Chimney Sweep in Daniel Island, SC

DANIEL ISLAND — A beloved restaurant located a few blocks from the Wando River will serve its last customers this month. But the space at 115 River Landing Drive won't stay vacant for long.

Sermet's Courtyard, owned by longtime chef Sermet Aslan, will close on Aug. 20. An accomplished artist whose work hangs on the walls, Aslan is getting out of the restaurant business to focus on his artwork, which is currently featured in the American Visionary Art Museum in Baltimore.

Born to a family of bakers in Turkey, Aslan has been a fixture in Charleston's restaurant scene for more than 30 years. In 1993, he opened Sermet’s Grill on Skylark Drive in West Ashley. Restaurants in downtown Charleston, Daniel Island and James Island followed in that order.

The Daniel Island restaurant, the last to remain, has served the area since 2011. As the community around it has flourished, Sermet's Courtyard has been a reliable source for contemporary but comforting cuisine with flashes of global inspiration. Prince Edward Island mussels with lemon curry cream, Moroccan beef spring rolls, hand-pulled mozzarella and scallop risotto are among the selections currently on the menu.

Aslan told The Post and Courier that it's "bittersweet" to leave the industry after so many years. But he's grateful for the many patrons who have embraced his eclectic style of cuisine and décor.

"They were very open to my ideas, and that's not something that I'll forget," Aslan said.

Aslan's decision to focus on his art full-time was solidified when he found restaurateurs to take over the Daniel Island address. Fans of German cuisine will likely known their name, for Nick and Kelly Ruhotina are among the only people in town with a menu solely dedicated to items like schnitzel and spaetzle.

She’s got a killer singing voice, an uncanny Jennifer Coolidge impression, and now a crown to top it all off.

Daniel Island resident Tess Ferm returned to the Miss South Carolina’s Teen stage with unfinished business after placing runner-up last year, and on June 28, at Columbia’s Township Auditorium, she took the win.

Crowned Miss South Carolina’s Teen 2025, Ferm earned the title following a standout performance and a year defined by growth, service, and determination.

“It was such a surreal moment,” the 18-year-old said. “After placing first runner-up last year, I knew how close I’d come, but I also know that nothing is guaranteed. So when my name was called, I felt this overwhelming wave of gratitude.”

In addition to the state title, Ferm earned the overall talent award in the teen division for her vocal performance of “Tomorrow” from the musical “Annie,” a song she says truly captures her spirit.

“‘Tomorrow’ is hopeful, strong, and timeless,” she said. “It reflects who I am and the message I want to share: resilience and optimism go hand in hand.”

A longtime musical theater performer, Ferm played leading roles at Charleston’s Porter-Gaud School, including Sandy in “Grease” and Sophie in “Mamma Mia.” But her voice isn’t the only thing that stood out.

Her social impact initiative, “From Fear to Freedom: Food Allergy Awareness and Education,” hits close to home. Both she and her brother live with life-threatening food allergies.

“For years, fear was at the center of how I approached food, school, and even friendships,” she said. “Now, I use my platform to educate others on the seriousness of food allergies, advocate for safer spaces in schools and restaurants, and empower young people with allergies to live boldly.”

She speaks at schools and camps, shares educational content on social media, collaborates with organizations, and meets with lawmakers to improve allergy safety.

This fall, Ferm will attend Furman University to study psychology, aspiring to become a child life specialist. She credits pageant experiences for shaping her skills and perspective.

“Competing gave me hands-on experience in communication, leadership, service, and resilience,” she said. “I’ve learned to meet people where they are, listen with empathy, and advocate effectively. The confidence and perspective I’ve gained through pageants are things I’ll carry into my career every day.”

In total, Ferm has earned more than $25,000 in scholarships through the Miss South Carolina Scholarship Organization.

Up next: Orlando, Florida.

Ferm will compete in the Miss America’s Teen 2026 competition from Sept. 2-7, and then again in January 2026 at the Miss America’s Teen National Finals, representing South Carolina on both stages.

“Being Miss South Carolina’s Teen doesn’t mean I stop dreaming big,” she said. “It just means I have more ways to chase those dreams.”

Between rehearsals and interviews, Ferm still finds time for her favorite hobbies, like cooking allergy-safe meals and tackling her quirky bucket list. “Yes, I still do the (actress) Jennifer Coolidge impression,” she laughed.

To young women considering the pageant world, Ferm offers this: “Do it scared, but do it. Pageants push you outside your comfort zone in the best way. You’ll grow in confidence, communication, and purpose.”

And the sisterhood? It’s real.

“I’ve made friendships that will last a lifetime. The women in this organization lift each other up. Being part of that community is one of the greatest honors of my life.”

DANIEL ISLAND, S.C. (WCSC) - The 9/11 Heroes Run will return to Daniel Island Saturday, offering a way for community members to honor those who lost their lives during the Sept. 11 attacks and the military service members who fought in wars in the years after.

The annual event is held on the weekend closest to Sept. 11 and is organized locally and nationally by the Travis Manion Foundation, a nonprofit that empowers veterans and families of the fallen to develop character in future generations.

Race organizers say approximately 1,200 participants are registered for the Daniel Island event. Nationwide, the run spans more than 70 cities and includes over 60,000 runners.

The event is not structured as a competition but as a community run meant to encourage participation at any pace. Runners, walkers and families are welcome.

“For me personally it’s amazing. It’s a family event. My kids have grown up in it. They’ve all taken roles in it. This year they’re actually participating in some of the planning and set up and that kind of stuff in addition to running it,” Race Director Travis Dodd said.

The main purpose is to unify the community and bring members of the Lowcountry together to never forget this significant day, even 24 years later.

Dodd, a veteran Lowcountry law enforcement officer of over 20 years, said the event hits closer to home.

“I can’t even imagine what some of those families go through,” Dodd said. “It’s one of those things that you wish never would happen to anybody, let alone somebody you know. And for it to happen to my family or anybody else’s family that I’m friends with it’s just a devastating tragedy that we never want to experience. But it’s reassuring knowing that there’s something like this out there that celebrates the lives of those that gave the ultimate sacrifice.”

Dodd said many local first responders are expected to attend or participate, with some even running in uniform.

Registration remains open and will continue through check-in at 8 a.m. Saturday. Registration is available here.

Here are the developments before the various City of Charleston boards and committees this week, 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: TECHNICAL REVIEW COMMITTEE

Aug. 14: Point Hope - Site 10A - Site plan for proposed commercial development on 5.6 acres at 1260 Clements Ferry Road, Cainhoy. TMS: B2620000028. Owner: LPA Hope Landing LLC. Applicant: Thomas & Hutton Engineering Contact: Brian Riley at riley.b@tandh.com.

Aug. 14: Point Hope Ashton Woods Phase 1A and 1B - Proposed preliminary plat and road construction plans for future 262-unit single-family development on 84.1 acres at 1730 Clements Ferry Road, Cainhoy. TMS: B2620000009. Owner: Ashton Charleston Residential LLC. Applicant: Thomas & Hutton Engineering. Contact: James Thomas at Thomas.j@tandh.com.

Aug. 14: Point Hope Parkway North Phase 1 - Road construction revisions to previously approved TRC plans on 26.5 acres at 1698 Clements Ferry Road. TMS: B2620000028. Owner: Cainhoy Land and Timber. Applicant: Thomas & Hutton Engineering. Contact: Steven Roach at roach.s@tandh.com.

Aug 14: Point Hope Pod 4 - Phase 2 - Proposed road construction plans for future 91-lot single-family development on 45.4 acres at 1472 Clements Ferry Road, Cainhoy. TMS: B2620000028. Owner: Pulte Home Company LLC. Applicant: Thomas & Hutton Engineering. Contact: Brian Riley at riley.b@tandh.com.

Aug. 14: Point Hope Tract 7 - Phase 2 - Proposed preliminary plat and road construction plans for future 122-lot single-family development on 52.6 acres at 5000 Kitty Hawk Drive, Cainhoy. TMS: B2620000009. Owner: Ashton Charleston Residential LLC. Applicant: Thomas & Hutton Engineering. Contact: James Thomas at thomas.j@tandh.com.

Aug. 14: Atlantic - St. Thomas Site Plan Proposed 71-lot townhome development on 7.28 acres at 2815 Clements Ferry Road, Cainhoy. TMS: B2710002169. Owner: MSP SRE LLC. Applicant: Sitecast, LLC. Contact: Jacob Cordray at jcordray@sitecastsc.com.

UPCOMING: BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS - ZONING

Aug. 19: Wando Creek Lane, Cainhoy Request amendment under Sec. 54-110.f of the Special Exception granted in October 2015 allowing up to 180 dry stack slips. Request to add another 72 dry stack slips. TMS: 2630002045 and -037. Owner: SHM Charleston Boatyard, LLC. Applicant: G. Trenholm Walker.

UPCOMING: PLANNING COMMISSION

Aug. 20: 473 Nelliefield Trail Cainhoy - Request zoning of Single Family Residential (SR-6). Zoned Residential (R-2). TMS: 2690105104. Owner: Anthony and Whitney Dennis.

RESULTS: DESIGN REVIEW BOARD

Aug. 4: 2274 Clements Ferry Rd. - Cainhoy – Requesting an appeal to staff’s decision to deny a revision of storage building design at conceptual level. TMS: 2670000148. Owner: Michael McAlhany Applicant: Michael McAlhany. Results: Approved with conditions.

RESULTS: TECHNICAL REVIEW COMMITTEE

Aug. 7: Cainhoy Del Webb Sales Center - Site Plan. Revisions to previously approved TRC plans for a sales center at 2301 Bay Strip Drive, Cainhoy. TMS: B2620000028. Owner: Pulte Home Company LLC. Applicant: Thomas & Hutton, Contact: Steven Roach at roach.s@tandh.com. Results: Open pending delivery of stormwater comments.

Aug. 7 Take 5 Oil - Site plan for Take 5 Oil change facility and parking lot at 404 Spring Hollow Drive, Cainhoy. TMS: B2670000071. Owner: Clayton Construction. Applicant: Advanced Engineering Consultants Zoning. Contact: Russ Folsom at russf@aecengineering.com. Results: Open pending delivery of stormwater comments.

Aug. 7: Marshes at Daniel Island Phases 1A/1B - Project classification: Road Construction Plans. Revisions to previously approved 56-lot TRC plan at 146 Fairbanks Drive, Daniel Island. TMS: B2710000010. Owner: Stanley Martin Companies LLC. Applicant: Seamon, Whiteside & Associates, Inc. Contact: Zachary Wortman at zwortman@seamonwhiteside.com. Results: No return/paperwork commemts.

Imagine being able to help a child with exceptional needs access a specialized, private education and get a dollar-for-dollar break on your South Carolina income tax while you’re at it.

That’s exactly what Exceptional SC offers, yet most people have never heard of it.

“Why don’t we raise $12 million? Lack of awareness,” said Daniel Island resident Mary Nemeth, director of donor relations for Exceptional SC. “Most individuals, businesses, and CPAs have never heard of us. Raising $12 million could have allowed Exceptional SC to provide over $8,000 in scholarships per student.”

Exceptional SC is a nonprofit scholarship fund created through state legislation to help families of exceptional-needs children afford tuition at eligible private schools across South Carolina. The fund is fueled by donations, many of which are eligible for dollar-for-dollar SC income tax credits.

“In 2023, we raised about $5.65 million. In 2024, only $3.4 million,” Nemeth said. “By law, Exceptional SC is allowed to raise up to $12 million per year. That means last year alone, nearly $8.5 million in potential scholarships went unrealized.”

So, who qualifies?

“Students must be South Carolina residents, eligible to attend a public school, and have documentation of an exceptional need – either medical documentation or a school-issued IEP, ISP, or similar,” Nemeth explained. The application process is outlined at exceptionalsc.org.

Nemeth, a former teacher and longtime fundraiser for education and at-risk communities, was drawn to the organization because of her deep personal ties to families with children who have exceptional needs.

“I believe all kids should have the opportunity and choice to learn in the best school programs the state has to offer,” she said. “While some families can afford private school tuition, others cannot.”

For those who do receive the scholarship, the impact is real. Amy Bushyager, a Daniel Island parent, credits Exceptional SC for helping her daughter thrive.

“Rory was originally at Daniel Island School but needed a smaller environment and more outdoor time to thrive,” she said. “We’re lucky to send her to Elevate (Community School) with the help of the Exceptional Scholarship. It allowed us to support her need for a smaller school setting and more one-on-one time. It felt like an easier transition with access to the scholarship.”

Stefanie Swackhamer, co-founder and executive director of Elevate Community School, has seen the benefits firsthand. “Exceptional SC has been a meaningful support for a few of our families. While the scholarship doesn’t cover full tuition, every bit helps,” she said.

At Bishop England High School, Options Department Chair Kristen Common said the scholarship helps students living with disabilities gain access to inclusive, strengths-based education.

“The scholarship provides our students the opportunity to participate in specialized programs,” she said. “Our goal is to prepare students living with disabilities to become productive members of society and have a strong feeling of self-worth. This scholarship gives families the choice for high-quality educational services.”

With roughly 1,400 scholarships awarded last year, averaging $2,300 each, the need far exceeds the current funding. Donations can be made by any South Carolina taxpayer or business and count as a state tax credit of up to 75% of the donor’s total South Carolina income tax liability.

Looking ahead, Nemeth hopes to see the law evolve to allow donors to claim 100% of their liability in tax credits. But for now, her top priority is getting the word out.

“There are over 5 million people in South Carolina. We’ve had less than 1,000 donors since the program began,” she said. “My hope is that raising awareness through news and media outlets and word of mouth will allow us to double our donor base each year for the next five years.”