SEA TURTLES: PROTECTING ONE OF IOP’S PRECIOUS TREASURES See Page 3 Photo by Rachel Basye Vol.4 Issue 9 September 2026 FIRST OF THE FIRST RESPONDERS SEE PAGE 23 MEET YOUR ISLAND NEIGHBORS: AL AND WALLIS CANNON See Page 21 REMEMBERING 9/11 A POLICEMAN’S FIRSTHAND ACCOUNT FROM GROUND ZERO See Page 12 SOURCING LOCAL See Page 18 To read digitally, visit ReadIslandVibes.com The conversation continues at IsleOfPalmsPodcast.com 25 Years Later The Unbroken Vow to Remember FDNY’s Finest
IslandVibesIOP.com 3 With all the beach renourishment happening this summer on Isle of Palms, one often-hidden gem is being looked after even more than usual: the island’s sea turtles and their nesting sites. And until the last grain of beach sand is placed this autumn by Marinex Construction of North Charleston, every one of these sites is being carefully monitored and checked by members of the all-volunteer Island Turtle Team and work crews to ensure their current and long-term safety. “We’re keeping watch on a total of 59 nesting sites – 42 on IOP and another 17 on Sullivan’s Island,” said project leader Mary Pringle, now in her 29th year with the team. “And during beach renourishment, protecting them remains a top priority.” Pringle pointed out that most of the turtle nests were laid in Wild Dunes before renourishment work began. Under the guidance of the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, nests within the three project areas were relocated to the middle of the island. Site protection is coordinated with respect to crew work on any given day. “If a turtle enters the construction area, all machinery and lights are shut down until she leaves,” Pringle said. “If she lays eggs, the turtle team carefully relocates them to a safe incubation site. Although nesting during construction is rare, crews are prepared to respond.” The extra focus, however, is not far removed from the team’s regular efforts. Every day at dawn, from May 1 through mid-August, members patrol all beaches looking for new sea turtle tracks, checking nests for overnight hatching and monitoring for threats such as ghost crabs, sand buildup and erosion. But Pringle said that this summer’s beach renourishment – which includes placing 2.5 million cubic yards of beach-quality sediment along up to 19,200 linear feet of shoreline on the two ends of the island – is giving the team a chance to go the extra mile. “We were directed by SCDNR to relocate any nests that were laid within the renourishment project areas of the island,” she said. “Nearly 75% of the nests – 30 out of the 42 – were laid within those areas and had to be carefully relocated before thousands of cubic yards of sand were pumped on top of them. So, it’s been a busy season for our members.” Busy, but rewarding. So far, efforts between team members and Marinex work crews have been just this side of stellar – such that Pringle indicated the environment for the hatchlings is in some ways better than when the sand placement began. “Nests normally take 45 to 60 days of incubation before producing hatchlings – which need a dark and quiet beach to survive,” she said. “If there are lights on the beach other than that from the moon, stars or white foam on the breakers, they can become disoriented and head the wrong way, get lost and die before they reach the ocean. Instead, because of all the coordinated efforts, the baby turtles have come and gone as if there were no beach renourishment going on at all.” All of which points to a long-awaited resurgence in the island’s sea turtle population – one that is likely to last for a while. “Before we started nest protection, only one in 10,000 hatchlings survived until adulthood to reproduce,” Pringle said. “Scientists believe this is not the case anymore. It takes 25 to 30 years for a hatchling to become an adult. With human threats and predation from raccoons, coyotes and all kinds of marine predators eating them in the ocean, the population was decreasing. But the eggs we protected in the 1990s are now adults, and the DNA samples we’ve taken from our nests since 2012 show that new females are entering the nesting population each year. So, it’s good to see these results that make all the work worthwhile.” NEWS Sea Turtles: Protecting one of IOP’s precious treasures By L. C. Leach III “Very knowledgeable, responsive and honest. We have bought and sold over 20 homes and never experienced the quality of service that Andrea provided” “...extremely helpful in making recommendations to get our house market-ready. With her suggestions for home improvements, our house sold in a week at the high end of market value.” 843.532.3010 - AndreaRogers1@gmail.com CALL ANDREA ROGERS SOUTHERN PROFESSIONALISM A way of life, The way to be The most critical point of a sea turtle's life is reaching the ocean shortly after hatching. Sea turtle nesting sites are often only a stone's throw from island homes.
IslandVibesIOP.com 4 As we put the September issue to bed, I can’t help but think of the passionate team that surrounds me. I know you’ve heard this from me before, but it is so true. We should always give thanks for the blessings we have, and this publishing family that loves what they do and understands me is truly a blessing. All of us here think of ourselves as Picasso or Rembrandt in front of a blank canvas before we start creating each issue of Island Vibes. We build each piece of art with graphics, design elements and words. Speaking of words, I think it’s amazing to have Thomas White, who served 30 years with the New York Police Department, living on Isle of Palms and sharing his thoughts about what it was like working at Ground Zero during 9/11 and its immediate aftermath. His family’s story appears on Page 12, as recounted by writer Laura Fogarty. When White said the July Fourth weekend at Front Beach Isle of Palms feels like Times Square, who would have known? Of course, this issue we created a piece of art that commemorates 9/11. As White said in his interview, he doesn’t need a T-shirt or a plaque to remember that tragic day. He will always remember because of the men and women who we lost and continue to lose. Speaking of first responders, Mary Coy wrote an article about the hiring of Isle of Palms’ first police chief, which you can find on Page 23. On February 1953, IOP resident A.W. Anderson was appointed by the mayor and approved by city council. With only a few hundred residents living on the island, you would think it would be an easy job, but when Anderson attempted to charge local businesses for a business license, it wasn’t easy. Everyone here feels that each issue of any of our publications, Island Vibes, Mount Pleasant Magazine and Charleston Women, is a piece of art. After all, when an artist has a blank canvas, they can craft an image that reflects what is in their mind or in front of them. For our staff that image is the community of Isle of Palms. We strive to create positive, engaging, inspiring and colorful images that reflect the best IOP has to offer. The unique thing about Island Vibes’ creativity, like all our publications, is that there are multiple hands holding the publishing paint brush. Our team of artists collaborates to create the publication, making the blank canvas come alive so that Island Vibes becomes a Picasso or Rembrandt. Thanks for reading our finished artwork and looking at your creation known as Island Vibes. If you have a friend or family member who you think would enjoy reading Island Vibes, please send them the digital version readIslandVibes. com. Positively yours, Bill Macchio Publisher Island Vibes Vol. 4, Issue 9, September 2026 PUBLISHER BILL MACCHIO PUBLISHER@ISLANDVIBESIOP.COM ART DIRECTOR BETHANY LONG COPY EDITOR COLIN MCCANDLESS BRAND AMBASSADOR SONYA BUCKHANNON SONYA@ISLANDVIBESIOP.COM PHOTOGRAPHY RACHEL BASYE COOPERRIVERPHOTOGRAPHY@GMAIL.COM DIGITAL MANAGER ALLYAH HARRAR ALLYAH@ISLANDVIBESIOP.COM SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER ELLEN KERR ELLEN@ISLANDVIBESIOP.COM WEB EDITOR GEORGE CONKLIN WRITERS RYAN BUCKHANNON • ELLA DUANE LAURA FOGARTY • ALLYAH HARRAR BELLA HARRAR • CARI LAWSON L.C. LEACH III • COLIN MCCANDLESS PHILLIP POUNDS • SARAH ROSE SALES REPRESENTATIVES STACEY MCLOUGHLIN STACEY@ISLANDVIBESIOP.COM MARNIE BONN MARNIE@ISLANDVIBESIOP.COM ADMINISTRATION & BOOKKEEPING GINGER SOTTILE BOSS DOG REGGIE DISTRIBUTION ISLE OF PALMS • WILD DUNES • GOAT ISLAND • DEWEES ISLAND • U.S. POST OFFICE • HARRIS TEETER • CVS • FOOD LION ASHEVILLE/HENDERSON AIRPORT ALL SC WELCOME CENTERS DIRECT MAIL VIA US POST OFFICE Homes on Isle of Palms and Sullivan’s Island Affluent neighborhoods rotated monthly Charlotte, Raleigh, Greensboro, Asheville, NC Buckhead, Druid Hills, Decatur, Atlanta, Georgia Island Vibes is published locally by a team of independent contractors. Island Vibes is published 12 times per year by Islands Publishing LLC. 1013 Chuck Dawley Blvd. Mount Pleasant, SC 29464 Copyright © Islands Publishing LLC. All rights reserved. Reproduction electronically or in print format without the expressed written consent of the publisher is strictly prohibited and a violation of U.S. copyright laws. Content, including editorial, advertising or comments, that threatens, harasses or degrades others may be revoked or refused from print and online publication at the sole discretion of Island Vibes. Inquiries to: Island Vibes P.O. Box 22617, Charleston, SC 29413 Proud Member of the IOP Chamber of Commerce and A South Carolina Press Association Award-Winning Publication. About the Cover By Laura Fogarty From the Publisher FROM THE TEAM On a beautiful yet scorching hot day, a few of our first responders gathered at Isle of Palms Fire Department Station 2 for a 9/11 25th anniversary remembrance cover photo shoot. Photographer Rachel Basye arranged and re-arranged our diligent but overheated participants in multiple configurations until everyone was satisfied that we had captured the spirit of both the solemnity of the day to be remembered and the respect owed to our current and past first responders. What began early in the day before the heat became too unbearable, ended several poses and shots later. We eventually landed on the perfect cover photo that encapsulated not only the essence of the valor and fortitude of our local law enforcement, EMTs and firefighters, but also every first responder that has sacrificed for the greater good, not only on Sept. 11, 2001, but before and long after that tragic, life-altering day. Our photo shoot was a poignant reminder that on that horrific day, local emergency services shifted into high-alert status, with an overwhelming uncertainty if secondary targets might exist. Twenty-five years later, we continue to honor our fallen heroes while pledging to remember and support the first responders of yesterday, today and beyond. The promise to never forget remains – today, tomorrow and always. Sgts. Thomas and Mindy White From left to right: Tom Castonguay (FireFighter/Paramedic), Gage Greenfield (FireFighter/ Paramedic), Timur Dmitriyev (FireFighter/EMT), Rory O'Toole (Code Enforcement Officer), Sean Michael Kittrell (Animal Control Officer), Kraig Thompson (Deputy Chief), Amanda Bostell (Corporal) and Keven M. Barattini (Sergeant).
IslandVibesIOP.com 5 homebuyers and families, shaping our region well into the future.” Of course, these new residents will have to cope with some of the same factors as people in other parts of the country. Inflation, for example, is expected to be a hot topic at the conference, as consumer buying has not returned to pre-COVID levels as forecast in 2025. Officials with the Federal Reserve have also hinted recently that national interest rates could go up before the end of the year. If this happens, the new rates could affect bank accounts, loans, credit cards, investments and incentives for creating new businesses. In real estate, home prices, especially in Charleston County, have skyrocketed in the last 10 years. Based on reports by Realtor.com®, median home prices for the City of Charleston rose from about $325,000 in 2016 to $675,000 in 2026. On Isle of Palms, this median increased from approximately $800,000 to a whopping $2.5 million. But Charleston’s labor market has continued to outperform national trends. Economists from last year’s conference projected this market to grow this year by another 2% from 2025. Whereas the area’s unemployment rate is expected to remain steady at 3.5% through 2026, no one knows what the conference experts’ outlook will reveal or how much their 2027 predictions will match outcomes. Three things, however, are certain: last year’s conference was sold out, tickets for this year are still available and if you are new to Charleston, a little insight into where the area is headed can’t hurt. “Charleston Metro is growing fast, but the real opportunity is understanding where,” Sheilley said in an April LinkedIn post. “U.S. Census Bureau data shows growth in the Charleston Metro is accelerating, but much of it is happening outside of Charleston County. That shift is creating new opportunities for investment, workforce, housing and long-term regional strategy.” FROM THE TEAM Economic Outlook Conference set for November Experts again anticipate much depending on inflation, federal interest rates By L. C. Leach III If 2026 has seemed bumpy, stressful, up-and-down or too often perturbing because of continuing worker shortages, political unrest and ongoing inflation, 2027 might prove more stable and uplifting – if you can handle more of the continued uncertainty – all of which is likely to be in evidence at the Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce’s 35th annual Economic Outlook Conference this autumn. Scheduled for Nov. 10 at Trident Technical College in North Charleston, more than 400 business leaders are expected to come together for projections and insights by Mark Witte, professor of economics at the College of Charleston, into where South Carolina’s economy is headed for 2027 and what it could mean for individual businesses in the Lowcountry. The Charleston area itself is anticipated to play a key factor. For example, in a 2025 Growth Index compiled by U-Haul, Charleston ranked No. 7 among U.S. metro areas, climbing six spots from No. 13 in 2024 – ahead of both Raleigh, North Carolina, and Atlanta – and reinforcing the region’s long-term growth momentum. “There are two key reasons we pay close attention to this ranking,” said Kevin Sheilley, president and CEO of the Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce. “First, it tells us who is moving here. Many U-Haul customers are young people, which signals that the Charleston region continues to attract young professionals and emerging talent, fueling our economy today. Second, these new residents represent future Transportation Sales Tax Referendum heading to November ballot By L. C. Leach III While Election Day is still a couple of months away, now is the time for Charleston County voters to carefully weigh a referendum ballot option: to either continue or halt the half-cent Transportation Sales Tax. The Charleston County Council approved the referendum after months of discussion and a final third-reading vote on July 21. The motion passed 7-1, with one member absent. If passed in November, the proposed TST program would total $4.25 billion for a time frame not to exceed 25 years, and would invest in roads, public transit, flood protection and green space, with projects planned for communities across the county. Funding from the sales tax would be earmarked as follows: • Featured Projects – 39.95%. At a price tag just under $1.7 billion, this area would include improvements to Mall Drive in the City of North Charleston; a widening of U.S. 17 South in the City of Charleston; and Long Point Road resiliency in the Town of Mount Pleasant. • Public Transit – $858 million – 20.19%. This part would include $23 million for implementing a downtown route study. • Greenbelt Program – $690 million – 16.24%. Funding would go to preserve parks, greenspaces and conservation efforts. The remaining percentage, totaling just over $1 billion, would fund debt service, pavement management, intersection safety, signal coordination, bike/ pedestrian improvements and $113 million for carryover needs. Isle of Palms Mayor Phillip Pounds said that while there are no specific IOP projects tagged at this point, that would likely change if the measure passes. “IOP would certainly look to have plans submitted to meet the demands of a growing population,” he said. “From my standpoint, the large infrastructure projects should benefit all of us.” However, Matt Dillane, marketing and communications coordinator with the Charleston County Board of Voter Registration and Elections, pointed out that while the measure would affect all county residents in some way, there is no guarantee of how many people will turn out to cast their ballot. “Predicting how referendums impact voter turnout is difficult,” he said. “Many factors influence turnout, including the content of the referendum itself and the other races and candidates present on the ballot.” One possible factor is that five members of the current county council will be on the ballot for re-election: Jenny Honeycutt, Herbert Sass, Teddie Pryor, chairman Joe Boykin and vice chairman Larry Kobrovsky. Another is that despite the council’s majority OK for the referendum, two members voiced concerns that the amounts slated for different projects are not earmarked in the right proportion. Councilman Brantley Moody – who has opposed the measure since day one – said he remains a ‘no’ partly because the Greenbelt Program has exceeded expectations, yet its supporters are now asking for more funding; and mainly because more money should be marked for infrastructure. “(We have) presented that $2.7 billion goes to infrastructure, about 63% – that’s just not the case – that number is closer to 46% now after this action tonight,” said Moody, addressing the council before the third reading vote. “I don’t think our roads are at 120% of performance like Greenbelt is. And when you take out $690 million in seawall debt service, some of the bike-ped money that’s got to sit idle, you’ve got about $2 billion of $4.25 billion on a Transportation Sales Tax going to infrastructure that our constituents can actually use. TST needs to be more about this than handouts to special interest groups and Greenbelt, a slush fund.” Councilman Henry Darby added that while he agrees with Moody on many concerns, particularly Greenbelt, he believes the referendum measure is the best way to either move or fail forward – “to let the public make that decision.”
approved by city council soon. We need to have this constructed in the months of January/February – you know our offseason! – however some stars need to align quickly for us to hit this timeframe. Planning to have bids back in October for city council to approve in November. BULKHEAD RECOATING – The bulkhead around our marina property is showing signs of wear in this tough environment, so it’s time to recoat it. Proposals for creating specs, sending bid package, soliciting bids and managing the project are to be reviewed by city council in the coming months. LITTER – I hope you have recently noticed a reduction in litter around our community. Our Public Works Department has hired an outside contractor to complete periodic sweeps of various places on our island. They perform clean up at Breach Inlet; Front Beach commercial district to city hall and up the Connector to the end of the Public Services Building; Carmen Bunch Park; the opposite side of Harris Teeter on Palm; 21st - 41st; and 41st to the marina and 10 feet into the marsh from the public dock to the restaurant. They are scheduled for every other week until Labor Day and have been a good addition to our other clean-up efforts. There are always many projects going on in our community and they are regularly updated on our website or social media sites as are upcoming community events. Thank you for the opportunity to serve! Phillip Pounds, Mayor IOP 843-252-5359 ppounds@isleofpalms.gov Fall is coming! I wrote in an earlier message this year that given our long, cool winter I wasn’t going to complain when our 90 degree and 95+% humidity days hit, but I may have to retract that statement. Wow, it has been a hot one! I do love fall on our island – less heat, fewer crowds and still plenty of outdoors to enjoy. I hope you have been following the city’s communications regarding our beach project. On our website, isleofpalms.gov, there are great updates, videos and information to keep you informed on what’s happening. If you haven’t seen it yet, there is a map with a slider timeline so you can see our best estimate of where work is and will be taking place in the coming weeks. A couple of other quick project updates: WATERWAY BOULEVARD MULTI-USE PATH ELEVATION PROJECT – We are making great progress on this one. Planning to wrap 6 IslandVibesIOP.com CIVICS Mayor’s Message September 2026 By Phillip Pounds, Mayor, Isle of Palms CALL YOUR COASTAL COVERAGE SPECIALISTS, TODAY! 843.881-4707 | insureme@sigsc.com | Mount Pleasant & Beaufort AUTO • HOMEOWNERS • CONDO • LIFE • WIND & HAIL • COMMERCIAL • FLOOD Scan for helpful hurricane prep tips! NOW IS THE TIME TO REVIEW YOUR WIND POLICY & FLOOD COVERAGE. up this phase by the end of September. Significant improvement to the path but more importantly drainage infrastructure added on the golf course and along the road right of way to protect a large swath of our island from storm surge and tidal inundation. We have experienced great results from our other completed drainage project on the island so know this one will yield similar results. MARINA DREDGING – We have received all regulatory permits, bids are going out later this year and the project will start in early 2027. RESTAURANT AND CITY PARKING RECONFIGURATION AND GREENSPACE – Like the Waterway Path project, this one has been percolating for some time. To make the green space around our new public dock happen it required a lease amendment with the restaurant to redefine their leased premises. That’s been done and now design of the new layout is being completed and will be reviewed and
7 IslandVibesIOP.com CRIME Apparently, if the license is already suspended, some folks might as well fill out the whole bingo card. Noise complaints also checked in with 13 cases. Here is the fun part: six were founded, and seven were unfounded. In other words, more than half the time police arrived and apparently discovered that the offending noise had either stopped, moved, evaporated or existed primarily in the ears of the person making the complaint. Summer on IOP: where one person’s vacation soundtrack is another person’s reason to call dispatch. DUI came in with five cases, a surprisingly modest showing compared with other previous months. Alcohol, however, remained busy elsewhere with minor-in-possession charges, open containers, broken seals and the recurring reminder that “no alcohol on the beach” is not merely a whimsical suggestion printed on a sign. The miscellaneous category did not disappoint. We had a golf cart theft, multiple vehicle thefts, shoplifting, a vehicle on the beach, suspicious fires and – because this is the Lowcountry – an alligator removal. The alligator, as far as the report indicates, was neither driving under suspension nor in possession of marijuana, making it one of the month’s more law-abiding participants. So another summer month is in the books. Drugs remain plentiful, suspended licenses remain surprisingly mobile and noise remains a matter of perspective. Stay tuned, stay safe and remember: read the signs, renew your license and if your plan requires synthetic urine, it may be time to reconsider. IOP POLICE BLOTTER This is a satirical summary of real incidents reported on the Isle of Palms over the past month. All names and events are based on public records and presented with comedic exaggeration. IF YOU WERE HOPING LATE SUMMER WOULD BRING A LITTLE PEACE AND QUIET TO ISLE OF PALMS, THE JULY 17 THROUGH AUG. 13 POLICE REPORT WOULD LIKE A WORD. ACROSS 93 DISTINCT CASE NUMBERS, SUMMER CONTINUED DOING WHAT SUMMER DOES BEST: PRODUCING TRAFFIC STOPS, BEACH RULES, QUESTIONABLE DECISIONS AND SOME GENUINELY CREATIVE EXPLANATIONS. THIS MONTH’S UNOFFICIAL PODIUM BELONGS TO THE THREE D’S: DRUGS, DRIVING UNDER SUSPENSION AND DECIBELS. Drug-related cases came in at roughly 20, with marijuana making an appearance in 11 separate cases. South Carolina once again remains committed to holding the line against a plant that is legal in much of the country and grows with about the same enthusiasm as a dandelion. The message remains clear: what happens in Colorado, Virginia, Michigan and half the neighborhood apparently needs to stay there. But marijuana had competition. Methamphetamine, psilocybin mushrooms, Schedule II and IV substances and enough drug paraphernalia to keep the evidence room interesting all showed up during the month. One incident even included synthetic urine allegedly intended to defeat a drug test, proving once again that sometimes the cover-up requires considerably more planning than not getting caught in the first place. Driving under suspension posted a strong 13 cases, continuing the local tradition of treating the words “suspended license” less like a prohibition and more like a strongly worded suggestion. Several drivers managed to bundle that with uninsured vehicles, suspended tags, stop sign violations and other add-ons. FROM KING STREET TO THE COAST Amy Rogers Owner / Broker-In-Charge +1 843 824 4892 amy@crowncoast.com Crown Coast Properties 1100 Palm Blvd #2C Isle of Palms, SC 29451 hello@crowncoast.com crowncoast.com Led by Amy Rogers, Crown Coast Properties combines sharp market expertise with personalized service for Charleston’s most discerning buyers and sellers. From historic homes to oceanfront escapes, we bring clarity, confidence, and sophistication to every step of your real estate journey. Charleston’s Boutique Brokerage for Exceptional Results
IslandVibesIOP.com 8 CIVICS A Family Legacy of Serving the Community Article Provided A true native son, Stephen Sottile grew up exploring the marshes of Mount Pleasant and playing on the beaches of the Isle of Palms. Always one to enjoy the outdoors, he loved fishing, surfing, fencing, swim team and participated in all of the other sports the area recreation departments offered. As an adult, his hobbies include playing guitar, singing karaoke, cooking and bowling. He attended school at Whitesides Elementary, Laing Middle, Wando High and College of Charleston, where he majored in marketing and business. Like so many in Charleston, he worked every position in the food and beverage industry before following his family into the political field, working on local, state and national campaigns. Some of you may recall his grandfather, Salvador Sottile, was one of the early mayors of the Isle of Palms, as was his cousin, Mike Sottile. His father, Nick Sottile, served as the city’s legal counsel for over a decade. Stephen watched his parents struggle to navigate Medicare and its numerous supplements and Advantage plans, despite both having advanced degrees. He then noticed his other family members and friends had difficulty finding the right Affordable Care Act (ACA) plan and regularly choose to go uninsured instead of traversing the often-confusing website. Recognizing this was an issue he could truly assist them with, he studied and became licensed to do just that. As a licensed advisor, Stephen has helped his clients find the best health insurance, dental and drug policies for their specific needs. He aids small businesses in providing employees with group health coverage and keyman policies. Stephen has steered many folks into the right annuity and investment opportunities for their best retirement outcomes. He also works to find clients the best long-term care and life insurance policies. Give him a call or scan the QR code to schedule a free consultation. “Stephen is a knowledgeable, caring insurance agent who genuinely wants to help people. During a review of my coverage, he thoroughly checked my life, long-term care and Medicare policies. When looking at dental coverage, he made multiple calls to carriers and my dentist to find the right fit. He then advised me to stick with my dentist’s in-house plan because it was the best option for me, making no commission on the visit. Stephen believes in doing the right thing, and I highly recommend sitting down with him.” - Erin McKee, retired AFL-CIO president, South Carolina “I had no idea how to navigate the system to find the right Medicare coverage, but Stephen Sottile made the entire process seamless. He went out of his way to get licensed in North Carolina just to assist me, researched my specific needs and quickly matched me with the ideal plan. Stephen is efficient, thorough and genuinely client-focused. I am so glad I worked with him and highly recommend his services.” - John Walsh, retired Sheraton Imperial Hotel F&B director, North Carolina Photo by Devin Meek
IslandVibesIOP.com 9 As we observe National Recovery Month in September, we reflect on the story of the Shipman family and how they turned a personal tragedy into a way to support healing and recovery in people in our community struggling with substance abuse disorders. William Creighton Shipman was the first of many things. The first baby born in Mount Pleasant in 1997, the first child born to Lee and Nanci Shipman, the first grandchild for both sets of grandparents. Nanci beamed with warmth as she described her first memories of Creighton: “He was the easiest, happiest, most loving baby, with these bright, twinkly blue eyes. His smile and his humor could light up a room. Creighton’s heart was bigger than most; he cared deeply and loved deeply, and you felt it.” Creighton is the oldest of the five Shipman children, big brother to Wheaton, Jack, Hollice and Hampton. Nanci continued, “The loves of his life – Swedish Fish, our ‘secret spot’ on Sullivan’s, Noni and Poppi, his friends, playing and watching lacrosse, good music for his Spotify playlists, being one of ‘the cousins,’ reading and learning, Taco Bell, the last word, Georgia football, his family, little Sophie and making people laugh – especially at the most inappropriate times. What he loved and treasured most was being a big brother.” An avid outdoorsmen, Creighton spent most of his time at the beach, in the marsh, camping, fly fishing and riding his bicycle and skateboard. He loved reading and learning and teaching others about his discoveries. Nanci recounted, “He was happiest playing lacrosse with his brothers and sister, laughing and he was always surrounded by friends.” Creighton was injured in a lacrosse tournament in late 2011. That injury was followed by a misdiagnosis and an eventual surgery, before ultimately this unfortunate series of events led to opioid use disorder. Nanci explained, “Creighton was determined to play lacrosse and run again sooner than the nine months he was told it would take. Three months after surgery he was finally able to put weight on his foot. By May, he was back on his two feet, running and playing the sport he loved. I would later learn, in the summer of 2016 while Creighton was at his first and only inpatient treatment, that the pain medication he had been prescribed after surgery had ‘turned a light’ on that he never forgot. There wasn’t one specific defining moment, but Creighton shared that it was a ‘perfect storm’ during his freshman year of college. Within six weeks of finishing his freshman year, he was driving himself to treatment with me beside him in the passenger seat. His phone was on speaker with his friends calling to support his willingness and his steps to go to treatment. Substance use disorder doesn’t happen to one person – it happens to everyone who loves them.” On July 17, 2016, with Creighton on life support after an overdose, his mother and siblings stood around his hospital bed when his sister Wheaton looked at her anguished family and made the declaration, “We have to do something.” From there, Nanci and her children promised that Creighton’s life, and his fight to get his life and family back, would not end in vain. She elaborated, “The four of us stood around Creigh and promised that no one and no family would have to walk this walk alone, as we and Creigh did. Although we did not know what that promise would look like, we all knew we would do it together.” From there, WakeUp Carolina and Creighton’s House were born. “We shared our story, we prayed, we sat around our kitchen table with friends and community members and we listened and learned what were the gaps and barriers in our community,” shared Nanci. On Nov. 17, 2016, WakeUp Carolina became a nonprofit, 501(c)(3). “We committed to building an organization where programs and services would be at no cost, and it would take the entire community to make it possible – just as the community had stood by Creighton and our family. In June 2018, two years to the date of Creighton going to treatment, Creighton’s House (‘CH’) began with its first young adult, all-recovery meeting program, followed by South Carolina’s first Overdose Prevention & Narcan Training. Since we began in 2016, WakeUp Carolina has touched the lives of more than 5 million people through our programs, education and outreach – reaching well beyond our own Tri-County community.” She continued, “The impact of losing Creighton forever changed my view on addiction and substance use disorder. This disease does not discriminate – not by age, socioeconomics, zip code, color, sex, morals, values or education. No one should have to lose a loved one to substances to know that recovery is possible and recovery is real. I feel I have paid a price to have the privilege to serve and to do the work I’m called to do in our community. Creighton and God continue to light the way, one step at a time. The love we have for Creighton and the promise we made to him is the star we follow at WakeUp Carolina: no one and no family walks this walk alone. We hold space, and we offer resources, support and education – for preventing first use, misuse, substance use disorder and death. We would love for you to get involved and support this work in our community, whether through your time, your talent or treasure. Stigma is real, and the only way we reduce it is by educating ourselves, asking questions and supporting one another. Hope in recovery is real.” National Recovery Month is an opportune time for all of us to follow Nanci’s wonderful example of shining light into the darkness. The more we talk about issues like substance use disorder, the more light we shed on it, clearing a path to erasing stigmas and stereotypes, and making recovery attainable. Recovery is possible You don’t have to walk the path of substance use disorder alone By Laura Fogarty OPINION Nanci Steadman Shipman and Creighton Shipman Nanci Steadman Shipman For more information, visit wakeupcarolina.org.
IslandVibesIOP.com 10 When runners and walkers participating in the IOP Connector Run 5K/10K cross over the eponymous bridge linking Isle of Palms and Mount Pleasant on Saturday, Oct. 3, they won’t just be treated to spectacular views, they can also feel gratified knowing that their registration fee will benefit a vital community cause. Last year’s IOP Connector Run raised a record-shattering $200,000 in support of Lowcountry child abuse prevention programs during the 2025-26 fiscal year. These funds were made possible through the generosity of sponsors, donors and the 2,500 runners who registered for the annual charity race. The event, organized through the IOP Exchange Club’s IOP Connector Run Board, has raised just over $2 million since its inception in 1992 when the IOP Connector opened. Ten organizations will receive funding this year, including Windwood Farm, Landmarks for Families, Dee Norton Child Advocacy Center, CAPA-Beaufort, Young Moms Together (formerly Florence Crittenton of South Carolina), Doors to Freedom, Darkness to Light, My Sister’s House, Lowcountry Orphan Relief and HALOS. Michelle Priest, president of the IOP Connector Run Board, said people often compare it to the Cooper River Bridge Run, but as she explained, what makes this race different is that it’s an entirely volunteer-coordinated event. “All volunteers put this together. It’s a lot of work. So a team of 10-to-12 individuals raising that much money is just incredible.” While the board comprises 12 individuals, there are also representatives from the Town of Mount Pleasant, the City of IOP and the IOP police and fire departments who collaborate to make it a continued success. “Without the support of Mount Pleasant, Isle of Palms, Sullivan’s Island, our community, our village, our runners – we wouldn’t be able to do this,” noted Priest. Though the race is capped at 2,500 registrants again this year, Priest said they of course would love to raise even more money than 2025 to give back to the community. In addition to the 10 funding recipients, part of the proceeds go toward the IOP Exchange Club’s CAP (Child Abuse Prevention) committee to help support other local nonprofit initiatives such as Lowcountry Orphan Relief’s annual school supplies drive. Another great aspect of the event, according to Priest, is that the race is a sanctioned run certified by USA Track & Field. This means that many participants use it for placement in bigger runs like the Boston Marathon. “Not all 5K, 10K runs are sanctioned runs.” Since runners often bring their families and friends with them for support, the after party appeals to all ages. The post-race festival will feature live music, free beer (21+), snacks and beverages, a kids’ area with face painting and fairy hair, cash prizes, an awards ceremony and vendor exhibits. Without spoiling any big reveal, Priest indicated that there will be some new products and items to sample this year. Some of the 2026 sponsors include presenting sponsor Exclusive Properties as well as returning sponsors Panera Bread, Island Active (beer sponsor), Lone River and Edward Jones. “We are at 35 years I think, doing this now. I think we’ve gotten so big due to of course word-of-mouth,” mused Priest. She added that the drone footage provided through MPeacockMedia and Palm Social “has just been huge.” “The volunteers, the community coming together, to support such a great cause has just accelerated the run.” COMMUNITY ‘It takes a village’ Volunteer-led IOP Connector Run helps fund critical charity work By Colin McCandless Photo courtesy of IOP Run Connector Board For more information on how to register, volunteer or became a sponsor, visit ioprun.com.
IslandVibesIOP.com 11 COMMUNITY From Left to Right: Ronan, Jack, JP and Niclas Lurkin Fast Start comes full circle for my family By Ryan Buckhannon 411 Pelican Flight Drive, Dewees Island 5 bd | 5 full, 2 half ba | 5,002 ft2 dunesproperties.com Nobody knows the Charleston Coast better.® Real Estate: (800) 476-8444 Vacation Rentals: (888) 250-8730 Ginn Maiers 843.696.7402 Adele McNair 803.727.6164 REALTORS® EXPLORE HOMES. Layne McCombs Kipp, REALTOR® 803.586.9553 Rodney Collier 720.417.8204 Jennifer O’Brien 610.283.0867 $3,125,000 REALTORS® Made for Island Living. COASTAL HOMES, EXPERTLY SELECTED 10 Lagoon Villas, Isle of Palms 2 bd | 2 ba | 1,218 ft2 $850,000 25 Ocean Point Drive, Wild Dunes 4 bd | 4.5 ba | 3,150 ft2 $2,795,000 More than two decades ago, when my triplet sons were 3 years old, I found myself looking for something that did not exist on the Isle of Palms – an organized recreational sports program for children their age. At the time, most youth sports programs began around age 5. My boys were active and ready to participate, but there really wasn’t an option for them. While serving on the Isle of Palms City Council and chairing the Recreation Committee, I began working with the recreation department to develop a program specifically for younger children. That idea became Fast Start. T.J. Rostin, now recreation director for the Town of Mount Pleasant, was assistant director on Isle of Palms at the time. He remembered being approached about creating a program for children under 5. “After some thought and conversations with a few people, the Fast Start program was born,” Rostin recalled. Fast Start was designed for 3- and four-year-olds, introducing them to basic sports skills in a fun, noncompetitive environment with heavy involvement from parents and recreation department staff. Former Isle of Palms Recreation Director Norma Jean Page recounted that the goal went well beyond simply teaching children how to kick or hit a ball. “The program introduced children to sports, which gives them a positive look at physical activity,” Page said. “Even though island children were active, this gave them a structured opportunity that taught teamwork, sharing and learning to take turns.” Soccer and baseball became the foundation of the program, which adapted the equipment for smaller children. Early soccer used foam balls, while baseball incorporated batting tees, flat bats and softer balls to give children an opportunity to experience success while learning the fundamentals. Page also remembered that while Fast Start was intentionally designed to be noncompetitive, that didn’t necessarily stop the parents from paying attention to the results. “We didn’t officially keep score, but the parents did,” she joked. The response to the new program was remarkable. Karrie Ferrell, who now serves as Isle of Palms recreation director, recalled that Fast Start soccer took off quickly. In 2004, she fielded numerous calls from Mount Pleasant residents eager to enroll their children because Mount Pleasant did not yet offer organized sports for 3- and 4-year-olds. Demand became so strong that Isle of Palms had to prioritize residents of Isle of Palms and Sullivan’s Island. Eventually, Mount Pleasant recognized the same need and developed its own program for that younger age group. That remains one of the best measures of Fast Start’s success. What began as an effort to create an opportunity for a handful of young island children demonstrated a much broader demand for age-appropriate recreational sports. The program has evolved over the years, but its basic concept remains largely unchanged. Parents were originally expected to participate in every activity with their children, and sessions focused almost entirely on skills. Today, teams have leaders or parent volunteers, practices are more organized and children may even finish with an informal scrimmage. Ferrell said one of the great rewards is watching the “organized chaos” of the first practice gradually turn into children learning to kick, hit and catch a ball – and seeing the excitement on their faces when they succeed. Fast Start has now introduced generations of children to sports, teamwork and a sense of belonging. This year, the story has come full circle for my family. The 3-year-old triplets who helped inspire the program are now 27, and my 3-year-old granddaughter, Winnie, is participating in Fast Start herself. More than two decades later, I’m back on the sidelines – only this time, as Ry-Ry.
IslandVibesIOP.com 12 the Victim Compensation Fund (VCF). White explained, “Jon Stewart advocated for the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund, testifying before Congress in 2019 when funding was about to end for sick and dying first responders.” Stewart’s passionate and emotional testimony before the House FEATURE Remembering 9/11 a quarter century later A policeman’s firsthand account from Ground Zero By Laura Fogarty After 30 years with the New York Police Department, and another four years with the Isle of Palms Police Department, Sgt. Thomas White is well-versed in protecting the community he serves. “People tend to think it must be vastly different policing in Manhattan versus policing on the Isle of Palms, but it’s more alike than you might think. They are both high-volume tourist destinations and require that you don’t let your guard down. Being on the Isle of Palms Front Beach near the pier on July the Fourth is very similar to working in Times Square – the size of the crowd, the volume of people and the tourist aspect is the same.” After vacationing on the island with wife Mindy, a former NYPD sergeant, and their two children, White said, “We fell in love with the place, and decided to move here.” White and his wife still travel to NYC following the 9/11 tragedy for yearly physicals through the World Trade Center Health Registry by way of Judiciary Subcommittee helped to push forward the Never Forget the Heroes: Permanent Authorization of the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund Act. The bill ultimately passed, authorizing and funding the VCF through Oct. 1, 2090. White continued, “People say ‘never forget,’ but I don’t need a plaque or a T-shirt or anything else to remind me of that day. The men and women who we lost and continue to lose. That’s the constant reminder.” Of the immediate impact of the events of 9/11, White recounted, “Every officer was activated to come in for duty. We were called in on the news. So we reported to command and it was absolute mayhem when we got to lower Manhattan. For the first time in NYPD history, there was no plan in place. We were just winging it. When we got to Ground Zero, the smell is something I cannot forget – like a burning house smell, but so much worse. In all those WIN TICKETS REGISTER TO WIN DRAWING WILL BE THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 12:00 PM IslandVibesIOP.com/Zac-Brown-Ticket SEPTEMBER 17 AT THE CREDIT ONE STADIUM | FREE TICKET GIVEAWAY BROUGHT TO YOU BY The pride of Isle of Palms, SC today, tomorrow and always. ENJOY AN EVENING WITH ZAC BROWN and special guest Brothers Osborne Continued on Page 13. Sgt. Thomas White's last day of service with the NYPD.
kept them.” Asked when things began to feel like the worst might be behind him, White said, “When human remains were found, they were put in a red bag. When the last red bag was taken out of there, that felt like hope. When the funerals stopped, it began to feel like the end of this tragic time might be over. There were two to three funerals a week, with most of those being for multiple people. It felt like the funerals would never end. It was unimaginable, that grief.” Today and every day, we remember that catastrophic tragedy. We celebrate the resilience of our first responders, our nation and our communities. We believe in the hope of a better tomorrow. Never forget. months that followed, I never got used to the smell.” White recalled it taking a few days to get a routine going before eventually having an actual system to the madness. Vehicle checkpoints were in place, and construction crews were sifting through the rubble while the assembly line of buckets filled with debris were passed along and meticulously sorted through. “You have to remember,” White explained, “this was a crime scene. Every piece of that pile had the potential to be a clue. Whenever the remains of a first responder were found, a whistle blew and the relentless drone of the construction noise halted. Silence followed – until the body was extracted and removed. Then a second whistle would blow, and everyone would get right back to work. It was like flipping a switch. Even the construction workers stood silent, hands over hearts, until the second whistle and we’d all go straight back to the work and the noise, the fire. That fire never went out. If it did go out it would get reignited very quickly from the construction trucks and equipment scraping against some remnant.” There was such an abundance of volunteers, supplies and donations that in the weeks following the tragedy, volunteers were being turned away. White recalled, “The supply donations were overwhelming. Help was coming from all over the country. People were being so kind. The sense of community and the acts of kindness – like driving on the West Side Highway and people holding up posters and banners thanking us, the police officers! We worked 12-hour shifts with no days off for months. The restaurants were not open for business, but they fed us. First responders, sitting in a five-star restaurant day after day, eating in these amazing restaurants because the owners wanted to express their gratitude for the work we were doing.” The seemingly never-ending work continued for months with Thomas and Mindy working opposite 12-hour shifts. The aftermath of 9/11 brought one sorrowful moment after another. White recalled, “People, family members, would come up to us and ask if we’d seen their loved one. I always told them I’d keep an eye out, and I also always took the flyer. There were so many flyers of missing people. I’d fold it up, put it in my pocket and when I got home at night, I’d unfold them and place them on the table. It felt disrespectful to throw them out, so I just 13 IslandVibesIOP.com FEATURE From Page 12. Sgts. Thomas and Mindy White Book your Spring Family Session, Today! E-mail Rachel Basye at cooperriverphotography@gmail.com. Timeless Family Moments, Framed by the Beauty of the Island! FOR MORE, VISIT COOPERRIVERPHOTOGRAPHY.COM WWW.IOPESCAPES.COM 843.456.4606 IOP ESCAPES IOP ESCAPES DRIFTWOOD DREAMS | 105 FOREST TRAIL 5 BED | 4.5 BATH LUXURY CHEF KITCHEN PRIVATE POOL & PUTTING GREEN NewListing! NewListing!
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IslandVibesIOP.com 18 With the recent outbreak of cyclosporiasis and the staggering number of food recalls rising daily with no end in sight, these restaurateurs, farmers, fishermen and local food purveyors are doing their part to serve residents and visitors with the freshest produce and protein available. For Charles Arena, executive chef and owner of Acme Lowcountry Kitchen, working with local farmers and purveyors has always been a priority. His list of suppliers is extensive, ranging from Abundant Seafood, Carolina Seafood, Tommy Edwards, Bradford Farms, Livingston’s Bulls Bay Seafood, Lowcountry Oyster Co., Sea Island Farms, Crosby’s Seafood, Lowcountry Shellfish, Halperns, Senn Brothers and Limehouse Produce. “These men and women work very hard doing what they do to supply us with these exceptional products and we don’t take that for granted,” he said. “If we don’t support our local farmers, fishermen, shrimpers and butchers, we may not have any of them left.” Further, he said that using locally sourced ingredients allows chefs to be creative and change what they offer their customers based on what is available, such as his favorite ingredients to cook with in the fall: carrots, beets, broccoli, hard squash and pumpkins. According to chef de cuisine at Oystercatcher Restaurant & Bar, Austin Blake, using seasonal produce also gives Becoming more mindful of what, where and how we eat on the island By Sarah Rose chefs the opportunity to work with ingredients when they’ve reached their highest quality. “When you can source something locally and in season, it has often been allowed to ripen naturally before it reaches your kitchen,” he said. “You get better flavor, better texture and ultimately a better ingredient to work with. As a chef, starting with a great ingredient means you don’t have to overcomplicate it. You can let the product speak for itself.” As an example, his fall favorites to cook with are warming spices such as nutmeg, cinnamon, cloves, star anise and allspice. “For me, those aromas and flavors immediately signal that fall is here. They almost feel out of place during the hotter months in the same way that a tomato in the middle of winter just doesn’t feel the same. I also love persimmons – they’re a perfect example of something that needs to be enjoyed at peak ripeness.” He added that there’s something different about cooking with an ingredient when you know where it comes from. “At Storey Farms on Johns Island, you get to see the chickens and understand the care that goes into producing those eggs and you feel a greater sense of pride and responsibility for the product. It makes you want to treat that ingredient with the same level of care and cook it to the best of your ability every single time.” While tourism and hospitality are incredibly important to the area, Blake said that having strong local agriculture and fishing communities benefits everyone. “As chefs, we have an opportunity to support those relationships while also putting better ingredients on the plate. It creates a connection between the people producing the food, our kitchens and the guests experiencing it. These are the people in our community. They’re our neighbors,” he said. “Helping sustain these industries is part of what makes this area special.” Local purveyor and owner of Abundant Seafood, Captain Mark Marhefka said that the relationships with the local restaurateurs he provides with fresh catch run as deep as the waters he navigates offshore. “Charles Arena was the first chef that bought from me in this town,” he said. “I will always have a special place for him. He takes whatever I have that’s fresh, whether it’s amberjack, grouper, golden tile or a lesser-caught species such as jolthead porgy – that’s the difference between cooks and chefs, knowing how to work with what’s local.” Marhefka emphasized that with the number of food-borne illnesses and recalls on the rise, it’s critical now more than ever that we know where our food comes from. “Protecting the people who feed us has to be at the forefront of how we shop for food,” he said. “That’s why it’s important to adopt a mindset of appreciation for fishermen and farmers, who are the backbone of the community.” He continued, “Buying from a farmer doesn’t mean it’s cheaper, it means it’s the best.” Whether dining out or cooking in, awareness of what’s being served on the plate or in the bowl is as vital to personal health as it is to sustaining the local economy. Whenever possible, swap the traditional big box store for the farmers market, restaurants with trustworthy management and the nearest butcher and fish markets such as Abundant Seafood. Taking these extra steps is worth the effort as it can be key in helping maintain our wellness. FOOD & BEVERAGE Apple Cider Baked Doughnuts Wild Dunes pastry chef Addie Mergler shared the recipe for one of her favorite fall sweet treats, apple cider baked doughnuts, which yields 16 cake-sized servings. Ingredients: 1 ½ cups of apple cider 2 cups of all-purpose flour 1 ¾ teaspoons of baking soda 1 teaspoon of baking powder 1 1/2 teaspoons of cinnamon ⅔ teaspoon of kosher salt 1 ounce of melted butter 1 egg ½ cup of brown sugar ½ cup of granulated sugar ½ cup of whole milk 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract Preparation: 1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Prepare cake donut molds by spraying them with a nonstick spray. 2. Reduce the apple cider in a saucepan, stirring occasionally. You will reduce it down until you get 120 grams total. Once that is done, cool for 10 minutes. 3. Combine all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon and salt in a bowl and set aside. 4. In a bowl with a whisk, mix melted butter, eggs, granulated sugar, brown sugar, milk and vanilla extract. 5. Pour wet ingredients on top of the dry and mix. 6. Add reduced apple cider next and mix until combined. The batter will be slightly thick. 7. Pipe batter into sprayed donut pan filling halfway as they rise quite a bit. 8. Bake for 4 minutes, then rotate. Bake for another 4 minutes after that to total 8 minutes. Check to see if additional time is needed. Once they’ve popped out of the pans, roll in sugar. Fall Recipe Wild Dunes pastry chef Addie Mergler
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