The Island News
There have been no new details released in the death of 21-year-old recruit from Decatur, Ga., on Tuesday, April 18, 2023, aboard Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island.
In a press release issued on Wednesday, April 19, officials said that Pfc. Noah Evans died during a physical fitness test.
By Delayna Earley and Bob Sofaly
The Island News BEAUFORT – The MCAS Beaufort
Airshow returned to Beaufort this past weekend, attracting an estimated 100,000 spectators.
The airshow was held on Saturday and Sunday, April 22 and 23, at the Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Beaufort, and despite some initial concern about the weather on Saturday, visitors came out in droves to view the aerobatics demonstrations, precision parachuters, military aircraft demonstrations and static aircraft exhibits.
While tickets were available for purchase to get into the box seating
VIDEO Follow this link or go to https:// youtu.be/_ lsnKQS8Kg8 for video from Sunday’s airshow.
closer to the flight line, the event was free for the general public to attend.
“We had a larger turnout on Sunday, we believe the potential rain did affect Saturday,” said Gunnery Sgt.
Robert Dea, Staff Non-Commissioned Officer In Charge (SNCOIC) of Communication Strategy and Operations
(COMMSTRAT). “We were excited to open the base to the public and provide them with an airshow after not having one for the past four years.”
Typically, MCAS Beaufort hosts an airshow every two years, but the last airshow to be held in Beaufort was in 2019.
The show that would have been held in 2021 was canceled due to the coronavirus.
“Last year was the first full airshow season that we have had since COVID-19 hit, so it is such a great feeling to be able to get back out this year,” Cmdr. Alex Armatas, flight lead-
SEE BLUE PAGE A4
Evans was a recruit assigned to the Mike Company, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion, Recruit Training Regiment. He was posthumously made a private first class. Evans’ cause of death is currently under investigation, according to the release.
His death was also confirmed by Beaufort County coroner David Ott. According to The Daily Mail, a celebration of life ceremony will be held for the young soldier with visitation at the family’s home in Ellenwood, Georgia all week.
On Friday, there will be a viewing and a wake at Gregory B. Levett & Sons Funeral Home followed by the funeral on Sunday at First Iconium’s Baptist Church and burial at Kennedy Memorial Gardens.
This is the fourth death that has occurred at Parris Island in the past two years.
Pfc. Dalton Beals, 19, of Pennsville, N.J., died of hyperthermia in June 2021 while completing the Crucible, which is the last part of a recruit’s training at Parris Island.
The Crucible is a physically
Large development could happen even if changes are adopted
By Mike McCombs
The Island News
Two down, one to go.
Once again, in front of a packed County Council Chambers, the Beaufort County Council voted, on second reading, to adopt changes to St. Helena Island’s Cultural Protection Overlay (CPO). This time
by a vote of 8 to 2.
According to the meeting’s agenda, this was the public hearing and second reading of an ordinance for text amendments to the community development code (CDC): Article 3, Division 3.4, Section 3.4.50 –Cultural Protection Overlay (CPO); Section 3.4.10 — Purpose; and Division 3.1, Section 3.1.70 — Land Use
Definitions, Recreation Facility: Golf Course, to update definitions, regulations, and standards in the Cultural Protection Overlay Zone.
In simpler vernacular, the Council voted, on second reading, to adopt changes in the language that is meant to clarify, if not strengthen, the Cultural Protection Overlay (CPO), the goal of which is to guard against over-development on St. Helena Island and protect a way of life for what remain of the Gullah/Geechee people. The change in language clarifies, among other things, the definition of a golf course, The vote on the first reading at
the April 10 County Council meeting was 10-1.
The potentially updated CPO language does not directly pertain to developer Elvio Tropeano’s planned gated community and golf course (or three six-hole golf courses) on Pine Island and at St. Helenaville, but to pretend the two are not related is folly.
Virtually everyone involved — County officials, Council members, local residents vocally opposed to the development, as well
as those in favor of the projects — have conflated the two separate but closely related topics.
Even should the CPO, strengthened or not, prevent the culmination of Tropeano’s plans for development of the culturally and environmentally sensitive land in question, County Administrator Eric Greenway has made it clear in the recent past that the developer would be well within his rights to SEE COUNCIL PAGE A2
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Luc Jimanez, right, from the Beaufort County Department of Drug and Alcohol Abuse, along with an army of other volunteers, helped clean up Beaufort County on Earth Day, April 20. Here, Jiminez and the rest of her crew of volunteers, pick up trash from the grassy median of S.C. 170 on Lemon Island. Bob Sofaly/The Island News. To submit a Lowcountry Life photo, you must be the photographer or have permission to submit the photo to be published in The Island News. Please submit high-resolution photos and include a description and/or names of the people in the picture and the name of the photographer. Email your photos to theislandnews@gmail.com
Beaufort’s Kirk Dalrymple, 42, joined the United States Marine Corps in Jacksonville, Fla., in 2000. After boot camp at Parris Island and Infantry training at Camp Lejeune, he was assigned to the Fleet Anti-terrorism Security Team at Yorktown, Va. He deployed from there to the Defense Force at Guantanamo for five months and to the Mediterranean for duty throughout the 6th Fleet.
Council from page A1
develop the property within the current zoning. That could mean 143 homes, 70 to 95 deep-water docks, 143 wells and septic systems, and a bridge or causeway and an improved road. Not to mention the increase in traffic.
Council Vice Chair Larry McElynn reinforced that scenario Monday night, announcing the County was to receive an updated application from Tropeano’s group for 168 houses — meaning 168 wells and septic systems — and at least 100 deep-water wells.
Is this Plan B if the golf course is scuttled? Or is it a red herring to bring about compromise?
McElynn reiterated that if this
Kirk DalrympleHe was then transferred to Twentynine Palms, Calif., from which he deployed to Iraq where
is Tropeano’s proposal, it won’t need Council’s approval. County staff, which hasn’t actually looked at it yet, will be forced to approve it, so long as it’s within current zoning rules.
(On a side note, Item 2 on the Beaufort County Staff Review Team Meeting agenda for Wednesday, April 26, was a pre-application for residential subdivision at Pine Island, which would likely look a lot like what McElynn suggested.)
In that vein, McElynn suggested delaying the second reading until the May 22 County Council meeting until he (or the Council) had had more time to bring everyone together to see if there could be a solution all parties — Tropeano, as well as those opposed to a golf course and gated community — could accept.
April 28
2018: Seabrook native and Whale Branch Early College High School graduate Dee Delaney signs as an undrafted free agent with the NFL’s Jacksonville Jaguars.
April 30
1973: The Beaufort Gazette moves to publishing five days a week.
2019: Beaufort Academy, behind individual runner-up Cal Harvey, claims its second straight SCISA Class 1A boys golf championship. The Eagles down runner up Cambridge Academy by 42 stokes at the
he engaged in combat. He changed his specialty to USMC Criminal Investigative Division. With that organization, he saw duty at MCAS Beaufort, at Camp Pendleton, during three combat deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan, at Dam Neck, Va., Camp Lejeune and finally at MCAS Beaufort again.
He and his family made more than six relocations before he retired in 2021 as a Master Ser -
McElynn said he understood that St. Helena residents and defenders didn’t want a golf course and a gated community, but he also knew they certainly didn’t want 168 houses and everything that comes with them, as well.
“I don’t want us to win the battle but lose the war,” McElynn said.
He had some support, particularly from District 2’s new councilman David Bartholomew. But ultimately the Council voted 5-4 against delaying the second reading.
Returning to the vote on whether or not the County should adopt the new language for the CPO, Council member Logan Cunningham, just as he had done alone at the first reading, opposed the update. This time, he was joined by Paula Brown,
Hackler Golf Course in Conway.
May 2
1903: James Edwin McTeer, known as the High Sheriff of the Lowcountry, is born in Hardeeville. McTeer served 37 years as Beaufort County Sheriff from his initial appointment in 1926 until his retirement in 1963. McTeer was widely known as a root doctor and an expert on witchcraft, according to the Beaufort Gazette.
May 3
1825: Laura Matilda Towne is born in Pittsburgh, Pa. In 1862, with help from
Cat of the Week: Scarlet is a beautiful and chill calico gal. Scarlet loves to play with anything that has feathers and cozy spots to take her afternoon naps. Scarlet has been with us for a short time and already won the hearts of our staff and volunteers. Scarlet is 2 years old, spayed, up to date on vaccines, and microchipped.
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geant. Today he works in law enforcement for the Defense Department. He leads 50 boys in the Trail Life program, coaches and referees for Upward Sports and does reenactments with the USMC History Association.
– Compiled by John Chubb, American Legion Post 9. For Veteran Of The Week nominations, contact jechubb1@gmail.com
but the vote easily went the other way, 8-2 in favor of adopting the recommended changes.
Now that the CPO update has made it through two readings and the public hearing, it needs only to pass the third reading to become part of the County code.
That third reading could come at the next County Council meeting. Or it could be delayed as the parties try to find the best possible outcome for Pine Island, which is not synonymous, though related, to the CPO update.
And though it has passed two readings easily — 10-1 and 8-2 these votes have a habit of becoming closer at the end of the day.
Mike McCombs is the Editor of The Island News and can be reached at TheIslandNews@gmail.com
her friend, a Quaker named Ellen Murray, Towne founds Penn Center on St. Helena Island, the first school in the nation for freed slaves. The school started with nine students in the back of a plantation house.
2019: Team Beaufort weightlifters, including future Olympian C.J. Cummings and future Junior National Champion Dade Stanley, hold an exhibition at CrossFit Beaufort.
– Compiled by Mike McCombs.
If you have items for On This Date, send them to TheIslandNews@gmail.com, with the subject line of On This Date.
Dog of the Week: Jack is a fun-loving hound mix who is looking for his next adventure. This boy loves anything that squeaks and wants to play with anyone who will join him. He behaves very well with people of all ages and other animals. Jack is 9 months old, neutered, up to date on vaccines, and microchipped.
If you are interested in adopting Scarlet, Jack, or any of our other pets, call our adoption center at 843-645-1725 or email us at info@ palmettoanimalleague. org to find out more information.
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BEAUFORT
Lord, people love to talk about traffic in this part of the Lowcountry.
And now Beaufort County planners, working with planners from the City of Beaufort and Town of Port Royal, have ganged up with traffic consultants to focus on Ribaut Road and the approximate 31,800 vehicles which travel that stretch daily.
The first of a promised series of meetings to plan and design the 5.5-mile four-lane stretch from Boundary Street in the city to Russell Bell Bridge in the Town of Port Royal was held last week. The crowd of about 50, mostly city of Beaufort residents with a handful of business owners from both municipalities, sat down with colored pens and table-size maps to identify problem areas.
Some had come expecting the consultants from Stantec Consulting in North Charleston, to lay out some proposals. But nope, the paid professionals wanted to hear what the citizens had to say.
Suggestions ranged from buried utility lines to improved sidewalks to slower speed limits/more enforcement. There was even one cool question: what would you do if you were Mayor?
The session narrowed down on traffic improvements at the intersection of Ribaut and the Sea Island Parkway, aka, the McTeer Bridge, aka, the Sea Island Speedway. The pros and cons of a traffic circle were debated as was, at one point, considered, but abandoned, for the Ribaut Road-Boundary Street intersection. If you’re truly interested and
want to add your two-cents to the process, the survey is still on-line at Beaufort County’s website or https://bit.ly/3L4y6zA.
If you want to read more about the process, that’s on the county’s website, too or https://www.reimagineribautroad.com.
If something about this process seems familiar and you’ve been focused on Lady’s Island traffic issues for the past decade, you might recognize the name Stantec as the consulting firm which conducted similar planning sessions with the county staffs back in the mid2010’s and came up with the Lady’s Island Corridor Study, Another road situation subjected to much discussion yet limited by lack of funding.
Since the County Council is already considering another sales tax referendum for traffic improvements, the Lady’s Island projects and Ribaut Road improvements will probably be on that referendum list.
There’s already estimates out there this Ribaut Road project will be in the range of $140 million, compared to the 1.5 mile project on Boundary Street which was completed in 2018
Until then, just keep on dreaming about tree-canopied roads with minimum traffic congestion, no
line-ups at a drive-through coffee shop or biscuit joint, no 18-wheelers headed to Walmart breathing down your neck as you drive the speed limit.
Better yet, think of pre-1930’s when Ribaut was a two-lane dirt road connecting Beaufort and Port Royal. Maybe that’s why history lectures in this community are so popular – newcomers want to hear what it “was like” and those who have been here for awhile like to “remember when.”
City Council continues work on development code BEAUFORT – While focus last week was on the future of Ribaut Road, Beaufort Mayor Stephen Murray and his council continued their efforts to “re-imagine” the planning process within the city limits.
Their second meeting to update the city’s 2017 Redevelopment Code was held with attention on development review boards, specifically the Municipal Planning Commission.
Not to get too far into the weeds on this one, the majority of Council seemed to agree that six members of the MPC (which includes city, Port Royal and county appointees) are being taxed with having to be familiar with three different development codes. The discussion went a step further and suggested the development review system might work better if each municipality has its own Planning Commission. (The County has its own Planning Commission to give initial review of major proposed projects).
The devil, as they say, is in the details and a number of issues will
From staff reports
have to be reviewed by the city’s new Planning Director Curt Freese, City Manager Scott Marshall and City Attorney Bill Harvey. A major detail is whether the town of Port Royal wants to go “out on its own” with a planning commission Developer Graham Trask was one who spoke in favor of a separate city planning commission, suggesting the fewer committees the better, making it more difficult for “politics” to influence decisions … to avoid “rule by mob.”
The development codes should determine what buildings “come out of the ground,” not citizen review boards, was another defense for review and strengthening the design process.
Ironically a similar argument was made last week during the annual meeting of the Historic Beaufort Foundation, when Director Cynthia Jenkins and Board Chairman Wayne Vance pointed out recent legal challenges by HBF had been based on procedure and support of zoning laws.
Zoning may not be perfect but it’s what keeps Beaufort, Beaufort; that was their statement.
And that’s what City Council members, with interested citizens watching and offering suggestions, say they’re trying to do.
Lolita Huckaby Watson is a community volunteer and newspaper columnist. In her former role as a reporter with The Beaufort Gazette, The Savannah Morning News, Bluffton Today and Beaufort Today, she prided herself in trying to stay neutral and unbiased. As a columnist, these are her opinions. Her goal is to be factual but opinionated, based on her own observations. Feel free to contact her at bftbay@gmail.com
From staff reports
The Historic Beaufort Foundation unveiled its silver Hamar Cup from 1748 on Wednesday, April 19 at the organization’s annual meeting, held at the USCB Performing Arts Center.
The 1748 silver cup and cap awarded in gratitude to British Capt. Joseph Hamar for protecting Port Royal and Beaufort. Photo courtesy of the Historic Beaufort Foundation
Raul Francisco Doporto, 21, was arrested Thursday, April 20, by Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office investigators and charged with attempted murder and possession of a weapon during the commission of a violent crime in connection to a recent shooting on Paradise Lane in Grays Hill.
At approximately 2:30 p.m., Thursday, April 13, Sheriff’s deputies were called after reports a man had been shot. A 21-yearold man suffered a gunshot wound to his abdomen while working outdoors.
The investigation revealed that the victim was approached by Doporto, and after a brief exchange, Doporto shot the man at least one time.
The victim was transported to Beaufort Memorial Hospital by Beaufort County EMS and later transferred to the Medical University of South Carolina where he remains in stable condition as of press time.
Witnesses in the area reported hearing gunfire and then observed a man walking away from the scene. Due to the rural area where this incident occurred, it was not believed to be a random act of violence.
Investigators obtained arrest warrants for Doporto for attempted murder and possession of a weapon during the commission of a violent crime. He was taken into custody by deputies Thursday, April 20. Investigative efforts in this case lead to the recovery of several firearms and illegal narcotics. Additional charges may be forthcoming as the investigation progresses.
Cynthia Jenkins, executive director of HBF, and Larry Rowland, a renowned South Carolina historian, shared the background of the 13.5-inch silver cup and cap, created by Thomas Heming of London, and sold through Sotheby’s auction house earlier this year.
According to the organization’s news release, plans
are under way to display the cup later this year at the John Mark Verdier House museum on Bay Street.
Colonists from South Carolina commissioned the silver cup less than 40 years before the American Revolution. Sotheby’s experts said the Heming cup and cover “is among the earliest and most sophisticated examples of rococo silver which can be linked to the American Colonies.”
Historic Beaufort Foundation bid on the silver cup in partnership with a number of donors who contributed to a special fund for
the purchase, Jenkins said. Also at the annual meeting, members elected Rob Montgomery as chair, Beth Grace as vice-chair, Larry Haskell as secretary and J. Wood (Woody) Rutter as treasurer.
Elected for reappointment to the Board of Trustees to three-year terms were John Troutman, Derek Gilbert, Ivey Savage and Rob Montgomery. Patricia Battey was elected for a oneyear term. The audience applauded outgoing members Kevin Cuppia, Ann Higgins and Cheryl Steele for their service on the HBF
Board of Trustees.
Continuing as board members are Marshall Bassett, Sarah Dyson, Donna Dehncke, Dr. John McCardell, Drew Scallan, John Tashjian and Wayne Vance.
HBF is a 501(c)3 nonprofit education foundation created to preserve, protect, and present sites and artifacts of historic, architectural, and cultural interest throughout Beaufort County, South Carolina. For more information on the entity’s mission and history, visit www.historicbeaufort.org and follow them on Facebook and Instagram.
From staff reports Beaufort Executive Airport, located on Lady’s Island, will celebrate S.C. Aviation Week by hosting a grand re-opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony with the Beaufort Regional Chamber of Commerce. The event will be Thursday, April 27, at 5 p.m. during the Chamber’s monthly Business After-Hours event and will be held at Beaufort Executive Airport, 39 Airport Circle.
“The Beaufort Executive Airport is an important part of Beaufort County’s economic development,” Airport Director Jon Rembold said in a news release. “Having a strong airport helps to bring travelers and businesses into the county resulting in an increased eco-
nomic impact to the area.”
At the grand re-opening event, the airport will showcase its new terminal. This new terminal will help attract corporate and leisure travelers to the county.
“We’re so proud of the work and so grateful to SCAC for the grant funding to make this project happen,” said Rembold. “We also are thankful for the impact of organizations like SCAA and the Chamber as advocates of aviation and business. It’s a team effort.”
The Beaufort Executive Airport is a General Aviation Airport situated on approximately 110 acres on Lady’s Island. There are 34 T-Hangars located at the north end of the facility. The terminal building is located approximately midfield
and provides a pilot lounge, kitchenette area, vending machines, restroom/showers, and a conference room.
Airport staff serves as the Fixed Base Operator (FBO), servicing and fueling aircraft, and assisting with ground transportation and hotel arrangements as necessary.
About S.C. Aviation Week and the S.C Aviation Association S.C. Aviation Week is a statewide celebration of the economic and educational impact of airports and the aviation industry. Occurring April 23-29, 2023, this week is planned in partnership by the South Carolina Aviation Association (SCAA) and the South Carolina Aeronautics Commission.
A aerial view of the Beaufort Executive Airport terminal. Photo courtesy of Beaufort County
SCAA actively promotes and encourages aviation and airport development to meet air transportation needs and assist the state in achieving economic development
goals. Its membership is comprised of airports, aviation industry partners and aviators across South Carolina. For more information, visit scaaonline.com
Doporto was out on bond at the time of this arrest. He was previously charged with aggravated breach of peace, attempted murder and other firearms charges in August of last year. He was released from jail after posting bond in September.
Anyone with information related to this case is encouraged to contact Investigator A. Kremer at 843255-3294, or if wishing to remain anonymous, Crime Stoppers of the Lowcountry at 843-554-1111.
taxing 54-hour exercise that recruits are required to complete before becoming Marines.
Beals’ drill, Staff Sgt. Steven Smiley, was charged with negligent homicide in November 2022 after an investigation discovered that Smiley did not follow protocols to stop training due to extreme heat on the day Beals died.
Pvt. Anthony Muñoz, 21, of Lawrence, Mass., died in September 2021 after falling from a balcony in an apparent suicide according to MCRD Parris Island officials.
Pfc. Brandon Barnish, 26, of Evans, Ga., was found dead in September 2021 at the training depot.
Delayna Earley lives in Beaufort with her husband, two children and Jack Russell. She spent six years as a videographer and photographer for The Island Packet and The Beaufort Gazette before leaving the Lowcountry in 2018. After freelancing in Myrtle Beach and Virginia, she joined The Island News when she moved back to Beaufort in 2022. She can be reached at delayna. theislandnews@gmail.com
The Island News
LADY’S ISLAND – The City of Beaufort held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for their newest park on Friday, April 21, 2023.
Whitehall Park, which officially opened in March, is a 10-acre park on Lady’s Island that has a walking trail and boardwalk that connects the park to downtown Beaufort and Woods Memorial Bridge.
“I call this park ‘The Connector,’” said Beaufort County Council Member York Glover, Sr. “It connects the Spanish Moss Trail to Hunting Island. You may not see that now, but this here is essential to that connectivity.”
Glover continued to say that the county has a plan for pathways all over Beaufort County, and Whitehall Park is the connector in the
Blue from page A1
er of the Blue Angels, said.
The Blue Angels will be flying in 34 airshows for the 2023 season, which lasts from March to November. The MCAS Beaufort Airshow is the sixth airshow of their season.
A historic airshow
The airshow featured the Blue Angels, the U.S. Navy’s demonstration team, which performed as the last event of the day.
This year, for the first time in the history of the Blue Angels, a woman is piloting one of the F/A18 Super Hornets during their demonstrations.
U.S. Navy Lt. Amanda Lee, 37, of Mounds, Minn., who pilots the No. 3 aircraft, was greeted by the crowd with cheers on both Saturday and Sunday as she climbed into the cockpit of her jet.
Lee has been in the Navy for 16 years and has been a Naval Aviator for 10 years.
Lee said she gets to fly all over the country with the best flight demonstration team.
“I never get to see much of where we are flying. I never get to look down,” Lee said. She continued to say that she is always looking up at the Super Hornet flown by the “Boss,” Cmdr. Armatas, in the No. 1 aircraft.
Lee said when the team first
Beaufort County Parks and Recreation has closed the Charles Lind Brown Center immediately for public safety concerns due to current construction and renovations.
The center is expected to reopen Monday, May 22.
The City of Beaufort is asking residents to be selective about how they dispose of yard debris.
If you’re cleaning up yard debris – leaves, grass clippings, etc., – and instead of bagging them for pickup, you’re blowing them, or sweeping them, into the street or the stormwater ditch next to your home.
Please don’t do that! Yard waste collects in ditches and in the street, and from there clogs drains. Those clogged drains lead to street and yard flooding during heavy rains.
The City asks you please, bag your lawn clippings and leaves, and make sure they don’t end up in the ditch or in the street. And if you do see debris in the street, please take a minute to pick it up. (Note: Capital Waste Services, which provides trash, recycling and yard debris pickup services for the City of Beaufort, explains how to prepare yard debris for pickup. Please go
arrives at an airshow venue, they will fly in non-formation looking at the ground for landmarks.
“It was awesome to fly (over Beaufort) today. There is so much water and long docks. It was really beautiful,” she said after Saturday’s show.
Lee said the weather for Saturday’s airshow was beautiful but got “a little textured” with turbulence.
Mingling with the Blue Angels
The Blue Angel pilots and support personnel were treated like royalty on Saturday and came down Paris Avenue in Port Royal with a police escort and sirens blaring.
After getting settled, the pilots began signing autographs and posing for pictures with fans. They signed programs, models of
to its page https://capwasteservices.com/residential/)
If you notice any major blockages of stormwater drains or ditches, please notify Beaufort Public Works Department at 843-5257054.
BMH to host Career Fair and Hiring Event
Beaufort Memorial is hosting a system-wide hiring event on Wednesday, May 3, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m., at Southern Barrel Brewing Co. in Bluffton. Prospective employees will meet with and be interviewed by hiring managers during the RSVP-only event.
The third-largest employer in Beaufort County, Beaufort Memorial currently has nearly 300 openings across its three-county system, including positions in clinical areas, hospitality services, housekeeping, business office operations, customer service, information technology, transportation, supply chain, talent acquisition and more.
Reservations are required to attend the hiring event on May 3 at Southern Barrel Brewing Co. Visit BeaufortMemorial.org/JobFair or call 843-522-5680 to reserve your spot. To learn more about open positions at Beaufort Memorial visit BeaufortMemorial.org/Careers
Civil Air Patrol hosting open house
The Civil Air Patrol (CAP) will
the FA-18 Super Hornet and just about any other memento from the airshow that would hold their signatures.
The Airshow After Party was hosted by the Town of Port Royal in partnership with the Beaufort Chamber of Commerce and was held on following the first day of the airshow.
This is the second Airshow After Party that the town has thrown, the first one being held during the 2019 airshow weekend.
It gave members of the community the chance to meet the Blue Angels and the other amazing performers from the MCAS Beaufort Airshow, Phillips said.
“We like to just shut the street down and throw a party for the community,” Port Royal Town Council Member Kevin Phillips said.
“You have your [airshow] reception in Beaufort, but you have your after party in Port Royal,” Phillips joked.
Crowd members enjoyed music from the Dirty Boot Brass Band and from the Paris Island Marine Corps Band during the free event.
There were also several food trucks there, as well as a beer wagon and a tap truck.
Thankfully, the weather stayed clear and warm with a slight breeze picking up by show time.
People brought their own chairs to sit and listen to the music and members of the community danced in the street, according to Phillips.
be hosting an Open House event for potential new junior and adult members from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., Thursday, May 4 at the Palmetto Electric Cooperative Building at 1 Cooperative Way in Hardeeville. For those interested in aviation, youth leadership or service to their country, the United States Air Force Auxiliary might be for them.
For those ages 12 to 80, this will be an informative introduction to the official civilian auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force. Meet cadets and hear first-hand what it’s like to be a cadet. Learn about incredible opportunities, including cadet training, leadership development, orientation flying, summer activities, academic scholarships and more.
Parents may attend this event as well. Air Force Auxiliary adult leaders will be on hand to answer questions and explain opportunities for adults.
For more information, check out the Hilton Head Composite Squadron Civil Air Patrol Facebook site at @Hilton Head Composite Squadron. Lt. Richard Moscatiello os the recruiting contact and can be reached at Richard. Moscatiello@SCWGCAP.ORG
The Beaufort Sail and Power Squadron, now recognized as America’s Boating Club of Beau-
middle of Yemassee and Hunting Island.
Eight of the 10 acres in the park are devoted to a nature preserve area, and it is part of the 20-acre Whitehall neighborhood development that is expected to have town homes, single-family homes, garden cottages and large river homes once it is all built.
“Beaufort County has purchased this property for you,” Glover said. The City of Beaufort has partnered with Beaufort County regarding the Whitehall property.
The county owns the property, but the City of Beaufort is going to manage it.
Any expense of maintaining the property will be the responsibility of the City of Beaufort as well, according to Glover.
The park is pet friendly
and has picnic tables, benches, restrooms, lighting along the walking path, a shelter, large open green spaces, beautiful live oak trees and a fantastic view of the Beaufort River.
“This park will outlive all of us,” Beaufort mayor Stephen Murray said, “and my grandkids, and maybe great-grandkids will crab from that dock and kick a ball in this park.”
Whitehall Park is open daily from dawn until dusk.
Delayna Earley lives in Beaufort with her husband, two children and Jack Russell. She spent six years as a videographer and photographer for The Island Packet and The Beaufort Gazette before leaving the Lowcountry in 2018. After freelancing in Myrtle Beach and Virginia, she joined The Island News when she moved back to Beaufort in 2022. She can be reached at delayna.theislandnews@gmail.com
The Dirty Boot Brass Band from Parris Island entertained a very enthusiastic crowd during the Air Show After Party on Saturday in Port Royal. Also on hand were the Blue Angles pilots and support crews to sign autographs and have their pictures taken with the folks. Bob Sofaly/The Island News
Not just an airshow
This year, for the first time, MCAS Beaufort invited 5th graders in the community to come to the air station on Friday, April 21, during the airshow rehearsal to partake in various science, technology, engineering and math related exhibits and displays.
“We always try to make each airshow bigger and better than the last one,” Ssgt. Kayla Rivera said about the show. Rivera is a member of the MCAS Beaufort COMMSTRAT team.
“Having so many people come out for this year’s airshow was a great experience for the Marines. The 5th graders who participated in the STEM activities had a great time,” Gunnery Sgt. Deas said.
fort, in conjunction with the Town of Port Royal, fire chiefs, and S.C. Department of Natural Resources is sponsoring an event for boaters to turn in expired flares and get a free boat inspection.
This event will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday, May 13 at the Sands Beach Landing in Port Royal. No reservation is required.
For additional information, contact Captain Frank Gibson at 843522-2122 or email fgibson@islc. net
Visitors can now explore the history of Fort Fremont on Sunday afternoons from 1 to 4 p.m. The history center is also open Fridays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friends of Fort Fremont volunteers are available to answer questions, explain the role Fort Fremont played during the Spanish-American War, and to lead guided tours.
The Fort Fremont Preserve is located at 1124 Land’s End Road, St. Helena Island and is open daily from dawn to dusk to the public free of charge. The preserve and fort were purchased by Beaufort County through the Rural and Critical Lands Preservation Program in 2004 and 2010. The park encompasses 18-acres of mixed hardwood forest facing the Port Royal Sound.
As the airshow is typically held every two years, the next MCAS Beaufort Airshow should be in 2025
Delayna Earley lives in Beaufort with her husband, two children and Jack Russell. She spent six years as a videographer and photographer for The Island Packet and The Beaufort Gazette before leaving the Lowcountry in 2018. After freelancing in Myrtle Beach and Virginia, she joined The Island News when she moved back to Beaufort in 2022. She can be reached at delayna.theislandnews@gmail.com
Bob Sofaly has been photographing people and what they do in Beaufort since Ronald Reagan was elected president in 1980. He can be reached at bobsofaly@gmail.com
Beaufort County opened the history center in 2022 to showcase the rich history of the area. Fort Fremont is on the National Register of Historic Places.
To help keep South Carolina beaches a favorite destination during the summer months, the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) is soon beginning its seasonal monitoring of water quality along the coast. Every state with ocean-facing beaches performs beach water monitoring to help detect instances of elevated bacteria levels that have the potential to impact people’s health.
From May 1 to Oct. 30, DHEC collects either weekly or bi-weekly water samples at 122 locations along South Carolina’s beaches, from Cherry Grove Beach near the South Carolina-North Carolina border to the southern end of Hilton Head Island. DHEC staff test these water samples for Enterococci bacteria. If elevated levels of the bacteria are detected, the agency issues public notices at that beach location and on DHEC’s Beach Monitoring website because high levels of Enterococci bacteria could negatively impact some people’s health.
– Staff reports
By Kelly Jean Kelly kkelly@postandcourier.com
In the 1970s and ’80s, dozens of college-educated young men made millions bringing marijuana into coastal South Carolina.
On beautiful boats accompanied by beautiful women, they sailed around the world collecting hashish, then spirited their crafts into isolated inlets and creeks around St. Helena and Hilton Head to offload the drugs and collect cash.
Their well-to-do backgrounds inspired the name “gentleman smugglers.” Some argued they committed a victimless crime.
The U.S. attorney for the South Carolina district did not agree. Henry McMaster invested considerable personnel and resources into apprehending and prosecuting the smugglers, an effort he branded Operation Jackpot.
Today, McMaster is the governor of South Carolina and, maybe, a movie star. He has discussed a cameo appearance in a film inspired by the drug-smuggling episodes, an independent production called “The Final Load.”
The communication director for the Governor’s Office, Brandon Charochak, confirmed McMaster’s willingness to perform a walk-on role, although shooting will likely have to wait until after the legislative session ends.
“The governor believes Operation Jackpot is a uniquely South Carolina story that deserves to be told. He looks forward to seeing how the film depicts the events that ultimately led to the arrest of more than 100 drug smugglers,” Charochak wrote in an email.
In a March letter to the movie’s screenplay writer and producer, Walter Czura, McMaster called the whole Jackpot history “fascinating” — a characterization that may strike Czura as odd, since he was one of the 100 people the investigation ensnared.
A gentleman smuggler
The Beaufort Inn is a far cry from the prison cell where Czura spent a year in the early 1980s.
An aging Southern beauty, the 19th-century inn housed much of the cast and crew for “The Final Load,” which was shot mostly
around Beaufort over January and February.
Hollywood stars Jeff Fahey and Judd Nelson drifted through its elegant, wood-paneled lounge and book-lined library, along with social media celebrity Maddie Henderson, Broadway actors Meredith Inglesby and Steve Blanchard, Shep Rose from Bravo’s “Southern Charm,” British actress Katie Amess and American actor Drew Waters.
Czura hovered in the background, a silver-haired businessman in a violet V-neck cashmere sweater and a black velvet jacket. If someone were looking to cast the part of a gentleman smuggler, Czura would not have been a bad choice.
“Rule No. 1 is to find fun where you can,” he said, adjusting his lapel for the camera.
In the 1970s, the Georgiaborn Czura graduated from law school, spent a year sailing and writing a novel, and then joined a Hilton Head Island practice as an
attorney.
Meanwhile, boats stacked with marijuana drifted through Beaufort County in droves.
“Some friends of mine came by and dropped off a gym bag,” Czura said. He remembered thinking: “OK, this looks like this is going to be fun.”
The fun came to an abrupt end when one of the traffickers ratted out Czura, who not only helped import 30,000 pounds of marijuana but also gave other smugglers legal advice.
Czura’s brother also was indicted, but those charges were dropped after Czura filed motions for prosecutorial misconduct and entrapment.
“A peccadillo,” he said, waving away his crime, to which he pleaded guilty.
After he got out of prison — and a judge denied his application to be readmitted to the bar — Czura redeemed his career rather spectacularly: He started a billboard advertising firm and made a fortune.
Since then, a combination of disposable income and restless creativity allowed him to turn his attention to writing screenplays.
His first did not get produced.
His second, about William Sherman’s 1864 march to the sea, made it to festivals but not to distribution.
His third, “The Final Load,” is being prepared for streaming services. Czura hopes Netflix, Hulu or another service will pick it up later in the year.
A redemption story
Part of the film’s selling point is its backstory.
Gov. Henry McMaster sent a letter to screenplay writer Walter Czura, who spent a year in jail in the early 1980s for his involvement in the drugsmuggling operation McMaster helped to break up. Submitted photo
by Fahey, comes up short for an expensive, life-saving surgery for his wife, he decides to make one last run.
However, the trip meets with an obstacle. Nelson plays an aggressive ex-Drug Enforcement Administration agent who gives chase, determined to catch the aging smuggler, even if it means stretching the law.
“This film was not a marijuana propaganda film at all,” Czura said. “The marijuana is strictly used as kind of the motor to move it down the road.”
In his mind, the story is really about redemption — not for the drug smuggler, but for the law enforcement agent, whom Czura described as “sleazy.”
The agent fabricates evidence, perjures himself and intimidates witnesses, as well drinks too much, steals cocaine and sleeps around.
Yet at a pivotal scene, the agent experiences a change of heart, “like Saul on the road to Damascus,” Czura said, referring to a biblical scene in which a man is blinded by light and hears the voice of Jesus.
Operation Jackpot
The suggestion that it’s the lawmakers, not the lawbreakers, who need fixing is a common interpretation of the real historical events, said Jason Ryan, who wrote a nonfiction account of the story called “Operation Jackpot.”
The government’s aggressive tactics contributed to some public sympathy for the smugglers, along with a belief that the drug laws were unfair in the first place, Ryan said.
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Partly because it coincided with the federal government ramping up the War on Drugs, Operation Jackpot became one of the defining episodes of the 1980s in South Carolina.
It also went a long way toward launching McMaster’s political career.
“He wanted everything to be known, all these men being rounded up in the middle of ‘Just say no’ and ‘D.A.R.E. education,’” Ryan said. D.A.R.E. stands for Drug Abuse Resistance Education.
A handful of smugglers stayed behind bars for more than a decade, with some of the longest sentences going to those who didn’t betray their friends.
But, Ryan added, the laws they broke were on the books at the time, and the people who were convicted did commit the offenses.
Back at the Beaufort Inn, Czura said he’s still in touch with some of the other people who did time for smuggling.
“It’s really sad,” Czura said. “A lot of these guys get bitter.”
He himself is not bitter, he said, although he suspects some smugglers paid too high a price, doing 17 years when seven would have been just fine.
“Rule No. 1 is, never believe the U.S. government’s gonna play fair,” he said.
While all that is not exactly water under the bridge for Czura — who did, after all, not only write a movie reframing the narrative but also financed the entire film — he does appear to approach the topic of crime and punishment with a kind of philosophical glee.
The most critical idea underpinning his film, he said, is empathy. His dream is to invite the audience to put themselves in the shoes of the former drug smuggler, trying to save his beloved wife, along with his family’s plantation estate.
“If I could take the biggest, fire-eating, snake-handling hardshell Baptist preacher in America and put him in there?” Czura asked, imagining the preacher in a dark room before a big screen.
Czura said he’d watch the preacher’s face the whole time, searching for some affirmation that the reverend would relax a rigid conscience and, perhaps, consider that he would break the law, too.
But even if the preacher could be won over, whether the governor could be persuaded remains to be seen.
“It was all inspired by true events,” Czura said. The movie centers on a former drug trafficker, long retired. But when the main character, played
His book explains that the groundbreaking operation brought together officials from across federal agencies, who flipped witnesses and followed money trails to build their cases.
From Beaufort to Bluffton and Hilton Head, The Post and Courier covers news impacting your community. Subscribe for more local coverage at postandcourier.com/IslandNews
From staff reports Beaufort Memorial Hospital (BMH) is hosting a system-wide hiring event on Wednesday, May 3, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m., at Southern Barrel Brewing Co. in Bluffton. Prospective employees will meet with and be interviewed by hiring managers during the RSVP-only event.
The third-largest employer in Beaufort County, Beaufort Memorial currently has nearly 300 openings across its three-county system, including positions in clinical
areas, hospitality services, housekeeping, business office operations, customer service, information technology, transportation, supply chain, talent acquisition and more.
“We’re looking for motivated people who care about helping people. That’s our business,” Beaufort Memorial President and CEO Russell Baxley said in a news release. “Healthcare experience is not necessarily required. We’re seeking great people who want meaning-
ful careers that align with their passions and values. This event is intended to open the door so we can have a conversation.”
In addition to a wide range of career opportunities in Beaufort as well as Okatie and Bluffton, hiring managers will be available to discuss Beaufort Memorial’s employee benefits packages, which include: Affordable medical, dental, vision and prescription benefits Generous paid time off
Wellness benefits
Discounted childcare
Homebuyer assistance
Bonuses based on meeting hospital and department goals
Scholarships and tuition reimbursement PATH career development and advancement program Prospective employees will learn about Beaufort Memorial’s focus on career development through a regionally-recognized program designed to help staff learn
new skills, earn advanced certifications, and progress their careers within the health system. The program, named People Achieving Their Highest (PATH), is an innovative career advancement program that enables Beaufort Memorial to develop its employees, and fill higher-level positions from within its workforce.
“Our PATH program is aimed at helping people grow into the career they desire,” said Baxley. “It allows prospective employees
to start with us at any level and pursue advanced career training in direct patient care, diagnostics, therapeutics, hospitality, support services or business.”
Reservations are required to attend the hiring event on May 3 at Southern Barrel Brewing Co. Visit BeaufortMemorial.org/JobFair or call 843-522-5680 to reserve your spot. To learn more about open positions at Beaufort Memorial visit BeaufortMemorial.org/Careers
By Becky Sprecher For The Island News
Okay, ladies, this is your opera. Round up a group and mark your calendars for Der Rosenkavalier (The Knight of the Rose) by the Viennese composer, Richard Strauss (1 p.m., Saturday, May 6, USCB Center For The Arts).
The title comes from the custom of sending a young man to present a silver rose to a young lady as a means of informing her that someone has asked for her hand in marriage. This custom did not actually exist in Viennese society; it is just used here as a plot device.
Rosenkavelier is a fun opera for the girls, although you gentlemen will enjoy it as well. First of all, we have a female conductor in the pit, Simone Young, and world renown soprano Debbie Voigt will host and conduct the backstage interviews.
Additionally, the ladies have the most important roles because Strauss really knew how to write for them. “He was a master at tinging music of great beauty with sadness,” writes Fred Plotkin in Opera 101. “The vehicle for these bittersweet feelings. … was the soprano voice, of which Strauss was particularly enamored.”
The most important role is that of the Marschallin, a worldly, sophisticated woman of influence who feels that her youth and beauty are slipping away. To ease her worries, she has taken an eager young lover named Octavian, but she knows their affair has an expiration date. Eventually, she does
Der Rosenkavelier was comforting to the Viennese audiences of the early 20th century. It spoke of a happier, less stressful time, and all of the frivolity and waltzes diverted their attention from the more serious political problems at hand. Submitted photo.
the right thing and arranges for Octavian to fall in love with the beautiful young Sophie.
The role of the Marschallin is one of the most interesting in all opera and is highly coveted by singers. Renée Fleming took this one to the bank in her mid-30s and just stopped singing it a few years ago. You will want to see her successor, however, so you’ll be able to say you knew where you were when you first heard the Norwegian soprano, Lise Davidsen. Her star is on the rise, and she is going to be right up there with all of the great divas. Some say she’s a bit young for the role; after all, this is an opera about a “woman of a certain age”
who has a much younger lover, and shouldn’t it be performed by a more “seasoned” singer? Davidsen chafes at this, telling an interviewer that, “You don’t have to be a certain age to have certain feelings. Teenagers have all those feelings and more in a day. I do believe that I’m entitled to take on those feelings, to take on the difficulties in life. That’s our job in opera.”
The next important female role is that of Octavian, and it is sung by mezzo soprano Samantha Hankey. If you’re new to opera, take note: this is what we call a “trouser” or “pants” role. Remember, opera composers are writing for the voice, and it would hardly be
From staff reports
The Beaufort Art Association (BAA) has announced its two Featured Artists for May and June – encaustic artist Anne Kennedy and potter Traci Walter. Selected for the demonstration “Of Earth And Fire,” the two wok in mediums from the earth and finished with fire.
Come meet the artists at a reception from 5 to 8 p.m., Friday, May 5, at the Gallery of the Beaufort Art Association, 913 Bay Street, downtown Beaufort, under the black awning.
Anne M. Kennedy, Encaustic Artist
“My career as a Cytologist was defined by looking for the smallest changes in human cells, which was my art for many years. I now work in various media, but have found my true artistic calling with encaustics, a natural medium. Being a beekeeper, I use the wax from my bees mixed with the resin of trees and pure earth pigments to make my ‘paints.’ The sensuality of melted wax, the luscious colors, the feel of working with this difficult but forgiving medium has found a forever place in my heart. Excitement abounds when I view a blank substrate and plan my embellishment with this timeless medium. I am exploring the old and always looking to the future.” For more information, visit Akennedyart.com
Traci L. Walter, Potter
“From my home studio on the salt marsh, inspiration surrounds me and influences my art. After many years as a painter, I found my passion for having my hands in wet clay, turning on the wheel, producing a form that expresses beauty and purpose. Clay has become my medium and canvas. Using my hands to create
functional pottery feeds my soul as I aim to bring my view of nature to each piece.
Tranquil wading birds are care fully hand carved onto the leather hard surface of the clay; handmade stamps, tools, and found objects add texture to the surface. Pieces must dry slowly and naturally before first low firing in my kiln that readies the clay for glazing. A palette of food safe glazes and colored slip are carefully brushed on be-
fore the final firing. Intense heat produced during high firing strengthens the clay, melts the glaze, moving it over the surface, in and out of texture, where new colors emerge, unknown until I lift the kiln lid after cool ing. Each handmade piece, unique and one-of-a-kind, becomes functional stoneware, safe for food, oven, microwave, and dishwasher.”
For more information, visit @JollyPigPottery
believable to have a mature tenor sing the role of a young lad in his late teens or early twenties. Opera is full of these parts, and many mezzo sopranos have built world careers by singing them.
And finally, the spectacular Erin Morley, sings Sophie. It is she who makes a man out of Octavian by helping him understand that true love is more than just a romp between the sheets. Expect her duet with Octavian during the rose presentation scene to dazzle, her crystalline voice shimmering.
There are some other characters we’ll meet along the way, including the Marschallin’s country cousin, Baron Ochs. Boasting of his amorous conquests, he is engaged to marry the much younger Sophie (for her money, no doubt), although they have never actually met. Sung by Günther Groissböck, his is a bass voice more “refined than booming, reinforcing the protective veneer society affords even its most despicable predators,” says Opera News.
Those of us who have heard or read about the #MeToo movement will be nodding in recognition at how men of wealth, power, and/ or breeding can feel entitled to behave in an abominable fashion just because they know they can get away with it. Opera tells you the same thing, just through the timbre of the character’s voice and the music.
Joshua Barone of The New York Times calls Robert Carsen’s production of Rosenkavelier “elegant
WANT TO GO?
What: Der Rosenkavelier
When: 1 p.m., Saturday, May 6
Where: USCB Center For The Arts
Run Length: 4 Hours, 30 minutes with Intermissions after Acts I and II
Tickets: $22/$20 for OLLI members, are available at the door or on the Center for the Arts website.
Of note: Sung in German with MetTitles in English
and satisfyingly grand.” He also writes that, “Carsen’s major intervention — moving the opera’s setting from the “18th century to the year in which it premiered, 1911, from the cusp of revolutionary Europe to the brink of World War I — remains eerily evocative.”
Part of appreciating an opera is understanding the context in which it was written. Rosenkavelier was comforting to the Viennese audiences of the early 20th century. It spoke of a happier, less stressful time, and all of the frivolity and waltzes diverted their attention from the more serious political problems at hand.
Carsen waits until the opera’s end to drive this point home. After a gorgeous trio sung by the Marschallin, Octavian, and Sophie, the set opens up around Octavian and Sophie to reveal a battlefield. As the two lovers are joyously celebrating their future together, a line of soldiers charges toward the enemy, stumbling to their deaths. This will give all of us, not just the ladies, a lot to think about.
The Dataw Historic Foundation welcomed Natasha Boyd, author of the historical fiction work “Indigo Girl,” to be the guest speaker at their Authors Luncheon in early April. Nearly 200 guests were treated to a wonderful luncheon and unforgettable experience. Submitted photo.
From staff reports M. Brown McNally, a licensed civil engineer for more than four decades who holds a degree in structural engineering from Drexel University, has completed his most recent book, “Devil Moon Over Philadelphia: The Other Philadelphia Story,” a stunning tale of a family escaping disease and famine in Europe and immigrating to America, only to suffer a terrible and tragic loss.
McNally, who now lives on Callawassie Island, has been in the Beaufort area since 2007.
“This book is a historical novel tracing five generations of my paternal family,” McNally said in a news release. “It follows a historical timeline and combines elements of history, facts from research, some mixed with fiction, as well as a touch of myth and legend,
to tell the story that begins in 1778 in Glasgow, Scotland. The roots of my family had their beginnings there, where two brave souls fled Scotland and immigrated to Ireland in search of a new and better life.”
McNally continues, “As with many families, there are oral histories of successes, sorrows, and even tragedies that get handed down from generation to generation. That was not the case with my family. There is often a ‘skeleton in the closet,’ an event so heinous, so unthinkable that it was sworn to secrecy, to be taken to the grave, never to be told. Such was the intent of the McNally family, but this author found and unlocked the secret.”
Published by Fulton Books, McNally’s book, though containing fictionalized elements, is based on the true historical ac-
counts of the author’s family he discovered during his own research. Readers will discover a harrowing escape from Europe and a chilling family secret that now comes to light.
Readers can find “Devil Moon Over Philadelphia: The Other Philadelphia Story” at select bookstores, or online at the Apple iTunes store, Amazon, Google Play or Barnes and Noble.
The Island News
Carla Shelton is out as principal of Beaufort High School, though it is unclear whose decision it was. It has not been made public whether Shelton, in her first year at the school, resigned, was terminated, or left as a result of a mutual agreement.
Beaufort County School District spokesperson Candace Bruder said, “The district is unable to
comment on personnel matters.”
Beaufort High School sent a communication to parents Monday.
will also be providing additional support to ensure BHS staff and students are able to finish out the school year strong.
Ga., replaced the retiring Charity Summers in June of 2022. She leaves with roughly a month remaining in the school year.
principal at both the middle and high school levels.
“We are writing to let you know that Assistant Principal Dr. Sonji Leach will be serving as interim principal effective immediately,” the communication read. “District personnel
“Although we understand that absences such as this can create questions amongst students and parents, the district is unable to comment on personnel matters.
“We greatly appreciate your support during this transition.”
Shelton, previously Principal of Greenbrier High School in Evans,
According to the Beaufort County School District’s release upon her hiring, “Shelton has 25-plus years in education with a track record of improving instructional practices and raising student achievement. She has served as a special education teacher, school counselor, assistant principal, and
“Shelton holds an educational specialist degree in Educational Leadership and Supervision from Lincoln Memorial University in Tennessee, as well as a Master’s degree in School Counseling from Augusta (Ga.) State University.”
The Island News
The recommendations of 10 Beaufort County School District (BCSD) book review committees from April 5 were confirmed by the Beaufort County Board of Education (BOE) in a Board Work Review Session on April 21. The committees had recommended the return of all 10 books to District shelves in some fashion, and the decisions were appealed by at least one of the original complainants – Mike Covert and/or Ivie Szalai.
Carlton Dallas (District 8) moved “that the Board approve the recommendation from the committees,” and
Ingrid Boatright (District 11) seconded. The motion passed 6-3 as Angela Middleton (District 6), Dallas, Earl Campbell (District 1), Boatright, Richard Geier (District 4) and William Smith (District 3) voted “yes.” Elizabeth Hey (District 10), Rachel Wisnefski (District 7) and Victor Ney (District 5) voted “no,” while Chloe Gordon (District 2) was absent. Here are the 10 committee decisions from April 5: No. 37: The Black Flamingo by Dean Atta – Returned to library circulation.
No. 38: Burned by Ellen Hopkins – Returned to li-
brary circulation for Grades 9-12 only.
No. 39: Clockwork Princess by Cassandra Clare –Returned to library circulation for Grades 9-12 only.
No. 40: Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close by Jonathan Safran Foer – Returned to library circulation for Grades 9-12 only.
No. 41: Last Night at the Telegraph Club by Melinda Lo – Returned to library circulation for Grades 9-12 only.
No. 42: Out of Darkness by Ashley Hope Perez – Returned to library circulation.
No. 43: Rumble by Ellen Hopkins – Returned to library circulation for Grades 9-12 only.
the school.
From staff reports Holy Trinity Classical Christian School graduating senior Daniel Spencer Reedy has accepted an appointment to the United States Naval Academy (USNA). Reedy is the second student from Holy Trinity to receive an appointment.
“God has granted me a great opportunity at the Naval Academy. I have always wanted to pursue a career in the military, and I could not have asked for a better path than this,” Reedy said in a news release from the school. “It will be very difficult, but I am up for the challenge. It is my goal to strengthen my Faith, expand my knowledge, and pursue athletic excellence throughout my time at USNA.”
“Congratulations to Daniel Reedy on his appointment to the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md. Daniel will be entering the Class of 2027 when Plebe Summer begins on June 29,”
Reedy’s Blue and Gold Officer Deborah A. Johnston said in a statement to
No. 44: Smoke by Ellen Hopkins – Returned to library circulation for Grades 9-12 only.
No. 45: The Truth About Alice by Jennifer Mathieu –Returned to library circulation for Grades 9-12 only.
No. 46: Water for Elephants by Sarah Gruen – Returned to library circulation.
A recap
Ninety-seven books were removed from the shelves of libraries and classrooms in the BCSD in October and are to be reviewed for their appropriateness by the book review committees. The reviews were triggered by complaints that the books
were obscene and inappropriate.
The original lists of books, submitted by former Beaufort County Councilman and GOP politician Mike Covert and Beaufort’s Ivie Szalai, are identical to each other with Covert challenging one additional book.
The book review committees must consist, per state guidelines, of a school librarian, a district teacher, a parent (other than the complainant), a school administrator, a district-level administrator, and a member of a School Improvement Council in the district. The BCSD added a seventh member to the committees – a commu-
nity member.
So far, 46 of the 97 books have been reviewed by the committees. Of the 46 books of which reviews and appeals have been completed, 43 have been returned to district shelves in some fashion, while three books
The Haters by Jesse Andrews, Nineteen Minutes by Jodi Picoult, and It Ends
With Us by Colleen Hoover — have been removed from shelves and will be kept out of the Beaufort County School District for at least the next five years.
Mike McCombs is the Editor of The Island News and can be reached at TheIslandNews@gmail.com
Daniel Reedy
“The admissions requirements for an appointee are rigorous; candidates are evaluated for academic and physical fitness prowess, with a strong background in leadership and public service. I am so proud of Holy Trinity for their second midshipman at USNA! This speaks volumes for the reputation of your school. Holy Trinity is to be applauded for producing the leaders of tomorrow.”
In order to be considered for appointment to the United States Naval Academy, students must complete a rigorous nine-step application/admissions process that includes seeking a formal “nomination” from either a member of the U.S. Senate or a member of the U.S. House of Representatives along with academic transcripts, college entrance exams, fitness assessments, and medical evaluations.
According to The College Board and United States
Naval Academy, “USNA is extremely selective with an acceptance rate of 8%. … Half the applicants admitted to USNA have an SAT score between 1200 and 1420 or an ACT score of 26 and 32.”
U.S. News & World Reports lists the United States Naval Academy’s ranking in the 2022-2023 edition of Best Colleges as No. 6 for National Liberal Arts Colleges.
Reedy’s cross country coach and Head Dean of the Upper School Josiah Tobin said, “Daniel is remarkable across the board. He has captained our varsity cross country team to multiple state titles, served as president of our school’s chapter of Fellowship of Christian Athletes to lead his peers, and he is an absolute joy to have in the classroom. We are very proud of Daniel’s accomplishments, but even more impressed by his high character and integrity.”
Interim Headmaster the Rev. Joe Lawrence remarked, “Daniel has proved himself over and over again to be not only an accomplished student but an exemplary and virtuous young man.”
From staff reports Holy Trinity Classical Christian School 2022 graduate Mary Clanton Bozard has been named Most Outstanding Freshman for the entire College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Clemson University. This award recognizes the most outstanding overall student who exhibits the three pillars of academic achievement, leadership, and community involvement.
Bozard was also one of two freshmen selected to serve as an Ambassador to the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. She will serve for the next three years. The CAFLS Ambassadors are a premier group of student leaders who represent the college and serve as the face of the undergraduate students within CAFLS and assist with college or university sponsored events. The ambassador team interfaces with the various constituents of the college that include prospective students, administrators, donors, alumni and friends.
“Mary Clanton was always eager to lead her peers
through service,” Upper School Head Dean Josiah Tobin wrote in a news release. “She selflessly gave of her time and talents to spur on those around her, always pointing them to Christ. We are very pleased to see so much of what Mary Clanton embodied while at Holy Trinity continue to grow during her time at Clemson.”
While at Holy Trinity, Mary Clanton was a member of Mu Alpha Theta math honor society and was a student government rep-
resentative, serving as president of her senior class. She was also a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and served on the leadership team for two years. Clanton played basketball for Holy Trinity’s Lady Lions for three years, serving as captain her senior year. She also helped lead her varsity soccer team at Holy Trinity to two SCISA state titles.
Miss Bozard is the daughter of Brenton and Ashley Bozard of Ridgeland.
From staff reports
Two public forums were scheduled this week for community members to learn more about the school district budget being developed by the Beaufort County Board of Education for the 202324 school year.
The first forum was to be in Bluff-
ton High School’s cafeteria at 6 p.m., Wednesday, April 26. The second will be at Beaufort High School at 6 p.m., Thursday, April 27.
Participants at each forum will hear a presentation on the budget and have a chance to work in small groups to deeper explore various areas of the budget. Participants
will be able to share their discussions and suggestions.
“Input from our key stakeholders is an important part of the budget process,” Superintendent Frank Rodriguez said in a news release. “We look forward to hearing from our community members, parents, and employees at our
public budget forums.”
Individuals who are unable to attend can also view the proposed budget and provide feedback through BCSD Connected at https://connectbeaufortschools. org/. The FY 2023-24 Budget Process forum materials will be posted to BCSD Connected by Friday,
April 28 and the feedback forum will be open through May 5.
The Board hopes to officially certify the district’s 2023-24 budget at its May 16 meeting. Beaufort County Council’s current timeline calls for three readings, with the third and final reading of the district’s budget taking place on June 26.
Scientific research has found that those who maintain a high potassium, low sodium diet are less anxious, depressed, confused and angry, and have more energy and vigor. As a major player in dopamine metabolism, potassium has proven in research to rapidly improve mood. It is well established that people with mood and psychiatric disorders are quite often deficient in vitamin C. In fact, the higher our vitamin C levels are, the less confusion, anger, and depression we have, according to one study. Other studies have effectively used vitamin C to complement other interventions in the treatment of depression.
Yummy, mood-boosting foods and treats:
Peppermint: Peppermint has been proven in studies to help with memory and to relieve stress, making it the perfect sweet treat to cope with the whirlwind nature of a busy day.
Apples: Apples are abundant in a type of antioxidant called flavonoids, which demonstrated in research the ability to improve mood within just two hours of eating them! In one study, flavonoids improved cognitive function and the effects lasted six hours post-consumption. Apples are loaded with other feel-good substances too, such as B vitamins. Who doesn’t love a freshbaked apple pie? Or, for a lower-fat option, make some homemade applesauce with mood-boosting cinnamon.
Cranberries: Cranberries are loaded with vitamin C and flavonoids. Humans are one of the few animals who are unable to produce our own vitamin C, which is a major player in dopamine metabolism in the body. It is well established that people with mood and psychiatric disorders are quite often deficient in vitamin C. According to numerous studies, vitamin C rapidly improves
mood. In fact, the higher our vitamin C levels are, the less confusion, anger and depression we have, according to one study. Other studies have effectively used vitamin C to complement other interventions in the treatment of depression. Boil fresh cranberries with honey, grated nutmeg and cinnamon. Or you can add some mandarin orange slices to increase the mood-boosting ability.
Yams: Yams are loaded with vitamins and minerals including potassium, which helps maintain optimal cognitive function. Low potassium intake is associate with greater risk of mood disturbances and depression. One study for example, showed that a high potassium diet improved tension and symptoms of depression. A whopping 40% of the minerals of yams are in the skin! Try twice baked yams, where you scoop out the flesh, mix it with a wee bit of maple syrup and aromatic spices such as cardamom and cloves. Top with toasted pecans for a delicious side dish.
Pumpkin/PumpkinSeeds: Pumpkin is rich in mood-boosting minerals, such as potassium, as well as vitamin A, and B vitamins. Potassium is considered a mental-health food because of its powerful effect on mood. Low potassium levels are related to depression and mood disturbances. One study, for example, measured the effect of a high potassium, low sodium diet and found significant improvements to mood. Pumpkin seeds contain abundant tryptophan, which is a precursor of serotonin, a mood-boosting chemical produced by our bodies. In research, dietary tryptophan improved the mood of participants over the course of a four-day, high-tryptophan diet. Subjects experienced less anxiety and depressive symptoms. Pumpkin seeds are also a good source of zinc, which can give an immediate boost to mood, having an antidepressant effect. After making a great pumpkin pie, be sure to save the pumpkin seeds for roasting.
As with any dietary supplements, it is advised to
consult with your healthcare provider to see if any supplements you take will negatively interact with prescribed medications. Supplements as part of a regular healthy diet should not be a problem, but if you have, for example, kidney conditions, your potassium intake may be monitored.
Mind and body boosting nutrients:
Folate (Folic Acid, Vitamin B9). Increased intake of folate is associated with a lower risk of depression.
Folate is especially important for pregnant women, but everyone needs folic acid for production of cells. It is especially important for healthy hair, skin, nails, eyes, liver, and red blood cell production.
Leafy green vegetables like spinach and kale, fruits, nuts, beans, and whole grains have high amounts of folate, or folic acid.
Vitamin D. Rates of depression are higher in people with Vitamin D deficiency compared to people who have adequate levels of
vitamin D. Lack of Vitamin D is thought to play a role in Seasonal Affective Disorder, which is depression that commonly starts in the fall, lasts through winter and subsides in the sunnier spring and summer months.
Vitamin D is needed to help the body absorb calcium for strong teeth and bones, and the health of muscles and the immune system.
Vitamin D deficiency is associated with heart disease and increased risk of heart attacks.
Most foods do not naturally have Vitamin D, but many are “Vitamin D fortified.”
Fatty fish like salmon and tuna have the most naturally occurring Vitamin D. Other foods like milk, orange juice and breakfast cereals have Vitamin D added.
Our bodies also produce Vitamin D as a result of being in the sun. Five to thirty minutes of sun exposure twice a week generally produces enough Vitamin D, with lighter-skinned people requiring less time than those with darker skin.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids.
Try to concentrate your shopping on the perimeter of the grocery store where the fresh, refrigerated, and frozen foods are, rather than in the center aisles where foods like chips, cookies and candy can be tempting.
• If fresh veggies tend to expire before you get a chance to eat them, buy frozen ones instead. Stores carry an assortment of steamin-bag vegetables that keep well in the freezer and cook in the microwave in a matter of minutes.
Choose whole grain pastas, breads, cereals, granola bars and snacks instead of those made with white flour. Whole grains are a good source of fiber, which promotes digestive health, and also provide folate (or folic acid).
Some studies suggest that omega-3s may be helpful in the treatment of depression and seem to have a mood-stabilizing effect. Omega-3 essential fatty acids may also help boost the effectiveness of conventional antidepressants and help young people with ADHD.
Omega-3 fatty acids are thought to be important in reducing inflammation, the primary cause of conditions like arthritis and asthma, and play a role in heart health by reducing triglycerides (blood fats). They may also reduce risk for certain kinds of cancer.
Oily fish (salmon, trout, mackerel, anchovies and sardines) are the most highly recommended sources of omega-3 fatty acids, and the American Heart Association suggests eating these types of fish at least twice a week. Omega-3s can also be found in walnuts, flax (or flaxseed oil), olive oil, fresh basil and dark green leafy vegetables.
Sources: https://www.mhanational. org/healthy-diet-eating-mentalhealth-mind; https://www.ncbi.nlm. nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6170050/
Many people, more than you think, are bothered by neck pain. At some point in their lives, it is estimated by doctors that seven out of 10 people will be troubled by such pain. By clearly describing your specific neck symptom—or combination of symptoms—you can help your doctor determine what’s wrong and how to help.
Here are the most common types of neck pain.
1. Muscle pain. Aching or sore neck and shoulder muscles may occur in response to overexertion or prolonged physical or emotional stress. The neck muscles may develop hard knots that are tender to the touch, sometimes called trigger points.
2. Muscle spasm. This is a sudden, powerful tightening of neck muscles. Your neck may hurt, feel tight or knotted and it may be impossible to turn your head. When you wake up with a painful stiff neck, that’s likely a muscle spasm. Muscle spasm can result from a muscle injury, but it may also occur in response to a disk or nerve problem. Emotional stress may trigger a neck muscle spasm, but of-
ten there is no clear cause.
3. Headache. Neck-related headache is most often felt in the back of the head and upper neck and is usually the result of muscle tension or spasm. Neck-related headache pain is usually dull or aching, rather than sharp — the neck might also feel stiff or tender. Moving your neck makes it worse.
4. Facet joint pain. Often described as deep, sharp, or aching, facet joint pain typically worsens if you lean your head toward the affected side and may radiate to your shoulder or upper back. Arthritis in the facet joints (part of the vertebrae of the neck), as in other locations, may feel worse in the morning or after a period of inactivity.
5. Nerve pain. Irritation or pinching of the roots of the spinal nerves causes pain that may be sharp, fleeting, severe, or accompanied by pins and needles. Depending on the nerve involved, the pain may shoot down the arm or even into the hand.
6. Referred pain. Referred pain is pain in one part of the body that is triggered by a problem in another part of the body.
For example, neck pain that worsens with exertion may indicate a heart problem, while neck pain that occurs when you eat may stem from a problem in the esophagus.
7. Bone pain. Pain and tenderness in the cervical vertebrae are far less common than neck pain from the soft tissues. Bone pain needs medical attention because it may signal a more serious health problem.
Neck pain usually evolves over time. It may be spurred by arthritis or degenerative disk disease and accentuated by poor posture, declining muscle strength, stress, and even a lack of sleep, says Dr. Zacharia Isaac, medical director of the Comprehensive Spine Care Center at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, and director of interventional physical medicine and rehabilitation at Harvard Medical School. There are many things you and your doctor can do to manage and relieve your pain, including a combination of self-help techniques and over-the-counter pain medications.
6 ways to ease neck pain
1. Don’t stay in one position for too long. It’s hard to re-
verse bad posture, Dr. Isaac says, but if you get up and move around often enough, you’ll avoid getting your neck stuck in an unhealthy position.
2. Make some ergonomic adjustments. Position your computer monitor at eye level so you can see it easily. Use the hands-free function on your phone or wear a headset. Prop your touch-screen tablet on a pillow so that it sits at a 45° angle, instead of lying flat on your lap.
3. If you wear glasses, keep your prescription up to date. “When your eyewear prescription is not up to date, you tend to lean your head back to see better,” Dr. Isaac says.
4. Don’t use too many pillows. Sleeping with several pillows under your head can stifle your neck’s range of motion.
5. Know your limits. Before you move a big armoire across the room, consider what it might do to your neck and back, and ask for help.
6. Get a good night’s sleep. Sleep problems increase the risk for several different conditions, including musculoskeletal pain.
Generally, neck pain is nothing to worry about. But if it’s occurring with other, more serious symptoms, such as radiating pain, weakness, or numbness of an arm or leg, make sure to see your doctor. Other key things that might make one more concerned are having a fever or weight loss associated with your neck pain, or severe pain. You should let your doctor know about these symptoms.
Excerpted from “Neck Pain: A troubleshooting guide to help you find relief”, a Special Health Report from Harvard Medical School. Harvard Medical School offers special reports on over 50 health topics. Visit their website at http://www. health.harvard.edu to find reports of interest to you and your family. PHONE ORDERS - tollfree number 1-877-649-9457.
When your teen goes to bed each night around 10 p.m., some nights do they complain that they cannot fall asleep until hours later?
Lots of children your teen’s age have trouble falling asleep easily at night. Though one might say they have bouts of insomnia, in many cases, the reason for sleep challenges can be traced back to habits a child has developed that interfere with good sleep. Less often, it may be due to a sleep disorder.
Unfortunately, many teens don’t get the sleep they need. To be well-rested and to help them stay healthy, teenagers need about eight to 10 hours of sleep each night. Healthy sleep is important for many reasons. It can fight stress, improve mood, and attitude, and provide energy. When teens are well-rested, they can concentrate, learn, listen, and think better than when they’re tired. That can improve school participation and performance. Healthy sleep also contributes to a healthy body, helping it run the way it should.
Sleep challenges plague many teenagers, with about 70% of high school students reporting inadequate sleep on school nights. One of the big reasons is that their body’s internal clock shifts during the teen years. In the preteen years, the hormone melatonin, which signals to the body that it’s time to sleep, is released into the bloodstream earlier in the evening. In most teens, melatonin levels don’t rise until about 10:30 or 11 p.m., so
they aren’t sleepy before then. But going to bed at that time means teens should ideally sleep until about 7:30 or 8 a.m. This isn’t an option for many because of school start times.
More than others, some teens tend to show a preference for the late evening hours. They are actually most energetic, intellectually productive, and creative in the late evening. It is important to recognize that this is also a normal pattern. For those with these “night owl” tendencies, however, it is especially important to provide lots of
light exposure and physical activity immediately upon awakening in the morning and to have dimmer lighting around the house during the evening hours.
One of the most important things teens can do to sleep well regularly is to set a consistent wake-up time and build a sleep schedule around it. It doesn’t have to be exactly the same, but the wake-up time should be within about a two-hour window every day of the week. This allows the body’s internal clock to run smoothly and avoid the difficulty of trying to readjust and get up
on Monday morning at 6 a.m. after sleeping in until noon on the weekends.
Picking a reasonable bedtime and sticking to that most days can be very useful, too. When teens get up at the same time every day, they will get sleepy around the same time every night. Your teen should listen to that and go to bed as soon as they feel tired.
There are also ways your teen can make it easier for their body to sleep. For example, they should stay away from sodas, sugar, caffeine, and big meals two to three hours
before going to bed. They should exercise but do it at least two hours before bedtime. And they should not nap during the day.
Creating a sleep-friendly environment can make a difference, too. Electronic devices and screens, along with the lights on them, in a teen’s room at night often disrupt sleep. Avoid distractions by keeping TVs and computers out of bedrooms. Cellphones should be turned off at bedtime and stored outside the bedroom. For the best sleep, keep bedrooms cool, dark, and quiet during the night.
Be mindful of how homework, extracurricular activities and after-school jobs can affect the goals you set. Often teens want to do as much as they can, but if the activities are too time-consuming, it may lead to a more significant amount of lost sleep. If your teen has a job, consider limiting it to no more than 15 hours a week with hours that do not interfere with sleep opportunity. Then it’s likely they’ll still have enough time for homework and other activities without sacrificing sleep.
If there are persistent problems falling asleep on a regular basis or if there are concerns for poor sleep quality, it is a good idea to work with a sleep specialist. Encourage your teen to get more sleep each night. When they do, it’s quite likely that they’ll feel more alert, have more energy and be able to focus more effectively and for longer periods of time at school.
Reviewed by Robin Lloyd, M.D., Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Mayo Clinic
Creativity comes in many forms, and it’s up to parents to explore the full spectrum with their children as they grow and evolve. “Children are strikingly creative when encouraged by loving, observant adults,” says Syracuse University Professor Emerita of Child Development Alice Sterling Honig, PhD. “Give a child a necktie and she or he may conjure how to use it as a seatbelt, a sash, a leash for a doggie, a tail for a kite, and further! Play dreamy music like ‘The Skater’s Waltz,’ and toddlers move their bodies in graceful, creative ways. With gentle support, children can unleash creativity early in a myriad of domains and ways, with an unlimited array of materials and gadgets. Nurture their budding talents!”
Parents should also be
aware that children’s creativity levels may naturally fluctuate with time. “Developmental research has found that children’s creative thinking ability tends to decline during middle childhood,” says Manish Saggar, PhD. “However, this decline has not been consistently demonstrated, and the underlying neural and behavioral factors that affect fluctuations in children’s creative thinking ability remain uncharacterized.”
The experts agree that creativity is for everyone, and the earlier we encourage it in our children, the more beneficial it will be in the long run. Creative kids lead to creative adults, and the kind of problem-solving skills that children begin honing in their youth will inevitably come in handy down
the line, whether they’re writing a symphony, figuring out an algebra problem, pitching a startup, designing a website or solving a major societal problem. With these tips in mind, families will enjoy exploring the world of imagination and embracing their creativity.
About Children and Screens
Since its inception, Children and Screens: Institute of Digital Media and Child Development, has become one of the nation’s leading non-profit organizations dedicated to informing and educating the public, and advocating for sound public policy for child health and wellness. For more information, see www. childrenandscreens.com or write to info@childrenandscreens.com
It’s Thursday, early, and this morning Tony Kukulich gives us a long, comprehensive article (in The Island News) about Tickton Hall’s foray into Jasper County.
When I was a young 30-yearold lawyer, I sometimes had cases in Jasper County. When I had a trial in Ridgeland, I drove over the Broad River Bridge at seven in the morning, passing the water plant on Highway 170, and then down Snake Road into the beating heart of Jasper.
This winding, caffeine-assisted, LeMans-like sprint took me past pine forests, open fields, fresh water wetlands reminding me what Beaufort County might have looked like 100 years ago. In this time before the ubiquitous cell phone, I would shove Andreas Bocelli into my tape deck and sing “Ave Maria” as I made this early morning run.
In those days Jasper had two plants — Wayneline and Holiday Wear — but mostly it was given over to growing pine trees — forests then being 73.8% of the County’s 650 square miles,
which were mulched into pulp at the paper mill in Savannah. I remember writing an article (for a magazine called Osceola) saying an acre of pine trees in Jasper generated 68 cents in real estate taxes. Whereas an acre of pine trees in Beaufort generated $1.36.
I did not compare this 68 cents with an acre of condominiums grown on Hilton Head.
Jasper County also had vast tracts of land owned by private hunting and fishing clubs called Spring Hill, Delta and Good Hope. But he largest and most famous of these was the Okatie Club — then 40,000 acres — where membership was passed down from father to son. I never spent any time at the Okatie Club,
but one heard stories of bird and deer hunting, and rustic luxury where attendants would creep into one’s guest room in the early morning darkness and start a fire in the bedroom’s hearth.
Chelsea Plantation was not a club, it was a winter-time retreat for the Marshall Field family. Its white, columned plantation house hosting shotgun-toting guests who would fly in for a long weekend. Ruth Field was often in attendance, and, from time to time, she donated significant sums of money and land to Beaufort Jasper Comprehensive Health.
Now Tickton Hall Investments, LLC is asking that 1,500 acres be annexed by the Town of Ridgeland. The land in question is 1,315 acres of “uplands,” 250 acres of marsh and a development plan contemplating 4,800 houses just across Euhaw Creek from Chelsea. At this point the only governmental entity that can give the developer the housing density it wants is the Town of Ridgeland. And, apparently, the Town is leaning in the annexation direction (some on Council) believing that
development is inevitable.
There are other challenges to the project — the cost of water and sewer — and getting a permit to discharge effluent. But the essential, elemental math of 4,800 houses depends on annexation.
If built, this development will parallel the building boom along Highway 278 — we’re talking Sun City and Latitude Margaritaville.
These earlier Jasper retirement enclaves emphasized their proximity of Hilton Head Island, did not involve any marsh frontage, were mostly welcomed by nearby neighbors in Hardeeville.
But this geography is different.
For the last 45 years, Jasper has watched Beaufort County grow. It has had a front row seat on the exponential development that effectively erased Beaufort County’s fields and forests. It has also seen that Beaufort County’s schools have been largely rebuilt as tax dollars have poured into its coffers.
Surely Jasper’s poorest-in-thenation status would entice Jasper’s leaders to do whatever is required in order to reap the tax tsunami
that comes with Target, Best Buy, Publix and Walmart. Surely these left-behind folks will welcome new money for their under-performing schools and their maintenance-deferred infrastructure.
And yet, at this writing, they hesitate. Public sentiment — those who show up and speak — seems to be running against annexation.
Perhaps these rural folk still love their pine forests, the ability to shoot deer from their back porch; the miles of dockfree marsh that border Euhaw Creek and the Chechessee River. Perhaps they see the irony of Beaufort County residents taxing themselves in order to stop themselves from developing every remaining unimproved acre.
Perhaps our next door neighbors are hesitant to trade-in their pristine, unbroken marshes for the diced, sliced, variegated variety just across the Broad River. Maybe they’ve seen our Xanadu and want no part of it.
Scott Graber is a lawyer, novelist, veteran columnist and longtime resident of Port Royal. He can be reached at cscottgraber@gmail.com
When Kris and I moved to Beaufort in 1974 we were already environmental activists. The natural splendor of this “low country” won our hearts and we wanted to raise our children here.
My first articles that appeared in our old “hometown” paper, “The Beaufort Gazette,” concerned raw sewage being dumped into Battery Creek and Hilton Head Island’s pumping of their effluent water into the Port Royal Sound. I never dreamed back then that development would overcome not just Hilton Head Island, but would come to devour both Bluffton and Beaufort. Now it is not hard to foresee development gobbling up our old perceived wildernesses of Hardeeville, Ridgeland and Yemassee; we are upon that threshold.
I remember when marketing articles first started appearing in Southern Living that revealed the charms of our little town of Beaufort. Of course those first articles made one proud to know that we earlier citizens had such good taste and appreciation for this wonderful “hidden gem” in the Lowcountry, and what’s the harm in welcoming a few tourists?
Then came Hollywood, Dataw, Sun City, the “buggy” wars, shrimp baiting,
golf carts and even more tourists. Now, when Kris and I find ourselves behind a massive tour bus moving slowly down Bay Street, we know what those folks inside this land plane are thinking, just as we did 50 years ago: We could live here!
As you may know, my soapbox now is over development in Beaufort County. And yes, I know about property rights with the accompanying legal and political juggling, freedom of (but not from) everything, God versus Satan … (remember the street preachers?).
What I really want to know is can we save Beaufort from itself? By 1985
I was asking old timers (natives) how they felt about the ongoing growth here, thinking that if I’d been a native, I’d already be heart broken to see the new changes to this area … (“I don’t give a damn how you did it up north!”) … Wow!
But old native families had not seen such prosperity since before the Civil
War, and the allure of more money can be a wonderful salve for low incomes. I sensed my commercial shrimping and island farmer friends to be the most concerned with the early, steady growth and development to this area.
Back in the 70’s, Beaufort’s growth was indeed welcomed by the majority of Beaufortorians. Public schools improved as did our arts culture. We could unhook our septic tanks and wells, tapping into city sewer and treated water … BJWSA! All of a sudden we had super grocers as the “Pig” with it’s A&P stock dwindled.
Those of us in the construction trades never missed a day of work and never had to draw unemployment … to this day. Beaufort County seemed recession-proof, aided by the growing (not closing) military presence – our “Sound of Freedom”.
Yes, I feel a little hypocritical having been able to retire comfortably from my building livelihood here in Beaufort County, but I was never a linear footage guy. My work was slow and meticulous, and (thank God) I was never forced into how many doors I could set, or much baseboard I could run, or how many squares I could lay in a single work day.
Those of us in the construction trades never missed a day of work and never had to draw unemployment … to this day. Beaufort County seemed recession-proof, aided by the growing (not closing) military presence – our ‘Sound of Freedom’.”
My research into states that have been practicing controlled growth has proven to me that it can be done, property rights be damned. Basically, states like Vermont have put in place control valves (Act 250 Vermont legislation, since 1970) to stem over-development. Hawaii even has conservation, control and development of resources safeguards written into their state constitution. It can be done, but it can only be done through state and local government leadership with community support. When you live in a county that installs monuments to developers, controlled growth may be highly unlikely.
Concerned Beaufort citizens regarding over-development should keep close
watch with the growing controversies for the development of Pine Island, as well as city staff meetings that are reviewing changes to the Beaufort Development Code. Those reviews have already started and offer monthly public input every third Tuesday of the new month, 5 to 7 p.m. at City Hall.
My feeling is that if officials start tweaking codes and regulations that could favor even more development, Beaufort and Port Royal will certainly become irreparably over-developed. I’ve requested actual residential permit totals for the first quarter of 2023 between Beaufort and Port Royal. I’ve heard rumors that those numbers may be approaching 2,400 units which would also translate into, quite possibly, 5,000
more vehicles to the area.
As of this writing, I have to say, I feel like I am sitting bedside with a dear, loving friend who is slowly dying. It seems all I can do is watch this precious friend, holding their hand while observing them disappear.
When we first moved here, I believe I soon became a responsible Beaufortonian as Beaufort became our home, though not our place of birth. I firmly believe that I have not contributed one act of exploitation to this wondrous place; but I must also say that praying that it is not too late to save Beaufort from itself seems almost frivolous at this point in time.
For me, it is sadly similar to praying for victims of gun violence (particularly from the AR-15) … It’s hard; you’re sad, weary, perhaps even angry, especially knowing elected leadership is not taking the mantle to preserve, protect and honor the majority of their citizen’s concerns.
Tim and Kristy Wood moved to Beaufort in 1974. He worked as a carpenter in both restoration and new home construction, as well as operating a shop specializing in custom woodwork, Wood on Wood Specs. He is semi-retired, involved with fine woodworking and formerly sat on the City of Beaufort Zoning Board of Appeals.
Iwish I had $10 for every time, as of late, I have heard someone utter the words, “No one is above the law.” I want to believe this is true, but when I see what is happening, or better yet, not happening with regard to Clarence Thomas who occupies a seat on the highest court of the land, I am hard pressed to accept this cliche.
Before I get to the crux of Justice Thomas’ documented jousting with the law, I think we need to ask, “What makes the Supreme Court sanctum sanctorum? Why is there no oversight on that body that is supposedly the bastion for rendering the final verdict on any case, criminal or otherwise, should a case reach that level?”
Lest we think that Clarence Thomas’ misdeeds are limited to his present failure to report monetary acquisitions, let’s go back to his nomination to the Supreme Court. It was Anita Hill, a 35-year-old lawyer and assistant to Thomas who decided to testify at his confirmation hearing regarding
the consistent sexual harassment she endured while working for the judge.
In Hill’s testimony she stated that Thomas repeatedly asked her to go out socially, and he wouldn’t take no for an answer. She went on to testify that he would talk about sex and pornography, women having sex with animals and his own sexual prowess. Thomas responded, calling her testimony a “high-tech lynching.”
It might be added here that then Senator Joe Biden was chair of this committee and in leading the questioning, it is assuredly an understatement to say this wasn’t
his finest hour. That he has since apologized to her doesn’t make his performance any better. Nor, does it seem that legislators learned much from this shameful episode in our history when you recall that the same kind of arrogance dealing with the same allegations against Brett Kavanaugh brought this man onto the court.
Right now, what is facing Clarence Thomas, and might I add Chief Justice John Roberts for his failure to act, is a list of transgressions that may or may not prove to be Thomas’ downfall.
Let’s go back to the actions of his wife Ginny, and her close alliance with and constant communication to those involved with the January 6 insurrection. Emails prove her activity in trying to influence those in government to overturn the election. Yet Thomas, when asked to recuse himself from decisions related to this, refused to do so, saying that he and his wife never discussed the issues at hand.
The violations by Thomas of
ethical norms seem to expand on a daily basis. Harlan Crow has been called a “billionaire conservative benefactor.” For every benefactor there is a beneficiary, and it would appear that Clarence Thomas, Justice of the Supreme Court, fits the description. First it was undisclosed perks such as trips on private jets to catch a ride on a luxury yacht. Evidently this occurred several times over the past decades.
Most recently, it came out that a property sale of $133,000, practically in our backyard (Savannah) was also undisclosed. This sale included quite a few upgrades to the property where Thomas’ mother now resides. Thomas has come out and said he was “ill-advised” regarding the trips, and that he “didn’t understand” the language of the agreement regarding the property. Really, Sir? You are a man of law on the highest court in our country, and you don’t understand? Should we then conclude, Justice Thomas, that you lack the
competence necessary to fulfill your duties? If so, then I believe that you either have to resign or be removed from your position.
And so I contend that the total lack of a moral core that seems to have our government in a stranglehold, extends all the way up to the Supreme Court. Furthermore, it would appear that court isn’t so supreme anymore. Strict Constitutionalists will cry out that this is what the forefathers wanted and so should it remain as it is. And I would respond to those folks in this way: those same craftsmen of our Constitution never had to consider a public hair on a Coke can or free flights on private jets and vacations around the world on a yacht. Our founders believed in ethics and morals. Let’s not demean that truth by ignoring the corruption that exists today.
For those of you that read this column, I hope the insights and considerations are worth your time. I have political and social speculations like all of you, but I would much rather stay focused on how awesome God is.
I’m just a student desiring to understand what I believe, while also trying to listen carefully and be discerning about the convictions of others. Everyone has their own opinions about everything, and when we become involved in endless criticisms and accusations, it accomplishes nothing. In fact, it makes things worse and we have enough of that already.
It’s important to me that I know why I believe my views and this can only be accomplished through prayer and study. If we desire to present Christ to a confused world, He pleads with us to surrender our will and learn how to live in the awareness of His presence.
Some of you have been asking me to share a few things about my personal life, so first of all, our
daughter-in-law had twins last month and Mother and the babies are perfect. Thank you, Jesus! Our four-year-old grandson now has a brother and sister! They are so beautiful.
We also have another adorable 10-month-old granddaughter that lives in Denver. I realize I’m preaching to the choir when I say that grandchildren are amazing. Our grandson loves to spend the night at our house on Friday nights, and it’s always non-stop action of laughter and entertainment. He is so smart and never forgets anything.
We pray for these young ones and are concerned about the evil world they will face, but I’m sure
people thought the same thing about us. It’s true, the world is declining spiritually, but when we read I John 4:4, we are assured that God’s light always overcomes the darkness.
I’ve been a Christian minister and truth seeker for 40 years, and have earned four degrees from two Seminaries. I am currently working on a Ph.D. in Biblical history from a third Seminary. I just want to know more about God.
Some of you might know that I’m also a certified fire district chaplain with our county, and a volunteer chaplain for a Veterans healthcare facility where I lead Bible studies and sing the old hymns with my guitar. I enjoy being with people and have realized that just taking the time to listen to others is one of the greatest ways we can show that we care. I was having lunch the other day with a good friend that is battling cancer, and he said that life can change very quickly along with our attitudes and perspectives. When healthy, we are confident in our own strength, but when we are
weak, we understand more about humility, faith, and priorities. In the end, hopefully, we will know that life was all about love. The love God gave to us, and how much love we passed on to others.
When it comes to my writing, I began back in the early 80s writing, singing, and recording music about faith and personal intimacy with God. This led to sermons, leading worship, devotions, blogs, funerals, weddings, videos, CDs, books, and eventually expanded from a church environment to the realm of public media.
I’m not sure how many newspapers or news agencies publish “Living on Purpose” each week, but at one time it was estimated that around 200 newspapers were using my work. It’s an honor as a freelance/nonsyndicated faith columnist to have the opportunity to reach this many readers. Thank you for all the emails and letters, they are very encouraging.
I’m also a content coordinator for Best Version Media where I write feature articles for one of
their many monthly magazines, and currently working on my fourth book. You can read more about the books on Amazon and my website.
Along with a small group of volunteers, we operate a nonprofit charitable organization called, “Walking Thru Ministries,” a weekly food distribution program for the needy. Stores and co-ops give us food and we give it out to families, churches, and other outreach ministries.
There are many people, especially children in our area that are struggling to make ends meet. I do not have room to share all the activities my wife and I are involved in, but I just wanted to say how much we appreciate your kindness, prayers, support, and friendship.
It’s a privilege to serve God and discuss His word with you each week. “Blessed are the ones who find wisdom, and those who gain understanding,” Proverbs 3:13. Read more about the Christian life at billyhollandministries.com
All Are Welcome for Worship
Sunday 8:30 am, 10:30 am at 81 Lady’s Island Drive Pastor Steve Keeler (843) 525-0696 seaislandpresbyterian.org
Many people experience great anguish and grief after losing a child to abortion, even many years later. They often feel that they are alone in these feelings; no one else can understand what they are going through. They might believe that God cannot forgive them, or that they will never be able to forgive themselves.
But there are others who understand what you are going through, and who can help you find healing and forgiveness from God. Like the Samaritan woman at Jacob’s Well, who felt alone and rejected because of her sins, you can begin to receive healing and hope from Jesus.
(John 3)We are starting a postabortion healing ministry called Jacob’s Well. If you or someone you love has experienced an abortion, we are here with love, hope, and compassion. The ministry is open to women and men of all faith backgrounds.
The ministry will soon begin gathering in person for sharing and prayer. The first sessions will be on April 25 and May 9 in Beaufort. For more information, please look at the webpage below or call one of our team members at 843.271.8125. All calls and meetings are confidential.
Whether you've thought about a career in healthcare or not, you'll find Beaufort Memorial is a great place to work, grow and find success.
We're committed to supporting your advancement in whichever of our five career clusters you find appealing—hospitality, business, support services, diagnostics/ therapeutics or direct patient care.
Interviews, contingency job offers, door prizes, refreshments and opportunities await you!
WEDNESDAY, MAY 3
4:30-6:30 p.m.
375
REGISTRATION REQUIRED visit BeaufortMemorial.org/JobFair, call (843) 522-5680 or scan
Beaufort Memorial Employees enjoy:
• Affordable medical, dental, vision and prescription benefits
• Generous paid time off
• Bonuses based on meeting hospital & department goals
• Wellness benefits
• Discounted childcare
• Homebuyer assistance
• Scholarships and tuition reimbursement
• PATH career development & advancement program
Southern Barrel Brewing Co. Buckwalter Pl Blvd, BlufftonLowcoSports.com
The region title was nice, but the real prize for Beaufort High’s boys soccer team Friday night came from the joy on longtime coach Terry Rawlins’ face — and his Griddy dance across the field after the Eagles beat visiting Hanahan in a penalty shootout.
“Seeing Coach Rawlins after 13 years win his region championship, it’s something I won’t ever forget,” senior captain Ben Christian said on this week’s episode of Lowco FC on the Lowco Media YouTube channel. “We are still electric.
We’re hyped up. We’re ready.”
Despite playing a man down for much of the night, the Eagles took a 2-1 lead in the 69th minute only to see the Hawks find the equalizer inside the final two minutes of regulation. Beaufort broke back on top just two minutes into the first extra period, but Hanahan answered in the second extra session to send it to penalties.
Beaufort keeper Nigel Bell stopped one of the Hawks’ five attempts, and the Eagles went 5-for-5 with junior Eduardo Loza delivering the clincher to give Rawlins his
long-awaited region crown.
The win capped off a stellar week for the Eagles, who set the stage with a 2-0 win at Hanahan on Tuesday and blanked Whale Branch 5-0 at home on senior night.
Beaufort (9-2, 7-1) hosts Bluffton at 7 p.m. Friday to wrap up the regular season before opening the Class 3A playoffs at home against Swansea at 6 p.m. Monday.
Beaufort’s girls also swept the Hawks to lock up the No. 2 seed from Region 8-3A, and they did so in dominant form with a pair of clean sheets. After a 4-0 win
Tuesday on senior night, Georgia Southern signee Quinn Wilson and the Eagles’ defense blanked Hanahan 5-0 on the road Thursday for their fourth straight shutout in region play.
The Eagles kept it rolling with a 2-0 win over Beaufort Academy on Monday, as Selena Duncan scored a pair of goals and Wilson made five saves to collect her sixth shutout of the season. Beaufort (6-6, 4-2) hosts May River at 7 p.m. Thursday for its regular-season finale and will host a firstround playoff game Tuesday.
Bridges Preparatory School’s boys varsity soccer team remained undefeated after their 10-0 win over Branchville High School at home Wednesday, April 19. After another 10-0 win, this time over Whale Branch on Monday, the Buccaneers improved to 13-0-1 and 10-0 in Region 7-1A play. Pictured here is Bridges’ River Hock regaining control of the ball during the first half of Wednesday’s game in which he had two assists. Bob Sofaly/The Island News.
LowcoSports.com
Bridges Prep’s boys soccer team completed its dominant run through Region 7-1A with a 10-0 rout of Whale Branch on Monday.
It was the Bucs’ seventh shutout of the season and their 12th consecutive win since a 1-1 tie with St. John’s in the second game of the season — the only blemish on a stellar record.
With two outs and a runner on second base, Beaufort High School’s Davis Woods launches a high fly ball into deep left field during the top of sixth inning against Hanahan on Monday, April 20, at Beaufort. The ball was caught and the runner was unable to advance. Bob Sofaly/The Island News
From staff reports
There was no honeymoon phase after Spring Break for the Beaufort High baseball and softball teams, who were each swept by Hanahan last week to give the Hawks both region titles.
The Eagles’ softball team rolled through Region 8-3A play until running into Hanahan pitchers Gabby Colantuoni and Ashlyn Harrison. Colantuoni struck out 11 Eagles and scattered six hits in a 4-1 decision Tuesday at Hanahan, and Harrison had six strikeouts in a four-hit shutout to beat the Eagles 2-0 at Beaufort on Thursday.
It was tough luck for Beaufort pitcher Kylie Rast, who turned in stellar outings in both games. She struck out 12 over six innings in the opener, allowing four runs (one earned) on two hits and three walks, and she racked up 11 strikeouts in the rematch, allowing just two unearned runs on two hits with one walk in a complete game.
The baseball team’s hot start gave way to a brutal non-region schedule, and the hits kept coming in a key series with the Hawks, who used a seven-run fourth inning to break open a close game in an 11-4 win at Hanahan on Tuesday, then stymied the Eagles in
Beaufort High School’s first baseman Kyrsten Cruikshank makes the forced out at first base and fires the ball to the third base in the early innings of their region game against the Hanahan Lady Hawks on Thursday, April 20, at BHS. Bob Sofaly/The
a 7-2 victory at Beaufort on Thursday to complete the sweep.
The frustration began to boil over in the Beaufort dugout with head coach Shane Monahan and assistant Scott Mullen appearing to be in heated con-
versation on multiple occasions. Beaufort (12-12-1) had another rough outing Monday, falling 14-3 to visiting Ashley Ridge. The Eagles make the return trip to face the Swamp Foxes on Friday.
Gary Hansen scored a hat trick to lead the way on senior night, and fellow senior Franco Pereira added a pair of goals and an assist, while Tino Molinari scored two goals, and Timothy English, Clay Sanders, and Kadin Karim each added one. River Hock, Liam Sanders, and senior Michael Legier each assisted on two goals, and Darick Fisher made two saves to preserve the clean sheet. The Bucs (13-0-1, 10-0) host Woodland to wrap up the regular season at 7 p.m. Thursday and await their seeding for Monday’s first round of the Class 1A playoffs.
LowcoSports.com
New Battery Creek athletics director Terrance Ashe has found the man he wants to succeed him in leading the Dolphins football program, and he comes with more than three decades of experience and two successful head coaching stops under his belt.
A native of Ohio, Ed Susi has spent the bulk of his life in the Palmetto State, including an 11-year stint as the head coach at Class 5A Fort Mill and the past two years as the head coach at Class 2A Buford.
Ed
SusiAfter a 1-7 season in his first campaign at Buford, Susi led the Yellowjackets to an 8-3 mark and a playoff appearance last fall. It was the program’s first winning season since 2019.
Now he is tasked with continuing to rebuild the program Ashe took over four years ago. The Dolphins saw a promising season plateau into a 3-8 record after a rash of injuries last fall and are in search of their first winning season since 2012.
Susi was a standout baseball player at Capital University in Columbus, Ohio, and was inducted into the school’s athletics hall of fame in 2000.
Battery Creek striker Talmadge Magbee, center, moves the ball up the side and sets up to chip the ball toward the center of the goal as Philip Simmons’ Ty’Sun Mack-Davis, left, and Mastin Rosenlieb give chase during the first half of their Region 8-3A soccer match Tuesday, April 18 at Dolphins Stadium. The visiting Iron Horses outscored the Dolphins 9-2. The Dolphins dropped to 6-7 overall and 2-5 in conference play. Bob Sofaly/The Island News
How does one find an invisible man?
In our previous message, we met Joe, a fictional man seeking the Church begun by Jesus. He wants to be part of the family of faith described in the New Testament. But such a quest assumes that the Church is actually a visible and identifiable group of people. This was the way that the Church was understood by Christians for the first fifteen centuries of Christianity: a visible family with members, leaders, teachings, and worship that can be clearly recognized.
In recent centuries, there arose a different view of the Church. When new churches were begun in the sixteenth century by the Protestant reformers, each with their own teachings and ways of worship, visible unity no longer seemed possible. It was proposed that the Church is actually an invisible union of all who believe in Jesus, regardless of religious affiliation. Thus, only God can identify the Church and its members, because only God can see into our hearts. If this is true, then Joe’s search for the Church started by Jesus would be impossible, as hopeless as finding an invisible man. But is this what Jesus intended?
Jesus used visible, concrete images for the Church. When Jesus spoke about the Church, he used images such as the light of the world, a flock of sheep led by a shepherd, and a city set on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. Such images show that Jesus intended his Church to be visible and recognizable. His followers are to be united in his truth, reflecting the unity he shares with the Father. (John 17:21) Jesus gave his apostles authority and sent them out to continue his ministry until he returns in glory. (Matt 28:18-20)
In the New Testament, the Church can be clearly identified. The Church could be recognized by its teachings, which were the same everywhere. (Eph 4:4-6) It could be recognized by its worship, which centered around the celebration of the Lord’s Supper. (1 Cor 11) The Church could also be identified by its leaders, who taught and led with authority received from Jesus. We see this authoritative leadership throughout the Acts of the Apostles, and especially during the important theological deliberations of Acts 15.
The Church is the visible body of Christ.
One of Paul’s favorite images for the Church is “the body of Christ.” (1 Cor 12) By its very definition, a body is the physical aspect of us that is visible to others. Our visible bodies manifest our invisible souls. It is only because of your body, for example, that your soul can communicate and act in the world. Christians are indeed united spiritually in the Holy Spirit, but they are also meant to be united in a visible family of faith. In order to faithfully teach as Jesus taught and serve as he served, the Church needs to be visible, just as the Lord’s body was visible to his contemporaries.
We should expect the Church to still be recognizable today. It will have grown and developed over the last two thousand years, but the Church would still be recognizable as a visible family of faith, with the same essential elements it had in the time of the apostles. By looking for these essential elements today, one can still seek out the Church begun by Jesus.
ARTS
‘Southern Comforts’ Quilt Show
10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Friday, April 28; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday, April 29, National Guard Armory (Beaufort Readiness Center), 1 Cavalry Land, Beaufort (U.S. 21 near MCAS Beaufort). Admission is $8 for adults. Children younger than 12 are free. The Sea Island Quilters was founded in 1987 “to foster the art of quilting, to encourage high standards of design and techniques in all of its various forms, and to stimulate an interest in the goals within the community.” Featured at the show will be approximately 150 quilts of all sizes and styles from traditional to modern to contemporary art. For the show, the quilters have created a beautiful quilt – “Sea Island Stars.” Sparkling with cleat, vibrant colors, crisp points, and exquisite quilting. The quilt will be raffled on Saturday afternoon. Tickets are $1 each or six for $5.
Lowcountry Paint Party
6 to 8 p.m., Thursday, May 11, Morris Center, 10782 S. Jacob Smart Blvd, Ridgeland. $30. Enjoy an evening with friends while painting your own Lowcountry work of art. Camilla Pagliaroli will walk you through the process of creating a whimsical shrimp piece inspired by National Shrimp Day.
(Re)create Assemblage Workshop
11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday, June 10, Morris Center, 10782 S. Jacob Smart Blvd, Ridgeland. $55. The art of assemblage is the subject of this workshop that focuses on how to repurpose disposable items (aka trash) into artistic creations. Led by Kirkland Smith, you’ll learn what types of materials work best for this type of assemblage and use templates to design your own piece on 12x12 Masonite.
CALENDAR
Karaoke with Melissa
8 p.m. to midnight, Tuesdays, Highway 21 Bar, 3436 Trask Pkwy, Beaufort. Enjoy food and drinks during Karaoke with Melissa.
Sharing Hearts Support Group
5:30 to 7 p.m., second Tuesday of every month, 2201 Boundary Street, Suite 208, Beaufort. Free. Come tell your 10-minute story of a life lesson or healing message using your own creative expression through a song, poetry, reading, art or verbal storytelling. Come away with an uplifting sense of support and connections or to just listen. Register by leaving a voicemail with name, phone and number of attendees at 843-525-6115 or send email to reneesutton@ healthierhealing.com. Notification will be done of any location change due to seat requirements. Next event is on Tuesday, April 11.
Karaoke with Melissa
7:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m., Wednesdays, Beaufort Moose Lodge, 350 Broad River Blvd, Beaufort. Enjoy food and drinks during Karaoke with Melissa.
Trivia with Mike – Fat Patties
7:30 p.m., Every Wednesday, Fat Patties, 831 Parris Island Gateway, Beaufort. Free. Team trivia event, win house cash prizes! For more information, visit https://rb.gy/ o9nhwe.
Eric’s Karaoke Krew
9:30 p.m., Wednesdays, Rosie O’Grady’s, 2127 Boundary Street, Suite 2, Beaufort. Free. Enjoy karaoke with either Parker or Eric.
Trivia with Mike – Bricks On Boundary
7:30 p.m., Every Thursday, Fat Patties, 1422 Boundary St, Beaufort. Free. Team trivia event, win house cash and Beer Bucket prizes! For more information, visit https:// rb.gy/o9nhwe.
Eric’s Karaoke Krew
7 p.m., Thursdays, Amvets Post 70, 1831 Ribaut Road, Port Royal. Free. Public is welcome. Enjoy Karaoke. Dinner will be available.
Bluffton Night Bazaar — a Lowcountry Made Market
5 to 8 p.m., first Thursday of each month, Burnt Church Distillery, 120 Bluffton Road. A highly curated selection of accessories, clothing, home goods, custom gifts and more by local artists and makers.
Rooted Beaufort Yoga classes
5:30 to 6:45 p.m., Thursdays, Cypress Wetlands, Port Royal; 9 to 10:15 a.m., Whitehall Park or Pigeon Point Park. Rooted Beaufort is a collective of local Yoga teachers who host outdoor yoga classes and donation-based events with proceeds being donated locally on a rotating basis.
Wet Willie’s Trivia Night
7 to 10 p.m., every Thursday, Wet Willie’s, Beaufort Town Center. Win awesome prizes while you sip the worlds greatest daiquiris and munch on delicious bites.
Wet Willie’s Bingo Night
7 to 10 p.m., every Friday, Wet Willie’s, Beaufort Town Center. Win free giveaways, merchandise, and more cool prizes.
Eric’s Karaoke Krew
9 p.m., Fridays, Highway 21 Bar, 3436 Trask Pkwy, Beaufort. Free. Enjoy Karaoke with Lt. Dan.
Eric’s Karaoke Krew
9:30 p.m., Fridays, Rosie O’Grady’s, 2127
Boundary Street, Suite 2, Beaufort. Free.
Enjoy Karaoke with Parker.
Karaoke with Melissa
7:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m., Fridays, R Bar & Grill, 70 Pennington Dr, Bluffton. Enjoy food
HIGHWAY 21 DRIVE-IN
The movies scheduled for this week (Thursday, April 27 through Sunday, April 30) at the Highway 21 Drive-In are The Super Mario Bros. Movie (PG, 8:15 p.m.) and Dungeons & Dragons (PG-13, 9:50 p.m.) on Screen 1; Evil Dead Rises (R, 8:15 p.m.) and The Pope’s Exorcist (R, 10:35 p.m.) on Screen 2; and The Covenant (R, 8:15 p.m.) and Air (R, 10:35 p.m.) on Screen 3 (Friday and Saturday).
Online ticketing is available at hwy21drivein. com on the Now Playing page. Patrons are asked to arrive early on Friday and Saturday nights. Gates open at 6:30 p.m.
“Our family at the Hwy. 21 drive in feel a responsibility to our community,” a statement from Highway 21 Drive-In management reads. “We are concerned about many things in these trying times and in making the right decisions. We are concerned with our employees, our patrons, our business, our community’s businesses, and the health and well-being of all.”
A reminder: no outside food or beverages can be brought into the drive-in.
Upcoming movies include Guardians Of The Galaxy Vol. 3 (May 4) and Fast X (May 15).
and drinks during Karaoke with Melissa.
Drum Circle
6:30 to 8 p.m., 2nd Friday of every month, Gazeebo, Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park, Beaufort. (Note: Drum circle will meet on 3rd Friday in May – May 19 – because of schedulig conflict.) Free. Anyone welcome, no experience necessary. Eric Roy, a recent transplant from Connecticut with successful experience in leading drum circles, is our new facilitator. He will start sessions off with 15-20 minutes of instruction on djembe playing and teach a selected traditional rhythm & accompaniment for participants to play. In addition, there will be time allotted for spontaneous group drumming. Bring a drum, if you have one, a chair and a desire to have fun. The Drum Circle has several extra drums and many other percussion instruments that anyone can use. To receive updates on future events, send your email to lannyk13@gmail.com.
Highway 21 Flea Market
9 a.m. to 4 p.m., every Saturday and Sunday, Highway 21 Drive-In. Sellers, vendors, handmade items, unique products and yard sale items. For information, email lowcountryfleamarket@gmail.com.
Port Royal Farmers Market
9 a.m. to noon, Saturdays, year round, Naval Heritage Park, 1615 Ribaut Road, Port Royal. Rain or shine. You will find fresh, local, seasonal produce, shrimp, oysters, poultry, beef, pork, eggs, bread and cheese, as well as plants, ferns, camellias, azaleas, citrus trees and beautiful, fresh cut flower bouquets. There are prepared food vendors serving barbecue, dumplings, she crab soup, crab cakes, paella, coffee, baked goods, bagels and breakfast sandwiches. No pets allowed. For more information, visit http:// www.portroyalfarmersmarket.com/, visit @ portroyalfarmersmarket on Facebook or call 843-295-0058.
Eric’s Karaoke Krew
7 p.m., Saturdays, The Beaufort Moose Lodge, 350 Broad River Blvd., Beaufort. Free. Enjoy karaoke with Lt. Dan. Come early at 6 p.m. for Steak Night.
Eric’s Karaoke Krew
9:30 p.m., Saturdays, Rosie O’Grady’s, 2127 Boundary Street, Suite 2, Beaufort. Free. Enjoy karaoke with Eric.
Karaoke with Melissa
8 p.m. to 12 a.m., 2nd and 4th Saturdays of every month, Peaceful Henry’s Cigar Bar, 181 Bluffton Rd, Bluffton. Enjoy food and drinks during Karaoke with Melissa.
Family and community Field Day
9 to 11:30 a.m., Saturday, April 29, Lady’s Island Middle School. The school will be hosting a family and community field day. Bring your family and friends and participate in a wide variety of events.
‘Release & Remember’
11 a.m., Saturday, April 29, Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park, downtown Beaufort. Friends of Caroline is holding a community butterfly release. Purchase a butterfly for $12 and celebrate the memory of the ones we love as we release butterflies over the Beaufort River. Names will be placed on Memory Boards displayed at the event and on the Friends of Caroline website. Butterflies can be picked up at 10:30 a.m. The program will begin at 11 with a few words from Coordinator of Support Services Steve Scudder, a reading from Battery Creek High School junior Quinnie Clark and a musical performance by Elaine Lake. For more information, call Friends of Caroline at 843-525-6257 or visit fochospice.org.
Wild Women’s Tea Party
2 to 4 p.m., Saturday, April 29, Indigo Hall at Indigo Run, 103 Berwick Drive, Hilton Head Island. Join us for a madcap afternoon of whimsy and elegance at the Lowcountry Legal Volunteers 11th Annual Wild Women’s Tea Party. Our Emcee is the beautiful and talented Riley Miller of WJCL. Wear your finest jewelry and that perfect little black dress and enjoy some decadent food, desserts and drinks. A perfect afternoon for you and your friends! Our Afternoon
Highlights Include: A Fashion Show with all the latest styles from J. McLaughlin, Exciting Raffle Prizes, and a Silent Auction with luxury items and local experiences. Plus, fabulous prizes for best hat, best dressed, best dressed table and as always, wildest hat! For tickets, visit https://rb.gy/2ar8. For more information, call 843-815-1570 or email executivedirector@lclv.org.
Play & Eat – Dinner Theater
6 to 8:30 p.m., Saturdays, April 29, May 13, May 20, June 3, June 17, and July 1, Hilton Garden Inn, 1500 Queen Street, Beaufort. Solve a murder mystery while you feast on a fantastic dinner. Just to let you know the murderer is hiding somewhere in the room, and you may find yourself as one of the suspects if you don’t watch it. This is a prize-winning competition and everyone is a participant. For more information, contact 843-592-6209 or playandeatdinnertheater@ gmail.com, or visit the website at www. playandeatdinnertheater.com.
Beaufort Memorial Hospital career fair
4:30 to 6:30 p.m., Wednesday, May 3, Southern Barrel Brewing Co., Bluffton. Beaufort Memorial Hospital (BMH) is hosting a system-wide hiring event. Prospective employees will meet with and be interviewed by hiring managers during the RSVP-only event. Reservations are required to attend the hiring event. Visit BeaufortMemorial.org/JobFair or call 843522-5680 to reserve your spot. To learn more about open positions at Beaufort Memorial visit BeaufortMemorial.org/ Careers.
Bluffton Night Bazaar
5 to 8 p.m., Thursday, May 4, Burnt Church Distillery, 120 Bluffton Road, Bluffton. The markets are family-friendly and free to attend. Each Bluffton Night Bazaar market features 24 local makers, live music, and handcrafted cocktails. Vendor applications for the Spring markets are available on the Lowcountry Made website, lcmade.com. Applications for the October-December Bluffton Night Bazaar markets will open in August.
A Taste of Beaufort
5 to 10 p.m., Friday May 5; 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday May 6, Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park.
Memory Matters Brain Booster Class
1 to 3 p.m., Monday, May 8, 15, & 22, First Presbyterian Church, 540 William Hilton Parkway, Hilton Head Island. 99$ fee. A three-week brain wellness course for active adults that promotes positive lifestyle strategies for improved brain health. Instructed by Memory Matters’ Community Education Director Debbie Anderson.
Lowcountry Christian Women’s Connection Luncheon
11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Wednesday, May 17, Hampton Hall Clubhouse, 170 Hampton Hall Blvd., Bluffton. Derby Days: Feature-Heroes on Horseback. Invited Speaker: Rose Lewis. Cost $28, must be prepaid. Please make checks payable to CWC Bluffton and send to Carol Mock, 607 Argent Way, Bluffton S.C. 29909. For more information call Julie Ott at 602-705-5465.
Memory Matters: Ask a Neurologist
10 a.m., Saturday, May 20, Memory Matters, 117 William Hilton Parkway, Hilton Head Island. $20 for this session, or $40 for all Memory Matters sessions. Speaker: Dr. Jill Trumble, St. Joseph’s Candler Neurology.
Memory Matters: Preparing for the Unexpected
10 a.m., Wednesday, June 7, St. Gregory the Great Catholic School, 38 St Gregory Drive, Bluffton. $20 for this session, or $40 for all Memory Matters sessions. Speakers: Lowcountry Council of Governments, Geriatric Care Manager, Elder Law Attorney, Bluffton Fire Department.
Memory Matters: Simple Suppers –Healthy Eating for Two
10 a.m., Wednesday, June 21, First Presbyterian Church, 540 William Hilton Parkway, Hilton Head Island. $20 for this session, or $40 for all Memory Matters sessions. Speaker: Chef Kim Baretta. 67th annual Beaufort Water Festival
Friday, July 14 through Sunday, July 23, Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park, Beaufort.
GOLF
Adaptive Golf Clinic
9 to 11 a.m., Saturday, May 13, Legends Golf Course, 299 Belleau Wood Road, Beaufort. Free and open to the public. Register by April 30 to get on base. Event is geared toward individuals with disabilities/ challenges from stroke, spinal cord injury, TBI, neurological conditions, amputation and more or individuals who are recovering from major injury or surgery. Participants receive complimentary instruction taught by experienced professional golf instructors; use provided equipment to increase mobility and assist swing; practice driving, chipping and putting; and connect with fellow adaptive athletes who are already golfers. Register at https:// adaptivegolfexperience.org/monthlyclinic-registration/.
HISTORY
Beaufort History Museum at the Arsenal
10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesday through Friday; 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturdays, 713 Craven St, Beaufort. General Admission for Adults $8, Seniors $7, Active Duty Military and College Students with ID $5. Children/ Teens younger than 18 Free. Explore and experience more than 500 years of Beaufort History with knowledgeable docent guided tours.
The Historic Port Royal Museum 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. or upon request, Thursdays through Sundays, The Historic Port Royal Museum, 1634 Paris Ave. The museum features the turn-of-the-century businesses and industries of Port Royal:
Shrimping, crabbing, oystering, the railroad, the school and the mercantile. Great gifts featuring local artists are available. For more information. visit www.portroyalhistory.org, email historicportroyalfoundation@gmail. com or call 843-524-4333.
Tour Historic Fort Fremont
Dawn to dusk, Monday through Sunday, The Fort Fremont Preserve, 1124 Land’s End Road, St. Helena Island. Free and open to the public. The History Center is open Fridays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; and Sundays from 1 to 4 p.m. Visitors can learn about the fort’s history during the Spanish-American War through interpretive signs, self-guided walking tours with a smart phone, exhibits in the history center, and docent-led tours. For more information visit www.fortfremont.org or contact Passive Parks Manager Stefanie Nagid at snagid@bcgov.net.
Friends of Honey
Hill Member Meeting
6 to 7 p.m., Tuesday, May 9, Morris Center, 10782 S. Jacob Smart Blvd, Ridgeland. Free. All are welcome to join the Friends of Honey Hill quarterly meeting to learn about recent preservation and protection efforts at the Honey Hill Battlefield. Visit fohhb.org for more information.
Tea Time Treasures
Noon, Saturday, May 13, Morris Center, 10782 S. Jacob Smart Blvd, Ridgeland. $30 per person. This delightful presentation is steeped in the art and history of tea and teapots. Elyse Gerstenecker of Historical Collections at Telfair Museums joins us for the Morris Center Annual Spring Tea. Her visual presentation will highlight teapots and other decorative arts used at tea time. Afterwards, enjoy a lively Q&A.
Jasper County Historical Society Meeting
6 p.m., Tuesday, May 16, Morris Center, 10782 S. Jacob Smart Blvd, Ridgeland. Free. Sit in on an informative meeting of the Jasper County Historical Society. The meetings include a presentation on local and state history topics. This month’s speaker is General Lloyd W. Newton.
A Monumental Occasion:
250 Years in the Making
1 p.m., Tuesday, June 20, Morris Center, 10782 S. Jacob Smart Blvd, Ridgeland. Free. What is the South Carolina American Revolution Sestercentennial Commission?
Come learn about this organization and what they are doing to celebrate the 250th anniversary of this revolutionary time in history. The speaker is Bill Davies, Vice Chairman of the Commission.
MEETINGS
The Beaufort Trailblazers –
A Volunteer Group
8 a.m., first Thursday each month, Herban Marketplace, Beaufort. Anyone interested in supporting or building off-road/dirt/ wilderness mountain biking/jogging/ walking trails near is encouraged to attend. For more information, call 843-575-0021 or email universitybicycles@hotmail.com.
League of Women Voters
6 to 7:30 p.m., second Thursday of every month, Meeting Room, Sea Island Presbyterian Church, 81 Ladys Island Drive, Beaufort. Free. The Public as well as LWVB members are encouraged to attend. The meeting will be about the topics members have suggested as projects for 2023. Zonta Club of Beaufort
6 p.m., 4th Tuesday of each month, Smokehouse, Port Royal.
Maye River Quilters
9:30 a.m., Monday, May 13, Palmetto Electric Cooperative, 1 Cooperative Way, Hardeeville. To attend the meeting as a guest, send an RSVP email to mayeriverquilters@ gmail.com. For more information and for membership forms to join the group, call 843-705-9590.
OUTDOORS
Fripp Island Audubon Club April Program
7 p.m., Thursday, April 27, Fripp Island Community Center, 205 Tarpon Blvd, Fripp Island. Roseate Spoonbills, Woodstorks and Limpkins: Craig Watson’s talk will center around three relative newcomers to South Carolina, the Roseate Spoonbill, the Wood Stork and the Limpkin. These birds were seldom seen in South Carolina until fairly recently and are now here year-round. Craig will explore the reasons behind this move north. Meet and Greet begins at 6 p.m., bring something to share at the snack table and meet your fellow birders. For more information visit www.islc.net/audubon.
Port Royal Cypress Wetlands tours
9 a.m. Friday, April 28; 9 to 11 a.m., Saturday, April 29, Birthday For The Birds; 9 a.m., Saturday, May 13; 9 a.m. Friday, May 26; Port Royal Cypress Wetlands. Bring your friends and visitors to a free guided tour of the wetlands sponsored by Friends of Port Royal Cypress Wetlands and led by Master Naturalist Jill Moore. The egrets, snowy egrets and woodstorks are all nesting and the rookery is an exciting place! Alligators and turtles are basking in the sun and spring is in the air. This is a great time to learn about this magical place. Tours are limited in size. T0 sign up at www.foprcw. org and register on line.
SPORTS Beaufort Masters Swim Team 6 to 7 a.m., Monday through Friday, Wardle Family Port Royal YMCA. Coached practices. Ages 18 & older, all skill & speed levels, no prior swim team experience needed. Visit lowcountryswimming.com for more information.
Bradley Tarrance, the principal of Robert Smalls International Academy, took to the skies when he flew with the U.S. Navy’s premier flight demonstration squadron, the Blue Angels, on Wednesday, April 19, at MCAS Beaufort.
“It was really neat being able to be up there,” Tarrance said.
With 23 years of experience in education throughout many schools and states, Tarrance was selected to participate in the Key Influencer program and invited to fly with the Blue Angels. The purpose of the Key Influencer Program is to highlight people in our community who help shape attitudes and opinions of youth in
their communities.
Tarrance continues to be a key leader in his position at Robert Smalls International Academy where he leads more than 100 staff members and 700 students.
Despite his dislike of roller coasters, Tarrance continuously expressed his excitement toward the opportunity as he climbed into the back seat of the Blue Angels F/A-18 Super Hornet.
“The crew chief and the pilot were extremely kind and talked me through the whole entire process,” said Tarrance. “They eased any anxiety I had.”
While preparing for the flight, Tarrance was taught techniques to use during different maneuvers to help reduce the effects higher
gravitational force (G) has.
“You have to do certain maneuvers with your body to make sure that your blood continues to flow so you don’t pass out,” Tarrance said. “I was lucky enough not to pass out and I definitely commend the pilot for walking me through everything to make sure I didn’t.”
During the flight Tarrance was able to experience different aerial maneuvers that the Blue Angels perform at different air shows around the world, including positive and negative G maneuvers. G force is the measure that determines the acceleration produced by Earth’s gravity on an object or individual. As they accelerate faster and fly higher in the jet, the gravitational impact on the body
grows.
“When we went zero gravity, and I kind of floated around in the cockpit, that was probably the most unique experience,” Tarrance said. “We did get up to seven G’s so I can brag about that to all my friends and family.”
After the experience, Tarrance explained how he wanted to use this opportunity as a lesson to his students at Robert Smalls International Academy.
“You’ve got to lean into uncomfortable things to learn more and grow more as a human, and I was able to do one of those things today,” Tarrance said. “I am very blessed to be able to do this and just feel very grateful for this opportunity.”
This week veterans asked me the following two questions – “Can I get free VA health care as a Veteran?” and “Will I need to pay for any of my care, tests, or medications?”
The detailed answers to these two questions can be found in the:
YouTube Video titled VETERAN COPAYMENTS, found at https://bit.ly/3N4i9fn, VA webpage titled 2023 VA HEALTH CARE COPAY RATES, found at https://bit.ly/3N9vBP8, VA webpage titled YOUR HEALTHCARE COSTS https://bit. ly/3N9QQjI, and The many other sources of information in the VETERAN COPAYMENTS video, the VA 2023 VA HEALTH CARE COPAY RATES web page, and the VA YOUR HEALTHCARE COSTS webpage.
Answer to question 1, Can I get free VA health care as a Veteran?
The VA provides free healthcare for conditions related to military service and for veterans with catastrophic disabilities and service-connected disability ratings of at least 50%, as well as for those veterans who cannot afford to pay for care.
Veterans can get free VA health care for any illness or injury that the VA determines is related to the veteran’s military service (called “service-connected). The VA also provides the following services for free:
• Readjustment counseling and related mental health services, Care for issues related to military sexual trauma (MST), and A registry health exam to determine if a veteran is at risk of health problems linked to their military service.
Mental Health Care: Find out how to get VA mental health care at the VA Mental Health Services webpage https://bit.ly/3H8KAoE.
Military Sexual Trauma Care: Find out how to get VA health care for Military
Sexual Trauma at the VA MST webpage https://bit. ly/3V0zcAJ.
Health Care related to military service history: Find out which health concerns veterans should be aware of depending on when and where they served at the VA Veterans Health Issues Related To Service History webpage https://bit. ly/3HaXyCm.
More services the VA provides at no cost: Veterans can read about more services the VA provides at no cost at the 2023 VA Health Care Copay Rates webpage https://bit.ly/3N9hhWL.
Veterans may qualify for additional free VA health care depending on their income, disability rating, or other special eligibility factors.
Answer to question 2, Will I need to pay for any of my care, tests, or medications?
According to the VA webpage at https://bit.ly/3N9QQjI, veterans may need to pay a fixed amount for some types of care, tests, and medications they receive from a VA healthcare provider or an approved community healthcare provider to treat conditions not related to their service. This is called a copay.
Whether or not a veteran will need to pay copays and how much they pay depends on their disability rating, income level, military service record, and which of the VA’s 8 priority groups the VA assigns the veteran to when they enroll in VA health care. For example, if a veteran has a service-connected condition that the VA rated at 50% or more disabling or that the VA determined that the veteran is unable to work (called unemployable), or if the veteran received a Medal of Honor, the VA will assign the veteran to priority group 1 and the veteran will not pay copays for any types of care, tests, or medications.
VA Priority Groups: Learn more about priority groups at the VA Priority Groups webpage https:// bit.ly/41UB9Rp. You may also want to read The Island News article titled, Veterans should know their VA Priority Group, dated January 5, 2022, by Larry Dandridge, found at https://bit.ly/40uWyQ9.
Current Copay Rates: Veterans can review 2023 VA Health Care Copay Rates at https://bit.ly/3N9vBP8.
VA Healthcare Eligibility Requirements: Veterans who have not yet applied for VA health care, can review VA health care eligibility requirements or use the VA Health Benefits Explorer tool to see what their copays might be if they enroll. Learn more about VA healthcare eligibility requirements at the Eligibilty For VA Health Care webpage https:// www.va.gov/health-care/ eligibility/. The VA Annual Income Limits are found at https://bit.ly/43YpB1n. Watch the Veteran Copayments Video: The VA YouTube Video titled Veteran Copayments found at https://bit.ly/3N4i9fn explains why some veterans are charged copayments when they receive VA health care, how to pay a copayment, and how to address copayment debts.
VA Services that do not require a copay
Veterans will not need to pay a copay for any of the services listed below, no matter what their disability rating is or what priority group they are in. Readjustment counseling and related mental health services. See VA Mental Health webpage https://bit. ly/3H8KAoE. Counseling and care for issues related to military sexual trauma. See VA Military Sexual Trauma (MST) webpage https://bit. ly/3V0zcAJ. Exams to determine your risk of health problems linked to your military service.
See VA Veterans Health Issues Related To Service History (OEF, OIF, Gulf War, Cold War, Vietnam War, Korean War, WWII) webpage at https://bit. ly/3HaXyCm.
Care that may be related to combat service for Veterans that served in a theater of combat operations after November 11, 1998.
See VA Active-Duty Service Members And VA Health Care webpage https://www. va.gov/health-care/ eligibility/active-duty/.
If you are serving on active duty, including as a returning OEF/OIF/ OND service member, find out how to apply for VA healthcare upon receiving separation or retirement orders.
VA Compensation and Pension (C&P) exams.
See VA Claim Exam (C&P EXAM) webpage https://www.va.gov/disability/va-claim-exam/.
Care related to a VA-rated service-connected disability. See VA About VA Disability Ratings webpage https://www.va.gov/ disability/about-disability-ratings/.
Care for cancer of head or neck caused by nose or throat radium treatments received while in the military. See VA Ionizing Radiation Registry Health Exam For Veterans webpage https://bit.ly/41QmVRN.
Individual or group programs to help you quit smoking or
lose weight. See VA Veterans’ Programs For Health And Wellness webpage https://www. va.gov/health-care/ wellness-programs/.
Care that’s part of a VA research project (like the Million Veteran Program). See VA Million Veteran Program (MVP) https://bit. ly/43WRmHK.
Laboratory (lab) tests. Electrocardiograms (EKGs or ECGs) to check for heart disease or other heart problems VA health initiatives that are open to the public (like health fairs).
Get VSO help Ask a Veterans Service Officer (VSO) to help you understand your veteran’s benefits and assist you in filing a claim for your Federal and State veterans’ benefits. Read about VA Accredited Representatives and how to find one at https://bit. ly/3rNLdvy, https://bit. ly/41PPiQM, and https://bit. ly/3qbLVSL.
Continued next week.
Larry Dandridge is a Vietnam War wounded warrior, disabled veteran, ex-Enlisted Infantryman, ex-Warrant Officer Pilot, and retired Lt. Colonel. He is a past Veterans Service Officer, a Patient Adviser at the RHJ VA Hospital, the Fisher House Charleston Good Will Ambassador, and the VP for Veteran Affairs for the local Army Association Chapter. Larry is the author of the award-winning book Blades of Thunder and a contributing freelance writer with The Island News. Contact him at LDandridge@earthlink.net or 843-276-7164.
Beaufort thebeaufortsound@gmail.com
www.thebeaufortsound.com | 843-522-0655
FURNITURE / HOME DECOR
1001 Bay St, Beaufort, SC 29902 open Tues.-Sat. noon to 5pm, Sun. by chance furniture, home decor & more (843) 379-4488
Allison & Ginny DuBose, Owners aldubose@yahoo.com
Read with caution; not necessarily the opinions of the editorial staff.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
DONATE YOUR CAR TO KIDS. Your donation helps fund the search for missing children. Accepting Trucks, Motorcycles & RV’s , too! Fast Free Pickup – Running or Not – 24 Hour Response – Maximum Tax
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ANIMALS
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AUCTIONS
HUGE ESTATE AUCTION. Saturday, April 29th, 2023 at 9:30AM. 3105 Julia Ave., Augusta, GA 30906. Estate of John D. Sullivan. 20+ welders, tons of fabrication equipment, backhoes, front end loaders, tractors, trucks, 07 Chevy Tow Truck, 2000 RV, tandem trailers, diesel lifts, tons of shop equipment, 100+ power tools, school bus, forklift, 2 EZ Go Carry Alls, piles of iron/steel fabrication material, 1977 GMC Sierra PKP, 3 steel freight containers, portable bldgs, lots of salvage/ scrap metal, and much more!
3 Auctioneers Selling! Preview Friday April 28th from 10AM-6 PM. Browse Web www.cogburnauction.com (803) 860-0712 or (803) 378-4991.
ADVERTISE YOUR AUCTION in 99 S.C. newspapers for only $375. Your 25-word classified ad will reach more than 2.1 million readers. Call Randall Savely at the S.C. Newspaper Network, 1-888-727-7377.
HELP WANTED – DRIVERS
ADVERTISE YOUR DRIVER JOBS in 99 S.C. newspapers for only $375. Your 25word classified ad will reach more than 2.1 million readers. Call Randall Savely at the S.C. Newspaper Network, 1-888-727-7377.
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NEED NEW FLOORING? Call Empire Today to schedule a FREE in-home estimate on Carpeting & Flooring. Call Today! 844254-3873
Prepare for power outages today with a GENERAC home standby generator. $0 Money Down + Low Monthly Payment Options. Request a FREE Quote. Call now before the next power outage: 1-844-775-0366
The Generac PWRcell, a solar plus battery storage system. SAVE money, reduce your reliance on the grid, prepare for power outages and power your home. Full installation services available. $0 Down Financing Option. Request a FREE, no obligation, quote today. Call 1-888-655-2175
Eliminate gutter cleaning forever! LeafFilter, the most advanced debris-blocking gutter protection. Schedule a FREE LeafFilter estimate today. 20% off Entire Purchase. Plus 10% Senior & Military Discounts. Call 1-855-875-2449.
Up to $15,000.00 of GUARANTEED Life Insurance! No medical exam or health questions. Cash to help pay funeral and other final expenses. Call Physicians Life Insurance Company – 855-837-7719 or visit www. Life55plus.info/scan
TELEVISION & INTERNET SERVICES
DIRECTV Stream – Carries the Most Local MLB Games! CHOICE Package, $89.99/mo for 12 months. Stream on 20 devices in your home at once. HBO Max included for 3 mos (w/CHOICE Package or higher.) No annual contract, no hidden fees! Some restrictions apply. Call IVS 1-855-237-9741
DIRECTV. New 2-Year Price Guarantee. The most live MLB games this season, 200+ channels and over 45,000 on-demand titles. $84.99/mo for 24 months with CHOICE Package. Some restrictions apply. Call DIRECTV 1-844-624-1107
Dish Network: Only from Dish- 3 year TV Price Guarantee! 99% Signal Reliability, backed by guarantee. Includes Multi-Sport with NFL Redzone. Switch and Get a FREE $100 Gift Card. Call today! 1-877-542-0759 FREE high speed internet for those that qualify. Government program for recipients of select programs incl. Medicaid, SNAP, Housing Assistance, WIC, Veterans Pension, Survivor Benefits, Lifeline, Tribal. 15 GB internet service. Bonus offer: Android tablet FREE with one-time $20 copay. Free shipping & handling. Call Maxsip Telecom today! 1-855-851-8201
VACATION RENTALS
ADVERTISE YOUR VACATION PROPERTY FOR RENT OR SALE to more than 2.1 million S.C. newspaper readers. Your 25-word classified ad will appear in 99 S.C. newspapers for only $375. Call Randall Savely at the South Carolina Newspaper Network, 1-888-727-7377.
YOUR AD HERE
Email Amanda (amanda@lcweekly.com) to place your classified ad here!
