MAY/JUNE 2024 THE CONVERSATION CONTINUES AT WWW.MOUNTPLEASANTPODCAST.COM FAMILY EDITION • SENIOR LIVING DIRECTORY • PICKLEBALL GUIDE Reeling in Memories The Gift of Family Comes in Many Forms Journeys of Motherhood & Fatherhood Active Seniors Young at Heart Best Places to Float Your Boat Photo by Mark Staff.
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1 www.ReadMPM.com | www.MountPleasantMagazine.com | www.MountPleasantPodcast.com 104 Summers Creek Corner 26 Saturday Road 401 Kinloss Country Lane 541 Chimney Bluff Drive HISTORIC CHARLESTON ISLE OF PALMS WILD DUNES FOLLY BEACH SULLIVAN'S ISLAND MT. PLEASANT KIAWAH / SEABROOK Real Estate 800.476.8444 • Vacation Rentals 888.250.8730 • dunesproperties.com Since 1989, Nobody knows the Charleston Coast better® 342 Cooper River Drive | Listed by Keith McCann 843.442.6675 Listed by Gina Foster 843.901.7622 Listed by Laurie Minges 843.270.7633 Listed by Layne McCombs Kipp & Bethany White (Layne) 803.586.9553 Listed by Dolly Droze 843.452.9922
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3 www.ReadMPM.com | www.MountPleasantMagazine.com | www.MountPleasantPodcast.com Memorial Day Sale Save 30% to 75 % Storewide Plus We will Pay Your Sales Tax Custom Orders Produced In 30 Days 0 % Interest Up To 5 Days
4 www.ReadMPM.com | www.MountPleasantMagazine.com | www.MountPleasantPodcast.com Follow us @shopmptc for up-to-date shopping, restaurant and event information With shops, restaurants, experiences, and events year round, there are endless ways to spend a day out on the Towne. mtpleasanttownecentre.com THERE’S MORE THAN ONE WAY TO SPEND A DAY on the Towne 12:30PM CONDADO TACOS Love a meal that looks this good and tastes even better! 11:15AM TWEEDLE BEEDLE A pop of color makes for the perfect accessory. 2:30PM LAS OLAS Bright colors,bold prints, and ready to hit the beach. 10:30AM SOUTHERN TIDE BY M. DUMAS & SONS Like a great work of art, these timeless prints never go out of style. 3:15PM LITTLE PALMETTO PEARL These sweet prints are works of art all in themselves!
5 www.ReadMPM.com | www.MountPleasantMagazine.com | www.MountPleasantPodcast.com 100 CHURCH ST. | MT. PLEASANT, SC 29464 | 843.352.9510 | @tavernandtable HISTORIC SHEM CREEK It’s time. Time for lazy rosé lunches, fresh seafood, sunny cocktails & sensational Sunday brunches on the creek. Summer is here and that means one thing...it’s T&T time! LUNCH | HAPPY HOUR | DINNER | SUNDAY BRUNCH
6 www.ReadMPM.com | www.MountPleasantMagazine.com | www.MountPleasantPodcast.com 1117 Market Center Blvd, Ste 100 Mount Pleasant, SC| 843‑388‑5074 | body20.com/mount‑pleasant Photos by Cooper River Photography
7 www.ReadMPM.com | www.MountPleasantMagazine.com | www.MountPleasantPodcast.com @katherinecox.co @katherinecoxco KatherineCoxHomes.com Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum: Visit the museum to explore the USS Yorktown aircraft carrier, the USS Laffey destroyer, and the USS Clamagore submarine. Mount Pleasant Memorial Waterfront Park: Spend a day at the park enjoying its playground, fishing pier, and walking trails. Palmetto Islands County Park: The park features playgrounds, picnic areas, and miles of nature trails for hiking and biking. You can also rent a pedal boat or kayak to explore the park's lakes. It's a great way for families to enjoy the outdoors together. mount pleasant Contact us at MP@katherinecoxhomes.com FAMILY ACTIVITIES SM teerprhi cakn i e KCatheoxrine MManacnhedyster HSean rd earhs o n CSh e kaarnashk y KC + CO SERVING ALL OF YOUR REAL ESTATE NEEDS! all
8 www.ReadMPM.com | www.MountPleasantMagazine.com | www.MountPleasantPodcast.com Publisher's Note/Staff Box.....................................11 Editor's Note.......................................................12 About the Cover..................................................15 Contributors. ...................................................... 17 On the Web.........................................................19 Social Buzz.........................................................20 contents FAMILY EDITION • VOL. 14, ISSUE 3 Statue of a Shrimper.....................................21 Former Police Chief Runs for Sheriff...........24 New Police Chief in Town............................25 Longtime Town Administrator Retires.........26 Kick It Kicks................................................30 New Coach on Campus...............................31 Teacher to the Rescue...................................32 Our Town................................ 21 25 15 30 Family...................................... 33 Motherhood.................................................... 35 Fatherhood...................................................... 38 Local Family Businesses...................................42 Gender Reveals/Baby Showers.........................45 Gift of Adoption.............................................47 Life Coaching.................................................49 River Landing Dentistry..................................50 Brunetto Insurance Agency..............................51 State Farm.......................................................53 38 45 32 53
9 www.ReadMPM.com | www.MountPleasantMagazine.com | www.MountPleasantPodcast.com contents FAMILY EDITION • VOL. 14, ISSUE 3 Senior Living Directory........................................56 Active Seniors: Young at Heart.............................59 BeWell@Home..................................................... 62 Senior Love Stories...............................................63 Stitched With Love..............................................67 Pickleball Guide...................................................68 Keenagers............................................................. 71 MUSC Expo........................................................73 Senior Resource Specialists...................................75 Compass Vision...................................................76 Home Care Plus...................................................77 The Marsh at Carolina Park..................................78 Restore at Carolina Park.......................................79 Coastal Wound Care............................................80 Mount Pleasant Gardens......................................81 Senior Living............................ 55 Calendar of Events..........................82 Live Music Schedule.......................88 Places to Float Your Boat................92 Entertainment.................... New Restaurants..............................95 Behind the Bar.................................98 Cantina 76.......................................99 Cachita’s Kitchen............................101 Dulce Churros, Ice Cream + Cocktails...102 Bohemian Bull...............................103 Food................................ 63 67 75 Holy City Tennis............................107 Beach Pups.....................................108 BODY20. ...................................... 109 Rad Rydz.......................................111 Bishop England..............................112 Local Commerce..........105 Hibben House................................115 Meet the Broker.............................117 The George....................................118 Dwellings.................... 113 Covered in Pet Hair......................126 Pets. ..........................125 East Cooper Neighbors....128 TOP TEN HOMES SOLD IN 2024 North Mount Pleasant.................121 South Mount Pleasant.................122 Dunes West.................................123 Old Village..................................124
10 www.ReadMPM.com | www.MountPleasantMagazine.com | www.MountPleasantPodcast.com EVENINGS ON COLEMAN Sponsored by the Coleman Boulevard Merchant Alliance ENJOY COLEMAN BOULEVARD AFTER DARK TO SHOP YOUR FAVORITE LOCAL BUSINESSES! Mount Pleasant’s Main Street is staying open late to the public for ONE NIGHT! Events starting in July on a quarterly-basis! Scroll COLEMANBOULEVARD.COM before you browse! Follow Coleman Boulevard Merchant Alliance on social media for announcements! Automotive Excellence ZIPS KAR KARE and more! Participating businesses include: 843.881-4707 insureme@sigsc.com | Mount Pleasant & Beaufort Are you covered for the summer? COASTAL COVERAGE SPECIALISTS • Boat • Motorcycle • Off Road Vehicle • Golf Cart • Vacation Home • RV • Jet Ski & More! HOMEOWNERS • CONDO • WIND & HAIL • COMMERCIAL • FLOOD Protect the things that bring you joy and happiness!
11 www.ReadMPM.com | www.MountPleasantMagazine.com | www.MountPleasantPodcast.com With Mother’s Day in May and Father’s Day in June, we’ve called this our Family Edition. Mount Pleasant is familyfriendly, which is one of the things that make our community what it is. In fact, one of the reasons our town was able to secure a third All-American City Award, the only city in South Carolina to achieve this milestone is because the town clearly illustrated how Mount Pleasant embraces all families, including ones with special needs both young and old. When you look at our front cover and think of the phrase “A picture is worth a thousand words,” photographer Mark Staff’s image says family loud and clear. Behind the image is a great story of a true Mount Pleasant family. Everyone in the Toole family was born and raised here. Scott Toole and Anne Shuler have known each other since grade school and have been married for 15 years. The roots of the Toole and Shuler families are spread throughout East Cooper. For example, Scott’s mom taught Anne’s brother Mike Shuler. Mike now owns multiple local marinas and boat clubs including the Isle of Palms Boat Club, who was nice enough to provide us the boat for our front cover. Read about the next generation, as these local family roots continue to grow. Read a story from our youngest contributing writer Sophie Rose, who interviewed William and Kathleen Marie having fun with their parents on the boat. Family is important in Mount Pleasant and we know it’s important to our readers. We hope you enjoy our Family Edition and well wishes to all of the great East Cooper Moms and Dads, may y’all be celebrated today and every day. Cheers, Bill Macchio Publisher • Publisher@MountPleasantMagazine.com With my grade kids left to right Lucas, Liza and Liam. publisher’s note Family Edition • VOL. 14, ISSUE 3 PUBLISHER BILL MACCHIO PUBLISHER@MOUNTPLEASANTMAGAZINE.COM ASSISTANT TO THE PUBLISHER JENNIFER BURKE JENNIFER@MOUNTPLEASANTMAGAZINE.COM MANAGING EDITOR ZACH GIROUX EDITOR@MOUNTPLEASANTMAGAZINE.COM ART DIRECTOR DANA COLEMAN PRODUCTION MANAGER BETHANY LONG DIGITAL DIRECTOR BRITTANY GEORGE BRITTANY@MOUNTPLEASANTMAGAZINE.COM COPY EDITOR COLIN MCCANDLESS LORNA HOLLIFIELD SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER ANTHONY MACCHIO BRAND AMBASSADOR STACEY MCLOUGHLIN STACEY@MOUNTPLEASANTMAGAZINE.COM AD DESIGNERS BETHANY LONG KIM HALL TECHNOLOGY GEORGE CONKLIN BRIAN SMITH WRITERS ISABEL ALVAREZ ARATA • HEATHER ROSE ARTUSHIN MARY COY • KATIE FINCH • MAURICE FRAZIER CARI LAWSON • L.C. LEACH III • COLIN MCCANDLESS SARAH ROSE • SOPHIE ROSE PHOTOGRAPHER MARK STAFF INDEPENDENT MEDIA CONSULTANTS MAURICE FRAZIER MAURICE@MOUNTPLEASANTMAGAZINE.COM SARAH ROSE SARAH@MOUNTPLEASANTMAGAZINE.COM ADMINISTRATION & BOOKKEEPING GINGER SOTTILE BOSS DOG REGGIE DISTRIBUTION U.S. POST OFFICE • HARRIS TEETER • CVS • SC WELCOME CENTERS • ASHEVILLE/HENDERSONVILLE AIRPORT CHARLESTON AREA HOTELS Mount Pleasant Magazine is published locally by a team of independent contractors. Mount Pleasant Magazine is published six times per year by Media Services, Inc. 1013 Chuck Dawley Blvd., Mount Pleasant, SC 29464 Copyright © Media Services 2024. 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. Inquiries to: Mount Pleasant Magazine P.O. Box 22617, Charleston, SC 29413 843-881-1481 Info@MountPleasantMagazine.com
12 www.ReadMPM.com | www.MountPleasantMagazine.com | www.MountPleasantPodcast.com Our May/June Family Edition offers a myriad of reasons to celebrate the vibrant personalities that add to the allure of the Lowcountry. It proves that a place is only as beautiful as the people who inhabit it. The theme of unity affirms that family values are the moral compass of a community. The cover alone epitomizes the culture of East Cooper. Boating with the family is not a sport or a hobby, it’s a lifestyle. The way of life in the Lowcountry is best described as laid back, slow paced and even keeled. Just like a boat rolls with the waves, it’s best to go with the ebb and flow. Every story in this magazine features an element of family. Whether it’s town accolades or individual promotions, the foundation of these achievements is built on the cornerstones of family. A perfect example is legendary fisherman Wayne Magwood being honored with a memorial statue from the Town of Mount Pleasant due to his impact on the shrimping community. However, the initiative was spearheaded by his daughter Tressy. Her motivation was not only to preserve the family legacy, but to influence and inspire the future generations of shrimpers on Shem Creek and keep the shrimping industry alive and well (See Page 21). Other prime examples of families working together to make their dreams come true are Kick It Kicks (See Page 30) and Local Family Businesses (See Page 42). The adage, “Teamwork makes the dream work” could not be more prevalent within these pages. As you peruse this issue, I hope these family success stories inspire you to better your family name and leave a legacy worthy of remembering. At the end of the day, family is all we have. Respectfully Yours, Zach Giroux Managing Editor from the editor MAY/JUNE 2024 FAMILY EDITION • SENIOR LIVING DIRECTORY • PICKLEBALL GUIDE Journeys of Motherhood & Fatherhood Active Seniors Young at Heart Best Places to Float Your Boat YOUR COMMUNITY, YOUR MAGAZINE SCAN • CLICK SUBSCRIBE
13 www.ReadMPM.com | www.MountPleasantMagazine.com | www.MountPleasantPodcast.com Oyster Candle Co. & Coastal Gifts Candles Clothing Jewelry Local Goods Private Parties: candle making trucker hat bar 216 Scott Street & Coleman Blvd. www.oystercandlecompany.com Scan for Instagram! 2024 ®
14 www.ReadMPM.com | www.MountPleasantMagazine.com | www.MountPleasantPodcast.com YOUR LAND. OUR EXPERTISE. Build this home on your land or explore dozens of other plans: 833.BUILDHQ | HQHome.com The Kennedy Plan P At Palmetto Christian Academy, we believe that life’s greatest lessons can be taught in the classroom and on the court. By inspiring faith, friendship, and teamwork, our high school coaches mentor students for growth beyond athletic excellence to mold character essential for spiritual and personal success. Voted Best Private School 10 Years in a Row 2024 ® Want to join the Palmetto Christian Academy family? Check out PalmettoChristianAcademy.org today!
15 www.ReadMPM.com | www.MountPleasantMagazine.com | www.MountPleasantPodcast.com plopped into the murky water. Giroux leaned over the dock trying to scoop it out with a long net, but to no avail, as the phone had disappeared. It remains an unsolved pluff mud mystery. In the meantime, Staff took a running leap from the dock onto the boat so that he could expertly pose the Toole family members on the bow. Once Staff was safely back on the dock, it was lights, camera, action and our stunning front cover image came to life. No fish or cell phones were caught, but fond memories were made. What better way to celebrate the start of summer than by getting out on the boat with our family issue? Behind the scenes of the cover photo shoot, our editor Zach Giroux, production manager Bethany Long, myself and writer Sophie Rose watched from the dock at Islander 71 on Isle of Palms as photographer Mark Staff directed Scott, Anne, Kathleen and William Toole to steer and anchor the boat. It took some finagling to find just the right angle to capture the perfect lighting once the sun peered out from behind the clouds. The breeze and the wake created by other vessels made it tricky to steady the Sea Ray, which seemingly had taken on a personality of its own. Finally, with the stern anchored, the bow roped securely and fishing gear rigged up, the set was staged. During this process, our staff was rocking out to the Beastie Boys when suddenly Long’s cell phone fell and MAY/JUNE 2024 THE CONVERSATION CONTINUES AT WWW.MOUNTPLEASANTPODCAST.COM FAMILY EDITION • SENIOR LIVING DIRECTORY • PICKLEBALL GUIDE Reeling in Memories The Gift of Family Comes in Many Forms Journeys of Motherhood & Fatherhood Active Seniors Young at Heart Best Places to Float Your Boat Photo by Mark Staff. about the cover BY SARAH ROSE The words “photo shoot” sounded fun, especially since it was on a boat. That’s why I interviewed rising fourth-grader Kathleen Marie Toole and rising second-grader William Toole about their experiences of being a part of this photo shoot. Kathleen Marie said that when her family isn’t out and about on their boat, they keep it docked at Sea Breeze or Isle of Palms Marina. When they are on the boat, however, they like going to Capers or just driving around. I asked both of the siblings how they felt before and during the photo shoot. “I was really interested in being a part of the photo shoot,” said Kathleen Marie. "And after, it felt great and cool that we are going to be on the cover of Mount Pleasant Magazine!” “The photo was fun to take!” William said, while throwing some pretzel bits to the birds around the dock. “You better not eat those! They’ve been on the dirty dock!” Kathleen Marie said jokingly to her younger brother, who was teasing her by putting the pretzels close to his mouth. Then, I asked what their favorite seat and part of the boat was. “Oh, that’s really hard. I like all of the seats, but I like to sit and drive the boat, even when it’s turned off,” William said. “I like going fast on the boat. My favorite seats are the front two ones,” Kathleen Marie said. While taking the photo, we saw small ripples from little fish jumping around, but we didn’t catch any while taking the photo. “I thought there was a real fish!” William exclaimed. A Word With the Skippers BY SOPHIE ROSE About the Cover
16 www.ReadMPM.com | www.MountPleasantMagazine.com | www.MountPleasantPodcast.com POINT, SCAN, CLICK Discover the Carolina Coast www.ExploreCoastalCarolina.com
17 www.ReadMPM.com | www.MountPleasantMagazine.com | www.MountPleasantPodcast.com contributors Heather Rose Artushin is a local writer, poet and therapist. When she's not talking to our town's most interesting people for an article, she’s working alongside a local nonprofit or playing around with a poem. Mary Coy is a fifth-generation Charlestonian and expert on Charleston history. She has written for Mount Pleasant Magazine for over a decade. She can be found giving tours of the Holy City in her free time. Colin McCandless is a Charlestonbased freelance writer and copy editor who enjoys writing about nature and wildlife, travel, history and outdoor recreation. He has more than 15 years of writing experience working for magazines and newspapers and developing blog and website content. Katie Finch joined the Charleston Women family as a media consultant in 2022. An Alabama native (War Eagle, anyone?) and a former small business owner, she loves connecting with local Lowcountry business owners while putting her marketing degree to good use. Clark Leach is a business and health writer with more than 20 years of experience. He has written for universities, magazines, businesses, newspapers, nonprofits and niche publications. Since 2015, his work has appeared in Greenville Business, Charleston Business, Charleston Women, HealthLinks and The Tennessean. Isabel Alvarez Arata is a freelance writer and content creator with a focus on business, marketing and lifestyle. She has her own petrelated podcast and blog, “Covered in Pet Hair.” Cari Lawson is a school counselor by day and writer by night. Writing provides an outlet to connect further to the community. She loves to spend time with her husband, toddler and puppy at Disney World! Maurice J. Frazier is a freelance writer living on Daniel Island. Born in the Bronx, New York and raised in the North Charleston/ Summerville area, he has been working in the TV and film industry for the last eight years. Interested in contributing to Mount Pleasant Magazine? Email your contact information (name, phone, mailing address) and one sample of work you have created (or a link to your work online) with the subject “Aspiring MPM Contributor” to Editor@MountPleasantMagazine.com. Sarah Rose brings a local and global perspective to her freelance writing, editing and independent research. She has a bachelor’s degree in journalism, a decadeslong career in interior design and has traveled and lived all over the world.
18 www.ReadMPM.com | www.MountPleasantMagazine.com | www.MountPleasantPodcast.com southernbelleschildren.com 280 W. Coleman Blvd. Mt. Pleasant | 843.881.1741 2024 ® at For Fashionable Tween Girls The Sassiest Gift Boutique in Mt. Pleasant NOW OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK! SCHOOL OF ROCK | MOUNT PLEASANT 1907 N Highway 17, Suite 102 Mt Pleasant, SC 29464 843-258-1181 mountpleasant.schoolofrock.com
19 www.ReadMPM.com | www.MountPleasantMagazine.com | www.MountPleasantPodcast.com atch Mount Pleasant Magazine online at MountPleasantMagazine.com, and flip through the digital magazine at ReadMPM.com. For up-to-date, relevant content for all of Mount Pleasant and East Cooper, follow us on Instagram @MountPleasantMagazine and on Facebook at Facebook.com/ MountPleasantMagazine. Don’t forget to comment on our posts with your thoughts on the events, businesses or personalities featured. We want to connect with you. Your voice could become featured in our “Social Buzz” section. We have so much to offer the community beyond these pages. We invite all of our readers to enjoy our podcasts, in addition to our online publications. Both MountPleasantPodcast.com and BestOfMPpodcast.com offer amazing insights into our community through the first-person stories of our leaders, business owners and beloved residents. This is a chance to watch, listen and learn from your neighbors. Want to get involved with the content chosen for Mount Pleasant Magazine? Give us your ideas for a feature story. Email Editor@MountPleasantMagazine.com with your ideas, supporting photos and contact information. We’d love to hear from you! on the web C ASE Certified Mechanics 1072 Johnnie Dodds Blvd. Mount Pleasant (beside Post Office) 843-884-2573 | hudsonsimport.com 45 Don’t get stressed about your vehicle’s service provider. When it comes to servicing and maintaining your car, turn to the staff at Hudson’s Import Service. We aren’t just taking care of cars- we’re taking care of customers. Your family can trust ours! VW • Audi • Toyota • Lexus • Honda • Acura • Nissan • Infiniti
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21 www.ReadMPM.com | www.MountPleasantMagazine.com | www.MountPleasantPodcast.com BY ZACH GIROUX Beloved Fisherman to Receive Memorial Statue at Shem Creek Fortune Man of
22 www.ReadMPM.com | www.MountPleasantMagazine.com | www.MountPleasantPodcast.com When dawn breaks on Shem Creek, there will soon be a glimmer on the water like never before. Atop the boardwalk that connects both sides of the creek will stand a bronze, life-size statue of a man who is now remembered as a Lowcountry legend. His name is Captain Wayne Magwood and soon his legacy will forever be enshrined as a testament to the role he played in preserving the area’s rich maritime history. Magwood’s life, career and family lineage have revolved around Shem Creek for the past century. In 1930, his father’s cousin, Captain William Magwood, was the first fisherman to bring ocean shrimp into Mount Pleasant and laid the foundation for the commercial industry to be built at Shem Creek. Magwood’s shrimping journey began as a child working alongside his father Captain Clarence Magwood Jr. and he proceeded to live out this lifelong passion for the next 50 years. Over the last half century, he achieved much more than any fish scale could weigh; he became the face of the shrimping industry in the Lowcountry. Magwood was a life member of the South Carolina Shrimpers Association and served with the Southern Shrimp Alliance. He was one of the founders of the Blessing of the Fleet Festival that originated in Charleston in the 1970s, a parade of boats that has been going strong for 36 years now in Mount Pleasant. In 2011, Magwood was presented the Order of the Palmetto, which is the state's highest civilian honor awarded to citizens for extraordinary lifetime service and achievements of national or statewide significance. He devoted his time and talent to preserving the shrimping tradition and its presence on Shem Creek, advocating for himself and fellow fishermen. When Magwood wasn’t shrimping, he was either spending quality time with family or filming something cool on his famed 68-foot trawler Winds of Fortune that has graced the waters since 1987. His boat was featured in a country music video with singer and songwriter Darius Rucker, TV shows such as “Dirty Jobs” and “Amazing Race” and on stations like the History Channel and The Weather Channel. Magwood had more airtime than most pilots; yet he was one of the humblest, salt of the earth skippers you ever met. “He was larger than life and his life was incredible,” said Tressy Magwood Mellichamp, one of his four daughters and author of the local history book “East Cooper: A Maritime Heritage.” A month after selling his boat and settling into retirement, Magwood was tragically killed in an autopedestrian collision while crossing Coleman Boulevard on Sept. 11, 2020. He was just 67 years old. Just weeks after Magwood’s untimely death, Mellichamp and her sisters were overwhelmed by the outpouring of support from people calling to erect a statue in his remembrance. Mellichamp has since poured her heart into the project, collaborating with the Town of Mount Pleasant. Her mission was not only to recognize the impact her father cast on the community by way of a memorial statue, but to give back to an industry that has supported her family for generations. “The biggest life lesson that my dad has passed into my heart is to always give back,” Mellichamp said. “Give back to your community and always ask what you can do instead of taking.” In February 2021, the town launched a GoFundMe fundraiser called the Wayne Magwood Fisherman’s Memorial. If you read the description, then you’ll know that the goal is much greater than an individual honor. The base of the statue will have a QR code that takes you to a website with information about every vessel in the shrimping fleet our town
23 www.ReadMPM.com | www.MountPleasantMagazine.com | www.MountPleasantPodcast.com and what restaurants serve their shrimp. The goal is to strengthen the community by informing tourists and boosting the local economy. “You take your picture with Captain Magwood and then you can look at the website and say ‘hey, I can go to this restaurant right on the creek and I can get a shrimp cocktail with the shrimp from this particular shrimping boat,’” said G.M. Whitley, a Mount Pleasant town councilwoman who facilitated town council to vote and approve a 501(c)3 nonprofit sponsorship for the project. So far, Magwood’s statue has received more than $70,000 of the $100,000 targeted goal for its creation. The work will begin once the funds are met and the artist is paid. Susie Chisholm, a sculptor from Savannah, Georgia, has been commissioned for the statue. She has already completed the maquette of Magwood, a miniaturized model of him with a bucket of shrimp. The life-size version will stand approximately 5 feet and 8 inches tall. “I think it’s going to be an amazing memorial and monument, but also a testament to the shrimping industry and an icon for the Town of Mount Pleasant,” added Whitley, who is optimistic that the statue will be completed and erected over the course of the next year. After almost four years since his passing, Magwood’s statue might just be the spark that Shem Creek needs to revitalize its shrimping community. Consider this homecoming his “Come Back Song.” To make a donation to Magwood’s statue, visit gofundme.com/f/captain-wayne-magwood-statuedonations. For more related articles on Magwood, visit mountpleasantmagazine.com. our town
24 www.ReadMPM.com | www.MountPleasantMagazine.com | www.MountPleasantPodcast.com Safer communities, tighter school security and better resistance to cybercrime and child trafficking are four issues that Charleston County sheriff candidate Carl Ritchie intends to achieve if elected. Ritchie, a current member of Mount Pleasant Town Council and a 33-year veteran of law enforcement, is making his first bid for sheriff. He has spent the last three decades of service in the Lowcountry building toward this moment. “The sheriff’s office needs stronger leadership,” said Ritchie, who retired in 2021 as chief of the Mount Pleasant Police Department. “It needs better direction and a vision that is consistent with the needs of the residents of Charleston County.” RITCHIE'S CAREER EXPERIENCE • 2021 election to Mount Pleasant Town Council. • Public safety first responder for more than 37 years, combined in civilian law enforcement, active-duty Air Force and the Air Force Reserve. • Member of the South Carolina Municipal Insurance and Risk Financing Fund Law Enforcement Advisory Committee. • Leading MPPD to two consecutive Gold Standard Reaccreditations and consistently reducing violent and nonviolent crime through proactive community policing efforts. These efforts helped Mount Pleasant become recognized year after year as one of the safest cities in South Carolina. • Operational planning of many high-profile events, such as a Unity March over the Ravenel Bridge with more than 10,000 participants supporting the Emanuel Nine victims; the Congressional Medal of Honor Society Convention; and managing a protest of more than 2,000 activists and community members while ensuring the safety and security of Mount Pleasant. “My experience, education and training are current, relevant and without a long break in service,” Ritchie said. “And altogether, I think they make me the best candidate for sheriff.” Additionally, Ritchie not only holds a master’s degree in criminal justice from the Command College at Anderson University but is also a graduate and Riley Fellow of the Riley Institute at Furman University’s Diversity Leaders Initiative, and a member of the Police Executive Research Forum. When asked about a single issue he would like to see permanently controlled or eliminated if elected, Ritchie said it was far and away “fentanyl and opioid use.” The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimated that 220 people a day in the U.S. died from opioid overdoses in 2020. Drug Enforcement Agency Administrator Anne Milgram has called fentanyl the “single deadliest drug threat our nation has ever encountered.” Ritchie said while he has worked before with enforcement agencies to keep this national issue under control, serving as sheriff will only increase that commitment. “I will work with all of our federal, state, local and private partners to reduce fentanyl and opioid deaths and protect our children and vulnerable adults who are often targeted through the internet and dark web,” Ritchie added. “As for regular law enforcement, public service and safety have always been my calling and purpose. And as sheriff of Charleston County, I would remain committed to ensuring that the residents and businesses that make our community so special are protected in every way possible.” Ritchie’s next step toward sheriff is the June 11 primary election. If he wins, he will be on the general election ballot for Nov. 5. BY L. C. LEACH III Sworn to Protect Former police chief runs for sheriff our town
25 www.ReadMPM.com | www.MountPleasantMagazine.com | www.MountPleasantPodcast.com Two minutes of talking with Sullivan’s Island Chief of Police Glenn Meadows and you will find yourself constantly adjusting between wonder and amazement. He’s only 62 years young and he’s already lived several lives of duty. You might first discover that he was just recently promoted to his new position in February, but before you can even say congratulations, he’ll add that it came “43 years after I first began my career.” Meadows started in 1981 with the Newport News, Virginia, police and retired as a sergeant with them after 25 years of credited service. His idea of retirement meant taking a little time off, then entering the civilian market in February 2006 as the director of training and operations for DynCorp International. In that capacity, Meadows helped manage operational and training needs for over 100 personnel assigned to personal security details in Iraq and Bosnia in support of Department of State task orders. Meadows spent 11 more years assisting different corporations for other Middle East assignments, split up among three tours in Iraq and six tours in Afghanistan in a civilian rule of law advisory capacity. The tours started in February 2009 when he accepted deployment to Iraq as DynCorp's director of Iraq operations, providing operational oversight and support to corporate operations in Iraq and Kurdistan. Never mind the extensive responsibilities, such as an anti-terrorism/force protection section, battlefield training sessions on insider threat recognition, mitigation for over 700 U.S. Marines and advising, mentoring and training command element sections to better execute their antiterrorism force protection – all of which lasted in some form until 2020 when he returned to the U.S. After Meadows graduated with honors from the S.C. Criminal Justice Academy as a Class 1 Certified Law Enforcement Officer in 2021, he joined the Sullivan's Island Police Department as a patrol officer that same year. Then, he was promoted to deputy chief of police in March 2023. And if you feel compelled to ask why Meadows isn’t contemplating retirement instead of readying for another 40-plus years, he’ll just say, “I’ll be in law enforcement until…” And why not? After defying the laws of aging and accruing enough law enforcement experience for 10 police chiefs, Meadows might just now be hitting his stride – all in an effort to make Sullivan’s Island the safest town in South Carolina. “We’re a unique, tight-knit community,” Meadows said. “We have an excellent team of dedicated professionals who are committed to serving our area to the best of their abilities. And this is where I intend to be until my next, and final, retirement.” Which, if you haven’t guessed, could be a long time coming. Years of Experience Sullivan’s Island appoints new police chief BY L. C. LEACH III our town
26 www.ReadMPM.com | www.MountPleasantMagazine.com | www.MountPleasantPodcast.com He hasn’t started counting the days yet, but when the first day of summer arrives, Andy Benke will have stepped down from his longtime role as town administrator with Sullivan’s Island. Benke’s last day will be June 18 and even though he has been with the town’s government since June 2003, he has no intention of retiring to another place since Sullivan’s Island has been his home for 65 years. “I have not spent much time contemplating why or New Administration Longtime SI Town Administrator Retires BY L. C. LEACH III our town
27 www.ReadMPM.com | www.MountPleasantMagazine.com | www.MountPleasantPodcast.com when to retire,” said Benke. “But a little voice in my head tells me to do more of what I like rather than spend time in the office, so perhaps it is time to retire.” Benke’s retirement comes almost 21 years to the day after he was appointed as town administrator. While his chief duties are to see that public services are delivered efficiently and effectively and that all policy decisions by elected officials are implemented, Benke has also had the unofficial role of keeping aware of the changing times. When Benke got his first job at McKevlin’s Surf Shop on Isle of Palms in 1970, the entire surrounding area was primarily a bedroom coastal community – with some seasonal vacationers, but not anywhere close to Myrtle Beach, Litchfield and Hilton Head. Within just the last 21 years, Benke has seen the island suddenly become a year-round destination, attracting people from all over the U.S., and requiring town leaders to make adjustments that not so long ago might have never been on their radar. “Seems like everyone wants to come to the beach on Saturday and Sunday,” Benke said. “Therefore, the our town Andy Benke Joe Henderson 1037 Chuck Dawley Blvd., Suite D-100 Mount Pleasant, SC Bringing you over 20 years of combined cosmetic injection experience. Trust us to find your natural, true beauty! AESTHETICS True Beauty 843-790-2034 TRUEBEAUTYSC.COM AESTHETICS True Beauty Malissa LaRoche, PA-C Rebecca Zerwick Johnson, PA-C FAMILY. The guiding light behind our desire to open Izzy’s, our very own FAMILY-OWNED AND FAMILY-OPERATED BUSINESS. THE SHOPPES AT SEASIDE FARMS 1960 RIVIERA DRIVE, SUITE E MT. PLEASANT, SC (843) 981-9177 izzys-scoopsandsweets.com 2024 ®
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29 www.ReadMPM.com | www.MountPleasantMagazine.com | www.MountPleasantPodcast.com exponential growth of visitors has required all of us in the town government to reconsider the scope of public safety we provide, the amount of sanitation services, the sizes of homes we allow, the number of beach access points, parking for daily use and a lot more to keep up with the demand.” When asked about the most rewarding part of the job, Benke said it was the same as his biggest challenge: helping maintain the charm of the island while making room for growth. “Being able to contribute to the community where I grew up in a way that helps preserve its special sense of place is what I have liked most,” Benke said. “And in my way of thinking, nothing in that regard or in any form of our town government has ever really been accomplished individually.” To that end, Benke’s successor is Sullivan’s Island Deputy Administrator Joe Henderson. Having been with the town since June 2013 in a variety of roles, Henderson said his interest in the position stems straight from Benke himself. “I couldn’t have had a better mentor, coach and guide over the past 11 years,” Henderson said. “And I truly thank Andy for all his wisdom and patience.” Going forward, Henderson will not only be able to draw from Benke’s example, but from considerable experience. In addition to assisting Benke, Henderson has also handled town special projects, citizen requests, building and zoning, the creation or revision of town policies and procedures, contract negotiation, annual budget planning, special event planning and capital improvements. Over the last several years, Henderson has also been instrumental in town expansion with construction of a new town hall, new fire station, maintenance storage facility and garage and a complete reconstruction of the town’s wastewater treatment facility. “As we experience the forces of new development and change, it is critical that we ensure that Sullivan’s Island retains its sense of place and history,” Henderson said. When asked about assuming his new role, Henderson said he was very lucky to be in the right place at the right time – with Benke as the right predecessor. “As someone who was born and raised on Sullivan’s Island, his insight and institutional knowledge has been invaluable to the folks of the island as well as the staff that have worked with him,” Henderson added. “I can only hope to be able to fill his shoes and carry the mantle for the old island families as well as the newcomers.” our town LIVE LOVE LEARN 1183 Russell Drive, Mount Pleasant, SC 29464 843.884.4721 www.coksm.org EDUCATING THE CHRIST OUR KING - STELLA MARIS SCHOOL WHOLE CHILD OVER 70 YEARS OF EXCELLENCE With a catholic foundation
30 www.ReadMPM.com | www.MountPleasantMagazine.com | www.MountPleasantPodcast.com The Mount Pleasant community is a place where entrepreneurship flourishes. Shopping locally at small businesses can serve as motivation for anyone aspiring to become an entrepreneur or business owner themselves. Lucas Taylor, owner of Kick It Kicks in Mount Pleasant, had just that experience. A high school graduate of Philip Simmons High School off Clements Ferry Road, Taylor’s parents are entrepreneurs as well. His mother runs a hair salon while his father owns an area painting company. “I’m 19 years old. Both of my parents own their own businesses, and I didn’t want to go to college. My family and I were in LA shopping at boutiques and my mother came up with the idea. I was totally down,” recounted Taylor. Soon thereafter, Kick It Kicks was born. A Melrose Avenue boutique vibe that would bring any sneakerhead to their knees, the store buys, sells and trades new and pre-owned sneakers, skateboards, apparel and designer wear for men, women and children. Kick It Kicks carries a variety of sneakers from Nike Air Jordans, Adidas Yeezy and Off-White to Travis Scott. You can walk out with clean, stylish kicks made for “the Gram” (Instagram). Clothing brands they offer include A Bathing Ape, Supreme, Essentials, Spider, Denim Tears and Gallery Dept, high-quality attire that will enhance your wardrobe. Looking for luxury but don’t want to travel downtown to purchase it? No worries. They carry luxury apparel and goods too. “People will bring in their Jordans or Louis Vuitton collection and we will buy them out,” Taylor said. “They can either have cash or store credit.” Entrepreneurship is when an individual who has an idea to open a business acts on that idea, often to disrupt the current market with a new product or service. It starts with a concept, a purpose and passion, and gradually grows into something bigger. Taylor is doing just that. “Take the risk,” Taylor added. “There is no point not to. You won’t know unless you take the risk to open your business.” One of the things Taylor enjoys the most about owning his own store is that he gets to make all the decisions. It’s empowering, boosts his confidence and sets a standard not only for him but his co-workers and colleagues. Taylor plans to open more stores in the future, but currently he’s busy growing and perfecting his brand. Kickin’ it New School Teen opens boutique shoe store Kick It Kicks is open Monday-Saturday from 10:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sundays from noon to 5 p.m. It is located off Highway 17 at 1113 Market Center Blvd. Suite A in Mount Pleasant. You can find them on Instagram @kick.it.sneakers. BY MAURICE J. FRAZIER our town
31 www.ReadMPM.com | www.MountPleasantMagazine.com | www.MountPleasantPodcast.com In February, Bishop England High School hired Logan Hall as its next head football coach. The Laurens native said the clear vision of expectations along with the school’s excellent academic reputation motivated him to accept the position. Hall takes over for John Cantey, who led the team for 16 years and won two state titles. However, Bishop England’s football program has struggled in recent years, including finishing 2-8 in the 2023 regular season. Cantey resigned last December to spend more time with family. Hall understands that despite a string of consecutive losing seasons, Bishop England has a history of success and state championships, and he is ready to lead the team into a new era. “I’ve always wanted to be a head coach,” Hall said. The fan base’s passion and the pride alumni and their family members have shown in the school made an impression on him as well. “It’s a community and it’s tight knit,” stated Hall. “It just felt like a good fit and a good opportunity.” HALL'S COACHING RESUME Hall played quarterback at Laurens High School and went on to play under coach David Bennett at Coastal Carolina University where they won a Big South Championship. He finished his degree at the University of South Carolina where he started his coaching career under legendary USC coach Steve Spurrier as a graduate assistant. Hall would later serve as assistant director of player personnel under former USC coach Will Muschamp. Hall also had stints as Battery Creek High School’s offensive coordinator and served as Limestone College’s tight ends coordinator, passing coordinator and recruiting coordinator before being hired as Pinewood Prep’s offensive coordinator in 2023. Hall’s love of coaching football originated in high school, where he learned from coaches and mentors. “I was always a student of the game,” he reflected. Toward the end of his playing career, as he contemplated his next step, Hall realized that he wanted to teach guys and develop young people on and off the field, in the classroom and in the community. In year one, Hall said he will strive to instill a culture of belief, hard work and details. Although Bishop England is moving up from Class 2A to 4A, Hall sees it as an opportunity. “It’s a chance to compete and to prove that we have good football players,” he said. “We’re building from the ground up.” Hall elaborated that this starts with their seniors leading by example. “We want a football team that will play with an edge and play to the final whistle,” he asserted. The goal is to put a product on the field that will make people proud. Hall’s long-term goals for the program are sustained success and state championships. Ultimately, he wants them to be hosting playoff games and for the 4A bracket to come through Bishop England. “The school has a pedigree,” he said. But to Hall, it’s about more than winning football games. He wants his teams and players to do outreach in the community and perform acts of public service. Although Hall grew up in Laurens, he does have a local connection. His wife Molly, an attorney, is a Mount Pleasant native who attended Wando High School. “We’re excited,” added Hall. “This is a good opportunity for my wife and I to get involved.” Hall will be leading youth football camps this summer that will teach fundamentals. Details are posted online at bishopenglandathletics.com/2024-summer-camps/. ‘A Student of the Game' Bishop England football employs new coach BY COLIN MCCANDLESS our town
32 www.ReadMPM.com | www.MountPleasantMagazine.com | www.MountPleasantPodcast.com E very parent remembers the first day that they sent their kid to school. It can be gut-wrenching and anxiety-inducing. When mom Mariesa Eikevik sent her son Mason to school recently, she had no idea the call that she would receive later that day. Mason entered Carolina Park Elementary School like he does every morning and walked into Mrs. Johnnie Williams’ classroom. He started to unpack and decided to have a Jolly Rancher. The candy became lodged in his throat, and he began to choke. Panicking, he ran up to Williams for assistance. She jumped into action right away and used the Heimlich maneuver to save his life while sending a student for help. Williams commented that she was glad that Mason knew to ask for help and indicate what was happening. Once the Jolly Rancher was dislodged and it was clear that Mason was no longer choking, he was taken to the nurse to be fully examined. The class of fifth-graders who witnessed the event were understandably shaken and worried by what had just transpired in front of them. Williams quickly addressed all her students’ questions and reassured them that everything was going to be ok, adding that Mason did the right thing by asking for help so quickly. After parents were contacted and Mason was cleared, he returned to the classroom and the school day continued without a hitch. When the school day ended, Eikevik came to the school to meet with Williams about the event. Williams was fearful that she had hurt Mason in the process, but Eikevik reassured her that she saved his life in that moment. He was alive because of her. In this moment of tenderness, the mother and teacher both broke down in tears while they recounted the events of the morning. The Eikeviks were thoroughly impressed with Williams and her ability to jump into action without hesitation. No parent wants to receive a call that their child has been injured and it is scary to contemplate what the alternative would have been if it weren’t for Williams' heroic efforts. “She was calm and collected,” Eikevik said. “She deserves recognition and praise for something so huge. Not only was she ready to take action, she taught the rest of the day after it happened.” Legally, only six people in the building need to be trained in the Heimlich maneuver. Eikevik added that she was grateful that Williams had this training because she isn’t sure Mason would have been assisted as quickly. His parents also commended Williams for the care and concern that she has shown since the incident. Her genuine concern for Mason as a student as well as a person has further bolstered Eikevik’s adoration of her. Williams exceeded the role of a teacher on that day and stepped up as a hero. Going above and beyond her responsibilities, she showed up for her student in a way that he will never forget. BY CARI LAWSON Jumping into Action Teacher saves student from choking our town
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