August 31 edition

Battery Creek High School faculty

and staff wore ribbons this week to honor two students found shot to death Sunday in Jasper County.

courtesy of Beaufort County School District

Marines identify Beaufort-based pilot killed in Miramar crash

Major Andrew Mettler

killed late Thursday

From staff reports

The U.S. Marines have identified a Beaufort-based pilot killed late Thursday night when his F/A-18D Hornet crashed during a training flight in the vicinity of Marine Corps Air Station Miramar in California.

The deceased Marine, Maj. Andrew Mettler, was assigned to Marine All-Weather Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA(AW)) 224, Marine Aircraft Group (MAG) 31 2nd MAW stationed on Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort. The squadron was participating in Service Level Training Exercise 5-23

“I am deeply saddened to share the loss of Maj. Andrew ‘Simple Jack’ Mettler, a fellow Marine aviator who was honing his craft as a Hornet pilot and leader in his squadron, the Fighting Bengals. I had the great honor of flying in an F/A-18D with Simple Jack and will always remember his skill piloting the Hornet and his wry smile. It is with great humility that I offer my deepest condolences to the family, loved ones, and friends of Maj. Andrew Mettler. You remain at the forefront of our thoughts and prayers,” 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing (MAW) Commanding General Maj. Gen. Scott Benedict said in a statement released Saturday.

Mettler, from Georgia, commissioned in the Marine Corps Nov. 30 2007. His decorations include the Navy and Marine Corps

SEE PILOT PAGE A5

Two Battery Creek students shot, killed

SLED investigating shooting that occurred Sunday in Jasper County

By Mike McCombs

The Island News

Two teenagers, both Battery Creek High School students, were shot and killed in Jasper County on Sunday evening, while a third was shot and hospitalized, according to the Jasper County Coroner’s office.

According to Jasper County Coroner Willie P. Aiken, the inci-

dent occurred near 281 Etheridge Road in Yemassee. Aiken identified the deceased as Jorge Lopez, 18 years old, of Beaufort, and a 16-year-old male from Yemassee. Aiken declined to identify the 16 year old, saying his office does not disclose the identities of minors. But a source confirmed to The Island News that the identity of the second deceased victim was

Jaquavios K. Williams Howard, 16 of Yemassee. Media reports indicate the fatal gunfire may have originated from inside the car Lopez was driving.

According to Aiken, “Lopez was transported by ambulance to Coastal Carolina Hospital where he was later pronounced deceased due to multiple gunshot injuries.” Howard was pronounced “dead at

IMMORTALIZING ‘THE GHOST’

the scene as a result of multiple gunshot injuries.”

The third victim, a female passenger, was also taken to an area hospital with non-lifethreatening injuries.

According to Ryan Alphin, Executive Affairs Director of the South Carolina Law Enforcement

SEE SHOOTING PAGE A3

City Council votes to change HBF’s role in Review Board

By Delayna Earley

The Island News Beaufort City Council passed the first reading Tuesday, Aug. 22, to amend the city’s ordinance that gives the Historic Beaufort Foundation (HBF) the ability to recommend one of the five members of the Historical District Review Board (HRB).

“TheGhost” Ron Parker had his No. 3 jersey retired by the Beaufort High School football program at halftime of Friday’s home opener against Fort Dorchester. Parker was largely unrecruited out of high school but played two seasons at Independence (Kan.) Community College before becoming an NCAA Division II All-American at Newberry College and playing nine seasons with the Kansas City Chiefs. Photo courtesy of A.J. Jenkins. FOR MORE, SEE PAGE A11.

The motion to strike the sentence from the city’s Code of Ordinances 10 7 3(a) carried 3-2 with Beaufort Mayor Stephen Murray, Councilman Josh Scallate and Mayor Pro Tem Mike McFee voting to remove the sentence and Councilman Neil Lipsitz and Councilman Mitch Mitchell voting against. “Striking the sentence puts us closer to everyone getting a fair shake,” said Mayor Murray, “regardless of your background, last name or deep pockets.”

Stephen Murray

The ordinance addresses the number and make-up of the HRB board members.

The HRB shall consist of 5 members with an interest, competence, or knowledge in historic preservation. All HRB members shall be residents of the city, own property in the city, or own or operate a business in the city. To the extent that such is available in the community, 2 members shall, be professionals in the disciplines of historic preservation, architecture, landscape architecture, history, architectural history,

SEE ROLE PAGE A4

Photo

If you weren’t sure the authenticity of St. Helena’s Gullah Grub, photographed here by Rob Callari, just know it’s aptly located on the corner of Degullah Way. 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.

VETERAN OF THE WEEK CHARLES “BILL” BOOTLE

Beaufort’s Bill Bootle, 85, joined the United States Army in Beaufort in 1953. After basic training at Fort Jackson and training in tanks, he was assigned to duty in Hawaii. His next assignment was back at Fort Jackson, followed by duty at Fort Benning, from which he was sent to Camp Hovey, South Korea near the DMZ.

Returning to the States to Fort Riley, Kan., he soon began training as a helicopter pilot at Fort Walters, Texas, and Fort Rucker, Ala., where he earned his wings and was promoted to Warrant Officer. Assigned to Fort Hood, Texas in an Air Calvary unit. He was sent to Camp Eagle, Hue, Vietnam to fly AH-1G Cobra helos in combat support in 1968-69. He next taught at the helo school at Hunter Army Airfield near Savannah before transferring to Forts Stew -

art and Rucker for fixed-wing, multi-engine certification.

By 1971, Bootle was back in Vietnam flying Cobra helos in combat again. After that tour,

ON THIS DATE

August 31

ISLAND NEWS

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rant Officer – 4 with 30 years of service. After using the GI Bill for two years, he returned to Beaufort to start his own business. He has also served on the Beaufort County Zoning Appeals Board, the Building Appeals Board and the TCL Commission, as well as being the President of the Lowcountry Rotary Club.

he returned to Fort Rucker to instruct in Cobras again before being sent to Iran to train Iranian pilots to fly Cobras in their forces. In 1983 he retired as a War-

– Compiled by John Chubb, American Legion Post 207 For Veteran Of The Week nominations, contact jechubb1@gmail.com.

2019: More than 200 people turn out at the Beaufort Black Chamber of Commerce to hear Democratic Presidential candidate Julian Castro speak.

September 3

2021: The Town of Port Royal holds a “do-over” July 4 fireworks celebration – the initial one was plagued by technical difficulties — at The Sands.

– Compiled by Mike McCombs

MAKE A BID, SAVE A LIFE

Palmetto Animal League’s popular online auction fundraiser starts Sept. 7

From staff reports Palmetto Animal League’s

(PAL) 14th Annual Bid for PAL

Online Auction go live at 8 a.m., Thursday, Sept. 7 and run through 8 p.m., Sunday, Sept. 10 offering a wide variety of items to excite any shopper.

“PAL is fortunate to be part of a community that cares about homeless pets and believes their lives are worth saving,” PAL Development Coordinator Stephanie Bashaw said in a news release.

“From locally owned shops to large companies, a wide range of animal loving businesses donate products and services to our auction, making it an online shop-

ping experience like no other.”

Each year, supporters look forward to browsing through PAL’s popular online catalog filled with some of the most sought-after items Bluffton, Hilton Head, and Beaufort have to offer. And it’s not just about what they find, it’s about why they’re looking in the first place.

“While people love to shop the great items in our auction, I think they really value the emotional component to this virtual event,” PAL President Amy Campanini said. “PAL rescues animals from shelters that euthanize for space. We are a safety net for the most vulnerable animals in our community, and people know that when they bid on an item, they are having a hand in one of our rescues.”

PAL’s auction includes golf rounds at renowned clubs, restaurant gift certificates, relax-

PAL PETS OF THE WEEK

Cat of the Week: Sway is all that, and more. This handsome boy is looking for love, who enjoys playtime and treats as much as he does. He is seeking a forever home where he will be loved, cherished and pampered all day. Sway is 3 years old, spayed, up to date on vaccines, and microchipped.

ing getaways, clothing, jewelry, home décor, and more. And the exciting, virtual marketplace also provides medical treatment, dedicated care, and a fresh new start to pets the rest of the world has forgotten.

“PAL’s cozy, upbeat, no kill adoption center in Okatie is home to some 200 cats and dogs,” Campanini said. “For me, there is something remarkable about being in the presence of that much unconditional love all under one roof.”

Every contribution, no matter the size, can rescue a pet for which PAL. When people browse and bid on the items offered in the auction, they have a hand in saving an animal’s life.

“PAL is a grassroots rescue organization that receives no government funding,” Campanini said. “Our compassionate approach to animal rescue

is fueled by caring individuals and businesses that want to be a part of the miracles that take place at PAL.”

PAL’s auction also offers an option to bid on essential equipment for the PAL Adoption Center or sponsor a special needs pet, a hospice pet, or a freedom flight that saves dozens of animals.

New items are being added to their online catalog every day, so PAL encourages everyone to start browsing now.

“For those who enjoy the thrill of the buy, this auction is a fun, competitive experience that’s all for the animals,” Bashaw said. “Many people say they have fun bidding against others, not only hoping to win their favorite items but more importantly, to help save an animal’s life.”

The Bid for PAL Online Auction goes live on September 7 at PALauction.org.

Dog of the Week: Rosie originally came to PAL in the fall of 2012, she has since been in and out of homes. Rosie is a senior gal who deserves to spend her golden years in a quiet loving home. She greatly enjoys her outings with our kennel team and volunteers. Rosie is 10 years old, spayed, up to date on vaccines, and microchipped.

If you are interested in adopting Sway, Rosie or any of our other pets, call our adoption center at 843-645-1725 or email us at info@ palmettoanimalleague. org to set up an appointment.

Accounting April Ackerman april@ aandbbookkeeping. com Billing questions only.

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Charles “Bill” Bootle

The very helicopter Bill Bootle flew in Vietnam is on display at the Breckenridge, S.D., Veterans Memorial Park. He’s pictured here with family and friends at the Park a couple years ago. Submitted photo

Richland resigns as Deputy County Administrator

By Delayna Earley The Island News

Deputy County Administrator

Whitney Richland has resigned from her position as of August 18 2023, according to a statement issued by Beaufort County on Wednesday afternoon, Aug. 23

This statement comes after several weeks of inquiries into the employment of Richland after several sources told The Island News that she was allegedly seen packing up her office on August 9

Requests for official confirmation about Richland’s employment status with Beaufort County went unanswered for two weeks until Wednesday, Aug. 23

Finance Director promoted to Deputy County Administrator

By Delayna Earley

Island News

The

Whitney Richland

Beaufort County has declined to comment regarding the reasoning behind Richland’s sudden resignation. “There will be no additional information provided as Beaufort County does not comment on personnel matters,” the statement read.

Richland’s resignation comes at a tumultuous time for Beaufort County, less than a month after Beaufort County Council’s decision to terminate the contract of former County Administrator Eric Greenway for cause.

Council is also about to begin the process of interviewing firms to come in and do an audit of the P-Card system, a review of all 2023 contracts, 2023 purchases, a review of the procurement codes for Beaufort County.

The former Deputy County Administrator has been publicly accused by Lisa Lynch, the former Director of Wellness for Beaufort County, of firing her in retaliation for Lynch agreeing to work with law enforcement who are currently investigating Greenway in a criminal investigation regarding a complaint for misconduct in the office filed against him in May 2023

Richland is also being inves-

tigated by the S.C. State Ethics Commission after a Beaufort County citizen filed a complaint alleging that Greenway attempted to purchase almost 600 weighted blankets from a company called R&R Homes, owned by Richland’s husband, for a sum of $35 644 in April 2023 Attempts to reach Richland for comment have been unsuccessful.

Delayna Earley lives in Beaufort with her husband, two children and Jack Russell. She formerly worked as a photojournalist for The Island Packet/The Beaufort Gazette, as well as newspapers in Indiana and Virginia. She joined The Island News in 2022. She can be reached at delayna.theislandnews@gmail.com.

Beaufort County hires Nichols as Public Information Officer

By Mike McCombs

The Island News

Hannah Nichols has been hired as the new Public Information Officer (PIO) for Beaufort County.

“I’m really excited about (the job),” Nichols said. “I really believe the County should work for its people. … I’m really excited to put my talents to use for the good of the County.

Nichols accepted the job August

1 and officially started Monday, Aug. 28. Clerk to Council Sarah Brock had been filling the job on an interim basis since former PIO

By Mike McCombs

The Island News

A 25-year-old St. Helena man was shot in his vehicle last week while driving on Ribaut Road near the intersection of the jurisdictions of the City of Beaufort and the Town of Port Royal.

At approximately 8:13 a.m., Wednesday, Aug. 23, the Beaufort County Communications Center received calls regarding shots fired and a possible gun-

Hannah Nichols

Chris Ophardt resigned from the position January 27 Nichols, who has lived in Beaufort for nearly seven years, was previously employed as the Director of Marketing for Fripp Island Golf & Beach Resort for three years, as of July. This is Nichols first job in the public sector.

“I think just the amount of public work I’ve been able to do through marketing at Fripp (was good expe-

EDITOR’S NOTE

The Island News Editor Mike McCombs is a 2023 graduate of Leadership Beaufort, the same class in which Hannah Nichols graduated.

rience),” Nichols said. “I’ve gotten used to managing communications with the public … messaging with the public is not new to me.”

Nichols said she’d miss the job at Fripp Island, mostly because of who she worked with.

“What I’ll miss most about Fripp is the people and the team I got to work with there,” she said. “I was

really, really proud of the people I worked with and got to know there.”

Prior to Fripp, Nichols spent 7 ½ years as Creative Director of Ambassador International Publishing House. She has a Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design from Anderson (S.C.) University and is a 2023 graduate of the Leadership Beaufort program.

“I’m very grateful of the path I’ve gotten to take,” she said.

Mike McCombs is the Editor of The Island News and can be reached at TheIslandNews@gmail.com.

shot victim from two different locations.

“A person was shot while he was driving his vehicle,” Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO) spokesperson Maj. Angela Viens said.

“The city originally put out a Nixle alert that said they were responding to an accident and a shooting.”

Beaufort Police Department was dispatched to 1294 Ribaut Road for a man who had been shot while

the Port Royal Police Department was dispatched to Johnny Morrall Circle for a call about a person who may have been shot in a vehicle.

When the Beaufort Police Department arrived at the Ribaut Road location, they found a man in his vehicle who had sustained injuries from gunfire. He was transported to the Medical University of South Carolina.

Port Royal Police located

evidence of gunfire in the road on Johnny Morrall Circle. There were no victims located at that scene.

According to investigators, it appears the man was shot on Johnny Morrall Circle before or as he was turning onto Ribaut Road, where he then crossed the center line and drove his car through oncoming traffic and off the roadway and impacted a business sign.

Because the incident may

SCDNR conducting boating inspections Labor Day weekend

From staff reports

In an effort to keep people and waterways safe during the Labor Day weekend, the S.C. Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) Law Enforcement Division will be conducting courtesy boat inspections at public boat landings around the state, including Grays Hill Landing in Beaufort County and Colleton County Public Landing in Yemassee.

SCDNR boating safety and enforcement officers will perform quick but thorough inspections for required safety equipment and proper boat and motor registrations.

Those who are not in compli -

Shooting from page A1

Division, SLED is handling the investigation at the request of the Jasper County Sheriff’s Office.

SLED indicated in a statement that “no additional information is available at this time while agents continue to investigate.” SLED directs any inquiries, at this time, regarding the deceased, to the Jasper County Coroner’s Office. Battery Creek High School faculty, staff and administration were

ance with safety regulations or registration requirements will not be ticketed during the complimentary inspections. Instead, they will be given an opportunity to correct the problem before they launch their boat. SCDNR officers will also be available to answer questions and give boaters tips on how to stay safe on the water.

The boating inspections will be conducted Saturday, Sunday and Monday, Sept. 2 through 4

In Beaufort County, inspections will be 10 a.m. to noon on Sunday, Sept. 3 at the Grays Hill Landing on the Broad River/ Whale Branch. On Monday, Sept.

informed of the tragedy Monday via a text message. Later that day, the school sent out a release for parents:

As you know, two of our students passed away this weekend in an incident that occurred in the community. As an active law enforcement investigation, the school is unable to provide any further information.

Our school will provide and opportunity for students and staff to discuss and work through issues related to the crisis and grief process. Your child will have the option

4 , inspections will be from 10 a.m. to noon at Yemassee’s Colleton County Public Landing on the Combahee River.

To report boating violations such as reckless operation or an intoxicated boat operator, call the SCDNR toll-free, 24 -hour hotline at 1 - 800 - 9225431 or dial #DNR on your cellular phone.

For a copy of South Carolina’s boating regulations, to find out about local boating safety courses, or to obtain a free float plan form, contact the SCDNR boating safety office at 1-800-277-4301 or visit http://www.dnr.sc.gov/education/boated.html.

to participate in counseling. Staff will continue to be available as needed to help students deal with their grief. Participation in these activities is voluntary.

Please pay particular attention to your child’s emotional needs during the next few weeks, especially if he or she was close to the deceased.

Encourage your child to talk with you about the feeling he or she is experiencing concerning the death. Judiciously sharing similar experiences that you have had may be use-

Beaufort County Finance Director Denise Christmas has been promoted to the position of Deputy County Administrator according to multiple sources who work for the county but wish to remain anonymous. When reached for comment, newly hired Public Information Officer Hannah Nichols said she could not comment because she has not been made aware of the promotion, but she said she would look into it to find out what she can confirm.

Denise Christmas

The position has been officially vacant since former Deputy County Administrator Whitney Richland resigned on August 18, per a statement from Beaufort County.

Richland is currently under investigation by the S.C. State Ethics Commission for her role in the alleged attempted purchase of almost 600 weighted blankets from a company reportedly owned by Richland’s husband.

Delayna Earley lives in Beaufort with her husband, two children and Jack Russell. She formerly worked as a photojournalist for The Island Packet/The Beaufort Gazette, as well as newspapers in Indiana and Virginia. She joined The Island News in 2022. She can be reached at delayna.theislandnews@gmail.com.

Man shot while driving on Ribaut Road

have crossed jurisdictional boundaries between the municipalities of Beaufort and Port Royal, the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office was asked to take over the investigation.

“It’s just cleaner for us to take over the investigation,” Viens said. “We are working alongside Beaufort and Port Royal but we are the lead agency.”

According to Viens, the victim has been released

from the hospital.

“We are still working to identify who the person responsible is,” Viens said.

Anyone who may have information about these events is encouraged to contact SSgt. Duncan at 843-255-3418 or Crimestoppers of the Low County at 843-554-1111

Mike McCombs is the Editor of The Island News and can be reached at TheIslandNews@gmail.com.

Welcome guests

The Rotary Club of the Lowcountry had the pleasure of District Governor Lou Mello visiting the club on Friday, Aug. 18, 2023. Mello outlined his priorities in order to make this a great year for District 7770 – from membership to foundation to public image, and many other initiatives such as service projects. Pictured are, from left, Rotary Assistant Governor Kerry Bunton, Rotary District 7770 Governor Lou Mello and President of the Rotary Club of the Lowcountry Bob Bible. Submitted photo

ful. Make yourself available to talk about the death and to answer questions.

Be aware that your children may not feel like themselves for a while. Talk about ways to feel better. Initiate a discussion of the death with your child. Research shows that this helps the healing process.

You may wish to accompany your child to the funeral or memorial service, if you judge that this is necessary. Watch for ongoing signs of

difficulty, which may indicate that your child may need additional help. Possible signs are prolonged sadness, withdrawal from social contact, changes in eating or sleeping habits, or other behaviors unusual for your child.

If you need assistance, please contact the school. Our counselors can provide a list of district and school community resources.

Mike McCombs is the Editor of The Island News and can be reached

Beaufort County Council hires legal firm to conduct audits, reviews

By Delayna Earley

The Island News

Beaufort County Council has chosen to hire Haynsworth, Sinkler and Boyd as the law firm to handle the reviews and audits previously passed by Council following multiple Special Called Meetings held on Monday, August 28

“Every County Council member is focused on gathering all the necessary information and working together to make the most informed decisions to correct these problems, strengthen County policies and move forward,” said Chairman Joseph Passement in a press release. “It will take time, but we will

make it happen.”

It is unclear how many law firms applied for the job, but the decision ultimately came down to two firms referred to by council for most of the day as “Firm A” and “Firm B”.

The name of the firm that Council unanimously chose was revealed following the final vote during the third Special Called Council meeting on Monday.

According to their website, the firm has offices in Charleston, Columbia, Florence, Greenville and Raleigh, N.C., and their “lawyers have years of experience in assisting state and local governments to meet the needs of their

constituents, whether it involves structuring complex public finance and inter-governmental agreements, drafting legislation, providing procurement advice or litigating about the ever-changing role of local government.”

Early in the day, the decision was not unanimous as to which firm each of the council members thought was best.

The majority expressed that they thought “Firm B” was the best option.

During the Special Called Meeting of the Finance, Administration and Economic Development Committee, the committee voted for action and approved the deci-

sion unanimously. That is when the action was forwarded back to council for the final vote.

Council also voted unanimously to authorize $350 000 to be added to Council’s budget to cover fees.

According to a press release from Beaufort County, billing will be conducted monthly and will be reviewed and approved by the Finance, Administration and Economic Development Committee. “This was voted on in title only – if adjustments need to be made to cover costs or reduce fees, the committee will act accordingly,” the statement continued.

During a Special Called Council Meeting on July 24, council members passed four motions in addition to putting former County Administrator Eric Greenway on paid administrative leave – Greenway was later terminated for cause.

Council requested to have a thorough review of all purchases that have been made since January 1, 2023, to confirm that the purchases comply with the County’s procurement codes, identify any that do not comply and report back to Council.

They also requested a review of all professional services that have occurred since January 1 2023, to confirm that all contracts

comply with the County’s procurement codes. Council voted to conduct a thorough review of Beaufort County’s Procurement Code and an audit of the P-Card system for the fiscal years 2019-2023 Council also voted on and approved the employment agreement for interim County Administrator John Robinson without objection.

Delayna Earley lives in Beaufort with her husband, two children and Jack Russell. She formerly worked as a photojournalist for The Island Packet/The Beaufort Gazette, as well as newspapers in Indiana and Virginia. She joined The Island News in 2022. She can be reached at delayna.theislandnews@gmail.com.

Coppage hired to be Beaufort’s city attorney

By Delayna Earley

The Island News

The City of Beaufort has a new city attorney.

Benjamin T. Coppage of Coppage Law Firm, LLC, was appointed to the job on Tuesday, Aug. 22, during City Council’s regular meeting.

Two men toast each other as a pair of random “bunny ears” makes their way into the photo as well on Saturday, Aug 26, at Port Royal’s Street Music. Bob Sofaly/The Island News

Street Music entertains crowd in Port Royal

By Bob Sofaly

The Island News

About 200 people took advantage of the evening breeze blowing off Battery Creek on Saturday, Aug. 26 while listening and dancing to the music of Dwight Carrier and Black Cat Zydeco Band during Street Music on Paris Avenue in Port Royal.

It didn’t take but a skinny minute before people got up and started dancing, including Elisha Brinsen and her grandchildren. As the evening progressed, many brought out there own snacks or took advantage of pizza available nearby.

Some brought their own adult libations, while still others gave “bunny ears” to those taking pictures.

All of the concerts in the

Role from page A1

Keeping time with the music sometimes is all that’s required to have a good time during Port Royal’s Street Music on Saturday nights.

Bob Sofaly/The

Fall Series of Street Music in Port Royal are free to the public and family oriented.

Attendees are encouraged to bring their own chairs, and coolers are allowed.

The next concert will be on Saturday, Sept. 9, featuring the Upstate’s Angela Easterling and her own homespun mix of country

planning, archaeology, or related disciplines. Three of the members shall either live or own property in the Historic District. One of the 5 members [of] the Historic Review Board shall be recommended by the Historic Beaufort Foundation.

The sentence in question is the last sentence of the ordinance. Discussion regarding the first reading of the motion, including the public comment session and comments from members of the council, took roughly an hour and a half with a dozen people standing up to give their opinion on if the sentence should be removed.

Most of the public speakers were against removing the sentence, saying that it is necessary for the HRB to be able to weighin on matters of preservation in downtown Beaufort to preserve the integrity of the historical district and buildings that are

Island News

and folk music.

All concerts are held on Paris Avenue, between 9th and 10th streets, with showtimes at 6 p.m., rain or shine.

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.

important to Beaufort’s history, tourism and status as a national historic landmark.

Former City of Beaufort council member Phil Cromer spoke about how he is worried that there won’t be a preservation person on the board if council goes forward with removing the sentence.

Councilman Josh Scallate disagreed, saying that he does not believe that removing the sentence will change anything.

“Even with the striking of this line, I still believe that this city has said that preservation is a necessary and required responsibility on the Historic Review Board by how we’ve left in the ordinance,” Scallate said.

According to HBF executive director Cynthia Jenkins, the non-profit organization has been around since the 1940s and has been involved in helping to advise local governmental bodies and committees in matters of preservation since the first zoning ordinance in 1972

“I believe HBF has done a lot,” Councilman Lipsitz said before

Murray also said that he is very smart and hungry to do the job.

The role of city attorney has been open for several months, since former city attorney William (Bill) Harvey stepped down from the position in May 2023 to “focus on the other areas of his practice and the continued success of his law firm.”

Benjamin Coppage

“It’s an honor to have the opportunity to support the elected officials and staff who are dedicated to the preservation, progress and promotion of Beaufort,” Coppage said in a press release from the city.

“I’m very excited about working with Ben Coppage as city attorney,” Mayor Stephen Murray said. “One, he is a very respected attorney, he has a relatively diverse background in law experience.

The city issued a press release in May 2023 advertising that they were seeking proposals for the city attorney job.

Coppage has been practicing law since 2009 and founded his law firm in 2016

Delayna Earley lives in Beaufort with her husband, two children and Jack Russell. She formerly worked as a photojournalist for The Island Packet/The Beaufort Gazette, as well as newspapers in Indiana and Virginia. She joined The Island News in 2022. She can be reached at delayna.theislandnews@gmail.com.

USCB hosting closing reception for artist Roehrig’s Warhol show

From staff reports USC Beaufort is hosting a closing reception from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m, Thursday, Aug. 31, at 1106 Carteret Street in Beaufort to meet artist Madelyn Roehrig, artist of the show “Andy: Figments” at USCB Sea Island Center Gallery

This exhibit explores the afterlife of Andy Warhol and his community of gravesite visitors and performers. Fans make the pilgrimage to Warhol's grave in Bethel Park, Pa., and leave notes and items associated with the icon.

casting his vote against removing the sentence.

Since 2004, Roehrig has documented this outpouring of love and contextualized it with essays by herself and guest writers, exploring the outpouring of devotion to the artist, almost 40 years after his death.

Roehrig is the author of the 2020 book, “Andy Can You Hear Us?” and director of film project “Figments: Conversations with Andy.”

For more information contact Carol Weir, USCB Senior Director of Communications, at 843-7076115 or weirc@uscb.edu.

blown into a full rewrite, basically, of the ordinance, and the issue of our seat came up again,” Jenkins said. “We don’t know why… it’s worked for 50-plus years, so what’s changed?”

Cynthia Jenkins

“What they are doing now, I can’t really say. I don’t totally agree with everything going on, but I do believe that they have earned the seat.”

Several of the public speakers and Jenkins raised the question as to why council is trying to strike the sentence from the ordinance now and if it is retaliation for the HBF’s involvement in the lawsuits that have been brought against the City of Beaufort regarding the approval to build a parking garage, hotel and apartments in downtown Beaufort.

Jenkins said that they sent a list of 80 or so changes that the HBF wanted to see made to the city’s Code of Ordinances, but it was during the process that the question of them having the right to nominate a member to the board came up.

“What was going to be text amendments [to the code] was

All three of the council members who voted for the motion said that the question about removing the sentence from the ordinance is not a new one and is in no way retaliation for the lawsuits.

“When discussion of this came up on council several years ago, we were not in lawsuits with HBF,” Mayor Pro Tem McFee said. McFee has been sitting on council the longest out of all the members and was on council when the issue came up in 2020. “There was no retaliation at that point, there is currently, on my part, no retaliation against HBF.”

Supporters of the motion all shared similar sentiments; it is not fair for one group to receive preferential treatment when there are so many other organizations that partner with the City of Beaufort who are not given the same opportunity.

“I really, truly believe that the underlying reason for this even being on the table right now is to open up a fair opportunity for everyone involved that wants to be on that board,” Scallate said. “Opposed to giving any special interest organizations privilege over any other.”

Mayor Murray agreed with Scallate and said that striking the sentence from the ordinance sends a message to any other group that the city is serious about fairness and objectivity.

The motion must have two readings and votes before the sentence can be removed.

The second reading will take place during the regularly scheduled city council meeting on September 12 in Council Chambers in City Hall.

Delayna Earley lives in Beaufort with her husband, two children and Jack Russell. She formerly worked as a photojournalist for The Island Packet/The Beaufort Gazette, as well as newspapers in Indiana and Virginia. She joined The Island News in 2022. She can be reached at delayna.theislandnews@gmail.com.

Artist Madelyn Roehrig. Photo courtesy of USCB

6-week abortion ban takes effect with ruling from SC’s all-male Supreme Court

By Seanna Adcox

The Post And Courier COLUMBIA — South Carolina’s six-week abortion ban took immediate effect with the state Supreme Court’s Aug. 23 ruling upholding the so-called “fetal heartbeat” law, sending dozens of women home from canceled appointments and leaving North Carolina as their closest option for ending a first-trimester pregnancy.

A new all-male high court declared the law constitutional just eight months after tossing the last one. The 4-1 ruling lifted a suspension that had been in place since Gov. Henry McMaster signed the law in May. It means abortion is illegal in South Carolina once an ultrasound detects cardiac activity, which generally starts around the sixth week of pregnancy.

Limited exceptions are allowed to prevent the mother’s death or lifelong health problems or when doctors diagnose fatal fetal anomalies.

It also allows victims of rape or incest to get an abortion, though only through 12 weeks and only if they agree to the crime being reported to law enforcement.

The question before the court — again — was whether the law violated the state constitution’s guarantee against unreasonable invasions of privacy.

Justice John Kittredge, writing for the majority, stressed the decision hinged on a single word: “unreasonable.”

“To be sure, the 2023 act infringes on a woman’s right of privacy and bodily autonomy,” wrote Kittredge, who is set to become chief justice next year.

But determining what is reasonable or unreasonable is a matter of policy up to the Legislature, not the court, he wrote.

“The Legislature has found that the state has a compelling interest in protecting the lives of unborn children,” Kittredge outlined. “That finding is indisputable and one we must respect.

“It would be a rogue imposition of will by the judiciary for us to say that the Legislature’s determination is unreasonable as a matter of law,” he continued, echoing the opinion he wrote in January when he was on the losing end of a 3-2 split.

This time, only Chief Justice Don Beatty disagreed. Justice John Few, who called the last law unconstitutional, flipped his vote, though he wrote a separate opinion on why.

NEWS BRIEFS

Pollard to discuss climate change, astrophysics at LBPA meeting

The Lady’s Island Business & Professional Association will hold a special meeting from 5 to 7 p.m., Thursday, Aug. 31 at the Beaufort Realtors’ Association Headquarters at 22 Kemmerlin Lane, Lady’s Island.

Rob Pollard will be the guest speaker, and the topic for the meeting will be “Climate Change – An astrophysics perspective.”

The audience will be encouraged to view the Earth as if from outer space observing the impact events, external to our planet, have on our seasons, tides, climate, and future.

The history of temperature, CO2, and greenhouse gasses will be presented with a focus on glacial and inter-glacial warm periods for the last 800 000 years. The causes of these events will be presented.

Pollard is an engineer and scientist with 37 years of professional, managerial, and executive experience in large scale, high tech, manufacturing in the nuclear industry. This will be a wine and cheese

Concurring with Kittredge were Justice George James and the newest justice, Gary Hill, who the Legislature put on the bench after the ruling that struck a nearly identical ban.

Hill’s election in February made the South Carolina Supreme Court the nation’s only all-male high court after now-departed Justice Kaye Hearn reached the court’s mandatory retirement age of 72

McMaster was quick to praise the decision by South Carolina’s highest court.

“The Supreme Court’s ruling marks a historic moment in our state’s history and is the culmination of years of hard work and determination by so many in our state to ensure that the sanctity of life is protected,” McMaster said in a statement that was issued moments before the ruling was officially posted on the court’s website.

“With this victory, we protect the lives of countless unborn children,” he said.

State Sen. Katrina Shealy, who is among the Senate’s three Republican woman who opposed the six-week ban, said she is disappointed by the decision but not surprised. The ruling means the abortion fight will continue in the Legislature, she said, as ardent abortion foes keep pushing for an all-out ban.

The Senate’s five women are united, she said, in fighting to instead let voters decide by putting a constitutional question about abortion access on an upcoming November statewide ballot.

Republicans in both chambers rejected attempts over the last year to take the issue directly to voters.

event with soft drinks and water served. All are welcome to this informative presentation.

County Alcohol and Drug Abuse Department hosting Worth the Walk

Understanding that an overdose is preventable, Beaufort County Alcohol and Drug Abuse Department is recognizing International Opioid Overdose Awareness Day with a free event.

Worth The Walk is in honor of lives lost, those we love currently struggling with addiction issues and those in recovery. It will be held from 6 to 8 p.m., Thursday, Aug. 31, at Battery Creek High School.

Raising awareness is key and understanding that drugs do not discriminate. Opioid overdoses affect many right here in Beaufort County. It is time to take action for those we have lost, those we love, and those who tirelessly fight the war on drugs daily. This event is free and open to the public. Registration is required.

Please visit https://bit.ly/45GtY1a to register.

For more information about programs and services offered by Beaufort County Alcohol and Drug Abuse Department, visit https:// bit.ly/3YSVczx.

even know they’re pregnant.

Vicki Ringer, a Planned Parenthood spokeswoman, noted the decision came out eight weeks after justices heard arguments on the new law. Finding it constitutional required “mental gymnastics,” she said.

“Six weeks wasn’t even enough time for this Supreme Court to write a decision on a case they had already decided,” she said. “Yet they believe that the women of South Carolina will be able to know they’re pregnant, make an appointment, and receive care in less time than it took them to make a decision.”

WANT MORE?

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.

“If this is what the Supreme Court is going to decide for us on how to deal with private issues, we’ll let the people decide, which is what we should’ve done anyway,” Shealy, R-Lexington, said. “Why should an all-male Supreme Court decide what’s right for women?”

State Sen. Margie Bright Matthews, D-Walterboro, similarly called for a public vote.

“Given that the men have decided this issue in both the court and General Assembly, maybe they’ll have enough fortitude to have this placed on a ballot and allow the people of South Carolina to decide,” she said. “If they truly are servants, they’ll let the people they serve decide, if this is a democracy and not a parochial oligarchy.”

Planned Parenthood, which operates two of the three clinics in South Carolina that provide abortions, turned away patients in Columbia after the 10 a.m. ruling. About 30 women had appointments for an abortion there April 23. A few were performed before staff learned of the decision, said Dr. Katherine Farris, the chief medical officer for Planned Parenthood South Atlantic.

The abortion provider is trying to help women with canceled appointments get a new appointment out of state.

The organization’s Charleston clinic had no scheduled abortions for the day, Farris said. But the Greenville Women’s Clinic had a “full waiting room” when the ruling came out, said Caroline Sacerdote, an attorney for the clinic.

The law’s opponents have repeatedly argued it makes abortions illegal before many women

September’s First Friday is footballthemed

The theme for September’s First Friday, set for Friday, Sept. 1, is Football in the South. Attendees are encouraged to wear their favorite team’s attire. DJ Mike Partain will be playing music from 5 to 8 p.m. Raffle tickets will be given out at participating vendors – with a purchase – and prizes will be gift certificates from Downtown Beaufort Merchants’ Association members.

This First Friday will not be a street-closure event.

Closed for Labor Day holiday

City of Beaufort offices will be closed on Monday, Sept. 4, in honor of Labor Day.

Capital Waste Services will also be taking a holiday that Monday.

All trash, recycling and yard debris pickups will move back a day. This means regular Monday pickups will take place on Tuesday, etc.

Nominations open for Civitas Awards

The 2023 Civitas Reception is set for Thursday, Oct. 12, at Tabby Place in Beaufort, and members of the Beaufort Regional Chamber of Commerce have until September 8

South Carolina had been the least restrictive state in the Southeast outside Virginia. Pending the decision, abortions remained legal here through 5½ months, though the three clinics didn’t offer them past the first trimester. Still, abortion numbers nearly doubled as women came to South Carolina from other states, fueling Republicans’ arguments for a ban.

“South Carolina’s no longer an abortion destination state,” Senate Majority Leader Shane Massey, R-Edgefield, said after the ruling.

Limited options now for women beyond six weeks pregnant include traveling to North Carolina, where abortion is legal through 12 weeks, and Florida, where it’s banned at 15 weeks. While its governor, presidential candidate Ron DeSantis has signed a six-week ban, that law remains suspended.

The ruling puts back in place a six-week ban that temporarily took effect last summer after the U.S. Supreme Court threw out Roe v. Wade and left the legality of abortions to state legislators.

That decision is what allowed a six-week ban McMaster signed in 2021 to take effect, though it was suspended last August by the state Supreme Court and tossed out altogether in January.

The S.C. GOP was among the groups celebrating the outcome. “We have fought tirelessly to protect the lives of our unborn children, and today in South Carolina, we have won,” state Chairman Drew McKissick said. “This decision reaffirms the hard work of the South Carolina Republican Party to ensure the lives of the unborn have someone fighting for them.”

Statehouse Republicans’ changes in the re-do were designed to flip Few’s vote by addressing concerns he raised in January. That included deleting conflicting language in the law on women’s right to an “informed choice.”

to submit nominations for Civitas Awards for Business Excellence to admin@beaufortchamber.org.

TCL offering Law School for Non-Lawyers

While you may not be a lawyer, it is important to understand the law and how it affects you. The South Carolina Bar is sponsoring Law School for Non-Lawyers, an eight-week course designed to provide an overview of the South Carolina legal system and insight into common legal issues.

Technical College of the Lowcountry (TCL) is offering this course from 6 to 9 p.m., Mondays, at its Culinary Institute of the South in Bluffton from September 11 through October 30

All classes are taught by licensed attorneys and judges. The cost is $99 and includes textbook. Register online by September 6 at https://bit.ly/3E3Sde9

Topics will include Overview of State Courts; Alternative Dispute Resolution; Juvenile Justice; Overview of Child Protection Hearings; Family Law; Real Estate & Landlord/Tenant Law; Wills, Estates & Probate; Health Care & Elder Law; S.C. Workers’ Compensation; Employment Law; Bankruptcy Law; Consumer Law & Debt Collection; Criminal Law; Torts; and Immigration and Education.

The targeted tweaks worked. Again writing a separate opinion, Few said the rewritten law fixed his issues. The most important change, he wrote, was the promotion of “active family planning” by requiring all insurance companies to cover contraceptives. He also noted that post-sex emergency contraceptives such as Plan B remain legal.

“Couples who do not want to bring a pregnancy to term and have a baby are enabled by the 2023 act to make that choice before a pregnancy by the increased availability of contraceptives and are encouraged through the use of Plan B and early pregnancy testing to meet the statutory deadline of ‘fetal heartbeat’” in case birth control fails, he wrote.

In a stinging dissent, Chief Justice Beatty said the new law is essentially the same as the one rejected eight months ago, calling it “unconstitutional under any reasonable analysis.” To make the point, he included a chart with side-by-side comparisons of the two laws.

Beatty, who is retiring with the end of his term next year, said the reversal undermines the court’s legitimacy.

“The ban that was declared unconstitutional by this court just months before has not changed in its core elements or intended effect,” he wrote. “What has changed, however, is this court’s response.”

He scoffed at his fellow justices’ suggestion that the “availability of contraception to prevent a pregnancy has any bearing on the amount of time a pregnant woman has to discover and decide whether to continue a pregnancy, and to obtain medical care based on that decision.” (The italics are his.)

“The notion that the existence of contraceptives expands the time for a woman to discover that she is pregnant is absurd,” he said.

Alexander Thompson contributed to this report.

This article is published through The Post And Courier News Collaborative, a partnership created to inform readers across the state.

Pilotfrom page A1

Commendation Medal with gold star in lieu of second award; Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal with gold star in lieu of second award; Navy Unit Commendation Medal; the National Defense Service Medal; Afghanistan Campaign Medal; Global War on Terrorism Service Medal; Korea Defense Service Medal; and Sea Service Deployment Ribbon with four bronze stars in lieu of fifth award.

“As 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, we mourn the loss of one of our brothers who was devoted to the Marine Corps mission, and it is our duty to continue forward in a manner that would reflect his devotion. Maj. Mettler’s legacy will remain with every Marine, Sailor and civilian that he served with, and we have the obligation to continue to uphold the values that he stood for. He will be deeply missed within the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing and among his brothers and sisters at the Fighting Bengals,” Benedict said.

The crash occurred at 11:54 p.m. (PST) Thursday, and is under investigation.

Protestors supporting abortion rights gathered outside the S.C. Statehouse in Columbia following a 4-1 decision by the S.C. Supreme Court to uphold a 6-week abortion ban Wednesday, Aug. 23, 2023. Alexander Thompson/ The Post And Courier

Rob Polland

HEALTH & WELLNESS

Options & References for a Healthier Life

A ray of hope in the battle against depression: Combining talk therapy and medication

By Jared Campbell, LISW-CP

Life, with its unexpected twists and turns, can often be overwhelming. Many of us have faced those mornings where simply pulling ourselves out of bed feels like the hardest thing in the world. For those struggling with depression, this sensation isn’t an occasional hurdle; it's a daily mountain. The silver lining? Recent findings suggest combining two common treatments might offer the most effective relief.

Understanding depression: More than just the 'Blues' Depression isn’t just about feeling down for a day or two. It's a persistent cloud that can cast shadows over every aspect of life—from work and hobbies to relationships. It's that constant weight on your shoulders, making everyday tasks feel monumental. It's the isolation, even when surrounded by loved ones. But it's also the resilience of those who face it every day and the treatments that can provide a beacon of hope.

The power of two: Findings from the latest research

Researchers recently rolled up their sleeves and dove deep into studies involving nearly 30,000

individuals grappling with depression. They had a specific question: How influential are talk therapy and medication, when used together? Studies positively indicated that combining talk therapy and medication simultaneously was like a trusted friend helping someone in need.

Think of your favorite food pairings—peanut butter and jelly, or spaghetti and meatballs. Individually, they're great, but together, they’re phenomenal. The same principle applies here. When people combined talk therapy with medication, they often fared better than those using just one method.

Both methods showed promising results in lifting spirits and making daily life more manageable.

Why this matters to you and your community

If you’ve ever walked along the beautiful shores of Beaufort County, you know the tranquility that nature offers. It reminds us that after every storm, there's a calm. Or imagine you're trying to light up a dim room. Talk therapy is like opening the curtains to let sunlight in, while medication is like turning on a lamp. Each can help independently, but together,

they fill the room with warmth and brightness. The study’s findings offer a similar hope for those navigating the stormy waters or the darkness of depression. Combining treatments gives a better chance of finding that calm, that moment of relief. For friends and family of someone battling depression, this information is invaluable. It gives hope that their loved ones can find brighter days ahead with the right combination of treatments.

A personal touch:

Every journey is unique

Every individual's experience with depression is personal. What works wonders for one might not for another. That’s why it's crucial to remember that this isn’t a onesize-fits-all situation. The idea is to find the right combination that feels tailor-made for you or your loved one.

In conclusion, life is meant to be cherished, especially in a serene place like Beaufort County.

For those facing the challenges of depression, know there's hope on the horizon. Whether talking with a professional about what's on your mind, considering medication, or combining both, remember: help is available, and brighter days await.

Jared M. Campbell, LCSW 006851 LICSW 15870, is a Psychotherapist at Coastal Neurology located at 1833 North Paris Avenue, Port Royal, SC 29935. For more information, call 843-522-1420

The content offered in this Care magazine® supplement are here to educate consumers on health care, wellness, lifestyle, and medical issues that may affect their daily lives. Nothing in the content, products or services should be considered, or used as a substitute for, medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The articles, references and options contained herein do not constitute the practice of any medical, nursing, or other professional health care advice, diagnosis, or treatment. You should always talk to your health care provider for diagnosis and treatment, including your specific medical needs. None of the products or services offered through this publication represents or warrants that any particular service or product is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. We advise readers to always seek the advice of a physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions regarding personal health or medical conditions.

Nikki Newman, PA-C, an experienced board-certified physician assistant, has joined Beaufort Memorial Lowcountry Medical Group Primary Care. She brings more than a dozen years of experience in urgent and primary care to the practice.

Newman has been on the Beaufort Memorial medical staff since June 2021, treating patients at Beaufort Memorial Express Care & Occupational Health. Prior to joining BMH, she worked as a physician assistant in urgent care clinics in Georgia and South Carolina.

In May, Newman received Beaufort Memorial’s Provider of the Year “Bemmy Award,” an honor bestowed by the hospital for exemplary performance and adherence to its foundational values. The Albany, Wisconsin, native holds a Master of Medical Science with a physician assistant specialty from Nova Southeastern University in Fort Myers, Florida, and a Bachelor of Science in biology from University of Akron in Akron, Ohio.

CALL 843-770-0404

Considering weight-loss surgery?

Anyone who's struggled with reaching or maintaining a healthy weight probably has heard comments like, "If you want to lose weight, just eat less and exercise more" or "Losing weight is all about willpower." But weight loss is much more complicated. Genetics, socioeconomic status, mental health issues, such as depression and anxiety, and certain medications can affect your ability to lose weight and keep it off.

That's why weight loss requires a complex, multipronged approach, including nutrition education, consulting a dietitian, joining a support group and possibly taking medications or undergoing weight-loss surgery.

Are you ready?

You have to be mentally ready for weight-loss surgery. Some people reach a turning point when they can't bend over to pick up a child, have to ask for a seat belt extension on an airplane or experience a hospitalization. The reasons people consider weight-loss or bariatric surgery are as personal and varied as the people themselves.

You may have considered weight-loss surgery for years, but it takes that turning point to push you to contact your healthcare pro-

fessional about the procedure. If you've reached that turning point, here are some things to consider.

What weight-loss surgery does:

Weight-loss surgery helps you lose weight and lowers your risk of medical problems brought on by obesity, including:

Cancer

Heart disease

High blood pressure

High cholesterol

Infertility

Obstructive

sleep apnea

• Stroke

Type 2 diabetes

Candidates for surgery

typically have tried to lose weight by improving their diet and exercise habits.

Weight-loss surgery helps you lose weight in two ways:

1. By physically limiting the amount of food your stomach can hold, which decreases the number of calories you can eat

2. By shortening or bypassing the small intestine, which reduces the amount of calories and nutrients your body can absorb

The two most common bariatric surgery

techniques are:

1. Gastric bypass

Following this surgery, swallowed food will go into a small stomach pouch and then directly into the small intestine.

2. Sleeve gastrectomy With this surgery, about 80% of the stomach is removed, leaving a tube-shaped stomach about the size of a banana. Both procedures are performed laparoscopically, which involves inserting surgical instruments through multiple small incisions in the upper abdomen. No bariatric surgery is with-

out risks, which can include infection, blood clots and adverse reactions to the anesthesia.

The benefits of weightloss surgery include:

Substantial weight loss, with people often losing 60% to 80% of their excess body weight within the first year after the procedure. Improved overall health and reduced or resolved obesity-related health conditions like Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnea and joint pain. Enhanced quality of life, including higher energy levels, increased self-esteem and the ability to participate in activities you may have avoided.

You need to understand that bariatric surgery isn't a quick fix, and you won't reach your goal weight overnight. Even with surgery, your body mass index, or BMI, still may be considered overweight, but that doesn't mean the surgery wasn't successful. Losing a significant amount of weight still is transformative and life changing.

There's also a potential financial cost to weight-loss surgery. The surgery itself typically is covered by insurance. In most cases, the

removal of excess skin on the stomach and arms isn't covered by insurance. But this additional surgery, performed by a plastic surgeon, can greatly improve your self-esteem and body image.

Bariatric surgery gives you a tool for long-term weight management, but it requires a commitment to lifestyle changes, including a balanced, nutritious diet and regular exercise. You'll need to watch not only what you eat but also how much because the surgery can restrict the quantity of food your body can handle.

Five years after surgery, people typically have kept off 50% of the weight they've lost by embracing a new lifestyle and way of eating and staying active.

If you've been considering bariatric surgery, contact your healthcare team to discuss if it's a good option for you. Once you've decided, you’ll be connected with a weight management team, including a dietitian, and behavioral health and exercise physiology professionals to support you through this life change.

Source: Adapted from an article by Joel Streed; Reviewed by Kathriena Greenwell, M.D., a bariatric surgeon in La Crosse, Wisconsin. https:// newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org/discussion/thinking-about-weight-losssurgery-4-things-to-consider/

Advances in surgery are improving melanoma survival rates

The National Cancer Institute estimates that 97,610 people will be diagnosed with melanoma in 2023, making up 5% of all new cancer diagnoses. Fortunately, screening and treatment have improved, allowing care teams to catch melanoma earlier when it's easier to treat. As a result, the number of people who survive the disease has steadily increased.

Who is diagnosed with early-stage melanoma?

There’s been a shift over the last several decades where healthcare professionals are seeing an increase in people being diagnosed with earlier-stage disease, along with an overall increase in the incidence of melanoma. Melanoma has historically been one of the most rapidly increasing cancers, but this has varied by age. In adults age 50 and older, rates continue to grow in women by about 1% a year but have stabilized in men. As the population ages, the average age at diagnosis of melanoma is closer to age 60; however, melanoma is

one of the most common cancers in adults younger than 30

What are some important considerations in treating early-stage melanoma?

Finding melanoma at its earliest stage allows healthcare professionals to treat the lesion with surgery—without using systemic therapies that reach and affect cells throughout the body, creating potential toxicities and side effects. But even the earliest stage of the disease requires a specialized, multidisciplinary care team to ensure the patient has the best treatment options, as melanoma care is evolving rapidly.

How might surgery help a patient with later-stage melanoma?

While surgery is typically considered an option primarily for early-stage disease, surgical oncologists are increasingly involved in caring for patients with advanced disease. For example, some patients may have a mixed response

to systemic therapy and a surgical oncologist will remove any remaining cancer with surgery. Surgeons may also remove tumors to obtain active immune cells for cellular therapies being tested in clinical trials. It’s anticipated that these treatments will become approved for clinical use soon. Surgical oncologists work with the multidisciplinary team to create the best possible treatment plan for each patient. Ultimately, it's all about bringing all the right people into a patient's care team. When working together, the team can assess treatment responses and make changes quickly. They work together to provide the best personalized options for patients with melanoma.

Sources: By Mayo Clinic Staff; https:// newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org/discussion/ advances-in-surgery-are-improving-survival-for-people-with-melanoma/; https:// cancerblog.mayoclinic.org/2023/05/31/ melanoma-misconception-dark-skin-tonesat-risk-too/

WHAT’S HAPPENING

Port Royal Farmers Market

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.

The Beaufort Shag Club

7 to 9 p.m., Wednesdays, AmVets Club, 1831 Ribaut Road Port Royal. We also host a Saturday evening dance the second Saturday of each month from 7 to 10 p.m. Interested in learning the Shag dance? Free lessons for members beginning in September through June. Visit our Facebook page; The Beaufort Shag Club.

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.

HIGHWAY 21 DRIVE-IN

The movies scheduled for this week (Friday, Sept. 1 through Thursday, Sept. 7) at the Highway 21 Drive-In are Barbie (PG-13, 8:15 p.m.) and Blue Beetle (R, 10:15 p.m.) on Screen 1; Equalizer (R, 8 p.m.) and No Hard Feelings (R, 9:45 p.m.) on Screen 2; and Super Mario Brothers (PG, 8 p.m.) and Gran Turismo (PG-13, 9:35 p.m.) on Screen 3.

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 DriveIn 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 wellbeing of all.”

A reminder: no outside food or beverages can be brought into the drive-in.

Upcoming movies include Expend4bles (September) and Paw Patrol Mighty Movie (September).

TECHconnect 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., 3rd Thursday of each month, Beaufort Digital Corridor, 500 Carteret Street, Suite D, Beaufort. Free.

The BDC's signature happy hour “meetup” networking event for tech professionals. Connect with like-minded people, fellow entrepreneurs, start-ups and VCs over local food and cold beverages. Call 843-470-3506 or visit https:// rb.gy/e7t2h for more information.

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 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. Free. Anyone welcome, no experience necessary. 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.

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 843-2950058.

Slip and Splash Saturdays

10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Saturdays, Battery Creek Pool, 1 Blue Dolphin Drive, Beaufort, and Bluffton Pool, 55 Pritchard Street, Bluffton. $5 per person. Stay busy for hours climbing on our inflatable challenge track.

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.

Teddy Bear Picnic Read-Aloud

9 a.m. to noon, 1st Saturday each month, Port Royal Farmer’s Market, Corner of Ribaut Road & Pinckney Blvd, Port Royal. Free. DAYLO Students and other volunteers will read to young children, who are encouraged to bring their favorite stuffed animals. The next Reading is Saturday, Aug. 5. 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.

Drum Circle

6:30 p.m., Friday, Sept. 8, Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park, Beaufort. We are attracting more and more participants but we want continued growth. So, bring a friend, relative or co-worker. It’s free. It’s family friendly. No musical experience is necessary. Extra drums available. Bring a chair and drum joyously with us. It's always free and open to everyone. No musical training is necessary as everyone can feel the rhythm of the group and join in. We have extra drums & other percussion instruments that may be borrowed for each session. If you prefer, come and just listen & watch as the group drums. Come to dance, hula-hoop, clap or chant. You will enjoy the experience in whichever way you participate and feel relieved of your daily stresses.

Free Summer Tax Prep

9 a.m. to 12 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 16, Agape Family Life Center, 5855 South Okatie Highway, Hardeeville. Appointment only, call 843-7846008.

Southern Barrel Bluffton

Artisan Market

4 to 8 p.m., Friday, Sept. 29, Southern Barrel Brewing Co., 375 Buckwalter Place Blvd, Bluffton. Lowcountry Made is proud to announce that the Bluffton Artisan Market is back at Southern Barrel! The Bluffton Artisan Market will kick off Southern Barrel's Oktoberfest weekend! We want to thank Southern Barrel for

their continued patronage and advocacy for small businesses! Southern Barrel is where Lowcountry Made markets started 3 years ago! And we are so excited to be collaborating again! Vendor applications are open at lcmade.com/ bluffton-market-vendor-application/.

Palmetto Bluff Farmers Market

9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Wednesdays, Oct. 4, Oct. 18, Nov. 8, Nov. 29, Dec. 17, Palmetto Bluff Farm, 228 Old Moreland Road, Bluffton. The Palmetto Bluff Farmers Market is back this October! FREE and Open to the Public enjoy local shopping at the Farm at Palmetto Bluff. Lowcountry Made is honored to curate the lineup for the Palmetto Bluff Farmers Market. This will be a wonderful showcase of local growers and makers! The market is at capacity but all area farmers, producers, home bakers, food related makers, food trucks, and artisans are encouraged to apply for the wait list.

Bluffton Night Bazaar

5 to 8 p.m., Thursdays, Oct.

5, Nov. 2, Dec. 7, Burnt Church Distillery, 120 Bluffton Road, Bluffton. Lowcountry Made is proud to present the 2023 Bluffton Night Bazaar at Burnt Church Distillery. Applications for the fall dates are open now at lcmade.com/bluffton-night-bazaar-vendor-application/.

Beaufort Shrimp Festival

October 6 and 7, Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park, Beaufort Saint Peter’s 63rd Annual Fall Bazaar 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 7, St. Peter’s Catholic Church, 70 Lady’s Island Drive, Beaufort. The bazaar committee seeks Lowcountry artists and crafts people to sell their creations at the bazaar. Booths may be set up inside or outside. Fee is $100. The Bazaar will also feature International Foods, Sweet Shoppe, Beer and Wine Garden, Kids Zone with inflatables, games, and petting zoo, and a Silent Auction. Proceeds benefit the Lowcountry Outreach Center. For an application, contact parishlife@stpetersbeaufort.

org.

Sips & Seafood Party

5 to 10 p.m., Friday, Oct. 27, Hewitt Oaks, 205 Stillwell Road, Bluffton. $175. Bluffton Self Help’s annual fundraiser. The funds raised provide education, basic needs, career development, and a sense of hope. Last year alone, this event helped 194 families to remain in their homes, keep the lights on, and to get through a difficult time. It supported 413 neighbors as they earned an education through English as a Second Language, Adult Basic Education, and GED Preparation classes. Our guests and sponsors provided 168 neighbors with the opportunity to meet one-on-one with client advocates through 672 meetings to connect to resources, develop goals and work toward reaching personal success. Through The Market 858 households received 431,428 pounds of fresh produce, dairy, meat, eggs, non perishable groceries, hygiene items, diapers and more than 20,000 articles of clothing enabling them to stretch their budget and have better health. Purchase tickets at https://rb.gy/kq7ef.

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.

Port Royal Lecture Series:

Who Was Here? Native Americans Before and During European Settlements

6:30 to 8:30 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 26, St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 1004 11th Street, Port Royal. $25 per person – Seating is limited. Lecturers are Stephen Criswell, Professor Chris Judge, and Evan Nooe, University of South Carolina Native American Studies Center. Buy tickets at https://historic-port-royal-foundation. square.site/.

LIBRARY ACTIVITIES

Learn to code

5:30 p.m., Thursday, Aug. 31, Beaufort Library, 311 Scott Street, Beaufort. Interested in learning to code? Learn to code – for free. Discover how to break into the tech industry. Come to the library to meet with SC Codes, a non-profit organization with a learning platform and coding community built to educate and provide resources. For more information, call 843-2556458."

Mindfulness workshop

11 a.m., Saturday, Sept. 9, Beaufort Library, 311 Scott Street, Beaufort. Join licensed therapist Julie Sayre, who will be conducting guided practice exercises. Attendees will receive handouts of practices and resources to use at home. There will also be a Q&A period. Attendees should dress comfortably and plan to be sitting on chairs. The program is open to ages 14 through adult. Registration is required. For more information, please call 843-255-6458.

Law Talk – Special Education

11 a.m. to 12 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 9, Bluffton Library, 120 Palmetto Way, Bluffton. Free.

Brief topic overview + Q&A with volunteer attorney. To register please call 843-2556503.

Law Talk – Elder Law & End of Life Planning

5:30 to 6:30 p.m., Tuesday, Sept. 19, Beaufort Library, 311 Scott Street, Beaufort. Free.

Brief topic overview + Q&A with volunteer attorney. To register please call 843-2556458.

Law Talk – Landlord

Tenant Law

5:30 to 6:30 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 25, St. Helena Library, 6355 Jonathan Francis Sr. Road, St. Helena. Free. Brief topic overview + Q&A with volunteer attorney. To register please call 843-255-6540.

Law Talk – Family Law 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 14, Bluffton Library, 120 Palmetto Way, Bluffton. Free.

Brief topic overview + Q&A with volunteer attorney. To register please call 843-2556503.

Law Talk – Wills, Estates, & Probates

4:30 to 5:30 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 7, Lobeco Library, 1862

Trask Parkway, Lobeco. Free.

Brief topic overview + Q&A with volunteer attorney. To register please call 843-2556479.

MEETINGS

The Beaufort Trailblazers –

A Volunteer Group 8 a.m., first Thursday each month, Herban Marketplace, Beaufort. Anyone interested in supporting or building offroad/dirt/wilderness mountain

biking/jogging/walking trails near is encouraged to attend. For more information, call 843-575-0021 or email universitybicycles@hotmail.com.

Zonta Club of Beaufort

6 p.m., 4th Tuesday of each month, Smokehouse, Port Royal. For the Aug. 22 meeting, Kelly Procida, Assistant Director on the Global Cause Partnerships team at UNICEF USA, will be the guest speaker. Procida will be sharing stories of her latest assignment, supporting Zonta International's projects in Peru. Procida has worked with UNICEF since 2014. She has worked with their Youth Engagement programs and was a Global Citizenship Fellow working with volunteers across the United States. Now in her current role, Procida works with civil society organizations partnering with UNICEF USA, leading strategic communications and engagement opportunities, which showcase the impact of their support for the world's children.

Rotary Club of the Lowcountry

7:30 a.m., Fridays, Sea Island Presbyterian Church, Sea Island Parkway, Lady’s Island. A light breakfast is provided before the program. For further information and upcoming speakers, please visit our website at www.lowcountryrotary.org or contact our President, Bob Bible a reconmc@ aol.com or 843-252-8535.

MUSIC Street Music on Paris Avenue

6 p.m. Saturdays, Sept. 9, Sept. 23, Paris Avenue, Port Royal. All shows are free. Bring your own chairs. Stage is between 9th and 10th streets. Sept. 9, Angela Easterling; Sept. 23, J.P. Soars & The Red Hots.

OUTDOORS

The Beaufort Tree Walk

Lady’s Island Garden Club invites you to take a meandering walk through the Historic “Old Point” and enjoy some unique and noteworthy trees. The “Walk” takes about an hour, is a little over a mile starting at the corner of Craven & Carteret streets in Morrall Park and concluding in Waterfront Park. Booklets with map and information about each tree are available free at the Visitors Center in the historic Arsenal on Craven Street.

Tours of Hunting Island

Every Tuesday, Hunting Island State Park, 2555 Sea Island Pkwy. Free, park entry fees apply. Sponsored by Friends of Hunting Island Keeper Ted and his team. For more information call the Hunting Island Nature Center at 843-838-7437. The next Tuesday is August 1.

QUILTING

Maye River Quilters

10 a.m., Sunday, Sept. 10, Church of the Palms, 1425 Okatie Highway, Okatie. A special Garage Sale Program will be held. To attend as a guest, email RSVP to mayeriverquilters@gmail.com. For more information and for membership form, call 978-464-0585.

RUNNING

Move Your Mind

5K Beach Walk/Run

8:30 a.m., Saturday, Sept. 9, 51 S. Forest Beach Drive, Hilton Head Island. Free. Get your body and mind moving while helping local families living with Alzheimer’s and related dementia in the Memory Matters’ third annual 5K Beach Walk/Run. The start and finish line will be located on the beach in front of the Marriott’s Grande Ocean. Participants will be able to access this part of the beach via the Alder Lane Beach Access. Before the 5K, a 400-meter Fun Run, will be available to children 6 years and younger. After the race, a pancake breakfast will be provided to all race registrants prepared by volunteers from Providence Presbyterian Church located directly across the street. Free parking will also be available at Providence Presbyterian Church prior to the race. Medals will be given to the first, second, and third place winners of the 400-meter, the overall first, second, and third place winners for the 5K, and the first, second, and third dogs that cross the finish line! Register or Donate at https://secure. frontstream.com/2023-moveyour-mind-5k.

SPORTS/GAMES

ACBL Duplicate Bridge Club

9:30 a.m. to 12:30 a.m., Tuesdays, Carteret St. United Methodist Church. Games and events will be held weekly. Director Gene Ogden. Contact Jane Simpson 803-226-3491. Beaufort Masters Swim Team

‘Whatever it takes’

Coosa Elementary’s Roberts BCSD’s top elementary assistant principal for 2023

By Delayna Earley The Island News

The COVID-19 pandemic affected everyone in different way, but for Coosa Elementary School Assistant Principal Renee Roberts, it helped to mold her into the administrator that she is today.

Roberts, who was recently named the Beaufort County School District’s (BCSD) 2023 Elementary Assistant Principal of the Year, started in her current position at Coosa in 2020, just before the pandemic hit and threw educators, students, parents and administrators into the world of online learning.

Melissa Pender, the school’s principal, also started in her current position at the same time.

“We were rollin’, we were finding our groove, learning our new roles, and then whoa,” Roberts said about being new to the assistant principal role when COVID-19 hit. While it was a difficult time for most in the public education world, Roberts said that she thinks that the experience helped to shape who she is as an assistant

principal and made her a better administrator and educator. “It forced us to look and think even more outside of the box,” Roberts said.

Roberts said that the pandemic forced them to think about education in more creative ways in hopes of

keeping students engaged and parents informed and involved, even though they couldn’t enter the building.

“It definitely pushed us to stretch ourselves in that aspect,” said Roberts.

Roberts, who was born and raised in Beaufort, began her career in education at Shell

Point Elementary School –which has since been closed and replaced with Riverview Charter School – in 2002 as a 5th grade teacher. In 2005, Roberts left Shell Point for Coosa Elementary, where she taught 4th grade before becoming a math instructional coach.

It was not too long before she was able to move into the literacy coach position, which excited her.

“Literacy is my passion,” Roberts said. “I wanted to stay there for a couple of years while I got my master’s in administration so that I could make a bigger impact.”

After she graduated with her masters in administration in 2012, Roberts applied for several assistant principal roles at other schools.

“I’ll admit, there were times when I felt defeated when I wouldn’t get an interview, or I would get an interview but not get the job,” Roberts said. “But truly when this opportunity opened up, ya know, this is where I was supposed to be – it all happens for a reason.”

Roberts knew she had been nominated by colleagues, but she said that there are so many great assistant principals who work in the BCSD so she never once thought she was guaranteed to be chosen.

“I was surprised, I was honored, to know that I had been nominated by my peers and for this commit-

tee to have chosen me out of the other people who were nominated,” Roberts said.

“I’m definitely honored.”

As for what qualities make a good assistant principal, Roberts said being supportive is one of the most important. “The role of the assistant principal is basically to do whatever it is that they can do to support the principal and the mission and the vision of the school,” Roberts said.

To her, an assistant principal is essentially a “jack of all trades and master of none” and needs to be a little bit involved in everything and be willing to jump in and do whatever it takes to help the students, parents, teachers and support staff at the school to have a great year.

Delayna Earley lives in Beaufort with her husband, two children and Jack Russell. She formerly worked as a photojournalist for The Island Packet/The Beaufort Gazette, as well as newspapers in Indiana and Virginia. She joined The Island News in 2022. She can be reached at delayna.theislandnews@gmail.com.

BCSD selects Lee as deputy superintendent

From staff reports

The Beaufort County School District (BCSD) has select ed veteran administrator Mel low Lee, Ph.D., as the District’s Deputy Superintendent.

"Dr. Mellow Lee's extensive ex perience, visionary leadership, and passion for student well-be ing make her an exceptional fit for the role of Deputy Superin tendent,” BCSD Superintendent Frank Rodriguez said in a news release. “Her innovative initiatives and dedication to educational excellence align with our district's priority of continuing to move academic achievement forward."

Lee’s hiring fills a vacancy created

when Duke Bradley III resigned as Deputy Superintendent in February 2022

He was initially hired in 2020 Lee's career spans more than 24 years in education, primarily with the Kanawha County Schools in Charleston, W. Va. Her 1999 as a teacher at Watts Elementary. She served as the assistant principal at South Charleston Middle School and later assumed the role of principal at three different schools.

Under Lee's leadership, Mary

C. Snow West Side Elementary

achieved the prestigious Leader in Me Lighthouse status. She was also piloted the Handle with Care initiative, a groundbreaking collaboration between schools and law enforcement that supports children exposed to traumatic events. This program, now implemented nationwide, reflects Lee's approach to student welfare.

From 2018 to 2020, Lee served as a Transformation Specialist, focusing on elevating academic achievement in low-performing schools. Her efforts were instrumental in driving positive outcomes for students and schools alike. Most recently, she held the position of Assistant Superinten-

22 rising Beaufort County seniors attend Palmetto Boys, Girls State

From staff reports Northern Beaufort County’s American Legion Posts and Auxiliary Units Nos. 207 and 9 sent 22 local high school juniors to Palmetto Boys and Girls State this summer.

Tori Ashmore, Rostan Baisch, Kathleen Hammett, Haley Maroney, Reese Myers, Maddie Nelson, Anisha Patel, Makayla Perry, Claire Tumlin, Zoe Way and Lauren Weniger attended American Legion Auxilary Palmetto Girls State from June 11 through June 17 at Presbyterian College in Clinton.

Craig Bowman, Banks Bozard, Anthony Gaskin, Aiden Hovest, Will Keyserling, Clay Lohr, Tucker Mickel, Chris Orta, Creed Smith, Alex Vega and Guerin Willis attended American Legion Palmetto Boys State from June 11 through June 17 at Anderson College in Anderson.

Boys and Girls State is a week-long camp where delegates learn about the American

system of government and politics by participating in a mock governmental system. It is an honor to be chosen as a delegate. While at Boys and Girls State, delegates are divided into cities and parties from which they campaign and elect city, county and state officers. They have an opportunity to prepare speeches, compose party platforms, debate current issues, and vote for elected offices. They also learn about the principles of citizenship and public service from guest speakers, expert panels, and staff members.

Statewide, two delegates are chosen from Boys and Girls State to attend Boys and Girls Nation in Washington D.C. This year, Makalya Perry of Beaufort High School was selected as one of the two statewide delegates, and she attended Girls Nation.

Students interested in applying to attend Boys or Girls State should contact their high school guidance counselor.

dent of Elementary Schools. Lee's academic journey includes a Bachelor's degree in elementary education from West Virginia State University, a Master's degree in leadership studies from Marshall University, and a Doctorate degree in educational administration from the University of Southern Mississippi. She is an active member of the education community, participating in the West Virginia State University College of Professional Studies Advisory Board and frequently presenting at education conferences. Her contributions have been recognized through accolades such as the Principal of the Year award in 2013 and the Martin Luther King, Jr.

Award from the City of Charleston.

"I am honored to join the Beaufort County School District as Deputy Superintendent,” Lee in a released statement. “I look forward to collaborating with the district's talented educators, administrators, and staff to provide the students of Beaufort County with an empowering learning environment."

Lee's responsibilities as Deputy Superintendent include supervising executive directors who, in turn, oversee principals at the district’s schools, ensuring a cohesive and effective educational experience for students across the district. She will be paid a salary of $167 606 40 a year.

Modernized Battery Creek High holds ribbon-cutting ceremony

From staff reports School and government officials, students, Board of Education members, and community supporters gathered Friday, Aug. 25, at a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the unveiling of Battery Creek High School’s modernization project funded through the bond referendum approved by county voters in November 2019 Board of Education Chair Christina Gwozdz thanked the voters of Beaufort County for supporting the 2019 Bond Referendum.

“This is the second largest project funded by the 2019 school bond referendum through the generosity of our taxpayers,” Gwozdz said. “The Board of Education sincerely thanks everyone who played a part in seeing this project to fruition. May the students of Beaufort County enjoy and benefit from this beautiful, updated Battery Creek school for many years to come.”

Other speakers and presenters included BCHS Principal Denise Lessard, Athletic Director Terrance Ashe, alumni, and students.

The $55 8 million construction project for Bat-

Beaufort County Board of Education Chair Christina Gwozdz and students from Battery Creek High School prepare to cut the ribbon on the school’s recent modernization project. Photo courtesy of Beaufort County School District

tery Creek High School (BCHS) includes: Classroom and restroom renovations; New cameras, security, fire, and PA system; Technology upgrades; CTE upgrades, to include a second culinary lab; New JRTOC and lecture rooms; Renovated arts facilities and cafeteria; New dining patio and shade structure; New lighting, flooring, and furniture; New weightroom, concessions building, field house, turf football

VIDEO For a brief video related to this story, visit https:// youtu.be/tn2_JYTXsMc

field, softball and baseball dugouts; Renovated locker rooms; and Track and field resurfacing.

M.B. Kahn is the contractor for the renovations and the designer of record is Jumper Carter Sease Architects, both based in Columbia. All referendum projects and expenditures are being independently monitored by the Citizen-Led Oversight Committee.

Assistant Principal Renee Roberts of Coosa Elementary School on Lady’s Island was named Beaufort County School District’s Assistant Principal of the Year for Elementary Schools for 2023. Bob Sofaly/The Island News

Mellow Lee, Ph.D.

The 2023 Palmetto Boys and Girls State Delegates from Northern Beaufort County are (first row from left) Kathleen Hammett, Rostan Baisch, Claire Tumlin, Tori Ashmore, Maddie Nelson, Reese Myers, Haley Maroney, Zoe Way, Anisha Patel, and Makayla Perry, (top row from left) Chris Orta, Guerin Willis, Banks Bozard, Clay Lohr, Tucker Mickel, Will Keyserling, Alex Vega, Aiden Hovest, and Craig Bowman. Not pictured are Lauren Weniger, Anthony Gaskin and Creed Smith. Submitted photo

BA pulls away from HHP in 2nd half

By Justin Jarrett LowcoSports.com

It wasn’t the steamrolling from the start that Beaufort Academy envisioned, but the Eagles’ offense found its footing in the second half, and the defense pitched a shutout in a 28-0 home win over Hilton Head Prep on Friday at Merritt Field.

The Dolphins’ defense kept it close for a half, but the Eagles’ powerful offense got on track in the second half with Jaxen Porter scoring two rushing TDs and Dietrich Shuford adding a long touchdown run.

The only scoring of the first half came when Shuford threw a bubble screen to the left for Zeke Gonzalez, who emerged from a pack of Dolphins and sprinted away for

HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL ROUNDUP

Bethesda Academy

44 , John Paul II 0

Christian Tilton left in the second quarter with an injury and the Golden Warriors couldn’t keep up with an explosive Blazers offense, which racked up 22 points in the third quarter to pull away. JPII couldn’t slow down running back Noah Jenkins, who rolled up 160 yards and 2 TDs on 13 carries, while Triston Randall threw for 189 yards and a TD for the Blazers (2-0).

Next: John Paul II (1-1) at St. Andrew’s on Sept. 1

Holly Hill 51 , Holy Trinity 6

The Raiders overwhelmed the Mighty Lions to run their winning streak to 37 games dating to 2019

Next: Holy Trinity (0-2) vs. Andrew Jackson Academy on Sept. 1

Whale Branch 46, North Charleston 6

The Whale Branch Warriors had to wait an extra week to

start their season, but they did so in style Thursday night at North Charleston, clobbering the Cougars 46-6

Darrell Cummings rushed for 132 yards and 2 TDs, including a 55-yard rumble, while KJ Chisholm added two TD runs and took a punt return to the house.

Chisholm also had an interception to contribute to a dominant defensive effort led by Alonzo Allen (5 tackles, fumble recovery), Davon Evans (9 tackles, 2 TFL0, Bradford Thompson (6 tackles, TFL), and Dorien Alston, who had four tackles with two for loss and a fumble return for a touchdown.

Chisholm and Whale Branch head coach Jerry Hatcher jumped in live on the LowcoSports Lowdown as soon as the game went final Thursday, so head over to the Lowco Media YouTube channel to see the postgame interview with the Warriors.

Next: WB (1-0) at Ridgeland (2-0) on Sept. 1

– LowcoSports.com

a 26-yard touchdown and a 6-0 lead. Porter took over in the second half, breaking a 42-yard to set himself up for a 36-yard touchdown, then leaving a number of Dolphins on the ground en route to a highlight-reel run to cover the final three yards of another scoring drive.

Porter finished with 135 yards and two touchdowns on 12 carries, while Shuford added 158 yards and a TD on 13 carries and went 4-for8 passing for 90 yards and a touchdown, and Devonte Green had 116 yards on 16 carries.

Next BA (3-0) at Greenwood Christian on Sept. 8 HHP (0-2) at St. Andrew’s (1-1) on Sept. 8

Creek comes up short in OT

By Justin Jarrett LowcoSports.com

The opportunities for Battery

Creek to secure its first win under new coach Ed Susi were abundant Friday night, but the visiting Ridgeland Jaguars were resourceful and relentless.

Wenson Smith scored his second rushing touchdown to cap off a 95-yard night, and Jaquise Johnson scooped up a Smith fumble to scramble in for the 2-point conversion that proved to be the difference in a 33-31 overtime win.

Chase Olsen and Juju Gordon hooked up for a pair of touchdown passes, including one in the third quarter to tie it at 25, just minutes after Ridgeland broke ahead when Maurice Brown picked off an Olsen pass that slipped just beyond his leaping receiver’s hands and criss-crossed the field for a 96yard touchdown and a 25-19 lead.

The Dolphins had more chances to take control, consistently driving into scoring position before the Jags’ defense buckled down and came up with a big play, including two more drive-halting interceptions. Johnson took one of those picks back to midfield to give Ridgeland a chance to win it in regulation, but Creek’s defense

843 well-represented in ATL at SWAC/MEAC Challenge

By Justin Jarrett LowcoSports.com

A whole lot of Lowco representation was on display Saturday in Atlanta when Jackson State took down South Carolina State in the SWAC/MEAC Challenge. In fact, it was a star we got to know quite well on Friday nights who lit up the scoreboard first.

Whale Branch alum Irv Mulligan opened the scoring with a 46-yard

By Justin Jarrett LowcoSports.com

Assuming the hurr-uh-cun gets on through like it’s supposed to and doesn’t do too much damage, we should have a lovely afterglow for Lowco Friday Night, so y’all stay safe and we’ll see you at 12:30 p.m. Friday for Lowco Gameday

Live over lunch and bookend it with Lowco Pigskin Live starting at 11:30 p.m. and going until we round up everything we can or collapse in a heap — all at LowcoSports.com.

Here’s a look at the matchups for Beaufort-area schools.

Beaufort (0-2) at Hilton Head (2-0)

Raise your hand if you’re panicked about Beaufort or hyped about Hilton Head. If you raised your hand, take a few deep breaths and check back with us on Saturday. By that time, if you’re still freaking out about the Eagles and/ or hyperventilating with joy about the ‘Hawks, you’ll have good rea-

TD run and finished with 109 yards on 14 carries and classmate Jaheem Hazel broke up three passes for JSU, which rode the momentum from Mulligan’s breakaway to a 17-0 halftime lead and opened it up to 37-0 before the Bulldogs scored with 22 seconds left.

Former Beaufort star Kacy Fields had three carries and a reception in his debut as a true freshman for S.C. State, whose roster also includes

Battery Creek’s Derrick Smalls breaks away for a big gain Friday against the Ridgeland Jaguars. Smalls had two kickoff return touchdowns in the first half, but the Jags held on for a thrilling 33-31 win in overtime. Justin Jarrett/ LowcoSports

clinched down and forced overtime with each team getting a set of downs from the 10 The Jags wasted little time, as Wenson Smith bounced around the right side and his receivers sealed the edge to give him a path to the end zone. Ridgeland went back to Smith for the all-important conversion try, and the Dolphins stuffed him and popped the ball loose, but it bounced right into Johnson’s arms and he pivoted and won the race to the pylon to make it 33-25

Ridgeland seemingly had forced

a fourth-and-long and a last-ditch effort for the Dolphins, but a contentious roughing the passer call gave them a new set of downs, and they punched it in on the ground. But Creek still needed the twopoint conversion to force another extra period, and the Jags were not in the mood, winning the battle in the trenches and collapsing the pocket to bring an epic game to a close.

Next

Battery Creek (0-2) at Calhoun Co. (2-0) on Sept. 1

former Bluffton stars Rakim White and Jaylin Linder, former Battery Creek and May River standout Jaeon Allen, and Colleton County alum Ian Shark. Jackson State has one more tie to Whale Branch in running backs coach Brandon Morton, another former Warrior who helped recruit Mulligan and Hazel to the Tigers as graduate transfers after they completed their degrees at Wofford.

WEEK 2 HSFB PREVIEW CAPSULES

son. Beaufort might be the best 0-2 team in the state — OK, second-best … we see you, Dutch Fork — and the Seahawks’ two wins to open the season have come against teams who are looking for their first win. It should be a competitive game, though, because BJ Payne’s defense has some playmakers, but Beaufort’s offensive line held its own against a strong Fort D front last week and several dangerous backs are emerging to form a committee to be reckoned with. This might be the week the Eagles put it all together, because the game is going to slow down after seeing two Class 5A powers. HHIHS QB Jackson Bibee has been terrific through two games, but Beaufort’s defense will by far represent the toughest test he has faced thus far. You can catch this one live on the WSAV

Blitz Game of the Week (on CW) or on replay Sunday night and throughout the week on WHHI, and Beaufort’s Own will certain-

ly be on the case, as well. Good times. — Beaufort by 10

Whale Branch (1-0) at Ridgeland (2-0)

Talk about two teams coming in hot, hot, hot, hot, hot, hot, hot. The Warriors are fired up after routing North Charleston 46-6 on the road to open their season Thursday, after Jerry Hatcher made the late decision to move senior star KJ Chisholm to quarterback and let him run the show, which often involved handing it to Darrell Cummings, who is every bit the bruiser Hatcher promised us but has more breakaway speed than the ol’ ball coach let on at media day. Then you have the Jags, who are 2-0 for the first time since 2018 after a thrilling overtime win at Battery Creek in a game they absolutely had every chance to lose. Ridgeland’s offense is dangerous with three runners capable of putting up big numbers every week and some weapons on the outside, and the defense flies

to the ball, hits hard, and loves to create turnovers. The Jags’ weakness has been on special teams — they allowed Derrick Smalls to take two kickoffs to the apartments last week — and that could be the difference with Chisholm roaming back there all night. — Whale by 7

Battery Creek (0-2) at Calhoun Co. (2-0)

The Dolphins did enough to deserve a dub last week, but it wasn’t in the cards thanks to a relentless Ridgeland team, and it doesn’t get much easier with a trip to St. Matthews to face the Saints, who beat a good Cross team in their opener and clobbered Lake Marion last week. Creek’s offense was effective on Friday, with Nyc Underwood leading the way with 153 yards on 13 carries and Chase Olsen and Juju Gordon hooking up for two TDs, but the Dolphins can’t count on Derrick Smalls to take two kickoffs back for TDs every week (though that would be very cool).

Battery Creek either needs to cash in more often in the red zone or find ways to force more turnovers to get in the win column. — Saints by 6

John Paul II (1-1) at St. Andrew’s (1-1)

The biggest if in the Lowco this week is surrounding JPII star Christian Tilton’s status. If Tilton can return from the injury that sidelined him in the first half last week — and coach Shayne Milligan listed him as “questionable” Tuesday night — the Golden Warriors have a real chance to knock off the Lions on the road. But if Tilton can’t go, JPII is probably in trouble. Dynamic quarterback Zayden Edwards and the Lions will find a way to put up points, so the Golden Warriors’ best chance is Tilton doing his best Willis Reed at the Garden (look it up, kids) and willing JPII through in a slugfest. As of Tuesday, the if wasn’t falling in JPII’s favor, but Tuesday is a long way from Friday for a gamer like CT4 — Lions by 6

Devonte Green, looking back at the Hilton Head Prep defense Friday night at Beaufort Academy, rushed for 116 yards on 16 carries in the 28-0 home win. Justin Jarrett/LowcoSports.com

Several Beaufort County players were on the field Saturday in Atlanta when Jackson State took down South Carolina State in the SWAC/MEAC Challenge. Submitted photo.

Back in the Nest

Fort D

outlasts

Beaufort as ‘Ghost’ has number retired

By Justin Jarrett and Wes Kerr LowcoSports.com

Even on the night they dropped their second consecutive slugfest to a strong Class 5A opponent, the Beaufort Eagles were reminded they’re the reigning champs until someone ends their season.

The 2022 Class 3A state championship team was honored along with Beaufort legend and former Kansas City Chiefs defensive back Ron Parker, whose No. 3 was retired with the home team up by a field goal at halftime. But the Fort Dorchester Patriots wore down the Eagles in the fourth quarter to pull away for a 34-17 win.

Caleb Ulmer gave Beaufort a 7-0 lead with a 12-yard touchdown run to cap the opening series, and William Keyserling booted a 30yard field goal to make it 10-0 before five minutes had run off the clock. Fort D struck gold on a 73yard pass from Charles Watson to Mul-Ty Snider to pull within 10-7 at halftime.

Jadyn Andrews made it a 10-point game again with a 45yard bolt to the end zone to start the second half, but the Patriots responded and Ryan Campbell capped a scoring drive with a 5-yard TD run to get back within a field goal.

Fort D quarterback Bennett Riffer took over from there, firing a 27-yard TD pass to Jalen Barry and a 46-yard strike to Monty Johnson before Campbell capped it off with a 2-yard TD run and the Patriots’ defense held Beaufort at bay for the final six minutes.

The Patriots did a good job of disrupting Beaufort’s passing

game, as Samari Bonds was 8-for17 for 62 yards with an interception, but he added 35 yards on seven carries as the Eagles found ways to grind out yardage on the ground against a tough defensive front.

Isaac Smalls rushed for 81 yards on 12 carries and added 32 yards on three catches, while Andrews

had 59 yards on just three totes including the long TD run, and Ulmer added 50 yards and a TD on 16 attempts. Jayden Simmons had six tackles, one for a loss, to lead a Beaufort’s defense.

Next Beaufort (0-2) at Hilton Head Island on Sept. 1

Beaufort High School alum Ron Parker accepts a shadowbox to commemorate the Eagles football program retiring his No. 3 jersey at halftime of Friday’s home opener against Fort Dorchester. At left is Parker’s wife, Shari, holding the couple’s young son, Asher, along with their eldest daughter, Natyia, and eldest son, Keyshawn. Parker’s cousin Alonzo Allen, a standout football player at Whale Branch High, looks on.

of A.J. Jenkins

Immortalizing ‘The Ghost’

By Justin Jarrett LowcoSports.com

It was like old times on Lady’s Island on Friday night, with relics from the past coming back to The Nest to honor last year’s historic Beaufort High School state championship team along with one of their own from another successful era in a storied program’s history.

“The Ghost” Ron Parker, who rose to stardom at Newberry College and eventually with the Kansas City Chiefs after an arduous journey from St. Helena Island and Beaufort High all the way to the NFL, had his No. 3 retired during a ceremony at halftime of the Eagles’ home opener, Surrounded by friends and family including his wife and children, longtime Beaufort High stalwarts coach Mark Clifford and AD Jerry Linn, and some of the “Big 8 Boys” with whom Parker made the Eagles a contender nearly two decades ago, “The Ghost” lifted a shadowbox containing his No. 3 jersey high above his head as the Beaufort faithful gave him one last well-deserved ovation and his retired number was revealed below the stadium’s scoreboard.

“It was a real cool moment for me, my family, my friends to get to enjoy that special moment with me,” Parker said “It was a dream come true. I’ve been blessed to be able to go out there and be a leader for the community and someone for guys to look up to and give them some inspiration and drive.”

Among those he has tried to inspire to follow in his footsteps is his cousin Alonzo Allen, a junior running back and linebacker at Whale Branch who was able to be on the field with Parker during the ceremony Friday due to the Warriors playing at North Charleston on Thursday.

“That’s a guy who I talk to year-round to try to help him better himself on and off the field,” Parker said. “Zo is a great kid. That’s my little soldier right there.”

Parker has inspired an army of young men and women from the Lowcountry by providing

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“The Ghost” Ron Parker had his No. 3 jersey retired by the Beaufort High football program at halftime of Friday’s home opener against Fort Dorchester. Parker was largely unrecruited out of high school but played two seasons at Independence (Kan.) Community College before becoming an NCAA Division II All-American at Newberry College and playing nine seasons with the Kansas City Chiefs. Photo courtesy of A.J. Jenkins

evidence that you can get to the top from here. Many have since followed him, including Whale Branch alums Dee Delaney (Tampa Bay Buccaneers) and Nick Pringle (Alabama Crimson Tide), and the No. 3 hanging beneath the scoreboard at his alma mater will forever inspire future generations.

Fort Dorchester defeated Beaufort, 34-17, on Friday night at Beaufort High School. Photo courtesy of A.J. Jenkins.

Beaufort’s Isaac Smalls carries the ball against Fort Dorchester on Friday night at Beaufort High School. The Patriots won 34-17. Photo courtesy of A.J. Jenkins.

Photo courtesy

Fort Dorchester defeated Beaufort, 34-17, on Friday night at Beaufort High School. Photo courtesy of A.J. Jenkins.

There were no leeches at the falls

It is Saturday, and we’re in North Adams, Mass. It is overcast this morning; the temperature is 62; there is the possibility of rain later today. This morning I’ll write; but later today I’ll swim.

For most of my life I’ve owned a Speedo and a pair of plastic goggles. When I travel I rarely pass a river, inlet or beach without slipping into my suit for a quick swim. Once, in the Central African Republic, I did pause when I was told there were small worms in the Ubangi River that could cause blindness.

“But I wear goggles,” I protested to the attendant who came racing down the hotel’s dock. “They will come in through your gums,” he replied.

Here in Massachusetts, I usually swim at the Northern Berkshires YMCA. But that large, white-tiled, well-heated indoor pool is currently closed because of a leaking roof. In my effort to circumnavigate this problem, I’ve looked for nearby lakes, rivers and even scouted a few waterfalls that come with water

SCOTT GRABER

deep enough for a few laps.

This summer my friends Don and Donna Altman are spending a month atop a nearby mountain in Vermont — and Donna is a swimmer who needs a pool in order to function properly. I know this for a fact because Donna and I (along with John Harris) have been doing laps for about 30 years.

Donna, John and I started off as members of the Parris Island Masters Swim Team under the tutelage of Richard Fetters who, in 1990, had just retired from coaching the men’s team at Michigan State University.

Coach Fetters was a taciturn, demanding coach who put together a team of civilians and active

duty Marines that first practiced in the utilitarian, bare-bones swimming pool at Weapons Battalion on Parris Island. He took young Marines, and non-military adults who had raced in their youth, creating a mixed bag that repeatedly won the South Carolina Masters Championship.

Coach Fetters had one requirement if you wanted his swimming expertise and coaching.

Fetters would coach you for free. He would keep track of your weight, the efficiency of your stroke and your 100-yard butterfly times — but four times a year, you had to compete. Four times a year you had to climb into a Speedo and climb up on a stainless steel starting block and compare your fast-twitch musculature with other South Carolinians in your age group. At one point in the early 2000s, we had 50 swimmers on our team — the largest in South Carolina — and all of those swimmers would drive to Greenville, Columbia or Myrtle Beach and compete for

blue, red, yellow or white ribbons. For about 10 years, Parris Island Masters (or Beaufort Masters) brought home the championship trophy.

But after swimming with the team for 20 years or so, Donna, John and I decided that we had lost our appetite for these ribbons and, parenthetically, Coach Fetters had also retired from the pool deck. After discussion on the topic the three of us “retired” from the team but decided we would continue to practice together.

I am now 78 years old and in the past year have run into some existential problems involving my flexibility, lung capacity and twitched-out deltoids. These days I’m slower, much slower than Donna and John. Which means they finish their “sets” of 500 yards sooner than I do — and they have had to wait on me.

Right at the moment, I know that Donna is sitting on a mountain top — about 40 miles away — without a pool. I am slightly familiar with that mountain and

have encouraged her to use a nearby lake; but apparently that lake comes with leeches.

I’ve explained to Donna the credit card-assisted way to detach a leech’s mouth from one’s stomach, and how to stop the flow of blood, and that these leeches do not carry any pathogen that would affect her eyesight. But, so far, she refuses to swim with the leeches.

So yesterday, Susan and I drove up into Vermont searching for a leech-free place for Donna to swim. We found that recent floods had fouled Buttermilk Falls in Ludlow, Vt., but Pike’s Falls was swimmable.

At Pike’s Falls I swam into the 15-foot-tall torrent of white water while keeping one eye on the kids who were jumping off nearby rocks. It was bracing, but not so cold as to cause hypothermia-triggered paralysis.

And there were no leeches.

Scott Graber is a lawyer, novelist, veteran columnist and longtime resident of Port Royal. He can be reached at cscottgraber@gmail.com.

Hang on to those Trump Bucks! Or don't

Few things amuse me as much as the homogeneity of self-described “independent thinkers.”

I remember one afternoon in college, waiting for my order of 59cent burritos and noticing a trio of students who had been in line behind me.

I motioned toward them and told one of my buddies, “Rebels, but they all wear the same uniform: t-shirts with punk band logos, torn jeans and black Chuck Taylors. How can you be a rebel when you’re doing the same thing all the other rebels are doing?”

Many supporters of the former president are recognizable by their uniforms: The wraparound sunglasses; big-block pickups; the trucker hats; the militaristic window decals; and “Don’t tread on me” bumper stickers. Conservatives have become easy marks for the parade of grifters who try to trigger any and every

TERRY MANNING

emotion to get them to spend their hard-earned money to support what they think liberals hate. For folks who love to love to call everybody else “sheep,” they are quick to adopt ways to showcase their support for the president. Some of them will spend every dime they have to prove they are on his team — and he knows it. The latest example is the clamor to purchase T-shirts, coffee mugs, and other paraphernalia with the former president’s booking photo from his indictment in Fulton County, Georgia. The Washington Post reports the first merchandise was available for sale a short

90 minutes after the mug shot was taken. The photo is accompanied by the slogan, “Never Surrender,” despite his doing exactly that to prevent a warrant from being issued for his arrest.

But it’s been going on since long before that. The first time I noticed was a radio ad at least a decade ago for a barbecue joint in downtown Montgomery, Ala. After touting the freshly made smoky goodness of his offerings (which he regularly served after reheating frozen meat in a microwave) he ended the commercial, “And folks? God bless America.”

I laughed at the cheap sentiment, but he knew his target demographic.

Conservatives decry “cancel culture” but regularly use their buying power to destroy some careers while making kings of others. They boycotted the Dixie Chicks for protesting the Gulf War but supported country

singer Morgan Wallen after he used racial slurs.

They blew up their Yeti coolers because they thought the manufacturer had dissed the NRA and then bought brand-new Yeti coolers after they discovered no slight had taken place.

They targeted Bud Light for reaching out to a transgender influencer, hitting Anheuser-Busch so hard it actually ran ads pleading for the jobs of its employees who produced the beer. That failed, and now Mexican-brand Modelo Especial is America’s top seller.

They stayed away from Disney’s “The Little Mermaid” because it belonged to Disney and because the mermaid was portrayed by a Black actress (“woke” alert!) They are lining up to watch the QAnon-approved thriller “Sound of Freedom,” but can’t stop lying about movie theaters trying to sabotage screenings. They tried to boycott

Chick-fil-A after its owner said he said white American Christians owed a debt to Black Americans for the enduring legacy of slavery. That fizzled out, but then someone found a years-old diversity statement on the franchise’s website and launched a second attempt.

They made “Rich Men North of Richmond” a number-one hit because they thought it was another “blue-collar anthem” attacking liberals. And then singer-songwriter Oliver Anthony posted a video to social media explaining that many of his would-be supporters had missed the song's point.

After the song was showcased during the recent Republican primary debate, Anthony responded, “I wrote that song about those people.” He took the typical libertarian stance that he was being misunderstood — and exploited — by both big political parties. Even though he gave Fox News

permission to use the song and though he previously had given an interview to Fox News about the song. But Fox News is where the suckers are, right? It’s not news the network’s viewers are the most misinformed of any major news network's audience.

Now we are seeing studies showing the financial toll of the constant barrage of commercials pushing them to invest in gold, buy pro-conservative digital currencies, purchase reverse mortgages, protect themselves against IRS audits, and, lest we forget, rest their heads on MyPillows while they wait for Mike Lindell to prove how the 2020 election was stolen. Freedom isn’t free, but conservatives have made their version of “patriotism” cost way too much.

Terry E. Manning is a Clemson graduate and worked for 20 years as a journalist. He can be reached at teemanning@gmail.com.

Clean energy is just good business

As we swelter our way through the hottest month in recorded history and fret over what our next Dominion Energy bill will look like, it might be an opportune time to step back from the immediate and take a wider view of what is happening to our climate, how that is impacting us, and what we can do about it.

I’m sure quite a few of us have seen headlines and stories like these ...

Phoenix, Ariz.

Set a record for the longest span of days (as of July 25) with highs above 110 degrees Fahrenheit – 26 days. Had its highest low temperature ever of 97 F. Miami, Fla.

Hit a record of 44 days with a heat index above 100 F.

El Paso, Texas

Crushed their record of consecutive days with triple-digit heat.

As of July 25, the city is currently at 40 days straight and counting.

Death Valley, Calif.

At 1 a.m., Tuesday, July 25, the recorded temperature was 120 F. It cooled off all the way down to 105 at 7 a.m.

Now, some may dismiss this as just a U.S. heatwave. OK. Fair enough. But there were other headlines.

Rome, Italy

Experienced its highest temperature in recorded history on

July 18. The mercury hit 109 F. Sicily, Italy

On the same day Rome hit its highest temperature, Sicily topped out at 115 F.

Figueres, Spain

Again on July 18, this city hit a new high record of 113 F, a record for the Catalonia region of Spain.

By now there is too much evidence pointing to the fact that the Earth’s climate is changing — not for the better — and that humans are responsible. And one of the overwhelming contributing factors to humans’ responsibility for climate change is the burning of fossil fuels.

Why then, with all of this evidence staring us in the face, would the management of major (some may say monopoly) utilities continue to generate energy for the electrical grid from fossil fuels? And why would they con-

tinue to include fossil fuel generation in their upcoming Integrated Resource Plans (IRP) — which cover the next 30 years — to be submitted to the Public Service Commission (PSC)?

Not only is reliance on fossil fuels irresponsible from a climate standpoint, but fossil fuels are also more expensive — much more — than other types of energy, chief among these solar.

But you see, the utility companies are really not bothered by price volatility, because they pass 100% of the cost to generate and provide energy to their customers. They literally have no skin in the game. No “cost of doing business” that they absorb. It’s all on us.

If that arrangement does not sit well with you, you have a chance right now — this month — to do something about it. Email the Public Service Commission at contact@psc.sc.gov and tell them to reject Dominion’s IRP.

There have been several

consumer advocacy groups that have already pointed out the deep flaws in Dominion’s IRP — starting with the fact that it does not use any funds from the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), of which billions have been earmarked for just such a purpose. This kind of business negligence leaves ratepayers’ costs unnecessarily inflated.

Let’s add our voices to theirs, and let Dominion know we’re tired of its rate hikes; we’re tired of bearing the burden of its mismanagement and shortsightedness. We demand that it begin running its business with their customers in mind, and working to offer the least expensive, most reliable, cleanest energy that is available. Regardless of your politics, that’s just good business.

Mike Bogle, a proud Beaufortonian since 2018, is a member of the Beaufort chapter of the Citizens’ Climate Lobby and can be reached at topicallyyoursllc@gmail.com.

MIKE BOGLE

If the dark side can deceive one generation

Achild’s mind is like a sponge that is constantly absorbing more information. This can be a good thing if they are learning about God and how to develop a personal relationship with Him. Unfortunately, a Godless society along with a secular public education system moved away from the golden rules which were considered our Heavenly Father’s standard for holy and obedient living. There was a time when taking children to Sunday School was admired by society as a normal way to lead the family into a spiritually moral and wholesome lifestyle. In the evenings the father would gather his family around and read the Bible and discuss right and wrong and how we all should live.

This family time created a trust and spiritual bond as the parents and children discussed perspectives and learned about the challenges and accountability of everyday life. We know in the eyes of God this was good, but of course, we also realize that Satan wanted to do everything he could to break this up. And he did.

When we look around today, we see that entertainment was the distraction that caused the family unit to become separated

from each other and more importantly away from God.

Christians were supposed to be mature and wise when it came to standing firm in their convictions, however, the carnal flesh is not an opponent to be taken lightly.

Television came into the home in the 1950s and slowly replaced conversation with an outside voice. Instead of gathering around the word of God, families gathered around one of the greatest time stealers the world has ever known. What happened to the convictions about sanctification and a determination to live pure and holy for God?

This has everything to do with guarding the mind which is connected with the conscience, but when entertainment became an idol, it gave the flesh a perfect opportunity to sit on the throne of the heart and take control. The reverential fear of God was abandoned and now instead of listening to the Holy Spirit, many were led by their emotions.

EDITOR’S NOTE

This column represents a milestone – Billy Holland’s 400th column. “I'm very grateful for those of you who use the column, and some of you, I've known since the beginning back in 2016. I appreciate hearing from you and encouraged to have you as friends.”

Christians led their guard down, opened the door to carnal thinking, and they became lukewarm and backslidden. Who suffered the most? The children.

According to George Barna, whatever a child learns and accepts at an early age, has already been planted deep within their perspectives and ideology.

“A person’s worldview is primarily shaped and is firmly in place by the time someone reaches the age of thirteen; it is refined through experience during the teen and early adult years, and then it is passed on to others during their adult life.”

The world hardly recognizes the good and bad of this reality, but the Christian should be awakened of how important it is to reach every child with the gospel. The dark side has always known that public school was a critical battleground for control over what is taught to young

and impressionable minds. Why do you think the devil worked so hard to legally remove prayer, the Bible, and all Christian influences?

A parent’s love for the Lord and the passion to lead the family into a closer walk with God definitely requires willpower and perseverance. The foundation of discipline is love and a responsible parent is not afraid to fight against principalities and powers that are attempting to devour their children. Allow me to say it’s obvious the system of the great reset is targeting the young ones because all it takes

is for one generation to be deceived and it will change the course of the world. It already has.

Much of what children are being taught today is a disgrace and an abomination to God and humanity. Where are the parents? The church fell asleep and now we are seeing the results of when watchmen who promise to be spiritually alert, would rather relax in the comforts of pleasure.

I have a dear friend I grew up with, and she is involved in a worldwide ministry called Child Evangelism Fellowship. I hope that some of you are familiar

with this outreach, but sadly many are not. If you want to know more about it, check out their website and see if there is a field representative in your area. Volunteer your time to tell a child about Christ, encourage your church to get involved. Every Christian has been called to be a watchman and a missionary in their network, unless they would rather do nothing.

Billy Holland is an ordained minister, author, chaplain, and worship leader. Discover more about the Christian life at billyhollandministries.com.

When

BILLY HOLLAND

UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS

Recruit Training Regiment, Marine Corps Recruit Depot

Parris Island, South Carolina, 25 August 2023

Recruit Training Regiment • Commanding Officer, Colonel C. B. McArthur

1st Recruit Training Battalion • Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Colonel K. R. Sile Commander of Troops, Captain K. E. Krzemien • Parade Adjutant, Captain E. P. Lee Company “D”, 1st Recruit Training Battalion • Commanding Officer, Captain K. E. Krzemein Drill Master • Staff Sergeant R. W. McNew

PLATOON 1056

Senior Drill Instructor

SSgt R. H. Spotswood

PFC Adams, A. L.

Pvt Arellanobecerra, C. A.

Pvt Baug, T. A.

Pvt Beal, B. M.

Pvt Benjamin Jr, C. E.

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PFC Bodensteiner, E. T.

Pvt Brown, M. R.

Pvt Barrow, R. E.

PFC Cabe, C. L.

Pvt Carter, J. C.

Pvt Cattee, C. C.

Pvt Chandler Jr, A. M.

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Pvt Charles, T. C.

PFC Chouinard, E. R.

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PLATOON 1057

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PFC Anastacioresendiz, C.

PFC Ayalavalencia, V. I.

PFC Brown, M. J.

Pvt Burdo, A. M.

PFC Cassel, K. F.

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Pvt Holden, A. G.

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PFC Akoto Jr, G. S. *

PFC Aroz, G. K.

Pvt Aubel, A.

PFC Barber, L. J. *

PFC Cain, J. M.

PFC Christopher, J. B.

Pvt Clark, B. L.

Pvt Cole, C. M.

Pvt Cole, S. N.

Pvt Crites, D. A.

Pvt Daulton, J. F.

Pvt Dillingham, E. P.

Pvt Dunn, E. C.

Pvt Elam, C. A.

Pvt Fernandez, J. G.

PFC Flatford, S. W.

PFC Fordham, C. L.

Pvt France, E. T.

Pvt Franco, D. A.

Pvt Galvan, L. C.

Pvt Gasparmateo, B. N.

Pvt Graham, E. J.

PFC Graham, S. M.

Pvt Hernandez, J. C.

PFC Herron, S. T.

Pvt Hinds, N. R.

PFC Horace, K. M.

Pvt Johnson, K. D.

Pvt Juarezlopez, J.

PFC Latpakdy, C. J.

Pvt Mcdonner, A. C.

Pvt Mckinney, K. L.

PFC Merritt, T. T.

PFC Moran, N. Z. *

Pvt Navarro Jr, F. M.

PFC Nichols, B. J.

Pvt Nobles, D. L.

Pvt Oden, D. Z.

PFC Oshields, D. L.

PFC Paulinoliriano, B. J.

PFC Pearsall, D. S. *

PFC Perrone, A. P.

PFC Ramsey, J. S.

Pvt Ross, T. P.

Pvt Sanchezfigueroa, S.

Pvt Serranoecheverria, A. X.

PFC Shea, M. W.

PFC Simpson, B. R.

PFC Steinhaus, J. A.

Pvt Stephens, R. J.

PFC Suarezilagor, M.

Pvt Swartzentruber, J. L.

Pvt Tate, B. A.

PFC Taylor, C. J.

PFC Torres II, I.

PFC Turner Jr, D. D.

PFC Vaughn, A. T.

PFC Villa, E. I.

Pvt Villagranventura, A. G.

PFC Williams, I. H.

Pvt Williams Jr, T. F.

Pvt Yeatts, C. D.

Pvt Zabel, C. R.

PLATOON 1060

Senior Drill Instructor Sgt R. J. Colón

Pvt Acevedoxiquita, D. E. *

Pvt Arguello, D. P.

PFC Avillacalle, A. E.

Pvt Baezmelo, H. R.

Pvt Barry, B. A.

Pvt Beatty, C. J.

PFC Biggs, J. L.

PFC Boehringer, E. J.

PFC Brimm, M. B.

Pvt Budke, E. A.

PFC Burgette, N. A.

Pvt Canales, M. A.

PFC Church, B. W.

Pvt Closson, B. S.

Pvt Criley, D. J.

PFC Fowler, C. J.

PFC Freeman, J. J.

Pvt Freistuhler, K. K.

Pvt Garrett, H. P.

PFC Gifford, B. M.

Pvt Gomez, J.

PFC Griffis, J. E. *

PFC Gyles, K. J.

PFC Habib, K. R. *

Pvt Heitsenrether, R. A.

Pvt Henderson, O. J.

PFC Hill, C. D.

Pvt Holmes, T. J.

Pvt Howard, D. L.

Pvt Huerta, O. A.

Pvt Immele, L. A.

Pvt Jolicoeur, B. J.

Pvt Joseph, A. K.

Pvt Lewis, F. W.

PFC Marek III, D. J.

Pvt Martinez, E. A.

Pvt May, C. C.

PFC McGinness, R. J.

Pvt Mehok, K. J.

Pvt Miklic, A. S.

Pvt Miller, A. K.

PFC Mulvehill, C. J.

PFC Murphy, J. M.

PFC Myers, P. A.

Pvt Penney, D. L.

Pvt Phillips, L. A.

Pvt Piresfortes, A. J.

PFC Prescott, J. C. *

Pvt Pugh, G. J.

Pvt Ramsay, R. S.

PFC Remache, J. A.

PFC Rodriguezcarpio Jr, R.

Pvt Sanabia Jr, J.

PFC Slinger, M. R.

PFC Stacks Jr, R. D.

Pvt Stafford, E. T.

PFC Streets, B. D.

Pvt Stuntebeck, B. R.

Pvt Swesey, M. M.

Pvt Tharpe, S. J.

Pvt Thomas Jr, A. A.

PFC Tlapanco, F.

PFC Tlapanco, L.

Pvt Valdezzambrano, S. A.

PFC Woodyard, N. J.

Pvt Wotruba, J. A.

Pvt Wraya, A. A.

PLATOON

1061

Senior Drill Instructor

SSgt J. M. Kivett

Pvt Adair, C. H.

Pvt Atkinson, D. L.

PFC Baird, S. A.

PFC Binion Jr, T. L.

Pvt Brown, N. M.

PFC Cantrell, C. M.

Pvt Combs, E. L.

Pvt Culver, C. T.

Pvt Deese, Z. C.*

PFC Emerick, K. C.

PFC Fittro, D. J.

PFC Ford Jr, P. A.

PFC Garceau, M. R.

PFC Garciadiaz, L. M.

Pvt Hackworth, A. C.*

PFC Haven, J. W.

PFC Healey, L. S.

Pvt Hedger, N. W.

Pvt Ixmayjuarez, A. E.

Pvt Jackson III, S. J.

PFC Jackson, A. D.

PFC Jaramillolindstrand, N. E.

Pvt Lai, Y.

Pvt Lopezcordova, J. A.

Pvt Lopezsantiago, J. D.

Pvt Lopezvilleda, T. Y.

Pvt Mccartney, C. M.

Pvt Mcpherson, A. W.

PFC Meade, A. A.

Pvt Mejiarivera, J. E.

PFC Mercado, E. Y.

PFC Merrill, J. L.

Pvt Miller, B. W.

Pvt Moore, T. G.

PFC Morelortiz, C. J.

Pvt Muhlhan, M. M.*

PFC Myers, D. A.

PFC Nikolevski, C. J.

Pvt Ofosu, E. T.

PFC Oliver, L H.

PFC Ortizferreiras, J.

Pvt Osborne, S. C.

Pvt Patsis, A. V.

Pvt Perez, O.

Pvt Perkins, A. P.

Pvt Phung, K. X.

Pvt Pruitt, C. D.

PFC Raye, A. R.

Pvt Richman, P. K.

Pvt Rodriguez, J. S.

Pvt Rodriguez, J. N.

Pvt Rossiter, C. A.

Pvt Rothstein, J. M.

Pvt Shaub, B. P.

Pvt Sheppard, Q. X.

PFC SimonGonzalez, J.

Pvt Sivillo, H. P.

Pvt Solly, D. M.

LCpl Stamper, A. J.*

Pvt Steely, A. M.

Pvt Stocker, J. B.

Pvt Thomas, B. D.

Pvt

Tubbs, A. M.

Pvt Tucker, I. L.

Pvt Walter, Z. J.

Pvt Wilson, D. A.

PFC Zolia, Z. J.

PLATOON 1062

Senior Drill Instructor

SSgt J. D. Murguia

Pvt Abdi, M. M

Pvt Adcock, C. P.

Pvt Bailey, H. S.

Pvt Bailey, K. A.

Pvt Benson, A. M.

PFC Bergeron, N. P.

PFC Boose, J. G.

Pvt Brabbs, S. M.

Pvt Britton, E. G.

PFC Camposzapata, A. A.

Pvt Carlson, O. A.

Pvt Charles, B. J.

PFC Comasperez, D. A.

Pvt Compere, M. D.

Pvt Cruz, E. C.

PFC Dawkins, K. A.

Pvt Deloatch, T. C.

PFC Derting, D. M.

Pvt Deweerdt, L. R.

Pvt Drumm, S. D.

Pvt Ducu, H. L.

PFC Ereforokuma, B. E.

Pvt Estradareyes, I. O.

Pvt Ferrer, F.

PFC Fusaro, M. R.

PFC Guzman, N. E.

PFC Harris, S. J.

Pvt Herrera, A. J.

Pvt Hill, D. J.

Pvt Howington, J. P.

Pvt Hufham, G. H.

Pvt Jerome, O.

PFC Kaetzel, C. F.

PFC Kerfoot, M. L.

PFC Kremer, Z. T.

Pvt Kucukdugenci, M. B.

Pvt Laboy, J. J.

PFC Lawrence, O. N.

PFC Lynch, T. C.

PFC Maddle, E. B.

PFC Maponya, M. C.

Pvt Marquez, J. E.

Pvt

Mast, D. J.

PFC Menton, R. M.

PFC Mercedesogando, J.

PFC Nickel, C. M.

Pvt Orr, D. H.

Pvt Perezpiedra, C. A.

Pvt Piper, D. L.

Pvt Pirner, B. T.

PFC Reilly, M. D.

Pvt Searles, E. T.

PFC Seat, T. C.

PFC Simon, O. A.

PFC Slayton, Z. C.

PFC Smith, Z. R.

PFC Sosnoski, O. T.

Pvt Soumare, A. M.

Pvt Sportell, J. A.

PFC Stetz, E. J.

Pvt Stevens, T. J.

Pvt Stewart, D. R.

Pvt Thomas, K. M.

Pvt Thomas, L. A.

Pvt Tracey, L. A.

Pvt Turnbull, J. R.

Pvt

Vest, J. M.

PFC Wenz, J. D.

PFC Zuluaga, M. E.

PLATOON

1063

Senior Drill Instructor

SSgt J. E. Burris, Jr.

Pvt Abtey, M. O.

Pvt Alavarado, O.

Pvt Armstrong, C. S.

PFC Bast, G. M. *

Pvt Beasley, L. R.

PFC Bennett, Hunter F. *

Pvt Blanco, A.

PFC Broadway, D. E.

PFC Brott, N. D.

PFC Brown, S.A.

Pvt Caffery, M. G.

Pvt Camacho, A. T.

Pvt Collins, J. A.

PFC Concepcion, J. R.

Pvt Davis, J. M.

PFC Dennard, A. V. *

Pvt Dietz, A. P.

PFC Felton, S. A.

PFC Frimpong, K. O.

Pvt Graciareyes, H.

PFC Hall, C. A. *

PFC Hammadi, M. S.

Pvt Herrea, G.

Pvt Hickman, J. A.

PFC Kern, A. T.

Pvt Larrazabalclaros,

UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS

Recruit Training Regiment, Marine Corps Recruit Depot

Parris Island, South Carolina, 1 September 2023

Recruit Training Regiment • Commanding Officer, Colonel C. B. McArthur

2nd Recruit Training Battalion • Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Colonel C. J. Kearney

Commander of Troops, Captain S. Z. Sheikh • Parade Adjutant, Staff Sergeant T. A. Hilgendorf Company “E”, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion • Commanding Officer, Captain S. Z. Sheikh

PLATOON 2064

Senior Drill Instructor SSgt M. A. Valentinewillliams

PFC Adams, A. B.

Pvt Allen, C. E.

PFC Archer, J. K.

PFC Arellanocastillo, J.

PFC Atkinson, T. L.

Pvt Blackwell, T. K.

PFC Box, N. M. *

PFC Brockett, A. J.

Pvt Brooks, J. J.

PFC Campos, J. B.

PFC Cancino, J. D.

PFC Cash, A. T.

PFC Chamness, O. A.

Pvt Collier, J. C.

PFC Collins, D. M.

PFC Cuevas, A. L.

Pvt Daniels, D. X.

Pvt Diaz, W. A.

PFC Dodrill, K. A.

PFC Dolen, N. D.

PFC Doyle, D. S.

PFC Elizondo, H.

Pvt Fernandez, J.

Pvt Garcia, R. A.

Pvt Garciaperdomo, A.

Pvt Garner, A. S.

PFC Godown, L. J.

Pvt Gonzalezbeal, I. S.

PFC Green, A. C.

Pvt Hamilton, S. J.

Pvt Harrison, C. A.

Pvt Iturralde, R. J.

PFC Jones, C. R.

Pvt Keo, N. D.

Pvt Kidd, C. J.

PFC La, J.

Pvt Levy, D. J.

Pvt Livingston, K. B.

PFC Long, A. K. *

Pvt Louis, M.

PFC Lowman, D. A.

PFC Mallory, R. B.

Pvt Martinez, J. D.

PFC Mccorkle, C. J.

Pvt Mcmillan, J. D.

Pvt Mies, J. A.

PFC Miller, J. C.

PFC Moon, A. T. *

PFC Obrien, W. K.

PFC Owenby, W. A.

PFC Perezdelatorre, O. D.

Pvt Pitts, M. N.

Pvt Poland, B. J.

PFC Powell Jr., C. J.

Pvt Purcell, J. D.

PFC Richardson, J. Z.

PFC Ridge, M. A.

PFC Santiago, A. M.

Pvt Sebastian, N. F.

Pvt Semenov, D.

PFC Serna, V G.

Pvt Smith, K J.

Pvt Smith, P. M.

PFC Sneed, C. D. *

PFC Taffner, J. W.

PFC Tresalus, E. S.

PFC Vermeil, D

PFC Wadsworth, K. T.

Pvt Walsh, M. A.

Pvt Washington Jr., Q. D.

Pvt Wheeler, B. M.

PFC White, A. L.

Pvt Williams, J. A.

PFC Young, D. D. *

PFC Zavalaramos, J.

Drill Masters • Gunnery Sergeant L. M. Hinton, Staff Sergeant M. M. Jordan

PLATOON 2065

Senior Drill Instructor SSgt S. J. Dotson

Pvt Ackels, C. M.

Pvt Aguayorodriguez, N. K.

PFC Ahmed, K. A.

PFC Alvaradolopez, K.

Pvt Alvarez, N. E.

PFC Anderson, A. M.

Pvt Balliu, G.

Pvt Barreraguzman, E.

Pvt Bautistagomez, S.

Pvt Benitez, K. P.

Pvt Bonestroo, C. L.

Pvt Brazell, C. B.

PFC Bryant, N. C.

Pvt Camposbravo, O.Y.

Pvt Castro, J.A.

Pvt Chavez, V. R.

PFC Chavez, W. P.

PFC Crenshaw, N. S.

Pvt Cruz, G. M.

PFC Daniels, A. K. *

Pvt Delatorremontana, N. D.

PFC Delgado, E.

PFC Demulling, Z.L.

PFC Doolin, A. R.

PFC Esquivelayala, K. I.

PFC Evans, K. J.

PFC Folsom, S. S.

PFC Foster, T. A. *

PFC Galvin, C.L.

Pvt Garcia, D. A.

Pvt Gomez, C. A.

Pvt Guerra, G.

Pvt Hakaumotu, M.

Pvt Henry, B. C.

Pvt Hunter, R.C.

Pvt Jacksoncottrell, M. S.

Pvt Jenkins, K. N.

PFC Jones, A. A.

PFC Lara, A.

PFC Lima, B. S.

Pvt Lolin, D. K.

PFC Lopez, C. T.

PFC Luisruiz, D.

PFC Lunaaguilar, A. L.

PFC Maldonado, N. A.

Pvt Marquez, M. M.

Pvt Martinez, A.R.

PFC Matson, D. L. *

Pvt Meehan, D. A.

Pvt Mendezhilerio, A. J.

PFC Miles, S. R. *

PFC Muniz, A. J.

Pvt Navarro, N. A.

PFC Olanhillet, A.C.

PFC Osborne, L. I.

PFC Ozuna, A.I.

Pvt Patino, D. B.

Pvt Perez, C. A.

Pvt Quirozmendez, A. M.

Pvt Reed, A. F.

Pvt Rich, A. R.

Pvt Rivas, R.

PFC Riveramendoza, L. M.

PFC Rodriguezpena, G.J.

PFC Sandoval, G.

Pvt Serrano, A. M.

Pvt Shell, E. R.

PFC Solersheffield, P. A.

PFC Stanley, A. D.

PFC Tapiamejia, D.A.

PFC Torres, C. M.

Pvt Tribble, A. N. Pvt Turrubiarte, M. K.

PLATOON 2066

Senior Drill Instructor

SSgt J. Bautista

Pvt Alavardo C.

PFC Anderson, C. R. *

Pvt Arellano, D.

Pvt Ash, J. W.

Pvt Baird, N. R.

Pvt Bangura, A.

Pvt Becknell, J. G.

PFC Bender, A. J.

Pvt Brinkdoepke, M. E.

Pvt Canchola, R. M.

Pvt Cardwell, A. B.

Pvt Castellanosmejia, H. A.

Pvt Curry, D. J.

Pvt Czyz, N. P.

Pvt Davis, H. R.

Pvt Dunn, D. J.

Pvt Eaton, J. W.

Pvt Eaton, M. W.

PFC Ebube, H. C. *

Pvt Estua, J.

PFC Everthart, K. H.

Pvt Fields, J. J.

Pvt Ford, E. J.

PFC Friel, J. T.

Pvt Gavin, H. F.

Pvt Gilbert, G. R.

Pvt Groff K. R.

Pvt Guzman, E. G.

PFC Haney, S. R.

Pvt Hassenger, C. D.

PFC Hernandez, J. P.

PFC Hines, M. A. *

PFC Honaker, D. A.

Pvt Howell, A. J.

Pvt Hyder, S. J.

Pvt James, L. G.

Pvt Johnson, W. K.

Pvt Judkins, A. F.

PFC Kleinfelter, C. T.

PFC Laprade, N. J.

Pvt Leonarteaga, J. J.

PFC Lindsey, C. R. *

Pvt Maffei, A. J.

PFC Martinez, N. M. *

PFC Mccloud, V. M.

Pvt Mcdaniel, D. D.

PFC Messner, P. A.

Pvt Moon, G. A.

PFC Moskalchyn, P.

PFC Moya, A. J.

PFC Murphy, A. J.

PFC Orbegoso, M. A.

PFC Parker, J. C.

Pvt Patch, A. P.

Pvt Pattermann, A. C.

Pvt Penn, G. E.

PFC Perry, M. J.

Pvt Radjail, N. C.

Pvt Rahlan, J,

Pvt Ramsey, B. S.

Pvt Rexrode, E. A.

Pvt Richardson, N. W.

Pvt Ritovillar, B.

Pvt Rowe, D. A.

Pvt Rubio, J. D.

Pvt Ruizvallejo, A.

Pvt Sanchez Jr., C. J.

Pvt Sandres, J. A.

PFC Smith, J. D.

PFC Steele, M. A.

PFC Stroup, Z. W.

Pvt Styles II, C. D.

Pvt Thomas, C. W.

Pvt Umbaugh, K. J.

Pvt Vanwyk, J. S.

PFC Wallace, J. D.

PLATOON 2068

Senior Drill Instructor

Sgt A. F. Cifuentes

PFC Barnes, J. C.

PFC Bayless, N. R. *

Pvt Bond, A. D.

PFC Carbaugh, J. E.

Pvt Cavanaugh, J. A.

PFC Chime, K. E. *

PFC Clayton, S. A.

PFC Contrerassiranaula, B. M.

PFC Cornett, D.W.

Pvt Cowart, J. R.

Pvt Desrosiers, S.

Pvt Diazramirez, R.

Pvt Duhon, C. E.

PFC Echevarrialeonardo, W. J.

PFC Equizabal III, R. A.

PFC Febres Jr., V. M.

Pvt Fraser, J. C.

Pvt Garciaorrego, J. D.

Pvt Gasparmateo, L. A.

Pvt Gil, L. J.

PFC Goetz, L. F. *

Pvt Green, J. A.

Pvt Griffith, D. V.

PFC Guardado Jr, W. A.

PFC Gutierrezmatos, J. A.

PFC Gyan, A. N.

Pvt Hammond, D. M.

PFC Hardimon, D. D.

Pvt Hernandezserrato, J. M.

PFC Hernandezvillatoro, C. A.

PFC Howell, C. J.

Pvt Infante, J. M.

Pvt James, T. S.

Pvt Jaramillo, K. A.

Pvt Karafa, B. J.

Pvt Kelly, D. C.

Pvt Kirker, R. A.

PFC Knowles, A. C.

PFC Lamoudi, M. A.

PFC Lee, D.

PFC Leonsosa, D. G.

Pvt Loralora, G.

PFC Menard, C. M.

Pvt Mendoza, C. V.

Pvt Mikolajczak, E.

PFC Monegrotejada, D. J.

PFC Montero, A. S.

Pvt Morten, J. C.

PFC Ortizbeltre, R. A.

PFC Pope, N. R.

Pvt Pott, C. A.

Pvt Pringle, C. W.

Pvt Ramirez, Z. L.

Pvt Ramosgalicia, E.

Pvt Reilly, A. P.

Pvt Reyes, L. F.

Pvt Riness Jr., M. R.

Pvt Rodgers, M. R.

PFC Seo, D.

PFC Serrano, T. J.

PFC Sill, A. D. *

PFC Sinclair, E. J.

Pvt Tapaswi, A.

PFC Tat, B. T.

Pvt Thouy, M. W.

Pvt Tysinger, B. J.

PFC Vidal, S. A.

PFC Wagner, J. T. *

Pvt Wee, E. H.

Pvt Williams, N. A.

Pvt Won Jr., D. D.

PLATOON 2069

Senior Drill Instructor

SSgt J. King Jr.

Pvt Ampuero, J. C.

Pvt Anazcofarina, J.

Pvt Bangura, B. M.

Pvt Barreto, D.

Pvt Bates, J. L.

PFC Beaty, J. E. *

PFC Brady, Q. D.

PFC Brewer, L. J.

Pvt Brown, M. J.

PFC Clark, G. S.

Pvt Colson, S. D.

PFC Colvard, D. Q. *

PFC Comello, C. A.

Pvt Delong, C. R.

Pvt Dodson, N. N.

Pvt Ekwengolle, E.

PFC Fariss, E. J.

Pvt Fico, J. F.

PFC Fleck, M. A.

Pvt Floreshernandez, D. W.

Pvt Frisby, M. C.

PFC Helle, L. C.

Pvt Hernandezhernandez, R.

PFC Hickman, D.

PFC Jones, J. L.

Pvt Jordan, R. P.

PFC Kim, M. *

PFC Langford, N. T.

PFC Lifford, S. C. *

PFC Lopez, D. A.

Pvt Lopezvargas, J. M.

PFC Lykins, J. M.

PFC Mackay, R. J.

Pvt Mahaney, E. J.

Pvt Mccormick, J. L.

PFC Mccune, J. R. *

Pvt Mendezrosario, N. D.

Pvt Mort, C. M.

Pvt Mounts, A. H.

PFC Munro, J. T.

PFC Myers, D. W.

Pvt Naquin, L. E.

Pvt Nith, C. D.

PFC Ochoa, S.

Pvt Oha, J. U.

Pvt Osborn, P. A.

Pvt Page, N. W.

PFC Peake, Z. L.

PFC Perl, A. J.

Pvt Phelps Jr, W. D.

Pvt Phelps, T. R.

Pvt Rhodes, L. A.

Pvt Robinson, N. J.

Pvt Rojas, M. D.

Pvt Selitte, J. B.

Pvt Slabaugh, J. A.

Pvt Smith Jr, V. P.

Pvt Sosadeleon, C.

Pvt Swaczyk, B. S.

Pvt Taylor, O. C.

Pvt Tibbetts, B. A.

PFC Togba, J. J.

PFC Torres, C. A.

PFC Tran, T. D.

Pvt Vales, J. D.

Pvt Vanterpool, S. U.

PFC Wendt, K. R.

Pvt White, J. J.

PFC Wilkens, S. A.

PFC Willis, N. T.

PFC Wilson, J. D.

Pvt Winters, E. J.

Pvt Wright, A. A.

Pvt Zelocuatecatlsantos Jr, I.

PLATOON 2070

Senior Drill Instructor

SSgt S. J. Gutzan

Pvt Aguilar, E.

PFC Akalu, N. W.

Pvt Altimus, W. C.

Pvt Arrechearodriguez, K.

Pvt Ashby, M. P.

Pvt Barriosgonzalez, B.

Pvt Barriostobar, A. A.

Pvt Bittner, D. A.

Pvt Blessitt, J. A.

Pvt Bukkhegyi, J. D.

Pvt Clemente, M. A.

Pvt Coffman, C. M.

PFC Crouch Jr, J. P.

Pvt Cunningham Jr, D. L.

Pvt Dashno, N. G.

Pvt Depino, B. M.

Pvt Derental, A. D.

PFC Donihue, D. M.

Pvt Dormezil, J. L.

Pvt Emery Jr., R. S.

Pvt Faust, G. W.

Pvt Flores, D. A.

Pvt Franssen, J. K.

Pvt Garciaayala, J.

Pvt Garrido, D.

Pvt George, E. G.

Pvt Gilday, I. J.

Pvt Granados, A. G.

Pvt Hainzer, M. W.

Pvt Handy, S.

Pvt Harper Jr., G. L.

PFC Heiden, D. E.

Pvt Holmes, B. C.

Pvt Huashuayo, C. S.

Pvt Hundertmark, M. B.

PFC Hyppolite, B.

PFC Jones, T. A.

PFC Lecce, N. M.

Pvt Lejeune, Z. J.

Pvt Long, L. L.

Pvt Lopez, D. A.

Pvt Lopezlara, P.

PFC Lozada Jr., R. S. *

PFC Martin, L. C. *

Pvt Maziekas, J. R.

Pvt Michot Jr., J. E.

Pvt Moraxtitla, J.

Pvt Munozperez, M. A.

Pvt Nobliski, I. A.

Pvt Noel, C.

PFC Olutoba, O. E.

Pvt Ortizmiranda, L.

PFC Paltauf, G. A. *

PFC Payton, B. J.

Pvt Petersen, T. Z.

PFC Prebosnyak, L. C.

Pvt Reh, P.

Pvt Ritenour, B. T.

Pvt Rivera, L. V.

Pvt Robinson, A. D.

Pvt Roush, S. E.

Pvt Santos III, J. F.

Pvt Schaeffer, C. E.

PFC Scott, Z. T.

PFC Shake, M. C. *

Pvt Smith, L. M.

Pvt Soudier, J. J.

Pvt Thaw, A.

PFC Turner, J. L. *

PFC Wakefield, C. W.

Pvt Whalen, S. L.

Pvt Young, K. A.

Pvt Zapatatoro, S.

Pvt Zhao, A. E.

*Denotes Meritorious Promotions

Big shoes to fill

Pfc. Robert Ellason Barrow III views family’s USMC legacy as a challenge

By Lance Cpl. Ava Alegria United States Marine Corps MCRD PARRIS ISLAND

With his Eagle, Globe, and Anchor secure in the palm of his hand, Pfc. Robert Ellason Barrow III added his name to a family legacy of more than 80 years of military service.

In 1942, Gen. Robert Hilliard Barrow attended recruit training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, commissioning shortly after. He served during World War II, the Korean War, and Vietnam War, receiving the Bronze Star Medal, Distinguished Service Cross, and Navy Cross, while also being recognized with many other awards for his perseverance and devotion to duty.

Gen. Barrow served as the commanding general for Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island from 1972 to 1975 and became the 27th Commandant of the Marine Corps in 1979. In 2002, the Headquarters building on MCRDPI was dedicated to Gen. Barrow in honor of his service and his reformation of recruit training.

His great-nephew Robert Ellason Barrow III, graduated with Delta Company, Platoon 1056 on Aug. 25 2023 at MCRDPI. Gen. Barrow’s son, retired U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. Robert H. Barrow Jr., presented Pfc. Barrow with his EGA following completion of the Crucible.

“From this day on, until the day they put you in the ground, you’re a United States Marine,” said Lt. Col. Barrow as he handed Pfc. Barrow his EGA.

“He’s the only living member of my family that was in the Marine Corps,” Pfc. Barrow emphasized. “It felt like he was passing that torch on to me.”

Pfc. Barrow was born November 25 2003, and was raised in an

Lt.

environment that honored the legacy and contributions of his family to the U.S. Military.

Grace Episcopical Church in Saint Francisville, La., where Gen. Barrow is buried, pays tribute to Pfc. Barrow’s great-uncle annually. Gen. Barrow’s service is honored with a cake cutting and wreath laying ceremony every November on the Marine Corps Birthday.

As a child attending the event, Pfc. Barrow observed how many older Marines and Vietnam veterans were present, coming from near and far to be there.

“I would always go up to them after the cutting of the cake and ask questions,” reminisced Pfc. Barrow with a smile.

Pfc. Barrow said that during the

echo of the 21-gun salute performed at the ceremony, the legacy of his great-uncle’s service to the Corps resonated within him.

“I knew I wanted to be a Marine since I was about 11 or 12 years old,” said Pfc. Barrow.

His father served in the Navy during the Persian Gulf War, and as a child, Pfc. Barrow heard many stories about his experiences. Conversations with his father and his step-grandfather, who was a rifleman at Chosin Reservoir during the Korean War, as well as multiple family members in various branches of the military, inspired Pfc. Barrow to join.

“Growing up I always heard stories from my family about what the military gave them, the

experiences they had, and how it changed them for the better,” said Pfc. Barrow.

Despite his family history, Pfc. Barrow’s recruit training experience was no different from any other recruit’s. His drill instructors made it a point to administer the same degree of intensity during training to every recruit in the platoon.

“They didn’t treat me any differently and I appreciate that,” said Pfc. Barrow. “In my mind I’m no different from any other Marine.”

Pfc. Barrow’s drill instructors often referenced his family history to motivate him.

“If I messed up on something, they would say, 'You have Marine Corps in your blood’; it would

definitely put a fire in me to want to be better,” asserted Barrow. Following graduation and 10 days leave spent with his family, Pfc. Barrow will execute orders to the Infantry Training Battalion at the School of Infantry on Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C. “I’m very excited for this next challenge,” said Pfc. Barrow. “I know if I put my mind to it, I’ll be able to accomplish it.”

Pfc. Barrow views his family legacy as a challenge to make his own impact in the Marine Corps.

“Their experiences inspired me to do my part to help the Corps,” he stated proudly. “I’m proud to say that I’m a part of something bigger than myself.”

Apply for Your VA Benefits and use a VSO to help you

According to the VA, webpage found at https://bit.ly/3QXp9fO, there are numerous ways to apply for VA benefits depending on the type of benefit a veteran or his family member is seeking. Veterans and their families should use a VA-accredited Veterans Service Officer (VSO), attorney, or claims agent to help them with the VA claims and appeals process. VA-accredited representatives are:

Recommended for accreditation by a Veterans Service Organization (American Legion, VVA, VFW, DAV. PAV, AMVETS, etc.). Trusted by the VA because they are trained by the VA, a Veterans Service Organization, and the state Department of Veteran Affairs, must pass a comprehensive exam, are police background checked, required to complete continuing education, and must swear to provide honest and ethical services to veterans.

Veteran Service Organizations

Veteran Service Organizations, like the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA), and others are also called VSOs. To become a Veterans Service Officer, a person has to be recommended by a Veterans Service Organization.

Veteran Service Officers VSO services are free and normally it is a VSO that a veteran should use to navigate the VA sys-

LARRY DANDRIDGE

tem. Attorneys and claims agents charge for services. Attorneys are better suited for helping with difficult appeals and are often used to help with complicated situations.

Veteran Service Officers will help veterans and their family members write and submit their benefits claims to the VA. VSOs will also help veterans and family members gather the information and evidence that supports their claims. Once the claim is filed, VSOs will help track the claim through the system. VSOs will also help veterans and eligible family members file appeals for denied claims.

There are lots of ways to find a VSO.

VA VSO Search Veterans can find and appoint a VA-accredited representative (VSO, attorney, agent) online at https://bit. ly/3eXpwpO. Veterans can find accredited representatives by using the VA Accreditation Search web page at https://bit.ly/3QnCk5M. Veterans can also search for VA-accredited representatives at VA regional offices at https://www.benefits. va.gov/vso/varo.asp.

SC & GA State and County VSOs Veterans can also contact their state Department of

Veteran Affairs to find a county or area VSO. The S.C. Department of Veteran Affairs web page is https://scdva.sc.gov. There is a County Veterans Service Office in each county of S.C. Veterans can find S.C. County VSOs at https://bit.ly/3qbLVSL. They can find Georgia VSOs at https://bit.ly/44KMVA7

Some S.C. VSOs in the footprint of The Island News include:

Beaufort County, 100 Clear Water Way, Beaufort, S.C. 29906 843-255-6880, website https://bit.ly/3qVRmcg (Dr. Caroline P. Fermin is the new Director).

Beaufort DAV Chapter, VSO Michael Vergantino, 843-301-2543 and mlv1030@gmail.com.

Jasper County, Alton Jenkins, 651 Grays Highway, Ridgeland, S.C. 29936, 843726-7727, ajenkins@ jaspercountysc.gov and jcwebsite@jaspercountysc.gov.

Colleton County, Janet Smith, 219 S. Lemacks Street, Suite 124, Walterboro, S.C. 29488 843-549-1412, cvao@ colletoncounty.org.

Some Georgia VSOs in the footprint of The Island News: Chatham County, Ga., Manager Miguel Rivera (Bi-Lingual), 912-9200214, Ext. 2412191 Miguel.rivera5@va.gov, 1170 Shawnee Street, Savannah, Ga., 31419

Also, VSO Sheri Shellman, 912-920-0214 Extension 412194, and VSO Robert Jones, 912920-0214, Extension 412193. Located in the

Savannah VA Outpatient Clinic. Liberty County & Hinesville, Ga., Shannon Daniels, 912-408-2948, shannon.daniels@ vs.state.ga.us, and Dennis Boothe, 912408-2900 ext. 352750, dennis.boothe@ vs.state.ga.us, 500 East Oglethorpe Highway, Hinesville, Ga., 31313 Located inside the Hinesville VA Community-Based Outpatient Clinic. Brunswick Ga., Veterans Field Service Office (located in the VA Community Based Outpatient Clinic), 93 Benchmark Way, Brunswick, Ga., 31520, Manager Stephanie Jordon, Phone: 912-2647360, Email stephanie. jordan1@vs.state.ga.us

Appoint a VSO (Officer) Veterans can (and should) appoint a VSO to help them understand their VA benefits (federal and state benefits) and help them file their claims and appeals, by completing VA Form 21-22a, Appointment of Individual as Claimant’s Representative as Claimant’s Representative. Only one VSO can represent a veteran to the VA at any one time. A veteran can appoint an Attorney, Claims Agent, or individual Veterans Service Officer to represent them.

Appoint a VSO (Organization)

If a veteran prefers to have a Veterans Service Organization instead of an individual, veterans can appoint a VSO to help them understand their VA

benefits (federal and state benefits) and help them file their claims and appeals, by completing VA Form 21-22

Appointment of Veterans Service Organization as Claimant’s Representative. Learn more at https://bit. ly/3qS2abu. State and county Veterans Service Officers are accredited by a Veterans Service Organization and they can call on their Veterans Service Organization to represent and help them and the veteran.

Warning Follow the advice of Mike Figlioli, Army Veteran and VFW Director of National Veterans Services Veterans (see the VA SITREP titled 3 TIPS for Finding a Good VSO at https://bit.ly/3EicX1N). Veterans must make sure they know who they are dealing with is accredited by the VA and are recognized to present claims for prosecution for benefits before the VA.

Do not sign a contract!

If you are offered a contract and that person is not accredited, or they do not present to you a VA Form 21-22, which is a limited power of attorney for the VSO to look at your VA healthcare record or your VA medical records, and provide that claim, you need to leave that person’s office and not look back. Those people are not recognized by the VA, and they are more than likely looking to rip you off for a good percentage of your fees.

Help kill the three myths (lies)

Help kill the myth that VA benefits are only for the veterans who need them the

most. Help kill the myth that the VA only has funding for the most severely wounded, ill, injured, and needy veterans. Help kill the myth that if a veteran takes advantage of a benefit, then a more needy veteran will lose out on that benefit. The truth is the VA is funded to provide all benefits that every veteran is eligible for including healthcare, disability compensation, pension, VR&E, DIC, education, training, home loan, home modification, life insurance, automobile modification, and others.

The bottom line

Quit procrastinating! Go ahead and ask a VSO to help you understand your VA benefits (both federal and state benefits) and apply for those benefits that you are eligible for. After all, you (the veteran and the veteran’s family) paid for those benefits with your blood, sweat, tears, trauma, wounds, injuries, hazardous material (Agent Orange, Burn Pits, etc.) contaminations, frequent and lonely separations from loved ones, and more.

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

Pfc. Robert Ellason Barrow III, a Marine with Delta Company, 1st Recruit Training Battalion, poses for a photo at his squad bay Aug. 16, 2023, on Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island. Pfc. Barrow’s completion of recruit training marks the continuation of his family’s legacy of military service; most notably that of his great uncle, Gen. Robert Hilliard Barrow, who served as the 27th Commandant of the Marine Corps. Lance Cpl. Ava Alegria/USMC

U.S. Marine Corps Retired Lt. Col. Robert Hilliard Barrow Jr. presents Pfc. Robert Ellason Barrow III with his Eagle, Globe and Anchor following completion of the Crucible on Aug. 12, 2023, on Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island.

Col. Barrow is the son of Gen. Robert Hilliard Barrow, who served as the 27th Commandant of the Marine Corps and was Pfc. Barrow’s great-uncle. Lance Cpl. Ava Alegria/USMC

Christopher J. Geier Attorney at Law, LLC

Criminal Defense & Civil Litigation

16 Professional Village Circle, Lady's Island Office: 843-986-9449 • Fax: 843-986-9450 chris@bftsclaw.com • www.geierlaw.com

AUDIOLOGY & HEARING

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Licensed Audiologist 38 Professional Village West, Lady's Island monica@beauforthearing.com

www.beauforthearing.com | 843-521-3007

Hear the Beauty that Surrounds You

The Beaufort Sound

Hearing and Balance Center

Dr. Larry Bridge, AU.D./CCC-A 206 Sea Island Parkway, Suite 31, Beaufort thebeaufortsound@gmail.com www.thebeaufortsound.com | 843-522-0655

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Sessions starting soon!

The gatherings will be on Wednesday evenings in our social hall from 6:30 - 8:30, starting September 6.

Each evening begins with dinner, followed by a presentation by our pastor, who teaches in an informal and down-to-earth way.

If you would like to ask questions or get more information, we’d be happy to help. Just call or email us.