February 15 edition by The Island News

POSTAL PATRON LOCAL

FEBRUARY 15–21, 2024

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PRESORTED PERMIT NO. 97 BEAUFORT, SC 29902

COVERING BEAUFORT COUNTY

The Coming Attraction 18th annual Beaufort International Film Festival is here, and it’s going to be amazing

on Tucker’s excited. We’re sitting in a cozy booth at Hearth Wood Fired Pizza, along with his wife, Rebecca, deep into the third hour of our lunch meeting. We were the first ones here, and now the restaurant’s almost empty again. Our pizza’s all boxed up and our tab’s paid, but we can’t stop yakking about the upcoming 18th annual Beaufort International Film Festival. Every year, Ron swears to me “It’s going

MARGARET EVANS Lowcountry Weekly

to be the best festival yet,” and every year, he’s right. Today, he adds a new claim: “This year’s festival is going to be more high profile than ever.” Whoa. More high profile than, say, Blythe Danner? Michael O’Keefe? Vanna White? Andie McDowell? I continue reeling off celebrities who’ve graced BIFF’s red carpet in years past. What, exactly, does BIFF’s executive director mean by “high profile”? The Spirit of Gump This year, BIFF will celebrate the 30th anniversary of six-time Oscar-winner Forrest Gump – much of which was filmed here – with a visit from Lt. Dan, himself, Gary Sinise, Garry who will perform a concert with his band Sinise at MCAS and receive the Pat Conroy Lifetime Achievement Award the next day.

Judges selected 55 films and five screenplays from nearly 500 submissions from more than 40 countries for the 18th annual Beaufort International Film Festival.

“Gary just might be the most famous person we’ve honored,” Ron says. Not only is Sinise an Emmy, Golden Globe, and two-time SAG award winning actor, but his work on behalf of our nation’s service men and women is near legendary. For more than 20 years, his Lt. Dan Band has performed hundreds of shows in support of wounded warriors, Gold Star families, veterans and troops around the world. You might say he’s the 21st century’s answer to Bob Hope. Also bringing Gump-tion to this year’s fest – The Spirit of Beaufort: Remembering Forrest Gump will make its world premiere. A fulllength documentary by Daniel Stanislawski, who became obsessed with the movie as a boy growing up in Poland – yes, Poland – it features 32 locals, was co-produced by locals – including Ron and Rebecca Tucker – and, as you might imagine, the screening has already sold out. I’m not allowed to say much about The Spirit of Beaufort – no spoilers, I was told – but I hear it’s full of familiar locations, and lots of familiar faces, and has a wonderful, original score by Paul Dengler. You may know Dengler as “Forrest Gump.” In 1996, while living in Beaufort, he won a look-alike contest at our fledgling Shrimp Festival, then went on to become the official

SEE FESTIVAL PAGE A8

Sinise, Lt. Dan Band return to Beaufort for Feb. 23 concert during BIFF

By Mike McCombs The Island News If you aren’t attending the screenings Friday night, Feb. 23, during the 18th annual Beaufort International Film Festival (BIFF), you might as well go on out and catch Lt. Dan. Gary Sinise, who will be honored Saturday night with the Pat Conroy Lifetime Achievement Award, and his Lt. Dan Band are playing a free concert Friday evening at the Barracks at Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort. The gates open to spectators at

5 p.m., and the opening act goes on at 6 p.m. The event, presented by the Gary Sinise Foundation, is billed as “paying tribute to the real-life heroes who serve our nation. Secure your tickets now and be part of an evening that transcends entertainment, turning every note into a salute to our service men and women.” Tickets are available at https:// mccs-info.com/48sm2mc. Anyone without base access must register for a ticket via this link to get aboard MCAS Beaufort.

The concert is an outdoor event in a large grassy area. For spectators’ comfort and enjoyment, organizers encourage concert-goers to bring blankets, lawn chairs, strollers, and wagons, if needed. Concessions will be available for purchase through onsite food trucks and beer booths. The following items are prohibited: outside food and beverages; coolers; large bags; firearms or weapons of any kind; pets; or por-

Gary Sinise and his Lt. Dan Band last played in Beaufort in 2012 during SEE CONCERT PAGE A8 Lt. Dan Weekend at the Beaufort Shrimp Festival. File photo

HEALTH

FAITH

MILITARY

INSIDE

Empowering Black Americans to learn lifesaving skills.

Holy Trinity’s Aletheia series continues with Rev. Murray.

Navy refining LSO training before school opens at MCAS Beaufort.

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PAGE B4

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Lowcountry Life A2 News A2–7 Business A10 Arts A11 State News A12–13 Health A14–15

FOOD TRUCKS & VENDORS - DJ & MUSIC - PETTING ZOO egg dropS ages 1-11 (tickets required) BOUNCE KIDZONE - FACE PAINTING

SATURDAY, March 23 9AM - 2PM

Sports B1–2 Education B3 Faith B4 Legal Notices B5 Voices B6–7 Military B9

EGG DROP REGISTRation now open on

EVENTBRITE AGES 1-11

limited tickets available!

LOWCOUNTRY LIFE & NEWS

ISLAND NEWS PUBLISHING, LLC PUBLISHERS

Jeff & Margaret Evans

FOUNDING PUBLISHERS Elizabeth Harding Newberry Kim Harding

EDITORIAL/DESIGN Editor-in-Chief

Mike McCombs theislandnews@ gmail.com

Kansas City Chiefs fans weren't the only ones who had something to celebrate this past weekend. It was indeed a Super Sunday for two local families when these little guys arrived at the Beaufort Memorial Collins Birthing Center several hours before gametime. Matthew Bawiliansang (left), son of Daisy and James Bawiliansang of Beaufort, kicked things off at 3:30 a.m., followed closely behind by Atlas Mateo Padron (right), son of Melissa Putterbaugh and Gabriel Padron of Ridgeland, who arrived at 4:56 a.m. The adorable keepsake football "helmets" were crocheted by Beaufort Memorial RN Victoria Mayo. Photos courtesy of Charlotte Berkeley. 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

Beaufort’s Joe Pilon, 72, joined the United States Army in 1969 in Bay City, Mich. After Basic Training at Fort Knox, Ky., he was trained as a Combat Engineer with follow-on training at Fort Bragg, N.C., with the 82nd Airborne. He was then assigned to Vietnam, first building a highway from Nha Trang inland toward Cambodia, and then escorting 200-truck convoys from Cam Ranh Bay. Frequently in combat, after 10 months he was badly burned

JOE PILON

Joe Pilon

and medevaced to the VA Hospital at Valley Forge, Pa. He was in and out of treatment for six months, during which he was also assigned to Fort

Knox in tanks provided to the Combat Engineers. In 1971 he was released and he joined the Pennsylvania Army National Guard. He later attended Officer Candidate School, earning a commission. He rose to Captain, deployed to Germany, was later assigned as a Warrant Officer and finally retired from the Guard in 1996. While in the Guard he worked as a Civil Servant for 29 years at the VA Hospital Coatesville, Pa., as Building

Maintenance Supervisor. He retired from government service in 2003 with a total of 34 years serving the nation and veterans. Today he works with Hospice of the Lowcountry and is a lifetime member of AMVETS, DAV, VFW and Vietnam Veterans of America. – Compiled by John Chubb, American Legion Post 207. For Veteran Of The Week nominations, contact jechubb1@gmail.com.

For more information, contact Barba- a wonderful opportunity to help support the ra Jean Gardner-Hunter at 347-497-9326; students at Riverview Charter School and to Claretha Singleton at 843-812-3148; or Ernes- promote a business or place of employment. City of Beaufort offices will be closed on tine Atkins at 843-252-6096. For more information, contact Christina Monday, Feb. 19, in honor of Presidents Day. Gecy, BTR Sponsorship Chair at christinageCapital Waste services for Monday routes cy@gmail.com. Review the sponsorship packLeague of Women will continue as normal. et at https://bit.ly/49fAygV or complete the Voters Beaufort sponsorship form at https://bit.ly/48UqEBI.

Community Fish Fry set for Saturday

A Community Fish Fry celebrating Black History Month is being held from 1 to 4 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 24 at Martin Luther King Jr. Park (The Green), at the corner of Martin Luther King Jr. Drive and Sea Island Parkway on St. Helen Island. There will be performances, fellowship and more. Attendees are advised to bring lawn chairs. The event is free and open to the public.

celebrating 7 birthday th

The League of Women Voters Beaufort will be celebrating its seventh birthday on at its regular meeting Wednesday, Feb. 28, at 5 p.m. at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship Hall, 178 Sams Point Road, Beaufort. The League of Women Voters of Beaufort is a nonpartisan, grassroots civic organization that encourages informed and active participation in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues, and influences public policy through education and advocacy. With 104 years of experience, the League is one of America’s oldest and most trusted civic nonprofit organizations. The public is welcome. Come help celebrate the birthday. There will be cake.

Use caution on Spanish Moss Trail extension

Beaufort County wants to remind people to use caution when moving through the Spanish Moss Trail Port Royal Extension while it's under construction, particularly the freshly poured concrete. The project will extend the trail from the current southern terminus across Ribaut Road into Port Royal. The trail is heavily used by members of the public – pedestrians, rollerbladers, walkers and bicyclists – and that will continue. Construction of the extension will continue for several more months dependent on weather and repair work. Please acknowledge and adhere to construction signing in the area. Beaufort Twilight Run For more information on the extension project, call Beaufort County Engineering in search of sponsors The Beaufort Twilight Run is a little less Department at 843-255-2700. than two months away – March 23, 2024 – – Compiled from staff reports and is looking for sponsors. A sponsorship is

ON THIS DATE

1519: Pedro Menendez de Aviles – founder of Santa Elena, the first colonial capital of Spanish Florida on Parris Island in the Port Royal Sound – is born in Spain. Menendez de Aviles was the first Governor of Florida and the first European man to convert native Americans to Christianity. 2016: Beaufort author Pat Conroy announces publicly on his Facebook page that he is battling pancreatic cancer.

February 16 1970: Joe Frazier defeats Jimmy Ellis at Madison Square Garden in New York City to improve to 25-0 and win the WBA and vacant WBC world heavyweight titles.

February 20 1995: Dee Delaney is born in Beaufort. Delaney, a Seabrook native, was a star athlete at Whale Branch Early College High School, earning 14 total varsity letters in four sports – baseball, basketball, football and track. Delaney played college football at The Citadel, then the University of Miami (Fla.). Delaney has played for five teams (Jacksonville Jaguars, Miami Dolphins, New York Jets, Washington Redskins, Tampa Bay Buccaneers) in the NFL and is still active. – Compiled by Mike McCombs

PAL PETS OF THE WEEK Cat of the Week: Fiona and her mesmerizing eyes. She is a beautiful cat with the kindest personality. Fiona enjoys living with other cats, but she does love a good self-care moment in a sunny spot. Fiona is 3 years old, spayed, up to date on vaccines, and microchipped. Dog Of The Week: Harley is eager for a family of her own. She is a beautiful, smart, and FEBRUARY 15–21, 2024

Assistant Editor Delayna Earley

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City offices closed on Presidents Day

A public test of the Central Count Scanners (Ballot Tabulating Machines) for the Feb. 24, 2024 Republican Presidential Preference Primary (PPP) will begin on Friday, Feb. 23, at 10 a.m. at the Board of Voter Registration and Elections of Beaufort County office, located at 15 John Galt Road, Beaufort. For more information, call 843-255-6900.

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NEWS BRIEFS

Public test of Ballot Tabulating Machines

Art Director

energetic dog who would make a great companion. Harley is 5 years old, spayed, up to date on vaccines, and microchipped. If you are interested in adopting Fiona, Harley, 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. – Compiled by Sally McCoy

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DISCLAIMER All content of The Island News, including articles, photos, editorial content, letters, art and advertisements, are copyrighted by The Island News and Island News Publishing, LLC, 2022, all rights reserved. The Island News encourages reader submissions via email to theislandnews@gmail.com. All content submitted is considered approved for publication by the owner unless otherwise stated. The Island News is designed to inform and entertain readers and all efforts for accuracy are made. Guest columns do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of The Island News, its publisher or editors. Content published from Care Magazine® is intended as a reference and options source only, not as a guide to self-treatment or substitute for profession medical advice. It is provided for educational purpose only. Readers assume full responsibility for how this information is used. The Island News reserves the right to refuse to sell advertising space, or to publish information, for any business or activity the newspaper deems inappropriate for the publication.

NEWS LOWCOUNTRY LOWDOWN

Boundary Street road ‘diet’ latest proposal for change

BEAUFORT presentation two weeks ago by the county’s planning engineers has stirred comments from the citizenry and a call for more details from the city’s elected officials. The county planners who are working with both the city and Port Royal to improve traffic in this rapidly developing little corner of the Lowcountry, came up with a proposal to experiment with lane changes on a small 12-block section of Boundary Street. The new idea is called a “road diet” in transportation jargon because it would reduce the four lanes from Ribaut Road to Bellamy Curve to two lanes. There would be two lanes for traffic with a middle turning lane along the major thoroughfare. The proposal is to try the plan for six months, to see how it works. The planners say the changes, which would be done by re-striping the road, would give them an opportunity to gauge impacts on traffic. Would vehicles slow down but traffic still flow efficiently? They also want to see if the same concept of road “dieting” would work on Ribaut Road where the same sort of lane narrowing has been proposed through

LOLITA HUCKABY

the northern, residential section. That suggestion, even with two new traffic circles proposed to improve flow, has not been met with public enthusiasm. That project, in case you’ve forgotten, is part of what was called “Reimagine Ribaut Road,” which now has officially seen the word “reimagine” removed. There was a feeling among the elected officials that the word “reimagine” had become a red flag target for those opposed who think it’s a crazy idea. But even if we’re not to say “reimagine,” changes are in the works. Beaufort city officials have said they want more information about the proposed “diet” for Boundary. And that’s always a good response from your elected officials. More information should lead to better decisions. In November, county voters will be asked to make a decision on a 1% sales tax projected to raise $1.6 billion over a 15-year period. The revenues

could be used to pay for some changes citizens have been talking about for years – like placing utility lines underground or a comprehensive study of a third bridge crossing between Lady’s Island and Beaufort, and like the improvements Port Royal officials want to see for their end of Ribaut Road. So, before the Boundary Street “diet” plan is killed before it gets started, reflect for a minute on how long folks have been asking our local officials to “do something” about the traffic congestion. This appears to be an example of the professionals trying to do something … which includes trying to make everyone happy. And we all know how impossible that can be.

Street Redevelopment Project adopted by the City Council in 2009, was proposed as an alternate east-west route to relieve some of the congestion between the Robert Smalls Parkway/S.C. 170 intersection and Ribaut Road intersection. The road never got built because the City Council at the time never formerly adopted a specific roadway plan for one reason or another, including the fact the proposed route went through the Riverview Baptist Church. Starting late last year, we’ve seen a major new residential project, PinTail Pointe with 84 “affordable” apartments under construction where the parallel road would have gone and … guess what? Now, a second apartment complex, Proposed Boundary Carrington Manor, next to Street parallel road – PinTail Point is about to is it a ‘dead deal?’ begin construction. BEAUFORT – On the Yes, another 64- unit subject of road planning, “affordable” apartment Beaufort City Council did a complex for 55 and older bit of that at their recent re- residents will soon be treat although the proposed under construction, mean“diet” for Boundary Street ing those drivers will be wasn’t on the agenda. joining residents of the Instead, at the very end of PinTail Apartment comtheir two-day exercise, the plex in turning right onto elected officials tackled the Boundary Street when it’s much-debated proposed time to go to work. Same Boundary Street parallel for guests at the Holiday road that never got built. Inn and SpringHill Suites The parallel road, which Hotel. No left-hand turns was part of the Boundary or stoplight there.

The new apartment projects, just like the SpringHill Suites, the Chipotle drive-thru and other new buildings within the Boundary Street Redevelopment District, were approved in 2022 under provisions of the development district agreement which meant the developers didn’t have to go through the city’s Design Review Board. The planning staff had authority over these 4- and 5-story buildings which create something of a “canyon” effect as you drive west down Boundary. Of course, drivers have the option of looking to the south at the newly created open space, the 1st South Carolina Volunteers Park, but taking one’s eyes off the road along there is certainly not recommended. As to the Council’s discussion about the future of a parallel road, it got kicked down the proverbial road. Lolita Huckaby Watson is a community volunteer and newspaper columnist. In her former role as a reporter with The Beaufort Gazette, The Savannah Morning News, Bluffton Today and Beaufort Today, she prided herself in trying to stay neutral and unbiased. As a columnist, these are her opinions. Her goal is to be factual but opinionated, based on her own observations. Feel free to contact her at bftbay@gmail.com.

Scott accepting internship applications From staff reports U.S. Senator Tim Scott (R-S.C.) is accepting applications for internships in his Washington, D.C., North Charleston, Columbia, and Greenville offices for the summer of 2024. The program offers undergraduate and graduate students the chance to work with public service professionals and gain practical experience in constituent services, government policy, and more. Students of all majors are welcome to apply. In Washington, interns will research legislation, attend congressional hearings and briefings, assist with press tasks, and help manage correspondence. Responsibilities also include answering phones and other administrative tasks. Interns in this office will gain an understanding of the lawmaking process, while improving their communication and customer service skills. In the state offices, interns will take an active role in the community, working on state-based projects while answering phones, completing research, and being an integral part of day-to-day office operations. Internship hours are flexible to accommodate students’ course schedules but generally run from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday to Friday. Students may gain course credit for completing the program. Students can apply through the website at https://bit. ly/3xJYF6Y. For questions, contact the internship coordinator at internships@scott. senate.gov or 202-224-6121.

BEAUFORT MEMORIAL FOUNDATION

VALENTINE Ball - THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS Invitation Sponsor Grayco Home Center

Save the Date Sponsor BMH Medical Staff

Auction Sponsors

AssuredPartners, Inc. CIGNA HealthCare-Carolinas

Cherub Sponsors

Charleston ENT & Allergy Partners Ewing Cole Kinghorn Insurance of Beaufort Scutta Advocacy Group Stantec

Dreamboat Sponsors

Ascendient Bezilla Kinney Phifer Wealth Mgmt. of Wells Fargo Advisors Beaufort Medical Imaging Charleston Pathology P.A.

Kick-off Party Sponsor Moore & Van Allen, PLLC

Corporate Environments Dave & Jan House Howell, Gibson & Hughes, P.A. Mitchell Brothers, Inc. Mr. & Mrs. Steve Parks Phreesia Team Health

Heartthrob Sponsors

Achurch Group Charles Schwab of Bluffton DWG INC. Consulting Engineers Mr. & Mrs. William A. Himmelsbach, Jr. LS3P Architects, Ltd. Mr. & Mrs. Stephen F. Meyer Parker Law Group Mr. & Mrs. Stephen A. Wexler

Bar & Entertainment Sponsor MB Kahn Construction Company, Inc.

Lovebird Sponsors

303 Associates Athena Health AlphaGraphics Beaufort Regional Chamber of Commerce Brunson Construction Company Charter One Realty Davis & Floyd The Island News Lynn & Wheeler OneBlood, Inc. Karen M. Peluso Southern States Imaging, Inc. True North Custom

FEBRUARY 15–21, 2024

NEWS

Early voting in SC GOP’s Haley vs Trump contest under way By Abraham Kenmore SCDailyGazette.com COLUMBIA — Early voting started Monday for South Carolina’s GOP contest that pits former Gov. Nikki Haley against former President Donald Trump. Seven candidates are actually listed on the GOP ballot, but three of them are no longer in the race. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, biotech entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy, and former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie all withdrew after the state Election Commission’s deadline for finalizing the ballot. Posters at every polling location — for early voting and on primary day — will provide an easy guide for who’s dropped out. The posters show a red line struck through their names with “WITHDREW” written beside them in capital letters. People can still vote for them. But their tallies won’t matter. Two extreme long-shots on the ballot are still running: Pastor Ryan Binkley of Texas and veteran Air Force combat pilot David Stuckenberg of Florida.

Where and when Voters have nine days to cast a ballot in person before precincts open Feb. 24. Hours are 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. at each location. State law allows each county to open up to seven early voting locations. But for this contest, most counties are opening just one, though some are offering up to four options. Check the state Election Commission’s website for a listing of all possibilities by county. Early voters can go to whatever location is most convenient within their county. There are three days excluded from the early-voting window: Sunday, Feb. 18; Monday, Feb. 19

A poster showing the three questions that the Republican party included on its presidential primary ballot. Graphic courtesy of the South Carolina Election Commission A poster shows which candidates on the S.C. Republican primary ballot have withdrawn from the race. Graphic courtesy of the South Carolina Election Commission (Presidents’ Day), and Feb. 23. By law, Sundays and holidays must be excluded. The state Election Commission additionally requested Feb. 23 as a one-day breather to prepare, and the state GOP agreed. The same photo identification requirement for Election Day applies to early voters.

A “Vote Here” sign outside a polling location at Dreher High School in Columbia on Saturday, Feb. 3, 2024. Abraham Kenmore/S.C. Daily Gazette

What’s up with the questions? The Republican ballot includes three questions voters can answer. The results carry no legal weight. Both parties often include questions on primary ballots as a way to get voters to the polls and to help them lobby legislators on proposals. State Election Commission posters will also provide the wording of the questions, in case voters want to study them before casting a ballot. The wording is supplied by the state Republican Party, and it can be misleading. For example, the first one asks if the Legislature should change state law to “give people the right to register to vote with the political party of their choice.” What it’s asking is whether state law should require people to register as either a Democrat or a Republican, then limit primaries to only voters registered by that

party. That would leave independent-minded voters unable to vote at all in South Carolina primaries, which is usually where a race is won in this state. GOP officials have long complained about the potential of Democrats crossing over to influence who becomes the Republican nominee. But bills to force South Carolina voters to register by party have repeatedly failed. Who can vote? State law allows any of South Carolina’s 3 million registered voters who did not vote in the Feb. 3 Democratic presidential primary to vote in the GOP contest. Voters can choose to vote in either. They just can’t vote in both. South Carolina has 3.2 million registered voters. Just under 131,500 of them have already voted for a presidential nominee, representing just 4%. People wanting to vote absentee by mail must apply for an absentee ballot by 5 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 13. To request an absentee ballot, voters must give a reason why

they can’t vote in person. Allowed reasons include being out of town, serving in the military, being 65 or older or having a physical disability. Ballots can be returned by mail or in person, if returned in person voters need to show a photo ID. South Carolina law had long allowed de facto early voting, both in person and by mail. But this is the first year that a presidential primary has had true early voting. Ahead of the Democratic primary on Feb. 3, more than 48,000 people voted early, representing about 40% of all votes cast. President Joe Biden won easily with 96% of the vote over two longshot candidates, author Marianne Williamson and U.S. Rep. Dean Phillips of Minnesota. Williamson, who received 2% of the vote in South Carolina, has since dropped out of the race. Abraham Kenmore is a reporter covering elections, health care and more. He joins the SC Daily Gazette from The Augusta Chronicle, where he reported on Georgia legislators, military and housing issues.

County Council passes Transportation Sales and Use Tax referendum on second reading By Delayna Earley The Island News Beaufort County Council had their second reading and public hearing on the 2024 Transportation Sales and Use Tax referendum on Monday, Feb. 12, during their meeting and it passed with nine council members voting for and two voting against. Beaufort County Council Chairman Joseph Passiment took a few moments both before and after the public hearing to try and assure members of the public that, while it may feel rushed, council members are taking their time to truly understand every bit of this ordinance and do their “due diligence” before the public would vote on the referendum in November. “This has to do with the quality of life that we will have for the future,” Passiment said. Two amendments were made to the ordinance during the second reading. Councilwoman Alice Howard made the motion

FEBRUARY 15–21, 2024

to remove the last sentence from section 2.3 of the ordinance – “All proceeds of the Sales and Use Tax and all proceeds of any bonds payable therefrom shall be held by the County until the County Council has approved the allocation and expenditure of funds for the Projects or portions of the Projects, as further identified herein.” Secondly, a motion was made by Councilman Logan Cunningham to add an amendment to restrict any person currently serving on a council or government body from serving on the Citizen’s Oversight Committee, whose purpose is to “provide oversight of the Projects described in [the] Ordinance, to gather input from all areas of the County regarding the general projects to be undertaken with proceeds of the Sales and Use Tax and to make recommendations to the County Council on matters related to the Sales and Use Tax, including but not limited to, the general projects and pri-

oritization of the Projects.” Both amendments were passed unanimously, but Council members Paula Brown and Thomas Reitz voted against passing the ordinance on the second reading. Although the rest of the council members present for the meeting voted to pass the ordinance on its second reading, several of the members sought more information about details of how the money will be spent before agreeing to vote for the ordnance in its third and final reading. Councilman Gerald Dawson stated that he would not vote for the ordinance following the third reading if he was not provided with assurances that the unpaved, dirt roads in Beaufort County were going to be paved. The referendum would be added to the Nov. 5, 2024, ballot for voters to decide on. If the referendum passes, a 1% Sales and Use Tax shall be implemented for a period of 15 years or until $1.625 billion dollars have

been collected to fund projects deemed necessary and the costs of highways, roads, streets, bridges, and other transportation-related projects. Some major projects that are listed in the ordinance that are recommended to receive funding are Ribaut Road Improvements, $75 million, formerly referred to as Reimagine Ribaut Road project; and Lady’s Island Corridor Traffic Improvements, $40 million. The ordinance has also estimated $100 million to fund multimodal transportation planning and implementation, including marine transport and commercial airport improvements; $250 million for safety improvements along roadways and intersections, including pedestrian accommodations; $90 million for improvements to transportation infrastructure to address flooding, rising sea levels, stormwater and drainage; $180 million in road resurfacing and preservation of roadways; $180

million for the designing and construction of bike and pedestrian accommodations throughout the county in accordance with the Beaufort County Connects Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan 2021; and $90 million for the planning, design, right of way acquisition and construction of access roads for better interconnectivity. The maximum amount to be collected for Projects and purposes shall be no more than $1.54 billion. Additionally, the tax would be used to finance the costs of greenbelt initiatives, including but not limited to, purchasing property for conservation and conservation easements, creating passive and active greenspaces, protecting natural resources, protecting agricultural or heritage landscapes and protecting scenic corridors. The total amount to be collected to fund greenbelt initiatives shall be no more than $85 million, according to the ordinance. According to the ordi-

nance, if voters pass the referendum in Nov. 2024, the tax will be imposed on May 1, 2025. Passiment said that there will be a third reading of the ordinance, but before there is, he plans to put together a meeting between the municipal representatives, the Beaufort County legal team and select members of council, because he does not want it to be a public meeting, to make sure that everyone understands the language that is in the supporting documents. “This is critical that we have complete understanding, complete enthusiasm, complete buying-in to this referendum,” said Passiment. “It is a lot of money. It is going to do a lot of things for the quality of life for the people who live here, work here and play here.” Delayna Earley formerly worked as a photojournalist for The Island Packet/The Beaufort Gazette, as well as newspapers in Indiana and Virginia. She can be reached at delayna.theislandnews@gmail.com.

NEWS

Haley works the crowd in Bluffton

Republican presidential candidate Nikki Haley of South Carolina is swamped Republican presidential candidate and former Governor of South Carolina Nikki Haley speaks to her supporters by supporters wanting their photo taken with her during a campaign stop during a campaign stop Tuesday, Feb. 13 in Bluffton. Haley stressed the need to get out and vote during the upcoming Tuesday, Feb. 13, in Bluffton. Bob Sofaly/The Island News Republican primary slated for Saturday, Feb. 24. Bob Sofaly/The Island News

SLED arrests 3rd Beaufort man in connection with murder of twin brothers in Jasper County From staff reports Agents with the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) have now charged a third Beaufort man in connection with a shooting in the early morning hours of Dec. 17, 2023, that left twin brothers from Beaufort dead. On Friday, Feb. 2, Tayquan G’Mel Lampkin, 28, of Beaufort was arrested and charged with two counts of Murder, one count of Attempted Murder, and two counts of Possession

of a Weapon During a Violent Crime. Previously on Friday, Jan. 26, Andrew Lee Grober II, 26, of Beaufort was arrested and charged with two counts of Murder, one count of Attempted Murder, and two counts of Possession of a Weapon During the Commission of a Violent Crime. Before that, on Wednesday, Dec. 20, SLED agents charged Jamar Smith-Hagood, 23, of Beaufort, with two counts of Murder, one count of Attempted Murder,

and one count of Possession of a Weapon During a Violent Crime in connection with the shooting. The affidavits on the most recent arrest warrants are identical to those on the warrants for Grober and Smith-Hagood. SLED was requested Dec. 17 by the Jasper County Sheriff’s Office to investigate a double homicide that occurred at 51 Riverwalk Business Park in Ridgeland off Highway 170. During the incident two people

were murdered and two people were injured. According to arrest warrants, on December 17, Lampkin, Smith-Hagood and Grober became involved in a physical altercation between two rival groups of people in the parking lot in front of the Okatie Dance Studio, near the Sports Baba Bar. During the fight, Lampkin, Smith-Hagood and/ or Grober brandished a firearm and fired several shots in the direction of

the victims. The incident was captured on the surveillance cameras of a nearby business and, according to the warrants, witnesses indicated the person on video firing toward the victims was Lampkin, Smith-Hagood and/or Grober. The shooting allegedly resulted in the death of twin brothers and the injury of a third person. According to the Jasper County Coroner’s Office, Trajaan T. Fripp, of Beau-

fort, was pronounced dead at the scene, while Tranquan Shalek Fripp, also of Beaufort, died at a local hospital. The brothers were 24. Lampkin, Smith-Hagood and Grober are confined at the Jasper County Detention Center. The case will be prosecuted by the 14th Circuit Solicitor’s Office. SLED’s investigation is active and ongoing. Anyone with information regarding the incident should email SLED at tips@sled.sc.gov.

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NEWS

Town of Port Royal hosts first Mardi Gras Parade on Saturday

By Delayna Earley The Island News The Town of Port Royal will be celebrating Mardi Gras Lowcountry-style with the first Krew of Port Royal Mardi Gras parade beginning at 4 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 17. The parade will start by the post office on Paris Avenue, will travel down to 11th Street, and will conclude at Shellring Aleworks for a family-friendly Mardi Gras after party. “It just seemed like a fun thing the Old Village Association, said to do,” Amber Hewitt, secretary for about the event. “We have never

done it before, and as far as we know there haven’t been any other events like it.” At press time the parade lineup includes 47 walkers, 11 golf carts, three floats and a bunch of bikes, according to Hewitt. The Battery Creek Marching Band will also be participating in the parade. The Shellring after party will feature the Parris Island Marine Corps Band, delicious food such as jambalaya, crawfish boil, king cake, and hot dogs and hamburgers.

NIGHT TO SHINE

Butchie, one of the Honored Guests, and his Prom Buddy, show off their dance moves at the Night to Shine Prom for People with Special Needs sponsored by the Tim Tebow Foundation on Friday, Feb. 9, 2024 at Praise Assembly in Beaufort. The night was filled with dancing, laughter, and every guest being crowned a king and queen. Amber Hewitt/The Island News

Sylvia Washington enters the event complete with a warm welcome from the Hype Team – a friendly crowd, and paparazzi, cheering her on at Night to Shine Prom for People with Special Needs sponsored by the Tim Tebow Foundation on Friday, Feb. 9, 2024 at Praise Assembly in Beaufort. Amber Hewitt/The Island News

Paint and Paradise will be on site with masks for kids to paint and face painting will be available as well. There will be no in-person registration for the parade, according to Hewitt. All who want to participate must register online by Friday night. Hewitt said that the Old Village Association is hoping to turn this into an annual event. The theme for the event is “C’est Si Bon” which translates to “So good”, said Hewitt, and she hopes that is how people will describe the event.

For more information about the event you can visit the Old Village Association’s Facebook page or email Nancy Plank at nplank51@aol.com. Editor’s Note: Amber Hewitt is a freelance photographer who works with The Island News. Delayna Earley formerly worked as a photojournalist for The Island Packet/The Beaufort Gazette, as well as newspapers in Indiana and Virginia. She can be reached at delayna.theislandnews@gmail.com.

HBF presents 2024 Spring Architecture & Design Tour

From staff reports Habersham: Traditions & Inspirations of Lowcountry Living is the focus of Historic Beaufort Foundation’s (HBF) March 16 Spring Architecture & Design Tour. Tickets go on sale Thursday, Feb. 15, and may be purchased by calling HBF at 843-379-3331 or going online to www.historicbeaufort.org. The spring tour, now in its ninth year, will run from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, March 16. Tickets are $60 for members of Historic Beaufort Foundation and $65 for non-members. “Habersham is a premiere example of 21st century neighborhood planning and architectural evolution that reflects time and place, and we are honored to partner in presenting this exclusive tour,” HBF Executive Director Cynthia Jenkins said in a news release. “We are thankful to the property owners for opening their homes to us for this tour, and to Habersham for sharing this uniquely planned and executed New Urbanism community,” she said. Historic Beaufort Foundation is partnering with Allen Patterson Builders to present the 2024 tour, which each year celebrates the best in traditional, timeless quality and innovative contemporary residential design in the Lowcountry. Each home on the tour was chosen for its unique design, features that speak to New Urbanism or blend with tradition to capture Lowcountry living at its finest. The event will benefit Historic Beaufort Foundation’s non-profit mission to preserve and protect Beaufort’s historic and architectural legacy. "As the area’s only Southern Living Custom Home

Several homes in Habersham are to be featured March 16 on the Spring Architecture & Design Tour. Submitted photo Builder, we are proud to co-sponsor this unique tour in Habersham to support Historic Beaufort Foundation. Our craftsmanship honors timeless architectural design and beautiful finishes in these homes," said Allen Patterson, president of Allen Patterson Builders. The Habersham Town Plan relates to small southern towns throughout the region. Before turning the first soil, its designers toured historic towns, neighborhoods, and civic squares. The town plan was placed in the natural landscape of live oak, pine and magnolia trees. Designed with classical detailing and proportion, a key element of many Habersham homes is the use of large front porches. “With

proper design, the front porch is not only aesthetically pleasing but serves as a social magnet and defines the streets,” Habersham leaders say. Along with Allen Patterson Builders, sponsors include Old Town Trolley Tours and Beaufort Carts. Historic Beaufort Foundation is a 501(c)3 nonprofit education foundation created to preserve, protect, and present sites and artifacts of historic, architectural, and cultural interest throughout Beaufort County, South Carolina. For more information on the entity's mission and history, please visit historicbeaufort.org and follow them on social media, including Facebook and Instagram.

CCF gives $200,000 to Habitat For Humanity

From staff reports The Coastal Community Foundation has awarded a $200,000 Catalyst Grant to nonprofit Habitat for Humanity of the Lowcountry. Habitat for Humanity will receive the grant over two years. Habitat for Humanity builds affordable housing, revitalizes neighborhoods, and provides financial education. The Catalyst Grant will support the merger of Hilton Head Regional Habitat for Humanity and Lowcountry Habitat for Humanity. The

FEBRUARY 15–21, 2024

newly formed Habitat for Humanity of the Lowcountry will be able to build more homes per year, repair more existing homes, and provide additional inclusive support to homeowners. Grant funding will be used to assist with internal infrastructure, marketing, branding, and data collection through the merger process.

“We are thrilled and thankful to receive the Coastal Community Foundation’s Catalyst Grant,” Habitat for Humanity of the Lowcountry CEO Brenda Dooley said in a news release. “It gives us the ability to accelerate our transition timeline and begin helping even more families throughout Beaufort and Jasper counties realize their dream of a decent, affordable home.” Coastal Community Foundation launched the Catalyst Grant program in

2020 as a category of The Beaufort Fund, CCF’s largest grantmaking program. Catalyst Grants support large-scale projects addressing community-wide issues. The grants are available to nonprofits serving Beaufort, Colleton, Hampton, or Jasper counties and ensure multi-year funding, often exceeding a hundred thousand dollars per year. Since 2020, CCF has awarded eight Catalyst Grants totaling $3.5 million. Previous recipients include Hopeful Horizons, Teach

for America South Carolina, Sea Islands Heritage Academy, Communities in Schools of South Carolina, CommunityWorks, and EforAll. “The Catalyst Grant is one way Coastal Community Foundation can support big, bold ideas,” CCF President and CEO Darrin Goss Sr. said in a news release. “To receive a Catalyst Grant, we ask the nonprofits to demonstrate community collaboration, inclusive access, and innovation to tackle community challenges.

Securing multi-year funding means nonprofits can focus on making large-scale projects successful without constantly fundraising.” In the past 25 years, Coastal Community Foundation has granted more than $20 million to Beaufort, Colleton, Hampton, and Jasper counties thanks to its family of endowed perpetual funds. CCF currently has more than $125 million in endowed charitable assets dedicated to future grantmaking in the region.

NEWS

Penn Center to open school to educate about heirs’ property, preservation By Delayna Earley The Island News Penn Center plans to open a new school to help educate about Heir’s Property rights thanks to a grant received last week. The Coastal Community Foundation awarded a total of $850,000 in Catalyst Grants to two local non-profit organizations last week, with $650,000 of that going to the Penn Center to fund The Emory Campbell Preser-

vation School. The remaining $200,000 was granted to Habitat for Humanity of the Lowcountry. An event was held on Feb. 5 to announce the awards at Penn Center in the Frissell Community House on St. Helena Island. The school will provide an opportunity for Gullah/ Geechee decedents to become further educated about heirs’ property rights so that

they can be empowered to protect their land, especially those who are susceptible to land loss and developmental pressures.

“This grant comes at a crucial time when Beaufort County residents are considering what future development of the region will look like,” said Penn Center Executive Director Robert Adams. “The Emory Campbell Preservation School will provide an opportunity for residents to build the relationships and the tools required to collectively chart the future together.” The school is named af-

ter Emory Campbell, former Executive Director of Penn Center. Penn Center was the first school in the South to offer an education to formerly enslaved people, and now, the school is going to help to preserve the Gullah/ Geechee history and way of life, Campbell said. The grant that was awarded to Penn Center will be broken up over a period of five years, and the grant go-

ing to Habitat for Humanity will be broken up over two years. The Catalyst Grant program was launched in 2020 and focuses on large-scale projects that will benefit the community. Delayna Earley formerly worked as a photojournalist for The Island Packet/The Beaufort Gazette, as well as newspapers in Indiana and Virginia. She can be reached at delayna.theislandnews@gmail.com.

Valentine’s sweets for Construction of multiuse your Valentine’s sweeties path on Laurel Bay Road starts this week

Lorine Campbell of The Chocolate Tree, seen in foreground, tries to take care of customers as quickly as she can Tuesday afternoon at Beaufort’s popular confectioner on Carteret Street. Acting manager Leslie Connor said the staff has been working non-stop since the store opened and will be just as busy on Valentines Day. “We’ll even have a few stragglers come in the day after because they forgot”, she said. Bob Sofaly/The Island News

From staff reports Beaufort County’s contractor, IPW Construction Group, LLC, was to begin construction on Wednesday, Feb. 14, of a new multiuse pathway to run the entire length of Laurel Bay Road. Portions of either lane and sections of the road shoulders will be closed intermittently throughout the project. Work will be conducted between 6 a.m. and 8 p.m., Monday through Saturday. During this time, motorists are asked to please prepare for and expect minor delays in traffic. Drivers traveling through the area are asked to please be mindful of the traffic control team and the crews working within the area. The project is anticipated to last for eight months. As part of the project, the ramp coming off Trask Highway (U.S. Highway 21) southbound onto Laurel Bay Road will be

permanently closed beginning Thursday, February 15. Anyone turning right will have to do so at the light. Passed unanimously at Monday night's County Council meeting, the resolution voted on was to accept Military Enhancement Plan Fund Grant from the S.C. Department of Veterans Affairs for the amount of $3,392,328. The County will match the funds in the amount of $1,558,612.79. The project is part of the Beaufort County 2018 Penny Sales Tax Program. For more information on the extension project, call Beaufort County Engineering Department at 843-255-2700.

Attorney pleads guilty to transferring millions to prevent seizure

From staff reports Peter J. Strauss, 45, of Beaufort, has pleaded guilty to removal of property to prevent seizure. Strauss was the founder and managing partner of the Strauss Law Firm, LLC, located in Hilton Head. The Strauss Law Firm specialized in estate and tax planning, asset protection and the implementation of captive insurance solutions for clients. Strauss also served as principal of Hamilton Captive Management (HCM), a captive insurance management company that provides management services to his clients’ captive insurance funds. According to a release from Adair Ford Boroughs, U.S. Attorney for the District of South Carolina, evidence obtained in the investigation revealed that Strauss knowingly transferred millions of dollars for Jeff and Paulette Carpoff, two individuals who have since been convicted and sentenced for

their roles in the largest criminal fraud scheme in the Eastern District of California. Jeff and Paulette Carpoff owned and Strauss operated DC Solar Solutions, Inc. and DC Solar Distribution, Inc., (DC Solar), California corporations that designed, manufactured and leased renewable energy products, specializing predominantly in the production of mobile solar generators. On Dec. 18, 2018, the FBI and other federal law enforcement agencies executed numerous search warrants on the businesses associated with DC Solar, as well as the personal residences of Jeff and Paulette Carpoff. Several seizure warrants were also executed on bank accounts and assets associated with DC Solar and its principals. The search warrants were conducted in conjunction with a

large-scale investigation regarding an investment fraud and money laundering scheme being operated by the principals of DC Solar. At the time, federal authorities alleged that the Carpoffs committed wire fraud and tax fraud and diverted investors’ money for personal use. Federal authorities further alleged that DC Solar manufactured only a small percentage of the mobile solar generators and created fictitious lease agreements to show their investors in order to obtain investments. Following the execution of search and seizure warrants related to an investigation into the Carpoffs’ company, Strauss received $11 million from the Carpoffs. On Dec. 19, 2018, the first $5 million was transferred into Strauss’ interest on Lawyers’ Trust Account (IOLTA) and thereafter distributed to various criminal defense attorneys and bankruptcy counsel and to Carpoffs’ captive insurance

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funds, managed by Strauss’ captive insurance management company. Thereafter, on Dec. 28, 2018, Strauss received an additional $3 million, used to pay for the Carpoffs’ captive insurance fund premiums. Finally, on Jan. 15, 2019, the Carpoffs wired Strauss $3 million into Strauss’ IOLTA account. Thereafter, the funds were co-mingled in Strauss’ IOLTA account and completely spent over the next few months. By pleading guilty, Strauss admitted that by the time of the $3 million transfer on Jan. 15, 2019, he knowingly transferred and aided and abetted the transfer of funds from Carpoff to prevent and impair the government’s lawful authority to take such property into its custody and control. The defendant has agreed to pay $2,700,000 in restitution to the Federal Clerk of Court at or before the sentencing. On Jan. 24, 2020, Jeff Carpoff

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pleaded guilty in California to money laundering and wire fraud and was thereafter sentenced to 30 years in prison. On Nov. 9, 2021, Paulette Carpoff pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit an offense against the United States and money laundering. Paulette was sentenced to 11 years and three months on June 28, 2022. Strauss faces a maximum penalty of five years in federal prison. He also faces a fine of up to $250,000, restitution, and three of supervision to follow the term of imprisonment. United States District Judge Richard M. Gergel accepted the guilty plea and will sentence Strauss after receiving and reviewing a sentencing report prepared by the U.S. Probation Office. This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Emily Limehouse is prosecuting the case.

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BIFF 2024

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Forrest Gump impersonator for the Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. A singer/songwriter living in Nashville, Dengler’s been traveling all over the country working that side-hustle for more than 20 years now. He’ll be here in Beaufort for BIFF, getting his Gump on. But wait, there’s Marlena more! Beaufort’s Smalls own Marlena Smalls – who had a memorable role in Forrest Gump – will kick off the festival with an opening-night concert, “Bubba’s Mama Sings the Blues.” Not only does it promise to be fabulous – Marlena’s always fabulous – but it will also be her final performance with the Hallelujah Singers, the internationally acclaimed musical ensemble she founded 33 years ago. Marlena’s swan song? High profile, indeed. Statistically speaking This year, 500 filmmakers submitted films to BIFF and 55 were selected. That’s an acceptance rate of just higher than 10%, meaning Beaufort’s little festival has become extremely competitive. As of this writing, 102 filmmakers – a term which includes directors, actors, producers, editors, etc. – were planning to attend BIFF in person this year. Ron Tucker thinks that’s a festival record. It’s definitely in the ballpark. In short, BIFF is no longer the “best kept secret” in the international filmmaking community. The secret is out. Way out. Ron says it’s mostly word of mouth – filmmakers talking to other filmmakers about the networking opportunities, the great audiences, the beautiful location, the legendary “Beaufort hug,” and whatnot. But you could also blame Film Freeway, the comprehensive online service that matches filmmakers with film festivals, and vice versa. For the past few years, the site has consistently rated BIFF one of the top 100 film festivals in the world – based on reviews by actual filmmakers. To be clear, there are 12,000 film festivals in the world ... and according to Film Freeway, BIFF is in the top 100. “We were actually No. 10 last time we looked,” said Rebecca Tucker, “but those numbers change all the time.” Fifteen states and four countries will be represented in this

Bob Celli and Anthony Grasso (far left) with Jeanine Bartel (right) at filmmakers reception at Anchorage 1770. Margaret Evans/Lowcountry Weekly

BIFF regulars Ken Harwell, Debbi Covington and Ken Davis at last year's opening night reception. Photo courtesy of BIFF

year’s festival. “We won’t know about audience representation until about a week after the festival,” said Ron Tucker. Last year’s audience featured attendees from 36 states and six countries, including the United States. At one time, “international” might have been a mostly aspirational part of BIFF’s name. Those days are long gone. Having said that, Ron and Rebecca are particularly pleased that this year’s festival will feature the work of eight South Carolina filmmakers, the largest number yet.

and many of my NYC friends,” says Grasso. “It has one of the best communities and all are film lovers. Every screening – over 250 audience members. It has the warmth of S.C., the ‘Beaufort hug’ it’s known for, and curators Ron and Rebecca are extraordinary – not to mention the professionalism on their board and all who volunteer. The films are highly regarded and top quality. When any of my films are selected, I’m always extra proud knowing I’m in good company. As someone with over three dozen films circulating worldwide, and having visited over 50 festivals, hands down BIFF is always on my list to submit to. I have recommended many directors I’ve worked with, and fellow filmmaker friends from NYC. The location is beautiful. If you’re from the north, it’s a nice welcome break from the February cold.” Grasso is coming back this year with the short film Ivy’s Dream. Actress Jeanine Bartel, also from New York, says, “The Beaufort Film Festival is like no other. From the moment you arrive, you’re welcomed into the BIFF family. It’s a wonderful fest full of fun and classy events, talks with legends in the industry, cocktail parties, packed houses at the screenings full of the Beaufort community and so many film-loving fans that come from all over ... and really beautiful, funny, heart-wrenching, moving films. “One of my favorite things is the thoughtful Q&A Ron hosts with the present filmmakers after every film,” she continues. “Each filmmaker gets their own very special time to discuss their project and connect with the audience. Ron and Rebecca are fast friends and continue their love and support for your projects, both personal and professional, throughout the year. And you leave wrapped in the famed Beaufort hugs, with a whole newly extended film fam! It’s a beautiful experience, one I wish every filmmaker got to enjoy!” Jeanine will be here this year, representing the short film Blood is Thicker. Bob Celli and his wife Laura Delano are BIFF veterans, too. They’ll be returning to Beaufort with their short film Because I Love You. They believe BIFF is “a truly a special festival.” “The caliber of films that Beaufort screens is inspiring and we feel privileged to be part of it,” said Bob. “As filmmakers, it is thrilling to be able to screen our films in front of a film savvy audience who have interesting and engaging questions. The entire festival team and town of Beaufort provide a level of hospitality, care, and respect for filmmakers and

Think and feel The Tuckers say this year’s roster of films is more unique and diverse than ever before. “We have films that are going to make some audience members uncomfortable,” Ron tells me. When I ask him to elaborate, he says maybe “thought-provoking” would be a better way to put it. But I’m sticking with “uncomfortable.” I like feeling uncomfortable, myself, especially where art is concerned. Each year, I actually look forward to feeling uncomfortable at the Beaufort International Film Festival. (Not literally, mind you. The seating at USCB is quite comfy.) Some of the “thought-provoking” films that might – or might not – make you uncomfortable this year include: Our Males and Females: A short film by Ahmad Alyaseer about Muslim parents trying to observe traditional Islamic burial rites for their deceased daughter, who happens to be transgender. Filling in the Blanks: a documentary chronicling writer-director Jon Baime’s quest to trace his lineage after a DNA test reveals a family secret. I Can’t Keep Quiet: a documentary short about singer/ songwriter MILCK’s journey in

the years since her song “Quiet” became a global anthem for the women’s movement that exploded after the election of Donald Trump. Common as Red Hair: A short film by S.C. filmmaker Robbie Robertson that covers the aftermath of a funeral where two parents must reevaluate their decision to have gender corrective surgery on their intersex child. “We also have a film with a religious slant,” Ron says. “If you’re an atheist, you’re not going to like it. But that’s okay. We want to challenge people. We’re looking to make an emotional impact. We want to make people think and feel. Why filmmakers love BIFF When filmmakers review BIFF – whether in person or on Film Freeway – there are certain factors they always highlight, things that make BIFF different from other festivals. “For one thing, they say they’ve never seen crowds like this in their life,” says Ron Tucker. Most film festivals – especially in big cities – have several venues scattered around town, featuring multiple screenings, simultaneously. In contrast, BIFF is all under one roof, and each film screens only once. This means audiences are invariably quite large, from 9 a.m. till almost midnight. “They say our audience is really engaged, as well,” Ron continues. “They ask great questions and spark great discussions.” New York-based actor-director Anthony Robert Grasso has had eight films selected by BIFF over the past six years and he loves coming to Beaufort. “I only missed one year, due to COVID,” he says. “BIFF has, over the years, become a favorite of festival of mine

Beaufort International Film Festival 2023 Attendance Map

Concert from page A1

table heaters of any kind. Service animals and other medical necessities are permitted. Lt. Dan, played by Sinise, was introduced to the world in the movie Forrest Gump, which will celebrate the 30th anniversary of its U.S. release July 6, 2024. Forrest Gump was filmed primarily in the Beaufort area. Beaufort Film Society President Ron Tucker told

FEBRUARY 15–21, 2024

The Island News in December 2023 that he had been working on getting Sinise, a member of the Beaufort Film Society Advisory Committee, back to Beaufort as early as the previous May. “It was kind of an evolution of things that happened,” Tucker said. “We wanted to get him here for the 30th anniversary of Forrest Gump, but as things happened, his people felt it was too early to commit. But they said, ‘we want to do it.’” Tucker tried several times to bring Sinise to Parris Island for a graduation to

compliment a trip to the film festival, but it simply didn’t pan out. “At some point it was recommended by their people, ‘He wants to come, … maybe we could do a Lt. Dan concert while he’s here?’” Tucker said. “We reached out to MCCS at (the Air Station) for help, and pretty soon, they agreed to support it, the Lt. Dan Band agreed to support it.” The concert will be the Lt. Dan Band’s first appearance in Beaufort since 2012. Throughout Sinise’s award-winning career (a

Primetime Emmy Award, a Golden Globe Award, a Tony Award, and four Screen Actors Guild Awards), he has been an advocate for U.S. service members, but after Sept. 11, 2001, Sinise became a tireless crusader in support of those who serve or have served our country. In 2003, after several USO handshake tours, he formed the Lt. Dan Band and began entertaining troops serving at home and abroad. Over the years, the band has performed hundreds of shows for charities and fundraisers supporting wounded heroes,

films that is truly genuine and so appreciated.” What’s in it for us locals? I could go on and on about what BIFF means to me – and have, ad nauseam, in this very newspaper – but let’s just say it’s my favorite thing about winter in Beaufort, bar none. Every year, BIFF rises from the cold, dead earth like some exotic flower, blasting away my winter blues, reminding me that I am a living thing – mind, body, soul – and that springtime’s on its way. And I’m not alone. I know plenty of Beaufortonians who take a few days off work each year to attend the festival. While film lovers are flocking here from other states and countries, lots of locals see BIFF as an excuse for a mini staycation. “My husband Vince’s business, Covington Blind and Shutter Company, always sponsors the award for animation, so we’re in our seats every morning in time to see the animated films at 9 a.m.,” says Lowcountry Weekly’s food columnist Debbi Covington. “By the lunch break at noon, we’ve experienced so many different emotions — happiness, fear, heartbreak, anger, empathy, joy — that we leave the theater both exhilarated and exhausted. My mascara is usually destroyed. Then, we eat lunch. I repair my makeup and we both head back in to ride that emotional roller coaster for a few more hours. It’s the best week in February. We love BIFF!” Beaufort’s Ken Davis is always in the BIFF audience, too. “I have been a fan of movies as long as I can remember ... sitting in the dark and losing myself. The festival never disappoints. I laugh and cry and learn so much. Such a wonderful opportunity in our great town.” Festival regular Ken Harwell loves it all, but especially the BIFF socializing. “Ron and Rebecca work so hard to preview the films and they are wonderful,” he says. “Even better are the people … meeting friends as well as film affiliated folks make for a fun filled, electric atmosphere.” Emotional roller coasters, exciting new friends, and a funfilled, electric atmosphere? Just as winter’s wearing out its welcome? Yes, please! Bring it, BIFF 2024. We’re ready. The Beaufort International Film will take place February 20 through 25 at USCB Center for the Arts. For more information and tickets, visit www.beaufortfilmfestival.com. Margaret Evans is the editor of Lowcountry Weekly and a Publisher of and a contributor to The Island News. She can be reached at editor@lcweekly.com.

Gold Star families, veterans and troops around the world. The band played the Beaufort Shrimp Festival for three years from 2010 to 2012, and the opening weekend of the festival was known as Lt. Dan Weekend (LDW). But the expanded Lt. Dan Week in 2013 was canceled close to the event, leaving those in Beaufort disappointed as Sinise’s band began to play LDW regularly in Charleston. Tucker told The Island News in December that Sinise has been involved with the BFS in various capacities

in the year’s since, but the 2024 BIFF will mark the Lt. Dan Band’s long-awaited return to Beaufort. “He’s supported us several times when we’ve asked him to,” Tucker said. “But you know the Lt. Dan Band performs almost every weekend somewhere. This concert is really a bonus and really brings the community together for what is a bigger event that includes the film festival.” Mike McCombs is the Editor of The Island News and can be reached at TheIslandNews@gmail.com.

BIFF 2024

2024 Beaufort International Film Festival Selections

From staff reports Official Selections for the 2024 Beaufort International Film Festival (BIFF), Feb. 20-25, 2024 in Beaufort, S.C. Judges selected 55 films and 5 screenplays from nearly 500 submissions from more than 40 countries. FEATURES

Split Ticket: Directed by Alfred Thomas Catalfo, Dover, N.H.

Spray Away: Directed by Pete Capo, Miami

All events at USCB Center for the Arts, 805 Carteret Street, Beaufort

Stalking The Bogeyman: Directed by Markus Potter and Jack Dorfman, New York

Opening Night Reception and Special Concert/ Ticketed Event 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Tickets: $60 (BFS Members), $75 (Non Members).

Talia: Directed by Lindsay Harbert, Los Angeles

Back to Bridgewood: Directed by That’s Not My Mother: Directed Kelsey Cooke, Nashville by Amanda Sweikow, Hawthone, Blood Star: Directed by Lawrence Calif. Jacomelli, East Sussex, U.K. The Birthday Butterfly: Directed Long December: Directed by by Collins Abbott White and Corey Maher, Greenville, S.C. Thomas Torrey, Rock Hill, S.C. Scrap: Directed by Vivian Kerr, The Magic Ticket: Directed by Yelena Krivosheyeva, Los Angeles Los Angeles, Calif. The Martini Shot: Directed by Us. Together. Alone: Directed by Stephen Wallis, Edson, Alberta, Gregg Prosser, Bayville, N.Y. Canada STUDENT FILM The Final Run: Directed by Chris August: Directed by Eli McHelton, Hilton Head Island, S.C. Gowan, Savannah, Ga. (Savannah College of Art and Design) DOCUMENTARY FEATURES An Open Door: Temple Grandin – Cash Only: Directed by Yuxi Xing, Directed by John Alexander Barn- Arcadia, Calif. (Chapman University) hardt, Fort Collins, Colo. Filling in the Blanks – Directed by Hog-Tied: Directed by Jack Hisatomi, Los Angeles (Chapman Jon Baime, Decatur, Ga. University) Prisoner By Choice: The Frankie San Story – Directed by Daniel Iris: Directed by Aida Gevorgyan, Los Angeles (University of SouthFisher, Lexington, S.C. ern California Cinematic Arts) DOCUMENTARY SHORTS Reagan/Quigley ’85: Directed David Again: Directed by Adam by Elijah Kimmel, Orange, Calif. (Chapman University) Elliott, New York, N.Y.

Emerald Sanctuary: Directed by Slobopoly: Directed by Yinghui Conor MacDonnell, Palm Beach, Li, Orange, Calif. (Chapman University) Fla. I Can’t Keep Quiet: Directed by Eurie Chung, Honolulu, Hawaii

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

ANIMATION

Dandelion: Directed by Ling Zhao Rosenwald: Toward A More Perand Zhengwu Gu, Sarasota, Fla. fect Union: Directed by Charles (Ringling College of Art & Design) Poe, Bethesda, Md. KnightTime Story: Directed by The Collector: Directed by Carrie Julie Huang, Kayla Rose, and Wachob and Jim Picariello, Seattle Christine Wendell, Clemson, S.C. The Volunteer: Directed by David (Clemson University) Brodie, Los Angeles The Star and the Scribe: Directed by Mariel Jones, Los Angeles (UniSHORT FILMS versity of Southern California) A Shattering: Directed by Jan JaReturn: Directed by Jingzhi Pan, lenak, New York Orange, Calif. (Chapman UniverBecause I Love You: Directed by sity) Bob Celli, New York SCREENPLAYS Blood Is Thicker: Directed by Melissa Skirboll, Long Island, N.Y. Conviction: Written by Lee Chipper: Directed by Shaun Ma- Chambers, Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada clean, Atlanta

Tuesday, Feb. 20

Special Concert – “Bubba’s Mama Sings the Blues” Performances by Dr. Marlena Smalls and the Hallelujah Singers 8 to 9 p.m.

Wednesday, February 21 Film Screenings Block 1 – 9 a.m. The Star and the Scribe (5 min) Animation Slobopoly (9 min) Student In Search Of (13 min) Short Cash Only (17 min) Student David Again (18 min) Documentary (Short) – Break – Block 2 – 11 a.m. Return (3 min) Animation Hit Man: Secrets of Lies (19 min) Short Fundamental Shapes (15 min) Short Dear Owner (9 min) Short The Volunteer (35 min) Documentary (Short) – Break –

Feature Feature

Thursday, Feb. 22 Film Screenings Block 1 – 9 a.m. Dandelion (4 min) Animation Iris (18 min) Student Safe (10 min) Short The Collector (16 min) Documentary (Short) Estela, Is It You? (22 min) Short – Break – Short Short Short

– Break – Block 3 – 1 p.m. A Shattering (20 min) Short An Open Door: Temple Grandin (1 hr) Documentary (Feature) – Break – Block 4 – 3 p.m. I Can’t Keep Quiet (27 min) Documentary (Short) Hedgehog (18 min) Short Rough Draft (4 min) Short That’s Not My Mother (16 min) Short Screenwriters Workshop 5 to 6 p.m. (Free) – Break –

Common As Red Hair: Directed Just In Time: Written by Robbie by Robbie Robertson, Columbia, Robertson, Columbia, S.C. Stephen Wallis, The Martini Shot S.C. Suffer The Act: Written by Tony (Feature) Dear Owner: Directed by Jona- Bustamante, Westchester, Ill. than Thomas Coleman, New York The Pickleball Killer: Written by BEST ENSEMBLE NOMINATIONS Estela, Is It You? Directed by Fa- Jim Carrol, Frisco, Texas bian Martin and Victor Martin, Without Roots: Written by Mela- Because I Love You (Short Film) Culver City, Calif. nie Hope Lang, Paducah, Ky. Common As Red Hair (Short Film) Final Score: Directed by Stephen Long December (Feature) BEST ACTOR NOMINATIONS Massar, Charleston, S.C. Fundamental Shapes: Directed by Scott Cohen, A Shattering (Short The Birthday Butterfly (Short Film) Colin Alistair Campbell, New York Film) Hedgehog: Directed by D. Mitry, Richard Kind, Hit Man: Secrets of The Martini Shot (Feature) Lies (Short Film) Albany, N.Y. BEST MUSIC SCORE Hit Man: Secrets of Lies: Direct- Matthew Modine, The Martini NOMINATIONS Shot (Feature) ed by Elias Plagianos, New York Adrianne Gonzalez, I Can’t Keep In Search Of: Directed by Leanne Kevin Oestenstad, Infraction Quiet (Documentary Short) Melissa Bishop and Leigh Rachel (Short Film) Dave Fox, Because I Love You Faith, Los Angeles Anthony Rapp, Scrap (Feature) (Short Film) Infraction: Directed by Timothy BEST ACTRESS NOMINATIONS Felix Lindsell-Hales, Blood Star Blackwood, Philadelphia (Feature) Ivy’s Dream: Directed by Louis Nakia Burrise, Back To BridgeKevin Dailey, Long December wood (Feature) Leuci, Brooklyn, N.Y. (Feature) Nisei: Directed by Darren Haruo Britni Camacho, Blood Star (FeaBrooke Wentz, Scrap (Feature) ture) Rae, Studio City, Calif.

Film Screenings Block 1 – 9 a.m. KnightTime Story (3 min) Hog-Tied (15 min) August (12 min) Prisoner By Choice: The Frankie San Story (1 hr, 6 min)

Animation Student Student Documentary (Feature)

– Break – Block 2 – 11:30 a.m. Split Ticket (20 min) Spray Away (20 min) Not the Same Clarence (15 min) Infraction (22 min) Short

Short Short Short

– Break – Block 3 – 2 p.m. Back to Bridgewood (1 hr, 25 min)

Feature

– Break – Block 4 – 4 p.m. Rosenwald: Toward a More Perfect Union (10 min) Blood is Thicker (14 min) Us. Together. Alone (12 min)

Documentary (Short) Short Short

Block 5 – 7:30 p.m. Ivy’s Dream (18 min) The Final Run (1 hr, 30 min)

Short Feature

Film Screenings Short Short Short

– Break –

Block 2 – 11 a.m. Nisei (22 min) Night Voices (22 min) Common As Red Hair (15 min)

Friday, February 23

Saturday, February 24

– Break –

Block 5 – 7 p.m. Long December (1hr, 18min) Blood Star (1hr, 37min)

Short Feature

– Break –

Block 3 – 1:20 p.m. Because I Love You (14 min) Short Filling In the Blanks (1hr, 34 min) Documentary (Feature) Block 4 – 3:50 p.m. Our Males and Females (11 min) Final Score (13 min) Sister (16 min)

Block 5 – 7:30 p.m. Purgy’s (17 min) Scrap (1 hr, 45 min)

Block 1 – 9 a.m. Reagan/Quigley ‘85 (12 min) Stalking the Bogeyman (10 min) Talia (11 min) The Birthday Butterfly (25 min)

Student Short Short Short

– Break – Block 2 – 11 a.m. Emerald Sanctuary (12 min) Documentary (Short) The Magic Ticket (16 min) Short Chipper (21 min) Short – Break – Block 3 – 12:45 to 1:45 p.m. South Carolina Film Commission (Indie Grants Program) (Free) Block 4 – 1:45 p.m. The Martini Shot (1 hr, 40 min)

Special Presentation

Feature

– Break – Block 5 – 4 p.m. The Spirit of Beaufort: Remembering Forrest Gump (1 hr, 30 min)

Special

– Break – Block 6 – 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. “An Evening with Gary Sinise”/ Pat Conroy Lifetime Achievement Award $25

Sunday, February 25 Awards Ceremony – Cocktail Hour 2 p.m. – Awards Presentations 3 p.m. Single Ticket $60 (BFS Members), $70 (Non Members) (included in All Events Pass) Catering by Debbi Covington (Champagne included)

For more information about the 18th Annual Beaufort International Film Festival, visit beaufortfilmfestival. com.The Beaufort Film Society is a nonprofit, 501 (c) 3, membersupported organization, dedicated to providing the highest levels of entertainment and education to the public from all areas of the film industry.

Alain Mayrand, The Martini Shot Night Voices: Directed by Bradley Vivian Kerr, Scrap (Feature) (Feature) Hawkins, Landisville, Pa. Laura Patalano, Estela, Is It You Not the Same Clarence: Directed (Short Film) BEST COMEDY NOMINATIONS by Brian Russell and Samuel B. Kelly Wolf, A Shattering (Short Back To Bridgewood (Feature) Russell, Fairfield, Conn. Film) Dear Owner (Short Film) Our Males and Females: Directed BEST DIRECTOR by Ahmad Alyaseer, Jordan Fundamental Shapes (Short Film) NOMINATIONS Purgy’s: Directed by Robbie BryHog-Tied (Student Film) Kelsey Cooke, Back to Bridgewood an, Tinton Falls, N.J. Rough Draft (Short Film) Rough Draft: Directed by Kaitlin (Feature) Jan Jalenak, A Shattering (Short Slobopoly (Student Film) Moose, Sherman Oaks, Calif. Safe: Directed by Josema Roig, Film) Vivian Kerr, Scrap (Feature) Lugo, Spain

Spray Away (Short Film)

The Birthday Butterfly (Short Sister: Directed by Shane Andries, Thomas Torrey, Long December Film) Rock Hill, S.C. The Martini Shot (Feature) (Feature) FEBRUARY 15–21, 2024

BUSINESS

Are your personal biases derailing your investment goals?

Provided by Wells Fargo into the future. Your investment portfolio may • Risk: Letting short-term need variety to help fit your needs. news drive your investment decisions could cause you to Too much of one kind of asset, or abandon your personalized, too little, and you’re likely to find long-term investment plan. yourself without the pieces that • Consideration: Self-discican potentially help you meet your pline. Work with your finanlong-term financial goals. cial team to create a personal The trick is to guard against investment philosophy statemaking decisions based on trends ment — and stick to it. This or biases you might not be aware customized strategy should you have. Tracie McMillion, head account for your desired asset of Global Asset Allocation for mix, risk preferences, liquidity Wells Fargo Investment Institute, needs, and time horizon. And took a closer look at some of the it can help you keep your cool biases that can cloud your thinkwhen the headlines start to ing: heat up.

Identify your biases

Even savvy and knowledgeable investors can be blind to their own biases — tendencies that can thwart smart decision-making. Common investment biases include:

Sector bias. All too often, professionals gravitate toward stocks in industries that they’re most familiar with. Doctors, for instance, may load up on health care stocks. • Risk: You may lose out on potential earnings in other industries and unduly expose yourself to downturns in industry-specific markets. • Consideration: The key is to diversify among sectors. Work with your investment professionals to gain an understanding of how assets in various sectors may potentially help a portfolio perform better as a whole over the long term. Company bias. From favoring a family business to maintaining too much loyalty to a long-time employer, this bias can weigh down a portfolio with one company’s stock. • Risk: Sinking too much of your retirement savings into one brand can leave you exposed to company-specific volatility risk that can be sizable. It can even expose your portfolio to the possibility that that one company may cease to exist. • Consideration: Diversification may potentially help buffer the effects of severe problems at an individual company level. Bias toward recent events. Called “recency bias,” this tendency relates to how investors respond to everyday market activity. With investment information and the news of national and international events at our fingertips 24/7, many of us are very tuned in to what’s happening in the world — and in the financial markets. As human beings, we tend to project what has just happened into the future, reacting to upward and downward trends by buying and selling stocks as if yesterday’s good or bad news will continue

Home country bias. Investors — be they American, Italian, or Brazilian — typically feel most comfortable when they choose to invest in companies headquartered in their home countries. After all, they’re usually the companies that such investors read about in local or national media and the companies that they do business with as consumers most often. • Risk: Home country bias may translate to missed investment opportunities. Heavy reliance on U.S. stocks, bonds, and real estate can keep you from expanding your investment strategy to take advantage of global investment opportunities. • Consideration: We believe it’s a good idea to see to it that most of your assets have some global component. And remember that while currency exchange rates may introduce risks to your portfolio, they also may pave the way toward enhanced returns.

Some additional caveats

In addition to these biases, we see other habits and attitudes that can affect our clients’ portfolios. You may not be susceptible to all of these tendencies, but being aware of them can help keep your investment strategy on track: • Overconfidence. Do you think you can beat the Street? Striving to micromanage your portfolio stock-by-stock or trying to outsmart the market in a short time frame is a common, but often flawed, tactic in our view. Instead, trust your plan and don’t try to anticipate short-term market movements. • Aversion to loss. Is there an asset you just can’t bear to sell because it has lost value? Well, with each passing day, you could be putting off the inevitable, and in our view, you may be robbing yourself of access to investment dollars that could be working for you elsewhere. Ask yourself if it’s time to move on. • Anchoring. This tactic comes into play when you hold on to an investment because you

are comparing its current value to a reference value, such as a top-dollar price point from the past. Anchoring thinking might go something like this: “I just want the stock price to return to the high it hit two years ago before I sell.” But by mooring yourself to a potentially unrealistic expectation, you may find that your investment plan doesn’t move forward. • Favoritism in asset classes. Are you showing preference for one type of asset over others? Do you have “rules” against investing in certain asset types? Showing favoritism may unnecessarily exclude a choice — including a new investment strategy — that could serve you well. Our goal is to help clients make their investment plans personal without allowing such unintentional biases and tendencies to creep in. The overall solution comes back to self-control during volatile times. Work with your investment team to maintain objectivity, manage risk, and stay focused on long-term goals rather than toward short-term investment — or emotional — rewards.

More about creating your personal investing philosophy

To help provide focus and direction, every investor should consider establishing a personal investment philosophy. For couples, the philosophy statement should reflect their mutual investment goals and their unified strategy as a household. Here’s a short list of action items that can get you started on formulating your personal investment strategy. • Determine how much cash you need to hold to your commitment to your long-term investment plan. Before and during retirement, you may need to tap cash holdings to pay for living expenses, emergencies, or other major planned expenses, such as a son’s or daughter’s wedding. We call the amount of cash that you may need to access “your sleep-well number” — the figure that may allow you to feel more at ease regarding your investment plan. • Commit to diversification of your investments. Not to sound repetitive, but this tactic can help you deal with market ups and downs. Just as you need an overcoat in winter and a swimsuit in summer, various assets simply tend to perform better during different economic cycles. So position yourself for different financial seasons with a diversified combination of fixed income,

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equity holdings, real assets, and alternative investment strategies. • Actively manage risk. Don’t forget to revisit and rebalance your portfolio about once a year and when you experience a major life event. Reallocation can help your portfolio stay on plan and reduce risk or enhance return potential when markets have moved significantly. • Weave goals into your overall plan. Many investors who have significant resources also have aspirations of making their world a better place. To understand how you spend your investment dollars, consider asking a financial advisor to run screens on your complete portfolio, including investments, charitable trusts, and asset transfers. Then collaborate on any adjustments needed to help the overarching investment plan operate within your customized preferences.

Global Investment Strategy is a division of Wells Fargo Investment Institute, Inc. (WFII). WFII is a registered investment adviser and wholly owned subsidiary of Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., a bank affiliate of Wells Fargo & Company. This article has been prepared for informational purposes only and is not a solicitation or an offer to buy any security or instrument or to participate in any trading strategy. Individuals need to make their own decisions based on their specific investment objectives, financial circumstances, and tolerance for risk. Please contact your financial, tax, and legal advisors regarding your specific situation. All investing involves risk, including the possible loss of principal. Stock markets, especially foreign markets, are volatile. Stocks may fluctuate in response to general economic and market conditions, the prospects of individual companies, and industry sectors. Foreign investing has additional risks including those associated with currency fluctuation, political and economic instability, and different accounting standards. These risks are heightened in emerging and frontier markets. Equity securities are subject to market risk, which means their value may fluctuate in response to general economic and market conditions and the perception of individual issuers. Investments in equity securities are generally more volatile than other types of securities. Investments in fixed-income securities are subject to market, interest rate, credit and other risks. Bond prices fluctuate inversely to changes in interest rates. Therefore, a general rise in interest rates can cause a bond’s price to fall. Credit risk is the risk that an issuer will default on payments of interest and/or principal. This risk is heightened in lower rated bonds. If sold prior to maturity, fixed income securities are subject to market risk. All fixed income investments may be worth less than their original cost upon redemption or maturity. Asset allocation and diversification are investment methods used to help manage risk. They do not guarantee investment returns or

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eliminate risk of loss including in a declining market. All investing involves risk including the possible loss of principal. There are special risks associated with an investment in real estate, including the possible illiquidity of the underlying properties, credit risk, interest rate fluctuations, and the impact of varied economic conditions. Alternative investments, such as hedge funds, funds of hedge funds, managed futures, private capital, real assets and real estate funds, are not appropriate for all investors. They are speculative, highly illiquid, and are designed for long-term investment, and not as trading vehicle. These funds carry specific investor qualifications which can include high income and net-worth requirements as well as relatively high investment minimums. The high expenses associated with alternative investments must be offset by trading profits and other income which may not be realized. Unlike mutual funds, alternative investments are not subject to some of the regulations designed to protect investors and are not required to provide the same level of disclosure as would be received from a mutual fund. They trade in diverse complex strategies that are affected in different ways and at different times by changing market conditions. Strategies may, at times, be out of market favor for considerable periods with adverse consequences for the fund and the investor. An investment in these funds involve the risks inherent in an investment in securities and can include losses associated with speculative investment practices, including hedging and leveraging through derivatives, such as futures, options, swaps, short selling, investments in non-U.S. securities, “junk” bonds and illiquid investments. The use of leverage in a portfolio varies by strategy. Leverage can significantly increase return potential but create greater risk of loss. At times, a fund may be unable to sell certain of its illiquid investments without a substantial drop in price, if at all. Other risks can include those associated with potential lack of diversification, restrictions on transferring interests, no available secondary market, complex tax structures, delays in tax reporting, valuation of securities and pricing. An investment in a fund of funds carries additional risks including asset-based fees and expenses at the fund level and indirect fees, expenses and asset-based compensation of investment funds in which these funds invest. An investor should review the private placement memorandum, subscription agreement and other related offering materials for complete information regarding terms, including all applicable fees, as well as the specific risks associated with a fund before investing.

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USCB Chamber Music presents Six for Five by Six

By Michael Johns On Sunday, March 3 at 5 p.m., at USCB Center for the Arts, 801 Carteret Street, Beaufort, USCB Chamber Music will present a concert filled with a spectacular mix of musical colors and styles. Artistic Director, pianist, and host Andrew Armstrong has assembled a program to satisfy all tastes, including deep introspection, plaintive song, dreamy sensuousness, sacred hymnody, razzmatazz jazz, and hefty romantic splendor. A combination of six new and returning artists will assemble in five configurations (piano trio; four piano-accompanied works for viola, horn and clarinet; a sextet including all artists) to perform works by six composers (Rebecca Clarke, Ernst von Dohnànyi, George Gershwin, Florence Price, Sergei Rachmaninov, and Camille Saint-Saëns). The first half of the concert introduces the performers, beginning with Rachmaninov's Trio élégiaque No. 1 in G minor for piano, violin, and cello. Written at age 19 while under the influence of Tchaikovsky, Rachmaninov modeled it after that master's Piano Trio in A minor (heard on the January concert) in an expressive audible panorama with from-the-heart intensity. Camille Saint-Saens is represented by his tuneful and gentle Romance for valveless French horn and piano. Rebecca Clarke's Morpheus displays English bearing leavened with impressionistic ambiance in her ethereal narrative of Morpheus, the Greek god of dreams, for viola and piano. Two works by American composers, arranged for clarinet and piano, round out the first half: Florence

Price's Adoration, a sublimely melodic incantation, and George Gershwin's three-movement Prelude No. 1, a sassy, jazz-age celebration. Concluding the program is a dazzling, hyper-romantic showpiece: Sextet for Violin, Viola, Cello, Horn, Clarinet and Piano, Op. 37 by Ernst von Dohnányi. A major force in Hungarian music as a pianist, composer, conductor, and administrator, the sextet showcases Dohnányi's lyricism, expansive sonic vistas, and sparkling wit. It is a unique, strong, masterful work and the unusual combination produces a huge, orchestra-scale color palette. Because of its novel size and instrumentation it is under-represented in concert halls; do not miss the opportunity to hear this masterpiece live in Beaufort! Violinist Amy Schwartz Moretti makes a welcome return. A frequent presence on this series, she has a distinguished musical career of broad versatility, being equally adaptable as soloAmy ist, chamber musiSchwartz cian, concertmasMoretti ter, and educator. In the latter category, she is the inaugural Director of Mercer University's McDuffie Center for Strings. Violist Gabriela Diaz, a celebrated performer and advocate for contemporary music, has worked closely with many significant com-

posers on their own compositions as a member of multiple Boston area contemporary music groups. A childhood cancer survivor, she is a firm believer in the healing properties of music, Gabriela leading her to orDiaz ganize colleagues for chamber music performances in numerous hospital cancer units. Cellist Raphael Bell enjoys a varied career as a principal cellist, chamber musician, teacher, and festival director. He is currently principal cellist of the Antwerp Symphony Orchestra (Belgium), Raphael founder and co-diBell rector of the Charlottesville Chamber Music Festival (Virginia) and co-Artistic Director of La Loingtaine in Montigny-sur-Loing (France). Clarinetist Alexander Fiterstein has performed in recital, with distinguished orchestras, and with chamber ensembles worldwide. A winner of multiple competitions, recipient of the AvAlexander ery Fisher Career Fiterstein Grant Award, and Professor of Clarinet at the Peabody School, Fiter-

stein’s playing is described in The Washington Post as “dazzling in its spectrum of colors, agility, and range. Every sound he makes is finely measured without inhibiting expressiveness.” French hornist R.J. Kelly is a versatile musician who is comfortable playing in the middle of opera, ballet, symphony, and conductor-less orchestras, in front of ensembles as a concerto soloist, and in jazz groups around the world. As if this did not keep him busy R.J. enough, he has a Kelly second international horn-playing career on the valveless horn which requires very different techniques, equipment, and repertoire than the modern valved (French) horn. On this program he will display his artistry on both instruments. Rounding out the ensemble is deeply engaged, captain-ofthe-ship Artistic Director, loquacious host, and barn-storming pianist Andrew Armstrong, who recently returned from a successful solo recital in London's Wigmore Hall. He will hold Andrew the music-making Armstrong together by playing on every piece, providing sensitive accompaniment, exquisitely synchronized ensemble passagework, or dashing éclat as needed. Experience in-the-moment creativity with artists who have crafted major careers and arrive in Beau-

Habitat for Humanity to host Upcycled Art Auction

From staff reports Habitat for Humanity of the Lowcountry’s Annual Upcycled Art Auction, presented by SKB and the Beaufort Realtors Association, will take place from 6 to 9 p.m., Friday, March 22 at the Holiday Inn & Suites, 2225 Boundary Street in Beaufort. Legendary sweetgrass basketweaver Jery Taylor, the volunteers of Habitat for Humanity of the Lowcountry’s own woodshop, and Amiri Farris, the USC Beaufort’s artist in residence, with his students, are part of the line-up of more than 60 artists who have submitted an intriguing variety of work for attendees to bid on.

The silent auction begins at 6 p.m. with the live auction starting at 7:30 p.m.. Former Beaufort resident, gallery owner, and artist Deanna Bowdish returns as auctioneer. Beek Webb & Friends will provide the entertainment

and heavy hors d'oeuvres, wine, beer, and nonalcoholic beverages will be served. Brenda Dooley, CEO of Habitat for Humanity of the Lowcountry said in a news release, “It is exciting that what started as

our birdhouse auction so many years ago has grown into such a large community event. I hope everyone will join us for an evening of art, fun, and supporting affordable housing.” All proceeds go toward the building of a home for a deserving local family. Tickets are $50 per person and can be purchased on the Habitat for Humanity of the Lowcountry’s website (https://bit. ly/3UC6IiE) or at the door for $60, if still available. Habitat for Humanity of the Lowcountry is part of a global non-profit housing organization operated on Christian principles that seeks to put God’s love into action by building

WANT TO GO?

Who: Violinist Amy Schwartz Moretti, Violist Gabriela Diaz, Cellist Raphael Bell, Clarinetist Alexander Fiterstein, French hornist R.J. Kelly and Artistic Director and pianist Andrew Armstrong What: USCB Chamber Music Series When: 5 p.m., Sunday, March 3 Where: USCB Center for the Arts, 801 Carteret Street, Beaufort Tickets: There are three ways to enjoy the concert: in person and virtually by Live-Stream and OnDemand. All virtual concerts are professionally produced, creating great viewing opportunities. OnDemand is accessible four days after the concert and available to view at your leisure for three weeks. For concert, event, or ticket information, go to www. uscbchambermusic.com or call 843-208-8246, Monday through Friday.

fort with the performance-earned reputations that they will deliver an intriguing, soothing, probing, joyous, and memorable concert. The January concert was a complete sell-out, Don't take a chance at missing this event; reserve your seat today for the Lowcountry's premiere chamber music series. There are three ways to enjoy the concert: in person and virtually by Live-Stream and On-Demand. All virtual concerts are professionally produced, creating great viewing opportunities. On-Demand is accessible four days after the concert and available to view at your leisure for three weeks. For concert, event, or ticket information, go to www.uscbchambermusic.com or call 843-208-8246, Monday through Friday.

homes, communities, and hope. Habitat for Humanity of the Lowcountry is dedicated to eliminating substandard housing locally through constructing, rehabilitating, and preserving homes; by advocating for fair and just housing policies; and providing training and access to resources to help families improve their shelter conditions. Habitat for Humanity of the Lowcountry serves all of Beaufort and Jasper counties and is the only organization in these areas building new homes for residents who earn between 30% and 80% of the median income of their county.

Lowcountry Wind Symphony set for 2nd show of season From staff reports The Lowcountry Wind Symphony, under the direction of Donald F. Jemella, will be returning to St. John's Lutheran Church, 157 Lady's Island Drive, Beaufort, for the second concert of its 20232024 Season at 4 p.m., Sunday, Feb. 25. That's Entertainment offers a varied program of selections from Broadway to Hollywood, Sousa to Strauss. Also included are well-loved melodies from The King and I, and The Music Man along with excerpts from the film score Pearl Harbor. Peggy Copley will be the featured soloist in Artie Shaw's Concerto for Clarinet and Band. The concert is free and open to the public, but donations are gratefully accepted.

FEBRUARY 15–21, 2024

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STATE NEWS

Haley calls Trump’s jab at her husband’s whereabouts attack on U.S. military

By Skylar Laird SCDailyGazette.com ELGIN — Nikki Haley ramped up her condemnation of Donald Trump questioning her husband’s whereabouts, calling his snide remarks in Conway part of the former president’s pattern of disrespect for the military and those who serve. During his rally Saturday at Coastal Carolina, Trump took a very personal swipe at Haley. “Where’s her husband? Oh, he’s away. He’s away! What happened to her husband? Where is he? He’s gone,” the twice-divorced Trump, who campaigns without his wife, said to a crowd of thousands. “He knew. He knew.” Maj. Michael Haley is deployed to Djibouti, a small country on the Horn of Africa opposite Yemen, on a voluntary, yearlong mission with the South Carolina National Guard that started last June. The former South Carolina governor called Trump’s mockery of the couple an attack on military service. “In that moment, he showed that with that kind of disrespect for the military, he’s not qualified to be the president of the United States, because I don’t trust him to protect them,” Haley told fewer than 50 people gathered at Thunder Tower Harley-Davidson near Columbia on Monday, Feb. 12, her third day of a campaign bus tour across the state.

Republican presidential candidate Nikki Haley makes a point regarding other candidates being surrounded by “chaos” during her campaign stop Tuesday, Feb. 13 in Bluffton. The former South Carolina Governor said, “We’ll never survive four more years” of either of the front-running candidates from both parties, she said. Bob Sofaly/The Island News The former governor, who trails Trump in polling numbers in her own state, often references her husband’s military service in campaign speeches. She points to it as inspiring her to seek the nation’s highest office, saying he and his fellow soldiers “still believe in this amazing experience that is America.” Trump, who was to return to South Carolina on Wednesday for a rally in North Charleston, never mentioned the military or Michael Haley’s service in his jab. It followed Trump telling the crowd that Nikki Haley came to his Florida estate with her husband and told her former boss she’d never run against him, something she also told reporters

in 2021. In a weekend response, Haley wrote on social media, “Either Donald Trump is openly insulting military families, or he got confused again and doesn’t know my husband is deployed.” She quickly homed in on the former. On Monday, Haley asked what Trump, who was medically excused from the Vietnam War draft, knows about life in the military. “The most harm he’s ever come across is whether a golf ball hits him on a golf cart,” Haley told reporters. “And you are going to mock our men and women in the military?” Her campaign released a nearly two-minute ad that

highlighted her message. It includes a CNN video clip about a report in The Atlantic in 2020 in which anonymous people said Trump called Americans who died in war “losers” and “suckers,” along with the allegation that Trump turned to his then-Chief of Staff John Kelly at Arlington National Cemetery on Memorial Day in 2017 and said, “I don’t get it. What was in it for them?” Trump denied the allegations soon after the article came out. But the video montage also uses Trump’s own words as evidence. It reminds voters that Trump disparaged the late Sen. John McCain of Arizona, who was held a prisoner for over five years

during the Vietnam War, with a clip of Trump saying during his 2015 campaign, “I like people who weren’t captured, OK?” Trump’s campaign countered that the former president supports the military, as shown by a 2.4% pay raise for troops he signed into law in 2018 and no wars started during his tenure. “There has been no greater advocate for our brave military men and women than President Trump,” spokesperson Karoline Leavitt said in a statement. But Haley said Trump attacked the military twice in his 90-minute speech in Conway. She pointed to his threat to countries in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, an allied group of 31 members, that he would not protect them if they failed to spend enough money on their own defenses. NATO allies are supposed to spend 2% of their gross domestic product on their military, though most don’t. “No, I would not protect you,” he said he told a NATO leader while he was president, though he never named who was on the other end of the conversation. “In fact, I would encourage (Russia) to do whatever the hell they want,” he added. “You gotta pay.” Haley, who was Trump’s first United Nations ambassador, called that comment dangerous for military members overseas. They would reap the consequences if

Russia invaded an allied country where they’re stationed, she said. Ukraine, which Russia invaded in 2022, is not a member of NATO, though it wants to join. “(Trump) is not somebody who’s going to prevent a war,” Haley said. “That’s somebody who’s going to get us in a war.” Echoing what she said during campaign stops Saturday, Haley questioned whether the 77-year-old Trump is competent enough to run the country and handle both foreign and domestic disputes. She has called repeatedly for politicians over the age of 75 to take a mental competency test, particularly Trump and Biden following recent questions about their mental states. “That kind of rhetoric was unhinged,” she said of Trump’s comments. “It made Joe Biden look sane. It made Joe Biden look normal, when we know he’s diminished.” Michael Rose, a 29-yearold student seeing Haley on Monday, said much of his support for Haley comes from her experience in foreign policy as United Nations ambassador. He called Trump’s comments on her husband “despicable.” “Trump’s a bully, plain and simple,” Rose said. Skylar Laird covers the South Carolina Legislature and criminal justice issues. Originally from Missouri, she previously worked for The Post and Courier’s Columbia bureau.

SC gun bill heading to GOP vs GOP standoff

By Seanna Adcox SCDailyGazette.com COLUMBIA — The South Carolina House has rejected the Senate’s version of legislation allowing adults to carry a handgun without a permit, setting up another potential stalemate between the chambers’ ruling Republicans. The House voted 85-26 along party lines Tuesday to strike the Senate’s changes entirely and send back the bill as it passed the House last year, despite Senate Majority Leader Shane Massey warning that could doom the effort. A single Democrat voted with the Republicans. “I appreciate the work the Senate’s done, but there are issues

with the bill,” said Rep. Bobby Cox, R-Greer, the bill’s main sponsor. “I look forward to working it out. That’s part of the governing process.” A six-member House-Senate panel will attempt to work out a compromise. The bill would eliminate all training requirements for walking around with a handgun readily available, whether visibly or concealed. Advocates call it “constitutional carry” as a reference to the Second Amendment to the Constitution. Provisions added by the Senate earlier this month are intended to incentivize gun owners to go through the process of getting a concealed weapon permit, which

includes an eight-hour training class on gun safety and legal do’s and don’ts, even though it would no longer be mandatory for carrying. The classes would become free, and anyone arrested for breaking a gun law would face higher penalties if they don’t have a CWP. Massey made clear two weeks ago the Senate will not pass the bill without the incentivizes, which are opposed by far-right gun rights groups. A simple vote to accept the Senate’s changes would have sent the bill to the desk of Gov. Henry McMaster, who’s eager to sign it. He’s been pushing for a different part of the bill that gives local and state law enforcement officers the

ability to arrest more felons who are illegally carrying a gun — by aligning state law with federal law — and increasing penalties for repeat offenders. While repeatedly asking for the so-called felon-in-possession penalties, the governor has avoided even mentioning “constitutional carry,” an idea officers have opposed for years. Law enforcement groups agreed to quiet their opposition as long as the part they really wanted stayed intact. In a rare move, McMaster publicly blasted the House GOP last week after the majority caucus announced it would insist on its version. The decision “keeps the ‘revolving door’ for career violent

criminals wide open,” he posted on X, formerly Twitter. “For over two years law enforcement and victims of crime have been begging this General Assembly to pass a bill with stricter increased penalties for illegal gun use and possession. This is how we keep career criminals behind bars and not out on bond shooting and killing innocent South Carolinians.” “The public is losing confidence,” he concluded. “So am I.” Seanna Adcox is a South Carolina native with three decades of reporting experience. She joined States Newsroom in September 2023 after covering the S.C. Legislature and state politics for 18 years. Her previous employers include The Post and Courier and The Associated Press.

‘Forever chemicals’ more likely to be in SC public water supplies than private wells

By Skylar Laird SCDailyGazette.com COLUMBIA — So-called “forever chemicals” have been found in about half the private wells tested by South Carolina’s environmental agency, making them potentially less risky than water flowing into faucets from public supplies, according to data released Friday, Feb. 9. For the past year or so, the Department of Health and Environmental Control has been testing private wells along with larger sources of drinking water for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, often abbreviated to PFAS or referred to simply as “forever chemicals” because they re-

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FEBRUARY 15–21, 2024

main in the environment for centuries. The federal Environmental Protection Agency announced last year that it had plans in the works to regulate the chemicals for the first time. The agency has yet to finalize those regulations, which would cap what proportion would be allowed in drinking water supplies. Prolonged exposure to high levels can cause cancer. Of the 350 wells the state department has sampled, 155, or 47%, contain at least some level of forever chemicals. Sixty — or fewer than one in five — had more than the 4 parts per trillion that would be allowed under pro-

posed federal guidelines, and seven of those wells had more than 10 times the proposed proportion. The state Department of Health and Environmental Control did not release details on the wells’ locations. But their numbers are significantly lower than the amounts of forever chemicals the department has detected in surface water drinking supplies, which carry water to residents in all the state’s major cities. In 2020, the most recent data available, the department found traces of the chemicals in 34 of the state’s 44 surface water systems, or 77%, to varying degrees.

Using $10 million from the state designated in 2022 for programs related to the chemicals, the department has focused on parts of the state expected to have more contamination because of soil types and other environmental factors. Places like the Sandhills and the Piedmont regions are particularly at risk, said state environmental risk specialist Ray Holberger. The agency will test private wells for free if the owner fills out an online form. Knowing where the state has higher levels of the chemicals will help the environmental agency determine where it needs to start clean-

ups, said Jennifer Hughes, who oversees the agency’s water bureau. Complicating the process is the fact that forever chemicals are invisible, tasteless and odorless, meaning it’s impossible to know whether they exist in a water supply without testing, she said. “Tackling PFAS in our environment continues to be one of the most complex, challenging issues states across the country are tackling today,” Hughes told reporters Friday. Exposure to low levels of the chemicals over many decades can cause health problems in people. Officials estimate that someone would

have to drink two liters of water every day for 70 years at the levels proposed by the EPA to develop problems. Drinking water is responsible for about 20% of people’s exposure to the chemicals, officials estimate. The other 80% comes from sources like non-stick coatings on pots and pans, fast-food wrappers and certain makeups, according to the EPA. Water can also be contaminated by manufacturing plants and firefighting foam. Skylar Laird covers the South Carolina Legislature and criminal justice issues. Originally from Missouri, she previously worked for The Post and Courier’s Columbia bureau.

STATE NEWS

Trump touts defeating immigration deal at SC rally, says America has fallen into ‘cesspool of ruin’

By Abraham Kenmore SCDailyGazette.com CONWAY — Former President Donald Trump told thousands who gathered to see him Saturday that America has declined under President Joe Biden, but with their help, he could turn things around. “We are a nation that is no longer admired, respected or listened to on the world stage,” he said over swelling music near the end of his hour-and-a half speech at Coastal Carolina University. “We are a nation who is collapsing into a cesspool of ruin,” he said before promising to, yes, make America great again. The rally near Myrtle Beach was Trump’s first visit to the Palmetto State since he walked onto the field at halftime with Gov. Henry McMaster at the Clemson-South Carolina football game in November. McMaster was among supporters who spoke before Trump Shea Turner poses for a photo with her sign for the Donald Trump rally at Coastal Carolina University on Saturday, took the stage. Feb. 10, 2024 – her birthday. Abraham Kenmore/S.C. Daily Gazette Much of Trump’s speech focused on the southern border, his president. A separate criminal turnout both in the primary and in “Haley is the candidate of gloongoing legal troubles, and, of case against Trump’s handling of November. balists and warmongers,” he said. course, Biden. records after leaving office is onAt one point several people going. Criticism of Haley started shouting in protest, alImmigration claims But Trump did seem to enjoy Before November, though, though the specifics were not auand court cases the report characterizing Biden as Trump still has the Republican pri- dible to reporters in the press pen. Even from outside the White an “elderly man with a poor mem- mary, where he effectively has just They were quickly removed by seHouse, Trump claimed credit for ory.” one rival left – former Gov. Nikki curity. the recent defeat of a package deal “I’m not looking for anything to Haley. “I used to say, ‘Go get them,'” for immigration policy changes happen to this guy. He wouldn’t Haley has trailed Trump con- Trump said as the protestors were and foreign aid that Biden had even know the difference,” Trump sistently, although she’s pointed removed. “Then I got sued. So now backed. said. “They’ll be no revenge, no to her rising results from Iowa to I say, ‘Please treat them kindly.’” “We crushed Crooked Joe’s di- revenge. Everyone agree — no re- New Hampshire as proof she is sastrous open border bill,” Trump venge?” he added, to scattered ap- picking up steam. In Nevada, how- Trump supporters said, alleging without evidence plause. ever, she lost to a “none of these The rally brought out far more that the proposal negotiated for The felony charges related to candidates” option on the ballot. people than could fit in Coastal months by a trio of senators would classified documents at his estate Trump participated in, and won, a Carolina’s recreation center, which let in “millions” of people. in Florida is just one of several separate caucus which would actu- can accommodate 3,600, accordLater in the program, Trump ongoing criminal cases against ally award delegates. ing to the university’s website. read from “The Snake,” a song Trump, which he dismissed cateAlthough he downplayed the Mike Adams, 58, of Bucks Counwritten in 1963 about a snake be- gorically as election interference opposition from Haley, Trump did ty, Pennsylvania, said he’s been to traying a woman who helps him. — interference, he added, that has criticize her for wanting to raise several Trump rallies and never Trump interpreted it as an immi- not worked. the age for when workers in their managed to make it inside. He was gration allegory and promised “It’s hard to say it’s good to be 20s now can retire and start col- visiting family and was once again to begin the largest deportation indicted, but it sure has helped in lecting Social Security benefits. standing in a massive line waiting in American history, bigger than the polls,” he said. Trump named Haley his first to see Trump. President Dwight Eisenhower’s Trump also called for an end to United Nations ambassador, but A retired FBI officer, Adams initiative in 1954 that expelled the war in Ukraine, alleging that Trump said he mainly appointed feels like the Department of Jushundreds of thousands of undocu- if he’d been re-elected in 2020, her to clear the way for McMaster, tice was overly politicized under mented Mexicans. Russia would not have invaded one of his earliest endorsers. Biden. Trump also criticized the de- Ukraine in February 2022 and “I wanted to take your lieutenant “I see him as the antidote to the cision announced Thursday by a Hamas would not have attacked governor, who’s right here, and problems that are going on in DC,” U.S. Department of Justice special Israel last October. He also contin- make him governor,” Trump said. Adams said. “I don’t think he was His harshest criticism of Haley, prepared for what he was going to counsel that Biden will not face ued his false claim that the 2020 charges for mishandling classified election was rigged and ended though, was that she’s backed by face when he got there in the first four years. I think now he’s learned documents from his tenure as vice his speech by calling on voters to Wall Street heavyweights.

ABOUT THE SOUTH CAROLINA DAILY GAZETTE

The South Carolina Daily Gazette is a nonprofit, nonpartisan news site covering state government and officials and how their decisions affect people across the Palmetto State. The site offers a free newsletter delivered to your inbox every weekday morning. To subscribe, visit https://scdailygazette.com/ subscribe/. The content is free both to readers and to other outlets, which can republish its work under the Creative Commons license. The South Carolina Daily Gazette is an affiliate of States Newsroom, a national 501(c)(3) nonprofit supported by grants and a coalition of donors and readers. The Gazette retains full editorial independence. Its name comes from the state’s first successful newspaper, the SouthCarolina Gazette, first printed in 1732. Seven years later, it also became the first newspaper in colonial America edited and published by a woman.

some valuable lessons and be able to clean some of the rot out that’s down there.” Shea Turner turned out for her 21st birthday with a sign saying, “It’s my 21st, let’s make Conway Great again.” Originally from Blythewood, she attends Coastal Carolina and works in the medical field. “I’ve been a big Trump fan for a long time,” she said, noting she especially liked his promise to close the southern border. She does not agree with Haley’s call to raise the age for retirement, starting with her generation. While Haley herself campaigned elsewhere in South Carolina on Saturday, her campaign and its new line of attack were present in Horry County. A mobile billboard drove around the Myrtle Beach area labeling Trump and Biden “grumpy old men,” playing a two-minute video of bloopers from their speeches. “Are we running a country or a nursing home?” Haley spokeswoman Nachama Soloveichik said in a statement. Abraham Kenmore is a reporter covering elections, health care and more. He joins the SC Daily Gazette from The Augusta Chronicle, where he reported on Georgia legislators, military and housing issues.

SC lawmaker mail-orders bourbon to show support for home, curbside alcohol deliveries

By Jessica Holdman SCDailyGazette.com COLUMBIA – The chairman of a powerful House committee stepped to the podium this week carrying a cardboard box to tell his colleagues about a special delivery to his office. Tearing into the package, GOP Rep. Weston Newton pulled out a bottle of Maker’s Mark bourbon and held it up as proof. To get it shipped from an online retailer, said the Bluffton lawyer, all he had to do was type in his credit card number. The delivery driver never asked him or anyone else at his law office for proof of age before leaving the bottles. The show-and-tell theatrics came as Newton urged legislators to pass his bill setting legal parameters for home delivery of beer, wine and liquor — as well as curbside deliveries for outsidethe-store pick-up orders. “This is happening today. We can pretend it’s not happening,” the House Judiciary chairman told his GOP op-

Rep. Weston Newton, R-Bluffton, advocated for his bill allowing home and curbside delivery of alcohol by opening a mail-ordered package of bourbon on the House floor on Wednesday, Feb. 7, 2024. Screenshot from SCETV livestream ponents Wednesday about alcohol deliveries. What’s done already is “circumventing regulation. It’s circumventing taxation. It’s circumventing the protections of making sure that folks that are getting access to alcohol are 21 (years old.)”

That, Newton said, is why legislation is needed. But no, he told another GOP lawmaker, he was not going to share his bourbon that day, earning him a round of chuckles. Under the proposal, the state would license retailers

to fill curbside pickup orders of beer, wine and liquor, as well as offer home delivery. Customers and delivery drivers would have to be at least 21. Stores could deliver only within the same or contiguous ZIP codes, a provision meant to protect small, locally owned businesses. It was another alcohol debate that was largely Republican versus Republican. The House passed similar legislation in 2021. And while this latest alcohol delivery bill again passed in the House by a vote of 77-29 — with two Democrats among the “no” votes — the Senate is where it faces its greatest hurdle. The legislation now joins a bill that has been stalled in the Senate since last March, due to a vice-averse Republican’s objection. Opponents quote harrowing statistics: • South Carolina’s binge drinking rate is 16.2%, according to the latest data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In the

Southeast, only North Carolina and Louisiana saw higher rates – 16.8% and 18.3% respectively. • An estimated 85 South Carolinians under the age of 21 die each year due to alcohol use, according to the state Department of Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Services. • 33% of traffic fatalities in 2021 in South Carolina involved drivers with blood alcohol content above the legal limit of .08%, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. “We have an alcohol problem in South Carolina,” said Rep. John McCravy, R-Greenwood. “This causes injuries, (domestic) violence, all kinds of things.” Passing this legislation, he and other opponents contend, will only make alcohol more accessible — and much quicker than by snail mail. Supporters point to a oneyear window in South Caro-

lina when people could pick up beer and wine curbside for orders placed to restaurants, bars and stores as proof that dire consequences aren’t likely to follow. An executive order signed by Gov. Henry McMaster in 2020 amid his mandated temporary closures to in-person dining suspended state law barring alcohol sales to anyone in a vehicle. That option went away once he lifted his pandemic emergency declaration. “It worked without incident,” said Sen. Scott Talley, R-Spartanburg, who is the lead sponsor of the Senate bill. Meanwhile, Talley said there’s a growing demand for the change as consumers become accustomed to delivery and pickup services, especially after relying on them during the COVID pandemic. Jessica Holdman writes about the economy, workforce and higher education. Before joining the S.C. Daily Gazette, she was a business reporter for The Post and Courier.

FEBRUARY 15–21, 2024

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HEALTH & WELLNESS Options & References for a Healthier Life

Heart-healthy eating on a budget It’s a myth that eating healthy has to cost big bucks. “You can spend much the same as you do now and wind up with a heart-healthier diet,” says Kerry Stewart, Ed.D., professor of medicine in the cardiology division at Johns Hopkins and director of Clinical and Research Physiology. It comes down to making smarter choices.

FYI—SATURATED FAT:

A type of fat found in abundance in butter, whole milk, ice cream, full-fat cheese, fatty meats, poultry skin, and palm and coconut oils. Saturated fat raises levels of heart-threatening LDL cholesterol in your bloodstream. It can also interfere with your body’s ability to absorb blood sugar easily. Limiting saturated fat can help control your risk for heart disease.

Here are some ideas for eating better without spending more:

Compare labels — “From a health perspective, certain foods are less desirable than others at a similar price,” Stewart says. For example, different varieties of milk cost roughly the same, but skim milk and 1 percent milk provide less saturated fat than 2 percent milk or whole milk. The same is true with yogurt. Some yogurts, although labeled “low fat,” are high in calories and sugar, he says, so by comparing the Nutrition Facts data on the labels, you can make a healthier choice that’s low in both fat and sugar without spending more. Skip processed foods in boxes and bags — Whole foods tend to cost less than processed varieties, while sparing you the added sodium and sugar that can lead to weight gain, diabetes, and heart

fragrant bakery items and the handy snacks at the cash register. Cook more meals at home — Johns Hopkins research shows that people who cook meals at home eat healthier and consume fewer calories than those who cook less often.

Skip Organics?

damage, according to Stewart. Be aisle-smart — Shop mostly from the outer aisles of your market. That’s where fresh fruits, vegetables, dairy, fish, and meat tend to be displayed. In the middle aisles, look for heart-healthy canned tuna, salmon, and sardines; frozen unprocessed fish fillets; and dried or canned beans (rinse them before you cook to lower sodium content). Add beans to meat

dishes so you won’t need as much meat—this simple step will lower the cost and your saturated fat intake. Look down too: Often the priciest items are shelved at eye level, while cheaper store brands are placed lower. Pick what’s in season — When produce is plentiful, it tends to cost less, Stewart says. So corn is a better buy in summer, while apples are a bargain in fall and winter, for

example. The United States Department of Agriculture provides a season-by-season list of fruits and vegetables. Consider canned or frozen produce and beans. Stewart says they can pack as many nutrients as fresh produce, and at a good price. Look for “low sodium” or “no salt added” on the label. Don’t shop when you’re hungry — You’ll be less tempted by junk food and impulse buys—like those

In your quest to eat healthy foods, it will become clear that organic foods can cost prohibitively more than nonorganics. Try to prioritize organic purchases to include those with skin being consumed—for example, spinach, berries and apples, says dietitian Kathleen Johnson. But what’s most important is that you consume lots of fruits and vegetables, period. Source: https://www.hopkinsmedicine. org/health/wellness-and-prevention/hearthealthy-eating-on-a-budget

Playing an instrument, singing may help preserve brain health

Playing music or choral singing throughout one’s adult life is associated with better cognitive health as we age, says a new study from the University of Exeter in the United Kingdom. The study is an analysis of data from the larger PROTECT study, looking at people aged 40 or older. It is a collaboration with King’s College London and has been underway for a decade. Going through data from a subset of the PROTECT study, the authors of the new study tracked the cognitive effects of playing an instrument, or choral singing. Individuals’ lifelong exposure to music and their musical experience were compared to their cognitive function. Most of the study participants had played for a limited number of years, typically 5 years or less, and slightly over three-quarters had received 2 to 5 years of instruction. Individuals reported practicing 2–3 hours

a week or less during their active musical years. The study is published in the International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry. Musical ability may help keep the brain healthy. A higher level of overall musical ability was linked to a stronger working memory. People whose playing continued as they grew older were more likely to have even stronger cognitive health. While simply listening to music is known to be helpful for older people, the study underscored the additional benefit of participating in music, as this involves more areas of the brain. It observed no link between listening to music passively and cognitive health. The instrument most significantly linked to better cognitive health was the piano. Players of woodwinds and brass also exhibited higher cognitive scores, though not as high as pia-

nists. The study found no association between cognition and playing percussion, bowed instruments, or guitar. While the researchers did observe positive effects from choral singing, it is unclear if this is an effect simply of singing or if socializing with others also adds to its cognitive value, and the authors say further research is needed.

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The effect of musicality ry Sherman, not involved in the speed of nerve impulses the study, is the author of by inducing the formation of on cognitive reserve: The study’s findings underscore the potential value of musical education at a time when many school music programs are being eliminated. It also promotes the idea that engagement in musical activities throughout adulthood is a way to protectively harness one’s cognitive reserve. Oregon Health & Science Institute professor Dr. Lar-

Every Brain Needs Music: The Neuroscience of Making and Listening to Music. “This [study] is exciting as it supports a need for music therapy as part of memory care. Dr. Sherman described the physiological mechanisms through which playing or singing music may support cognition: “Practicing music can impact the brain in many ways, including increasing

myelin, which wraps around nerve cell processes, and by increasing synapses—the connections between nerve cells. It may also actually drive the generation of new nerve cells.” Source: Excerpted from an article at https://www.medicalnewstoday. com/articles/playing-an-instrumentsinging-may-help-preserve-brainhealth

HEALTH & WELLNESS Options & References for a Healthier Life

Empowering Black Americans to learn life-saving skills

In the spirit of Black History Month, you can empower yourself, educate others and elevate your community’s heart health by becoming a CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) and AED (automated external defibrillator) champion. Sharing the importance of these life-saving skills can help create a healthier future for generations to come. According to the American Heart Association, Black Americans have the highest incidence of cardiac arrest outside of the hospital and are significantly less likely to survive. Cardiac arrest in Black neighborhoods is associated with low treatment and survival rates; studies have shown lower rates of both bystander CPR and bystander AED use in these neighborhoods. In the U.S., health inequities are systematic differences in the health status of different demographics and are often the result of barriers such as racism, poverty, discrimination, lack of affordable housing, quality education and access to health care. Black History Month serves as a poignant backdrop for the Nation of Lifesavers campaign from the American Heart Association, which aims to align the principles of empowerment,

performing CPR immediately. It consists of two easy steps: 1. Call 9-1-1 (or send someone to do so). 2. Push hard and fast in the center of the chest.

AED

Photo courtesy of Shutterstock community engagement and health equity. While celebrating the rich heritage and resilience of the Black community, you can also recognize the importance of fostering heart health education and building a legacy of health.

You can champion the importance of CPR and AED training by sharing this important information in your community.

rests happen in the home, learning CPR can save the life of someone you know and love. In fact, while 90% of people who suffer cardiac arrest outside of a hospital CPR setting do not survive, you Because about 70% of can double or triple a vicout-of-hospital cardiac ar- tim’s chance of survival by

An AED is a lightweight, portable device that delivers an electric shock through the chest to the heart when it detects an abnormal rhythm then changes the rhythm back to normal. More than 15% of out-of-hospital cardiac arrests occur in public locations, meaning public-access AEDs and community training play a large role in early defibrillation. CPR combined with using an AED provides the best chance of saving a life. Ambulances, law enforcement vehicles, many fire engines and other first-response vehicles contain AEDs. Additionally, they may be found in public areas, such as sports venues, shopping malls, airports and airplanes, businesses, convention centers, hotels, schools, swimming pools and doctors’ offices. You can typically look near elevators, cafeterias, reception areas and on the walls in main corridors where large numbers of people gather. Follow these steps to use an AED:

1. Turn on the AED and follow the voice prompts. 2. Remove all clothing covering the chest. If necessary, wipe the chest dry. 3. Peel away the backing from the pads and attach them to the person’s bare chest following the illustration on the pads. 4. Plug the pads connector into the AED, if necessary. 5. The AED will check to see if the person needs a shock and tell you when to give one. While the AED is analyzing, ensure no one is touching the person. 6. Resume CPR if no shock is needed. If a shock is needed, ensure no one is touching the person and press the “shock” button then immediately resume CPR. 7. Continue CPR until emergency personnel arrive.

Learn more and find out how to empower yourself and your community at heart.org/blackhistory month. Sources: https://familyfeatures. com; American Heart Association, https://www.heart.org

How many years of life would people sacrifice for a millionaire lifestyle?

Recently, (January 2024) a survey of 3,000 Americans was run by WealthofGeeks.com, asking them “How many years of your life would you willingly trade to enjoy the splendors of a millionaire's existence indefinitely?” The results will probably surprise you.

nition of the value of emotional connections and genuine relationships.

Methodology

Key Findings:

1. Average Willingness to Trade Lifespan for Wealth: Americans, on average, are willing to give up 4 years and 11 months of their lives to enjoy the benefits of a millionaire's lifestyle. The survey map indicates that South Carolinians would give up four year and 6 months. 2. Geographical Variations: People in New Hampshire are willing to trade the most time (7 years and 11 months), while those in Indiana, Idaho and of the millionaire lifestyle. North Dakota would trade 6. Mixed Views on Relationmuch less (about half a year). ship Impact: Opinions vary 3. Sacrifices Beyond Lifespan: on how a lavish lifestyle would 23% of respondents would affect personal relationships, sacrifice career goals, 16% with 50% expecting a positive quality sleep, 15% hobbies, outcome, 24% a negative one, 13% personal privacy, 11% livand 26% no change. ing close to family, and 4% Implications of the Study: would cut ties with friends. 4. What Appeals Most in a 1. Valuing Wealth Over Lifespan: The willingness to trade Millionaire Lifestyle: Highyears of life for wealth highend real estate (27%), luxury lights a strong societal allure goods (23%), luxury travel towards financial freedom (22%), and personal services and luxury, potentially over(21%) are the top attractions. shadowing the importance of 5. Skepticism about Media longevity. Portrayals: Nearly half of the respondents (48%) doubt the 2. Regional Differences Reflect Cultural Attitudes: The geoaccuracy of media portrayals

graphical variations in willingness to trade lifespan for wealth may reflect differing cultural values and life priorities across states. 3. Sacrifice of Personal and Social Well-being: The readiness to give up aspects like career goals, sleep, hobbies, and relationships for wealth suggests perhaps an undervaluing of personal well-being and social connections in pursuit of material success. 4. Media Influence and Skepticism: The skepticism regarding media portrayals indicates a critical awareness of the potential exaggeration of the luxury

lifestyle, questioning the attainability and authenticity of such portrayals. 5. Complex Relationship Between Wealth and Happiness: The study reinforces the complex dynamics between wealth, personal relationships, and happiness, underscoring the notion that while wealth can enhance lifestyle, it is not a guaranteed pathway to personal fulfillment or improved relationships. 6. Reflection of American Psyche and Priorities: The findings mirror a deep-rooted paradox in our society—the desire for material success and luxury versus the recog-

Online panel survey of 3,000 adults based on age, gender, and geography. Internal data sources were used to obtain population data sets. A twostep process was used to ensure representativeness through stratified sampling and poststratification weighting. Respondents were carefully chosen from a geographically representative online panel of double opt-in members. This selection is further tailored to meet the precise criteria required for each unique survey. Throughout the survey, questions were designed to carefully screen and authenticate respondents, guaranteeing the alignment of the survey with the ideal participants. To ensure the integrity of data collection, WealthofGeeks.com employed an array of data quality methods. Alongside conventional measures like digital fingerprinting, bot checks, geo-verification, and speeding detection, etc. each response underwent a thorough review by a dedicated team member to ensure quality and contextual accuracy. Survey commitment extended to open-ended responses, subjecting them to scrutiny for gibberish answers and plagiarism detection. Source: https://wealthofgeeks.com/howmany-years-of-life-would-people-sacrificefor-a-millionaire-lifestyle-2024-survey/

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. —Care magazine® editor, caremagazine@gmail.com FEBRUARY 15–21, 2024

A15

Who cares about

public notices?

You have the right to know what’s happening in your community.

Public notices – information local governments are obligated to provide citizens – are required to be published in local newspapers to provide a public record that’s accessible to everyone. Public notices keep you informed about your government. But, in some states legislators are trying to keep public notices from appearing in local newspapers. This severely impacts government transparency and, in turn, limits the public’s right to hold them accountable for their actions. Let your state legislators know that you value being able to access notices in your newspaper and that they are worth the investment.

Protect public notices in newspapers and protect your right to know.

newspapers.org/public-notices America’s Newspapers is a national association supporting journalism and healthy newspapers in our local communities. Find out more at www.newspapers.org or follow us on Twitter @newspapersorg or on Facebook @americasnewspapers.

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SPORTS&RECREATION

FEBRUARY 15–21, 2024

THE HARD WORK OF ALL ATHLETES DESERVES RECOGNITION

GIRLS HOOPS ROUNDUP

BA’s Freeman hits 1,000-point milestone

LowcoSports.com Kamirah Freeman knew her role early in her career at Beaufort Academy, recognizing that future college hoopers Mike’Ala Washington and Tahleea Heyward were the primary scorers and finding other ways to contribute to the Eagles’ success. With that dynamic duo lost to graduation last year, Freeman also understood her role would change for her senior campaign. It was time to score. And score she has, racking up several 30-point games including a school-record 36 points against

Holy Trinity and a 32-point effort in a 63-33 win over Thomas Heyward on Monday that propelled her over the 1,000-point mark in her career. Freeman reflected on the big night and her terrific high school career on Monday’s episode of the LowcoSports Lowdown, now streaming on-demand on the Lowco Media Network on YouTube.

SCHSL playoffs tip off this week

It has been an up-and-down season for the girls basketball teams

from Beaufort High, Battery Creek, and Whale Branch, but everyone gets a fresh slate this week, albeit with very little margin for error. The S.C. High School League playoffs tipped off Tuesday, and the Whale Branch girls were one of the first teams out of the chute with a trip to third-ranked Lake View in the Class 1A first round. The girls from Beaufort High and Battery Creek get started Wednesday night, and both face tough road tests against top-10

SEE POINT PAGE B2

Beaufort Academy’s Kamirah Freeman and family celebrate her 1,000-point milestone. Submitted photo

SAND SHARK REWIND

USBC’s Cierra Kinlaw set the tone Saturday against Savannah State, throwing a five-inning no-hitter in Game 1 of a doubleheader sweep for the Sand Sharks. Adrianna Martin/USCB Athletics

Kinlaw’s no-hitter highlights softball sweep

Brackin Lambert uscbathletics.com Cierra Kinlaw tossed a five-inning no-hitter in the opener, and the bats stayed hot, as USCB picked up two run-rule victories over Savannah State on Saturday, winning 9-0 and 10-1 to improve to 7-1 on the season. Kinlaw was locked in from the opening pitch as she struck out two of the first three. The Sand Sharks’ potent offense continued to shine, scoring three in the first with backto-back run-scoring doubles from Addie Reynolds and Devon Weller. USCB added a solo run in the third thanks to Jaden Goodwin's RBI sin-

gle to center. The junior added two more RBIs to her tally the following inning after ripping a single into right. Reynolds added another run batted in in the fourth with a double down the left-field line and Chang added to her team-leading RBI total with a run-scoring base knock to make it 9-0. Kinlaw set the Tigers down 1-2-3 in the top of the fifth to complete the no-hitter and pick up her third win of the year. Beaufort's offense backed a strong outing from Abigail Ramirez in game two, as the right-hander picked up her first win of the year with four innings of one-run ball.

The Sand Sharks used a five-run first inning to jump on SSU's starter thanks to RBIs from Weller and Chang. Mariah Stephens capped the scoring with a tape-measure shot to left, her third home run of the season. The Tigers added an unearned run in the second, but that's the only run Savannah State could push across. Reynolds picked up two more RBIs with a single in the second, and Goodwin added two of her own the following inning. Goodwin is hitting an astounding .727 and has a 1.823 OPS. USCB hits the road to North Carolina for a four-game round-robin

against Mt. Olive and West Liberty next weekend. The Sand Sharks open Saturday against the Hilltoppers before playing the host Trojans.

Hoops struggle on road

Kevaughn Price and Larry Bulluck each scored 14 points and Marcus Overstreet added 10 for USCB men’s basketball Saturday on the road, but Georgia Southwestern shot better than 60 percent from the three-point line in the second half to knock off USCB, 101-71, at

SEE SWEEP PAGE B2

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Brand Style Guide

SPORTS BOYS HOOPS ROUNDUP

Club Karate hosting Goodwill Tournament Feb. 24 From staff reports Club Karate is hosting the 30th annual Goodwill Tournament, set to take place Saturday, Feb. 24, at the Beaufort High School gymnasium. This milestone event promises an exciting showcase of martial arts skills, camaraderie, and community spirit. Interested participants may pre-register for the competition at Club Karate or pay at the event. The spectator fee is $8. Those age 6 or younger are free. Call or text Chuck Elias for more information call at 843-252-7283 or email Clubkick@gmail.com.

RBC Heritage in search of Standard Bearers From staff reports The RBC Heritage Presented by Boeing is looking for additional Standard Bearers to volunteer April 15-21, 2024 at the Harbour Town Golf Links. Students need to be between the ages of 12 and 18, familiar with the game of golf, and be able to walk 18 holes inside the ropes. Standard bearers walk inside the ropes with their group for all 18 holes, carrying RBC Heritage leaderboard standards to display accurate and upto-date scores throughout the round. Email Sarah@heritageclassicfoundation.com or Macy@heritageclassicfoundation.com today to secure a spot. The Standard Bearer program is free, and volunteers will receive a tournament hat. Registration closes on March 15. Our goal is to make sure that no one who is interested is missed, so please share this with friends. Parental permission will be required to participate. Please contact Skylar Jewell at Sjewell012@gmail.com with specific questions.

Point

Beaufort Academy’s Clay Lohr (24) gets his hand on the ball on the drive by Patrick Henry Academy’s Forest Fairey (1) on Tuesday, Feb. 6, at Beaufort Academy. Lohr was called for a foul on the play. Justin Jarrett/LowcoSports.com

Bucs knock off WB for No. 2 seed

LowcoSports.com Bridges Prep’s boys let one get away when they faced Whale Branch at home earlier this season, but the Buccaneers locked down on the road Wednesday for a 43-37 victory over the Warriors that secured the No. 2 seed in the Class 1A playoffs. Fresh off scoring his 1,000th career point last week against Royal Live

Oaks, junior big man Amarion Wilson put up 17 points and grabbed 15 boards in a hard-fought game to help the Bucs avenge the earlier loss and leapfrog the Warriors in the standings. Bridges is ranked ninth in the final S.C. Basketball Coaches Association poll and opens the postseason at home against Latta on Wednesday, while Whale Branch travels to Lamar for

a first-round game.

Eagles, Dolphins hit road

It will be a tough road through the playoffs for Beaufort High and Battery Creek after finishing third and fourth in Region 8-3A, beginning with the opening exam. The Eagles travel to No. 9 Dillon and the Dolphins head to No. 8 Lo-

opponents. The Eagles travel to No. 10 Waccamaw, while the Dolphins face No. 9 Dillon. The SCISA state tournament brackets are expected to be released Wednesday.

TUESDAY, FEB. 6

WEDNESDAY, FEB. 7

Whale Branch 58, Bridges Prep 20 Cross Schools 71, Beaufort Academy 43

THURSDAY, FEB. 8

Battery Creek 51, Hanahan 39 Bridges Prep def. Branchville, forfeit Patrick Henry 80, Holy Trinity 43

FRIDAY, FEB. 9

HHCA 49, John Paul II 35

FEBRUARY 15–21, 2024

TUESDAY, FEB. 6

Philip Simmons 57, Battery Creek 38 Beaufort 48, Hanahan 38 Patrick Henry 67, Beaufort Academy 56 John Paul II 49, Thomas Heyward 36

WEDNESDAY, FEB. 7

Bridges Prep 43,

THURSDAY, FEB. 8

Battery Creek 51, Hanahan 39 Patrick Henry 80, Holy Trinity 43

FRIDAY, FEB. 9

HHCA 56, John Paul II 45 Thomas Heyward 60, Cross Schools 51 Bethesda Academy 58, Beaufort Academy 37

8 JPII wrestlers claim state medals

from page B1

Philip Simmons 45, Battery Creek 32 Hanahan 29, Beaufort 17 Patrick Henry 58, Beaufort Academy 45 John Paul II 62, Thomas Heyward 13

ris for challenging first- Whale Branch 37 round matchups.

Eight John Paul II Catholic School wrestlers finished in the top four in their weight classes Saturday, Feb. 10 at the SCISA Individual Championships at Cardinal Newman in Columbia. Submitted photo

Sweep

from page B1 the Strom Dome. The Sand Sharks were down by 10 at the half and trimmed the lead to four early in the second half, but that's when the Canes started knocking down a wave of triples. A 30-8 run over seven minutes gave GSW all the momentum. It was the third straight loss for the Sand Shark men, who fell 94-

69 at Lander on Wednesday. Nolan Paladugu scored a team-high 15 points and Overstreet collected his 10th double-double with 12 points and 12 rebounds, but USCB shot just 22 percent in the first half and couldn’t overcome a 21-point halftime deficit. USCB’s women were further depleted by injury in an 86-57 loss at Lander on Wednesday, resulting in the Sand Sharks forfeiting Saturday’s game at Georgia Southwestern, citing “health and safety concerns” due to an insufficient

By Justin Jarrett LowcoSports.com The most successful season in the John Paul II wrestling program’s relatively young history culminated with quite a haul Saturday, as eight Golden Warriors finished in the top four in their weight classes to claim medals. After earning their first trip to the SCISA duals final last weekend with a thrilling semifinal win at Hammond School before finishing runner-up to Cardinal Newman, the Golden Warriors took 11 wrestlers to the state tournament with eight surviving to be among the last four standing in their brackets. Daniel Snyder knocked off the top seed in the semifinals before falling in the 132-pound final, fin-

ishing second along with teammates Brian Orta (138) and Jack Hannagan (150). Jase Reynolds (106), Jude Witkowski (120), Brandyn Horton (165), Chris Orta (175), and Renzo Cedeno (215) all placed fourth for JPII. Hear more on the Golden Warriors’ outstanding season on Monday’s episode of the LowcoSports Lowdown, where JPII coach Greg Lonz was our guest. The episode is streaming on-demand on the Lowco Media Network on YouTube.

number of healthy players. USCB returns home to face Georgia College on Wednesday and welcomes North Georgia to The Cove on Saturday.

North Greenville. Josh Patterson gave the Sand Sharks a solid start in the opener, but the Crusaders got to the big right-hander in the fifth and sixth and broke it open for an 8-1 win. USCB went toe-to-toe with the second-ranked team in NCAA Division II in Saturday’s opener, rallying twice to tie it before falling 8-7. The Crusaders cruised to a 16-0 win in the finale. The Sand Sharks (3-4) travel to St. Leo for a three-game set starting Friday.

Baseball swept by No. 2 NGU

After rallying for a 6-3 home win over Edward Waters on Wednesday to improve to 3-1, USCB baseball took on a stiff challenge over the weekend with a three-game road set against No. 2

Justin Jarrett is the sports editor of The Island News and the founder of LowcoSports.com. He was the sports editor of the Island Packet and the Beaufort Gazette for 6½ years. He has a passion for sports and community journalism and a questionable sense of humor.

EDUCATION

Earlier start highlights BCSD school calendars for next 2 years

By Delayna Earley The Island News Public school students in Beaufort are going to be starting school a little earlier than usual over the next two school years. After seeking input from community members, educators and parents, the Beaufort County School District (BCSD) Board of Education voted on the calendars for the 2024-2025 and 2025-2026 school years during their meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 6. The Board of Education voted to approve the motion regarding the calendars with only one board member, William Smith, voting against. This is the first time that the school district has approved and released the calendars for two consecutive years at once. “It allows us to stay ahead of it and I think it provides families some long planning within two years,” said BCSD Superintendent Frank Rodriguez. According to the chosen calendars, 2024-2025 will begin on Aug. 7 with the last day of school being on May 29. The school year will begin a littler earlier for teachers, with them expected back on July 31. Thanksgiving break will run from Nov. 27 through Dec. 1, Winter Break will run from Dec. 23 to Jan. 8 and Spring Break will run from April 14 to April 18. Additionally, schools will be closed for Labor Day, Election Day, Veteran’s Day, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, President’s Day, Good Friday and Memorial Day.

Teacher workdays are scheduled for July 31 through Aug. 6, Jan. 7, Feb. 14 and May 30 through 3. The students will have three half days – Oct. 9, Feb. 13 and March 14. BCSD posted a poll at the end of January asking for input from the community about five potential calendar options for the next two school years. When creating the potential calendars, requests from parents, students and school district employees were taken into consideration, such as longer breaks, graduation days to align with teacher development days and requests for summer vacation learning opportunities. Currently the school district is operation on an 85/95 split, with the first semester lasting for 85 days and the second lasting for 95 days. All but one of the new calendars suggested changing to a 90/90 split, meaning both semesters would have 90 days of instructional days. According to BCSD Chief Instructional Services Officer Mary Stratos, 2,024 people participated in the poll and chose the second calendar for both the 2024-2025 and 2025-2026 with more than 40 percent of the votes. While the specific dates for the calendars will vary, the school years follow the same layout and pattern. Delayna Earley formerly worked as a photojournalist for The Island Packet/The Beaufort Gazette, as well as newspapers in Indiana and Virginia. She can be reached at delayna.theislandnews@gmail.com.

Sea Islands Heritage Academy opens enrollment for Grades 6, 7 for 2024-2025

From staff reports Sea Islands Heritage Academy has announced that registration for Grades 6 and 7 for the upcoming 2024-2025 school year is now open. Sea Islands Heritage Academy is a tuition-free, open-enrollment charter school authorized by The South Carolina Public Charter District. Classes are set to commence in August, inviting young scholars to embark on a transformative educational journey. "At Sea Islands Heritage Academy, we empower scholars to embrace their identity and future with confidence, ensuring every community member feels valued and seen,” Sea Islands Heritage Academy Executive Director Alana Jenkins said in a news release. “Join us in nurturing the next generation of lead-

ers and innovators.” According to Sea Islands Heritage Academy, every community member— student, family, or faculty—is seen, heard, and valued. The school’s approach is rooted in creating a learning environment that affirms local cultures and identities, fostering a sense of belonging and confidence in every scholar. The curriculum is designed around Place-Based Instruction, Personalized Learning, and Small Group

Instruction. This approach ensures that each scholar's learning experience is tailored to their strengths and needs. By fostering a Proactive School Culture, Sea Islands Heritage Academy hopes to prepare its students with the critical thinking skills necessary to navigate the complexities of the modern world. "Sea Islands Heritage Academy stands at the forefront of educational innovation, dedicated to preparing scholars for a world

Community members enjoy the Sea Islands Heritage Academy Community Give Back Event on the Green on Saturday, Jan. 20 at Martin Luther King Jr. Park on St. Helena Island while receiving valuable information. Amber Hewitt/The Island News that values critical thinking and cultural awareness,” Sea Islands Heritage Academy President of the Board Chris Ophardt said. “Our commitment is to create an environ-

ment where every student can thrive academically and personally." Families interested in enrolling their children should visit https://bit.ly/4bz35QB

or apply directly at enrollSIHA.schoolmint.com. Spaces are limited, and Sea Islands Heritage Academy encourages early registration to secure a place.

FEBRUARY 15–21, 2024

FAITH

Holy Trinity’s Aletheia series continues with Rev. Murray

From staff reports Holy Trinity Classical Christian School (HTCCS) announces the continuation of their Aletheia Speaker Series on Thursday, Feb. 29 with guest lecturer Rev. Abraham Murray of Brick Baptist Church. Rev. Murray's lecture is titled "The Brick Baptist Church: From Humble Beginnings to the Reconstruction Era National Park." Brick Baptist Church’s heritage is woven into the rich tapestry of African American culture and history of the South Carolina Sea Islands. Built by slaves in 1855, Brick Baptist Church is the old-

est church on St. Helena Island. The legacy of Brick Baptist Church is closely connected to the historic Penn School, esRev. tablished as one Abraham Murray of the first schools for freed slaves by the Pennsylvania Freedman’s Aid Association. Rev. Murray will speak about the journey from the church’s humble beginning to where it is now. Rev. Murray is a 12-year veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps and

retired early from the Charleston Naval Shipyard due to base closure. He is a graduate of Trident Technical College, Baptist College of Charleston, Cummins Memorial Theological Seminary, Webster University, and Erskine Theological Seminary. His Doctoral Dissertation is titled “A Biblical and Theological Approach for Evangelism Through the Fostering of Relationships.” Rev. Murray is licensed in the state of South Carolina as a Professional Counselor and is also a Certified Grief Facilitator. Currently, Rev. Murray serves as

Pastor of the historic Brick Baptist Church, St. Helena Island. He is President of the Beaufort County Ministerial Alliance, Professor of Practical Theology at Cummins Memorial Theological Seminary, and a life member of the NAACP. Rev. Murray and his wife Vernell, a retired Registered Nurse, have been married for 46 years and have one daughter Erica, and two grandsons, Kai’shon Abraham and KaDeem Armard. The lecture will be hosted in the Great Hall at HTCCS, 302 Burroughs Avenue from 11 a.m. to noon. Admission is 10, and regis-

tration in advance is required so that we can comfortably accommodate our guests. To register and learn more about the speaker series, please visit www.HTCCS.org/ speaker-series/. Founded in 2012, Holy Trinity Classical Christian School (HTCCS) provides students from preschool-12th grade with a distinctly Christian and distinctively classical education in Beaufort. Since 2020, the school has produced five National Merit Scholarship Finalists, two National Merit Commended Scholars, and 16 Palmetto Scholars.

LIVING ON PURPOSE

When emotions attempt to control us H ow often do you hear it's not what happens to us, but how we respond? We know we will face trials in this life, so it only makes sense to prepare how we are going to react when they arrive. Since the way we perceive develops our thoughts and views, what if our thoughts are wrong? The most important factor to prevent our emotions from controlling us is to realize we decide what we think about. When we bow down to our feelings they become our master. The Bible demands for our mind to be renewed which requires intense training and a passionate desire for personal transformation. Comprehending how we are mentally wired is critical to maintaining a healthy psychological state of mind. The many disorders of mental health can usually be traced to an imbalance of some sort which causes the individual to be unable to perceive truth accurately or to resist being dominated by their feelings. Just because we are considered bright and intelligent does not mean we have an understanding of our personality. Have you ever thought that certain people did not like you, or were trying to make it difficult for you?

One of the most significant deceptions many experience is dwelling on one’s self. Always believing that someone or something is trying to derail their success is using the victim mentality as an excuse. To BILLY HOLLAND clarify, a certain amount of self-love is needed for a healthy state of mind, but There is a chance you might when someone is constantly be right, but what if you are fixated on themselves withwrong? What if you are just out regard to anyone else being paranoid? You are there is a problem. not the center of everyone’s When self is the topic of universe. Being hurt and every thought and conoffended originates from versation this creates an a powerful emotion of isolation which leads to a rejection. delusional view of everyWe all want to be loved thing. Every emotion is conand to be held in high esnected to this selfish way of teem, right? But how do we discerning life and depletes act when we think someone the soul of joy and peace. is trying to avoid us? Our For those who crave feelings are downright to be acknowledged and dangerous and can keep us respected at all times and do on a path of anxiety. For the not receive it, the common unrenewed mind, it usually response is to become angry does not take much to and insulted. Many drive bruise and batter our ego. themselves to exhaustion We might think we are seeking approval because fairly thick-skinned and can they desire admiration and take a punch, but the temp- in extreme cases can suffer tation to wallow in depresfrom what is called delusion and throw a pity party sions of grandeur. Maybe is just one negative thought they never received affection away. If we choose to follow as a child, or always felt God’s way of interpreting shame and inferior when truth, instead of dwelling around others who were on the what-ifs, we can more accomplished. step over the land mines of Jealousy and envy are doubt and fear and walk in powerful emotions and very deceptive. As they attempt His confidence.

Victory will not happen in the snap of the fingers the same as we do not cut down a tree with one swipe of the ax. It might take hundreds of swings to chip away our tendencies to be controlled by our feelings, but with God’s help the tree will fall and we can keep pressing forward in His name.” to prove they are important and worthy of prominence, this commonly leads to even more heartache and disappointment. Whether real or imaginary, feelings of being ignored and rejected can lead to depression and often traced to issues of insecurity. The way to overcome the slavery of negative emotions is to change the way we think. We must pray and ask God to help us understand that tactics

and strategies are being used against us to defeat us. Victory will not happen in the snap of the fingers the same as we do not cut down a tree with one swipe of the ax. It might take hundreds of swings to chip away our tendencies to be controlled by our feelings, but with God’s help the tree will fall and we can keep pressing forward in His name. Do not assume this will be the only tree, because there is a forest of tempta-

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Digital Newspaper

tions waiting to challenge us. We hear about having the victory but until we allow our mind to be renewed from the carnal to the spiritual, we are spinning our wheels. The enemy will never stop influencing our emotions until we realize we can control our thoughts. Billy Holland is a Christian minister, chaplain, and author. To read more about the Christian life visit his website at billyhollandministries.com.

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LEGAL NOTICES NOTICE OF APPLICATION Notice is hereby given that SliderBar intends to apply to the South Carolina Department of Revenue for a license and/or permit that will allow the sale and on premises consumption of beer, wine, and/or liquor at 13 State of Mind St., Bluffton, SC 29910. To object to the issuance of this license and/or permit, you must submit Form ABL-20, postmarked no later than February 29, 2024. Submit protests online at MyDORWAY.dor.sc.gov, or email ABL@dor.sc.gov.

Name/Notice Address of Obligor; Record Owner, if different from the Obligor; and any Junior Lienholders is as follows: JAMES C. SCHAEFER & E. ANNE SCHAEFER , 800 NATCHEZ TRACE, UNIT 27, LEXINGTON, TN 38351.

NOTICE OF APPLICATION Notice is hereby given that Sea Glass Stage Company intends to apply to the South Carolina Department of Revenue for a license and/or permit that will allow the sale and on premises consumption of beer and wine at 1 North Forrest Beach Drive, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928. To object to the issuance of this license and/or permit, you must submit Form ABL-20, postmarked no later than February 29, 2024. Submit protests online at MyDORWAY.dor.sc.gov, or email ABL@dor.sc.gov.

The amounts secured by the CLAIM OF LIEN, are

TRUSTEE’S NOTICE OF SALE Pursuant to S.C. Code Ann. § 27-32-300, et. seq., NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN of the intent of the undersigned Trustee to sell the below described Property at Public Auction on the 2/22/2024 beginning at 9:00 A.M..

The successful bidder, other than the Creditor, shall be required to pay in cash or certified funds at the time of the bid. If the Creditor is the successful bidder at the sale, it shall receive a credit against its bid for the Total Amount Due. The successful bidder shall also be required to pay for Deed Preparation, Documentary Stamps, or transfer fee, and Recording Costs. This sale is subject to all taxes, liens, easements, encumbrances, assessments, and/or senior mortgage liens of record and the undersigned Trustee gives no opinion thereto.

The Public Auction shall occur at the Office of Bolchoz Law Firm, 6 Buckingham Plantation Rd, Ste B, Bluffton, SC 29910. Property Description: Unit Number 444, Vacation Week 18, Designated Season GOLD Timeshare Interest consisting of 1 undivided 1/102 interest(s) in fee simple as tenants in common in and to the below described Condominium Unit, together with a corresponding undivided interest in the Common Furnishings which are appurtenant to such Condominium Unit, as well as the recurring (i) exclusive right every calendar year to reserve, use and occupy an Assigned Unit within Royal Dunes Beach Villa sat Port Royal Resort Horizontal Property Regime (the “Project”); (ii) exclusive Furnishings located within or otherwise appurtenant to such Assigned Unit; and (iii) non-exclusive right to use and enjoy the Common Elements of the Project, for their intended purpose, during the Vacation Week or one (1) or more Split Vacation Periods (up to maximum of seven (7) days and nights) in the Designated Season identified above as shall properly have been reserved in accordance with the provisions of the then-current Rule and Regulations promulgated by Royal Dunes Beach Villas at Port Royal Resort Owners Association, Inc., all pursuant to the Master Deed for Royal Dunes Beach Villas at Port Royal Resort Horizontal Property Regime, duly recorded in the RMC Office for Beaufort County, South Carolina, in Record Book 698 at Page 940, as amended from time to time (the “Master Deed”). Name/Notice Address of Obligor; Record Owner, if different from the Obligor; and any Junior Lienholders is as follows: LARRY B. DENT & VEDA J. DENT , 906 LOWER MILL ROAD, HIXSON, TN 37343. The sale of the Property is to satisfy the default in payment by the Obligor/Owner of the obligations secured by the CLAIM OF LIEN as recorded in Lien Book 157 at Page 2528, records of Beaufort County, SC. The amounts secured by the CLAIM OF LIEN, are Amount currently in default (including interest) $ 4,696.49 Costs $ 248.66 Attorney Fees $ 350.00 Total Amount Due $ 5,295.15 Together with any and all additional dues, assessments, costs, other fees, and interest coming due and payable hereafter. The successful bidder, other than the Creditor, shall be required to pay in cash or certified funds at the time of the bid. If the Creditor is the successful bidder at the sale, it shall receive a credit against its bid for the Total Amount Due. The successful bidder shall also be required to pay for Deed Preparation, Documentary Stamps, or transfer fee, and Recording Costs. This sale is subject to all taxes, liens, easements, encumbrances, assessments, and/or senior mortgage liens of record and the undersigned Trustee gives no opinion thereto. An Obligor has the right to cure the default, and a Junior Lienholder has the right to redeem its interest up to the date of that the Trustee issues the Certificate of Sale pursuant to S.C. Code Ann. § 27-32-345. King Cunningham, LLC, Trustee, by Jeffrey W. King, SC Bar # 15840; or W. Joseph Cunningham, SC Bar # 72655 P.O. Box 4896, North Myrtle Beach, SC 29597 (843) 249-0777 TRUSTEE’S NOTICE OF SALE Pursuant to S.C. Code Ann. § 27-32-300, et. seq., NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN of the intent of the undersigned Trustee to sell the below described Property at Public Auction on the 2/22/2024 beginning at 9:00 A.M.. The Public Auction shall occur at the Office of Bolchoz Law Firm, 6 Buckingham Plantation Rd, Ste B, Bluffton, SC 29910. Property Description: Unit Number 334, Vacation Week 3, Designated Season Bronze Timeshare Interest consisting of 1 undivided 1/51 interest(s) in fee simple as tenants in common in and to the below described Condominium Unit, together with a corresponding undivided interest in the Common Furnishings which are appurtenant to such Condominium Unit, as well as the recurring (i) exclusive right every calendar year to reserve, use and occupy an Assigned Unit within Royal Dunes Beach Villa sat Port Royal Resort Horizontal Property Regime (the “Project”); (ii) exclusive Furnishings located within or otherwise appurtenant to such Assigned Unit; and (iii) non-exclusive right to use and enjoy the Common Elements of the Project, for their intended purpose, during the Vacation Week or one (1) or more Split Vacation Periods (up to maximum of seven (7) days and nights) in the Designated Season identified above as shall properly have been reserved in accordance with the provisions of the then-current Rule and Regulations promulgated by Royal Dunes Beach Villas at Port Royal Resort Owners Association, Inc., all pursuant to the Master Deed for Royal Dunes Beach Villas at Port Royal Resort Horizontal Property Regime, duly recorded in the RMC Office for Beaufort County, South Carolina, in Record Book 698 at Page 940, as amended from time to time (the “Master Deed”).

The sale of the Property is to satisfy the default in payment by the Obligor/Owner of the obligations secured by the CLAIM OF LIEN as recorded in Lien Book 158 at Page 395, records of Beaufort County, SC.

Amount currently in default (including interest) $ 3,751.02 Costs $ 248.66 Attorney Fees $ 350.00 Total Amount Due $ 4,349.68 Together with any and all additional dues, assessments, costs, other fees, and interest coming due and payable hereafter.

An Obligor has the right to cure the default, and a Junior Lienholder has the right to redeem its interest up to the date of that the Trustee issues the Certificate of Sale pursuant to S.C. Code Ann. § 27-32-345. King Cunningham, LLC, Trustee, by Jeffrey W. King, SC Bar # 15840; or W. Joseph Cunningham, SC Bar # 72655 P.O. Box 4896, North Myrtle Beach, SC 29597 (843) 249-0777 TRUSTEE’S NOTICE OF SALE Pursuant to S.C. Code Ann. § 27-32-300, et. seq., NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN of the intent of the undersigned Trustee to sell the below described Property at Public Auction on the 2/22/2024 beginning at 9:00 A.M.. The Public Auction shall occur at the Office of Bolchoz Law Firm, 6 Buckingham Plantation Rd, Ste B, Bluffton, SC 29910. Property Description: Unit Number 131, Vacation Week 3, Designated Season Bronze Timeshare Interest consisting of 1 undivided 1/51 interest(s) in fee simple as tenants in common in and to the below described Condominium Unit, together with a corresponding undivided interest in the Common Furnishings which are appurtenant to such Condominium Unit, as well as the recurring (i) exclusive right every calendar year to reserve, use and occupy an Assigned Unit within Royal Dunes Beach Villa sat Port Royal Resort Horizontal Property Regime (the “Project”); (ii) exclusive Furnishings located within or otherwise appurtenant to such Assigned Unit; and (iii) non-exclusive right to use and enjoy the Common Elements of the Project, for their intended purpose, during the Vacation Week or one (1) or more Split Vacation Periods (up to maximum of seven (7) days and nights) in the Designated Season identified above as shall properly have been reserved in accordance with the provisions of the then-current Rule and Regulations promulgated by Royal Dunes Beach Villas at Port Royal Resort Owners Association, Inc., all pursuant to the Master Deed for Royal Dunes Beach Villas at Port Royal Resort Horizontal Property Regime, duly recorded in the RMC Office for Beaufort County, South Carolina, in Record Book 698 at Page 940, as amended from time to time (the “Master Deed”). Name/Notice Address of Obligor; Record Owner, if different from the Obligor; and any Junior Lienholders is as follows: RAY GORDON HODGES , PO BOX 6365, SEVIERVILLE, TN 37864. The sale of the Property is to satisfy the default in payment by the Obligor/Owner of the obligations secured by the CLAIM OF LIEN as recorded in Lien Book 158 at Page 383, records of Beaufort County, SC. The amounts secured by the CLAIM OF LIEN, are Amount currently in default (including interest) $ 5,667.53 Costs $ 851.36 Attorney Fees $ 350.00 Total Amount Due $ 6,868.89 Together with any and all additional dues, assessments, costs, other fees, and interest coming due and payable hereafter. The successful bidder, other than the Creditor, shall be required to pay in cash or certified funds at the time of the bid. If the Creditor is the successful bidder at the sale, it shall receive a credit against its bid for the Total Amount Due. The successful bidder shall also be required to pay for Deed Preparation, Documentary Stamps, or transfer fee, and Recording Costs. This sale is subject to all taxes, liens, easements, encumbrances, assessments, and/or senior mortgage liens of record and the undersigned Trustee gives no opinion thereto. An Obligor has the right to cure the default, and a Junior Lienholder has the right to redeem its interest up to the date of that the Trustee issues the Certificate of Sale pursuant to S.C. Code Ann. § 27-32-345. King Cunningham, LLC, Trustee, by Jeffrey W. King, SC Bar # 15840; or W. Joseph Cunningham, SC Bar # 72655 P.O. Box 4896, North Myrtle Beach, SC 29597 (843) 249-0777 TRUSTEE’S NOTICE OF SALE Pursuant to S.C. Code Ann. § 27-32-300, et. seq., NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN of the intent of the undersigned Trustee to sell the below described Property at Public Auction on the 2/22/2024 beginning at 9:00 A.M.. The Public Auction shall occur at the Office of Bolchoz Law Firm, 6 Buckingham Plantation Rd, Ste B, Bluffton, SC 29910. Property Description: Unit Number 214, Vacation Week 7, Designated Season Bronze Timeshare Interest consisting of 1 undivided 1/51 interest(s) in fee simple as tenants in common in and to the below described Condominium Unit,

together with a corresponding undivided interest in the Common Furnishings which are appurtenant to such Condominium Unit, as well as the recurring (i) exclusive right every calendar year to reserve, use and occupy an Assigned Unit within Royal Dunes Beach Villa sat Port Royal Resort Horizontal Property Regime (the “Project”); (ii) exclusive Furnishings located within or otherwise appurtenant to such Assigned Unit; and (iii) non-exclusive right to use and enjoy the Common Elements of the Project, for their intended purpose, during the Vacation Week or one (1) or more Split Vacation Periods (up to maximum of seven (7) days and nights) in the Designated Season identified above as shall properly have been reserved in accordance with the provisions of the then-current Rule and Regulations promulgated by Royal Dunes Beach Villas at Port Royal Resort Owners Association, Inc., all pursuant to the Master Deed for Royal Dunes Beach Villas at Port Royal Resort Horizontal Property Regime, duly recorded in the RMC Office for Beaufort County, South Carolina, in Record Book 698 at Page 940, as amended from time to time (the “Master Deed”). Name/Notice Address of Obligor; Record Owner, if different from the Obligor; and any Junior Lienholders is as follows: WILLIAM A. BRADLEY JR. & SHIRLEY L. BRADLEY , 92 WEST STREET APT 323, WILMINGTON, MA 01887. The sale of the Property is to satisfy the default in payment by the Obligor/Owner of the obligations secured by the CLAIM OF LIEN as recorded in Lien Book 158 at Page 391, records of Beaufort County, SC. The amounts secured by the CLAIM OF LIEN, are Amount currently in default (including interest) $ 7,887.29 Costs $ 855.46 Attorney Fees $ 350.00 Total Amount Due $ 9,092.75 Together with any and all additional dues, assessments, costs, other fees, and interest coming due and payable hereafter.

Name/Notice Address of Obligor; Record Owner, if different from the Obligor; and any Junior Lienholders is as follows: TIMOTHY M. KOVALCIK & HELENE A. KOVALCIK , 18 EDGEWOOD CT, DECATUR, IL 62526.

Amount currently in default (including interest) $ 3,750.82 Costs $ 854.64 Attorney Fees $ 350.00 Total Amount Due $ 4,955.46

King Cunningham, LLC, Trustee, by Jeffrey W. King, SC Bar # 15840; or W. Joseph Cunningham, SC Bar # 72655 P.O. Box 4896, North Myrtle Beach, SC 29597 (843) 249-0777 TRUSTEE’S NOTICE OF SALE Pursuant to S.C. Code Ann. § 27-32-300, et. seq., NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN of the intent of the undersigned Trustee to sell the below described Property at Public Auction on the 2/22/2024 beginning at 9:00 A.M.. The Public Auction shall occur at the Office of Bolchoz Law Firm, 6 Buckingham Plantation Rd, Ste B, Bluffton, SC 29910. Property Description: Unit Number 234, Vacation Week 6, Designated Season Bronze Timeshare Interest consisting of 1 undivided 1/102 interest(s) in fee simple as tenants in common in and to the below described Condominium Unit, together with a corresponding undivided interest in the Common Furnishings which are appurtenant to such Condominium Unit, as well as the recurring (i) exclusive right every calendar year to reserve, use and occupy an Assigned Unit within Royal Dunes Beach Villa sat Port Royal Resort Horizontal Property Regime (the “Project”); (ii) exclusive Furnishings located within or otherwise appurtenant to such Assigned Unit; and (iii) non-exclusive right to use and enjoy the Common Elements of the Project, for their intended purpose, during the Vacation Week or one (1) or more Split Vacation Periods (up to maximum of seven (7) days and nights) in the Designated Season identified above as shall properly have been reserved in accordance with the provisions of the then-current Rule and Regulations promulgated by Royal Dunes Beach Villas at Port Royal Resort Owners Association, Inc., all pursuant to the Master Deed for Royal Dunes Beach Villas at Port Royal Resort Horizontal Property Regime, duly recorded in the RMC Office for Beaufort County, South Carolina, in Record Book 698 at Page 940, as amended from time to time (the “Master Deed”). Name/Notice Address of Obligor; Record Owner, if different from the Obligor; and any Junior Lienholders is as follows: CHARLES W. BAVIS , 11656 LAKE WILLIS DRIVE, ORLANDO, FL 32821. The sale of the Property is to satisfy the default in payment by the Obligor/Owner of the obligations secured by the CLAIM OF LIEN as recorded in Lien Book 158 at Page 387, records of Beaufort County, SC. The amounts secured by the CLAIM OF LIEN, are Amount currently in default (including interest) $ 3,750.82 Costs $ 851.36 Attorney Fees $ 350.00 Total Amount Due $ 4,952.18 Together with any and all additional dues, assessments, costs, other fees, and interest coming due and payable hereafter. The successful bidder, other than the Creditor, shall be required to pay in cash or certified funds at the time of the bid. If the Creditor is the successful bidder at the sale, it shall receive a credit against its bid for the Total Amount Due. The successful bidder shall also be required to pay for Deed Preparation, Documentary Stamps, or transfer fee, and Recording Costs. This sale is subject to all taxes, liens, easements, encumbrances, assessments, and/or senior mortgage liens of record and the undersigned Trustee gives no opinion thereto. An Obligor has the right to cure the default, and a Junior Lienholder has the right to redeem its interest up to the date of that the Trustee issues the Certificate of Sale pursuant to S.C. Code Ann. § 27-32-345.

The sale of the Property is to satisfy the default in payment by the Obligor/Owner of the obligations secured by the CLAIM OF LIEN as recorded in Lien Book 158 at Page 402, records of Beaufort County, SC. The amounts secured by the CLAIM OF LIEN, are

Together with any and all additional dues, assessments, costs, other fees, and interest coming due and payable hereafter. The successful bidder, other than the Creditor, shall be required to pay in cash or certified funds at the time of the bid. If the Creditor is the successful bidder at the sale, it shall receive a credit against its bid for the Total Amount Due. The successful bidder shall also be required to pay for Deed Preparation, Documentary Stamps, or transfer fee, and Recording Costs. This sale is subject to all taxes, liens, easements, encumbrances, assessments, and/or senior mortgage liens of record and the undersigned Trustee gives no opinion thereto. An Obligor has the right to cure the default, and a Junior Lienholder has the right to redeem its interest up to the date of that the Trustee issues the Certificate of Sale pursuant to S.C. Code Ann. § 27-32345. King Cunningham, LLC, Trustee, by Jeffrey W. King, SC Bar # 15840; or W. Joseph Cunningham, SC Bar # 72655 P.O. Box 4896, North Myrtle Beach, SC 29597 (843) 249-0777 PUBLIC NOTICE Gregory Runkel has applied to the South Carolina Department of Health of Environmental Control, Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource Management for a permit to construct a private dock with 4’ wide x 50’ walkway to 12’ x 12’ covered pier head with single pile boat lift for private use at/in 169 Gannet Point Rd., Beaufort, SC 29907, Morgan River. Comments will be received by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control – OCRM, 1362 McMillan Ave., Ste. 400, Charleston, SC 29405, by Monday, February 26, 2024.

TO: THE DEFENDANTS ABOVE NAMED: YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED and required to answer the Complaint in this action, a copy of which is herewith served upon you, and to serve a copy of your Answer upon the subscriber, at his office situated at 27 Gamecock Avenue, Suite 200, Charleston, South Carolina, 29407, within thirty (30) days after service thereof, exclusive of the day of such service; and if you fail to answer the Complaint within the time aforesaid, judgment by default will be rendered against you for the relief demanded in the Complaint. LIS PENDENS NOTICE IS HEREBY given that an action has been commenced and is now pending in Court of Commons Pleas for Beaufort County, pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 53, Title 15, South Carolina Code of Laws for 1976, as amended, commonly known as the “Uniform Declaratory Judgment Act”, Chapter 67, and of Articles 1 and 3, Chapter 67, Title 15, and Chapter 61, Title 15, South Carolina Code of Laws for 1976, as amended, for the purpose of obtaining a determination of this Court that the plaintiff is an owner of the below described parcel of real estate; to determine adverse claims thereto, if any; and to quiet title thereto in the name of the Plaintiff and others, as tenants in common, and with fee simple title thereto pursuant to the provisions of Rule 71, South Carolina Rules of Civil Procedure. THE BELOW DESCRIBED parcel of real estate was at the time of the filing of this Lis Pendens, and at the time of the commencement of the action, situated, lying and being in the County of Beaufort, State of South Carolina, and is more particularly described as follows: PARCEL ONE ALL that certain piece, parcel, or lot of land, together with any improvements thereon, situate, lying and being in the Town of Port Royal, County of Beaufort, containing 0.338 acres, more or less, and being a portion of Lot 2 in Section 19, Township 1 South, Range 1 West, and being more particularly described as parcel A-l on that subdivision plat prepared for Cherese Chisolm and Melissa Johnson by David D. Youmans, RLS No.: 9765, dated August 17, 1998, and revised on February 10, 2003, and recorded on February 28, 2003 in Boole: 91 at Page 186 in the Office of the Register of Deeds for Beaufort County, South Carolina. For a more particular description as to metes, bounds and distances, reference may be had to said plat of record. This being the property conveyed to Larry C. Jackson by Tax Deed of Joy Logan, Treasurer, County of Beaufort, on January 12, 2007 and recorded in the ROD Office for Beaufort County in Book 02506 at Pages 1519-1520 on January 12, 2007. TMS No.: R l10 009 000 0225 0000 PARCEL TWO All that certain piece, parcel or lot of land, together with any improvements thereon, situate, lying and being in the Town of Port Royal, county of Beaufort containing 0.215 acres, more or less, and being more particularly described as parcel A-2 on that subdivision plat prepared for Cherese Chisolm and Melissa Johnson by David D. Youmans, RLS No.: 9765, dated August 17, 1998, and revised on February 10, 2003, and recorded on February 28, 2003 in Book 91 at Page 186 in the Office of the Register of Deeds for Beaufort County, South Carolina. For a more particular description as to metes, bounds and distances, reference may be had to said plat of record. This being the property conveyed to Larry C. Jackson by Tax Deed of Joy Logan, Treasurer, County of Beaufort, on January 12, 2007 and recorded in the ROD Office for Beaufort County in Book 02506 at Pages 1519-1520 on January 12, 2007. TMS No.: R l10 009 000 0224 0000 NOTICE NISI TO: SUCH OF THE DEFENDANTS IN THE ABOVE ACTION WHOM MAY BE INFANTS, INSANE PERSONS, INCOMPETENTS and INCARCERATED: PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that there has been filed in the Office of the Clerk of Court, Court of Charleston County, State of South Carolina, an Order appointing for you as Guardian ad Litem, Nisi, Kelvin M. Huger, Esquire, who maintains an office at 27 Gamecock Avenue, Suite 200, Charleston, S. C. 29407. The appointment shall become absolute upon the expiration of thirty (30) days following the last publication of the Summons herein, unless you or someone on your behalf, on or before the last-mentioned date, shall procure someone to be appointed as Guardian ad Litem to represent you in the above action. NOTICE OF INTENT TO REFER TO: THE DEFENDANTS ABOVE NAMED:

STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF BEAUFORT IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS FOURTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that upon the expiration of thirty days (30) following the service of a copy of the within Notice of Intent to Refer upon you, the Plaintiffs intend to and will appear before the Honorable Presiding Judge of the Court of Common Pleas in and for the County of Beaufort, State of South Carolina, at the usual place of judicature, and will move His or Her Honor for an Order referring the above entitled action to the Master-in-Equity for Beaufort County, for the purpose of holding a hearing into the merits of said cause, together with the authority to enter final judgment therein, and to provide that should any appeal be taken from the final judgment of the Master-in-Equity, as aforesaid, that such appeal shall be made directly to the Supreme Court of South Carolina or alternatively to the South Carolina Court of Appeals

CASE NO: 2024-CP-07-00103 SUMMONS (Suit to Quiet Title)

NOTICE OF RIGHT OF FIRST REFUSAL TO THE DEFENDANTS ABOVE ALL KNOWN AND UNKNOWN NAMED:

DARRELL JENKINS

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE OF YOUR STATUTORY RIGHT OF FIRST REFUSAL. “The Court shall provide for the non-petitioning joint tenants or tenants in common who are interested in purchasing the property to notify the Court of that interest no later than (10) days prior to the date set for the trial of the case. The non-petitioning joint tenants or tenants in common shall be allowed to purchase the interests in the property as provided in this section whether default has been entered against them or not.” 1976 SC Code of Laws, Section 15-6125 (A).

NOTICE OF INTENT TO APPLY Notice is hereby given to Nita M. Lowey 21st Century Community Learning Center is currently accepting applications for 2024-2025. Boys & Girls Clubs of the Lowcountry is applying for funding to support programing in the following areas of Northern Beaufort and jasper Counties: Broad River Elementary; Whale Branch Elementary; Hardeeville Elementary. Applications will be available for public review on the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Lowcountry website upon submission at https//www.bgclowcountry.org

vs.

Plaintiff,

THE ESTATE OF LARRY CHARLES JACKSON, ALVINA S FIELDS, MAMIE H. JACKSON, CHERISE T. CHISOLM, MAMIE JACKSON, A/K/A, MAMIE HARDIE, LANGDON, LP, JOY LOGAN, TREASURER OF BEAUFORT COUNTY, MARIA WALLS, DELINQUENT TAX COLLECTOR FOR BEAUFORT COUNTY and JOHN DOE and MARY ROE fictitious names representing unknown minors, incompetents, persons in the military service within the meaning of Title 50, United States Code, commonly referred to as The Service Members Civil Relief Act of 2003, persons imprisoned, and persons under any other legal disability and JOHN DOE and MARY ROE, fictitious names representing unknown heirs, devisees, distributes, or personal representatives of the following deceased persons, THE ESTATE OF LARRY CHARLES JACKSON Defendants.

s/Willie B. Heyward S. C. Bar No. 11063 Attorney for the Plaintiff 27 Gamecock Avenue, Suite 200 Charleston, South Carolina 29407 (843) 225-8754 wheyward80@gmail.com January 19, 2024

FEBRUARY 15–21, 2024

VOICES Editor’s Note: The opinions of our columnists in the Voices section are not necessarily the opinions of The Island News.

t is Tuesday, and Susan and I are in Charleston. This morning I’m in the small lobby of the Bijou Boutique Hotel located next to the horse stables on Pinckney Street. I’m feeling triumphant, having just made a cup of cappuccino in a stylish, aerodynamic coffee maker that is entirely foreign to me. Everything about the Bijou is small — the rooms, the stairs, the building. In spite of my miniaturized surroundings, the house is clearly authentic, secure, and later today we will visit the International African American Museum at Gadsden’s Wharf. Last night I had dinner with my brother, David, and his wife at Tommy Condon’s Bar on State Street. Condon’s is an Irish bar that features bangers and mash; corned beef and cabbage; live guitar and fiddle music that was just loud enough to eliminate easy conversation. Nonetheless, we talked

Nothing as simple as we’d like to believe SCOTT GRABER

about our grandfather, Scott Teachey; and our grandmother Minnie Riddick Teachey. Scott and Minnie lived here in Charleston (on Wragg Square) at the end of the 1800s. They were both born on farms in North Carolina — were attractive and ambitious. Scott worked on the railroad and Minnie was a hat-maker on King Street. My brother told me that Scott was asked, by his parents, to leave their farm in Duplin County because they could not feed him and his siblings at the same time. David said that he migrated to South Carolina, near Conway, where he

worked on the Waccamaw River loading turpentine onto barges. This information came mostly from our mother — the family historian — who also loaded us up on the “Lost Cause.” In 1895 Benjamin Tillman — then Governor — convened a Constitutional Convention (in Columbia) that reworked the previous Constitution. At this convention there was a black delegation from Beaufort — Robert Smalls, William Whipper, James Wigg and Isaiah Reed — who spoke often. Notwithstanding their eloquence, this convention put a poll tax, literacy test, “understanding clause” and property requirement into play that would completely destroy the ability of black men to vote. If these restrictions were not enough, a “white-only primary” and state-wide racial segregation soon followed. I am pretty sure Scott and Minnie were in Charleston by this time — or would

shortly arrive — and I have wondered what they thought about Ben Tillman’s successful effort to push black folks back into servitude? In this connection, I’ve been reading a book, The Promise of the New South by Edward Ayers, who writes, in part, “By later standards, virtually every white Southerner was racist. No matter how well intentioned whites might be, they believed that blacks were fundamentally different from themselves in intelligence and character. The most respected scientific thought of the age encouraged whites in this belief; the magazines and newspapers of the late nineteenth and early twentieth century were filled with a new assertion of Anglo-Saxon superiority, a self consciousness of the hierarchy of races around the world. …” “The newly respectable racialism of Social Darwinism, early anthropology,

and imperialism led whites to expect black deterioration. …” I’m pretty sure that Minnie and Scott were of Baptist inclination, and the biggest morality issues of their day centered on alcohol — Prohibition. When there were sermons dealing with race, there would always be Bible-backed confirmation of the “rightness” of segregation in all of its manifestations. Yet, I’m comforted by the fact that Ben Tillman hated Charleston, calling its residents corrupt and conceited. He thought that the people of Charleston believed themselves a kind of aristocracy and were “soft-handed,” effeminate. Charleston also had a significant population of black cabinet makers, brick layers and a business elite that angered Tillman as much as its South of Broad nobility. I never got to talk with Scott Teachey about seg-

regation — I was only 11 when he died. My grandmother lived to be 99 years old, and I did live with her for a time in a small cottage just off the strand at Ocean Drive Beach, S.C. Last night my brother David, in spite of the fiddle music at Condon’s, said Minnie had a black (woman) friend who lived in the country just outside Florence, S.C. “Sometimes Minnie would drive out to her friend’s house, a shack really, where they would sit in the yard talking and drinking sweet tea for hours.” And yet I know Minnie was, by current standards, racist. Now I take comfort in the fact she had a black friend with whom she confided — perhaps even loved. Nothing is as simple as we would like to believe. Scott Graber is a lawyer, novelist, veteran columnist and longtime resident of Port Royal. He can be reached at cscottgraber@gmail.com.

Back-room deal leads to demolition of historic building

he weird details of Bill Prokop’s departure for retirement continue to come to light. The Pintail Point development at 2233 Boundary Street that slammed the brakes on the city’s “Parallel Road” wasn’t the only Christmas present then-Beaufort City Manager Prokop bestowed upon the city’s developers as he prepared to make his year-end 2022 exit. The Pintail Point development’s final approval, granted on December 8, 2022, readers will recall, not only benefitted its developer, but it also served the interests of neighboring 303 Associates, which had long objected to the alignment of the parallel road as it was proposed in the city’s 2006 Boundary Street Master Plan. Here’s another weird one. In 2022, at 1003 Congress Street right off Charles Street, there was a circa 1900 two story non-contributing frame house upon which the Historic Beaufort Foundation had a standing offer to buy with the intention of restoration. But it turned out Beaufort’s former Mayor Billy Keyserling, a real estate developer, wanted it, as well, for an in-fill residential development. The tug-of-war began in the Summer of 2022 when the city staff saw this was going to be a hot one, and decided that the demolition of 1003 Congress Street ought not be granted at the city staff level. Instead, city staff determined because “there is still some historic fabric remaining and despite the alterations, the form follows a traditional Beaufort-style house,” the demolition decision should be kicked to the city’s Historic

BILL RAUCH

Review Board (HRB),” according to an email that was sent on June 8, 2023 by the City’s Architect, Maria Short, to its newly-appointed Community Planning Director, Curt Freese, to bring him up to speed on the 1003 Congress Street situation. City Community Development staff recommendations are customarily provided for all matters that come before the HRB. And in this instance the staff, with HBF’s support, for in general the reasons stated in Short’s email, recommended against the building’s demolition. When the matter came before the HRB at their August 2022 meeting, the board split 2-2 because one member of the five-member panel had a conflict of interest, and appropriately recused himself. Readers will recall that Robert’s Rules of Order, the meeting rules under which the Beaufort City Council and all the city’s boards operate, states that when there is a tie vote, the motion fails. But that’s not what happened here. Here, according to Short’s summary email to Freese, City Manager Prokop huddled with City Attorney Bill Harvey and the city’s interim Community Development Director, Riccardo Giani, to find a way to accommodate the former mayor. And, on Aug. 16,

This photo is from the city’s files of 1003 Congress Street accompanied its owner’s demolition petition. Submitted photo 2022, Giani, whose staff report had recommended against the demolition, quietly issued a Certificate of Appropriateness in favor of the demolition. But the story doesn’t end there. The decision was appealed on September 15, 2022 by a nonprofit group called The Beautiful Beaufort Alliance. Although details are thin here, according to Short’s email, the appeal was soon dropped. And under Manager Prokop’s watchful eye, the city issued the final demolition permit for 1003 Congress Street. The building has been razed. It is one of many such losses. “The City of Beaufort has not commissioned an updated Above Ground Survey since 2001,” Cynthia Jenkins, Executive Director of

the Historic Beaufort Foundation, told me last week. “Since then, 26 contributing buildings have been demolished and another half dozen buildings that should have been considered contributing are also gone. It doesn’t stop! Two more contributing buildings, 1607 and 1609 Duke Street, were on the HRB’s agenda for demolition this week.” But those weren’t all the presents Bill Prokop placed under developers’ trees that holiday season. There were two more big ones. On Wednesday, Dec. 21, 2022, with the long holiday break in sight, the city inked the building permits for both a four-story parking garage and for a 70-unit hotel, in the heart of Beaufort’s historic district, at 918 Craven Street and

at 800 Port Republic Street respectively. The permits for these controversial projects were sought by Beaufort Inn, LLC and 303 Associates respectively. Both projects had been in the works since 2017, according to city records. And both are currently the subject of lawsuits. We will see what the lawyers turn up. Bill Prokop declined to be interviewed for this column, according to Beaufort City Manager Scott Marshall. Bill Rauch was the Mayor of Beaufort from 1999 to 2008 and has twice won awards from the S.C. Press Association for his Island News columns. He can be reached at TheRauchReport@gmail.com.

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VOICES Editor’s Note: The opinions of our columnists in the Voices section are not necessarily the opinions of The Island News.

SC sends tax dollars to other states, denies its own children

he state’s recent decision to deny federal food assistance to children is not only bad news for kids from low-income families. It’s a rotten deal for South Carolina taxpayers. We’re cheating ourselves. Gov. Henry McMaster recently decided not to participate in a federal program that provides food assistance to needy families during the summer. The program could have helped feed at least 72,000 South Carolina children, according to reporting by the S.C. Daily Gazette’s Jessica Holdman. Under the U.S. Department of Agriculture program, low-income families could receive up to $120 a month — $40 per eligible school-aged child — added to their benefit cards to buy groceries. South Carolina was one of only 15 states that chose not to participate. Stepping aside for the moment from the Dickensian nightmare of hungry South Carolina children, it’s important to point out that the program could have brought millions of our own tax dollars back to our state. Make no mistake about it: This is our own money we’re turning away. Our federal tax dollars pay for this federal program. We will

PAUL HYDE

shoulder our fair share of the burden, but we’ll not receive any of the benefit. Instead, we’re sending our tax dollars to other states that do participate. As many as 21 million children in other states could benefit from the initiative. Gov. McMaster, however, said he’s concerned about the increasing size of the federal government. “This is how the government gets bigger and bigger: bigger bureaucracies, bigger entitlements,” McMaster said on Jan. 30. The summer food program was a COVID-era program and needs to be discontinued, McMaster said. But Congress made it permanent in December 2022. No doubt many people share McMaster’s concern about bloated government, but denying food to children is not going to inspire Congress to reduce the size of the

federal government. McMaster pointed out the state does have existing food benefits for poor families and nonprofit food banks across the state. But Sue Berkowitz, with the Appleseed Legal Justice Center, which advocates for low-income families, said current programs do not come close to addressing the needs in South Carolina. Refusing money Sadly, rejecting federal dollars (our own money) for struggling South Carolinians is nothing new. South Carolina remains one of only 10 states in the nation that still refuse to expand Medicaid, which could provide health care coverage for an additional 350,000 low-income South Carolinians. The state turned away $11.2 billion of our own tax dollars between 2014 and 2020 due to state lawmakers’ refusal to expand Medicaid. That’s cutting off our nose to spite our face. Our federal tax dollars are being used to pay for Medicaid expansion in other states “while none of the Medicaid expansion funds are coming back” to South Carolina, according to health policy expert Louise Norris, writing in healthinsurance.org.

Norris said that between 2013 and 2022, $152 billion in federal taxes has been collected from residents in states not expanding Medicaid (such as South Carolina) to be used to fund Medicaid expansion in other states. No surprise, seven of the 10 states that refuse to expand Medicaid are also turning away their own tax dollars for the summer food program. These are some of the poorest states in the nation — South Carolina, Alabama, Mississippi, Georgia, Florida, Texas and Wyoming. They all could use those federal dollars to bolster their economies. It’s likely that poor states like South Carolina could receive more federal funds from the food program than SC taxpayers contribute to it.

A pro-life challenge South Carolina teachers, who have a long memory, are still angry that in August 2011 then-state Education Superintendent Mick Zais turned away $144 million in federal money to help keep teachers employed in South Carolina in the wake of the Great Recession. South Carolina was the only state in the nation to reject the money. Zais earlier that year had refused to apply for a $10 million to $50 million grant from a $200

million federal program set up for South Carolina and eight other states. All of these incidents — where federal funds were refused — share a common denominator: the beneficiaries would have been some of our most vulnerable South Carolinians, who have little or no political power. If they change their mind, South Carolina’s leaders can apply for the summer food program in 2025. Experts have suggested the child poverty rate may increase in states, such as South Carolina, that ban or limit abortion. There may be an even greater need in the future for the summer food program. That offers a moral challenge to South Carolinians who call themselves “pro-life.” What could be more pro-life than food? Paul Hyde is a longtime journalist and teacher in the Upstate. He worked 18 years for the Greenville News as a columnist, editorial writer, education reporter and arts writer. He holds undergraduate and graduate degrees from Clemson and Harvard universities. He has written for the Houston Chronicle, Dallas Morning News and USA Today, among other publications. He currently is a regular contributor to the Greenville Journal, Atlanta Journal-Constitution and Classical Voice North America.

Does age override immorality?

ouble, double, toil and trouble, fire burn and cauldron

bubble. Ah, Mr. Shakespeare, the cauldron does, indeed, bubble once again. Much to the delight of the Republicans and the dismay of the Democrats. It would seem that the one crucial detriment the Republicans believe they can effectively tout is Joe Biden’s age. Heaven knows they can’t point to a recession they thought would surely come to pass. Nor can they dispute the increase in jobs or the uptick in the economy or the record-breaking Dow Jones although many will lie outright and proclaim otherwise. But the age, the bumbling of words, Biden’s walk, the mental acuity! Oh dear, they even go so far as to claim dementia. It’s truly amazing the number of physicians in our government so capable of rendering a diagnosis. What ever happened to the idea of the wisdom of elders? Do I need to point out those much younger in our government who display no wisdom whatsoever, and, in fact, consistently display abject ignorance? Must I mention George Santos, or Lauren Boebert, or MTG? But what I really want to address is the way in which the heat was turned up under our imaginary kettle. There are so many avenues

CAROL LUCAS

by which to parse the 388page report that was issued by the Department of Justice last week, that I hardly know where to begin. President Biden was interviewed regarding the documents found in his garage. You can readily access a great deal of information on this process, how it was conducted, and what the final determination was. Keep in mind, however, that the objective of this was to determine whether or not the President had committed a criminal offense. What was set forth in answer to this question follows: After reviewing the draft report, the relevant intelligence agencies have identified no content that is classified or otherwise unfit for public disclosure. The White House Counsel has not conveyed the President's decisions as to assertions of executive privilege; it is understood that the White House Counsel will convey such decisions directly. Read this again, and focus, if you will, on the President’s decision not to assert executive privilege.

Let that sink in. If this man had anything to hide regarding his position, he could have done so, contrary to those actions of Trump who did assert such, and did so when he was no longer president. So who is Robert Hur, the special counsel who has managed to skillfully bring the cauldron to a boil once more? He is a 51-yearold American lawyer who served as U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland. He is a graduate of both Harvard and Stanford Universities, and is a Republican appointed to his present position by Merrick Garland. At this point, I will digress to what I consider an equivalent problem. Between Garland’s inaction early on with the Trump cases, up to this current failure to act upon Hur’s verbiage in the report (which he could have done, assuming he even read it), Garland is the poster boy for ineptitude. His failure to act promptly and judiciously when it became apparent what had transpired after Trump left the White House, finds us where we are today – in a time crunch and a looming election. Jack Smith is dealing with a young Floridian judge who has been roundly chastised by fellow conservative judges who are her peers, as well as a string of appeals, albeit legal. Mean-

while the clock is ticking, thanks to Garland’s inability or unwillingness to move forward. Biden was interviewed by special counsel Hur for five hours. Of those five hours, Hur wrote that the President "did not remember when he was Vice President" or "when his son, Beau, died." My first question is, “What does his son’s death have to do with the case at hand, that of classified government documents?” Can you even imagine how taken aback the President must have been to have that thrown at him? If you are a parent who has lost a child (or in this case, two) you know the answer. Hur goes on to portray

Biden as “a sympathetic, well-meaning, elderly man with a poor memory." To say these comments are inappropriate for this report, as well as gratuitous, is an understatement. One White House spokesperson stated that “it is a commonplace occurrence among witnesses to experience a lack of recall of years-old events.” For some this is painfully reminiscent of former FBI Director James Comey's criticisms of Hillary Clinton when he decided not to charge her in a classified documents case during the 2016 presidential campaign. Others have reverted to the time of Ronald Reagan, his age, and what eventually was said to be dementia.

Biden has experience and surrounds himself with a team of people he will listen to. Trump, on the other hand, is a renegade who openly aligns himself with Putin and Kim Jong Un. Furthermore, he fires anyone that disagrees with him. As for age, he is only three years younger than Biden. And so, I will heed Mr. Shakespeare’s warning, when the second witch declares, “By the pricking of my thumbs, Something wicked this way comes.” I don’t abide wicked! Carol Lucas is a retired high school teacher and a Lady’s Island resident. She is the author of the recently published “A Breath Away: One Woman’s Journey Through Widowhood.”

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Join Us for Worship & Fellowship Sunday Morning Worship at 8:30 & 10:30 81 Lady’s Island Drive

Pastor Steve Keeler • (843) 525-0696 • seaislandpresbyterian.org FEBRUARY 15–21, 2024

WHAT’S HAPPENING CALENDAR Krew of Port Royal Mardi Gras parade 4 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 17, Paris Avenue, to 11th Street, to Shellring Aleworks, where there will be a family-friendly Mardi Gras after party. The parade lineup includes more than 40 walkers, 11 golf carts, three floats and a bunch of bikes. The Battery Creek Marching Band will also be participating in the parade. The after party will feature the Parris Island Marine Corps Band, jambalaya, crawfish boil, king cake, and hot dogs and hamburgers. Paint and Paradise will be on site with masks for kids to paint and face painting will be available as well. No in-person registration for the parade. Those who want to participate must register online by Friday night. For more information, visit the Old Village Association’s Facebook page or email Nancy Plank at nplank51@ aol.com. Community Fish Fry 1 to 4 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 24, Martin Luther King Jr. Park (The Green), at the corner of Martin Luther King Jr. Drive and Sea Island Parkway, St. Helena Island. A Community Fish Fry celebrating Black History Month is being held. There will be performances, fellowship and more. Attendees are advised to bring lawn chairs. The event is free and open to the public. For more information, contact Barbara Jean Gardner-Hunter at 347-497-9326; Claretha Singleton at 843-812-3148; or Ernestine Atkins at 843-252-6096. Occasional Movie Monday 3 p.m. and 7 p.m., Monday Feb. 26, USC Beaufort Center For The Arts, 805 Carteret Street, Beaufort. The Color Purple – Musical adaptation of Alice Walker's novel about the life-long struggles of an African American woman living in the south during the early 1900s. Directed by Blitz Bazawule. Rated PG-13. 140 minutes. Starring Halle Bailey, Taraji P. Henson, Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor, Elizabeth Marvel. Tickets available at https://bit.ly/49et0LN. Hilton Head Bold Beer & Cigar Festival 3 to 6 p.m., Saturday, March 2, Shelter Cove Community Park, Hilton Head Island. A diverse selection of cigars, high gravity, seasonal, craft, and international beers. Live music featuring the Joey & Mike Show. Food vendors offering a variety of delectable dishes. Sponsored by The Mosquito Hunters and Carolina Cigars. Organized by Bear Foot Sports. For tickets, visit bearfootsports.com. 9th annual Ole Fashioned Oyster Roast 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday, March 9, The Gullah Museum, Hilton Head Island. General admission ticket is $10. Ole Fashioned Oyster Roast is $50. There will be artisans, entertainment, and food vendors for non-seafood eaters. Please visit www.gullahmuseumhhi.org to purchase tickets and for more information. Tickets can also be purchased at the event. Friends of Fort Fremont Oyster Roast 5:30 to 8 p.m., Friday, March 15, Live Oaks Park, Port Royal. $40 per person. Sea Eagle Catering oysters and chili. Appetizers and desserts. Music by the Sweet Ferns. Silent auction, including pair of tickets to Savannah Bananas game. Tickets available online at www.fortfremont.org. Tickets can also be purchased by mailing check to P.O. Box 982, St. Helena Island, S.C. 29920. The last day to order tickets by mail is March 8. Karaoke with Melissa 8 p.m. to midnight, Tuesdays, Highway 21 Bar, 3436 Trask Pkwy, Beaufort. Enjoy food and drinks during Karaoke with Melissa. 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 Tom – 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 Tom – Bricks On Boundary 7 p.m., Every Thursday, Bricks on Boundary, 1422 Boundary St, Beaufort. Free. Team trivia event, win house cash and Beer Bucket prizes! For more information, visit https:// rb.gy/o9nhwe.

FEBRUARY 15–21, 2024

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. 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. 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. Highway 21 Flea Market 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., every Saturday and Sunday, Highway 21 Drive-In. Sellers, vendors, handmade items, unique products and yard sale items. For information, email lowcountryfleamarket@gmail.com. Port Royal Farmers Market 9 a.m. to noon, Saturdays, year round, Naval Heritage Park, 1615 Ribaut Road, Port Royal. Rain or shine. You will find fresh, local, seasonal produce, shrimp, oysters, poultry, beef, pork, eggs, bread and cheese, as well as plants, ferns, camellias, azaleas, citrus trees and beautiful, fresh cut flower bouquets. There are prepared food vendors serving barbecue, dumplings, she crab soup, crab cakes, paella, coffee, baked goods, bagels and breakfast sandwiches. No pets allowed. For more information, visit http://www. portroyalfarmersmarket.com/, visit @portroyalfarmersmarket on Facebook or call 843-295-0058. 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. 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.

EASTER Eggstravaganza Noon, Saturday, March 30, St. Helena Branch Library, 6355 Jonathan Francis Sr. Road, St. Helena Island. Free and open to the public. Registration required. Join us for an Easter Egg hunt. There will be games, prizes and fun. Kids will receive a take-home craft. Don’t forget to bring a basket to collect eggs. Call 843-255-6540 for more information.

President’s Day Storytime & Craft with Sally Sue Lavigne of The Story Book Shoppe 10 to 11 a.m., Friday, Feb. 19, Celadon Health & Wellness Club, 61 Celadon Drive, Beaufort. Complimentary and open to all. One-hour story time and craft for children themed around President’s Day. Opportunity to purchase books from Bluffton Story Book Shoppe at the event. Call 843-379-1088. Celadon Supper Club 6 to 8 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 24, Celadon Health & Wellness Club, 61 Celadon Drive, Beaufort. Cost is $100 per person. First monthly Celadon Supper Club with Chef Robert Singleton. Enjoy a memorable evening with a price fixed menu including 3 courses, wine and community. February is Prime Rib. Open to all. This will be a monthly offering. Call 843379-1088.

HISTORY Hilton Head History & Happy Hour: Meet The Generals 4 to 6:30 p.m., Wednesday, March 6, Tio’s Latin American Kitchen, Shelter Cove. John Eddy as General Mitchel and Rich Thomas as General Saxton. In the midst of the Civil War and shortly after his arrival on Hilton Head, Gen. Ormsby Mitchel meets with Gen. Rufus Saxton to discuss the situation in Port Royal and the Department of the South. Their conversation touches on the issues and the strategies that will ultimately shape the landscape for Reconstuction on the Sea Islands. Tio’s will honor Happy Hour pricing for food and beverages. RSVP at HeritageLib. org to win a Tio’s Gift Card. Walk-ins are welcome. 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.

LIBRARY ACTIVITIES Hospice 101 5:30 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 20, St. Helena Branch Library, 6355 Jonathan Francis Sr. Road, St. Helena Island. Presented by Friends of Caroline. Free and open to the public. No registration required. What is hospice and palliative care? What are your choices as you begin to navigate aging and the medical system? Do you know what questions you should be asking? An upbeat presentation will focus on living, the difference between hospice and palliative care, what a hospice house is, and why grief support is so important. Call 843255-6540 for more information.

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.

Care and Compassion for the Caregiver 5:30 p.m., Wednesday, March 20, St. Helena Branch Library, 6355 Jonathan Francis Sr. Road, St. Helena Island. Presented by Friends of Caroline. Free and open to the public. No registration required. Are you the primary caregiver for your children, spouse, parents or other family members? Are you finding it difficult to manage everything that comes along with caregiving for your loved ones while taking care of yourself? You are not alone. The presentation is designed to equip and empower you to care for yourself without neglecting those under your care. Call 843-255-6540 for more information.

Wellness Happy Hour with Well House Juice 5 to 6:30 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 15, Celadon Health & Wellness Club, 61 Celadon Drive, Beaufort. Complimentary event, open to all. Learn about the benefits of adding coldpressed juice to your wellness routine with Beaufort’s local juicery, Well House Juice. Call 843-3791088.

“Lego” With Lego 4:30 to 5:30 p.m., every Tuesday, St. Helena Branch Library, 6355 Jonathan Francis Sr. Road, St. Helena Island. Free and open to the public. Ages 5 and up. No registration required. Come see our new and improved Lego Club. Choose one of our new Lego kits and get going. Call 843-255-6540 for more information.

HEALTH AND WELLNESS

Book Club 5 to 5:45 p.m., every Wednesday through May 22, St. Helena Branch Library, 6355 Jonathan Francis Sr. Road, St. Helena Island. Free and open to the public. Ages 6 to 11. Registration is encouraged, but drop-ins are welcome. Books that make you smile. Make friends and share what you are reading. Call 843-255-6541 for more information.

MEETINGS American Association of University Women Beaufort 6 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 27, downtown Beaufort. Guest speaker will be the owner of the Tout Sweet Coop Kitchen, followed by the monthly AAUW business meeting. For more information, email jherbertaauw@ gmail.com. League of Women Voters Beaufort 5 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 28, Unitarian Universalist Fellowship Hall, 178 Sams Point Road, Beaufort. The League of Women Voters Beaufort will be celebrating its seventh birthday on at its regular meeting. The public is welcome. Come help celebrate the birthday. There will be cake. The League of Women Voters of Beaufort is a nonpartisan, grassroots civic organization that encourages informed and active participation in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues, and influences public policy through education and advocacy. Zonta Club of Beaufort 6 p.m., 4th Tuesday of each month, Smokehouse, Port Royal. Beaufort Rotary Club Noon, Wednesdays, Sea Island Presbyterian Church Fellowship Hall, 81 Lady’s Island Drive, Lady’s Island. Catered buffet lunch, followed by a guest speaker. Prospective members welcome. For further information and upcoming speakers, please visit website www.beaufortrotaryclub.org. Emotions Anonymous International local group meeting 4 p.m, Thursdays, via Zoom. Emotions Anonymous International, (EAI), is a nonprofit program designed to help people with emotional difficulties. It has a chapter in the Lowcountry and members want others who feel the need to know they are welcome to participate. There is no charge to participate. They are based on the 12 steps and 12 traditions of Alcoholics Anonymous and follow a specific format designed to provide the support and tools for navigating life’s painful difficulties. All are welcome. Anyone interested in participating may contact the group via email at EALowcountry@ gmail.com or call or text Laurie at 252- 917-7082. For more information on EAI visit www.emotionsanonymous.org. 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 Music on Malphrus Folk 7 p.m., Friday, Feb. 16, Unitarian Universalist Congregation of the Lowcountry,110 Malphrus Road, Bluffton. Award-winning songwriter and singer Matt Nakoa guarantees an incredible performance. His remarkable piano skills transition from Chopin to beer-soaked honkytonk in one set. His heartfelt original compositions on the guitar are nothing short of awe-inspiring. The modern-day troubadour's first solo albums, garnered multiple songwriting awards, including a win at Kerrville Folk Festival. His newest album, Casting Shadows, is a spellbinding blend of pop, soul, and classical influences and tells a story of childhood dreams crashing headlong into a grownup reality. Tickets are $25, available at www.uulowcountry. org. Doors open at 6:15. For more information, call 843-837-3330, visit www.uulowcountry.org, email MusicOnMalphrus@gmail.com or uucl. office@gmail.com or visit https:// www.facebook.com/Musiconmalphrus/?ref=bookmarks. Upcoming shows: Friday, March 15 – David Jacob Strain and Bob Beach; Friday, April 19 – Jacob Johnson; Saturday, May 4 – The Levins; Saturday, May 18 – Shanna in a Dress; Saturday, June 8 – Rod MacDonald. Gary Sinise and the Lt. Dan Band 6 p.m., FridayFeb. 23, the Barracks, Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort. Gates open to spectators at 5 p.m. Concert is free. Tickets are available at https://mccs-info.com/48sm2mc. Anyone without base access must register for a ticket via this link to get aboard MCAS Beaufort. The concert is an outdoor event in a large grassy area. For spectators’ comfort and enjoyment, organizers encourage concert-goers to bring blankets, lawn chairs, strollers, and wagons, if needed. Concessions will be available for purchase through onsite food trucks and beer booths. The following items are prohibited: outside food and beverages; coolers; large bags; firearms or weapons

of any kind; pets; or portable heaters of any kind. Service animals and other medical necessities are permitted. Lowcountry Wind Symphony 4 p.m., Sunday, Feb. 25, St. John's Lutheran Church, 157 Lady's Island Drive, Beaufort. Free and open to the public, but donations are gratefully accepted. Under the direction of Donald F. Jemella. That's Entertainment offers a varied program of selections from Broadway to Hollywood, Sousa to Strauss. Also included are well-loved melodies from The King and I, and The Music Man along with excerpts from the film score Pearl Harbor. Peggy Copley will be the featured soloist in Artie Shaw's Concerto for Clarinet and Band. USCB Chamber Music Series 5 p.m., Sunday, March 3, USCB Center for the Arts, 801 Carteret Street, Beaufort. Featuring Violinist Amy Schwartz Moretti, Violist Gabriela Diaz, Cellist Raphael Bell, Clarinetist Alexander Fiterstein, French hornist R.J. Kelly and Artistic Director and pianist Andrew Armstrong There are three ways to enjoy the concert: in person and virtually by Live-Stream and On-Demand. All virtual concerts are professionally produced, creating great viewing opportunities. On-Demand is accessible four days after the concert and available to view at your leisure for three weeks. For concert, event, or ticket information, go to www.uscbchambermusic.com or call 843-2088246, Monday through Friday.

OUTDOORS Meet The Naturalist 10 a.m. to noon, Saturday, Feb. 17, Crystal Lake Park, 124 Lady’s Island Drive, Beaufort. Free and open to the public. All ages. Meet with the Passive Park’s Naturalist for a walk around Crystal Lake Park. Feel free to ask questions about Beaufort County’s Passive Parks, the new Environmental Education Program, and of course, any nature along the way. 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.

RUNNING 29 annual Hilton Head Island Airport Shamrock Run 8 a.m., Saturday, March 16, New York City Pizza, Heritage Plaza, Hilton Head Island. 5K Run & Health Walk finishes inside Coligny Plaza. Shamrock Run course zooms down Pope Avenue, North Forest Beach Drive and then back on Lagoon Road. We encourage everyone to participate by wearing green. A percentage of proceeds from the event will be allocated to benefit the Sunset Rotary Club of Hilton Head. Prizes will be presented to the top three overall male and female finishers and the top three in each age category will also receive unique awards. Sponsored by The Bank Beer Garden, Oak Advisors, Rollers Wine & Spirits, Coligny Hilton Head, Island Girl Collective, Watusi Cafe, The Sand Bar Beach Eats and Courtyard by Marriott Hilton Head. For more information, visit www.bearfootsports. com or contact Bear Foot Sports at 843-757-8520. th

SEWING/QUILTING Sea Island Quilters 6:30 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 15, 2024, Carteret Street United Methodist Church, 408 Carteret Street, Beaufort. Or by Zoom. Our Program this month is showing off our Block of the month Rainbow Challenge Quilts. Those who participated were to make a quilt block using the colors of the rainbow. Each month a block was to be made using a color given to us, of the rainbow. Judging will be by the members. Maye River Quilters 10 a.m., Saturday, March 2, Palmetto Electric Cooperative, 1 Cooperative Way, Hardeeville. Social time begins at 9:30 a.m. To attend the meeting as a guest, send an RSVP email to mayeriverquilters@gmail. com. For more information and for membership forms to join the group, call 978-464-0585. American Needlepoint Guild Meeting 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., 1st Tuesday each month. The Hilton Head Chapter of the American Needlepoint Guild welcomes anyone, beginner or experienced stitcher, who is interested in needlepoint to join us for stitching, learning and fellowship. For more information, please contact us at hiltonheadislandchapter@ needlepoint.org.

LOCAL MILITARY

MCCS Civilian Breakfast

U.S. Marine Corps Col. Mark Bortnem, commanding officer of Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Beaufort, awards Deanna Simpson, Director of Family Team Building, a 30-year length of service award during the quarterly civilian breakfast event Wednesday, Jan. 24 at MCAS Beaufort. The civilian breakfast was held by Marine Corps Community Services to recognize the work of Department of Defense employees working at MCAS Beaufort and Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island. Lance Cpl. Nathan Saucier/USMC

U.S. Marines, civilians and Sailors with MCAS Beaufort, enjoy breakfast during the quarterly civilian breakfast event Wednesday, Jan. 24 at MCAS Beaufort. The civilian breakfast was held by Marine Corps Community Services to recognize the work of Department of Defense employees working at MCAS Beaufort and Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island. Lance Cpl. Nathan Saucier/USMC

Navy refining LSO training before school opens at MCAS Beaufort

By Brittany Dickerson Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division F-35B Landing Signal Officers (LSO) under instruction practiced assisting virtual pilots recover onboard a ship amid various sea states recently in a simulator at the Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division (NAWCAD) in Patuxent River, Md. The upcoming LSOs spent a week with NAWCAD engineers to refine the

U.S. Marine Corps' new curricula for the short take-off/ vertical landing (STOVL) community's up-and-coming LSO schoolhouse that will eventually be housed at Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort. Land-based training that STOVL LSOs take in a school simulator stateside is a critical capability as today's training can be difficult to coordinate around a ship's busy schedule. NAWCAD is helping refine

the course and supportive infrastructure ahead of the service's formal establishment of the school, which will be critical to standardizing STOVL LSO training across the Marine Corps, and for America's international partners. Simulator training makes LSOs more proficient because it puts them through scenarios that can't be controlled or replicated in real-life, like varied weather and sea states.

F-35B Landing Signal Officers (LSO) under instruction practice assisting virtual pilots recover onboard a ship amid various sea states in a simulator at the Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division (NAWCAD) in Patuxent River, Md. Brittany Dickerson/Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division

The Library of Congress Veterans History Project (VHP)

ccording to the Library of Congress (LOC) Veterans History Project (VHP) webpage (https://bit. ly/42CiLhP), “The Veterans History Project at the Library of Congress collects, preserves, and makes accessible the firsthand recollections of U.S. military veterans who served from World War I through more recent conflicts and peacekeeping missions, so that future generations may hear directly from veterans and better understand what they saw, did, and felt during their service.”

LARRY DANDRIDGE

Why you should do a VHP interview There are many good reasons to do such an interview, including: • Families cherish the stories of their loved ones' military service. • These interviews record imMy VHP interview portant military history. In 2001 this writer did a • Most veterans who do share VHP interview at the Ralph H. the stories of their military Johnson VA Medical Center. service find it therapeutic and That interview took about 40 helpful to them. minutes. The Interviewer used • These interviews educate citia list of questions that made me zens today on what our milicomfortable and guided me with tary does for our country and ease through talking about my what our service members 24 years of Army service. I was and their families sacrifice for allowed to tell a war story and our country. make a few comments at the end • Hearing and watching these of the interview. interesting VHP interviews My interviewer gave me five may help encourage Amercopies of my interview to share icans to serve in the miliwith my adult children. LOC tary. Our armed forces are does not provide copies of oral or having a difficult time getting videotaped histories or interAmericans to enlist. This views to participants. You can is surprising with all of the watch my interview at https:// opportunities for high-tech bit.ly/3OGbNTm. If I can do an training, bonuses, travel, early interview, any veteran can do an retirement, excellent medical interview. care, VA education, and other VA/DOD benefits available Veterans should to military members and do a VHP interview their families. If you are a veteran, you can • Many young and old veterans schedule an interview with a describe their time in the VHP volunteer, who will intermilitary as the most rewardview you and record your story. ing and the most significant The interview will then be filed in experience of their lives. the Library of Congress for any• Many veterans living in one to view, read, and learn about Retirement Communities, Asyour service to your fellow battle sisted Living, Skilled Nursing buddies and our great nation.

Facilities, and Hospice want to tell their stories but do not know how to schedule a VHP interview. • Many veterans say they owe the successes in their lives to the leadership and other skills they learned, and the friendships they made, in the military.

Veterans may be too humble Many veterans are humble about their service thus believing that they did not do much when they served their country. I remember a hospice patient I had back in 2003 who told me, “I did not do much in the Army in WWII.” I asked, “What did you do Pete?” Pete said, “I was a Master Sergeant in the Army Intelligence Corps and spied on the Russians. I spoke five Slavic languages and served as an interpreter at the Nuremberg Trials at the end of the war.” I almost fell over. What else is the Veterans History Project? In addition to audio- and video-recorded oral history interviews, VHP accepts unpublished memoirs and collections of original photographs, letters, diaries/journals, 2-D artwork, and other historical documents from those who served in the U.S. armed services. The Project makes accessible the materials that comprise this important national archive. VHP relies on volunteers, both individuals and organizations, to contribute veterans’ collections to VHP. VHP also collects oral histories by Gold Star Family members, defined by legislation as a parent, spouse, sibling, or child of “members of the Armed Forces who died as a result of their service during a period of war.” The VHP encourages the donation of

letters, original photographs, and other two-dimensional materials of the deceased service member.

Some interviewers will come to you If you cannot come to a VA Medical Center or other location where interviews are frequently done, the interviewer may come to your location at your retirement home, assisted living facility, etc. Group interviews If you and some of your friends want to do a joint VHP Interview, that can also be arranged. The VHP blog and Facebook page The LOC VHP Blog is found at https://bit.ly/49xaeyX. The LOC VHP Facebook page is found at https://www.facebook.com/vetshistoryproject. Finding a Veterans History Project interviewer Unfortunately, The Library of Congress VHP does not coordinate individual or community interviews and they do not have a master directory of those who do interviews. A good place to start when looking for a VHP volunteer Interviewer is your nearest VA Medical Center’s Volunteer Services Department. Usually, a trained volunteer is working at that VA who does VHP interviews. You can also call the Library of Congress VHP in Washington, D.C., at 202707-4916 or email them at vohp@ loc.gov and ask for help finding someone to do an interview. The VHP encourages those interested to reach out to family members and friends, local schools or universities, veterans service organizations, places of worship, retirement communities, Scout troops, local businesses,

or professional associations to facilitate new interviews. Veterans may also conduct a self-interview if they cannot find a volunteer to interview them.

Two Lowcountry VHP volunteers Two VHP Volunteers that I know live in the Mt. Pleasant and Isle of Palms areas of S.C. One is Buddy Gillam, who works as a volunteer at the RHJVAMC and is the Past Commander of the Isle of Palms VFW Post 3137. Buddy’s phone number is 843-708-1190. The other volunteer Interviewer is Marianna MacIntyre with the Colonial Dames of America Charleston National (Mt. Pleasant Lowcountry Society in Mt. Pleasant) at email Mmac100B@ gmail.com. These two VHP volunteers and about a dozen VHP local interviewer volunteers who work with them have done interviews at Patriots Point, Bishop Gadsden Senior Living Center, the RHJVAMC, Beaufort, and other areas of the SC Lowcountry. The bottom line Learn more at the LOC VHP webpage https://bit.ly/42CiLhP. If you are a veteran, please do an interview. If you want to help veterans, volunteer to become a VHP Interviewer. 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. FEBRUARY 15–21, 2024

SERVICE DIRECTORY ACUPUNCTURE

FURNITURE / HOME DECOR

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ATTORNEY

HOME SERVICES

Christopher J. Geier

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

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Attorney at Law, LLC Criminal Defense & Civil Litigation

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PEST CONTROL

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YOUR AD HERE Put your business in the spotlight by advertising in the Service Directory. Connect with our dedicated marketing team: Amanda Hanna – amanda@lcweekly.com Sandy Schepis – sandyschepis@gmail.com

CLASSIFIEDS & GAMES

THURSDAY’S CARTOON Read with caution; not necessarily the opinions of the editorial staff.

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THEME: U.S. PRESIDENTS ACROSS 1. Falling out 5. Bottle top 8. Door fastener 12. Shoe emanation? 13. Staff note 14. Home to Buccaneers 15. Actress Spelling 16. Thor's father 17. Kidman's husband 18. *He served two nonconsecutive presidential terms 20. *JFK and RFK's relationship, abbr. 21. Foreword 22. J. Edgar Hoover Building org. 23. Pac-Man venue 26. Long and adventurous journey 30. Rudolph's Clarice, e.g. 31. Like life, according to some 34. Is it enough? 35. Jalisco plant 37. As opposed to rent 38. Grassy mound 39. Flat-top hill 40. *W in George H. W. Bush 42. Nicki Minaj's genre

43. Reusable painting pattern 45. Sacred songs 47. Horse control 48. Laughing predator 50. Gunk 52. *Nobel Peace Prize winning president 56. Social media button 57. Tangerine-grapefruit hybrid 58. Greek god of love 59. Cautious gambler 60. Trousers 61. Baltic capital 62. Port in Yemen 63. Follow ems 64. Not ever, poetically DOWN 1. Campus drillers 2. One on a pedestal 3. Golfer's warning 4. "Jeopardy" question, e.g. 5. Closet wood 6. ____ acid 7. Body between England and U.S.? 8. *President who spent the shortest time in office 9. Orator's stand 10. Pampering establishments 11. J.M. Barrie's Peter

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13. Like hot lava 14. Short and plump 19. Endow 22. *WW2 Pres. 23. *Thomas Jefferson was his VP 24. "Thesaurus" author 25. Cut it out 26. Sound on Old MacDonald's farm 27. Annoy a bedfellow 28. "Bravo! Bravo!" e.g. 29. Online reviews 32. Delivered by a mare 33. Hole punching tool 36. *a.k.a. Old Kinderhook 38. Danish money 40. Intelligent humor 41. Vomiting 44. Pressed beverage 46. Tap house 48. TV classic "_____'s Heroes" 49. Egg parts 50. Past tense of chide 51. Sand trap tool 52. Ill-mannered 53. Albany-Buffalo canal 54. Theater section 55. Russian ruler 56. #10 Down, sing.

LAST WEEK’S CROSSWORD & SUDOKU SOLUTIONS

FEBRUARY 15–21, 2024

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Portrait of the Father What makes us valuable as a person?

A loving father holds his baby daughter in his arms. The little baby has no money. She has no athletic ability. She is not famous. She has not accomplished anything, beyond filling her diaper! And yet the father loves the child, simply because she is his daughter. Here we see a reflection of God’s love for us. Jesus revealed something unexpected about God. He called God his Father, and he shared that God knows and loves each of us in a personal way, too. God does not see us merely as creatures he has created, but as his sons and daughters. The imperfect love that earthly fathers have for their children is just a small taste of the unconditional love that God the Father has for each of us. Jesus models the love of his Father. In our broken world, it can be difficult to imagine the love of such a father. Many of us have not been able to experience an earthly father who was present and loving. But as we read about Jesus in the Gospels, our hearts begin to be touched by his words and actions. Like a son who resembles his father, as we come to know Jesus, we start to encounter the love of our Heavenly Father.

We tend to judge our worth based on earthly qualities. Someone who is beautiful is valued more than a person with average looks. A wealthy person is more important than someone who is not. But beauty fades; wealth can be lost. It is liberating to recognize that our value is not based on passing qualities such as these. The Father’s love is the source of Christian joy. Like the baby in our example, we are not loved because of our abilities or accomplishments, but simply because God is our Father. We each have extraordinary value, a worth which flows from the amazing fact that we are personally known and loved by God. What joy to know that the God who created the entire universe, whose beauty is beyond our imagining, loves each of us as a Father!

The Father’s love is for all of his children. Instead of spending time with those who were seen as important or holy, Jesus was always reaching out to those who society rejected: the poor, the outcasts, the sinners. Jesus shows us that the Father loves every one of his children; the world’s labels mean nothing to him. He knows each of us by name and seeks us out, just as Jesus reached out to Zacchaeus the tax collector and called him by name. (Luke 19)

Next Week The Doctor Is In!

Reasons for Joy Message 5 of 8 70 Lady’s Island Drive, Beaufort • 843-522-9555 • www.stpetersbeaufort.org • office@stpetersbeaufort.org