All of the residences in Phase II at the mixed-use lifestyle community The Waterfront Daniel Island have been sold, a little more than a year after they were released, according to developers East West Partners.

Phase II comprises 41 one-, two-, and three-bedroom condominium units across three new buildings, according to a news release from the development company.

“We are thrilled to officially close out sales on this second residential phase at The Waterfront,” Harriette Calder, project manager for The Waterfront Daniel Island, said in the release. “Demand for this community has remained strong ever since its inception, reflecting a continually growing interest in the elevated, yet relaxed coastal lifestyle and vibrant social environment we’ve been able to cultivate here. Our residents truly make this community a one-of-a-kind destination in the Lowcountry and we can’t wait to welcome our Phase II residents home to The Waterfront soon.”

Phase II, for which began construction in April 2022, will feature luxury condominium residences spread across the Sabal, Camellia and Magnolia buildings, most of which offer direct, unobstructed views of the Wando River. Ranging from approximately 1,220 to 3,400 square feet, floor plans in the second collection feature outdoor terraces, elevated finishes by interior designer Betsy Berry, and river views, with some penthouse units. In addition to the residences, this second collection also features exclusive new homeowner amenities, including a shared, elevated outdoor courtyard for residents of the Sabal and Magnolia buildings and an outdoor terrace and gathering space called The Perch for residents of the Camellia building. Construction is expected to be complete on units early in 2024, the release stated.

Later this fall, East West Partners expects to announce the release of sales for Phase III of the development, a new collection of 47 total residences including condominiums, townhomes and a handful of marsh cottages, representing a new product offering for the community. East West Partners will expand upon its collaboration with Berry for the interior design of Phase III products and will partner with two architectural firms, including MacMillan Pazdan Smith and Court Atkins, to bring the residences to life.

All homeowners who purchase at The Waterfront enjoy access to standout amenities, including:

Direct access to Daniel Island’s newly redesigned waterfront park, featuring two public docks with paddle launch and dog ramp, an interactive fountain, waterfront swings, and children’s play area.

Access to an array of natural and planned amenities, including 25+ miles of trails with views along the marsh and water; The Kingstide, Daniel Island’s only waterfront restaurant with rooftop bar; and The Daniel Island Market and Eatery (The Dime), a gourmet grab-and-go market.

Private amenities including a resort-style pool; pool pavilion with fire pit, fireplace, and grilling station; fitness center with state-of-the-art equipment; community outdoor gathering spaces; and post center with onsite property management.

The master plan for the development of The Waterfront on Daniel Island includes six phases.

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.

The Daniel Island Club is getting ready to become a very busy place with the playing of the U.S. Junior Amateur scheduled for July 24-29.

The juniors will begin 36 holes of stroke-play qualifying on Monday and Tuesday of that week on both the Ralston Creek (Rees Jones) and Beresford Creek (Tom Fazio) courses to whittle the field to 64 for match play. If there is a tie in qualifying, there will be a sudden-death playoff to get the number to exactly 64 for match play that begins on Wednesday and concludes with a 36-hole championship match on Ralston Creek on Saturday (July 29).

Three South Carolina golfers are among those who will participate in the qualifying portion of the tournament. Rowan Sullivan of Charleston and Davis Neal of North Augusta both advanced in a qualifier at Daniel Island Club. Matt Moloney of Daniel Island earned his spot in a qualifier held at the University of Georgia course in Athens.

This year 4,261 players registered for the U.S. Junior, the second-most in history and highest total since 1999. The Daniel Island qualifying field consists of 264 golfers, 60 of whom were exempt.

Notable past champions include three-time winner Tiger Woods (1991-93); Jordan Spieth (2009, 2011); Scottie Scheffler (2013); Johnny Miller (1964); David Duval (1989); and South Carolina native Charlie Rymer (1985).

Wenyi Ding of the Peoples Republic of China defeated Caleb Surratt of Indian Trail, N.C., 3 and 2, in the 2022 U.S. Junior played at Bandon Dunes in Oregon.

The winner of the tournament receives a gold medal; an exemption from qualifying for future U.S. Juniors while still eligible; an exemption into the 2024 U.S. Open at Pinehurst,; and exemptions into the 2023 and 2024 U.S. Amateurs. A competitor cannot have a Handicap Index exceeding 4.4, and must not have reached his 19th birthday by July 29, 2023.

This marks the fourth time the U.S. Junior has been played in South Carolina. It was previously played in 1963 at Florence Country Club, in 1979 at Moss Creek Golf Club on Hilton Head Island, and in 2015 at Colleton River Plantation in Bluffton.

The First Tee of Greater Charleston’s Game Changers, a year-round athletic, academic and social/emotional support program to students grades 6-12, has entered the New Year with a new name: The Pathfinder Immersion Program.

The change aims to “more clearly communicate program objectives,” said Bucky Dudley, executive director of First Tee of Greater Charleston.

“We say it all the time … ‘First Tee Greater Charleston is Building Game Changers.’ That means all of our programs — immersion, on-course/after-school, in-school, and community outreach— are building game changers,” Dudley said. “Rebranding the immersion program is just a formality, but we hope the distinction between our tagline and this specific program will help people better understand what we’re trying to accomplish, at an organizational and program level.”

Participants in The Pathfinders Immersion Program meet with coaches and mentors Monday through Friday during the summer and on Saturdays throughout the school year for golf instruction and STEM activities. All activities, transportation, snacks, meals, and equipment are provided at no cost to participating families.

Professional development and STEM curriculum is administered through enrichment partners including Boeing, Synovus, College of Charleston, Charleston Southern University, Terracon, Frampton Construction, Main Ocean Logistics, Seafox Boats, and others.

“Our goal is to expose young people to a variety of educational options and career paths in hopes that they will be prepared to make informed choices as they mature into positive productive adults,” said Pathfinder Immersion Program Director Lerone Johnson Sr.

If you are interested in volunteer or enrichment partner opportunities, contact Johnson at [email protected].

Aces

Jim Ihrke, Dec. 3, Bulls Bay Golf Club, No. 14, 156 yards, 7-wood. Witnesses: Dave Wormwood, Tony Bereyni.

Buddy Ellett, Dec. 21, Snee Farm Country Club, No. 7, 128 yards, 8-iron. Witnesses: Charlie Linning, Jeff Joyner, Rick Blake.

Coastal areas in South Carolina have long been prized for their scenic location and proximity to the ocean, but recent years have witnessed a growing concern among homeowners regarding the availability and affordability of home insurance.

Hurricanes and flooding, fueled by changing climate patterns, have made it harder for homeowners to obtain affordable insurance, forcing many to consider alternative plans or even pull out of their existing policies.

“Our prices have been going up every year for the last 10 years,” local homeowner Jason Salas said. “I’m considering changing plans to a higher deductible based on risk tolerance and personal factors pertaining to my home.”

According to Michael Dew from Daniel Island’s Taylor Agency, this strain is due to the skyrocketing costs of reinsurance – insurance for insurers – aimed at reducing the financial risk in the event of large payouts for claims. As a result, many insurance carriers have opted to cease writing policies in coastal regions, redirecting their

focus to more profitable inland areas that are less susceptible to hurricanes and flooding.

Dew points out, “Just about every carrier that I represent has had steep rate increases as well due to these storms and increased cost of reinsurance.” The result is that homeowners are now paying more for their insurance policies, with some experiencing rate hikes as high as 100-150%, Dew noted.

Insurance agencies have also become more selective, considering factors such as roof age, plumbing systems, and even the age of hot water heaters, making qualifying for insurance harder for homeowners. With availability and affordability working in tandem to make it difficult for the consumer, carriers are pumping the brakes and

slowing down sales to new homeowners, according to Sam Schirmer of Schirmer Insurance Group.

“Some carriers are non-renewing due to reinsurance issues, some are non-renewing as they want to move further back from the coast,” Schirmer said. “Some carriers are stopping new sales altogether.”

With increased home values and the increase in the cost of natural disasters, the industry has renewed its focus on its strategies to manage its risk in certain areas, especially those prone to coastal catastrophes. Other factors contributing to the rate increases have to do with inflation, higher repair/rebuild costs, and rising labor and material costs.

Russ Dubinsky, executive director of the South Carolina Insurance Association, notes that the silver lining in South Carolina is that companies are still willing to ensure those risks and there are more companies entering the market today.

The South Carolina Department of Insurance (SCDI) has also taken steps to support homeowners facing increased insurance costs and risks. The South Carolina Safe Home program offers matching and non-matching grant funds to help coastal property owners retrofit their homes, making them more resistant to hurricanes and

high-wind damage.

For homeowners concerned about their ability to secure affordable and comprehensive home insurance coverage in the face of rising weather-related risks, Michael Wise, director of the SCDI, advises all South Carolina consumers to “find an agent they trust and shop their insurance at least yearly to make sure they are receiving

the best value.”

Any consumer who has concerns about homeowners insurance may contact the SCDI Office of Consumer Services at 1-800-768-3467 or visit doi.sc.gov for more information.