Roofer in Daniel Island, SC

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 nelsenj@charleston-sc.gov or by phone at 843-216-6366.

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

Oct. 26: Cainhoy Sports Park Amenity – Site plan for amenity, swimming pools, sports parks, parking lot, and stormwater pond on 23.5 acres at 3050 River Village Dr. TMS: B2620000008. Owner: Cainhoy Land & Timber, LLC. Contact: Steven Roach, roach.s@tandh.com.

Oct. 26: Towne at Cooper River Phase II - Road and infrastructure – Three separate items for road improvements to Enterprise Blvd, Beresford Run, and Clements Ferry Rd. and R/W extension, roadway construction, and master infrastructure to serve future development on 30.1 acres at 2620 Clements Ferry Rd. TMS: B2710001035. Applicant: Seamon, Whiteside & Associates, Inc. Contact: Spencer Plowden, splowden@seamonwhiteside.com.

Oct. 26: Woodfield Cooper River Farms – Site plan for 71 multifamily units on 2.7 acres at 700 Silo Acres Dr. TMS: B2710001035. Applicant: Seamon, Whiteside & Associates, Inc. Contact: Malcolm Glenn, mglenn@seamonwhiteside.com.

Oct. 26: Tuxbury Farm Tract - Concept plan for an 82-unit mixed-use development on15.1 acres at 2686 SC41. TMS: B2630004006.

Oct. 19: Woodfield Point Hope 3 Mixed – Site plan for multifamily and commercial mixed-use development for 348 units on 44.6 acres at 1260 Clements Ferry Road. TMS: B2620000028. Applicant: Seamon, Whiteside & Associates, Inc., Contact: Malcolm Glenn, mglenn@seamonwhiteside.com.

Oct. 19: Marshes at Daniel Island Phases 1A/1B – Review of revisions to approved road construction plans for a new residential subdivision consisting of 59 units on 16.78 acres at 146 Fairbanks Drive. TMS: B2710000010. Applicant: Seamon, Whiteside & Associates, Inc. Contact: Zachary Wortman, zwortman@seamonwhiteside.com.

Oct 19: Alliance Apartments Phase 1 – Site plan for multifamily development with supporting amenities and infrastructure at 1730 Clements Ferry Road, 336 units on 23.9 acres. Applicant: Seamon, Whiteside & Associates, Inc. Contact: Hannah Wilken, hwilken@seamonwhiteside.com.

Oct. 19: Cainhoy Del Webb Phase 2 – Preliminary plat and road construction plans for 233 lots of a new residential subdivision on Clements Ferry Rd. TMS: B2620000028. Applicant: Thomas & Hutton Engineering. Contact: Steven Roach, roach.s@tandh.com.

RESULTS: CITY OF CHARLESTON TECHNICAL REVIEW COMMITTEE

Oct. 12: Seven Farms at Pier View Pedestrian Improvements - Installation of curb extensions, Rectangular Rapid-Flashing Beacon (crossing signal), drainage, and roadway striping. Owner: City of Charleston Applicant: City of Charleston Contact: James Wallace, wallacej@charleston-sc.gov. Results: Revise and resubmit to TRC.

Oct. 12: Mikasa Apartments - Review of revisions to approved project, 336 units on 19.55 acres at 1980 Clements Ferry Rd. TMS: B2680000133. Applicant: Thomas & Hutton Engineering Contact: Corey Balenger, balenger.c@tandh.com. Results: Approval pending final documentation to Engineering and Planning.

Oct. 12: Parcel K Residential (Blaze Residential) - Site plan for 50 single-family attached townhomes and associated infrastructure on 5.58 acres at 716 Oyster Isle Dr. (Former Blackbaud and Charleston Battery site on Daniel Island Dr.) TMS: B2750000086. Applicant: Seamon, Whiteside & Associates. Contact: Abigail Richardson, arichardson@seamonwhiteside.com. Results: Open pending the delivery of comments from Stormwater Management.

Compiled by Suzanne Detar, sdetar@thedanielislandnews.com.

All meetings are open for public comment except the City of Charleston Technical Review Committee meetings.

New businesses coming soon include a coffee shop, yoga studio, pizzeria, dance studio, Mexican restaurant and clothing store

Residents who live along Clements Ferry or who frequent the area will soon have more retail, eating, exercise, medical and professional options as commercial development projects at Point Hope progress. These include The Gates and The Goddard at Point Hope and additional buildings on Renaissance Lane in the Village Green.

According to Fritz Meyer of Meyer Kapp & Associates, planned restaurants include Ye Ole Fashioned, Catrina’s Tacos and Tequila, Dunkin Donuts and Domino’s. Also slated to open soon in Point Hope: Edward Jones, Modern Movement Yoga and Orchid Nail Salon.

These new retail and commercial businesses will join the recent influx and existing options that already opened their doors in the Publix Shopping Center and surrounding commercial areas. These include popular restaurants like Coastal Skillet, Famulari’s Pizzeria, Coach’s Canteen and Jersey Mike’s, as well as health care providers such as Roper St. Francis, The Look Optometry, Georgia Skin Clinic, Point Hope Dentistry and Coastal Kids Orthodontics.

The new businesses will be part of The Gates at Point Hope, a five-building, 36,000-square-foot commercial development with frontage of Clements Ferry Road developed by Vulcan Property Group. The Gates are named in homage to Philip Simmons, the master ironworker and artisan who designed many decorative gates throughout Charleston.

The developer has signed leases with each of the incoming establishments in The Gates and anticipates it will deliver the spaces in dark-shell condition in October, according to Meyer.

“It’s a remarkable mix of uses for a community so early in its development life,” Meyer said.

Construction of The Gates began in January, although the growing list of retail, dining, and corporate tenants are not set to open until 2024. Even so, the new tenants are excitedly preparing their new business models for the Point Hope community.

“Our vision is to serve the new growing community with a family-friendly spot to grab lunch, dinner and ice cream,” said Cole Spradling, owner of the Ye Ole Fashioned coming to Clements Ferry. “I plan on being involved with the local schools and sports teams, to be a spot for students to come and grab a bite to eat with friends, study and do homework.”

Modern Movement Yoga’s new location owner Jolene Newman, another business tenant of The Gates, shared her vision for the studio’s future.

“We want to build a community that helps lift each other up,” Newman said. “Our goals for our new location are to incorporate student and teacher training courses, have teachers from around the world, in-studio and at-home yoga classes and yoga retreats.”

Adjacent to The Gates at Point Hope is The Goddard, a mixed-use project from Woodfield Partners, who also built The Port House and Wharf 7 on Daniel Island and the Newbrook Apartments at Point Hope.

The 12-acre site, located at the intersection of Clements Ferry Road and Point Hope Parkway, will be home to four multifamily buildings totaling 224 residential units and two single-story commercial buildings totaling 17,000 square feet of commercial space.

No leases have been signed in the Goddard Point Hope development as of yet, but the landlord is preparing to enter into agreement with Edward Jones Financial Services, according to Meyer.

In addition, Meyer Kapp and Associates recently signed Creative Edge Dance Center, a 2,500-square-foot space in the 116 Renaissance Lane development between Coastal Skillet and Coastal Kids in the Village Green. The tenant will offer after-school classes and studio space for dance lessons.

Kapp and Associates is also working on a lease with Subtle and Sass, a women’s clothing and accessory boutique with an existing operation in Mount Pleasant, to occupy approximately 1,300 square feet in the same building.

At over 9,000 acres, Point Hope is the largest remaining zoned planning development in the City of Charleston.

The ongoing efforts to widen Clements Ferry Road will also allow the upcoming four lanes to carry over 60,000 vehicles per day, Meyer said.

The Gates will begin delivering commercial spaces in October, with continued buildout in subsequent months. Meanwhile, The Goddard at Point Hope will complete its commercial buildings by the end of this year, anticipating tenants to open for business by mid-2024.

Early voting for the 2023 Municipal General Elections throughout Berkeley County starts today, Monday, Oct. 23, with a new, convenient location at the Daniel Island Library.

Registered Berkeley County voters may vote early 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, through Nov. 3.

In the past, early voting for Berkeley County required Daniel Island and Cainhoy peninsula residents to drive to Moncks Corner to cast their ballot, but now they can vote at 2301 Daniel Island Drive at the library.

Voters can still cast ballots at the Berkeley County Voter Registration & Elections Office, 1003 N. Highway 52 in Moncks Corner if they wish.

You must have your photo ID to vote (or a voter registration card with photo).

This election cycle there will be no county-wide offices of Berkeley County on the November ballot. However, there will be municipal elections in the Town of Moncks Corner, Town of Jamestown, Town of Summerville, and portions of the City of Charleston located within Berkeley County. View the full 2023 election schedule in Berkeley County online.

If you live within the municipal limits of these areas, you may be able to vote on Election Day, which is Tuesday, Nov. 7.

Absentee-by-mail voting is still available for qualified voters, but you must complete, sign, and return your application to the Berkeley County Voter Registration & Elections Office in person or by mail by Friday, Oct. 27 at 5 p.m.

Request an absentee application in one of the following ways:

• Phone: 843-719-4058

• Mail: P.O. Box 6122, Moncks Corner, SC 29461

• In person: Voter Registration & Elections Office in Moncks Corner

You will receive your absentee ballot in the mail. Vote and return your ballot to Berkeley County Voter Registration & Elections Office by mail or in person no later than 7 p.m. on Election Day. Photo ID will be required to return your ballot in person. For more information, check the county website.

For all election-related information, visit www.scvotes.gov or the County’s Voter Registration & Elections department webpage.

You may also call 843-719-4056, 843-719-4058 or email webvre@berkeleycountysc.gov.