Charleston Currents #13.23 | April 19, 2021
RELAXING VISTA. This 2020 photo from Caw Caw Interpretive Center is relaxing, but visiting in person is an even better way to get some mental relief. Learn more about this and other escapes in our calendar below. See something you think our readers would enjoy? Snap a shot and send it along to editor@charlestoncurrents.com. Photo by Andy Brack.
FOCUS: Maritime forest looms large in Sullivan’s Island election
COMMENTARY, Brack: Now is the time to thank a South Carolina teacher
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Magnolia Plantation and Gardens
NEWS BRIEFS: Feedback sought on Ashley River bike/pedestrian bridge
FEEDBACK: Send us your thoughts
MYSTERY PHOTO: Not the Citadel
CALENDAR: Dill Sanctuary offers Birding Day April 24
Maritime forest looms large in Sullivan’s Island election
Photo via Charleston County.
Staff reports | A decade-long lawsuit over trimming a maritime forest on Sullivan’s Island is the flash point of a May 4 election for mayor and three town council seats.
For years, homeowners cited concerns of vermin and wildfire risk when they requested the forest be trimmed prior to the lawsuit, which was settled by the town in October with a plan to cut many smaller trees. Other residents objected to the plan entirely, wanting the forest to stay wild.
At a Tuesday forum hosted by the League of Women Voters, two mayoral candidates and five council candidates had something to say regarding the matter.
“People are exhausted with the continuous fight,” said town council member Chauncey Clark, who is challenging incumbent Mayor Pat O’Neil. “Many people on the island are tired of our inability to come to some reasonable compromise on this issue. It’s torn the island in two.”
Many agree the settlement and subsequent management plan have been divisive, but some believe the fight is worth it to arrive at a favorable outcome for the island as a whole.
“It’s correct that this has been discussed for 20+ years,” said O’Neil, who opposes cutting the forest. “But the agreement the town signed onto bears little resemblance and little relation to the kinds of input we got over these many years — it was, pure and simple, a response to the suit. This is something that flies in the face of what the community has been asking for for many years.”
Added trouble arose after a survey found 65 acres of the forest contains wetlands, and more land was classified as special coastal zones protected by the state of South Carolina.
Five candidates are running to fill three council seats. The only incumbent is Tim Reese, who is supportive of the current forest plan, saying it is not deforestation, but a multi-zone land project with three zones of varying levels of thick tree line.
Newcomers include Kevin Pennington, who is for the plan, and three candidates who are opposed to trimming the forest: Scott Millmet, Justin Novak and Gary Visser.
“There are a lot of ways you can characterize this, but in the end, we made the wrong decision, and I think we have some opportunities to reverse that, and I would support any of them,” Visser said at the forum.
Other issues facing Sullivan’s Island residents include local impacts of rapid growth around the Lowcountry as a whole, along with the effects of climate change. Concerns over traffic, parking and flooding are also part of the conversation in the 2,200-person town ahead of the upcoming election.
And in light of how island leaders have handled those priorities, one challenger said, transparency has become an issue as well.
“The process we have of engaging our community and its citizens is broken,”Pennington said during the forum. “Attending town council meetings is only a partial process, and it isn’t a constructive forum for problem solving and engaging the intelligence and resources we have available in the community. I want to see that process changed, and we have to provide that opportunity.”
The full online forum was recorded and can be viewed on the League of Women Voters’ Facebook page. Voters head to the polls on May 4.
Charleston City Paper reporter Skyler Baldwin wrote the original version of this story. Have a comment? Send to: editor@charlestoncurrents.com.
Now is the time to thank a South Carolina teacher
By Andy Brack, editor and publisher | The letter from my daughter’s longtime piano teacher gave a start.
“After being in the classroom for 31 years and working with children and youth for another nine-plus years, I have decided to retire at the end of this year,” wrote Debra Benson, who teaches at Charleston County School of the Arts (SOA). “As one of my colleagues said, ‘I have never worked as hard as I do at SOA’ but every minute has been rewarding because of the students we serve.”
For six years, Mrs. Benson has been a steady influence, a reassuring fixture in our family’s life. It’s hard to imagine her not being at SOA during my daughter’s senior year.
Her letter is a reminder, yet again, of how our nation’s teachers are too often taken for granted — and how we need to thank them, over and over, for their work of molding young minds. They generally don’t get paid enough. They often don’t get the tools they need. And they have to put up with a lot of bureaucracy, paperwork, long hours and nonsense from students. Despite it all, they stick to it.
Ann-Marie Fairchild, an SOA math teacher, recalls weeping after getting a touching letter that provided the affirmation she needed early in her teaching career.
“She wrote about how learning to solve problems in algebra helped her to learn how to problem-solve in life: discerning the most important information, developing a plan, figuring a solution, then evaluating the solution for flaws. She went into great detail in her letter about how this translated into her tragic life circumstances — how math helped her to have hope. She also thanked me for the time I invested in her, making her feel loved and a part of a classroom family.”
Other teachers shared what it felt like to get thanked.
“Having students come back to thank me for inspiring them to become health and fitness professionals is a rewarding feeling,” said Brian Johnson, a physical education and health teacher at SOA. “When this happens, I feel more purpose in teaching.”
Christopher Selby, an orchestra teacher at the North Charleston high school, added, “Recently I had a former orchestra student write me to say that he was a little sorry he was such a cut up in my class over a decade ago. But, he wanted to write to me to say that he is now a music teacher, and he thanked me for all that I taught him. This is one of the most rewarding aspects of teaching. We pour so much of ourselves into our students, and maybe they are too young to appreciate it at the time, but they recognize it later, and they come back to say thank you.”
Several years back, I contacted my favorite teacher, Frances Scott, in Jesup, Ga., to share the impact she had on me as a fourth grader. Not only did I get a letter back, but she inspired me again to do better. She died a few years later, which made me extra-glad that I let her know how important she remains.
With the end of school around the corner, think back to your learning career and find a teacher or two who meant the world to you. Make their day by letting them know now. Not only will it make you feel good, it will give them a huge boost.
“The best compliment in the world is a parent who tells you ‘my child would not have graduated without you,’ said Sherry East, president of the S.C. Education Association. “Several of those students keep in touch and to know you had a hand in shaping their lives is what it’s all about!”
Thank you, Debra Benson, and thanks to all of South Carolina’s teachers. Keep up the good work.
Andy Brack is editor and publisher of Charleston Currents, and publisher of the Charleston City Paper. Have a comment? Send to: editor@charlestoncurrents.com.
Magnolia Plantation and Gardens
The public spiritedness of our underwriters allows us to bring Charleston Currents to you at no cost. Today we shine our spotlight on Magnolia Plantation and Gardens, founded in 1676 by the Drayton family. It has survived the centuries and witnessed the history of our nation unfold before it from the American Revolution through the Civil War and beyond. It is the oldest public tourist site in the Lowcountry and the oldest public gardens in America, opening its doors to visitors in 1870. Open 365 days a year, Magnolia offers its visitors splendid tours of nature and history and the role African-Americans played in the development of its award-winning Romantic-style gardens.
- Visit www.magnoliaplantation.com to learn how you can experience a complete plantation experience.
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City seeks feedback on Ashley River bike/pedestrian bridge
Rendering via City of Charleston.
Staff reports | Charleston residents can submit online comments through May 3 to a proposal that calls for construction of a bicycle and pedestrian bridge over the Ashley River to connect the peninsula and West Ashley.
The Ashley River Crossing project seeks to provide a safe connection and increased access to the peninsula for bicyclists and walkers who live in West Ashley, where nearly half of the city’s residents live.
The Ashley River Crossing is a separated bike path and stand-alone bridge that will originate at the end of the West Ashley Greenway and cross the Ashley River. The new bridge, which is expected to be built next year, will also provide a safe connection between the West Ashley Greenway, Brittlebank Park and the Ashley River Walk.
In addition to construction of the bridge, the project includes improvements at key intersections along the West Ashley Greenway, and at the Bee Street and Lockwood Drive intersection on the peninsula. The project will also make improvements to the West Ashley Greenway crosswalk at Wappoo Road.
How to participate: Citizens can submit feedback through May 3 by visiting the online public meeting. Designs for the project are currently being developed. Feedback received during the online public comment period will help inform the project team of design elements to consider.
Learn more: To learn more about the project, go to: www.ashleyrivercrossing.com. You can see an earlier discussion of the bridge through the city’s Design Division.
In other recent news:
Hendrick Automotive gives $35,000. The Lowcountry Food Bank received a $35,000 donation from Hendrick Automotive on April 13 to use to fight hunger. In addition to the donation, Hendrick Automotive Group is planning for employee volunteers from its Charleston and North Charleston dealerships to pack hundreds of food boxes at Lowcountry Food Bank for immediate distribution to our community. They are also planning to sponsor, volunteer their time and personally distribute food at an upcoming Lowcountry Food Bank mobile food distribution.
S.C. Dems face uphill climb against Tim Scott in 2022/ South Carolina Democrats’ first challenge in their attempts to oust U.S. Sen. Tim Scott will be convincing donors and voters not to give up on the Palmetto State after their big loss against Lindsey Graham in 2020. More: The Post and Courier. S.C. Democratic Rep. Krystle Mathews of Ladson says she’s the one to beat Tim Scott in 2022. More: The State
S.C.’s Clyburn highlights infrastructure needs in state. In push for Biden’s American Jobs Plan, U.S. House Majority Whip Jim Clyburn of South Carolina has highlighted the infrastructure needs in the Palmetto State, including 12 percent of S.C. households with no access to broadband internet. More: WCBD. In related news, an analysis from a research company found that S.C. ranks 31st nationally in a federal program aimed at expanding broadband access in rural America. More: Columbia Business Report
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Not the Citadel
This building isn’t at the Citadel. It’s not even in Charleston County, but it is in South Carolina. Send your best guess to editor@charlestoncurrents.com. And don’t forget to include your name and the town in which you live.
Our previous Mystery Photo
Last week’s mystery, “In the distance,” shows the huge, new cranes at the Hugh K. Leatherman Terminal in North Charleston. The facility, the first container terminal to open since 2009, started unloading cargo March 30.
“The Hugh K. Leatherman Terminal is an investment in the future of South Carolina that will spur economic development, create jobs, and further our state’s position as an international business destination for years to come,” Gov. Henry McMaster said earlier this month. “This project is a momentous achievement which highlights the strengths of Team South Carolina. I congratulate the South Carolina Ports Authority and everyone who has worked towards achieving this historic day.”
The terminal sits along the Cooper River in North Charleston, S.C., near Charleston Harbor. Its cranes can be seen throughout the region — the changed skyline serving as a reminder of Charleston’s success as a port city. The new terminal can efficiently work the biggest ships calling on East Coast ports. Phase One adds 700,000 TEUs of throughput capacity to the Port of Charleston. More info.
Congratulations to our eagle-eyed readers who correctly identified the cranes at the new terminal: Nathan Henigan of West Ashley; Jay Altman of Columbia; George Graf of Palmyra, Va.; Allan Peel of San Antonio, Texas; and Margo Missino of Round O;
- Send us a mystery: If you have a photo that you believe will stump readers, send it along (but make sure to tell us what it is because it may stump us too!) Send it along to editor@charlestoncurrents.com.
Dill Sanctuary offers Birding Day April 24
Staff reports | You can enjoy the spring influx of birds to the area starting at 8:30 a.m. April 24 at the Charleston Museum’s Dill Sanctuary, a 580-acre wild preserve located along the Stono River on James Island that is home to a wide array of birdlife. A six-acre wildlife pond with three nesting islands attracts numerous wading birds, including threatened wood storks, while maintained fields, surrounded by woodland, provide habitat for songbirds, wild turkeys and raptors. Birders will be given a map of the property and required to sign the Dill Sanctuary Code of Conduct before exploring the property on their own to discover the birds that call the Sanctuary home or that are passing through during migration. Suggested materials: binoculars, birding guide book/app, water, bug spray, hat and sunscreen.
Visitors to Birding Day are encouraged to submit your findings to citizen science projects such as eBird and iNaturalist. This is an “off-road” location with unprepared terrain. Walking shoes/boots are strongly recommended.
- Register to attend: Reservations and social distancing required. $10 Museum Members | $20 Non-Members.
Also on the calendar:
Marsalis and jazz septet: 7:30 p.m., April 23 and April 24, Charleston Gaillard Center, Charleston. The Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra Septet will perform socially distanced shows. The weekend performances will showcase the musicians in a rare small group configuration that will leave audiences inspired and uplifted with the full vigor, vision and depth of America’s music. Concert seating is in blocks of two and four. To attend in person, you must purchase the block. Tickets start at $65. If you don’t want to attend in person, you can buy a livestream ticket of the April 24 event for $20. Learn more.
Safe Sounds: Firefly Distillery, North Charleston. Here are some of the shows at the beginning of the 15-concert series: April 24, Randall Fowler with special guest; April 25, The Allman Betts Band; April 29, Sam Bush; and May 1, On the Border – “The ultimate Eagles tribute Band.” Head over to citypapertickets.com to secure a spot. Tickets are available now. (Editor’s note: City Paper Tickets, which is run by sister publication Charleston City Paper, is operating ticketing for Safe Sounds.)
Ongoing
Holy City Farmers Market: 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., every Wednesday, Holy City Brewing, North Charleston. Vendors rotate weekly to provide shoppers with a tiny but mighty shopping experience. Vendors will be selling a range of products from specialty foods, home and body care to arts and crafts. More info.
Birds of Prey flight demonstrations: 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. on Thursdays and Saturdays, Center for Birds of Prey, 4719 Highway 17. Awendaw. The center has reopened its doors to visitors after closing due to the COVID-19 pandemic, inviting people to once again come and explore the world of raptors through an outdoor program and flight demonstration. Tickets: . $20/adult; $15/children age 3-17.
Like A Girl: Dare to Dream: Through May 2, City Gallery, Prioleau St., Charleston. Featuring portraits of more than 35 South Carolinian women, Like a Girl is a new exhibition by artist Fer Caggiano that brings attention to women who have excelled, each with unique and inspiring stories. In them, girls and other women will see on canvas their potential: they can be strong, smart and beautiful, and ready to make their mark on the world. Learn more.
Quiet Edge: Through May 22, Redux Contemporary Art Center, 1056 King St., Charleston. This new show brings together the works of two artists who address rectangular forms that ebb and flow between depiction and abstraction: Suzanne Dittenber of Ashevlle, N.C., with the form of the book and Benny Fountain of Waco, Texas, with the window and room. Hours are Monday and Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Fridays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Sunday Brunch Farmers Market: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., every Sunday, Charleston Pour House, 1977 Maybank Highway, James Island. While the market is discouraging people from spending too much time hanging out during the market, everyone is invited to shop their local vendors.
Bird-watching at Caw Caw. Every Wednesday and Saturday — particularly through the end of February — you can see a plethora of birds at Caw Caw Interpretive Center in Ravenel as they make their way through the Lowcountry. The two-hour regular walks, which start at 8:30 a.m., are through distinct habitats that allow participants to view and discuss a variety of birds, butterflies, and other organisms. Registration is not required. Participants are encouraged to bring their own binoculars. A paid chaperone is required for participants ages 15 and under. Max. 10 participants. Fee: $9; free for Gold Pass holders. Open to all ages. More: Caw Caw Interpretive Center.
- If you have any online events, drop us a line (editor@charlestoncurrents.com) and make sure to put “Online event” in the subject line. Similarly, if you’ve got cool ideas for stuff to do while in isolation at home, send them our way.
- ORDER NOW: Copies of our new book, 350 Facts About Charleston, are in Lowcountry-area bookstores now, but if you can’t swing by, you can order a copy online today.
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