Since May 2007
PRESORT STANDARD
Volume 13 Issue 16
The Taylor Festival Choir. Photo provided.
A Charleston Christmas
CONCERT SCHEDULED ON KIAWAH ISLAND
BY KEELY LAUGHLIN
For the Island Connection
T
he Taylor Festival Choir and Na Fidleiri will
perform cherished carols, lively holiday-themed
Celtic jigs and reels and operatic and folk vocal
offerings at 4 p.m. Dec. 8 at the Church of Our Saviour
on Kiawah Island.
“A Charleston Christmas: Celtic & Classical,”
sponsored by the Town of Kiawah Island Arts & Cultural
Events Council, features music from the Taylor Festival
Choir’s soon-to-be-released holiday CD, “So Hallow’d
the Time,” as well as fresh holiday folk-fare delivered by
Na Fidleiri’s unique artistry.
Seabrook Honors Whyte
Page 4
FREE
The Taylor Festival Choir is a professional chamber
choir founded and conducted by Robert Taylor and
inspired by the lives and careers of his parents, Bob and
Cornelia Taylor, music educators in their home state of
Arkansas. Since its inception in 2001, the choir has toured
throughout the United States, Ireland and the United
Kingdom and has earned a reputation of excellence
among critics and choral specialists alike. The choir has
been featured in multiple American Choral Directors
Association Conferences, including the 50th anniversary
celebration and National Conference in 2009.
The Taylor Festival Choir is part of the Taylor Music
Group and serves as the professional choir-in-residence
at the College of Charleston and at the Cathedral of St.
Full of Energy
Page 6
US POSTAGE PAID
CHARLESTON SC
POSTAL PATRON
PERMIT NO 437
November 8, 2019
John the Baptist. It presents a full concert season in the
Charleston area and serves as the flagship ensemble for
the Piccolo Spoleto Celtic Arts Series.
Na Fidleiri, also part of the Taylor Music Group, was
founded in 2000 in Charleston by Mary Scott Taylor. Na
Fidleiri trains classical violin players and fiddle players
in the traditional style of Celtic music. Students produce
a wonderfully full beautiful sound combined with
idiomatic folk style, with refined intonation, precision
and tight ensemble.
There is no charge for the concert, and tickets will be
available Nov. 19 for Kiawah residents and Nov. 22 for
the general public. To learn more, visit kiawahisland.org/
events.
Fishing Report
Page 11
2 November 8, 2019
civic

Town of Seabrook Island Council Meeting

T U E S D A Y, O C T. 2 2
BY GREGG BRAGG getting help to the island and what to do beach ordinance. Gregg suggested a “not
Lynn Pierotti The Island Connection Sr. Staff Writer until they arrive will be incorporated into to exceed” clause, Finke amended her
publisher the town’s comprehensive emergency plan, request accordingly and asked for $1,800.

M
lynn@luckydognews.com
ayor Pro Tem John Gregg
presided over the Oct. 22 meeting
Brian Sherman of the Seabrook Island Town
managing editor Council. To hear it told, the mayor was
off on a long-awaited cruise that will take
ICEditor@luckydognews.com
him through the Panama Canal. However,
his heir apparent hardly missed a beat;
Jennifer Tuohy parliamentary procedures were dispatched
contributing editor with the usual efficiency. It’s hard to imagine
jennifer@luckydognews.com how Gregg had enough breath for all the
reporting required by the multiple hats he
has worn in the mayor’s absence.
Alejandro Ferreyros
The mayor pro tem reported Seabrook’s
senior graphic designer
earnings for the month of September came
alejandro@luckydognews.com in at just over $47,000, for a running total
of about 58% of annual projections. The
Lori McGee two biggest sources of revenue came from
local option sales taxes, $28,000, and
sales manager
lori@luckydognews.com the town’s investments, just over $8,000.
Expenses, however, topped $80,000, 48%
of the budget’s running totals, with the
biggest single expense falling under the
Senior Staff Writer heading of “professional services.” The
Gregg Bragg four components of that category – legal,
accounting, engineering and other –
Contributors comprised nearly half the outlay for the
month, which caused a downward blip in
Keely Laughlin
the town’s general fund to $4.966 million.
Sylvia Bacon Gregg deftly switched hats and dove
Felicia Sanders into his report as chair of the Public
Valerie Doane Safety Committee. The group met
Doug Reynolds earlier in October, and a task force is
Dorree Lynn still plugging away to resolve logistical
and legal considerations associated
Geoff Benentt
with a potential earthquake. Seabrook
based one of its emergency preparedness
exercises on such a scenario, and it raised
a number of concerns. There’s not a lot of
warning with earthquakes, which could
eliminate access to the island at a time
when staff isn’t available. The proposed
remedy involved producing an inventory
of residents willing and qualified to help
– for example, those with medical and
forestry backgrounds, familiarity with
backhoes and chainsaws and experience
with commercial kitchens. Steps for
Gregg reiterated. He concluded his report
by saying the Disaster Recovery Council
is busy producing a report of the town’s
response to Hurricane Dorian, which will
also be woven into the town’s CEP.
Council member Skip Crane reported
that the town’s communications team
conducted a test of both ham and hand-
held radios. All of the town’s equipment is
functioning as designed. He also said the
town’s Development Standards Ordinance
Committee has met twice since the last
Council meeting, and efforts to bring the
town’s DSO up to speed continue to build
momentum.
Council member John Wells made
the observation that the Seabrook Island
Property Owners Association owns the
land on the inside lane leading to the
island’s gatehouse. He suggested there
was enough land there to accommodate
the permanent LED sign discussed
during last month’s Council meeting,
though he’s sure the issue has potential to
be a political football. Wells, who is not
running for a third term, thanked the
Council and residents for the opportunity
to serve the community he loves.
Wells said you need look no further
than the award in the lobby to see
what a special place Seabrook is. The
trophy was awarded to Seabrook by the
Municipal Association of South Carolina
for its participation with the Lowcountry
Marine Mammal Network under Wells’
leadership.
Council member Jeri Finke made a
motion to approve funding for a new
cache of brochures for the Seabrook Island
birders group. The only problem was that
she hadn’t received the estimates she
needed to determine how much to request.
She said the 500 printed last year cost
around $685 and made a real difference in
raising awareness last summer but added
that 1,500 brochures would be needed for
the summer of 2020, given the updated
It was also revealed that the money could
be drawn from the current budget instead
of allocating funds from the next fiscal
year. The motion passed unanimously.
Gregg led the mayor’s report by
reminding residents the new beach
ordinance, including new times and areas
for dogs to be on or off leash, is now in
effect.
• Dogs are allowed only between
boardwalks 1 and 9.
• Summer is considered to be April
1 through Sept. 30, and dogs must
be on a leash from 10 a.m. to 5
p.m.
• Winter is defined as Oct. 1
through March 31, and dogs may
be off leash at all times.
• Dogs are required to be on leash at
all times Northwest of boardwalk 9.
Gregg made note of Seabrook’s recent
collaboration with the Johns Island Task
Force. The grass-roots organization of
volunteers is working with the city of
Charleston and Charleston County to
reach an agreement on the urban growth
boundary – which entities will control
how much development beyond what
point on Johns island.
Nov. 1 recognized as Mary White Day
Gregg proclaimed Nov. 1 to be Mary
Whyte Day.
“The Town, in conjunction with
SCOPE50, is recognizing Ms. Whyte
for her dedication and commitment to
serving the people of Seabrook and the Sea
Islands. … The Seabrook Island Club will
host a celebration of Ms. Whyte’s many
contributions starting at 3 p.m., which will
include a presentation of her latest work:
We the People – Portraits of Veterans in
America. … Over the past several years,
Ms. Whyte has traveled America, painting
a watercolor portrait of a veteran from each
of the 50 states,” said Gregg.

Civic Calendar
K iawah Island Town H all
Published by 21 Beachwalker Drive
Lucky Dog Publishing Kiawah Island, S.C. 29455
of South Carolina, LLC Phone: 768-9166
P.O. Box 837
Town of Kiawah Ways & Means Town of Seabrook Fax: 768-4764
Committee Meeting
Sullivan’s Island, SC 29482 Nov. 26, 2 p.m.
Environmental Ways & Means Seabrook Island Town H all
843-886-NEWS Committee Meeting Kiawah Town Hall Committee Meeting 2001 Seabrook Island Road
Nov. 12, 2 p.m. Nov. 12, 2:30 p.m. Seabrook Island, S.C. 29455
Future submission deadline: Kiawah Town Hall Town Council Seabrook Town Hall Phone: 768-9121
Nov. 13 for the Meeting Fax: 768-9830
Nov. 22 Issue Public Safety Dec. 3, 2 p.m. Town Council Email: lmanning@townofseabrookisland.org
Committee Kiawah Town Hall Meeting
Op-ed articles and letters to the editor do not Nov. 13, 2 p.m. Nov. 19, 2:30 p.m. Johns Island Council
necessarily reflect the opinion of Kiawah Town Hall Planning Commission Kiawah Town Hall Meetings are held at the Berkeley Electric
Lucky Dog News or its writers. Meeting Co-op located at 3351 Maybank Hwy., Johns
Board of Zoning Dec. 4, 3 p.m. Planning Commission Island.
Appeals Kiawah Town Hall Meeting Chairman Chris Cannon: 343-5113
The Island Nov. 18, 3 p.m.
Kiawah Town Hall
Dec. 4, 1:30 p.m.
Seabrook Town Hall Charleston County Council
Connection 4045 Bridge View Dr., N. Charleston
958-4700
Lucky Dog Publishing, LLC News Updates
Publishers of Island Eye News, Online at City of Charleston
The Island Connection facebook.com/ 75 Calhoun St.
islandconnectionnews 724-3745
& SiP Magazine
November 8, 2019
civic
Asked for comment, SCOPE50
President John Reynolds indicated that
Gregg had successfully captured the
essence of the event.
Town Administrator Joe Cronin
opened his contribution with the final
beach patrol report of the 2019 season
(townofseabrookisland.org/beach-patrol.
html). He also informed residents that:
• Five responses have been received
to the town’s RFP for a new
auditor. Three have been selected
for review, and a decision will be
made before the end-of-the-year
deadline.
• The Council will hold its annual
holiday “drop-in” on Dec. 12,
from noon to 2 p.m. at Town Hall.
There will be food, beverages and
live music and the Toys For Tots
collection is always a favorite. Alas,
no mention was made of reviving
last year’s ugly holiday sweatshirt
competition.
Gregg then teed up a presentation of
the budget. His highlights included;
• The Council anticipates a total of
over $1.52 million in revenue next
year, an 8.4% increase, from two
income categories:
a. Unrestricted income of
$1.331 million will come
primarily from business license
fees, sales tax and franchise fees.
b. Restricted income of over
$200,000 from state ATAX,
county ATAX and the alcohol tax.
• The Council expects to spend
something less than its income
on staff, landscaping, contracted
services such as beach patrol,
professional services and utilities
associated with Town Hall.
• Cronin moved to add $60,000 to
the 2020 budget for:
a. Exterior painting at town
hall;
Tid e Char t
Date High Tide
Nov 08 4:52am/5:19pm
Nov 09 5:37am/6:02pm
Nov 10 6:19am/6:43pm
Nov 11 6:59am/7:22pm
Nov 12 7:37am/8:00pm
Nov 13 8:14am/8:36pm
Nov 14 8:51am/9:14pm
Nov 15 9:31am/9:55pm
Nov 16 10:15am/10:42pm
Nov 17 11:06am/11:37pm
Nov 18 12:03pm
Nov 19 12:40am/1:07pm
Nov 20 1:49am/2:12pm
Nov 21 2:57am/3:16pm
Hurricanes, storms, etc., are NOT included in the predictions.
Tidal current direction changes and tide time predictions can be
very different. Tide predictions are PREDICTIONS; they can be
wrong so use common sense.
b. A concrete pad for roll carts
at Town Hall;
c. New drapes for Town Hall;
d. New signage at Town Hall.
The measure passed its second reading
unanimously.
Seabrook resident Joanne Fagan
offered the first contribution to citizens’
comments. She said the Seabrook Island
Property Owners Association sent a letter
of support for the proposed MUSC clinic
and wondered if the Council was planning
to follow suit. Gregg said a certificate of
need is required for the plans to move
forward, and the Council intends to do
everything it can to facilitate the project.
Gina Good asked how the new beach
ordinance was going to be enforced now
that the beach patrol is on leave for the
winter. There was a moment’s hesitation
before the Council responded that
calling Town Hall with complaints or
observations is the best route until the
beach patrol is back on duty.
Seabrook resident Frank Stare was back
for the second consecutive month seeking
redress of his request to the Seabrook
Island Utility. Successive storms have
eliminated the natural barrier between
his house and the plant, and he has asked
SIU to put some of it back. The buildings,
tanks and associated noise are right in his
grill with the trees gone, and he is looking
for an ombudsman.
The area is outside the town’s purview,
was the collective answer from the
Council. SIPOA owns land nearby, but not
in a place to help, and SIU representatives
declined to make their unofficial denial
public until they made it official with a
letter to Stare. (This reporter followed up
with Stare in a phone call on Oct. 25 and
was told to expect more on the topic).
Asked what the over/under was on
Mayor Ron Ciancio coming home with a
Panama hat, Gregg demurred.
Low Tide
11:01am/11:19pm
11:47am/11:58pm
12:30pm
12:37am/1:11pm
1:15am/1:51pm
1:52am/2:32pm
2:31am/3:13pm
3:13am/3:57pm
3:57am/4:45pm
4:47am/5:37pm
5:42am/6:34pm
6:44am/7:35pm
7:52am/8:36pm
9:00am/9:36pm
Source: saltwatertides.com
4 November 8, 2019
daily
Own property in an
We the People
Opportunity Zone? SEABROOK HONORS ARTIST
Let’s talk. MARY WHYTE
BY GREGG BRAGG
I have buyers interested in The Island Connection Sr. Staff Writer
your property. N T
ov. 1, 2019, was officially designated
Mary Whyte Day by a unanimous
vote of the Seabrook Island Town
Council at its Oct. 22 meeting. SCOPE50,
a grass-roots organization dedicated to
voter registration, did the same for the
Seabrook resident. Mayor Ron Ciancio and
SCOPE50 President John Reynolds took
turns presenting the world-renowned artist
with ornate plaques commemorating the
day during a ceremony held at the Seabrook
Island Club. The date coincided with
Whyte’s presentation of her latest work:
“We the People: Portraits of Veterans in
America.”
A reverent hush filled the air as an
unannounced line of seven local veterans
paraded through the crowded Grand Oaks
Ballroom, setting the event in motion. All
five branches of the armed services were
represented, and each vet carried the colors
of his or her branch. Several of the veterans
served in Viet Nam, while others dated
back as far as World War II. The crowd
gushed praise on the local heroes as Whyte
was introduced to the hometown throng,
though most attendees knew perfectly well
who she is. Despite the tsunami of accolades
and the necessity of a first-person account
of her work, Whyte somehow managed to
make the event about anything but herself.
She spent the last seven years traveling the
United States with the goal of interviewing
and painting a portrait of a veteran from
each of the 50 states. Working in secret from
her sanctum on Seabrook Island, she started
with a large map, tagged it with yellow
when contact had been made in a given state
and colored the state red when the work was
complete. The veterans she chose needed to
map src: scopportunityzone.com represent a cross section of America, from all
walks of life.
“This work changed me. … and I took
three lessons away from it,” said Whyte.
The first lesson she learned was the
overriding importance her subjects felt
“to being part of something bigger than
themselves.” Whyte recounted one subject
telling her he’d written a blank check to the
American people using his life as collateral.
“And they’re still doing it. … That’s not
exactly what I saw, but it’s what I felt,” she
Alejandro J. Ferreyros
(843) 202-9226
alejandro@sanddollarsc.com
Commercial Brokerage
Sanddollarsc.com • (843) 530-8100
2205 Middle St Suite 203 • Sullivan’s Island, SC • 29482
Mary Whyte signs one of her books at the
Seabrook Island Club.
Photo by Gregg Bragg.
said of her success in capturing the moment.
The second lesson she gleaned was,
“never let fear stop you.” Whyte associated
the observation with her interview and
portrait of an astronaut. He responded to
her question about being afraid by telling
her they were too well trained to be afraid
of a spacewalk.
Her final takeaway is that “America
is still a country worth fighting for.” The
cross section she hoped for came through
in spades. It includes astronauts, cowboys,
window washers, boxers, construction
workers and laundry staff, among others.
Interestingly, Whyte paid for her
adventure out of her own pocket, including
compensating subjects for their time. She has
since initiated the Patriot Art Foundation.
The cooperative made it possible for several
of Whyte’s new “friends” to make an
all-expense paid trip to Charleston for the
launch of an exposition of the portraits.
Charleston is the best option for many,
and anyone who says “a picture is worth a
thousand words” hasn’t seen one of Whyte’s
– her “word count” is astronomical.
“We the People: Portraits of Veterans in
America,” opened on Oct. 25 at The City
Gallery at Joe Riley Waterfront Park.
“It’s right across from the pineapple
fountain,” said Whyte.
All 50 portraits will be on display there
until Dec. 22. There’s also a book of the
exposition in both hard cover and paperback
versions that is available at Indigo Books in
the Freshfields Village shopping area.
For information on scheduled appearances of
“We the People” or ways you can help others visit
their portraits, go to patriotartfoundation.org.
November 8, 2019
daily
Picture Perfect
C L U B F O S T E R S A P P R E C I AT I O N
OF PHOTOGRAPHY
BY SYLVIA BACON
For The Island Connection
he objective of the Kiawah
Photography Club is to foster
the use and appreciation of
photography as a science, art and hobby by
providing a forum for mutual enjoyment
and the development of photographic
skills. Workshops, programs and small
group sessions, offered on all skill levels,
are geared to help improve photography
skills in a noncompetitive environment.
Outreach programs involving Johns
Island schools and other organizations
have further enhanced the enjoyment of
photography for residents of the island
community.
The Photography Club has lined up
another full year with a wide variety of
workshops and programs. Workshops
include instructional sessions on topics
such as getting acquainted with your
camera; composing your shots and editing
with digital software; using your mobile
phone’s camera; and sharing pictures with
family and friends with slide shows, book
making and social media. Monthly small
group sessions provide an open forum for
members to discuss topics introduced at
workshops and monthly meetings. The
monthly challenge is a musical slideshow
presentation of members’ pictures, based
on an assigned theme. This is very popular
with members, as are organized photo
shoots both on and off Kiawah Island.
Monthly programs feature one or two
nationally known photographers such as
Alan Ross, Ralph Lee Hopkins, Joyce
Tenneson, Tony Sweet, Denise Ippolito,
Les and Janet Saucier, Kevin Adams,
Clay Bolt and Richard Bernabe. Bernabe
was here again in October, and Ippolito
will be returning in March. Each visiting
professional conducts a two-day event.
The first day is a presentation followed
by a photo shoot, with gentle critiques
5
The Kiawah Island Photography Club
presented this exhibit of members’ work to
the Johns Island Library. The photos were
taken at a high school basketball game
last season. The club posts an exhibit at
the library twice a year.
the following morning. These are always
a lot of fun as well as a valuable learning
experience.
The Kiawah Island Photography Club
was created by a handful of people 14 years
ago. It didn’t take long for membership
to increase to its current level between
80 and 100. Some members do not live
on Kiawah full-time but are still able to
participate.
No meetings are held during the
summer months, although members
get together independently for informal
photo shoots and community outreach
programs on and off the Island. Kiawah
property owners are eligible to join;
dues are $50 a year and meetings are
held at the Sandcastle on most Monday
mornings. Those interested are invited
to attend a meeting beforehand to see
what the club is like. The upcoming
schedule for this year can be found at
kiawahphotoclub.org, along with a wealth
of general photography information. Feel
free to contact Sylvia Bacon for additional
information at sdbacon@att.net.
6 November 8, 2019
‘They come in here full of energy’
MOUNT ZION STUDENTS LEARN THE ART OF DANCE
S
tudents who live in rural parts of Charleston
County often don’t have the same opportunities as
those who live in the suburbs. For example, dance
studios are not plentiful on Johns Island, and programs
in adjacent communities often are financially out of reach
for families and inconvenient to access.
At Mount Zion Elementary School, though, counselor
Diemchi Nguyen, the school’s 2017-18 teacher of the year,
is bringing dance instruction to students – and it’s all
free of charge. She was awarded a $1,600 grant from the
Kiawah-Seabrook Exchange Club, which supports the
Charleston County School District’s Sea Island schools,
and $1,300 from Communities in Schools.
Grant funding is used for dance lessons led by
instructors from Dance.Laugh.Learn. Thanks to this
funding, Mount Zion has been able to offer dance to
students for the past three years. Classes, available to
all fourth and fifth graders, are held during the school
day, eliminating the hassle of having to arrange for
transportation.
“Some kids have the opportunity participate in
extracurricular activities, which left others feeling left
out,” said Nguyen. “I had one little girl on my mind that
I really wanted to provide an opportunity to.”
That’s when Nguyen turned to Rylee Coppel,
co-founder of Dance.Laugh.Learn, which was recently
named the Early Childhood Artist in Residence at the
Charleston Gaillard Center.
“It is important to our company to be accessible to
anyone, and part of our mission is to reach them,” said
Coppel. “We will do whatever we can to work with the
daily
FROM CCSD
For The Island Connection
school on pricing and scheduling so that these children
have an opportunity to learn the art of dance and express
themselves.”
More than 30 boys and girls participate in the program.
Jasmyne Robinson, a fifth-grader at Mount Zion, wanted
to join because she felt like it would be just right for her.
“I thought it would be hard to learn the routines, but
it came easily to me, so I knew I would participate again
this year,” said Robinson. “What I like best about it is
learning new things, having fun and being energetic.”
“The first class the kids are so pumped,” said Coppel.
“Some are shy but they want to be here. Some don’t want
to show that they want to be here. But all of that changes
once the music starts.”
Coppel was shocked at the number of boys who signed
up but thrilled to see their interest. She understands the
importance of arts and creativity in the lives of young
children.
“They come in here full of energy,” said Coppel. “It’s
good for them to get out that energy, and we’re not going
to shut that down. We’re going to encourage it as their
own individual forms of expression.”
Fifth-grader Gracie Broach has always wanted to be
a dancer. She heard about the class and jumped at the
opportunity to be able to participate.
“When I first walked in, I was excited and nervous,
and I didn’t know what to expect,” said Broach. “Now
my favorite part about it is working together to get the
routine right and correcting the things we don’t have
right.”
The final performance has traditionally been part of an
evening PTA meeting, but this year it will be held during
a daytime school assembly so students can showcase their
work in front of a large audience of their peers. This plan
also addresses the transportation issue for parents who
may struggle to bring their children back to the school
in the evening.
Nguyen noted that dance serves as an opportunity for
the students to stay active.
“Dance class is held on the same day each week and
has improved student attendance and increased family
participation at our school,” she said.
The routines and music are choreographed around
modern dance routines. In the final recital, students will
be decked out in costume accessories donated by Dance.
Laugh.Learn.
November 8, 2019 7
wildlife

Coastal count
NINE SPECIES OF SEABIRDS NEST IN SOUTH CAROLINA
BY FELICIA SANDERS
For The Island Connection

S
outh Carolina's 2019 seabird nesting season has come
to an end, and counts from nesting colonies have
been compiled for this season by South Carolina
Department of Natural Resources biologists.
Nine species of seabirds, including brown pelicans,
royal terns, Sandwich terns and black skimmers, regularly
nest in South Carolina in large colonies of hundreds
to thousands of pairs. Each spring and summer, staff
biologists survey islands to determine the number of
nesting birds of each species. Biologists fly over SCDNR
seabird sanctuaries to photograph nesting areas and
count seabird nests from compiled photos. This season,
biologists were also able to utilize aerial images from a
drone at several properties.
SCDNR biologists counted 6,109 brown pelican,
12,983 royal tern, 3,562 Sandwich tern, and 1,049 black
skimmer nests. Bird Key Stono Seabird Sanctuary had the
most pelican nests again this year, with 2,270, followed
by Deveaux Bank with 1,701. For the past several years,
Crab Bank Seabird Sanctuary in Charleston Harbor has
had no birds nesting on it due to erosion from storms
and hurricanes. Efforts are underway to renourish The nesting pelican colony on Deveaux Bank Seabird Sanctuary was the second largest in the Palmetto State in 2019.
the island with material from deepening the harbor Photo courtesy SCDNR.
channel. Information about the project can be found at where black skimmers were successfully able to raise SCDNR-managed islands.
sccoastalbirds.org. chicks to fledging age. All of these colonial seabirds are listed as species
"Although numbers were up slightly this year, Due to the sensitive nature of the colonies, portions of of Highest Priority Conservation Status under the
predation, overwash and disturbance affected Deveaux Bank and all of Bird Key Stono and Tomkins South Carolina Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation
productivity of several species," said SCDNR Wildlife islands are closed to the public from March 15 through Strategy. More information about coastal birds and the
Biologist Janet Thibault. Oct. 15 to protect breeding bird nests and their young. work SCDNR does for these species can be found at dnr.
The Cape Romain Wildlife Refuge was the only site Dogs and camping are prohibited year-round on these sc.gov/wildlife/species/coastalbirds/index.html.
8 November 8, 2019
arts & events daily

Calling all Hoosiers The latest in libraries

I N D I A N A D AY C E L E B R AT I O N S E T JAMES ISLAND BRANCH IS NOW OPEN
F O R D E C . 11 BY DOUG REYNOLDS
For The Island Connection

BY VALERIE DOANE
For The Island Connection
organizing committee will provide plates,
utensils and soft drinks – BYOB.
Participants also are asked to donate
T
he second of five new Charleston
County libraries planned after a
$108.5 million referendum passed
in 2014 has opened its doors. A ribbon-
cutting ceremony was held Nov. 2 for
the Baxter-Patrick James Island Library,
located at 1858 South Grimball Road.
The referendum called for new facilities • Creative studios/makerspace
and the renovation and update of the equipped with tools including
existing branches. The Wando Mount sewing machines, a Cricut, art
Pleasant Library has been open since June. materials and more;
“This facility offers the public access • A story time room;
to the latest library resources, services • A teen lounge with a gaming area;
and technology while providing features • Outdoor reading areas;
unique to the surrounding James Island • A cultural path and genealogy
community, its history and its culture,”
said Executive Director Angela Craig.
corner;
• A computer lab.
“We’re excited to share this beautiful
new library with Charleston County The ribbon-cutting ceremony featured

S
eabrook Island residents are
preparing for the ninth annual
Indiana Day on Dec. 11, celebrating
the 203rd anniversary of the Hoosier
State’s admittance into the Union on
Dec. 11, 1816.
The gathering has become an annual
event including food, drinks, games,
prizes and singing, all with a lot of
Hoosier gusto. Participants – including
spouses and significant others – are asked
to bring a hearty appetizer to share. The
$5 per person to cover the costs associated
with the event.
Indiana Day festivities will take place
at the Oyster Catcher Community Center
on Seabrook Island, from 6 p.m. until
8:30 p.m.
If you have a connection to Indiana,
whether you were born, raised, lived or
educated there or just traveled through –
anything works – and would like to attend,
please contact Max Willis at 843-768-8301
or mwillissc@yahoo.com.
residents.”
Construction of the 20,000 square-
foot facility began in September 2017.
Features include:
• A 100-seat auditorium;
• A study room;
• Self-check kiosks and automated
materials handling;
• A digital media lab;
• Digital preservation equipment;
• A DJ station with turntables;
the dedication of portraits of longtime
James Island educators Nan C. Baxter
and Anna Smalls Patrick. The new library
and the elementary school that formerly
occupied the library site were named for
Baxter and Patrick, honoring the impact
they had on the surrounding community.
For more information about the James
Island library branch and updates on the
construction of the other facilities, visit ccpl.
org/construction.
November 8, 2019 9

Explore some more with Mimi

F I N A L I N S TA L L M E N T A B O U T T O B E R E L E A S E D

Authors Catherine Farley and Kennedy Goodman. Illustrator Susan Leggett. Photos provided.

STAFF REPORT “pondering on the point” entices readers to reflect on to be “filled with life lessons and lovable animal friends.
The Island Connection their own personal journey. ‘Mimi’s Adventures on Kiawah Island’ is her most
In this delightful story, the protagonist finds an magical yet – a charming, timeless tale for all generations

T
he third and final book in Catherine Farley’s
“Explore with Mimi” children’s book series will
grace the shelves of local retailers just in time for
the Christmas season.
In “Mimi’s Adventures on Kiawah Island,” the beloved
Lowcountry deer discovers the beauty and wonder of the
island. Once again, Farley and her niece and co-author,
Kennedy Goodman, along with illustrator Susan Leggett,
have collaborated to highlight Kiawah in a fun adventure
story, nature guide and word search. A new section called
entangled and stranded pelican on the beach. With the
help of her new bird friends, Mimi learns valuable life
lessons about conservation, teamwork and perseverance.
Leggett’s whimsical illustrations bring the wide array of
animal characters to life in the glorious natural backdrop
of Kiawah. From sea turtles, dolphins and roseate
spoonbills to deer, bobcats and alligators, the book is
filled with great information on how we can support and
protect our natural surroundings.
Kristy Woodson Harvey, bestselling author of
“Slightly South of Simple,” found Farley’s newest release
of nature lovers.”
Books will be available at several local retailers or
online at www.explorewithmimi.com in early December.
Book signing events will be posted on Instagram @
catherinegfarley or on the “Explore with Mimi” facebook
page.
The other two books in the series, “Mischievous
Mimi Explores Seabrook Island” and “Mimi Discovers
Sullivan’s Island,” are also available to complete your
collection of this keepsake Lowcountry series.
10 November 8, 2019
November 8, 2019
doctor dorree
Aging with Zest
BY DORREE LYNN
For The Island Connection
W
e wise elders who have been
privileged to live with added
years have learned a few life
lessons along the way. Since no American
population has ever lived this long, this
well or in such good health, we have
become the pioneers we once admired.
We are the role models whose living gifts
and responsibilities are to love deeply, live
fully, mentor generously and share our
zest.
It’s a myth to think that our current
era of energetic elders is going to sit on
porches in their rocking chairs with
yarn balls on their lap knitting for their
progeny or living their lives doing nothing
but hitting golf balls. We may love our
children and grandchildren. We may
value quiet moments with a good book,
serene saunters in the woods, travel and
museums, but the truth is that more and
more of us are still rockin’ – and we don’t
mean in our chairs.
We have learned that though love
and spirit matter, it takes a heck of a lot
of time and effort to get through each
day. Just think, we have to floss twice a
day, eat right, exercise, remember to take
our medications, keep those damn time-
consuming doctors’ appointments and
stay in good mental and physical shape.
Whatever grace we’ve earned has been
hard won and keeping it is far from easy.
Zestful aging requires that we do our
part to keep physically and mentally
healthy while enthusiastically savoring
spirit and knowledge. Aging well means
continuing to age as one has lived his or
her life, doing the best we can.
We live in a Madison Avenue media-
driven world where, for better and
worse, technology often rules and fast
fingers have became synonymous with
communication. We also live in a youth-
oriented society where 15 minutes of
fame, often no matter how it is achieved,
is considered desirable. Violence and value
are often fungible, and finding one’s own
path and priorities require maturity and
effort.
No matter how positive one’s outlook,
no life is lived without times of sorrow.
Sometimes pain such as the reality of the
death of a loved one, seemingly unbearable
illness, love lost, anxiety or depression can
stop zest for what seems like an intolerably
long time. Seems is the operative word.
Life can change, does and will.
Psychotherapist, media host and author
Dr. Dorree Lynn has helped thousands of
people with issues such as aging, sexuality,
depression, anxiety, insomnia, loneliness,
couples and family discord, divorce, dating,
illness, caregiving and finding your purpose.
To learn more, visit drdorree.com.
fishing report
Chilly Nights
SCHOOLS WILL BE LARGER WITH
T H E C O O L E R W E AT H E R
BY CAPT. GEOFF BENENTT
For The Island Connection
F
ishing this past month was great,
and we can expect November to
be just as productive. Chilly nights
remind redfish and trout that they had
better eat now or it will be a long few
months ahead without any food. Artificial
lures have become very effective as natural
bait leaves our waters. Take advantage of
sunny days and go catch some fish.
As water temperatures fall, redfish
have begun their seasonal phenomenon
of forming large schools. Schools of 50
redfish will become common, and they
can swell as large as 100 to 150 during
the winter. These fish are more wary this
time of year, and artificial lures can spook
them on the flats. Instead of casting at
the schools, we will throw out as many
as three lines with chunks of frozen
mullet on #3/0 circle hooks and let them
sit. Eventually the redfish will find your
bait and bend your rods over with some
astonishing hits!
For trout, artificial lures are working
very well. Trout hang together, and, when
you catch one, there will likely be others in
the immediate area. Lures in hues of blue
and gray are performing the best when
paired with a ¼ oz. jighead. Remember to
11
move your lure slower than usual because
the fish slow down with the cooler water
temperature. Try to bounce the jighead
off the bottom and wait until you feel the
pull of a striking fish.
Popping corks are still great options for
both redfish and trout. Live shrimp can be
used again with the bait stealers gone. I’ll
attach a 2- to 3-foot leader to the cork and
a size 1 circle hook on the other end with
a split shot a foot above the hook. Cast
along grass banks, over oyster beds and at
creek mouths and watch for that cork to
disappear! It can be difficult, but when the
cork drops, reel as fast as you can and let
the circle hook naturally set itself. A big
hook set can sometimes rip your bait right
out of the fish’s mouth.
See you on the water!
For over a decade, Capt. Geoff Bennett
has operated Charleston Charter Fishing.
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.
 November 8
ONGOING
WHAT: Beachfront Lights Out
WHERE: all seaward, beachfront
properties
WHEN: 9 p.m.- 8 a.m.
MORE INFO: U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Service discourages the use of outdoor
lights when not required, in order to
protect nesting sea turtles. When on the
beach at dark, use red filters on flashlights.
Artificial light such as flashlights without
filters is prohibited on the beach at night.
This includes flashlights on phones as well.
Mondays
WHAT: Farmer’s Market
WHERE: Freshfields Village
WHEN: 4 - 8 p.m.
MORE INFO: Shop locally grown
organic produce along with specialty food
products, delicious treats, fresh seafood
and Lowcountry crafts. Or come hungry
and enjoy barbecue, take-away dinners,
sweets and more.
WHAT: Charleston Coastal Choir
WHERE: Church of Our Savior
WHEN: 1 p.m.
MORE INFO: Local, mixed community
chorus, open for membership. Season runs
October through March. For information,
contact Director of Music Van McCollum
at 404.401.0678 or vanmccollum@
bellsouth.net.
Tuesdays
WHAT: Kick-it at Bohicket
WHERE: Bohicket Marina
WHEN: 6:30 p.m.
MORE INFO: Face painting, a balloon
artist, DJ and sand art bracelets. Co-
sponsored by The Town of Seabrook Island
& Bohicket Merchants Association. For
questions, call Todd at 248.719.0076.
WHAT: Wine Tasting
WHERE: FortyEight Wine Bar and
Kitchen
WHEN: 6 p.m.
MORE INFO: The tastings usually
feature two to four bottles of wine and
last until those bottles run out. Donations
are accepted and all proceeds go to
Lowcountry Food Bank, a nonprofit that
feeds families in need with warm, healthy
meals.
Wednesdays
WHAT: Kids Fish
WHERE: Bohicket Marina
WHEN: Check-in at 8:30 a.m., fishing
from 9-10 a.m. and 10-11 a.m.
MORE INFO: For ages 4-14. Cost is $7-
includes bait, tackle, rod and reel. Check-
in 8:30, fishing 9-10 a.m. and 10-11 a.m.
Co-sponsored by The Town of Seabrook
Island & Bohicket Merchants Association.
For questions, call Todd at 248.719.0076.
SECOND AND FOURTH
WEDNESDAY
WHAT: D.I.R.T (Digging Into Roots
Together)
WHERE: Lake House • Seabrook Island
WHEN: 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
MORE INFO: If you are interested in
Island Connection Calendar
genealogy and want to network with others
who share your interest, or you would like
some guidance in getting started on your
own family history journey, please join
us. For further information, check out the
blog at diggingtogether.blogspot.com or
email diggingtogether@gmail.com.
Thursdays
WHAT: Live Music at The Andell Inn
WHERE: The Andell Inn Hotel,
Freshfields Village
WHEN: 6-8 p.m.
MORE INFO: Relax with cool jazz
every Thursday evening in the lounge of
the Andell Inn Hotel. Drinks and food
available. No cover charge. 843.793.6050.
AndellInn.com.
Thursdays & Sundays
WHAT: Live Music
WHERE: FortyEight Wine Bar and
Kitchen
WHEN: 6:30-8:30 p.m.
MORE INFO: Featuring 48 wines by
the glass every day. For details, visit
FortyEightWineBar.com.
Fridays
WHAT: Acrylic Painting and Pottery
WHERE: The Frog Gallery
WHEN: 10 a.m.-noon
MORE INFO: Beginner to intermediate
classes include individual instruction in
drawing, composition and color. Students
can work in clay on the wheel or use the
slab method to create. Techniques on
glazing will be taught, and projects will be
fired off-site. $40 per person and includes
all materials. Contact Donna Horack at
843.343.4170 to reserve space.
Saturdays
WHAT: Johns Island Farmers Market
WHERE: Charleston Collegiate campus,
2024 Academy Road
WHEN: 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
MORE INFO: Local farmers, vendors
and artisans, live music, food trucks.
Charleston’s only year-round market.
JohnsIslandFarmersMarket.com.
Third Saturday of the
Month
WHAT: Sea Islands Cars & Coffee
WHERE: Freshfields Village, Kiawah
WHEN: 9-11 a.m.
MORE INFO: This free event will feature
antiques, classics, exotics, concepts and
any other cool cars. Coffee and other
refreshments available for purchase by Java
Java Coffee House. If you have any specific
questions about the event, please contact
Bruce Stemerman at bstemerman@gmail.
com.
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 8
WHAT: Bird Bingo and Game Night
WHERE: Live Oak Hall at the Lake
House, Seabrook Island
WHEN: 5:30 p.m.
MORE INFO: The Seabrook Island
Birders will provide the entrée, sides,
wine, water and coffee. You bring
an hors d’oeuvre or dessert and
other drinks. For more information:
SeabrookIslandBirders@gmail.com.
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 10
WHAT: Wings & Wine Backyard
Birding
WHERE: Seabrook Island
WHEN: 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.
MORE INFO: Join us for the first annual
Wings & Wine Backyard Birding. Joleen
Ardaiolo and Lee Hurd have graciously
volunteered to open up their beautiful
backyards and let us come birding. We are
planning on wine at the last stop, along
with crackers, cheese and mixed nuts.
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 11
WHAT: Marine Corps Birthday Ball
WHERE: Sandcastle Community Center
• Kiawah Island
MORE INFO: After an absence of several
years, a Marine Corps Birthday Ball is
returning to the Sea Islands. The event
will celebrate the 244th Anniversary of the
United States Marine Corps. For complete
information and to purchase tickets, email
marinesofcharleston@gmail.com.
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 15
WHAT: David Holt, Josh Goforth and
Zeb Holt present Carolina Heroes
WHERE: Seabrook Island Club
WHEN: 7:30 p.m.
MORE INFO: Four-time Grammy
Award Winner David Holt and Grammy
nominees, Josh Goforth and Zeb Holt
bring to life the joy and spirit of mountain
music and storytelling.
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 16
WHAT: Birding Beyond Our Backyard
WHEN: 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
WHERE: West Ashley Greenway
MORE INFO: This trail stretches about
eight miles from Johns Island to the South
Windermere Shopping Center on Folly
Road. Parking will be available at either
end. The trail is 100 feet wide and mostly
hard-parked dirt and some asphalt.
WHAT: Awakening the Ancestors
Through Music - Gullah Geechee music of
Johns Island
WHEN: 3 to 4:30 p.m.
WHERE: Charleston County Public
Library – 68 Calhoun St., Charleston
MORE INFO: This interactive, live music
program presented by Psalmist Christal
Heyward. Learn about the different
musical styles found in this repertoire,
how canonical songs were interpreted
by the singers and how some hymns
became associated with important events
and rituals in the community. The free
program is presented in partnership with
the Charleston County Public Library, the
International African American Museum
and the Gullah Geechee Cultural Heritage
Corridor Commission. To learn more:
visitgullahgeechee.com.
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 17
WHAT: Steeplechase of Charleston
WHERE: Stono Ferry
WHEN: TBD
MORE INFO: This quintessential
Southern event will deliver experiential fun
with horse races, tailgating, high fashion
and local vendors and music – fit for all
ages. To learn more and to purchase
tickets, visit steeplechaseofcharleston.com.
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 20
WHAT: Piano Bar Series – Tim
Hockenberry
WHEN: 5 to 7 p.m.
WHERE: The Sandcastle
MORE INFO: Sponsored by the Town
of Kiawah Island Arts & Cultural Events
Council, Wednesday Piano Bars are not
meant to be concerts. They are to enjoy
with friends and offer an opportunity to
meet neighbors outside your comfort circle.
Bring your beverage of choice and any
snack to “tide” you over. There is no charge
and no tickets required.
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 22
WHAT: Learning Together at Kiawah
River Development
WHEN: 9 a.m. to noon
WHERE: Kiawah River development
property
MORE INFO: Another chance to meet
with Jeff Snyder, biologist at the Kiawah
River development property, and check out
birds that can be found there. We expect
to see a large variety of birds, including
double-crested cormorants, egrets, herons
and osprey. If we are lucky, we will see an
eagle and osprey duel over a fish.
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 25
WHAT: Seabrook Island Birders
Matinee – “The Central Park Effect &
Birders”
WHEN: 4:30 to 6:30 p.m.
WHERE: Oyster Catcher Community
Center
MORE INFO: SIB will continue its movie
matinees with two short documentary-
style films highlighting birding in two very
different parts of the United States.
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 29
WHAT: Seabrook Island Holiday Art &
Crafts Show
WHERE: The Lake House, Seabrook
Island
WHEN: 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.
MORE INFO: This is among the biggest
shows of the year for the many talented
and prized artists of the Seabrook Island
Artists Guild and the photographers
of the Seabrook Island Photography
Club. For more information, visit
seabrookislandartistguild.com.
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 3
WHAT: Charleston Coastal Choir
Concert
WHEN: 5 p.m.
WHERE: Holy Spirit Catholic Church,
3871 Betsy Kerrison Parkway
MORE INFO: Admission is free to his
choral celebration of traditional and
contemporary holiday favorites.
December 8
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 6
WHAT: Seed To Soup fundraiser for
Fields To Families
WHERE: St. John’s High School Cafeteria
WHEN: 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
MORE INFO: Help support Fields to
Families. Make a donation of $25, choose
a bowl glazed by Haut Gap students, taste
soups created by St. John’s culinary classes
and area restaurants. Enjoy and learn about
Fields to Families. Donation tickets on
sale at SEEDtoSOUPfundraiser.eventbrite.
com.
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 8
WHAT: Taylor Festival Choir and Na
Fidleiri present A Charleston Christmas:
Celtic & Classical
WHEN: 4 p.m.
WHERE: Church of Our Saviour
MORE INFO: The Taylor Festival Choir
and Na Fidleiri will perform cherished
carols, lively holiday-themed Celtic jigs
and reels and operatic and folk vocal
offerings. The concert features music from
the Taylor Festival Choir’s soon-to-be-
released holiday CD, “So Hallow’d the
Time,” as well as fresh holiday folk fare
delivered by Na Fidleiri’s unique artistry.
There is no charge. Tickets will be released
Nov. 19 for Kiawah residents and Nov.
22 for the general public. To learn more:
kiawahisland.org/events/.
14
W O W O F S O U T H C A R O L I N A TA K E S C E N T E R S TA G E
T
he “WOW of South Carolina” took center stage
on the grounds of the Kaminski House, located
on the banks of the Sampit River in Georgetown
on Oct. 10. South Carolina Environmental Law Project
(SCELP) Executive Director Amy Armstrong used
the term to describe the watersheds, marshes, beaches,
wetlands, winding streams, intertidal zones and the
wildlife they foster during the tenth annual Wild Side
Celebration. Mossy oaks draped with tea lights ringed
the lawn of the centuries-old Georgian style home.
The Wild Side is a tribute to SCELP founder Jimmy
Chandler and a celebration of SCELP’s many legal
victories.
South Carolina Aquarium Director of Conservation
Albert George opened the elegant affair by issuing a
challenge to attendees. Kiawah residents Tammy and
Jerry McGee would match any ad hoc donations up to
$5,000, and he wanted to know if there were any takers.
There were, but he didn’t know that when he introduced
Armstrong and turned over the microphone.
She provided a brief history of SCELP and the many
reasons it must continue seeking legal remedies for
protecting South Carolina’s natural wonders.
“Ten years ago, our fight to protect Captain Sams Spit
from a 50-house development had just begun. [I took]
primary responsibility for the first trial in a legal saga that
continues today, even after four decisions by the South
Carolina Supreme Court.
“Ten years ago, we were drafting briefs in the court
of appeals in our Laurens County landfill case that we
daily
The Wild Side
BY GREGG BRAGG
The Island Connection Sr. Staff Writer
would go on to win in the Supreme Court in following
years, further cementing SCELP’s legacy in the waste
wars that SCELP fought and won in this state.
“And, most fittingly for this year’s celebration of the
WOW of South Carolina, 10 years ago, in a unanimous
decision, the Supreme Court upheld an enforcement
action against a landowner who illegally filled in a salt
marsh to increase his lot size,” Armstrong said, citing a
just a few examples.
Armstrong listed the ongoing litigation of Captain
Sams Spit as a prominent aspect of the future of SCELP’s
efforts, calling the next phase of their suit an “astounding”
fifth trip before the South Carolina Supreme Court. There
are other significant cases: fighting attempts to build in
Folly Beach on land that didn’t exist before benefiting
from a publicly funded re-nourishment project; removing
abandoned houses from the public beach in Beaufort
County; and opposing multiple developments proposed
in flood plains and in wetlands.
“As developable high ground vanishes and the
strong demographic and economic growth on our
coast continues unabated, developers have increasingly
turned to fragile and irreplaceable landscapes. This is
particularly unfortunate at a time of accelerating sea
level rise and associated coastal hazards, when adaptation
to increasingly higher tides and storm surges would be
challenging enough even without having to dedicate
time and resources to fight poorly-sighted and harmful
projects,” said Armstrong.
SCELP is also actively fighting to protect the
precedents they set through Supreme Court rulings from
November 8, 2019
being legislated away.
“We won a case in the South Carolina Supreme Court
which ruled that all wetlands in the state had protections
and could not be impacted without a state permit. The
next legislative session, the Legislature stripped those
protections, leaving only the weaker federal law in place
and hundreds of thousands of so-called isolated wetlands
vulnerable. We recognize that we must not only secure
protection for our land and water through the legal
system – we must ensure that they remain in effect and
are implemented and enforced,” said Armstrong at the
conclusion of her remarks.
The Island Connection called Armstrong for an
update on Captain Sams Spit on Aug. 23. Her response
to questions about why Kiawah Partners – also known
as KP/Kiawah Development Partners – continues to
go to court in the face of so many defeats was straight
forward enough. She said they are a hedge fund set on
maximizing profits, with approximately $150 million on
the table, in terms of what they could make off The Spit,
regardless of the fact that the area isn’t eligible for flood
insurance and has at times been completely under water.
“A developer doesn’t care because once they develop
it and sell the lots, they don’t have any liability or risk.
That’s all put on the people that purchase it. We see that
all over the state: ‘Wait. Nobody told us. What do we do?
Why did this happen? Why didn’t anybody tell us?’ The
developer is long gone, and the owner is left holding the
bag,” she said.
Armstrong thinks it will be at least spring or summer
of 2020 before the case actually goes before the high court
November 8, 2019
The South Carolina Environmental Law Project held its Wild Side Celebration on the banks of the Sampit River Oct. 10.
again. SCELP is still in the briefing process, detailing its
arguments. She told this reporter that both SCELP and
KP have filed for extensions to this process. Each side is
then entitled to file responsive briefs, after which it will
take the court an estimated four to six months to schedule
arguments. It could be as long as a year following that
before an opinion is rendered.
“Yeah, it’s a dangerous place to build. ‘The wise man
built on a rock and the foolish man built on shifting
sand.’ It’s also the most important place in South
Carolina for red knots to rest and feed, plovers to nest
and both like this area, and there only three like it in
the state. Development interferes with their ability to rest
and feed, not to mention all the other species that call it
home,” she said.
daily
Armstrong vowed to fight for The Spit as long as
she has breath. Don’t think money isn’t an issue here,
though. She said SCELP is a nonprofit and costs are hard
to establish, but she estimated a $1.5 million investment
in protecting the spit is as good as any.
“It’s not like we do this all day every day, but we’ve
been at it going on 11 years. That takes hundreds of
hours. It’s a really expensive undertaking. A copy of the
transcript (from the fourth hearing] cost $8,000 and we
have to produce 18 copies of that,” Armstrong added.
According to information emailed by SCELP after The
Wild Side, the McGees’ challenge was met. Augmented
by ticket sales and a silent auction of donated prizes,
SCELP raised close to $34,000 last month that will help
15
continue the fight against the many Goliaths assaulting
South Carolina for a bit longer.
“I think the best outcome for the state and its citizens
would be for Captain Sams to be a permanent protected
public resource. Whether it’s donated to a charity for
the write-off or however it works out. There’s already an
adjacent parking lot at Beachwalker Park. Maybe it could
become part of the park system or a heritage preserve.
There are certainly options for what could happen to that
piece of property from the perspective of the broader
public,” Armstrong said.
For more information on SCELP’s many conservation
efforts and to find out about ways you can help, visit scelp.
org/.