roofer in Daniel Island, SC

Recently, the South Carolina Aquarium proudly released its 400th rehabilitated sea turtle. Jim — a juvenile green sea turtle named in memory of a beloved Aquarium colleague who passed away last year — was joined by nine other sea turtles completing their own journey home from Little Talbot Island State Park in Jacksonville, Florida.

With a humble start that began because of a need to help a sick and injured loggerhead named Stinky, the South Carolina Aquarium Sea Turtle Care Center has flourished beyond just a working hospital and into a powerful conduit for conservation awareness and action.

“There are so many emotions we experience with each sea turtle release: pride for their successful rehabilitation, adoration for the impact they had on us and hope for their journey that lies ahead. A bittersweet feeling settled in with this release, as we remembered the colleague who this turtle was named after,” says Melissa Ranly, Sea Turtle Care Center manager.

“Jim had been at the Aquarium since our 30th sea turtle release 16 years ago, sustaining the critical life support systems for our sea turtle patients and always lending a helping hand. We’re grateful that we could honor his dedication to our mission through this release.”

This release group comprised the three most common species seen by the South Carolina Aquarium — green, Kemp's ridley and loggerhead sea turtles — all of which are threatened or endangered.

Among the greens were Asiago, Jim, Waterloo, Burrata and Java (named in support of Charleston Coffee Roasters), all of whom were rescued along the South Carolina coast dealing with a variety of ailments from boat strikes to predator bites.

Followed were two Kemp's ridleys that were initially caught on hook and line, Cheddar and Manchego.

The release culminated with three juvenile loggerhead sea turtles — Monterey Jack, Romano and Fontina — that had been transported from the New England Aquarium after exposure to cold water temperatures in Cape Cod, Massachusetts.

“Releasing each and every rehabilitated sea turtle is cause for celebration,” Ranly reiterates. “But a milestone like this reminds us to reflect on those who helped us get to this point: the state agencies, supporters, sea turtle enthusiasts and more who believe in us and our mission to save sea turtles.”

For more information, visit scaquarium.org/STCC.

MONCKS CORNER, S.C. – (Tuesday, February 27, 2024) – At its meeting on Monday, February 26, 2024, Berkeley County Council voted unanimously to approve $100,000 for Daniel Island School to fund handicap-accessible playground equipment for special needs students and expand the school’s community sensory garden.

Daniel Island School’s Student Council President, eighth-grader Emily Hughes, addressed County Council on the matter, requesting $72,000 for the project; but Council surprised the Student Council by exceeding that request.

“We’re interested in making recess accessible to all students. We want to make this school a better place by adding special needs playground equipment and a sensory garden. We want to expand the play area to include handicap accessible equipment such as swings. We would love to expand the nearby community garden, which includes our current small sensory garden to be used by all of our students. We see kids with wheelchairs who sometimes get left out of recess or cannot physically use the equipment we currently have…and we want that to stop.” -Emily Hughes, Student Council President, Daniel Island School

The funding stems from Local Assistance and Tribal Consistency Funding (LATCF) and Accommodations Fee Discretionary Funds.

“These students challenged themselves to improve their school for all students and in turn challenged Council by going to their local government to help them. It was the easiest of votes for us and I am honored to represent these incredibly kind and brilliant students.” -Josh Whitley, Finance Committee Chair, Berkeley County Council

“On behalf of Berkeley County Council, we are proud to make this monetary donation for such an essential quality of life project for our children. It is encouraging to see children looking out for their peers; and this Student Council’s selfless and inspiring mission is proof that we have incredibly promising leaders in our County’s next generation.” -Johnny Cribb, Berkeley County Supervisor

“We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Councilman Josh Whitley, Supervisor Johnny Cribb, and all of County Council for their incredibly generous donation to the Daniel Island School Student Council. Their support will make a significant impact in building a playground tailored to the needs of students with special needs, fostering inclusivity and joy for all. Thank you for your unwavering commitment to our community’s children.” -Dr. Anthony Dixon, Berkeley County School District Superintendent

“We are so grateful to Councilman Josh Whitley, Supervisor Johnny Cribb and the rest of the Berkeley County Council for their generous donation last night. A powerful message was sent to our youth last night! Your voices matter! And they heard our County Council members, loud and clear! We are so grateful for our community and their unwavering support, especially in this initiative that is so important and near and dear to the hearts of our students. Thank you so much!” – Laura Blanchard, Daniel Island School Principal

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– Prepared by the Berkeley County Public Information Office –

This week there are several developments coming before the various City of Charleston boards and committees. Below are those items as well as results, if any, from the prior week’s items specific to Daniel Island and the Cainhoy area. More detailed agendas and results can be found at charleston-sc.gov/agendacenter.

UPCOMING: CITY OF CHARLESTON TECHNICAL REVIEW COMMITTEE

Dec. 21: Thomas Island Marina – Site plan for gravel parking lot and restroom building to serve marina on 1.5 acres at 100 Sands Preserve Drive. TMS: B2750000005. Owner: IVO Sands LLC. Applicant: Seamon, Whiteside & Associates, Inc. Contact: York Kilday, [email protected].

Dec. 21: Towne at Cooper River – Clements Ferry Medical – Site plan for medical office building with parking on 3.8 acres at 620 Enterprise Blvd. TMS: B2710001035. Owner: Thorn Baccich. Applicant: Seamon, Whiteside & Associates, Inc. Contact: Spencer Plowden, [email protected].

Dec. 21: Mankiewicz Expansion Phase 1 – Site plan for expansion/improvements of existing Mankiewicz Coatings LLC facility on 16.06 acres at 1024 Clements Crest Lane. TMS: B2670000161. Owner: Jessen Lane LLC. Applicant: Mankiewicz Coatings LLC. Contact: Michael Delventhal, [email protected].

Dec. 21: Berkshire on Clements Ferry (Point Hope – Goldfinch Tract - Mixed Use South) – Site plan for a new multifamily residential development for 192 units on 62.86 acres. TMS: B2680000002. Owner: The Berry Company. Applicant: Thomas & Hutton Engineering. Contact: Domonic Jones, [email protected].

RESULTS: DESIGN REVIEW BOARD

Dec. 18: 604 Island Park Drive – Requesting conceptual approval for a new “Lodge” guest rooms and pub at the Daniel Island Club. TMS # 271-00-00-001. Owner: Daniel Island Club. Applicant: LaBella Associates. Results: Not available at press time.

RESULTS: CITY OF CHARLESTON TECHNICAL REVIEW COMMITTEE

Dec. 14: Towne at Cooper River Preliminary Plat 2 – Concept plan subdivision of parcel for 350 lots at 2620 Clements Ferry Road. TMS: B2710001035 Board Approvals Required. Owner: Cato Holding, LLC. Applicant: Seamon, Whiteside & Associates, Inc. Contact: Spencer Plowden, [email protected]. Results: Revise and return.

Dec. 14: Point Hope Medical Office Building – Site plan for medical office building on 10.02 acres at 1101 Waterline St. TMS: B2620000028. Owner: TKC CCLXXXII, LLC. Applicant: Thomas & Hutton Engineering. Contact: Will Cox, [email protected]. Results: Open pending delivery of Stormwater comments.

Dec. 14: Restore at Point Hope Phase 3 – Site plan for development containing 228 single-family attached units at 1236 Clements Ferry Road. TMS: B2620000028. Owner: The Berry Company. Applicant: Thomas & Hutton Engineering. Contact: Dominic Jones, [email protected]. Results: Revise and return.

Dec. 14: Point Hope POD 4 – Preliminary plat and road construction plans for 123 single-family residences and 500 lots at 1236 Clements Ferry Road. TMS: B2620000028. Owner: Pulte Home Co. Contact: Steven Roach, [email protected]. Results: Revise and return.

You’re invited to enjoy a lineup of haunted houses

Ghosts, ghouls and goblins have found a home on Daniel Island, all thanks to the spirits of one islander family – Scott and Heather Engler.

Some call this month October, others view it as Halloween time. Scott and his family only know it as spooky season, a time for haunted houses and eerie specters to roam the streets.

In 2021, he took it upon himself to transform the neighborhood into a thrilling maze of ghostly abodes, all for the pleasure of fellow neighbors and Halloween fanatics. The Daniel Island Spooky Tour was born out of a simple desire: to bring the spine-chilling joy of the spooky season closer to home.

Engler, the mind behind this frightful festivity, was inspired by the excitement his daughter Austen found in exploring haunted houses on James Island.

“When we first moved here in 2019, we saw the [James Island] houses and said, ‘Oh my gosh, this is better than Disney,’” Engler said.

Determined to create the same magic within Daniel Island (and tired of driving 30 minutes away), he organized a group of willing neighbors in transforming the island into a haunted wonderland, a place where families and friends can experience the thrill of the spooky season without venturing too far from home.

“At first it was just for friends, but then it blew up. Now I feel like I have an obligation.”

Now in its third year, the Daniel Island Spooky Tour invites all islanders and visitors to cruise around the neighborhoods and explore the front yards of 31 haunted houses – and counting.

In addition to the hair-raising tour, each haunted house is named in relation to their Halloween decorations. The creativity of the residents knows no bounds, as each house boasts its own unique theme. Residents can expect to see spine-tingling displays at houses such as “House of Skulls,” “Tarantula Lair,” “Web of Death” and more.

Lisa Strehmel, who has her “House of Dragons” on display, says she chose her theme based on her daughter’s love for dragons from a young age. “Our girls are out of high school now but we love continuing to decorate every year because the kids in the neighborhood love seeing the dragons so much!”

Fellow resident Joanna Loiselle has found the seasonal house transformation to be a family tradition. “We absolutely love Halloween on Daniel Island! The kids look forward to golf carting around to see the decorations each year. This is such a special community!”

Brace yourselves for a hauntingly delightful experience. This year, the Spooky Tour is taking it up a notch. Engler said since there will be so many people, it will have to be a “shotgun” or “choose your own adventure” kind of tour where everyone can start at different places and drive to see all 31 houses on their golf carts or cars.

This year’s tour will also include a contest of four categories, judging the houses on the spookiest house, most creative, most fun and overall best haunted house.

Residents and visitors are invited to decorate their golf carts and ride along the haunted houses on Sunday, Oct. 29, beginning at 6:30 p.m. and vote for their favorites. Post your photos and comments in the DI Spooky Tour 23 Facebook group.

For those who prefer to explore at their own pace, a handy map of the participating houses has been made available. Whether you travel by foot, golf cart, car or bike, Engler has created a self-guided tour of each participating house that has decked out on decorations. Each house can be found on the Maps app by visiting tinyurl.com/a336d5f3.

For fans of the island’s decorative tour, fear not. Engler is also the driving force behind the Cheer Tour, a festive neighborhood decoration tour featuring houses adorned with dazzling Christmas lights and ornaments.

Engler’s dedication to fostering a sense of community through these projects has evolved Daniel Island into an ever-vibrant hub of seasonal celebration.

“It gives you something to look forward to and feel like part of the community,” Engler said of his decoration tours. “It also gives people recognition of their homes. They put a lot of work into this.”

Engler and each Spooky Tour resident invite all islanders and visitors to stroll through the haunted streets of Daniel Island, a realm where the spooky and the spectacular collide. Happy hauntings, everyone!

The Spooky Tour houses are available to view from now until Halloween. Engler’s Christmas Cheer Tour will begin shortly after Thanksgiving.

What do you think when you hear the words “senior center?”

If you picture elderly people playing shuffleboard, eating bland meals in front of a blaring TV, think again.

The Daniel Island Recreation Center is a vibrant, action-packed hub for seniors, offering an array of daily activities designed to foster social connections, promote physical well-being and keep the mind sharp. Located at 160 Fairbanks Drive, the center can provide an outlet for local seniors to look forward to, with indoor and outdoor

activities to enjoy every weekday.

“I’ve made a lot of friends here,” Ray Daoi said with a smile after a recent game of pickleball.

Fellow pickleball aficionado, Teresa Donohue, added, “It’s all about the friendships and the sense of community.”

Jennifer Nelsen, the facility manager, explained, “The Daniel Island Recreation Center provides opportunities for our seniors to learn new skills and meet new people with common interests.

Many of the people who participate in our classes have met friends, and it’s great to see them chatting about their lunch plans or what their next activity together is.”

MJ Mascarin, a regular at the Cards and Coffee sessions, highlighted the effects of the center’s daily activities for seniors. “I think it’s good for our brains!”

Friendship and staying active is the essence of community felt at the Daniel Island Recreation Center. Here, the activities aren’t just games; they’re avenues for forging connections, uplifting spirits and promoting physical and mental health.

“Some of the best programming that we have been able to bring here has been from the ideas or connections from our participants,” Nelsen encouraged. “We hope to continue to foster those opportunities!”

From card games and coffee to instructor-led fitness classes, here is what seniors can expect to find at the Daniel Island Recreation Center.

Cards and Coffee (Mondays and Fridays, 9 a.m. - 12 p.m., $1): Seniors can enjoy a friendly game of canasta, mahjong, scrabble or pinochle in an open play setting. Participants are encouraged to bring their favorite games, fostering a diverse and inclusive atmosphere.

Bridge (Wednesdays, 12-3 p.m., $1): Enthusiasts of bridge can reserve their spot for an engaging session by calling 843-216-6366. The game brings together strategic thinking and camaraderie.

Senior Social Group (Wednesdays, 10 a.m., Free): Seniors gather in the large conference room to socialize, discuss current events, share family stories and enjoy snacks. This group provides a warm and welcoming environment for social interaction.

Senior Fitness (Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, Various Times, $5 per class): Led by experienced instructors Erica and Carla, the chair-based fitness class focuses on upper body strength, lower body exercises and core strengthening. The classes help seniors maintain their physical health in a supportive environment.

Pickleball (Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9 a.m. - 12 p.m., $2 resident/$4 nonresident): Pickleball enthusiasts of all skill levels can enjoy open play sessions on the center’s two basketball courts. Equipment is available for borrowing, ensuring everyone can participate.

Looking ahead, the Daniel Island Recreation Center plans to introduce a line dancing class. The center invites individuals interested in instructing a class or proposing new activities to get in touch with Jennifer Nelsen at [email protected] or by phone at 843-216-6366.