IslandVibesIOP.com 15 plastics. Working with the South Carolina Aquarium’s conservation team and the aquarium’s Litter Journal, the crew has collected and documented approximately 225,000 litter items since its inception. In 2023, Smith received the Spirit of the Island Award for her efforts, which recognizes an individual or organization that has made significant contributions to the Isle of Palms through achievement, community service and volunteerism. The prestigious award requires an official nomination and review by a nomination committee, which includes the city’s mayor. “Susan has been a valuable member of our community,” said Mayor Phillip Pounds. “She always stands ready to protect our beautiful and fragile environment for the ongoing enjoyment typically have multiple wins for wildlife and people. Dr. Robert Beall Crafting confident smiles far and wide Dr. Robert Beall is more than a dentist; he is a pillar of generosity and service within the Charleston community. Dr. Beall has been practicing dentistry for more than 25 years and has completed hundreds of hours of continuing education in subjects such as cosmetic dentistry, implant surgery and restorative dentistry. While he provides essential dental care to paFEATURE Isle of Philanthropy Good Samaritans with a passion for giving By Zach Giroux In the spirit of the holidays, Island Vibes wanted to shine a light on some philanthropic endeavors from Isle of Palms residents that can easily go unnoticed among the hubbub of the season. For these folks, philanthropy goes much deeper than reaching in their pocket or making an online donation to a local charity. It’s about getting their boots on the ground and getting their hands dirty or sandy. These individuals embody community spirit and channel their time and resources to bring joy to residents of their island and those in need both near and far. The following movers and shakers are a living testament that philanthropy is not measured in dollars alone but rather time donated, commitment and the sheer will to create positive change in the community. Susan Hill Smith Cleaner of the Coast Susan Hill Smith walks the beach with a bucket in one hand and a clipboard in the other. There’s no time for a leisurely stroll on the sand or to gaze at a beautiful sunrise. Smith is far too concerned with improving the island’s coastal stewardship. The former IOP City Council member and esteemed journalist is also the co-founder and driving force behind one of the Lowcountry’s most active citizen-led environmental initiatives. In 2018, the IOP Cleanup Crew formed as a volunteer group that met twice a month to remove litter from the island’s beaches and marshes. What started as a small cleanup effort has since evolved into a structured citizen-science program. Volunteers catalog tens of thousands of pieces of trash each year, entering detailed data into a regional database that tracks trends from cigarette butts to single-use of residents and guests for years to come.” The following year, Smith and the IOP Environmental Advisory Committee successfully lobbied the IOP Harris Teeter to stop selling a common kind of cheap boogie board that breaks apart easily with the potential to unleash hundreds to thousands of Styrofoam beads into the environment. More recently, Smith has connected with the director of Isle of Palms County Park and is in talks with all the county beach parks about eliminating this class of board from the options they sell to park-goers. Smith’s motto is “Be part of the solution, not the pollution.” She helped shape the city’s strategic vision to be a welcoming, environmentally conscious and resilient coastal community committed to enhancing the quality of life for those who come here to live, work and play. “Our city is a magical place that provides us with the rare opportunity to live on a barrier island. With that comes a responsibility to protect vital natural resources,” Smith added. “While I have volunteered in a variety of ways through the years, the more I learn about the natural world around me, the more motivated I am to work for environmental causes, which Susan Hill Smith with Isle of Palms Cleanup Crew and South Carolina Aquarium conservation team Continued on Page 18. She always stands ready to protect our beautiful and fragile environment for the ongoing enjoyment of residents and guests for years to come. - IOP Mayor Phillip Pounds
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