TOKI Talk: A Podcast From The Town of Kiawah Island

In this episode of  TOKI Talk, Meredith Blair, Communications and Public Affairs Director for the Town of Kiawah Island, sits down with Rick Hundorfean, Chief Operating Officer of MUSC Health Charleston Division, to discuss the grand opening of the new MUSC Health Pavilion on Kiawah Island.

Opened on December 18, 2025, this long-anticipated facility brings expanded healthcare services closer to residents of Kiawah, Seabrook, and Johns Island. Rick shares insights into the 10-year journey to completion, the community’s response, and what makes this location unique.

The pavilion features:

• Primary Care
• Cardiology
• Neurology & Neurosurgery
• Endocrinology
• Physical Therapy & Rehab Services
• A 24/7 Hybrid Emergency & Urgent Care Department
• On-site Helipad for critical patient transport

Learn how the innovative hybrid emergency model works, what patients can expect during visits, and how MUSC partners closely with local EMS teams to ensure rapid, coordinated care. The conversation also highlights the pavilion’s thoughtful design, local artwork, staffing success, and its convenient central location near Kiawah’s town center.

Whether you're a full-time resident or seasonal visitor, this episode provides everything you need to know about accessing care at the new MUSC Medical Pavilion.

📍 Medical Office Hours: Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m.
🚨 Emergency & Urgent Care: Open 24/7

For more town updates, sign up for the Town of Kiawah Island’s weekly newsletter, follow on social media, and tune in for future episodes of TOKI Talk.

♻️ **Wild About Composting on Kiawah Island!** 🌱

We’re back with another episode of our **Wild About** series — and this time, we’re diving into the dirt (literally). Composting isn’t just good for your garden, it’s a game-changer for the environment AND your wallet.

In this fun game-show style episode, meet Kiawah Island residents Melissa, George, Liane, and Frances as they share:
✅ How composting works (and why it matters)
✅ The surprising environmental benefits 🌍
✅ Easy tips & tricks for getting started at home
✅ How to score nutrient-rich compost for just **\$1 a bucket**
✅ Why Kiawah’s composting program is *free* and simple to join!

Whether you’re brand new to composting or already saving your food scraps, this episode will inspire you to join the movement and help protect our beautiful island.

👉 Ready to get started? Visit the Kiawah Island composting program website below to register and get your **secret passcode** for the bins.

                 https://www.kiawahisland.gov/compost.php

Let’s turn food scraps into something amazing together! 🌿

#KiawahIsland #Composting #WildAboutSeries #Sustainability

Learn about the 2025-2026 Arts & Cultural Events season with Caroline Wall, Arts and Cultural Events Program Manager.

**BONUS** Listen to the Full Interview

Dive into the captivating world of South Carolina's bottlenose dolphins! In this video, join Kiawah Island Town Council member Luke Farrell and Lauren Rust from the Lowcountry Marine Mammal Network as they unveil the mysteries of "strand feeding," a highly specialized hunting technique observed in only a handful of locations globally.
Discover how these intelligent marine mammals cooperatively herd fish onto the shore, showcasing incredible coordination and learned behavior passed from mother to calf. You'll learn:
What is Strand Feeding? The unique process where dolphins "rush" the bank to catch fish.
Why is it so rare? It's found in fewer than ten populations of dolphins worldwide!
When and where does it happen? Typically during lower tides, especially in specific areas like Captain Sam's Spit on Kiawah Island.
Fascinating Dolphin Facts: Explore their advanced communication methods like echolocation and signature whistles, and even how they "catnap" by resting half their brain at a time!
Conservation Efforts: Understand how the Lowcountry Marine Mammal Network educates the public and works to protect these federally protected species by encouraging safe viewing distances.
Experience the wonder of these amazing creatures and the ongoing research to understand their complex lives, including efforts to identify audible cues during strand feeding.
Don't forget to like, share, and subscribe for more insights into marine life and conservation efforts!
Connect with us:
Instagram:  @townofkiawah  |   Facebook:  @townofkiawahisland.  |   
X:  townofkiawahsc
Learn more at: www. LowcountryMarineMammalNetwork .org
Instagram:  @lowcountry.marine.mammals.  |  
FB:  @lowcountrymarinemammalnetwork 
X:  @LMMN_chs
#Dolphins #StrandFeeding #SouthCarolinaWildlife #MarineMammals #KiawahIsland #WildlifeDocumentary #NatureDocumentary #Echolocation #DolphinBehavior #Conservation #Science #EducationalVideo #Lowcountry

Dive into the captivating world of South Carolina's bottlenose dolphins! In this video, join Kiawah Island Town Council member Luke Farrell and Lauren Rust from the Lowcountry Marine Mammal Network as they unveil the mysteries of "strand feeding," a highly specialized hunting technique observed in only a handful of locations globally.
Discover how these intelligent marine mammals cooperatively herd fish onto the shore, showcasing incredible coordination and learned behavior passed from mother to calf. You'll learn:
What is Strand Feeding? The unique process where dolphins "rush" the bank to catch fish.
Why is it so rare? It's found in fewer than ten populations of dolphins worldwide!
When and where does it happen? Typically during lower tides, especially in specific areas like Captain Sam's Spit on Kiawah Island.
Fascinating Dolphin Facts: Explore their advanced communication methods like echolocation and signature whistles, and even how they "catnap" by resting half their brain at a time!
Conservation Efforts: Understand how the Lowcountry Marine Mammal Network educates the public and works to protect these federally protected species by encouraging safe viewing distances.
Experience the wonder of these amazing creatures and the ongoing research to understand their complex lives, including efforts to identify audible cues during strand feeding.
Don't forget to like, share, and subscribe for more insights into marine life and conservation efforts!
Connect with us:
Instagram:  @townofkiawah  |   Facebook:  @townofkiawahisland.  |   
X:  townofkiawahsc
Learn more at: www. LowcountryMarineMammalNetwork .org
Instagram:  @lowcountry.marine.mammals.  |  
FB:  @lowcountrymarinemammalnetwork 
X:  @LMMN_chs
#Dolphins #StrandFeeding #SouthCarolinaWildlife #MarineMammals #KiawahIsland #WildlifeDocumentary #NatureDocumentary #Echolocation #DolphinBehavior #Conservation #Science #EducationalVideo #Lowcountry

**Join us for a Bobcat-Themed Earth Day Celebration!**

🌍 The town of Kiawah Island is hosting a special bobcat-themed table at this year's Earth Day celebration at Night Heron Park on Friday, April 25th, from 4 to 7 PM. Learn about the importance of bobcats on the island, participate in a raffle by signing the Bobcat GuardianPledge, and win prizes by answering bobcat-focused questions!

🎉 Stay tuned for a special edition of our podcast, featuring a fun and educational game show about bobcats. Meet our contestants and get a sneak peek at some of the exciting merchandise you can take home.

📚 Listen up for the questions you'll be asked at our table and get ready to test your bobcat knowledge!

Toki Talk: A Conversation with North Charleston Mayor Reggie Burgess

Join Kiawah Island Mayor Brad Belt for an insightful conversation with North Charleston Mayor Reggie Burgess. Mayor Burgess shares his remarkable journey, from growing up in North Charleston to becoming the city's first African American mayor. Hear about his experiences as a college athlete, his 35-year career in law enforcement, and his transition to leading the city. Discover his priorities for North Charleston, including public safety, infrastructure improvements, and enhancing the quality of life for residents. This inspiring discussion offers a unique perspective on leadership, community, and the evolution of North Charleston.

McLeod Plantation Historic Site: A Journey Through Time

Former Executive Director of Charleston County Parks, David Bennett and current Director of Recreation for Charleston County Parks, Mark Madden, Explore the history of McLeod Plantation, a significant site acquired by Charleston County Parks. Discover how the plantation's past intertwines with the stories of enslaved Africans and their descendants. Learn about the challenges and triumphs of preserving this historical landmark and its role in shaping Charleston's rich cultural heritage.

Toki Talk: Exploring Kiawah's Vibrant Community Life

Discover the diverse range of activities and social groups that make Kiawah Island such a special place. Join us as we chat with local residents about their involvement in everything from fitness classes and art guilds to the Turtle Patrol and the Kiawah Island Naturalist Group. Learn about the many ways to connect with your neighbors, give back to the community, and experience the island's unique charm.

Toki Talk: Solid Waste Services and Recycling

Join us for a tour of the Kestrel Court Recycling Center with Public Works Director, Brian Gottschalk. Learn about the town's solid waste services, including curbside pickup, brown trash, and household hazardous waste disposal. Discover tips on proper recycling and composting, and how to use the recycling equipment at Kestrel Court.