, eating and fun along Ocean Boulevard on the Isle of Palms March 2. The annual Front Beach Fest will feature music from The Coppertones and The Yacht Club. Scheduled from noon to 4 p.m., the event will include handmade arts and crafts from more than 40 local vendors, while island restaurants and other local food vendors will fill the street, offering their favorite dishes. There also will be multiple areas dedicated to kids’ entertainment.
Spring might be here before Corps of Engineers project gets underway
By Brian Sherman For The Island Eye News
A federally funded project that eventually will bring much-needed sand to the erosion-ravaged beach at the southwest end of the Isle of Palms probably won’t get underway until spring officially arrives – or possibly later.
According to Army Corps of Engineers Project Manager Jacob Kyzar, the earliest 500,000 cubic yards of sand will begin its journey through a pipeline from the Intracoastal Waterway to the Breach Inlet area of IOP will be mid-to-late March. The project, which will cost an estimated $10 million, includes an additional 175,000 cubic yards for the Sullivan’s Island beach.
The Corps originally was supposed to look at bids on the project on Dec. 29 of last year, but the bid opening has been delayed until Jan. 31.
“We had a few internal delays finalizing the docu-
ments. We moved it back to give us more time to work through those issues,” Kyzar said.
“I don’t know how many bidders there will be,” he added. “Sometimes they come in at the last minute. I think we have a lot of interested prospective bidders, and I’m hopeful we’ll get a good amount of competition.”
Kyzar said it would take 30 to 45 days to transport the sand – which has been dredged from the Intracoastal over the past 10 to 15 years and stored in areas along the Waterway – to Sullivan’s Island and the remainder of the six-month project for IOP to receive its allotment. He said he didn’t know yet which of the barrier islands would be the first to receive sand.
Neither island will pay for the sand, but both will be financially responsible for moving it after it is delivered between the high tide and low tide lines.
Fragoso said Jan. 17 that the city was meeting with its consultant, Coastal (Continued on page 4)
IOP Council looks at expanding use of tourism money
By Brian Sherman
For The Island Eye News
Isle of Palms officials will consider using more of the money the city collects from tourism-related activities to pay for items such as salaries and benefits for police officers and firefighters.
At the City Council’s Jan. 11 workshop, City Administrator Desiree Fragoso pointed out that IOP already has one of the lowest property tax rates in Charleston County because it is able to leverage the money that comes in from the hospitality tax on food and beverages, as well as the city and state taxes on short-term rental properties.
She told Council members that the city’s 1% accommodations tax on short-term rentals pays for three firefighters and two police officers, while the hospitality tax covers the cost of a firefighter, a livability and special services officer and a police officer. The 2% state accommodations tax, meanwhile, pays for half the cost of the city’s public relations and tourism coordinator, two firefighters, three paramedics and one police officer.
According to Fragoso, the state accommodations tax pays for 22% and 17% of the Fire Department and Police Department personnel costs, respectively.
“We had a conversation last year about using more tourism dollars. I think we would be comfortable moving that up 25%, maybe 30%,” she said. “That is an opportunity for us to leverage the tourism dollars and potentially add positions that have not been funded by tourism dollars that I think are well-justified to do so.”
Fragoso noted that since the flow of tourism dollars can be affected by the economy, (Continued on page 6)
Photo courtesy of the IOP Rec Department.
Photo by Katherine Berry.
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National Park Service plan will shape the future of Fort Sumter and Fort Moultrie
From the National Park Service For The Island Eye News
The National Park Service is preparing a plan that will shape the visitor experience and future management direction of Fort Sumter and Fort Moultrie National Historical Park and welcomes all interested persons to participate in the effort.
The purpose of the plan is to improve visitor experience and universal access; provide planning direction for the U.S. Coast Guard Historic District; and ensure that park resources and values remain protected. The impact of sea level rise and increased frequency and intensity of storms on resources and visitor use patterns, given the park’s sensitive coastal location, also will be addressed. The plan will guide the creation of a high-quality visitor experience at all stages of the park visit, including pre-arrival, at ferry departure locations and on-site at Fort Sumter, Fort Moultrie Military Reservation and the Coast Guard Historic District.
The plan is necessary to provide visitors with a high-quality experience, protect natural and cultural resources and establish future planning and management guidance to sites within the park. The plan also will help develop a prospectus for a concession contract that provides access to Fort Sumter. The current contract expires in 2029.
The National Park Service encourages all interested citizens to play a role in outlining the park’s future by sharing their thoughts on key issues and potential management strategies. The project team will consider public input while developing the plan. To provide feedback, visit parkplanning.nps.gov/projectHome.cfm?projectId=119908 or write to the National Park Service at Fort Sumter and Fort Moultrie National Historical Park; Visitor Use Management Plan; Attention: Brett Spaulding; 1214 Middle St., Sullivan’s Island, South Carolina 29482. Comments should be submitted by Feb. 15.
To hear more information and share ideas direct-
ly with National Park Service staff, attend one of two virtual public meetings on Feb. 1, from 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. or from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Information on how to log in is available at parkplanning.nps.gov/projectHome.cfm?projectId=119908. Closed captioning will be available, and the virtual meetings will be recorded.
For more information on Fort Sumter and Fort Moultrie National Historical Park, visit nps.gov/fosu.
LENS will host golf cart safety program
The Isle of Palms Law Enforcement Neighborhood Support program will sponsor a golf cart safety expo March 9 at the IOP Recreation Center.
Scheduled from noon to 2 p.m., the expo will offer instruction on golf cart safety and free golf cart seat belt certificates as long as they last, along with food trucks, various vendors and displays and more, according to “LENS Whisperer” Ted Kinghorn. Register for the program at cognitoforms.com/CityOfIsleOfPalms/GolfCartSafetyExpo
Academy of Authors offers writing and poetry prizes
The South Carolina Academy of Authors announces the 2024 Elizabeth Boatwright Coker fellowships and student awards in fiction and poetry.
$1,250 fellowship prizes and $250 student prizes will be awarded. Applicants should submit up to 15 pages of fiction – a single story or an excerpt from a novel – or up to five unpublished poems totaling no more than 10 pages. Submission and eligibility details are available at hubcity.submittable.com/submit. The submission deadline is Feb. 29.
The fiction judge is Valerie Sayers, a native of Beaufort, South Carolina, who now lives in South Bend, Indiana. She is the author of six novels, including “The Powers,” “Brain Fever” and “Who Do You Love.”
Ashley Mace Havird will judge poetry. A South Carolina Native, she is the author of “Wild Juice” and “The Garden of the Fugitives.” A former
Caddo Parish poet laureate, she lives in Shreveport, Louisiana, and is a winner of the X.J. Kennedy Prize. To learn more, visit scacademyofauthors.com/fellowships-and-awards.html.
NPS photo/N. Boyd.
DUNES RESORT TO
OYSTER ROAST WITH RESIDENT ARTIST HAYDEN WILSON Enjoy live music, cocktails, and oyster specials at the Plaza on Jan. 27th, 4-7 pm
BEACH
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Kiawah Island Town updates community on design, location, and approvals for recently installed Cape Boardwalks in West Beach.
Certified SC, The Lee Bros., and Palmetto State food purveyors return to host Fresh on the Menu cooking stage in Marion Square.
Corps project
Continued from page 1
Science & Engineering, to determine if it will be necessary to truck in sand to help hold back the ocean until the Corps project gets underway. Since October, the city has been paying Collins Construction to haul in and scrape sand and install sandbags to protect property threatened by severe beach erosion along the southwest end of Ocean Boulevard. However, high tides that were the result of a Dec. 17 storm destroyed the sandbags and washed away all the sand that had been added to the beach.
The IOP City Council has approved $1.25 million for scraping and adding sand to the beach, $250,000 for sandbags to protect property near Breach Inlet and $300,000 for sandbags for homes on Beachwood East in Wild Dunes, another area where property is being threatened by the tide. The installation process for those sandbags got underway Jan. 15.
Fragoso pointed out at the City Council’s Jan. 11 workshop that the city has money available to continue its efforts to protect beachfront homes near Breach Inlet because the state has agreed to chip in $850,000.
IOP to set long-term beach restoration policies
The City of Isle of Palms will establish an ad hoc committee that will be tasked with developing long-term policies to deal with beach restoration and preservation.
At the Council’s Jan. 11 workshop, Mayor Phillip Pounds suggested that the committee should include himself and Council members Katie Miars and Scott Pierce, and Elizabeth Campsen volunteered to participate as well. The Council was expected to approve these appointments at its regularly scheduled Jan. 23 meeting and begin seeking residents from various areas of the island to serve on the committee.
“Contrary to the north end of the island, where we’ve done several projects, we’re sort of limping along on the south end,” City Administrator Desiree Fragoso said at the workshop. “Rather than talk about this project along with every other issue, we need to really separate it and give it the attention it deserves and help guide the conversation on long-term strategy.”
Council Member John Bogosian said he supported the establishment of the committee and pointed out that “we need to have robust policies to protect property on the beach and how it’s going to be funded.” He added that IOP needs to join with other beach communities to encourage legislators to change state laws that keep local governments from managing crisis situations.
The return of The Roast: Back to the original for IOP Exchange Club
By Robbie Berg
For The Island Eye News
The Isle of Palms Exchange Club is reviving the original roast. The Bud and Cecily Stack Oyster Roast will once again feature the large family style, festival atmosphere we all know and love, from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. on March 9.
The money raised will be used for youth education and scholarships. Last year, we awarded eight recipients a total of $22,000 in college scholarships. We are trying to increase our proceeds so that more deserving students can benefit from our scholarships and educational programs, which have a big impact on the lives of these young people.
The event will include live music from Dave
Landeo and a silent auction, single select oysters, Southern-style chili and hot dogs. There will be three reserved tables during each time slot – 2 p.m. to 3:45 p.m. and 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Tables for eight can be purchased for $550 by IOP Exchange members. Contact Robbie Berg at Robbie34bw@ gmail.com to reserve your table. Checks should be made out to IOPCC and mailed to IOPCC, P.O. Box 131, Isle of Palms, South Carolina 29451.
How you can help
Look for the SignUp Genius volunteer info Melody Yale sent out Jan. 8 and sign up. There’s a new idea for the silent auction: Adopt a Basket, from Carol Bogosian. Here is
the scoop: “Get your family and friends together and adopt a basket. This could be a fun time gathering items together with one of the themes below, or let us know if you have a unique theme of your own: beach essentials; bourbon trail; camping; Clemson tailgate; cooking; crafting; Derby Day party; everything that smells good; game night; gardening; have fun baking; margaritas are my favorite; oui, oui Paris; St. Patty’s Day fun; USC tailgate. Baskets should be completed by Feb. 12. Contact Carol Bogosian at clbogo@ comcast.net for more information.
In January, tickets are $50 per person, and the price rises to $60 in February and $70 in March. Alcohol and drinks are not included.
Charleston Symphony Orchestra League is restoring a tradition
By Carol Cronk For The Island Eye News
The Charleston Symphony Orchestra League is restoring a tradition that will amaze and inspire, with a historic Charleston home re-imagined as a designer showhouse. The 44th Showhouse, the circa 1803 John Rudolph Switzer House, located at 6 Montagu St., will be a spectacular union of a historic restoration with a new build, highlighting current architecture, design, layout and finishes.
Fourteen talented designers are preparing designs for the imaginative spaces that will be on tour from March 13 through April 13.
The Showhouse will be open to the public on Wednesdays through Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sundays, Mondays and Tuesdays are reserved for eclectic engagements featuring esteemed musicians and local artists, culinary leaders and interior designers. Many of these intimate events will also include docent-led tours of the Showhouse. The CSOL’s popular SCORE Boutique will be open throughout the tour, with a distinctive selection of gifts, wearables and household items.
The Designer Showhouse Bare Boards Party scheduled for Feb. 4 will feature the Showhouse before the designers begin installations. The 2024 Designer Showhouse Opening Night Party will kick off the opening on March 12. This elegant event will feature the Symphony Brass, the official ribbon cutting, bubbles and more. For information about tickets, visit csolinc.org.
Since 1983, the Charleston Symphony Orchestra League has provided financial support to Charleston’s Symphony. Since that time, the CSOL, an all-volunteer organization, has grown to become a diverse membership of more than 325. Over the years, League members have shared their talents
and expertise by contributing thousands of hours in pursuit of a cause they cherish – making symphonic music accessible to all and educating talented youth through music scholarships.
All proceeds from the 2024 Designer Showhouse will benefit Charleston’s Symphony and music scholarships for talented student musicians in the Lowcountry. The CSOL’s financial support to the Symphony allows the CSO to offer free or low-cost educational opportunities, with a special emphasis on reaching Title I schools and underserved areas.
Youngsters can now sign up for Wild Child Triathlon
Registration is now open for the inaugural Wild Child Triathlon, an event scheduled for Feb. 25 at Palmetto Hall in the Wild Dunes Resort.
A brainchild of the IOP Law Enforcement Neighborhood Support program, the event is open to young triathletes between the ages of 6 and 12. Participants, which will be limited to 100, will compete in swimming, biking and running segments in four ages groups: 5-6, 7-8, 9-10 and 1112. The triathlon, scheduled from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m., is to be followed by a post-race celebration.
All proceeds from the event will go toward LENS community programs, especially those for children and families, according to “LENS Whisperer” Ted Kinghorn.
Sponsorships, ranging from $250 up to $2,500, are available.
To register to participate and to check out your sponsorship opportunities, visit runsignup.com/wildchildtri.
There’s a new boat club at the IOP Marina
COME CHECK US OUT
BOAT CLUB
Offers the ultimate boating experience without the hassles of ownership
• Experience the charm of the Lowcountry waterways, where boating dreams come to life
• Take advantage of exclusive perks as a member of our Boat Club
• Brand new Center Consoles
Hassle-free boating lifestyle where we do all the work for you
Access reservations through our Custom App for easy bookings
• Unlimited access with future reservation options as well as day-of opportunities
• Access to the four sister locations throughout the Charleston area
• IOP Marina offers a unique combination of a neighborhood ambiance
A one-stop shop for all your boating needs
BOAT RENTALS
• Completely revamped and upgraded marina facilities & services
• IOP Marina offers the freedom of boating to all with our new Boat Rental fleet
Wide range of boats tailored to your needs and preferences, pontoons & center consoles
• Perfect for both experienced boaters and beginners discovering a new hobby
• Convenient online booking system for quick and easy reservations
• Benefit from our professional staff's expertise and personalized recommendations
NOW OPEN: SHIP STORE
Newly revamped and upgraded
• Start the day right with a delightful cup of coffee and a delicious breakfast at our waterfront café
• Mouthwatering lunches made from locally sourced ingredients, served fresh
Full range of convenience store items and services for last-minute needs
Tourism
Continued from page 1
she and her staff employ a conservative budgeting strategy, but she added that the city’s fiscal year 2025 budget will probably use more tourism money for the city’s day-to-day operations.
Council Member Jan Anderson suggested that, based on IOP Fire Department calls for local residents and tourists, “it looks like we can go up to almost 50%.”
Mayor Phillip Pounds, however, said he wasn’t comfortable dedicating that level of tourism money to day-to-day operations.
“I don’t want our budget to get too reliant on variable tourism revenue,” he said later. “I’m comfortable in the 20% to 30% range.”
Fragoso explained that the city is supposed to spend funds collected through the hospitality tax and city accommodations tax on tourism-related services. By law, the city can use $25,000 plus 5% of the state accommodations tax any way it wishes, sends 30% to the Charleston Area Convention & Visitors Bureau to be used to attract tourists to the Lowcountry and spends the remaining 65% for tourism-related purposes.
During fiscal year 2024, which ends June 30, IOP spent or will spend a combination of tourism funds on a variety of projects and services, including: the public dock and green space at the IOP Marina; salaries and equipment for paramedics in the Fire Department; design and construction costs for the renovation of City Hall; underground electric lines; exhaust systems at both fire stations; a Caterpillar trash loader; an outdoor fitness court; fencing and equipment at the dog park at the Recreation Center; professional and IT services; salary and benefits for a code enforcement officer, short-term rental compliance coordinator, public relations and media coordinator and financial analyst; salary and benefits for four police officers, a police sergeant, six firefighters, three paramedics, beach services officers and a Marina parking attendant; 50% of Public Works temporary labor and fuel; police overtime; and a part-time restroom attendant.
Pounds said efforts to spend more tourism-related income on day-to-day operations will have no effect on the $50,000 a year in state accommodations tax money the city currently distributes to local nonprofit organizations.
A work in progress: setting intentions for the new year
By Katherine Berry
For The Island Eye News
The best new year of your life is within your reach and lies within.
Turning the page to 2024 means New Year’s resolutions and setting intentions for what we’d like to see in our lives. Intentions are anything we aim to achieve – our seeds for action. This is a natural process. You plant a seed and expect it to grow, but first you have to actually plant the seeds and nurture the growth process. It’s true that setting goals can be overwhelming, but here are a few suggestions on how to break it down to bite-sized portions.
First plant the seed in your mind. Dr. Joe Dispenza, bestselling author, researcher, lecturer and neuroscientist, defines intentions as “getting clear on what we want.” Simple, right? Well, yes, if your analytical mind doesn’t take over and create stress around the details of what, when, where, why and how.
Earl Nightingale stated, “We become what we think about.” According to research conducted by Dispenza, when you pose an idea to your mind, the frontal lobe of your brain begins to workshop with the network of neurons stored in the brain. For example, when you say to yourself, “I want a new job” or “I want a healthier body,” your neurons start to fire and wire together, basing potential solutions on previous experienc-
es in your life. However, there’s one hiccup in our modern, fast-paced culture. We look to the outside world to deliver results, but the answers come from a quiet place within. We need to be still and find solace in order to hear how to set ourselves up for success.
We are a work in progress. We become what we think about. We work toward our goals by making small adjustments – we nurture our seeds. For example, when you wake up in the morning, instead of immediately looking at the bright screen on your phone to check email, tune into news or begin social scrolling, try visualizing your perfect day. Then take five to 10 minutes in a quiet space, visualizing what success looks like and, most importantly, what it feels like. Attaching an emotion to your desired outcome can set your days off with blue skies and sunshine. It might rain as soon as your feet leave the bed, but, instead of fighting the storm, accept that it’s part of the process. Let the storm go and get back to your intentions.
If you want your life to change, you have to start making small changes. If you want a new job, do one thing to work toward that goal, such as learning about hiring trends or setting up lunch with a new group of professionals to workshop ideas and options. Look for new opportunities among groups of people who align with who you want to become. Explore and learn. As every
life coach or self-help book will tell you, if you want different results, you have to do something different.
If you’re looking for a healthier body, take baby steps. Perhaps sign up for one fitness class or even explore a meal plan to keep you from eating the same old routine food. Think of one action at a time.
Write it down and speak it into existence. Everything in this universe started with sound –a vibration – so why wouldn’t our intentions be the same? Tell your mind what to think instead of the other way around. If you notice yourself talking negatively to yourself – stop. Get rid of that junk and go back to the intentions and the feelings associated with success. As Dr. Wayne Dyers states, “As you think, so shall you be.” Our future is only an extension of the present moment.
If you’re still challenged with intentions or your mind won’t release new ideas, do something new. Take a class. Learn a new language. Try a new sport. Eventually, the path will unfold, but the process requires effort every day. Focus on one moment at a time – one reaction to an action. You can always go back to those intentions to get you back on track. They are with you, and, with repetition and practice, they will become part of you.
Now get out there and create your own reality.
There’s a lot to like about live oaks
By Mary Pringle
IOP Environmental Advisory Committee For The Island Eye News
The Southern live oak, quercus virginiana, is one of the most common trees on our local barrier islands. It is iconic to the Deep South, and it has an amazing ability to withstand hurricane strength winds because of its low spreading branches and sturdy trunk. After Hurricane Hugo, the faster-growing water oaks in our downtown yard were all on the ground, uprooted by the wind, but the live oak was still standing and undamaged. The Angel Oak on Johns Island is estimated to be at least 400 years old.
The live oak name comes from the fact that this species keeps its leaves through the winter, waiting until spring to drop most of them, and then quickly replaces them with fresh new ones. So – unlike other oaks – live oaks are not bare in the winter. Live oaks also drop smaller numbers of leaves throughout the year, and I have neighbors with swimming pools who do not appreciate this behavior.
In the fall, live oaks produce very sweet acorns that feed birds and mammals. Native Americans used them regularly as a food source as well. Because of its strength, the wood was used in the 18th and 19th centuries to build ships. The
curving branches were perfect for the curving framework of the hull. Because most of the high-quality oak trees in Europe had already been harvested, England, Spain and France imported live oak lumber from the Southeastern United States to build their ships.
Live oaks have many beneficial characteristics. Mature trees can support other native plants such as Spanish moss, resurrection fern and even mistletoe. The live oaks in our backyard on the Isle of Palms looked like saplings in the 1980s but have since grown to about 60 feet in height, taller than the house. They help the environment because they are very efficient in capturing carbon, not to mention providing shade for us as well as shelter and nesting habitat for wildlife.
Property owners should be aware that live oaks of a certain size are protected by ordinances on the Isle of Palms and Sullivan’s Island. If one is to be cut, even just trimming branches more than 6 inches in diameter, the city or town administration should be notified to see if a permit is necessary.
In her Gardening for Wildlife presentation,
Sharleen Johnson, owner of Native Plants to the People, shared research from Doug Tallamy showing that oak leaves are a necessary food source for the caterpillars of an amazing 534 different species of butterflies and moths. We should all be aware of how vitally important and interdependent native plants and animals are in the natural food web. All types of wildlife – including insects – are needed to maintain the balance of nature. For example, a pair of chickadees requires between 6,000 and 9,000 caterpillars to feed each brood of chicks, and they raise two broods each year. I suppose that is why we get chickadees nesting in the bluebird boxes we have in the backyard. There must be lots of caterpillars up in those live oaks.
Photo by Mary Pringle.
Inland ports set new standards in 2023
By Liz Crumley
For The Island Eye News
South Carolina Ports’ strategic focus on rail is proving successful as Inland Ports Greer and Dillon both handled a record number of containers in 2023.
Inland Port Greer moved 175,873 containers on and off trains in the Upstate last year, a 26% increase from the previous year. Inland Port Dillon moved 43,266 containers on and off trains in the Pee Dee last year, a 55% increase from the previous year.
The growth at South Carolina’s two rail-served inland ports has driven the percentage of containers moved inland by rail back up to pre-pandemic levels, with 23% of total marine containers traveling by rail during calendar year 2023.
“We are proactively investing in our rail infrastructure to support our customers’ growth,” SC Ports President and CEO Barbara Melvin said.
“The Southeast remains a bright spot with new investments, business expansions and population growth – all of which demands a reliable supply chain partner.”
Barbara Melvin
“The ongoing expansion of Inland Port Greer will double its cargo capacity, and the future Navy Base Intermodal Facility will provide near-dock rail to the Port of Charleston. When that facility opens in July 2025, both CSX and Norfolk Southern will quickly transport goods to and from our inland ports and onto inland markets throughout the Southeast and beyond.”
SC Ports handled nearly 2.5 million 20-foot equivalent units and 1.37 million pier containers in calendar year 2023, down 11% from the year prior and on par with 2019 volumes. Container volumes were impacted by higher interest rates and inflation, which dampened consumer spending
and decreased imports to the United States, especially compared to the retail boom during the pandemic.
While the maritime industry continues to feel the impacts of challenging global situations that are increasing transit times, SC Ports remains focused on providing highly productive, reliable operations to quickly move goods for customers.
“The Southeast remains a bright spot with new investments, business expansions and population growth – all of which demands a reliable supply chain partner,” Melvin said. “South Carolina Ports serves as a powerful gateway to the U.S. Southeast. As an operating port, we provide customized solutions and excellent service to our customers.”
SC Ports also saw strength in other business segments in 2023, with the port handling 204,481 vehicles in 2023, up 3% year-over-year, and more than 302,000 cruise passengers, a 16% increase from 2022.
South Carolina Ports owns and operates marine terminals at the Port of Charleston and two rail-served inland ports in Greer and Dillon. As the eighth largest U.S. container port, it connects port-dependent businesses throughout the Southeast and beyond to global markets. SC Ports proactively invests in infrastructure ahead of demand to provide reliable service, efficient operations, cargo capacity, an expansive rail network and the deepest harbor on the East Coast at 52 feet. Port operations support 1 in 9 jobs statewide.
Photo by Matthew Peacock.
Owner: Alex Strange
Dog’s name: Eli, AKA Old Faithful, The Dude
Age: 13
Breed: Labrador retriever
Vet: Marsh Tide Veterinary
Food: We Feed Raw
One Lucky Dog
By Katherine Berry
Hi everyone! I’m Eli and I am pretty much the most chill, laid-back good boy there was. Life as a Labrador with my dad could be a book titled, “The Adventures of Eli and Alex.” We’ve been the best of pals for most of my 13 years on this planet. Aside from the first few years of my life, we’ve been together like peas and carrots. My dad says “every adventure has room for a well-behaved dog” and that is definitely me.
Adventure Dog is a proud name I give myself since my dad trained me well in most outdoor activities. Dirt roads get me excited because I know they mean there’s an adventure ahead. I’m a master of duck hunting, the best companion for van life as we travel around – hiking, camping, kayaking and fishing – and I was his co-pilot on adventures in Colorado, Idaho Wyoming and Montana. This one time, we went on a weeklong rafting trip down the Salmon River in Idaho. Not that many humans can say they’ve done that, which makes me a really lucky dog. My role in the pack is to make sure everyone is all-good and having fun. I’ve got this “look,” I’m told, that makes people’s heart melt. So if anyone needs comforting, I’ve got it covered.
We moved from the snow to the sand, and, when I first arrived, I didn’t know what to think about the ocean. It was so big – and the waves. The rivers didn’t have that where I came from, so I was suspicious. One day my dad was out in the water, and I was lonely, so I paddled out for a visit. Then he put me on his surfboard and wow! That was fun. People on the beach loved it; they took photos and I’m also featured as Mr. August in a calendar.
The extracurricular activities have been nonstop, and I have enjoyed every last one. I’m more of a low-impact Labrador these days – I move a little slower but my spirit remains strong. I live to see my dad smile, and I will continue to do so until my last doggie breath, and, even then, I’ll place my paw prints on his heart to have always.
Life in the sand is fun. If you see a white Labrador sitting on the surf, that’s me. Come say hello anytime, and, if you can, bring me snacks.
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.
A better way to celebrate love on Valentine’s Day
By Carol Antman
For The Island Eye News
If you ask so-called experts how to celebrate Valentine’s Day, you’ll get some really bad answers. ProFlowers’ website, for example, suggests setting up an art-making experience. “He will love creating something with you that he can see on display every day.” I can see his eyes rolling now.
Another suggestion: “Create a grand entrance” by filling the foyer with balloons. Who’s going to clean that up? How about amping up the adrenaline by going indoor skydiving. Is that even a thing? And to really get in a romantic mood, go do charity work together. Somehow I don’t see the sparks flying.
Holy City Arts and Lyric Opera has a much better idea. This Valentine’s Day – Feb. 14, of course – HALO is presenting a one-night-only immersive musical event at the Dock Street Theatre, featuring a star-studded cast of real-life couples straight from the stages of Broadway and The Metropolitan Opera. Included are Tamar Greene, who is jetting into Charleston from his role as George Washington in “Hamilton”; Matt Shingledecker from New York’s “Wicked,” who’s returning to The Dock Street Theatre, where his career began as a child; and Shannon Kessler Dooley and John Dooley, who will reprise songs from their appearances at Lincoln Center. A highlight is sure to be duets by HALO’s artistic founders, Dimitri Pittas and Leah Edwards, whose sizzling stage chemistry is absolutely electrifying.
“Forgo the crayons, balloons and crash helmets and take a seat to celebrate love.”
As if enjoying the stellar performances in the intimate theater were not enough, you can personalize the evening by selecting special options with your ticket purchase. Blow your date’s mind by getting seats right on the stage, complete with champagne and chocolates, or make a grand gesture
with a moment on the “kiss cam.” Warm your valentine’s heart by requesting your special song to be performed or mingle with the artists at an open-bar reception and take a commemorative photo. After the show, stroll to the Palmetto Hotel bar, where a “Celebration of Love” cocktail has been crafted especially for the occasion. It’s 50% off for ticket holders. Maybe you even want to make a room reservation and really keep the romance going.
“As if enjoying the stellar performances in the intimate theater were not enough, you can personalize the evening.”
So forget about the self-proclaimed experts on the internet. Composer Giuseppe Verdi knew better: “Music is the divine way to tell beautiful, poetic things to the heart.” Immerse yourself, your friends or you family in that divine feeling. Forgo the crayons, balloons and crash helmets and take a seat to celebrate love.
Tickets for the 6:30 show are available at holycityarts.org.
Exchange Club to host shag lessons and dance
By Robbie Berg For The Island Eye News
The Isle of Palms Exchange Club has partnered with the East Cooper Shag Club to bring you another opportunity to take shag lessons and attend the dance afterward to show off your new or refreshed shag dance moves Feb. 18.
Instruction will be provided by Carol Weeks and Tony Hiott, while the DJ for the dance will be Furman Dominick.
Lessons, from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m., and the dance, from 3 p.m.to 6 p.m., both will be held at the Exchange Club at 201 Palm Blvd. on IOP. You can buy your tickets at the door: $10 for lessons and $10 for the dance.
ATTENTION RESIDENTS:
The Town of Sullivan’s Island seeks residents interested in serving on the Town’s Boards and Commissions for the following seat vacated December 2023:
Design Review Board: One (1) seat for 8-month term ending September 2024 (for an unexpired term). Interested residents should submit application packet by 4 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 9, 2024.
Application packet and information is also on the Town’s website at https:// sullivansisland.sc.gov/. Please contact Pamela Otto at potto@sullivansisland. sc.gov or (843)883-5744, at Town Hall (2056 Middle St./PO Box 427) with applications or questions.
These buds can actually be quite tasty
By John Nelson
For The Island Eye News
They are Brussels sprouts, obviously. … but what the heck are they actually? Today you learn.
You also learn that Brussels sprouts and cooked carrots were my most hated foods as a kid. I believe that I can speak for many thousands of former children who detested Brussels sprouts at dinner and would have been chided by Mom for not giving them a try. Ugh. In fact, I expect that if you took some sort of statistically significant poll, we would find that Brussels sprouts are considered by most Americans to be one of the most awful vegetables there is.
Flash forward to my adulthood. I have changed over the years – have you? – and I now find Brussels sprouts, properly cooked, to be absolutely delicious and a culinary treat. I still hate eating cooked carrots, however.
These things are actually buds of a variety of the very same wild plant species that gives us the common everyday cabbage. Moreover, that very same species, from its ancestral wild form, has developed quite a number of other distinctive varieties. Think kale, cauliflower, kohlrabi and collard greens – all derived from one species. It’s as though this particular wild plant has evolved a lot of different forms, in much the same way that all dog varieties are the same species.
Brussels sprouts belong to the mustard family – brassicaceae. This family has been known since antiquity as an important food source, and, in fact, it is said that all of the members of the family are edible and, beyond that, quite nutritious, featuring vitamins, antioxidants and in several, it is thought, offering anti-tumor activity. What accounts for the sharp flavor of many of these plants is a variety of “mustard oils,” a series of sulfur-bearing compounds that in nature are useful for dissuading attack by insects.
For those of you who remain dubious, I have developed a recipe for creamy Brussels sprouts soup. Here goes:
Take about a pound-and-a-half of fresh Brussels sprouts. Rinse ’em off, and slice each one in half. In a baking pan, roast until tender – it doesn’t take long – after a good slather of olive oil or melted butter or both, salt and pepper, along with four or five sliced shallots. The whole assemblage should be rather damp and gooey when done. Then spoon it all into a blender, and add some torn bread – a baguette is useful here – and then enough chicken stock or vegetable, if you wish. That’s what they say on the cooking shows – to make it start looking right, along with a soupcon – love that word – of vinegar and a bit more salt. Turn that sucker on and blend til it’s nice and smooth or to your desired consis-
tency. Pour it all into a saucepan and turn it on low. Let it get warm, just simmering, and add a robust splash of heavy cream. Ladle it into bowls or whatever, and top with a few sprinkles of chopped chives. Serve it warm. Yum. Just in time for autumn.
John Nelson is the retired curator of the Herbarium at the University of South Carolina. As a public service, the Herbarium offers free plant identifications. For more information, visit herbarium.org or email johnbnelson@sc.rr.com.
[Answer: “Brussels sprouts,” Brassica oleracea]
Photo by John Nelson.
Work is underway on 2024 Prostate Cancer Fundraiser
By Mike Muzzy For The Island Eye News
We are getting geared up for the Prostate Cancer Fundraiser and have made great progress. The event is scheduled for May 11, with morning and afternoon shotgun starts. Once again, we will be providing breakfast, lunch and food and beverages all day long. We are only on the Links Course this year, and I encourage you to let me know if you want to play because spots are running low.
Goodies will include golf balls and high-quality golf shirts, and the Wild Dunes Men’s Golf Association has put together some new fun activities and surprises aimed at keeping things fresh and exciting. We will have hole-in-one prizes, raffles and our famous international auction. International, you ask? Eight people went to Iceland as a result of last year’s auction, and 10 went to St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands. The online auction will offer some amazing new golf experiences, along with many of the old reliables.
You can register to play and check out your sponsorship opportunities at wdmga-pcf.org – and don’t forget about our night-before event at the Islander 71 at the IOP Marina.
Please let me know if you would like to donate any prizes or auction items. You can call, text or email me at 516-220-6580 or Mike@WDMGA-PCF.org.
Join us in celebrating distinguished community members at the Annual 'LENS' Fundraising Banquet, set for May 15th, 2024. This year’s event, themed “Taste of the Island,” promises an exciting culinary competition featuring top island restaurants, showcasing the best of our hospitality industry. For more details about the event, please visit our website. Don’t forget to check back soon for ticket sales –you won't want to miss this extraordinary occasion!
2023 George Reeth Leadership Award
We are proud to announce Paula Mullen as this year's recipient. Paula is a chaplain with Lowcountry Community Chaplaincy and was on the scene to provide immediate support to the Isle of Palms police officers who were on the beach when the shooting on April 7th, 2023 occurred.
2023 Volunteer of the Year
LENS proudly acknowledges our Volunteer of the Year for exceptional dedication and support. Dennis, the Store Manager at IOP Harris Teeter, has been a vital supporter of LENS, actively contributing to numerous community functions beyond our program. We are honored to have such a community leader as Dennis on our Advisory Board.
2023 Lifetime Achievement Award
Born in Siler City, NC on September 26, 1919, Kathryn moved to Isle of Palms in 2017 and quickly integrated herself into the community. She joined the Exchange Club, became a charter member of LENS, enjoyed duplicate bridge at the Senior Center, and maintained fitness with a trainer. Kathryn and her companion Warren are local fixtures, often seen in their golf cart, sporting One Love tshirts at the Dinghy or Refuge. Known as the Island Matriarch, her resilience, wit, and regular 'shuffles' around the block continue to inspire many.
2023 Founders Recognition Award
Thanks to our Fifty Founding Members, LENS thrives in supporting the IOPPD and our island community. Mayor Pounds was one of the first to recognize the potential of LENS and the value of a Founding supporters. Laurie served as Co Chair. of the 2023 LENS Annual Banquet and set a standard of Excellence for the Annual Banquet for years to come.
Around the Islands
ONGOING
WHAT: GriefShare Recovery Seminar
WHERE: Great Hall, Church of the Holy Cross, 2520 Middle St., Sullivan’s Island.
WHEN: Every Tuesday, 2-4 p.m., Jan. 9 through April 9, 2024.
MORE INFO: Sponsored by the Church of the Holy Cross, the seminar is free and all are welcome. GriefShare features nationally recognized experts on grief recovery topics. Seminar sessions include “Is This Normal?” “The Challenges of Grief,” “Grief and Your Relationships,” “Why?” and “Guilt and Anger.” To learn more and to register, call 678-523-8783 or email caryn.woodison@gmail.com.
WHAT: Home Economics for Kids
WHERE: IOP Rec Center.
WHEN: Mondays, 3-4 p.m.
MORE INFO: A six-week program, open to kids in grades K through 5, will set up participants for success on how to host a gathering, interact and mingle with others, set a table and comparatively shop prices to get the best deals. To learn more: IOP.net.
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, and we need your help. All ages are welcome to participate, and 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. Our first story session will be Saturday, Feb. 3 at 11:30 a.m. To learn more and get this month’s prompt, stop by the library or email poe@ccpl.org. Not an island resident? No worries. We still encourage you to write and share these valuable memories with your families and come to our story shares to be a part of the audience.
WHAT: Outdoor basketball, pickleball and tennis courts
WHERE: Isle of Palms Rec Center
WHEN: Sunrise to 10 p.m.
MORE INFO: First come, first served basis; pickleball and tennis courts have rules and open play times posted at the gate; courts have lights; courts cannot be reserved; Recreation Department programs and activities have priority. To learn more: IOP.net/recreation.
WHAT: Fitness Court
WHERE: Isle of Palms Rec Center
WHEN: Sunrise to sunset
MORE INFO: Outdoor circuit training system designed for adults of all ages and fitness levels. To learn more: IOP.net/recreation.
FRIDAY, JANUARY 26
WHAT: So you want to be a chef
WHERE: Edgar Allan Poe Branch Library, 1921 Ion Ave., Sullivan’s Island WHEN: 4-5 p.m.
MORE INFO: Join us as we explore future career pathways and what it takes to get there. Through books, activities, crafts, guest speakers, videos and more, we’ll see where our current interests can take us and try out new ones along the way. Ages 5+. To learn more: ccpl.org/branches/Sullivans-island.
SATURDAY, JANUARY 27
WHAT: Scrying Eye Craft
WHERE: Edgar Allan Poe Branch Library, 1921 Ion Ave., Sullivan’s Island WHEN: 11 a.m.
MORE INFO: Celebrate Edgar Allen Poe’s birthday by using the provided supplies to create a crystal ball that peers into Poe’s imagination. For teens grades 6-12. To learn more: ccpl.org/branches/Sullivans-island.
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 6
WHAT: Memoir writing circle
WHERE: Edgar Allan Poe Branch Library, 1921 Ion Ave., Sullivan’s Island WHEN: 1 p.m.
MORE INFO: Join us to get your stories started. Write from a provided prompt for 20 minutes, then share for friendly feedback. To learn more: ccpl.org/branches/Sullivans-island.
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 9
WHAT: So you want to be a coder
WHERE: Edgar Allan Poe Branch Library, 1921 Ion Ave., Sullivan’s Island WHEN: 4-5 p.m.
MORE INFO: Join us as we explore future career pathways and what it takes to get there. Through books, activities, crafts, guest speakers, videos and more we’ll see where our current interests can take us and try out new ones along the way. Ages 5+. To learn more: ccpl.org/branches/Sullivans-island.
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 18
WHAT: Shag lessons and dance
WHERE: Isle of Palms Exchange Club, 201 Palm Blvd.
WHEN: Lessons 2-3 p.m., dance 3-6 p.m.
MORE INFO: The Isle of Palms Exchange Club has partnered with the East Cooper Shag Club to bring you another opportunity to take shag lessons and attend the dance afterward to show off your new or refreshed shag dance moves.
SATURDAY, MARCH 2
WHAT: Isle of Palms Front Beach Fest
WHERE: Ocean Boulevard, Isle of Palms
WHEN: Noon-4 p.m.
MORE INFO: Residents and visitors of all ages are invited to a day of dancing, eating and fun. There will be more than 40 local vendors, music by The Coppertones and The Yacht Club and entertainment for the kids. To learn more: IOP.net.
