Sandcastles aren’t just a childhood pastime. The art of sculpting with sand has evolved into a form of expression that is truly remarkable to witness. Using their hands, simple tools and sand and water, contestants created beautiful sculptures at the 36th Annual Piccolo Spoleto Sand Sculpting Competition on June 7. This family-friendly event is a project of the Isle of Palms Recreation Department and Accommodations Tax Committee in cooperation with the City of Charleston Office of Cultural Affairs, bringing temporary sand art to our island each year for friendly competition, camaraderie and community. With 55 teams represented this year, the judges had their work cut out for them as they carefully selected winners across all categories. 14 IslandVibesIOP.com Island Day of Prayer unites community and first responders Provided COMMUNITY On Sunday, June 8, churches across Isle of Palms and Sullivan’s Island participated in the inaugural Island Day of Prayer, a community-wide event recognizing and uplifting the service of our local first responders through a day of collective prayer and fellowship. Initiated by the LENS Foundations (Law Enforcement Neighborhood Support) on Isle of Palms and Sullivan’s Island, the event brought together faith communities from both islands in a unified effort to pray for the safety, strength and well-being of our police officers, firefighters and EMS personnel, as well as their families. “LENS is proud to have helped raise awareness for this special day of reflection and gratitude,” said IOP LENS Foundation Director Ted Kinghorn. “Our mission is to support and care for those who serve our island communities. The Island Day of Prayer gave us a moment to pause, acknowledge the emotional and physical demands placed on our first responders and offer our deepest appreciation.” At DeepWater Church, Pastor Paul Coleman led one of several heartfelt services across the islands. In his remarks, he shared a personal story of the care his own family received during a medical emergency: “About six weeks ago, multiple firefighters came to our aid after our youngest daughter had an epileptic seizure,” recounted Coleman. “We were frightened and unsure what to do, but these first responders blessed our family with their care. My wife and I are deeply grateful—and I know many others in our community share similar stories of support and compassion from these brave men and women.” Coleman led the congregation in a moving prayer that included the following heartfelt requests: • Protection, wisdom and discernment for all first responders • Softened hearts and unity withA Fleeting Masterpiece Piccolo Spoleto Sand Sculpting Competition yields exquisite artistry By Katie Finch BEST OF CHILDREN'S 1st- Welcome Pineapple 2nd- Leatherneck Sea Turtles BEST OF YOUNG ADULTS 1st- Jaws - Sharkie 2nd- Sand Castle Your Head Off BEST OF FAMILY CHARLIE PEBERDY MEMORIAL AWARD 1st- Have a Wickedly Good Summer 2nd- Lego My Eggo BEST ARCHITECTURAL 1st- Miller Castle 2nd- Sand Coaster MOST CREATIVE 1st- Cast Your Wish 2nd- Kracken BEST OF ADULTS 1st- Eggspensive 2nd- Hootie & The Blowfish BEST OF SHOW - OVERALL Charleston Drip Company HAVE A WICKEDLY GOOD SUMMER MILLER CASTLE CAST YOUR WISH JAWS - SHARKIE EGGSPENSIVE Truthfully, all participants deserve recognition for their hard work, creativity and ingenuity, but here are the highlights on the winners below. Congratulations to all participants and winners! We hope to see you again next year. For more information, visit www.iop.net/ sand-sculpting-contest. in departments despite the trauma they witness • Strength and closeness for the families of responders • Protection from harmful outside influences • Empathy and compassion toward the communities they serve • A spiritual stirring among ranks to seek God’s presence • Leadership and discernment for IOP Police Chief Kevin Cornett and IOP Fire Chief Craig Oliverius • Respect from visitors and support from locals The Island Day of Prayer is one of many LENS initiatives that seek to build bridges between the community and its first responders. “It’s our hope,” Coleman said, “that this will become an annual tradition — one rooted in love, gratitude and faith.” Photos Provided.
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