IEN Aug 25 2023

April 7 shooter is now in custody

By Brian Sherman For The Island Eye News

The Isle of Palms Police Department has made its fifth and most important arrest connected to a shooting on the beach April 7. Police Chief Kevin Cornett announced at a press conference Aug. 14 that the person who fired the shots, injuring five people, is now in custody.

Charleston Police Department officers arrested 18-year-old Davion Bobby Del’Shawn

Singleton. He has been charged with attempted murder, possession of a firearm during the commission of a violent crime, unlawful carrying of a firearm and possession of a stolen vehicle.

Singleton, a Summerville High School senior, was arrested more than four months after the incident, which occurred at around 5:20 p.m. on the beach near 1140 Ocean Blvd. IOP police officers were on the beach responding to a (Continued on page 6)

SI Council will look at

banning beach bonfires

By Brian Sherman For The Island Eye News

The Sullivan’s Island Town Council will consider banning bonfires on the only beach in South Carolina that still permits them.

Fire Chief Anthony Stith told members of the Council at their Aug. 15 meeting that he would recommend doing away with all open flames on the beach for a variety of reasons, among them safety, the administrative headaches connected with issuing permits, the possibility that fires could spread to the Maritime Forest, the debris that some people leave behind and the problems fires could cause for the turtles that nest on the island.

Council members were not in complete agreement concerning the possibility of banning bonfires. The issue will be studied by the Public Safety Committee, which includes Mayor Pat O’Neil and Council Members Scott Millimet and Carl Hubbard, and a decision on the subject eventually will be made by the entire Council.

Town Administrator Andy Benke explained that permits for bonfires on the beach cost $25 for residents and $100 for nonresidents – along with a refundable $500 security deposit.

Stith said that between July 2021 and June of this year, 649 permits were issued. He noted that during the year that ended in July 2022, 115 permits went to islanders and 187 to off-islanders. Nonresidents also requested more permits than residents in the year ending in June 2023 by a 254 to 93 margin. Fires are not allowed on holiday (Continued on page 2)

Sullivan’s in no hurry to rule on rezoning for private club

By Brian Sherman

For The Island Eye News

More than one member of the Sullivan’s Island Town Council has agreed to “hit the pause button” on a request to rezone a historic property on the island so developers can create a private club.

At its regularly scheduled meeting Aug. 15, the Council heard from 28 speakers – most of them island residents – on the pros and cons of rezoning the Sand Dunes Club property to allow Sullivan’s Island Bathing Company to spend

more than $30 million to renovate the 90-yearold facility and turn it into the Ocean Club, which will cost $60,000 to join.

They also listened to a lengthy statement from Council Member Scott Millimet, who pointed out that “We should not be guided by the developer’s sense of urgency or a goal to have the club open by any specific date. Haste causes errors –and we may get only one shot to get this right.”

Millimet suggested that the town hire an expert to study traffic issues that might occur if the club is permitted to open at 1735 Atlantic Ave.,

and he questioned whether the presence of the club would require the town to increase the size of its Fire and Police Departments.

“If added staffing is required, it may cost the town taxpayers hundreds of thousands a year,” he said. “It is hard to ask the town to pay higher taxes to cover the safety needs of a private club to which many or most islanders may not be members.”

The following day, Millimet said the next move should be made by the developers.

“The ball’s in their (Continued on page 5)

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CVB will fund IOP walkability study

By Brian Sherman

For

The

Island Eye News

Walkability doesn’t necessarily refer to people using their own two feet to get from one place to another. That’s one of the reasons a study funded by the Charleston Area Convention & Visitors Bureau is important to the Isle of Palms, according to IOP City Administrator Desiree Fragoso.

“Walkability is much more than just crosswalks and sidewalks. It’s a very broad look at connecting people. Connecting pedestrians. Connecting golf carts and bicycles. All these different modes of transportation island-wide,” Fragoso told members of the IOP Council at their Aug. 8 workshop.

She was speaking about a walkability study that will cost the CVB $50,000. The Visitors Bureau, which collects more than $1 million a year in accommodations tax money from IOP, is also spending $30,000 on a Tourism Management and Community Enrichment Plan for the city.

Fragoso said the walkability study would take a close look at connectivity and accessibility among the key destinations on the island “to make sure we are providing a more livable and sustainable environment.” The goal, she said, would be to determine where new infrastructure is necessary or where existing infrastructure could be enhanced to promote walkability.

“This sort of stemmed from an ongoing effort from the staff every year, looking at places where we can add sidewalks by using county funds,” Fragoso said, adding that a request for proposal will be ready within the next few months.

The city of Isle of Palms will work with the state Department of Transportation on the project. DOT owns most of the streets on the island.

At least one Council member was in favor of the walkability study but had reservations about the amount of money the CVB gets from the state accommodations tax.

“I support that study wholeheartedly,” said John Bo-

Bonfires

Continued from page 1

weekends, Stith said, “because there are just too many people here on the island.” He added that since most people choose to build bonfires on weekend nights, there could be four of five of them burning at the same time.

Those who build bonfires, which are limited in size to 3 feet by 3 feet, are required to haul off the debris, but Stith said many of them simply bury the remains. Unfortunately, the wind and tide often uncover the remnants of the fire, which can be a problem for people as well as wildlife.

“This can cause issues with the turtles when they bury their eggs, and we worry about someone stepping on a hot ember or a piece of wood that might have a nail in it,” Benke said. “A kid might step on an ember and get hurt.”

Stith said he’s also concerned

gosian. “The crux of the issue is how the CVB is currently using the money. It’s legislated that they get over $1.2 million of our money. If we were without that legislation, if we were looking at how to invest taxpayer money, I don’t think we’d be sending a million dollars to the CVB for advertising. How can we take part of that 30% in agreement with CVB on things like an extension of the study? I don’t think we’re looking at taking away all of the CVB’s money. Part of what they do is extremely valuable. But part of it is just a waste of taxpayer money.”

South Carolina charges a 2% accommodations tax on short-term rentals. The state skims a small amount off the top to send to municipalities and counties that don’t collect much in short-term rental revenue. The city gets to spend $25,000 plus 5% on anything it wants to spend it on, then must send 30% to a nonprofit that is supposed to use the money to attract tourists. The city is required to spend the remaining 65% on tourism-related activities.

The Tourism Management and Community Enrichment Plan, aimed at “enhancing the quality of life and overall experience for all who live, work and play on the island,” will be developed by the city of IOP, the College of Charleston, the CVB and The McNair Group. Community input will be gathered through listening sessions and through surveys that are expected to begin in November. In addition, a committee consisting of local residents and business owners will make recommendations to the Council.

“It has been suggested that an avenue to form the committee is for each member of Council to nominate one or two people so that everybody has an opportunity to identify stakeholders,” Fragoso said.

The plan did not have the complete support of the Council.

“I’m kind of at a loss on where we’re going with this and what the expectation and the objectives and the final outcome would be,” Council Member Scott Pierce said. “I’m not for it or against it.”

about the possibility of fire spreading to the accreted land and the smoke that drifts into nearby homes.

And then there are administrative issues. Benke said town staff must take the time to approve the permit and deal with the security deposit, while a police officer or fireman has to go out the next morning to inspect the area.

“The process is pretty time-consuming for staff,” Benke said.

“We’re checking the fires the next day, but if we have a wreck or something, we might not get out there for a couple of hours. And if we get a call that somebody didn’t take their trash from a fire, if we have four or five that night, we wouldn’t know which one to check on,” Stith added.

Council members apparently want to study the issue further. Justin Novak suggested that restrictions could be put in place that would limit the risk that the fires could

spread, pointing out that “on the other side, it is a nice community thing that people do.” Jody Latham said she supports the idea of banning bonfires but that “maybe we could look at exceptions for large organizations or a town bonfire.”

“Allowing just random residents to have fires – I think that time has passed,” she said.

Hubbard said he has heard from some of his neighbors who oppose banning bonfires and encouraged the Council to give islanders the opportunity to suggest “when and where it might be appropriate to have fires that could be better monitored.”

“We need to go that route instead of just coming in and shutting it down automatically,” Hubbard commented.

“If we’re the only public beach in the state that allows fires, we might as well put a sign out that says ‘come have a fire here,”’ Millimet said.

IOP Council studies short-term rental recommendations

By Brian Sherman For The Island Eye News

The Isle of Palms City Council will consider two or three out of four Planning Commission recommendations related to short-term rentals on the island.

At their monthly workshop Aug. 8, Council members decided that a proposal to allow property owners to rent one room in their home while they are on-site would not work for IOP. They also determined that a recommendation that would require STR listings to include their license number would be an administrative issue that doesn’t need to be codified with a city ordinance.

Two other recommendations will be discussed with members of the Planning Commission at the Council’s Sept. 12 workshop: limiting the occupancy of newly constructed and substantially reconstructed homes and those where the license has been allowed to lapse for more than a year to eight people, excluding children under the age of 2; and an apparent effort to eliminate parties by requiring stays of at least two nights in short-term rentals that aren’t hotels.

Council members also discussed what should constitute a strike against the owner of a short-term rental. According to Director of Building, Planning and Zoning Douglas Kerr, the current city law “generally says five founded complaints result in a rental license being revoked.” He pointed out that a clear definition of exactly what should count as a strike “would probably add some clarity where there currently is not clarity.”

“Let’s say we have a property that received five founded complaints related to not bringing their garbage can back at the time we require by code. Would that constitute us initiating a revocation process of a business license? There’s nothing codified,” City Administrator Desiree Fragoso added.

Among the Planning Commission’s proposed changes, limiting occupancy to eight would be “a fairly significant change,” Kerr said. The current

ATTENTION RESIDENTS

The Town of Sullivan’s Island seeks residents interested in serving on the Town’s Boards and Commissions for the following vacated seat:

Board of Zoning Appeals:

One (1) seat for 2-year term ending September 2025 (for an unexpired term)

Interested residents should submit application packet by 1 p.m. on Friday, September 8, 2023.

Application packet and information is also on the Town’s website at https://sullivansisland.sc.gov/government/boardscommissions

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.

limit is 12, but properties that had a business license in 2010 may rent to the number of occupants that were permitted in 2010. Kerr said that is the case even if the home that was on the property 23 years ago was razed and completely rebuilt. He said between 50 and 100 properties were grandfathered in at that limit.

However, Council Member Scott Pierce said 146 properties currently advertise short-term rental occupancy of more than a dozen and that 2,405 people could be staying in those homes, an average of 17 per unit.

“This recommendation is two-fold. It’s reducing from 12 to eight, and it’s making the pool that its reducing significantly larger,” Kerr said. “A compromise between the two would be to go with the expansion of the pool to include all newly constructed houses or reconstructed houses regardless of where they sat in 2010, but you can keep it at 12 and kind of split the difference.”

Council Member John Bogosian suggested that the Council discuss the issue with members of the Planning Commission.

“I think we’re missing their discussion and their thoughts and why they think this is important,” he said. “Let’s delay until our next workshop and bring the Planning Commission in and have them have a discussion around this with them and get their perspective.”

Mayor Phillip Pounds said cutting back to a limit of eight occupants “feels extremely punitive to me.” He wasn’t in favor of requiring two-night stays, either.

“Talking to some of the management companies, they don’t allow onenight rentals in single-family residences,” he commented, and Bogosian added that “I doubt very seriously those are being rented for one night. Probably most of them are three nights.”

The proposal to allow property owners to rent a room in their home received little support among Council members. Pounds said it caused him “great agita” and Rusty Streetman noted that “I don’t even think we entertain this one.”

Stay Cool in the Dog Days of Summer !

T

YET.

With the majority of Council voting 5-4 to end all discussion on February 28th, 2023 and simply "monitor," our task remains far from complete.

It is imperative that we drive this initiative home to safeguard the quality of life and livability on our cherished island. We will accomplish this by voting YES at the polls on November 7th.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR

TUESDAY NOVEMBER 7

ELECTION DAY - VOTE YES

Your voice matters now more than ever.

TROUBLING TRENDS: THE BREAKDOWN

At the conclusion of last year's registration period, we saw short-term rental (STR) licenses increase 28% from 1,403 to 1,805

Four months into the current STR registration period (May '23-April '24) we have already matched the prior period's total With over 8 months remaining in the current registration period, this raises serious concern.

In order to succeed, we need your help Every donation will enable us to reach more residents Please consider supporting us today DONATE

Rezoning

Continued from page 1

court,” he commented. “They need to show us something different. Their proposal creates two communities; I’m looking for one. The Council has hit the pause button. It’s up to the developers to reach out with some ideas that are more equitable to all island residents. They need to go down a different track.”

“I don’t think that’s their last proposal, but we’ll find out,” he added.

On Aug. 16, the manager of Sullivan’s Island Bathing Company said he was “very encouraged” by the support the developers received at the Council meeting.

“The overwhelming majority expressed strong support for the Ocean Club. I think the people who spoke and the letters that were submitted on both sides were articulate. I heard one Town Council member ask to push the pause button, but I don’t think we heard the Council render any kind of decision.”

“We’re eager to work with the town. We haven’t heard anyone raise any issues we had not discussed among ourselves. We’re eager to work with them on things that are important to them and important to us,” he added.

Other Council members agreed at the Aug. 15 meeting that the town should be in no hurry to grant the developers the zoning changes they seek.

Gary Visser said he “wasn’t convinced of the legality of zoning applied to a single property within a residential district, with no adjoining properties of like use.”

“I have several concerns on the desire to move this forward so quickly,” Jody Latham pointed out. “I don’t see a need to be in a rush. I don’t think we have enough information yet to make an informed, intelligent and complete decision. We need to slow down.”

Mayor Pat O’Neil added that “I agree with the need to make sure we proceed as deliberately as we can. This is a giant decision one way or the other. We need to make that decision very thoughtfully and carefully.”

“I don’t know that we need a Taj Mahal on this island, Millimet concluded. “We need a community center, and I’m all for that. But the current proposal, in my mind, is really a nonstarter.”

Custody

Continued from page 1

physical disturbance when gunfire broke out. Three other teens were previously charged with firearms violations, but, at the press conference, Cornett said he was certain that Singleton was the shooter. Another person was previously charged with disorderly conduct. Singleton, who apparently arrived on and left the island in a stolen vehicle, was among a large number of teenagers who were on the beach for “senior skip day.”

According to Cornett, the arrest of Singleton resulted from a cooperative effort of the IOP Police Department and the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division, the Charleston, North Charleston, Mount Pleasant and Summerville Police Departments and the FBI. He added that in addition to sharing information with other law enforcement agencies, his department also studied videos taken by people who were on the beach at the time to help solve the case.

“The swift resolution of this case would not have been possible without the invaluable assistance provided by citizens who came forward with crucial information,” Cornett said in a press release. “We would also like to acknowledge the dedication and collaborative efforts of our partner agencies.”

“The Isle of Palms Police Department would like to reassure the community that we will continue to work diligently to maintain public safety and foster a secure environment for all those who live, work and play in Isle of Palms,” he added.

Cornett couldn’t say whether the shooting was gang-related, and he indicated that the investigation would continue.

“Anybody who hurts anybody – we will hold them responsible. Anybody we identify will be charged,” he commented.

Since the April 7 incident, the Isle of Palms City Council authorized the Police Department to spend up to $150,000 on security-related equipment. The Department has purchased a prison transport van; a drone and helipad; and security cameras and established a canine unit.

Name change catches Capers family by surprise

By Brian Sherman For The Island Eye News

This was supposed to be a special year for the many members of the Capers family. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, they had not had a reunion since 2019, and this year, they planned to get together in the Mount Pleasant area, offering them the opportunity to visit the nearby island that bears the family name. Even better, Marine Corps veteran and Vietnam War hero James Capers joined them on an excursion to the island.

Capers, called it “a slap in the face.”

The concurrent resolution was presented by State Sen. Larry Grooms, who insisted that it was “in no way an attempt to change the name of the island.” He said the wildlife refuge on the island was named for Campsen, not the entire island.

The Goodwins aren’t buying any of that. Christa, who said she never heard of George Campsen, has reached out to U.S. Rep. Jim Clyburn – without results so far.

“This is like stripping us of our heritage. We started asking questions. ... Everyone was kind of wondering why, but we never got a good answer.”

They were more than surprised to find out that earlier this year, the South Carolina Legislature passed a concurrent resolution asking the Department of Natural Resources to name the heritage preserve on the state-owned island located about 15 miles north of Charleston after the late George E. Campsen Jr. They learned about the name change July 29, during a presentation by DNR wildlife biologist Lauton Sutley. Family members were attending a banquet as part of the three-day reunion, the same day around 50 of them visited Capers Island.

• Christa Goodwin

The news came as a shock to Christa Goodwin, who, along with her husband Willie, organized this year’s reunion.

“The family is disturbed. This is like stripping us of our heritage,” she said. “We started asking questions. When and why was it changed? He didn’t have much information. That was pretty much the gist of it. Everyone was kind of wondering why, but we never got a good answer.”

Willie Goodwin, whose grandmother was a

“We’re still waiting. We’re still pushing to get answers. We don’t have a concrete answer yet,” she said.

“We’re going to keep pushing to get it revoked or rescinded or whatever the word is,” Willie added.

According to a letter written by Christa Goodwin, the Legislature’s concurrent resolution “will erase centuries of Capers Island history and heritage – not to mention the feeling of lost identity and will displace the essence of the island. … We are disturbed and surprised by being told at our recent family reunion that Capers Island’s name had been changed to memorialize a family name not related at all to its rich heritage nor descendants.”

“We

around 1.4 miles wide and three miles long.

Two men named James Capers have played a role in U.S. history. One of them, born a slave, served as a drum major with Gen. Francis “Swamp Fox” Marion during the Revolutionary War, while the other is 87 years old, grew up in Bishopville, South Carolina, and lives in Jacksonville, North Carolina. According to the Veterans Administration, he participated in five major campaigns in Vietnam, earning two Bronze Stars. In the 1970s, he represented the Corps in a national recruitment campaign. Later, he was a field agent in classified Cold War operations in Africa and Eastern Europe and was awarded the Silver Star, three Purple Hearts, a Navy Commendation Medal and a Navy Achievement Medal.

Maj. Capers is recognized as being the first enlisted African American Marine to receive a battlefield commission and the first African American Marine to command a Force Reconnaissance Company.

are disturbed and surprised ... that Capers Island’s name had been changed to memorialize a family name not related at all to its rich heritage.”

• Christa Goodwin

According to the SC Picture Project, Gabriel, Richard and William Capier, three French Huguenot brothers from Wales, settled on the island in 1679, and their descendants lived on the now-uninhabited island until the Civil War. Capers changed hands several times until the state of South Carolina purchased it in 1975. It measures

Grooms’ resolution cites Campsen for his service as a state legislator and with the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce, the Charleston Convention & Visitors Bureau, the Patriots Point Development Authority, the Trident Economic Development Authority and the Roper Foundation. It also mentions his connection to Capers Island: “Mr. Campsen hunted on Capers Island in his youth and fished on and around Capers Island his entire life. It is fitting that the last public service job before his death was as “Caretaker of Capers Island,” unselfishly patrolling and stewarding this treasured barrier island.”

Beat the summertime heat by starting early or finishing late

By Capt. Geoff Bennett For The Island Eye News

Fishing has been very active so far this summer, and anglers can expect it to stay the same through August. It will be important to get out early or stay out late to beat the heat. It will not only be more comfortable to fish during these times, but also high temperatures in the afternoons can put the fish down.

It’s hard to find a more effective setup than the popping cork. You can catch so many different types of fish: redfish, trout, flounder, ladyfish, shark. Try using a weighted popping cork to increase the distance of your cast. I attach an 18-inch to 24-inch fluorocarbon leader from the cork to a size 1 circle hook. Shrimp, mud minnows and artificial shrimp all work well as bait.

When you are starting early, top water is a fantastic option for trout. Do your best to get to your spot just as it is becoming daylight. Fish strike top-water lures based on the commotion they make on the surface as they can’t discern that the lure isn’t a real struggling baitfish. These lures will catch redfish as well. Heddon’s Super Spook Jr. lures in silver mullet or chartreuse and black are the way to go.

Of all the species, the shark may be the most consistent of all during August. They certainly don’t seem to mind the heat. Menhaden are great bait, so bring your cast net along. Make sure you use enough weight to keep your bait stuck to the bottom. In the harbor and in the inlets, you may need to go as heavy as 4 to 6 ounces when the current rips.

See you on the water.

Capt. Geoff Bennett has provided light tackle charters since 2009. Clients choose from a full menu of artificial and live bait fishing options. USCG licensed and insured, Capt. Bennett is committed to providing a safe and enjoyable charter to anglers of all skill levels and ages. For more information, call 843-324-3332, visit charlestoncharterfishing.com or email captain@ charlestoncharterfishing.com.

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The Turk’s cap mallow goes by several other names

By Mary Pringle

For The Island Eye News

Turk’s cap mallow – malvaviscus arboreus – is a perennial shrub in the hibiscus family native to the Southeast United States and Central America. Other common names for it are wax mallow, sleepy mallow, cardinal’s hat and Scotsman’s purse. Okra and cotton plants are also in the malaviscus family.

The 2-and-a-half inch red flower looks like it is getting ready to fully open but never really does, with its petals remaining furled with a hibiscus-looking stamen rising from inside. The berries are a food source for birds and humans. Mexicans call them manzanillas, which means “little apples,” because they taste similar to apples.

The Turk’s cap mallow in my yard on the Isle of Palms has been there for so long that I don’t remember when it started over 20 years ago.

One variety of it is named for Thomas Drummond – 17901835 – who arrived in Texas from Scotland in the 1830s and collected 750 species of native plants that were distributed among the museums and scientific institutions of the world.

As a child, I remember a very wide 2- to 3-foot tall Turk’s cap mallow bush right under our kitchen window at Sleepy Hollow, our Sullivan’s Island family beach house on I’On Avenue. This plant always seemed to have hummingbirds and yellow sulfur butterflies on it. It took care of itself with no help from us. We just called it the “hummingbird bush.” It is also the host food plant for the white skipper butterfly. It likes rather dry sandy soil and can thrive in sun or shade. In fact, my plant has an offspring that came up under the live oaks in the shaded part of the yard, and that one is doing well. I have seen them for sale at Abide A While. Just like most natives and wildflowers, it doesn’t like to be transplanted once it’s established but can be grown from seed or even rooted from a branch or shoot. Like most native plants, it doesn’t like frequent watering.

Every winter, it dies back like the lantanas and other native perennials. I cut it back to the ground at the end of winter, and in spring it comes up bushy and new.

Some consider Turk’s cap mallow to be an essential part of a butterfly/hummingbird garden along with lantana, coneflower and other plants for pollinators.

The long journey that begins in the sand of our islands

By Mary Pringle

For The Island Eye News

Each tiny loggerhead sea turtle begins its life when it uses a sharp “eye tooth” to cut its way out of the soft leathery egg that has incubated for around two months, buried about 20 inches down in the warm sand on the beach. After several days, this little turtle and more than 100 of its siblings dig their way up toward the surface. When their little shells have straightened out and they are just under the sand, they wait until they sense the temperature has cooled – a signal that night has come, and the beach is dark and free of most predators.

As if someone has thrown an “on” switch, they suddenly become very active, boiling out of the nest together and racing downhill toward the ocean. At this stage, they look for the brightest light they can see and instinctively run toward it. If they are lucky, they see the moon or starlight and the white waves of the surf. If other lights are visible, that’s the way they go. Their main beach predator is the ghost crab, which may grab a few as they scramble to the water.

When they reach the surf, they know to swim against the waves, beginning a years-long solitary journey. Once they are farther out, they can navigate the Earth’s magnetic field with tiny crystals in their brains. During the three-day “swimming

It would be my honor to continue representing you on IOP City Council. With your support, we'll build on past achievements and forge ahead toward a bright future. With me, you can expect:

Looking Ahead: Leadership that anticipates challenges and seizes opportunities

Building on Success: Leveraging 30+ years of experience for practical solutions

Your Voice, Your Advocate: Representing you effectively with a solid background Engagement and Transparency: You've seen how I engage with our community openly and honestly I value your opinions and want to hear from you Re-electing me means we'll keep the lines of communication wide open, ensuring that you're always informed about decisions that affect us all

frenzy,” they are able to swim continuously until they reach the Gulf Stream because they are nourished by the yolk sac remnants in their bodies and don’t need to find food. If they make it to the Gulf Stream, they can rest in the huge floating beds of sargassum weed, where they find shelter and many small creatures to eat. We are told that most of them do not survive the dangerous first 24 hours of life, but, because so many eggs are laid, the population, formerly in decline, is making a slow recovery.

The next life stage of a young loggerhead is floating in the Atlantic gyre, a circular current that carries them near Europe and finally back to the North American coast, where they arrive as teenagers to forage and grow to adult size. It takes 25 or 30 years for them to reach maturity, which is when the females begin to nest on the beach.

The Island Turtle Team has found and protected 47 nests on the Isle of Palms and 11 on Sullivan’s Island this summer. Of these 58 nests, 30 have produced hatchlings. The combined incubation duration is now at 59.3 days, and the average hatch success is at 85.6%.

We are no longer getting any new nests but are busy doing inventories of hatched ones to

add to the database of information at Seaturtle.org, something more 30 other groups like ours are doing to further the cause of sea turtle conservation.

Since winning the Special Election two years ago Scott has done an outstanding job helping to bring clarity and direction to the many complex issues that face our community

Scott demonstrates an ability to cut through all the noise and obfuscation with a calm, clear and fair demeanor He masters the facts and then goes where the evidence leads

Scott respects the opinions of all members of our community while staying true to the promise to protect and preserve the residential nature of our island We need him back on City Council for a full four year term

-Jeff Simon Former IOP City Councilman

-Kelly Messier

Pierce Scott

NOVEMBER

Reddy Or Not

The legacy we leave

By Rom Reddy

Who among us does not want to leave a better world for our children and grandchildren? Well, we better start paying close attention to the spending habits of our federal government, which can be best described as out of control. Our federal debt has grown to $33 trillion in 2023 – 12 zeros. One billion is one thousand million and one trillion is 1,000 billion. This debt equates to roughly $100,000 for every man, woman and child in the United States and approximately $235,000 for every taxpayer.

What is the federal debt? When we spend more than we take in for any given year, the difference is the deficit that must be borrowed. An accumulation of deficits is the federal debt. As recently as the year 2000, our federal debt was about $10 trillion. So in the ensuing 23 years, we increased our debt to $33 trillion – or an average of $1 trillion of spending more than we take in every year. Recently, we have increased that pace, adding close to $2 trillion to the debt every year. Fitch recently downgraded the U.S. debt from AAA to AA+, citing “high and growing general government debt burden.”

Who holds all this debt? Roughly one half of the debt is held by domestic investors and one half by foreign governments in the form of U.S. Treasurys because the United States is seen as stable, rich and dependable. The biggest foreign holders of U.S. Treasurys are China, Japan the U.K. and Saudi Arabia and its Sunni allies. As the perception of U.S. financial stability decreases, the demand for U.S. debt decreases, pushing up interest rates and making it difficult to fund the ever-increasing federal debt. As Russia, China and Saudi petrodollars move away from the dollar as a reserve currency for international payments, demand for dollars decreases further, exacerbating this vicious cycle. Over time, this erodes our ability to spend and invest in our country.

“Being irresponsible with our budget means our kids and grandkids inherit this growing monster.”

What does this mean to the world we leave to our children? Every dollar that goes to interest payments means fewer resources to build a stronger, more resilient future. Being irresponsible with our budget means our kids and grandkids inherit this growing monster. In 2022, thanks to low rates, the average interest rates on federal debt was 2.07%, or about $725 billion of interest annually – roughly $2 billion per day. As a reference, in 2001, average interest on federal debt was 5.4%, a rate we are rapidly approaching. At that rate, our interest expense would rise to $ 1.8 trillion – or $5 billion per day. The buyers of U.S. debt will start seeing us as increasingly unstable, forcing rates up and decreasing the availability of debt to fund our spending spree.

As Americans, we need to recognize this growing peril and move it front and center in our election priorities. Is anyone in this presidential cycle clearly articulating a well-thought-out plan to address this hidden danger? No. If this were your credit card and 30% of your paycheck was going to just pay rising interest expenses – while the debt itself keeps growing – would you be panicked about your family’s future? Well, that is where we are nationally, and, for our kids’ and grandkids’ future, we need our leaders to act.

Reddy or Not represents the opinion of Lucky Dog Publishing owner Rom Reddy but not necessarily that of the newspaper. In keeping with the paper’s philosophy of publishing all opinions, the publisher welcomes responses, which must be limited to 400 words and will be published on a space-available basis.

STR referendum will take IOP in the wrong direction

By Terri Haack

The entire Wild Dunes Resort is an economic engine for the city of Isle of Palms. The resort and individually owned vacation rentals generate hundreds of local jobs, as well as millions of dollars in tax revenue that enhances the quality of life, safety and security of all residents. The upcoming referendum to cap short-term rentals threatens the vitality of the island’s economy and may even put your own property value at risk.

From the outset, the condo-hotels along Front Beach, the purpose-built, multifamily vacation properties across Isle of Palms and the Wild Dunes Residences at Sweetgrass were each intended as short-term rentals and contribute a significant portion of the accommodations and hospitality tax revenue for the island.

While we understand the desire of some residents for a cap on STRs, as currently written, this referendum violates property rights and will directly result in a loss of accommodations tax revenue.

This referendum also infringes upon the property rights of two-thirds of IOP’s property taxpayers who are nonresidents and who pay higher property tax rates and will be unable to vote on the issue. This is effectively taxation without representation.

In addition to the direct impact of loss of tax revenue, the cap has a potentially devastating effect on families who rely on short-term rental income when faced with economic downturn or loss of primary income. This has been illustrated by the accounts of many of your neighbors who have spoken at recent City Council meetings.

Permanent residents should also consider the potential impact to their estate and legacy. As an unintended consequence of this referendum, your children or loved ones may not be able to keep an STR license upon inheriting your island home if they cannot establish permanent residency. The cap is also likely to threaten residential property values across the community. A big part of property value on IOP is the ability to offset the cost of a second home by renting it short term. The pool of buyers for houses that cannot be rented short term is much smaller. Negative effects are already beginning to be felt by other area communities that have enacted STR caps.

I compel all residents to closely examine the details of the STR cap. Vote “no” against the referendum so that a more carefully constructed solution may be crafted that maintains the cherished Isle of Palms lifestyle and supports the essential economic engine that safeguards your future.

Navigating alligator territory in our backyards

By Ada Jenkins

For The Island Eye News

In the past years, South Carolina has witnessed six alligator attacks, the most recent on Independence Day, when a woman lost her life while walking her dog near her home on Hilton Head Island.

Two fatal attacks have taken place in Charleston County, in 2020 and in 2016, which was considered to be the state’s first recorded fatal encounter with an alligator.

Despite the absence of alligator-related fatalities in Charleston County over the past three years, encounters continue to be common. In late May of this year, a viral video depicted a baby alligator on the Isle of Palms beach. The IOP Police Department frequently responds to calls from residents to safely relocate juvenile alligators. This summer, Officer Ben Mize was tasked with moving a young alligator from a resident’s yard, while Animal Control Officer Ryan Warren successfully relocated another from beneath a vehicle.

With an alligator management policy in place, the Wild Dunes Community Association is actively striving to ensure that interactions with these large reptiles are incident-free. The policy aims to “minimize the need for removal and destruction of adult alligators.”

“Education plays a crucial role, particularly in a community like ours that is frequented by many visitors. We want to ensure they grasp the importance of exercising caution in the natural environment.”

WDCA Chief Operating Officer Dave Kynoski emphasized, “One of our objectives is to reduce interactions between property owners, visitors and alligators. This approach generally decreases the necessity for removal.”

Central to the policy is the promotion of safety and wildlife preservation through education, which Kynoski considers pivotal for alligator and human safety.

Alligators inhabit a wide range of habitats due to their adaptability to fresh, brackish and saltwater environments. Regarding the beach video from May featuring a hatchling, Kynoski explained that such occurrences are not surprising, stating that “they do end up there from time to time.”

When alligators aren’t on the beach, they can be found in various ponds and lagoons scattered throughout the area. In addition to education, the WDCA policy also encourages people to avoid alligators through the strategic placement of warning signs around bodies of water that might be hosting these reptiles.

“We utilize signage and educate our homeowners and guests at Wild Dunes about the need for vigilance,” Kynoski elaborated, adding that alligators may pose a threat to curious pets, children and young adults who venture too close to the water.

Homeowners and renters receive timely newsletters and a guide on managing “nuisance” alligators. Alligators must meet specific criteria for removal to be considered necessary:

• They display repeated aggressive behavior toward humans, such as frequent hissing or advancing toward humans instead of retreating into the water.

• They measure 6 feet or more in length, though behavior takes precedence in determining nuisance status.

• They leave their natural lagoon or marsh habitat, consistently settling in areas close to human activity without retreating when they are approached.

Strict enforcement of these criteria aims to minimize the number of removal requests for alligators that pose no actual threat. Kynoski acknowledged the delicate balance, stating, “It’s a challenging task. We aim to minimize disruption to native wildlife habitat while ensuring the safety of our property owners and guests.”

Source: saltwatertides.com

IOP Connector Run fights child abuse in the Lowcountry

By Whitney Prasek and Robbie Berg For The Island Eye News

The IOP Connector Run and Walk for the Child, scheduled for Oct. 7, is an annual event for the Isle of Palms Exchange Club, city of Isle of Palms and town of Mount Pleasant. The 5K and 10K runs raise funds for various organizations, including: HALO; Darkness to Light; My Sister’s House; Florence Crittenton; Lowcountry Orphan Relief; Windwood Farm and Windwood Farm Family Services; Carolina Youth Development Center; Dee Norton Advocacy Center; the Child Abuse Center Prevention Association; and Doors to Freedom.

This is our 31st year hosting the Isle of Palms Connector Run and Walk for the Child, so

members of this community and surrounding areas need to “get up, get running and give back.”

Join our fight against child abuse in the Lowcountry. The Isle of Palms Connector Run will be a challenging road race across the IOP Connector, from Isle of Palms to Mount Pleasant and back. 10K and 5K runners – and walkers – will be rewarded with beautiful vistas of the Atlantic Ocean, the Intracoastal Waterway, creeks and marsh.

The post-race festival will feature live music, free beer for those 21 and older, a kids’ area, cash prizes, an awards ceremony and vendor exhibits.

All funds raised go directly to local organizations for the prevention of child abuse and healing those affected by child abuse. Over

Seaside Singers seek singers

By Barbara Brown

For The Island Eye News

The Seaside Singers was formed in 2017 to fill the need for a community choir East of the Cooper. We started with about 30 singers, but our numbers have grown steadily to more than 50. Our mission is to promote high-quality choral singing and enhance the cultural life of our community.

We are looking for men and women who love to sing and can commit to one two-hour rehearsal per week to join us for our fall season. Rehearsals begin Sept. 11 at Sunrise Presbyterian Church on Sullivan’s Island, and our concert is scheduled for Dec. 3 at Hibben Methodist Church in Mount Pleasant.

To learn more about our chorus, visit seasidesingers.org or contact Jan Kerrigan at jankerrigan@ comcast.net.

Wild Roll Wednesday is back at the IOP Rec Department

By Tammy Cox

For The Island Eye News

Back by popular demand, Wild Roll Wednesday with the Isle of Palms Recreation, Police and Fire Departments will begin this fall on Sept. 6 and will continue through Spring 2024. Each week will feature a different trainer/coach from a different department, beginning at 8:30 a.m., and participants will have the opportunity to work out with multiple department team members. Each class will provide participants with a unique, tailored and targeted workout that is adaptive to all fitness levels.

According to Isle of Palms Police Chief Kevin Cornett, “Wild Roll Wednesday is a great training and stress release outlet for officers. Plus, it gives our officers the opportunity to work one-on-one with Isle of Palms residents and visitors.”

“Strong relationships lead to better communication and ultimately enhance safety efforts on the island,” Cornett added.

“We piloted the Wild Roll Wednesday program this past spring and our city of Isle of Palms residents, visitors and employees loved it so much that we have added it back to the schedule this fall,” said Recreation Director Karrie Ferrell.

Visit IOP.net to learn more and to register.

the past three decades, the IOP Connector Run has given more than $1 million to local nonprofits. A total of $72,000 was awarded to our beneficiaries in 2022.

Even with a hurricane on the horizon, more than 800 runners registered for the event last year. As of Aug. 19, we were close to 400 participants. We would love for our whole community to get involved on some level. There are so many opportunities to do so: becoming a sponsor or vendor, volunteering for the day, running, walking, or simply donating to help our mission of preventing child abuse in the Lowcountry.

To learn more, visit IOPrun.com, facebook. com/iopconnectorrun or Instagram.com/ ioprun.

Mystery Plant

True mosses lack connecting tissues

By John Nelson

For The Island Eye News

No gaudy flowers for this humble little earthling. No flowers at all – not even seeds. Here’s a plant that reproduces solely by spores and shares affinities with the familiar ferns. Some people might look at this plant and think it’s a moss of some sort – it’s not. It is richly supplied with vascular tissue – xylem and phloem, of course – for conducting water and solutes. The true mosses lack such conducting tissues.

This is one of about 90 similar species, all belonging to the same genus and mostly distributed in North America. They are all diminutive plants, just a few inches tall, but often occurring in massive growths, forming patches or extensive mats. And they are frequently found in arid habitats, either on open rock or on bare sand. Growing in inhospitable places can be a struggle, so plants growing in such places must adapt to extremes in solar radiation and surface temperatures, as well as extremely dry environments. The plants produce wiry stems with plenty of short, wispy leaves, each with a tiny, curved bristle at the tip. These leaves are very simple structures and, anatomically, aren’t exactly the same kind of “true” leaves found on a maple tree or a rosebush. Although they have little or no human economic value, these various species are quite important

in their natural settings. Those that thrive on bare rock are effective in trapping sand and sediment, allowing colonization by other, often larger, plants and providing habitat for a variety of small critters.

The spores are produced in special pouches at the base of a leaf. There are two different kinds. Megaspores are relatively large, and they end up producing a tiny structure bearing egg cells. The microspores are much smaller, and they eventually supply tiny sperm cells that affect fertilization. The plants represented by the leafy mats are ultimately the result of this kind of fertilization, which, as you might expect, can only take place when there is a film of water covering the plants, either from rain or dew.

The plant pictured here represents one of the various species which grows only on open rock, known to occur at high elevations in the Carolinas and Georgia. You’ll also see some broken glass on the rock surface, which suggests human visitation. Sure enough, open flat-rock habitats and domes have always been attractive to people for a variety of reasons for thousands of years. Recreational possibilities abound in such places, but, unfortunately, most flat-rock sites in the Southeast are currently threatened by destructive activities of their human visitors, including

bonfires, spray-painting, smashing bottles and joyriding. Sadly, many of the best sites we know of have been seriously harmed in this way, with the resultant loss of characteristic plant life, including a number of rare species. Fortunately, there are several excellent examples of protected flat-rock ecosystems available for responsible visitation and hiking.

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: “Spike-moss,” Bryodesma tortipilum]

Isle of Palms Recreation Center Adds to its Fitness Programs

By Tammy Cox

For The Island Eye News

The Isle of Palms Recreation Center will add two popular fitness concepts this fall: zumba and Drums Alive! Both classes are high-energy fitness programs that deliver an amazing workout, coupled with a ton of fun.

“Zumba is a low/high intensity, interval-style dance fitness party that brings people together,” said Irina Gentile, Isle of Palms zumba instructor.

Zumba boosts fitness and energy levels by combining Latin and world rhythms with cardio, strength, balance and flexibility.

“Drums Alive is a healing experience of movement and rhythm,” said Jo Ann Anderson, Isle of Palms Drums Alive instructor. “Drumming patterns increase the alpha waves – creativity and relaxation – in the brain and synchronize the hemispheres of the brain to create a euphoric feeling.”

Drums Alive classes combine sound, vibrations and elevated physical movement to ensure a mindbody wellness growth.

“Zumba and Drums Alive will round out a fall 2023 group fitness schedule. Both are feel-good, results-proven, fun and exciting fitness options that are great for any fitness level,” she added.

Visit IOP.net to learn more and to register.

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Reptiles are the subject of Serenity Sea Stroll & Learn

By Tammy Cox

Over 130,000 unique site visitors since January 2023 launch

Dazzling demographics: upper income & education

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For The Island Eye News

The city of Isle of Palms Recreation Department and Coastal Expeditions will host a Serenity Sea Stroll & Learn beginning at 7:30 a.m. Sept. 14, on the beach at 25th Avenue.

South Carolina reptiles, the third in a series offered by the IOP Recreation Department, is free for residents and visitors. During this stroll, Abbi Cochran, Coastal Expeditions IOP manager, guide and naturalist, will share details about reptiles that are indigenous to the South Carolina coast.

“There is so much to learn about our South Carolina native reptilian creatures.” • IOP Recreation Director Karrie Ferrell

“Over 140 native reptiles and amphibians make their home in South Carolina. Alligators, frogs and toads, lizards, salamanders, snakes and turtles are crucial to our ecosystem,” Cochran said. “They help with pest control, seed dispersal and germination, and they are prey for other wildlife.”

According to the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, these reptiles and amphibians are “faced with immense challenges – changes in the landscape that lead to habitat loss and degradation, vehicle mortality and more.”

“We are so excited to team up with Coastal Expeditions and include South Carolina reptiles in our free Serenity Sea Stroll & Learn series through the Isle of Palms Recreation Center. There is so much to learn about our South Carolina native reptilian creatures. It is fascinating,” said IOP Recreation Director Karrie Ferrell.

If there is inclement weather, follow the Isle of Palms Recreation Department social media updates. The rain date is Sept. 15. Additional dates and topics for the 2023 Serenity Sea Stroll & Learn series include: Oct. 12, birds; and Nov. 9, sea life. To learn more and register, visit IOP.net.

Local Surf Club is about to celebrate its 60th birthday

By Ada Jenkins

For The Island Eye News

In 1963, four self-proclaimed “young pier barnacles,” Hal Coste, Tom Proctor, Lucy Jacobs and Sally Price, started the Carolina Coast Surf Club. Back then, they had no idea that it would become one of the longest-running surf clubs on the East Coast.

“This was 60 years ago,” said Coste. “We were a bunch of kids, 15 and 16 years old, who didn’t know what we were doing.”

“We were a bunch of kids, 15 and 16 years old, who didn’t know what we were doing.”

- Hal Coste

Originating in Sullivan’s Island, the group adopted bylaws from an active surf club in Florida since the Carolina Coast Surf Club was the first of its kind in the area at the time. Membership peaked at 20 surfers, both males and females, ranging from in age from 13 to 19. The club thrived into the late ’60s but, due to life events such as college and the Vietnam War, as well as the phasing out of longboards, the club went dormant.

Coste went away for a few years himself when he joined the Marine Corps in 1967. When he returned, the club was no longer active.

“Everybody just kind of went different ways,” he said.

Coste described the revival as people getting their “stoke” back. “We call it the ‘stoke.’ It’s just getting out in the water and getting a good wave. It’s just a different feeling from tennis or golf or something like that,” Coste elaborated.

With the resurgence of longboards and more efficient material being used to construct them, things would turn for the better in the 1980s.

While the group never ceased surfing individually, they reunited as a club after Price saw Coste working on a renovation project on HGTV in 2000. Price made a few phone calls, and, not long after, the gang was back together. The resurrected Carolina Coast Surf Club held annual reunions and surfing trips to locations such as Costa Rica and (Continued on page 18)

Local Surf Club

Continued from page 17

Puerto Rico. All was well until COVID-19 struck down everything they had rebuilt.

“It just really impacted the club negatively,” said Proctor. “It took a big toll.”

Things are finally on a roll again for members of the Carolina Coast Surf Club. They are celebrating their 60th anniversary this coming Labor Day weekend in what will be their first event since 2019.

They are kicking off the reunion with a party on Friday night, followed by another social on Saturday night at the Isle of Palms Exchange Club. During the day, they’ll be surfing in front of the Windjammer.

“We’ve sent out 100 to 200 invitations,” said Price, and Jacobs added, “We’ve included folks

who aren’t members anymore so it’d be like our very first meetings.”

Although surfing has changed in more ways than one since the club was first formed, the four emphasize how their bond with one another has remained the same.

“A lot of the old clubs just phased out, and some of the old California clubs don’t even exist anymore,” Proctor said. “For us to stay together for 60 years is remarkable.”

Coste chimed in on the longtime friendship of the club’s members: “We want to stress that the nucleus of this group is still together after six whole decades.”

Members of the Carolina Coast Surf Club go further than just surfing. Price noted how important the community is to the group, pointing out that they have completed beach and street cleanups throughout Sullivan’s Island and the Isle of Palms.

There’s also a sentimental side to the club. Its founders prioritize how family-oriented they are, and Coste noted that they “want to be inclusive and made for everybody.”

Proctor shared a story about a paraplegic individual who comes to the club’s reunion’s every year.

“We’ve got pictures of us putting him on a surfboard and riding him in. He can’t stand up, but we’ve got him on his board, and he’s got the biggest grin on his face.”

The founders of the Carolina Coast Surf Club hope their post-pandemic reunion will help grow the organization by adding members of all ages and skill levels.

“One thing we’re doing is just trying to generate interest in the club again to rebuild it,” said Proctor. “We all still surf and we’re all really good. Legends in our own minds.”

And legends in ours as well.

There are lots of benefits to singing – especially when you do it together

By Kayleen Sanchez For The Island Eye News

Do you love to sing? Have you been looking for a group to sing with? Come join us at First Church, “the church at the bend in the road.”

If you enjoy singing, you already know the benefits that singing in a group can provide: an opportunity to meet members in the community who share your interests; a place to forget everything else and focus on some music; and a way to exercise your body and mind. A June 25 article in The Washington Post mentioned some additional benefits of group singing: lower rates of anxiety, increased lung capacity and stimulated

memory for those with dementia or Alzheimer’s. Not to mention it’s just fun.

At First Church, we get together every Wednesday evening to sing together. We’ve sung old classics as well as new arrangements of hymns. We debuted a choral work in June, and we always look forward to singing the Hallelujah Chorus at Easter with a full string quartet and trumpets.

Whether you’re looking for a short-term commitment or want to sign up for the whole year, we would love to see you. Don’t read music? No problem. There’s a place here for you, too. Come sing with us.

To learn more, email kayleensanchez@iopmethodist.com.

ONGOING

WHAT: Wild Roll Wednesday

Around the Islands

WHERE: IOP Recreation Center – High Tide Room

WHEN: 8:30 a.m.-9:30 p.m. • Wednesdays, starting Sept 6

MORE INFO: Back by popular demand, Wild Roll Wednesday with the Isle of Palms Recreation, Police and Fire Departments will begin this fall on Sept. 6 and will continue through Spring 2024. Each week will feature a different trainer/coach from a different department, and participants will have the opportunity to work out with multiple department team members. To learn more and register, visit IOP.net.

WHAT: Isle of Palms Cleanup Crew litter sweeps

WHERE: Check in at beach access by Coconut Joe’s

WHEN: 6 p.m.-7 p.m. Mondays; 7 a.m.-8 a.m. Wednesdays

MORE INFO: Volunteers help out for at least 30 minutes. Supplies are provided. Enjoy a discount at an IOP restaurant afterward. No advance registration – help when you can. Follow us at facebook.com/ IOPCleanup.

WHAT: Community meditation

WHERE: IOP Rec Center

WHEN: Thursdays at 9 a.m.

MORE INFO: Outdoors, under the oaks - weather permitting; indoors on colder or bad weather days. Free. To learn more: iop.net/recreation.

WHAT: Yin yoga

WHERE: IOP Rec Center

WHEN: Wednesdays, 6 p.m.-7:15 p.m.

MORE INFO: Yin Yoga is a beginner-friendly yoga class targeting deep connective tissues and joints and focusing on fascial release and brain health. Beginner class but challenging with limitless benefits. $40/ month; $12 per class. Instructor: Kathy Berry. To learn more: iop.net/ recreation.

WHAT: Dog Obedience

WHERE: IOP Rec Center

WHEN: Mondays, June-December. Kinderpuppy, 5:30 p.m.; Puppy Junior High, 6:30 p.m.; Canine Good Citizenship, 6:30 p.m.; Tricks, 7:30 p.m.

MORE INFO: iop.net

WHAT: Beach Yoga

WHERE: 25th Avenue

WHEN: 7:30 a.m.

MORE INFO: Every Tuesday. To learn more: IOP.net.

WHAT: Adult programs

Barre

Transform your body through isolated movements and build long, lean muscles while improving posture and flexibility.

Fridays 8:30 a.m.-9:30 a.m., $32/month. To learn more: iop.net/recreation.

Morning yoga

Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, 9:15 a.m.-10:15 a.m.

Instructor: Pat Boyd To learn more: iop.net/recreation.

SATURDAY AUGUST 26

What: Benefit concert for the Lowcountry Land Trust

Where: Holy City Brewing at The Porter Room

When: August 26, 5 p.m.- 9 p.m.

More Info: Charleston musicians raising funds for Lowcountry land conservation. Purchase tickets, $20, at give.lowcountrylandtrust.org/event/ lowcountry-summer-sendoff/e506348.

THURSDAY AUGUST 31 AND SEPTEMBER 7

WHAT: American Mah Jongg

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

WHEN: Noon-2 p.m. (all levels) and 4 p.m.-6 p.m. (experienced players)

MORE INFO: Learn to play the fun and fast-paced game of American Mah Jongg. If you have a 2023 card, please bring it.

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 5

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.

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 8

What: Dumpster Day

Where: 2304 Cameron Blvd., Isle of Palms

When: 3 p.m.-6 p.m.

More Info: To assist you in house cleaning. Bring your old junk and let us help you toss it away. It costs nothing – our treat. Light refreshments and snacks will be provided. Even if you don’t have junk, come by and meet the Sea Island Builders team.