January 16 edition

4th annual Beaufort Oyster Festival this weekend

Staff reports It’s that time again. Tides to Tables Restaurant Week culminates with the fourth annual Beaufort Oyster Festival this weekend at the Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park in downtown Beaufort. The festivities kick off Saturday

morning, Jan. 18, with the Oyster Boogie 5K race in downtown Beaufort.

Then the Oyster Festival kicks off at 10 a.m. and runs until 6 p.m. Admission is free.

On Sunday, Jan. 19, the Festival starts at 11 a.m. and goes until 4 p.m.

There is a cornhole tournament at 1 p.m. Visit https://bit. ly/3C7BDMZ to register.

More than 15 local educational organizations are involved in the festival.

Oysters provided are all locally farmed or harvested. Oysters will be available steamed, raw, roasted, or fried! Other food options will be available, as well, and live entertainment.

BEAUFORT

Beaufort County Council started off the new year with a major shake-up, selecting two of its three female members to elect this governing body of 11 for the next two years.

As has been widely reported, Alice Howard, a 10-year veteran of the county council and Anna Maria “Tab” Tabernick, still serving her first four-year term on the council, were elected by their colleagues to serve as chair and vice-chair.

Howard was elected by a 6-5 vote over incumbent Chairman Joe Passiment and Tabernick’s vote to replace Vice-Chair Larry McElynn was unanimous. Passiment, as has been reported, had irritated enough council members with his recent efforts to conduct a private meeting between Sen. Tom Davis, County and Hilton Head Island elected officials and staff members to discuss the U.S. 278 bridge project budget deficient, that the swing vote, Tom Reitz of Hilton Head, made it clear his support for Howard was a vote for government transparency.

Not only was the election historic in that it’s the first time two women have held the top two leadership seats on the county governing board, but it also returned to the north-south balance which had traditionally comprised the council. That balance, shifting the leadership role to two Southof-the-Broad members, was done in 2020 when Passiment and McElynn were elected to the leadership positions.

(Howard, for information only, is not the first female to serve as County Council Chairman. That title belongs to the late Martha Baumberger of Hilton Head who served as chairman in 1985 before leaving the County Council to serve as the mayor of Hilton Head Island.)

LOWDOWN PAGE A6

Location chosen for Robert Smalls statue

By Skylar Laird SCDailyGazette.com

COLUMBIA — Civil War hero Robert

Smalls could one day stand just outside the Statehouse visitors’ entrance, clad in the three-piece tuxedo he would have worn while serving in Congress, a legislative panel decided Wednesday, Jan. 8 Smalls, who escaped slavery on a Con-

federate steamship and later served in the Statehouse and Congress, will be the first individual Black person recognized on the Statehouse grounds. Another monument represents the story of Black South Carolinians, but it doesn’t identify any specific people.

4 more books may be removed from SC schools

By Delayna Earley

The Island News

A panel with the State Board of Education has decided that four more books should be removed from public schools in South Carolina due to their sexual content.

Two books – “ The House on Mango Street” by Sandra Cisneros and “Bronx Masquerade” by Nikki Grimes – will not be removed from schools.

The four books that were removed by the five-person committee will join the seven others that have been removed since the state regulation banned public schools from allowing access to books that contained sexual conduct.

The four books that were reviewed in the meeting on Thursday, Jan. 9 and put up for removal were “All Boys Aren’t Blue” by George M. Johnson, “Flamer” by Mike Curato, “PUSH” by Sapphire and “The Perks of Being a Wallflower” by Stephen Chbosky.

The books reviewed Thursday came from a challenge from Ivie Szalai, who was the Beaufort County parent who put forth a list of 97 books in 2022 that resulted in a year-long district-wide committee review of the books.

During that review, only five of the books were removed and all four of the books recently challenged by Szalai were not removed and were still in schools.

This is the first time since the regulation was put into place that a book has gone through the appeals process from start to finish.

SEE BOOKS PAGE A5

LOLITA HUCKABY

A monument to Robert Smalls, sculpted by Atlanta-based artist Basil Watson. Photo courtesy of Robert Smalls Monument Commission

LOWCOUNTRY LIFE & NEWS

Mark Pritchard recently snapped a photo of this Black Crowned Night Heron on Dataw Island. 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 CHUCK HECK

American Legion Beaufort Post 207 brings you Beaufort’s

Chuck Heck, 53, who joined the United States Marine Corps in Seldon, N.Y. in 1994. After Boot Camp at Parris Island, he trained in Millington, Tenn., in Aviation Maintenance, then specialized at Cecil Field, Jacksonville, Fla., in F-18 engine mechanics. He was first assigned to

MCAS Beaufort, from which he deployed to Iwakuni, Japan, Okinawa, Australia, Korea, Thailand and the Philippines. He next served at Joint Reserve Base Fort Worth, Texas before re-

ON THIS DATE

January 17

1711: The Lords Proprietors charter the “building of a town to be called Beaufort Town” in honor of the new Proprietor, Henry Somerset, the Duke of Beaufort. The town was “to be located on the Port Royal River on Port Royal Island.” The Port Royal River was later renamed the Beaufort River.

January 19

turning to MCAS Beaufort for six years during which he deployed numerous times. His follow-on tour was a Lead Instructor at NAS Pensacola at the Aviation Machinist Mate School. His final duty station was at MCAS Beaufort, from which he deployed to Afghanistan. During his Marine service, he made it to five of the seven con-

tinents. He retired in 2014 as a Gunnery Sergeant with 20 years of service. Today he works for a contractor at MCAS Beaufort.

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

January 22

1907: The Great Fire of Beaufort, allegedly started by three young boys hiding in a barn to smoke a cigarette, burns more than 40 houses and businesses in Beaufort and does more than $150,000 of damage – more than $4 4 million in today’s dollars.

1973: Joe Frazier loses by technical knock-out to George Foreman in Kingston, Jamaica – his first professional defeat – to fall to 29-1 and lose the WBA, WBC and The Ring heavyweight titles.

– Compiled by Mike McCombs

PAL PETS OF THE WEEK

Dog Of The Week

Fern is a little timid when she meets new people, but if you are gentle and patient, she’ll warm up quickly. Fern is a darling, 3-year-old girl who wants nothing more than to love and be loved.

She’s a sweet dog with a good heart. Fern is spayed, up to date on vaccinations, and microchipped.

Cat Of The Week

Don't let May's face fool you. She is a sweet, calm, affectionate, 3-year-old girl with a gentle spirit. She loves to watch the world go by

from a sunny window seat.

Perhaps the most endearing thing about May is how she’s often seen with her tongue out. She is spayed, up to date on vaccinations, and microchipped.

For more info on Fern, May or any of our other pets, call Palmetto Animal League at 843-645-1725 or email Info@ PalmettoAnimalLeague.org.

– Compiled by Lindsay Perry

Liquors LLC, dba Buoy’s Liquor and Wine, intends to apply to the South Carolina Department of Revenue for a license and/or permit that will allow the sale and off-premises consumption of wine and liquor at 860 Parris Island Gateway, Suite A6 Beaufort, SC. 29906. To object to the issuance of this license and/or permit, you must submit Form ABL-20, postmarked no later than February 6, 2025. Submit protests online at MyDORWAY. dor.sc.gov, or email ABL@dor.sc.gov.

NOTICE OF APPLICATION Notice is hereby given that Tin and Tallow, LLC, dba Tin & Tallow 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, 2 Spanish Wells Rd., 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 January 23, 2025. Submit protests online at MyDORWAY. dor.sc.gov, or email ABL@dor.sc.gov. NOTICE OF APPLICATION Notice is hereby given that Seasonitright.LLC 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 3436 Trask Parkway, Beaufort, SC 29906. To object to the issuance of this license and/or permit, you must submit Form ABL-20, postmarked no later than February

6, 2025. Mail protests to SCDOR, ABL Section, PO BOX 125, COLUMBIA SC 29214-0907 or email ABL@dor.sc.gov NOTICE OF DEFAULT AND INTENT TO SELL Name and address of Purchaser: SEE EXHIBIT A, A fee simple undivided ownership interest (SEE EXHIBIT A) in the Project as tenants(s) in common with the holders of other undivided interests in and to the timeshare property known as MBV VACATION SUITES, as established by that certain Declaration of Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions and Vacation Ownership Instrument for MBV Vacation Suites, recorded at Book 3406, Pages 1312- 1365, et seq., of the records of the R.O.D. Office for Beaufort County, South Carolina, as amended or supplemented (the “Declaration”), having Interval Control Number (SEE

YOU MAY OBJECT TO THE SALE OF YOUR TIMESHARE ESTATE THROUGH THE NONJUDICIAL FORECLOSURE PROCEDURE AND REQUIRE FORECLOSURE OF YOUR TIMESHARE INTEREST TO PROCEED THROUGH THE JUDICIAL PROCESS. AN OBJECTION

Per Diem; KEYSHAWN NAJEE HENDERSON&TAYLOR NICOLE HENDERSON & ANGELICA MICHELLE HENDERSON, 500 VENUE WAY APT 5307, ALPHARETTA, GA 30005, 0.0073861610410129%, U2402-W2E, 4225/3148, 4225/3153, $14,765.69, $49.64, $450, $14,865.69, $8.06.; LUCY CLAIRE MAGGARD , 110 CRESCENT CT APT 2, LOUISVILLE, KY 40206, 0.0073861610410129%, U2408W5O, 4246/2201, 4246/2206, $15,431.51, $49.64, $450, $15,531.51, $7.7.; RENITA KATURA STAFFORD , 2102 SAVANNAH TER SE APT D, WASHINGTON, DC 20020-2138, 0.0073861610410129%, U2305-W7E, 4168/225, 4168/230, $10,257.22, $49.64, $450, $10,357.22, $5.62.; RODERICK R. TOBIN 296 OLEANDER MILL DR, COLUMBIA, SC 29229, 0.0073861610410129%, U2105-W4O, 4321/1734, 4321/1739, $10,550.12, $49.64, $450, $10,650.12, $5.65.; DEBORAH F. FOREMAN , 9 WALTER PL, IRVINGTON, NJ 071112653, 0.0073861610410129%, U1501-W35E, 3835/1708, 3835/1713, $20,892.05, $49.64, $450, $20,992.05, $8.74.; LORETTA WILCOX TYREE PO BOX 342444, MEMPHIS, TN 381842444, 0.0073861610410129%, U2207-W50E, 4359/3124, 4359/3129, $12,999.56, $49.64, $450, $13,099.56, $5.39.; JERRY A. MARICHAL , 1100 NEWPORTVILLE RD, CROYDON, PA 190215056, 0.0073861610410129%, U1601-W5E, 4210/1995, 4210/2000, $12,799.94, $49.64, $450, $12,899.94, $7.04.; MARISSA LEE LOTHIAN&JANET ELIZABETH CANDO-LOTHIAN, 13275 SW 11TH RD, NEWBERRY, FL 32669, 0.0073861610410129%, U2110-W3E, 4225/3271, 4225/3276, $5,583.46, $49.64, $450, $5,683.46, $2.50.

Chuck Heck

Three displaced in Burton mobile home fire

Staff reports

Just before 1:30 a.m., Sunday, Jan. 12, the Burton Fire District, MCAS Beaufort Fire and Emergency Services, and Beaufort County EMS and Sheriff’s Office responded to a house fire on Alexandra Loop in Burton after a 911 call reported a mobile home on fire with another endangered.

Initial 911 reports stated all residents were out of the home after escaping through windows, but three residents were displaced. Fire crews arrived to find smoke and flames coming from a single-wide mobile home. Firefighters were quickly able to get the fire

under control, however it took longer than three hours in 33° temperatures to full extinguish the fire. The home was heavily damaged in the fire displacing two adults and a child. Red Cross was notified to assist. There were no working smoke alarms in the home.

No injuries reported. Two vehicles and a neighboring mobile home were also damaged in the fire.

The fire is under investigation but believed to have been caused by an electrical issue. In 2024, electrical issues were the cause of 45% of the mobile home fires in the Burton Fire District.

Yard debris fire spreads, damages home, injures one

Blaze caused by unattended yard debris burn pile

Staff reports

Just past 2 p.m., Wednesday afternoon, Jan. 8, emergency crews from the Burton Fire District, MCAS Fire and Emergency Services, and Beaufort County EMS were dispatched to a reported brush fire that was spreading out of control on Tiarra Court in Burton.

Fire crews arrived finding a shed fully involved in flames, which was now spreading onto a home and

three other properties, endangering two additional sheds, one of which housed live animals.

Fire crews were able to quickly push the flames away from the home and stop the fire’s spread to the other properties. The fire had melted the side of the home, but firefighters were able to extinguish it before it spread inside the home.

While three fences sustained damages, no other

structures were damaged and the animals were unharmed.

The fire was extinguished within 10 minutes. One resident, who was attempting to extinguish the fire with a garden hose prior to firefighters’ arrival, sustained minor injuries and was transported by family to seek further medical attention.

The fire was caused by an unattended yard debris fire.

D.C. Public domain

Early Sunday morning, Jan. 12, the Burton Fire District, MCAS Beaufort Fire and Emergency Services, and Beaufort County EMS and Sheriff’s Office responded to a reported mobile home fire on Alexandra Loop in Burton. Photo courtesy of Burton Fire District

Wednesday afternoon, Jan. 8, the Burton Fire District, MCAS Fire and Emergency Services, and Beaufort County EMS responded to a reported brush fire that was spreading out of control. Photo courtesy of Burton Fire District

Beaufort County Council changes meeting times to be more accessible

By Delayna Earley

Island News

The

Beaufort County Council will be shifting the times of their meetings to try and make them more accessible to the public.

Regular Council meetings, which were previously held at 5 p.m., will now be held at 6 p.m.

Committee meetings will be held at 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. and caucus meetings will be held at 5 p.m.

The decision to adjust the start of County Council meetings is in response to concerns raised by the public that most are not able to attend by 5 p.m.

Newly elected County Council

Chairman Alice Howard and Vice Chairman Anna Maria “Tab” Tabernick both said in an interview with The Island News that going into

the new year they hope to prioritize transparency and “openness” with the public.

The Council hopes to give members of the community more of an opportunity to participate and give feedback and changing the meetings so that they have a later start time gives the public a better chance to do that.

The schedule for on location County Council meetings is:

Monday, January 27 – Hilton Head Island Library

5 p.m. Caucus 6 p.m. Regular Session

Monday, Feb. 24 – Burton Wells Recreation Center 5 p.m. Caucus 6 p.m. Regular Session

Monday, March 24 – Buckwalter Recreation Center

5 p.m. Caucus 6 p.m. Regular Session Monday, April 28 – St. Helena Branch Library 5 p.m. Caucus

Monday, May 27 – Hilton Head Island Branch

23

Monday, Oct. 24 – St. Helena Branch Library

5 p.m. Caucus 6 p.m. Regular Session

Committee meetings

The committee meeting schedule is:

• Community Services Committee – 1st Monday, 2 p.m. Natural Resources Committee – 1st Monday, 4 p.m.

• Finance, Administration, Economic Development Commit-

As for citizen comment, constituents can sign up for Citizen comments when they arrive at the meeting. There will be one Citizen Comment portion at the beginning of the meeting, and it will last for 30 minutes. Each citizen will be allowed three minutes.

Anyone who wishes to speak during Citizen comment will be allowed to sign up to do so if they agree to address Council “in a respectful manner appropriate to the decorum of the meeting, refraining from the use of profane, abusive or obscene language.”

Previously there were two sessions of Citizen Comments, and one was dedicated solely to items listed on the agenda for that meeting.

"As Chair and Vice Chair of Beaufort County Council, we remain steadfast in our commitment to fostering an open and inclusive

RETIRING THE WREATHS

forum for public engagement," Chair Alice Howard said in a news release. "Recent changes to the public comment portion of our meeting agendas reaffirm our dedication to ensuring that all members of the public have the opportunity to speak, regardless of the topic they wish to address because as your elected representatives, we are entrusted with the responsibility to listen to those we serve."

All meetings will continue to be broadcast on BCTV, which can be found on cable channels Sparklight (Hargray) – Channel 9 and 417; Comcast – Channel 2; Spectrum – Channel 1304

BCTV can also be streamed live on www.BeaufortCounty.tv, their dedicated YouTube channel and on the free BCTV app that is available on Roku, Apple TV, Android TV and Amazon Fire.

Delayna Earley, who joined The Island News in 2022, formerly worked as a photojournalist for The Island Packet/The Beaufort Gazette, as well as newspapers in Indiana

Another yard debris fire spreads, damages and threatens structures

Fire crews arrived on scene and found a spreading brush fire that involved a shed and was spreading into two other properties. Firefighters quicky cut the fire off and kept it from spreading while also ex-

tinguishing the fire in the shed. No injuries were reported. The shed sustained moderate damages but no other structures were damaged. The fire is believed to have been caused by burn-

ing yard debris. This was the second such fire this week. On Wednesday, Jan. 8, just after 2 p.m., Burton and MCAS firefighters responded to a reported out of control brush fire on Tarra Court in Burton.

Late Friday afternoon, Jan. 10, the Burton Fire District and MCAS Fire and Emergency Services responded to Capehart Drive for a second reported brush fire this week.

of Burton Fire District

City seeking resident applications for Waterfront Advisory Committee

Staff reports The City of Beaufort is accepting applications for three full-time residents of the City of Beaufort to fill seats on the newly implemented Waterfront Advisory Committee (WAC). This is a temporary committee that will be comprised of one member of City Council, one member of the Historic District Review Board, one member of the

Planning Commission, one member of Beaufort County Council, and three full-time residents of the City of Beaufort. The committee will be responsible for gathering information about the current uses and any possible prospective uses of both the Downtown Marina and Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park Seawall, sharing gathered information with City Council members, and

advising City Council and the City Manager regarding any potential negotiations between the City and any third party for the future use of the Marina and Seawall.

“This is an opportunity for citizens to participate as part of an advisory committee to City Council that will help with key decisions affecting several challenges facing our Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park over the next few years,”

City Mangare Scott Marshall said in a news release. “These challenges may include terms of leases and/or operating agreements, significant repairs and improvements to infrastructure and other concerns as needed.” Applicants will reside full-time in the city limits of Beaufort. The application period closes on February 2 2025. All qualified applicants must interview with City

Council during the Council Worksession to be held on Tuesday, Feb. 11 2025, beginning at 5 p.m. in City Hall at 1911 Boundary Street. Selected members are to be seated in March.

Visit https://bit.ly/3Sj8lAN for an application. For more information, please email City Clerk Traci Guldner at tguldner@cityofbeaufort.org or call 843-525-7024

Alice Howard Anna Maria Tabernick

Tanner Jessip, a Beaufort High School student, carries wreaths from the gravesites to the side of the road during the Wreaths Across America Wreath Retirement at Beaufort National Cemetery on Saturday, Jan. 11, 2025. Amber Hewitt/The Island News

Some of the almost 500 volunteers load wreaths into a garbage truck during the Wreaths Across America Wreath Retirement at Beaufort National Cemetery on Saturday, Jan. 11, 2025. Amber Hewitt/The Island News

Photo courtesy

Man arrested in connection with Beaufort apartment death

By Delayna Earley

The Island News

A man has been arrested in connection with the death of a man at a Beaufort apartment complex in December.

Thirty-five-year-old Bryan Antwan Thomas was arrested by Beaufort Police on Thursday, Jan. 9 in connection with the homicide of 62-year-old Huey Marshall at Garden Oaks Apartments in Beaufort.

Thomas has been charged with Murder, Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Violent Crime

and Possession With Intent to Distribute and is being held at the Beaufort County Detention Center as of Tuesday, Jan. 14 On Dec. 30, Beaufort Police were dispatched to the apartment after receiving a call from a concerned relative that they could not reach Marshall. Marshall’s body was found when police entered the apartment, and he was pronounced dead upon arrival. In a press release, Beaufort Police credited the numerous anonymous tips from the community and

the efforts of the Investigations Division for Thomas’ arrest.

Police have asked for anyone with information about criminal or suspicious activity is encouraged to contact the non-emergency dispatch line at 843-524-2777 or report anonymously at 843-322-7938

Delayna Earley, who joined The Island News in 2022, 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.

Dueling Pianos return to Beaufort

Staff reports

The dueling piano show hosted by Alzheimer’s Family Services is coming back for yet another encore performance. Marty Richardson and Jimmy Porter of Savannah Smiles in Savannah, Ga., will be bringing a night of music, laughter, and fun and hopefully a bit of charitable giving to the Tabby Place in Beaufort on February 15 2025

The show, “Dueling Pianos ~ A Musical Night to Remember” to benefit Alzheimer’s Family services of Greater Beaufort was hosted originally in 2012 and then rescheduled by popular demand again in 2017. The 2017 show was rescheduled to 2018 because of weather conditions. Since that time people have constantly asked for the return of the show. On Saturday, Feb. 15, “the show will go on” again. Dueling Pianos, sponsored in part by Beaufort Charities as the Concert Grand Sponsor and THK, and Paulick Law as Baby Grand Sponsors. This event is Alzheimer’s Family Services’ annual dinner theatre and their major fundraiser of the year.

Both hurricanes and COVID 19 resulted in AFSGB not being able to host this fundraiser since 2018, so they are especially excited about bringing back this popular show

to Beaufort. The agency, a local nonprofit provides education, support and respite to area caregivers of persons with Alzheimer’s disease.

“Not to cast a shadow on such a fun and lively evening” said Arlene Heape-Hull, the agency’s director, “but if you haven’t been touched by this terrible disease or seen it firsthand, you might not realize how devastating it is and the toll it takes on the caregivers.”

Alzheimer’s is the third leading cause of death in the United States and of the top 10 causes, it is the only one with no cure. The agency relies heavily on support from the community and their fundraisers to provide the services they do to caregivers.

At 6 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 15, the doors at Tabby Place on Port Republic Street in Beaufort will open for a night of fun, food, music and memories. The evening offers complimentary beer and wine, dinner from local restaurants, a live auction, and as much music and fun that can be packed into the evening.

Tickets for the event are $85 in advance and $90 at the door. Tickets can be purchased online at www.afsgb.org or by calling the office at 843-521-9190

Trey McLaughlin & The Sounds of Zamar at USCB Friday

Staff reports

The USCB Center for the Arts will host Trey McLaughlin & The Sounds of Zamar, a renowned contemporary gospel ensemble celebrated for its electrifying harmonies and innovative arrangements, at 7:30 p.m., Friday, Jan. 17 for an unforgettable evening of soul and gospel that will leave you inspired and uplifted.

Trey McLaughlin & The Sounds of Zamar have captivated audiences around the globe with their breathtaking vocal precision and heartfelt performances.

Known for reimagining contemporary gospel and soul music, their dynamic energy and intricate vocal artistry blend messages of unity, hope, and inspiration, creating an unparalleled musical experience.

“We are honored to welcome Trey McLaughlin & The Sounds of Zamar to Beaufort,” USCB Center for the Arts Director Bonnie Hargrove said in a news release. “Their extraordinary talent and passion promise a truly moving and memorable evening for our community.”

WANT TO GO?

Who: Trey McLaughlin & The Sounds of Zamar

When: 7:30 p.m., Friday, Jan. 17, 2025

Where: USCB Center for the Arts, 805 Carteret Street, Beaufort

Tickets: $48 for adults; $45 for seniors/military

$45; $30 for children/ students $30. Tickets are on sale now at uscbcenterforthearts.com.

For more information, visit uscbcenterforthearts.com or follow the USCB Center for the Arts on Facebook and Instagram.

Sauve promoted to Deputy City Manager for Beaufort

Staff reports

Assistant City Manager John “JJ” Sauve has been promoted to the position of Deputy City Manager, effective Jan. 11 2025, according to a news release from the City of Beaufort.

In addition to playing a larger role in the city’s communications strategies, Sauve will continue to oversee the City’s Capital Improvement Program (CIP), Information Technology (IT), Geographic Information Services (GIS), Municipal Court, and Internal Policies and Programs.

In addition to overseeing external communications, much of Sauve’s focus as Deputy City Manager will be on continuing to improve and define internal programs and processes. These responsibilities include oversight of the new capital improvements planning process, development of a fiscal controls manual, comple-

NEWS BRIEFS

John “JJ” Sauve

tion of a new employee handbook, comprehensive review of existing ordinances with the City Attorney, formalization of operating agreements with strategic partner organizations, implementation of a safe and dry program to assist citizens with essential home repairs, development of annual plans of work with SMART objectives for each department, and development of key performance indicators (KPIs) for day-to-day City operations. Sauve assumed his duties as Assistant City Manager when he was hired in January 2024 and has significantly impacted city operations. He organized the city’s capital projects into a unified Capital Improvements Program (CIP), including forming an internal CIP

Woods Memorial Bridge to close for race

The Woods Memorial Bridge will be closed to marine navigation and vehicular traffic on Saturday, Jan. 18, from 7:30 to 10 a.m. for the 2025 Beaufort Oyster Festival 5K Race.

Lowcountry Ques to host 14th annual Seafood Bash in Port Royal

The brothers of the Omega Alpha Alpha Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity will hold their 14th annual Seafood Bash from 2 to 6 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 18 at Live Oaks Park in Port Royal, behind Port Royal Elementary School.

The menu for the event will feature a delicious oyster roast, fried fish, Lowcountry boil, and a variety of sides, ensuring there's something for everyone to enjoy. Tickets for the event can be purchased from the local brothers of the Lowcountry Chapter, and those who purchase in advance will save $5 on their tickets.

Proceeds from the Seafood Bash will go directly toward supporting scholarships for local students, helping to provide opportunities for higher education in the Lowcountry region.

All are welcome to attend and enjoy a great afternoon of seafood, community spirit, and support for education. For more information or to purchase tickets, contact Juan Singleton at 843- 476-1070

Hicks joins FHLBank

Atlanta’s Affordable Housing Advisory Council

Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta (FHLBank Atlanta) announced today that it has appointed Claude Hicks as one of four new members to its Affordable Hous-

Lowdown

from page A1

Both Howard and Tabernick, during last week’s council reorganization meeting, commended the former leadership, noting the extremely difficult times the council experienced with the firing of former Administrator Eric Greenway and accompanying investigations.

They also both made pledges to increase “transparency” in county operations, a pledge they seem determined to carry out since it was publicized in The Island Packet over the weekend that County Administrator Michael Moore has hired yet another “outside” law firm -- Bettis Law Firm, labor law specialists based in Columbia -- to conduct an investigation of county employees and possible violations of the employee handbook “dealing with the release of confidential information to the public.”

While one council member told an Island Packet reporter the investigation was not a “witch hunt” – defined in the Britannica Dictionary as “an intensive inquiry to discover and expose wrongdoing,

Team consisting of multiple department representatives involved in CIP projects, and hiring a fulltime CIP Director.

He also developed and implemented the City’s first internal project management system with a public interface and portal for Capital Projects. He oversaw the re-scoping of the King Street Stormwater Project with significant community input and coordination with project engineers as well as the development of the City’s Geographic Information System (GIS) and roll-out of Phase I of the public GIS interface portal. Additionally, he developed and implemented the City Council Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) Manual and oversaw the completion of the City’s first Housing Impact Analysis, which was recommended by the Planning Commission and adopted by City Council as part of the Com-

ing Advisory Council. Hicks and the others will work closely with the FHLBank Atlanta board of directors and management team to ensure the Bank meets the community lending and housing finance needs of communities within its district.

Hicks is executive director of Beaufort Jasper Housing Trust in Beaufort, South Carolina, which develops and preserves affordable housing and workforce housing. His experience includes leading development projects focused on multifamily development, low-income housing tax credit (LIHTC) awards, construction, lease-up and transition to asset management. Hicks has a Bachelor of Science degree in workforce education development from Southern Illinois University, an associate in arts degree from Victor Valley College, and attended the United States Air Force Leadership School.

Freedman Arts District holding open house

The Freedman Arts District is inviting the public to an open house at its newly renovated historic office at 1401 Duke Street from 4 to 6 p.m., on Wednesday, Jan. 29 2025

Participants are invited to explore the revitalized space while engaging with the District’s mission to enrich the community through the arts.

It’s a unique opportunity to learn about the District’s vision, discover exciting upcoming events, and hear about the new projects that will impact the City. The District is eager to show both long-time supporters and those

often harming innocent persons through reliance on hearsay or circumstantial evidence” – it certainly could be perceived as one since much of the information that lead to Greenway’s dismissal and a separate, unresolved, investigation by the S.C. Attorney General, was obtained by “whistleblowers” – defined also in the Britannica Dictionary as “an individual who … reveals private or classified information about an organization, usually related to wrongdoing or misconduct.”

While various council members told the Packet they would cooperate with the new investigative team (they must be getting tired of all these attorneys’ questions), it’s not the elected officials who would be nervous about who’s talking to whom, it’s the employees who -- even those who have “nothing to hide”-- are probably tired of such a suspicious work environment.

Sen. Davis steps out with another US 278 plan

HILTON HEAD ISLAND –

Speaking of that “secret” meeting held last month to discuss the U.S. 278 bridge corridor project with county and town officials, plus staff, state Sen. Tom Davis

prehensive Plan.

“Over the last year, JJ’s talent and administrative acumen have been essential to the City’s continued success. His infectious leadership enables others to thrive professionally, and he has my full faith and confidence. We are definitely better with him here.” City Manager Scott Marshall said in the news release.

Prior to his position as the Assistant City Manager, Sauve served 20 years in public service in western North Carolina in various roles in public safety, emergency services, forestry, and the judicial system. Since 2019, he has also represented multiple public and non-profit entities as an attorney and advisor in strategic planning, public information and community engagement, human resources, risk management, and a wide array of legal matters.

Sauve graduated with an MPA

new to the organization that it’s eager to share how they can become involved. For more information, call 843-304-5301 email Director@FreedmanArtsDistrict.org or visit www.FreedmanArtsDistrict.org.

Beaufort Twilight Run needs sponsors

The 15th Annual Beaufort Twilight Run is a little over two months away and still offering a wonderful sponsorship opportunity. We want to make sure everyone is aware of this wonderful opportunity not only to help support the students at Riverview Charter School but also to promote your business or place of employment.

Each sponsorship goes directly to our Capstone Field Trip Fund, which helps lower costs for all field trips, especially the Capstone experiences and reduces the financial burden for families. Sponsorships at every level make a meaningful difference. For example, a $2 500 sponsorship can help: Send one 8th grader to Costa Rica Send two 5th graders to Washington, D.C • Send 10 2nd graders to Barrier Island. For more information, contact Haley Romeo, BTR Sponsorship Chair at haley. romeo@riverviewcharterschool.org. Review the sponsorship packet at https://bit. ly/3WhcAy2 or complete the sponsorship form at https://bit.ly/42cx4LX. Thank you for your support of the Beaufort Twilight Run and Riverview Charter School.

County VA to offer End of Life Planning Seminars for veterans, families

Beaufort County Veterans Affairs is hosting End of Life Planning Seminars for veterans and their families.

These seminars address things veter-

was present for that discussion.

And the veteran statesman, who now calls southern Beaufort County home, pulled another proverbial rabbit out of his hat this past week during another meeting designed to discuss what to do about the $300 million bridge project since the county’s $190 million share of funding for the work was rejected by voters in the November transportation sales tax referendum.

The publicized work session conducted by the Hilton Head Island Town Council, with everyone invited, saw Davis outline a plan that would redirect state funds from other county projects and use the money to replace the structurally deficient three-lanes east-bound part of the bridge.

The county is looking at a March 31 deadline from the State Infrastructure Bank to come up with a plan or risk using the $120 million designated by SIB for the project.

County and town officials will be having additional meetings to discuss the proposal and try to reach a consensus.

Davis pulled something similar to a rabbit-out-of-the hat in 2022 when he successfully proposed the county consider a 1-cent sales

from the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill and JD from Charlotte School of Law, and he is currently completing the S.C. Local Government Leadership Institute through the College of Charleston and Francis Marion University in partnership with the S.C. City and County Manager’s Association.

“We face some major challenges here in Beaufort, and I’m proud to be a part of this team and community forging ahead as we work to resolve them in a way that preserves Beaufort’s charm and history while ensuring resiliency for generations to come,” Sauve said in the news release. “I’m looking forward to working extensively with staff and the public in ensuring that the City of Beaufort is a results-oriented government providing the best possible municipal services to our residents, businesses, and visitors.”

ans and their families can do today to ensure their personal effects are in order. They also discuss Veterans Affairs benefits that surviving spouses may be entitled to receive.

They will be offered at either 9 a.m. or 1 p.m., at convenient locations around Beaufort County: Tuesday, Feb. 18: Lobeco Branch Library, 1862 Trask Parkway, Seabrook. • Tuesday, Feb. 25: Bluffton Branch Library, 120 Palmetto Way. Tuesday, May 20: Hilton Head Branch Library, 11 Beach City Road. Tuesday, May 27: Beaufort Library, 311 Scott Street.

RSVPs are required for space and resource purposes. Please contact Crystal at 843-255-6880 to reserve your seat. For questions and more information please contact Beaufort County Veterans Affairs at 843-255-6880

Echard joins

Coastal Properties

Coastal Properties is proud to announce the addition of Penny Echard to their real estate firm. Penny will be working out of the Beaufort office.

Originally from Buffalo, N.Y., Echard relocated to Beaufort, where she began her new career in real estate in 2023. With a background in cosmetology, Penny holds a license she’s been proud of for 34 years, but her love of working with people led her to transition into real estate.

Weichert, Realtors-Coastal Properties is the third largest Weichert affiliate in the nation and one of the Lowcountry’s largest real estate firms. The company has five offices in Hilton Head, Beaufort, Bluffton, Okatie/Sun City and Savannah.

– Staff reports

tax referendum to be used for the purchase of “green space,” to limit lands subject to development.

The Green Space sales tax, which was approved by the voters, will expire in May 2025 with a projected budget of $100 million. Davis sponsored the Green Space program through the state legislature and Beaufort County was the first to pass the sales tax.

Living the life: Robinson remembered PORT ROYAL – Former Mayor Henry “Luck” Robinson was laid to rest Saturday at Beaufort Memorial Gardens on a clear, winter day after a celebration of his life and service to the community.

Robinson, who served this once seaport town as the first African American elected town official, was first a councilman and then mayor for a combined 36 years.

He and his wife, Linda, were recognized for their work with foster children, which included taking dozens of children into their home over the years.

Former Beaufort City Councilman, and Robert Smalls High School alumni, Fred Washington Jr. spoke of Robinson’s political heritage and the days of the “two

Henrys,” referring to Robinson in Port Royal and the late Henry Chambers, who was mayor of Beaufort at the same time.

Washington noted how the two had a different style of “getting things done,” Chambers using his connections in Washington, which included Sen. Strom Thurmond and in Columbia, with Sen. James Waddell. Robinson, on the other hand, built his connections through work with regional groups like the Lowcountry Council of Governments.

The comments about service were not unlike the remarks made earlier in the week by friends and associates of another Southern politician, former President Jimmy Carter, who was laid to rest only days earlier in Plains, Ga.

“The life he led speaks for him,” one speaker said.

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.

Are you looking for a Traditional Latin Mass?

Are you a Roman Catholic? If so, you’ve probably heard of the Traditional Latin Mass. This was how the Mass was celebrated, in every important regard, for more than 1,500 years.

In 1570, Pope Pius V promulgated a significant revision to the Mass of the Roman Rite, which ensured uniformity of celebration, while eliminating some deviations that had grown up over the centuries. The Mass ritual of Pope Pius V was how Mass was celebrated for nearly 500 years, until 1969, when Pope Paul VI promulgated the Novus Ordo Missae (New Order of Mass) following Vatican Council II.

Have you ever desired to experience the Mass in the way it was celebrated by past generations of Catholics? Perhaps you’re simply curious about it? Fortunately, we have a wonderful gift right here in our local community in the form of a Traditional Latin Mass

Nwhich is celebrated at 11:30 a.m. every weekday at the MCRD Parris Island Base Chapel. If you have access to the base, or if you can be sponsored by someone who does, you can experience the Mass of your ancestors.

You can also attend a Traditional Latin Mass at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Charleston every Sunday at noon and on the first Friday and Saturday of each month at 6:30 p.m. and 10 a.m. respectively, or at the Stella Maris Catholic Church in Sullivan’s Island every Sunday at 5:30 p.m.

If you’ve never attended a Traditional Latin Mass, it can be quite foreign and intimidating. There are

many resources on the internet, however, which can help you prepare. Simply Google “Traditional Latin Mass” and you’ll find hundreds of YouTube videos and websites, such as http://www.youtube. com/@MassoftheAges and https://latinmasshelper. com, which can help you navigate the Traditional Latin Mass. Many Churches also have live streams of their Traditional Latin Mass celebrations which can be helpful to orient you before attending your first Mass.

Many believe that Vatican II eliminated the Traditional Latin Mass, but nothing could be further from the truth. Sadly, there were (and still are) radically progressive elements within the Church which forced the old Mass “underground” as the Novus Ordo was developed and promulgated in the late 1960’s.

In 1984, in response to a growing effort of laity and clergy to restore access to the Traditional Latin Mass,

Pope John Paul II granted all bishops permission to celebrate it for any group who requested it. In 1988, he issued his apostolic letter “Ecclesia Dei” further urging bishops to make broad and generous use of the Traditional Latin Mass on behalf of all the faithful who sought it. Unfortunately, many bishops still refused to offer a Traditional Latin Mass despite requests from their priests or the laity. In 2007 Pope Benedict XVI issued his apostolic letter “Summorum Pontifcum” which stated that a stable group of faithful had a right to ask their pastor for a Traditional Latin Mass, and that if the pastor or bishop did not meet their needs, the laity could ask for the Vatican’s assistance.

Following Pope Benedict XVI’s 2007 letter, celebration of the Traditional Latin Mass took off throughout the Church, particularly in the United States, but when Pope Francis succeeded

Pope Benedict XVI in 2013 progressive elements within the Church reared their heads again.

In 2021, Pope Francis issued his apostolic letter “Traditionis Custodes” which returned the decision as to whether or not to celebrate the Traditional Latin Mass to the bishops, thus neutering any clergy or laity who sought it. Sadly, this happened to the Traditional Latin Mass faithful in Savannah when their bishop canceled celebration of that Mass in 2023

The best way to keep the Traditional Latin Mass alive is to simply attend it. The more you attend it, the more you become used to it, and the more you see the wisdom and the beauty of the Mass as it was celebrated for half a millennium.

Patrick McGinn was a Marine F/A-18 pilot who served three tours of duty at MCAS Beaufort. After full retirement he returned "home" to the Lowcountry. He can be reached at mcginnpm@gmail.com.

“The best way to keep the Traditional Latin Mass alive is to simply attend it. The more you attend it, the more you become used to it, and the more you see the wisdom and the beauty of the Mass as it was celebrated for half a millennium.”

on preserving the Traditional Latin Mass.

God’s love is waiting for our love

o matter what the negative naysayers declare about the absence of the love of God, do not allow these dark imaginations to be absorbed into your conscience. Let us accept the fact that after God created the heavens and the earth and everything in it, the Almighty keeps repeating, “And God saw that it was good.” He passionately loved everything He made and still does. Take a moment and read the first chapter of Genesis for yourself. Allow these words to saturate your soul, as you realize He is also talking about you. He created you as one of His finest masterpieces, and for you to not embrace how special and adored you are, means you are refusing to accept spiritual reality.

I want to encourage you today and remind you how highly God thinks of you. Since He is infinite and knows everything that has happened and will happen, consider that He knew and loved you millions of years ago, and knows where you will be millions of years from now.

You see, just like a master sculptor, He has been shaping and guiding your steps because He always has your best interest in mind. This includes a unique and perfect plan for you that is filled with hope and peace. You

were not made with a cookie cutter on some cosmic assembly line, you are a custom, handcrafted, one of a kind individual who God proclaims is wonderfully made and there will never be anyone exactly like you. These truths are eternal and what God has promised, no one has the power to prevent. His word is His will, the absolute way, the truth, and the life that gives us the vision and strength to keep walking forward in faith. It’s when we begin to doubt that God is with us, or is not not listening to our cries that we drift into fear and sadness.

With all the blessings and covenant assurances Jesus has given to us, He will not force us to walk in the brilliant light of His presence. He will not make us worship and praise Him, or push us down on our knees to cry out to Him. He compels and draws us to come closer, but it is our free will decision to choose how much of His grace we want.

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He is patient and kind, but within the dynamics of a potential personal relationship with us, He desires and requires for us to love Him enough to do what He says. When we become desperate to find answers and solutions to our problems, we are usually focused on two things: Our misery and how the damage can be fixed. Our mind has secret ideas that if we can find the right person to confide in, they will have the key that can unlock our frustration

and misery and take care of our situation. I understand the human practical reasoning, but we often leave out the most important factor which is listening to God’s thoughts and obeying Him.

Most of the time our lack of communicating with Him is what caused our mess in the first place. This is where the lessons of life can be an opportunity to learn and develop spiritual maturity, or we can continue on the merry-goround of defeat and continue in the

independent cycle of rebellion.

Since God created humans, He is the one who knows exactly how we are inside and out. He is never surprised with how we think or what we do. I say this because we are often under the impression that we are getting away with something or sneaking behind His back. He is fully aware of what our motives are and whether we just just want a quick miracle to relieve our situation, or if we have a sincere and aggressive determination to change the way we are living.

Yes, you are correct, He already knows our decision. I understand we do not want to hear about our weaknesses and carnality, but He’s not interested in playing games or anyone seeing Him as a genie in a lamp.

To accept God’s love makes us feel secure, but doing what He says proves how much we love Him. “Father, I pray for everyone reading this, give them discernment and reveal how you are waiting for their love. We repent for our lukewarmness. Stir a brokenness and conviction within us to find a quiet secret place to pray and worship you today. Amen.”

Billy Holland is an ordained minister, certified chaplain, and Christian author. Read more about the Christian life at billyhollandministries.com

PATRICK MCGINN

PATRICK MCGINN,

BILLY HOLLAND

STATE NEWS

McMaster declares emergency for winter storm

By Shaun Chornobroff SCDailyGazette.com

COLUMBIA — Amid a winter storm that includes snow, sleet and ice impacting much of the Palmetto State, Gov. Henry McMaster declared a statewide emergency Friday, Jan. 10

“Our state’s emergency teams are fully prepared, and this State of Emergency will provide them additional support to respond to the winter weather moving across our state,” McMaster said in a release. In his statement, McMaster urged South Carolinians to avoid traveling unless necessary.

Meteorologists issued a winter storm warning until 7 a.m. Saturday.

The National Weather Service warned that power outages and tree damage due to ice are likely, and travel could be nearly impossible.

A large amount of the state has dealt with a mix of rain, sleet and freezing rain, John Quagliariello of the National Weather Service told the S.C. Daily Gazette.

While primarily snow fell in the northwestern corner of South Carolina, other parts of the state got a wintry mix of rain, sleet and freezing rain. By Friday afternoon, precipitation was “primarily all rain” in the Lowcountry, Quagliariello said.

Statue

from page A1

The plan still needs approval from a full committee, as well as the House and Senate. If the unanimous votes Wednesday, as well as unanimous approval of the legislation to honor him with a monument, are any indication, the proposal will have little trouble reaching the finish line.

The law placing a monument on the grounds includes only one deadline: The commission needed to decide on a design and location by Jan. 15, which it accomplished with a week to spare. As for construction, the law requires only that it happen “as soon as is reasonably possible” after the full Legislature approves the plans.

That gives legislators time to finalize details, such as the size and material of the statue, and raise as much money as possible, said Rep. Brandon Cox, the Goose Creek Republican who co-sponsored the law with Rep. Jermaine Johnson, D-Columbia.

“This isn’t going to be done haphazardly,” Cox told reporters. “Two hundred years from now, when we’re looking at the Statehouse grounds, that statue will still be up there.”

Location The monument will stand straight across from the visitors’ entrance to the Statehouse, situated between the Spanish-American War Monument and the African American History monument. With more than two dozen statues and markers of various sizes already in place across the Statehouse grounds, finding a suitable piece of land that didn’t crowd any other statues or add too much weight to the underground parking garage posed a potential challenge.

But a spot opened up in April 2023, when crews finished removing a dead tree, Johnson said.

“Whether this might have been divine intervention in preparation of this, I’m going to let you all decide on that,” he said.

will conclude by Saturday morning, and conditions should “gradually improve as temperatures rise above freezing,” Quagliariello said.

Preparations

Another wave of precipitation into Friday night will cause ice accumulation where the temperature is below freezing. The biggest threat of that happening is between interstates 85 and 20, which could see up to one-third of an inch, he said.

The threat of winter precipitation

Transportation Secretary Justin Powell told reporters Friday that DOT crews pretreated roads with brine, a liquid solution meant to keep ice from sticking to surfaces.

The department started 24-hour operations at 7 a.m. Friday. Crews are working 12-hour shifts to keep roads clear and answer calls for assistance. Emergency tow trucks are stationed along interstates 26 and

85, Powell said.

Crews started pretreating roads on Wednesday, according to a press release from McMaster.

The department has more than 600 snowplows and 1 200 pieces of equipment total, which includes trucks that spray salt brine on roadways, Kelly Moore, a DOT spokeswoman, told the S.C. Daily Gazette.

Crews are continuing to treat roads “primarily on interstates and high traffic corridors,” she said.

“We’re encouraging folks that if they don’t have to be out on the road to stay home,” Moore said.

“But if they do have to travel to try and use those main routes.”

The monument will be in full view of any visitors walking into the Statehouse. Among them are the school children often dropped off on the nearby Sumter Street, Johnson said.

From Smalls’ monument, those of Confederate general and former Gov. Wade Hampton and former Gov. Benjamin “Pitchfork” Tillman will be visible, which is fitting since all three men were in politics at the same time, Johnson said. Smalls and Tillman, in particular, had a contentious relationship. Tillman, a white supremacist who advocated for killing Black people who tried to vote, led the group that in 1895 rewrote the state constitution that Smalls had helped write 27 years earlier. Tillman’s version, which is still in place today, rolled back education and voting rights that Smalls had fought to include in the constitution that allowed South Carolina to rejoin the Union.

Design

The monument’s depiction of Smalls in a three-piece

tuxedo, as he often wore in Congress, was approved over two other designs that showed more of his history because of the winning model’s similarity to other statues on the Statehouse grounds, members of the 11-person commission said.

Six artists submitted proposals for sculptures. Commission members asked three to create models of their monument ideas before narrowing that down to a favorite.

The final design, by Atlanta-based Basil Watson, is a traditional full-body sculpture reminiscent of those on the grounds already, including that of Tillman. Depicting Smalls in the same way shows that he was equal among historic figures, Johnson said.

“He needs ‘no special defense,’” Johnson told reporters, referencing a famous quote by Smalls. “Put him up there as an equal to everyone else.”

Watson was struck by Smalls’ dedication to public, compulsory education throughout his lifetime,

he told the Daily Gazette. One of the two sample designs Watson submitted has Smalls standing on a stack of books.

The Atlanta-based artist also created the monument unveiled on the University of South Carolina campus last year honoring the first Black students admitted to the school after Reconstruction. Other public figures Watson has commemorated in sculptures include Rosa Parks, Martin Luther King, Jr., and Usain Bolt.

The Smalls monument appealed to him because of how inspiring Smalls’ story is, Watson said.

“He demonstrated from an early age a spirit of demanding equality, feeling that he was equal and capable,” Watson said. “I think this was the spirit that he carried throughout his life.”

Another design by Florence-based Brown Memorials, which shows three versions of Smalls throughout his life, piqued Sen. Chip Campsen’s interest. The Isle of Palms Republican suggested that the committee

The last major ice storm to hit South Carolina was in February 2014, when 22 counties were coated in up to an inch of ice. It was several years before legislators fully reimbursed counties for their clean-up expenses.

The South Carolina Severe Winter Weather Guide is available for download at www.scemd.org.

Shaun Chornobroff covers the state legislature for the South Carolina Daily Gazette. S.C. Daily Gazette is part of States Newsroom, the nation’s largest state-focused nonprofit news organization.

consider it for the final design because it tells more of Smalls’ story without needing a person to read the plaque.

Visitors are “not going to necessarily have someone to interpret the history of who Robert Smalls was, what he did, the things he overcame, the grace he demonstrated to those who even had enslaved him previously,” Campsen said.

Mike Shealy, who chairs the commission, had the same thought when first looking through the designs, but he realized upon further thought that some visitors, such as his 10-year-old grandson, might not understand that the three people on the Brown Memorials design are all meant to be one man, he said.

The simpler sculpture of Smalls would likely be easier for visitors to understand upon first glance, said Shealy, who oversees special projects for the state Department of Administration.

“I think the simplicity of a statue of one man on a pedestal who is equal to other people that are memorialized on our Statehouse grounds is the best depiction,” said Shealy, formerly the Senate’s longtime budget director.

Smalls’ story

The committee suggested a series of facts to include on the panel beneath Smalls’ feet to educate onlookers, including his dates of birth and death, the years he served in office, and details of his story.

Born into slavery in Beaufort, Smalls was sent to Charleston in 1851 at age 12 Twelve years later, in 1862 Smalls hijacked the steamship Planter, on which he was an enslaved crew member, and steered himself, other slaves and their family members past Confederate troops to safety.

Smalls became the first Black man to pilot ships for the U.S. Navy, eventually captaining the Planter for the Union. Congress awarded him prize money for capturing the Planter, allowing him to later buy the mansion in which he had once been enslaved.

During Reconstruction, Smalls was part of a con-

vention of delegates who wrote the state’s 1868 constitution. That constitution, which resulted in Congress readmitting South Carolina as part of the United States, promised free education to all children and voting rights to all men.

After serving in both the House and Senate, Smalls won election in 1874 to Congress, where he served five terms. He again joined delegates rewriting the state constitution in 1895, where he pleaded for “fair and honest” elections, knowing the authors intended to pull back rights for Black voters.

One side of the panel could include a quote from a speech Smalls gave at that convention, which is also etched on his gravesite in Beaufort, Johnson suggested.

“My race needs no special defense, for the past history of them in this country proves them to be the equal of any people anywhere,” he said in his speech. “All they need is an equal chance in the battle of life.”

Funding With a design and location chosen, legislators and the state Department of Administration will begin fundraising in earnest.

How much they need to raise, though, remains up in the air.

No official estimate has been made as to the final cost, Cox said. Legislators are hoping to raise money first to determine what material they can afford to use in constructing the sculpture and what size they could make it. Some donations have come in, though legislators said they didn’t know how much. People are already enthusiastic about donating to the project, so funding shouldn’t be an issue, Cox and Johnson said.

The goal is “as much as we can raise,” Cox 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. S.C. Daily Gazette is part of States Newsroom, the nation’s

Trucks loaded with salt brine began treating South Carolina’s roadways ahead of the wintry mix that began falling Friday, Jan. 10, 2025. Photo courtesy of the S.C. Department of Transportation A map of

grounds showing where a monument of Robert Smalls could be placed. Photo courtesy of S.C. Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism

Major railway project can move forward with $204M grant

Plan to separate Assembly Street traffic from trains has been in works for decades

By Skyler Laird SCDailyGazette.com

COLUMBIA — With a $204 million federal grant, Columbia will be able to move forward with a major project meant to relieve congestion caused by passing trains, officials announced Friday.

The grant, which comes from a program meant to eliminate railroad crossings, could allow crews to start construction within the next two or three years, said state Department of Transportation Secretary Justin Powell.

That’s a major step in a plan that has been in talks for decades, officials said.

The process of getting permits for the project is underway. The exact timeline and cost will come into better focus after officials decide whether to raise or lower the major thoroughfare. Once construction begins, it’s expected to last up to two years, Powell said.

“This will be a challenging project to construct,” he said. “But I think at the end of the day, it will be well worth it for Columbia, for South Carolina.”

Current estimates put the cost of the project between $265 million and $305 million.

City officials have for years applied for grants without success.

The $204 million, combined with already-designated local, state and federal dollars, will mean the project has $279 million to work with, according to documents provided by the city.

The next question is how, exactly, to proceed. The cheapest option would be to lower Assembly Street by about 18 feet and build a bridge over the top for trains, according to the Department of Transportation. However, that plan could be more disruptive to the surrounding area. A more expensive but

less disruptive option would raise Assembly Street over the railway, allowing trains to pass underneath, according to the department.

Transportation officials are expected to announce a decision this spring on which path they will take. Locals can give their opinions on which alternative they prefer until Saturday through the project’s website.

The CSX and Norfolk South Railway trains crisscrossing Assembly Street frequently block traffic for long stretches of time, delaying commutes to work

and frustrating visitors to the nearby State Fairgrounds and Williams-Brice Stadium.

Not only could separating the road from the railways unsnarl traffic and make it easier to visit that part of the city, but it could open up an opportunity to improve a mostly industrial corridor, said Columbia Mayor Daniel Rickenmann. He envisions murals by local artists covering the sides of the bridge, whether it’s for cars or trains, he said. “It opens up the gateway,” Rickenmann said. “It opens

up a whole realm of our downtown city. It makes us an urban center, and we’re so excited about that.”

U.S. Rep. Jim Clyburn, whose district includes Columbia, has been hearing those complaints since he was first elected to the office in 1993, he said. He helped fight for $7 4 million collectively designated in federal budgets through 2006, he added.

That money is going toward the environmental assessment officials are conducting so they can move forward with planning, ac-

cording to documents the city provided. The project, as well as others that improve transportation across the state, has become even more important with recent increases in population, which are expected to continue, he said.

“We have got to work together to make sure that we put in the infrastructure that is needed in order to accommodate the growth that’s taking place in South Carolina,” Clyburn said. “That is going to be the most important thing for us in the near-term, preparing for this growth.”

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. S.C. Daily Gazette is part of States Newsroom, the nation’s largest state-focused nonprofit news organization.

Doctors challenge SC abortion ban in federal court, claim it’s religious discrimination

By Skyler Laird SCDailyGazette.com

CHARLESTON — Exceptions in South Carolina’s abortion ban are too vague and infringe on physicians’ religious beliefs, a group of doctors is claiming in a federal lawsuit. Under the state’s so-called “fetal heartbeat” law passed in 2023 doctors can’t terminate a pregnancy after an ultrasound detects the sound of cardiac activity, with limited exceptions. It’s been upheld as a six-week ban, though the law itself does not specify the week of pregnancy.

The lawsuit comes a month before the state Supreme Court is scheduled to hear arguments on a separate lawsuit from Planned Parenthood as to whether the law’s definition should allow abortions through the ninth week.

The five doctors who filed a lawsuit Wednesday in Charleston are asking a federal court to stop the state from enforcing the law or at least require law enforcement to defer to a woman’s doctors in cases of abortions for health reasons, the lawsuit reads.

The state Attorney General’s Office has not yet filed a response. Under the law, doctors are allowed to perform abortions if they’re needed to save the life or health of the mother or if the fetal anomaly is so severe, the fetus isn’t expected to live after birth. In cases of rape or incest, the woman can get an abortion up to 12 weeks’ ges-

tation, if she allows the crime to be reported to law enforcement.

Doctors who question whether they can guarantee a mother’s in enough danger or is the fetal anomaly is sufficiently fatal may do nothing out of fear of violating the law, the lawsuit claims.

The punishment for performing an illegal abortion is up to two years in prison, a fine of up to $10,000 and the possibility of losing a medical license.

Republican legislators insisted when they passed the law that they intentionally allowed room for doctors to determine what constitutes a medical emergency.

“‘Medical emergency’ means in reasonable medical judgment, a condition exists that has complicated the pregnant woman’s medical condition and necessitates an abortion to prevent death or serious risk of a substantial and irreversible physical impairment of a major bodily function,” the law reads.

It goes on to specify that an abortion is not illegal if “the physician determines according to standard medical practice that a medical emergency exists.”

But the lawsuit says that hasn’t eased concerns at all.

“Because these exceptions are so vague, when (doctors) do provide abortion care to such patients, they are frequently consumed with fear of criminal prosecution, incarceration, and the loss of their livelihood,” reads the lawsuit.

In a flip of the religious exemp-

tion in state law, the lawsuit says the ban discriminates against doctors who believe abortions are fundamental to their religious beliefs.

What state law has long protected is doctors and other health care workers’ ability to refuse to perform or assist with an abortion due to their beliefs.

Four of the OB-GYNs who filed the lawsuit are Christians of various denominations, including a Presbyterian, a Lutheran and a doctor raised with both Methodist and Catholic backgrounds.

One did not give a specific religious affiliation but “believes as a matter of conscience that the measure of a person’s virtue is how they treat others,” the lawsuit reads.

The exceptions “often prevent (doctors) from providing abortion care to very ill, grieving, or traumatized patients contrary to their deeply held religious and conscientious beliefs in respecting everyone’s dignity, alleviating others’ suffering, and placing others before themselves,” the lawsuit reads.

Often, the doctors or their hospitals’ attorneys have to make a judgment call as to whether an abortion is covered under an exception or not, the lawsuit argues.

Questions left for them to determine is whether a doctor can prescribe treatments that might endanger the life of the fetus but save the mother, such as using chemotherapy to treat a pregnant woman’s cancer, the lawsuit claims.

Doctors scared of going to pris-

WHAT DOES SC LAW SAY?

“Fatal fetal anomaly” means that, in reasonable medical judgment, the unborn child has a profound and irremediable congenital or chromosomal anomaly that, with or without the provision of lifepreserving treatment, would be incompatible with sustaining life after birth.

Source: Section 44-41-610 of state law

on or losing their licenses often err on the side of caution, delaying or denying care to pregnant women, the lawsuit reads.

“This forces (doctors) to send their patients the messages that they do not matter, their decision to end their pregnancy is wrong, and they are on their own,” the lawsuit reads. “It condemns the patients to growing sicker and sicker and possibly losing their lives. Or it relegates them to a costly and complicated trip in that condition that deprives them of the support of family and friends.”

For instance, when a patient came to Dr. Patricia Seal in Columbia, one of the doctors suing, to end her “much-desired pregnancy” because it was worsening her kidney disease, Seal’s hospital refused to approve an abortion until the woman was close to needing dialysis, according to the lawsuit.

Because of the delay, the woman’s condition worsened to the point that she might need a kidney transplant, the lawsuit claims.

Also unclear is what constitutes a fetal anomaly as “incompatible with sustaining life after birth,” the doctors argue.

“Are a few minutes enough? Weeks? Months?” the lawsuit reads. “Further, how certain must a physician be about this time period? Reasonably sure? Very sure? Certain?”

Those factors can be difficult to determine. Doctors struggle with whether that means a fetus has zero chance of survival after birth, or whether that chance is just very low, the doctors argued.

Seal had to turn away another patient whose fetus had a rare genetic disorder that causes defects in the brain, heart and lung. The disorder’s survival rate past the age of 1 is less than a 10%. Seal couldn’t determine whether that counted as “sustaining life,” according to the lawsuit.

“As a consequence, the patient remained pregnant against her will until she could leave South Carolina, tormented by the thought that her child was in anguish,” the lawsuit reads. “And this tormented Dr. Seal, who felt she was harming her patient in defiance of the Hippocratic Oath.”

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. S.C. Daily Gazette is part of States Newsroom, the nation’s largest state-focused nonprofit news organization.

U.S. Rep. Jim Clyburn announces a $204 million grant to help with a railroad project in Columbia on Jan. 10, 2025 at Columbia City Hall. Skylar Laird/S.C. Daily Gazette

HEALTH & WELLNESS

Options & References for a Healthier Life

Is soy good for you … or not?

Ah, the humble soybean… Is it good for you?

Bad for you? Somewhere in between?

“I can understand why people are sometimes concerned about soy,” says registered dietitian Beth Czerwony, RD, LD, “because there’s a lot of conflicting information out there and not a lot of definitive research. It can all be very confusing for consumers to try to figure out.”

Why are people concerned about soy?

Throughout the years, soy has gotten a bit of a bad rap that seems to persist, even though science has shown soy to be safe and healthy.

So, why all the worries? In North America at least, soy has a complicated health history. For decades, research studies reported conflicting information about soy, and various health organizations issued recommendations around whether or not soy was healthy—or even safe.

Czerwony shares the pros and cons of eating soy and answers some of your biggest questions about it, including how certain beliefs have evolved or been completely debunked throughout the years.

Is soy bad for hormones?

The phytonutrients in soy are called isoflavones, and isoflavones are phytoestrogens, which means they act like the hormone estrogen in the body. For a long time, people worried that eating soy would increase their estrogen levels, which they thought could impact hormones, affect fertility, and cause breast cancer.

Over time, though, research has shown that soy isoflavones act as a weak form of estrogen in the body. They just don’t have the power to wreak that kind of havoc—and on the other hand, soy is sometimes recommended as part of a menopause diet.

“The other interesting thing is that phytoestrogens may enhance the effective-

Soy has gotten a bad rap throughout the years, but many of the concerns have been proven to be untrue

ness of chemotherapy drugs and radiation,” Czerwony clarifies, “so if you’re going through cancer treatment, it’s worth asking your doctor about whether you should add soy to your diet.”

Many people worry that soy contributes to breast cancer, but research has consistently shown that soybased foods do not increase your risk of cancer. But again, it’s proven not to be true. Given all of the available research on soy, the American Cancer Society, too, confirms that the benefits of eating soy seem to outweigh any possible risks.

You might’ve heard that soy lowers bad cholesterol. You also might’ve heard that it has no effect. It’s a topic that’s still being researched.

In 2020, a large study found that people who ate at least one serving of tofu per week were 18% less likely to have heart disease than people who rarely ate it. In other words, whether or not soy is good for your cholesterol is still up for debate. But at the very least, take heart in this: Absolutely no one is saying that soy is bad for your cholesterol. In the hubbub around possible concerns about soy,

Losing weight can feel like an uphill battle. Sometimes, no matter what you try, it seems like you aren’t making progress.

"Losing weight takes a strong commitment toward improved health,” says Roxanne Davis, RD, a certified nutrition support clinician with Beaufort Memorial who works with patients in the Healthy Weight program. "Count the wins. If you keep moving forward and finding things to be positive about regarding the changes you have made, the more rewarding the process will be."

There are many misconceptions about the best way to lose weight — with some methods like these flat-out working against you.

You’re keeping your total calories low but eating whatever you want.

Food quality matters. Just because something is low-calorie doesn’t mean it supports good health.

it’s important not to forget that soy has a lot of known health benefits.

Most of the fat in soybeans is unsaturated fat, aka the “good” kind of fat, which has a variety of health benefits.

And what about the “bad” kind of fats? That’s called saturated fat, and soybeans have very little of it—unlike animal-based forms of protein (especially red meat), which are often high in saturated fat. And get this: One serving of beef has 90% more saturated fat than one serving of tofu!

Soy doesn’t have as much protein as animal products, but it’s a great choice for a plant-based protein source:

Tempeh (1 cup):

31 grams

Soybeans (1 cup, boiled): 29 grams

Edamame (1 cup):

17 grams

Tofu (1/4 block):

9 grams

“If you don’t want a lot of red meat in your diet, or generally want to get away from animal products, soy is a great addition as part of a well-balanced diet,” Czerwony suggests.

Soy is even used as a basis for some types of protein

powder, which can be a great alternative to whey protein for people who are sensitive to lactose or following vegetarian or vegan diets.

Eating soy-based foods is a great way to boost your fiber intake. One serving of cooked soybeans has 6 grams of fiber, including both soluble and insoluble fiber.

An important note, though: Tofu is pretty low in fiber, and soy milk some times is, too. For the full fi ber effect, you’ll need to turn to whole soy foods like soy beans and edamame.

Soy foods are a great source of vitamins, miner als, and antioxidants, in cluding:

B vitamins

Iron

• Zinc

Plus, many soybased foods are enriched with vita min B12 and vitamin D to help vegetarians get these muchneeded nutrients.

If you have lactose intolerance, follow a vegan diet or just want to cut back on dairy, soy is a worthy replacement.

“It’s not as high in pro

tein as cow’s milk,” Czerwony says, “but it’s a good alternative.”

Soy-based dairy replacement products include, well, just about every typically-made-with-dairy product you can think of, including milk, cheese, yogurt, and ice cream.

There are a few characteristics of soy and soy-based products that you should

your diet, make sure you’re focusing on adding in more good plant-based sources of protein,” she recommends. May have more sugar. Not all soy products have extra sugar, but some do. When you’re buying soy milk, for example, stick to the plain kind, rather than a flavored version.

Higher price. Though they’re more affordable than they used to be, soybased products may still cost more than their dairybased counterparts.

Could interact with thyroid medication. If you’re being treated for thyroid issues, talk to your healthcare provider about how much soy is OK for you.

Ready to add soy to your diet?

Here’s where to find it:

Tofu (sometimes called bean curd)

Tempeh Edamame (immature green soybeans)

Miso

Soy milk

Soy sauce

Whole soybeans

Sources: https://health. clevelandclinic.org/is-soy-good-foryou-or-not?; https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih. gov/articles/PMC9410752/;

Try this instead: Choose high-quality calories with a focus on vegetables, fruits and whole foods. When you have a big dinner planned, you don’t eat during the day to “save up” calories for later.

This pattern sets you up to overeat. When you skip or cut way back on meals, the body goes into starvation mode, which can lead to binge eating. Try this instead: Eat regular

meals. Finding a meal frequency that keeps you full and satisfied will eliminate the cycle of starvation and bingeing and keep your metabolism going, which can help you lose weight.

You cut out carbs (or soy, or dairy, or gluten).

Just cutting something out of your diet because your friend did it or you read an article is not the best idea.

Try this instead: Practice moderation. Yes, some people lose weight if they lower their carbohydrate, soy or dairy intake, but that doesn’t mean you have to eliminate them. If these foods don’t cause problems for you, there’s no reason to cut them out.

You’re trying to focus fat loss in certain areas, such as your belly or thighs.

That’s not how weight loss works. Fat loss occurs throughout the body—not just in one area.

Try this instead: Combine toning exercises with cardio. This two-pronged approach will both

define the targeted muscle groups and reduce overall body fat.

5 Weight-Loss Practices That Can Help

• Make a plan. Develop a weight-loss strategy – including meal modifications and exercise – that can keep you on track.

Drink water. Your thirst and hunger centers are next to each other in the brain, so thirst can often manifest as hunger. Keep water with you and sip it throughout the day.

• Get enough sleep. Lack of sleep can lead to weight gain. Aim for seven to eight hours a night so your body can relax and reset.

Grocery shop with a full belly. You’ll be less inclined to splurge on unhealthy items.

• Eat slowly. It takes about 20 minutes to feel full. Drinking water or resting your fork between bites can help you tune in to satiety signals.

HEALTH & WELLNESS

Is it OK to take expired medicine?

Some types of expired meds may not be harmful, but they probably aren’t worth the risk

We’ve all been there: You’ve got a headache, but the pain reliever in your cupboard is expired. Or you reach for your prescription medication and realize the expiration date has come and gone. What do you do?

Family physician Simon Hodes, MD ChB, delivers the details on dated medication to help you know what’s safe to take—and how to safely dispose of expired medication.

What is a medication expiration date?

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the National Health Service (NHS) in England require medication companies to include an expiration date on their products. An expiration date means the company guarantees its safety and efficacy (its ability to work properly) until that date.

“Drug manufacturers put an expiration date on each medication they sell,” Dr. Hodes says. “The date is important because medications don’t last forever, and they may be ineffective or could even harm your health if they’re spoiled.”

Real risks of expired medicines

Are medications dangerous right after they expire? No, but it’s difficult to know whether the med in question is still good—and what kinds of risks you might be taking.

Expired medications can: Become weaker, so they can’t treat the medical issue properly.

Contain harmful germs because the preservatives in them have broken down.

Contribute to other health problems, like antibiotic resistance, if they no longer have the correct strength.

“The expiration date is there for your protection,” Dr. Hodes reinforces.

Can you take an expired medication?

What if you need the medicine now and can’t get to the pharmacy? Can you take the medication just this once? Usually, you should avoid taking expired medication if possible. But there are a few factors to consider.

Is it for a serious health condition? Taking some expired ibuprofen for a headache is probably OK. But using expired insulin for diabetes or nitroglycerin for angina is a different story.

Contact your provider right away if your medication is expired and you have a serious health condition like diabetes or heart disease,” Dr. Hodes advises. “Insulin and nitroglycerin are two medications in particular that degrade quickly once they reach their expiration date. Having the wrong dose of these types of medications could lead to a medical emergency.”

But in select cases, expired meds are better than nothing. For example, using an expired EpiPen (epinephrine, or adrenaline in the U.K.) for anaphylaxis is better than no medication at all. In this case, call 911 or an emergency number and use the expired medication. Tell your care providers that you took expired epinephrine and provide the expiration date, if possible.

Is it a liquid or a solid? Liquid medications tend to grow bacteria

more easily than solid pills. Eye drops, ear drops, and some antibiotics are some examples of liquid medicines that aren’t safe to use past their expiration date.

Many liquid medications have clear instructions to be stored in the fridge after opening and/or disposed of within a short period of time once opened. Don’t take any meds that don’t look or smell like they normally do, regardless of what type of medicine it is. And always check the storage and disposal details,” Dr. Hodes stresses.

That doesn’t mean expired solid pills are always safe, but they have a lower risk of going bad soon after their expiration date.

How expired is it? Medicine that expired last week is different from one that expired months ago. The longer it’s been expired, the more likely it isn’t any good.

Where has it been stored? Most people store their medications in their bathroom. And that’s probably the last place they should be.

“Heat and humidity accelerate spoilage,” Dr. Hodes explains.

“Keep medications in a cool, dry cupboard out of direct sunlight. Don’t put medications in the refrigerator unless the label says to do so.”

Avoid the expired med dilemma

The best way to avoid taking a potentially dangerous expired medication is to simply not have expired meds around. You can do this if you: Don’t buy in bulk. Avoid the temptation to buy bulk-sized packages of medications because it feels like a better deal.

“Most people don’t need to keep a giant bottle of pain reliever or antacids on hand,” Dr. Hodes notes. “Wasted medication is common and adds to our carbon footprint.”

Keep prescriptions fresh. If you take prescriptions, don’t get extra refills. “Many people end up with different medications or a change of dose over time,” Dr. Hodes points out. “Loading up on your prescription refills

Understanding the surgeon general’s warning on alcohol and cancer risk

You've probably heard about the U.S. surgeon general's advisory on alcohol and cancer. It's generated a lot of conversation—but what does it mean for you? We talked to two researchers at the Charleston Alcohol Research Center here at MUSC to get their take. I see this as an opportunity to once again talk about the breadth of impact that alcohol can have on one's

health, especially if you're drinking in a hazardous way. So not necessarily social drinking per se, but heavy drinking," said Dr. Howard Becker. What is heavy drinking? For men, it's five or more drinks per day. For women, it's four or more drinks per day. The surgeon general's advisory notes that the risk of cancer increases even below that threshold.

Dr. Becker recommends taking stock of your alcohol consumption. Is your blood pressure up? Are you gaining weight? Are you having trouble sleeping? Cutting back on drinking may help all those symptoms—and, incidentally, reduce your cancer risk. Some groups who should pay particular attention to the advisory: Women who are already in a high-risk group for

breast cancer Older adults People who smoke If you'd like to talk to a specialist about your drinking, you can call the MUSC Center for Drug and Alcohol Programs at 843-792-5200

Source: https://hollingscancercenter. musc.edu/news/archive/2025/01/08/ surgeon-general-calls-for-moreattention-to-link-between-alcoholand-cancer

could leave you with medications you can’t use.”

Spring clean. “Go through your medicines at least once a year and take expired medicines out,” Dr. Hodes suggests. “If you do get rid of any medications, make a note to get a fresh supply from your pharmacy or healthcare provider.”

What to do with expired meds

The best way to get rid of unwanted medicine is to take them to a take-back program in your community. Ask your pharmacist or local law enforcement about a location near you.

If a take-back isn’t an option, you can:

Throw it in the garbage. Most medications can safely go in your normal garbage. Mix them with dirt, cat litter or undesirable material so others won’t find them and try to use them. Promptly take the garbage out to keep it away from children or pets.

Flush them. Some medications have specific instructions to flush leftovers down the toilet. These medicines are dangerous if people or animals find them in the garbage. Don’t flush all of your medications, though—just the ones on the FDA’s flush list. Handle prefilled syringes with needles properly. Don’t throw needles—new or used—in the trash. They must always be carefully disposed of—usually in a sharps container or through your local pharmacy or take-back program.

Take expiration dates seriously

You probably wouldn’t chance it with expired meat or moldy cheese, so don’t use expired medications either. “If people don’t overstock and clean out their medicine cabinets like they do their refrigerators, they can avoid expired medicines,” says Dr. Hodes. “Just like with food, try not to over-order. And when in doubt, throw it out.”

Source: https://health.clevelandclinic.org/ can-you-take-expired-medicine?

SPORTS&RECREATION

Sand Sharks serving wake-up call to PBC

When the USCB Sand Sharks were picked to finish last in the Peach Belt Conference ahead of their inaugural 2023-24 season, it was to be expected. A first-year program dropped into a notoriously competitive league is not supposed to kick down the door.

And they didn’t.

The gauntlet chewed up Ron Fudala’s freshman-laden roster, as the Sand Sharks endured eight single-digit losses in Peach Belt play, including five by a single possession, leading to a 3-15 conference record and the projected last-place finish.

But … those three wins includ-

ed a loud arrival on the scene in a 114-112 debut triumph over Augusta that set The Cove on fire and a 123-118 slugfest with Columbus State that went to four overtimes, and for a moment, the Sand Sharks could smell blood.

A string of four consecutive losses by three points or fewer

took an emotional toll, though, and USCB finished the season on a nine-game losing streak.

The Sand Sharks likely would have been regarded more highly entering their second campaign had Marcus Overstreet returned for his sophomore season, but the dominant big man from Chicago hit the transfer portal after earning PBC Freshman of the Year honors and landed at Mercer, leaving a gaping hole in the paint.

Perhaps that’s why the league’s coaches picked the Sand Sharks to again occupy the PBC cellar. But they appear to have underestimated Fudala and the culture he has built in his short time

in the Lowcountry. Moreover, they inflated the importance of any one individual in Fudala’s program.

Despite beefing up the early-season schedule substantially, including two road trips to the Pittsburgh area where Fudala cut his teeth as an assistant and mined several of his prized recruits, the Sand Sharks went 8-2 in non-conference games, and after a stinging loss at Augusta to open PBC play, they’ve rattled off three straight wins to match last season’s Peach Belt win total.

In Overstreet’s absence, the parts have become more

SEE JARRETT PAGE B2

runs the

as

won, 55-39. Amber

Beaufort leads girls hoops resurgence

By Justin Jarrett LowcoSports.com

The girls basketball youth movement is alive and well at the northern end of Beaufort County, and Beaufort High’s girls are leading the charge.

After dropping five of their first six games against a brutal early-season schedule, Reggie Jones’ team had won eight of its last nine games and the Eagles were off to a 2-0 start in Region 6-4A heading into a showdown with perennial power and region newcomer Bishop England at home Tuesday.

Win or lose, the Eagles look like the top challenger for the Battling Bishops, and with a roster that includes several veteran role players alongside an uber-talented young backcourt, Beaufort could be a problem for years to come.

Leading the resurgence is freshman Jania Hayward, whose season averages of 13 5 points and 4 5 steals tell only part of the story. Hayward has stepped up her game significantly in the Eagles’ first two region contests, putting up 23 points and nine steals in a 50-37 win over Bluffton before upping the ante with 31 points and 12 swipes in a 59-32 rout of Colleton County.

Whale Branch transfer Zaria Coaxum and eighth-grader Da’Leah LaBoard give

Beaufort two more capable outside shoot-

ers who can put the ball on the floor and get after it on defense, and veteran post players Carson Crosby and Davariyah Smith round out a well-balanced lineup.

Tuesday’s test against the Battling Bishops will help sort out just how soon Beaufort’s contention window opens.

Prejean leads young Warriors

Whale Branch also has an immensely talented young guard bursting onto the scene, as 8th-grader Harmony Prejean was averaging 19 points through the Warriors’ first 10 games.

Prejean scored in double digits in her first eight games of the season before playing sparingly in a rout at Hardeeville, but she had her best game yet Jan. 7 against Bridges Prep, putting up 30 points on 9-for-13 shooting to lead Whale Branch to a 55-39 win to open region play.

Bridges boys rounding into form

The season began with lofty expectations and a top-five ranking in Class 2A for the Bridges Prep boys, but the Bucs gave an uneven showing in the Bobcat Classic last month, struggling to get their up-tempo offense into high gear.

The Buccaneers came out firing in

their first game of 2025, though, getting 27 points and 17 rebounds from Amarion Wilson along with 20 points from Christian Arroyo and 14 from PJ Capers in an 80-77 win over Whale Branch to start region play.

The reserves got most of the work in a 76-51 win at Cross Schools on Monday before key region matchups at home against Edisto on Tuesday and at Lake Marion on Friday.

JPII girls’ streak ends at 9

John Paul II’s girls had their winning streak snapped at nine games with a 5038 loss to visiting Northwood Academy on Monday, leading into a critical week for the Golden Warriors.

JPII hosts Laurence Manning for its region opener on Thursday before traveling to Trinity Collegiate for another key region matchup Friday.

The loss was JPII’s first since Dec. 2 at Cross Schools, and the Golden Warriors haven’t lost back-to-back games since last February.

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.

This week: vs. Orangeburg-Wilkinson, 1/14; vs. Hanahan, 1/17; at North Charleston, 1/21

Bridges Prep (10-4, 1-0 Region 5-2A) Last week: W 80-77 vs. Whale Branch, 1/7; W 76-51 at Cross Schools, 1/13

This week: vs. Edisto, 1/14; at Lake Marion, 1/17; vs. Hampton Co., 1/21

Whale Branch (5-7, 0-1 Region 5-2A) Last week: L 77-80 at Bridges Prep, 1/7; L 50-62 vs. Bluffton, 1/11

This week: vs. Lake Marion, 1/14; at Hampton Co., 1/17; vs. Barnwell, 1/21

John Paul II (9-2, 1-0 SCISA 3-4A)

Last week: vs. Wilson Hall, 1/7; at Patrick Henry 1/9; at Trinity Collegiate, 1/10; vs. Northwood Academy, 1/13

This week: vs. Camden Military, 1/14; vs. Laurence Manning, 1/16; at Trinity Collegiate, 1/17; at HHCA, 1/21

Beaufort Academy (1-7, 1-1 SCISA 3-2A)

Last week: L 47-63 vs. Thomas Heyward, 1/7; W 48-37 at Holy Trinity

This week: at Andrew Jackson Academy, 1/14;

Whale Branch’s Harmony Prejean

ball

Bridges Prep’s Alaysia Neal defends at Bridges Prep on Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2025. Whale Branch

Hewitt/The Island News

Beaufort High’s Davariyah Smith scores against Colleton County at Beaufort High School on Friday, Jan. 10, 2025. Beaufort High won, 59-32. Amber Hewitt/The Island News

JUSTIN JARRETT

By Delayna Earley

The Island News

SPORTS & EDUCATION

Board of Education elects new leadership

The Beaufort County Board of Education has a new Chairman.

Richard Geier, District 4, was elected to the position after being nominated by Carlton Dallas during the Board’s first meeting of the year on Jan. 7

Geier was the only nominee for the position and the vote was unanimous in his favor.

He has been on the board for six years and said in an interview with The Island News that he hopes to continue the legacy that the two previous Board chairs that he has served under have established.

Previously, Geier served as vice

Richard Geier

chair for the last two years before he was elected to the office of Board chairman on Tuesday, Jan.7

“We have a rock-solid board this year,” Geier said. “We all have kind of the same goals, which is to improve the academic achievement for our kids in the district. Our job is to help the superintendent continue to excel.”

Geier said that specifically he hopes for the Board of Education to continue to provide funding and resources for the superintendent and school district so that

they are equipped to continue handling the growth of the county and attract and retain educators.

“We have a fiduciary responsibility to the taxpayers to earn their trust that we’re using the funds that they pay in property taxes wisely,” said Geier. “I think we’ve established that but that’s a fragile thing. You have to gain the trust of the community and once you gain trust it’s easy to lose trust so you have to stay on top of things that the public will get upset about if we don’t handle the millions of dollars that we allocate every year.”

William Smith and Carlton Dallas were the nominees for the vice chairman position and Dallas

Parker’s donates

won the vote.

Ingrid Boatwright, who was also just sworn in for a new term after being reelected, was the only nominee and was elected to be secretary for the Board of Education. The new members of the Board of Education were sworn in, as well.

Representing District 9, Beaufort County native Leah Frazier is a former educator with more than a decade of teaching experience. She holds advanced degrees in education from the University of South Carolina and The Citadel.

Representing District 1, Pastor Issac Gordon is a community advocate with a career in transpor -

tation, having served as a bus transportation area supervisor in Bluffton and safety officer in Summerville. He most recently served the students of Beaufort County as a bus driver.

Representing District 6, Alphonso Small Jr. is self-employed and a former law enforcement officer who grew up in Hampton. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice/Sociology from Claflin University.

Delayna Earley, who joined The Island News in 2022, 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.

to Beaufort County School District

Staff reports

Parker's Kitchen, a prominent convenience store chain which operates in coastal Georgia and the Lowcountry of South Carolina, has donated $75,000 to the Beaufort County School District (BCSD), according to a media release, as part of its ongoing charitable initiative supporting education across its consumer regions.

Parker’s Kitchen, which operates more than 95 convenience stores in Georgia and South Carolina, said the proceeds came from its “Fueling the Community” program, which donates a portion of every gallon of gas sold on the first Wednesday of each month to local schools.

A portion of the Parker’s Kitchen donation goes to support the school district’s

annual employee recognition programs, which honor school nurses, social workers, bookkeepers, guidance counselors, office managers, teacher assistants, school secretaries, bus drivers, and technology and data spe-

cialists. Other funds go to specific schools designated by Parker’s “Pump Pal” club customers when they purchase their gasoline on the first Wednesday of each month.

“At Parker’s Kitchen, we

want to be a great com-

munity partner and to be a force for positive change,” Parker’s Kitchen founder and CEO Greg Parker said in a news release. “We are incredibly honored to give back to the Beaufort Coun-

ty School District through our Fueling the Community program and know that education has the power to uplift communities, create opportunity and cultivate future leaders right here in Beaufort County.”

Kitchen launched its Fueling the Community charitable initiative in 2011 and has donated more than $2 5 million to public and private schools in communities where Parker’s operates.

BCSD Superintendent Frank Rodriguez accepted the donation on behalf of the school district at the ribbon-cutting ceremony for Parker’s newest location in Beaufort on Jan. 9

“This relationship with Parker’s Kitchen allows us to recognize our employees who serve our children in so many aspects of the district,” Rodriguez said in a media release. “Parker’s Kitchen is so thoughtful and generous to support public education in their community, which is essential for everyone. We appreciate their partnership and we thank them.”

SC K-12 students among those compromised in data breach

By Skylar Laird SCDailyGazette.com

WEST COLUMBIA — South Carolina students and teachers were among those who had their personal information accessed in an international data breach, according to the state Department of Education.

All but four districts had their data accessed, the department said in a Thursday news release. A district having its data accessed does not necessarily mean the data was stolen, and the department is continuing to assess exactly how many students were affected, it reads.

The four districts not affected are Edgefield, Greenville, and Horry counties and Richland 2 in Columbia’s northeast suburbs, according to the news release.

ADDRESSING THE POWERSCHOOL DATA BREACH

The South Carolina Department of Consumer Affairs (SCDCA) urges parents to take steps to protect their children’s personal information following a data breach involving PowerSchool. The South Carolina Department of Education says all districts in the state except for four were included in a data breach involving the software. SCDCA encourages parents to: Check if your child has a credit report: Generally, a child under 18-yearsold won’t have a file. Having a file could be a sign of identity theft. Contact each of the three major credit reporting agencies (Experian, TransUnion, Equifax) and ask for a manual search for your child’s Social Security Number. They will require documents such as a driver’s license for proof that you are the child’s parent or guardian. Consider a Protected Consumer Freeze: This measure is free and allows you to create a credit file in your child’s name and place a freeze on it, preventing potential creditors from getting your child’s credit report. Place your request with each of the three credit reporting agencies: Experian, TransUnion, Equifax.

• Be on guard: Scam artists follow the headlines. Don’t give personal information to someone you don’t know. You will never receive a phone call, email, text or social media message from a government agency that demands money and/or personal information. Grab a copy of SCDCA’ s Ditch the Pitch to arm yourself with information to spot and avoid scams.

If someone is using your child’s info, contact SCDCA’s Identity Theft Unit at 800-922-1594 and submit an Identity Theft Intake Form. The Unit is dedicated to offering consumers tailored guidance on scams, security breaches and identity theft issues.

It’s unclear what kind of data might have been stolen. The release says only that “personally identifiable information was compromised.” No further information is available, a department spokesman said. PowerSchool is used by dis-

tricts for a variety of purposes, including tracking student attendance and grades, schedules and training. The cloud-based software giant, which provides systems for more than 45 million students around the world, contained the data breach and has been taking steps to secure its systems, consult with cybersecurity experts and report the incident to law enforcement, according to the news release.

“We have taken all appropriate steps to prevent the data involved from further unauthorized access or misuse,” a spokesperson for PowerSchool said in a statement.

“The incident is contained and we do not anticipate the data being shared or made public.”

State Superintendent Ellen Weaver said she recognizes the anxiety caused by the breach.

“While PowerSchool has taken accountability for this breach, our department will take uncompro-

mising action to ensure we uncover the complete extent of this incident,” she said in the Wednesday release. “We will insist that PowerSchool not only notify affected individuals but also provide them with credit and identity monitoring services.” Department of Education officials have been keeping the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division, the Attorney General’s Office and the governor appraised of the situation, according to the release.

“The protection of our South Carolina students’ and educators’ personal data is non-negotiable,” Weaver 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. S.C. Daily Gazette is part of States Newsroom, the nation’s largest state-focused nonprofit news organization.

interchangeable in Fudala’s “shift changes” with five players frequently going to the bench to be replaced by fresher versions of themselves during a key sequence. The 10-man rotation encourages everyone to play with maximum intensity for short spurts, emphasizing defensive

pressure and constant motion punctuated with a team-first, winat-all-costs mentality. And the recipe is starting to simmer to a boil.

The selflessness is evident on the stat sheet, where 10 players average at least 14 minutes and 5 6 points, yet only two average double-digit scoring — Kenney Gaines (12 4) and Kevaughn Price (10 6). This in spite of the fact that the Sand Sharks average 88 9 points per game and have

four players in double figures per game on average. In fact, USCB is 10-1 when at least three players hit double digits and 1-2 when only one or two have hit the mark. Seven Sand Sharks scored 10 or more in a 92-91 thriller at Georgia Southwestern on Saturday, with Gaines splashing a late 3-pointer that proved to be the game-winner. On any given night, a different hero can emerge. The addition of point guard Alejandro Ralat,

Jarrett from page B1 EDITOR’S NOTE Keep up with the USCB

of

a fifth-year transfer from Florida Atlantic who was part of a Final Four team in Boca Raton, brings a veteran presence who can help this young team navigate the bumps in the road that inevitably

lie ahead. Everyone has bought into what Fudala is selling, and the market is rising.

If the Peach Belt coaches haven’t figured it out by next year’s preseason poll, well, bless their hearts.

Justin Jarrett is the sports editor of The

News and the founder of LowcoSports.com.

was the

Beaufort

for

editor of the

for 6½

and

and

Parker’s

Beaufort County School District Superintendent Frank Rodriguez poses with a $75,000 check from Parker’s Kitchen officials. Submitted photo.

EDUCATION

DAR, SAR holding art, essay contests for Lafayette anniversary

Staff reports

As the 200th anniversary of the visit of Marquis de Lafayette, the French hero of the American Revolution, to Beaufort approaches, the Thomas Heyward, Jr. Chapter (Beaufort) of the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution and the Governor Paul Hamilton Chapter (Beaufort) National Society of Sons of the American Revolution are holding an art contest and an essay contest for Beaufort County students.

Art Contest

There is an Art Poster Contest for 9th- through 12th-grade students depicting “Marquis de Lafayette’s Importance in American Democracy.”

Students are asked to demonstrate their art skills and help celebrate Lafayette by creating an original poster depicting his importance in helping to establish democracy and the United States of America in 1776 This may include him at any age and with or without his son and dog, both of whom came with him to Beaufort.

Research and reading

about Lafayette may help in determining how you present him in art form.

Contest prizes include $300 for the first-place winner, $200 for the second-place winner and $100 for the third-place winner. The winners’ posters will be printed for display.

Art Contest Rules

The art contest is open to all 9th-12th grade students in Beaufort County, to include public schools, parochial schools, private schools and homeschoolers.

One entry per student, hand-drawn or painted, not computer generated.

Entries must be the original work of the student and not previously

published.

Entries must be either 12 inches x 18 inches of 16 inches by 24 inches and can be in any medium, i.e. acrylic, watercolor, colored pencils, markers, mixed-media, etc.

Entries must be submitted by noon, Jan. 31, 2025. If a student needs assistance with delivery of submission, he/she must contact the Director of Teaching and Learning at Karen.Mckenzie@beaufort.k 12 sc.us or phone 843-3222300 by noon Jan. 30, 2025 so that arrangements may be made for delivery of contest submission.

The student’s name must appear only on the Title & Release Page, not on the art piece. Student must sign Title & Release Page, indi-

cating understanding and agreement of these rules. Student may sign his/her work after judging has been completed.

Note: Please follow these rules exactly. Entries that do not conform to the rules will be disqualified.

Art Contest Judging

Posters which meet the criteria above will be judged on the following areas: Creativity and originality: How original and creative the artwork is.

Interpretation: How well the artwork interprets the theme.

Composition: The quality of the composition and design.

Overall impression: The overall effect of the artwork.

• Artistic skill: The quality of the artwork and the artistic skill demonstrated.

Decisions of the judges are final and are not subject to review.

Essay Contest

There is an Essay Contest for 4th- and 5th-grade

students about “Marquis de Lafayette’s Importance in American Democracy.”

Students are asked to demonstrate their writing skills and help celebrate Lafayette by writing an essay about his importance in helping to establish democracy and the United States of America in 1776

Contest prizes include $200 for the first-place winner, $100 for the second-place winner and $50 for the third-place winner.

Essay Contest Rules

Essay contest is open to all fourth and fifth grade students in Beaufort County to include public schools, D.O.D. schools, parochial schools, private schools and homeschoolers.

One entry per student. All entries must be the original work of the student and not previously published. At least three sources must be used and cited for research done.

Essay is limited to 500 words with single-spacing between lines. Essay must be typed

and have three parts: (1) title page (2) essay page and (3) bibliography or works cited. The student’s name must appear on the entry page only, not within the essay.

Entries must be e-mailed to LafayetteEssayContest@gmail. com and received by midnight Jan. 31 2025

• Student’s signature indicating understanding and agreement of these rules must be included on Title & Release page. Please follow these rules exactly. Essays that do not conform to the rules will be disqualified.

Essay Contest Judging Essays which meet the criteria above will be judged on the following areas: Historical accuracy. Clarity of thought. Organization and proven topic.

Grammar and spelling. Documentation of sources cited.

Decisions of the judges are final and are not subject to review.

DAR Marian Anderson Legacy Scholarship accepting applications

Staff reports

Undergraduate and graduate students studying music can apply for the DAR Marian Anderson Legacy Scholarship through Friday, Jan. 31 2025. Sponsored by the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), the scholarship provides a one-time $5,000 award to one student annually who is pursuing undergraduate or graduate study in music.

Marian Anderson (1897-1993) was a groundbreaking African American contralto and an inspiration for civil rights.

“This scholarship pays tribute to Marian Anderson’s life, and the Daughters of the American Revolution seeks to honor her legacy through today’s aspiring musicians. Her legacy lives on in others who aim for excellence in musical studies, are committed to their communities, and willing to stand up for what is right,” DAR President General Pamela Wright saidn in a news release.

Applicants should be accepted or currently enrolled in an accredited university or college in the United States and have a concentration in music in their course of study.

Music performance, composition, theory, or education are all areas that students may be specialized in to qualify for the scholarship. They should have a minimum grade

point average (GPA) of 3 0 on a 4 0 scale or the equivalent GPA on the scale used by the institution. Applications require references sent through the application sys-

tem, so students need to request their references ahead of the Jan. 31 application deadline. In honor of Ms. Anderson’s commitment to the community

throughout her life and her willingness to share her incredible talent with the world, applicants are asked to write a personal statement describing their humanitarian or volunteer contributions on behalf of their community and/or country.

To recognize the city Marian Anderson called home, preference will be given to students from the Philadelphia, Pennsylvania metropolitan area, even if they are not pursuing music studies in the Philadelphia area.

This scholarship is not automatically renewed. However, recipients may reapply for consideration each year for up to four consecutive years.

The scholarship is supported by the Daughters of the American Revolution’s Marian Anderson Legacy Fund. Learn more about the relationship between Marian Anderson and the DAR, and the organization’s on-going efforts to honor her memory at www.dar.org/ MarianAnderson.

For additional information about DAR and its relevant mission, visit www.dar.org.

EDUCATION BRIEFS

STAR meeting set for Thursday

Nexus Care of Beaufort County's STAR (Striving to Achieve Resiliency) Youth Leadership Program is kicking off the new year with another meeting encouraging middle school and high school students north of the Broad to develop peer-to-peer conversations about substance abuse in the hopes of reducing their misuse.

In partnership with All Aboard Beaufort, the meeting will be held from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 16 at the St. Helena Branch Library at 6355 Jonathan Francis Senior Road.

Student participants will: Be Changemakers: Help reduce alcohol and marijuana misuse through peer-

to-peer interactions. Your voice matters, and you can make a real impact.

• Earn Rewards: Rack up volunteer hours for awards while gaining leadership and communication skills that will set you apart.

• Get Active: Participate in community scavenger hunts, create media campaigns, and present at schools—turning your ideas into action!

• Meet Movers and Shakers: Engage with community leaders and make your mark on northern Beaufort County.

This is event is free and open to all interested middle school and high school students in northern Beaufort County. The All Aboard Beaufort coalition is funded through the Centers for Disease Control by a Drug-

Free Communities award to address primary prevention efforts in northern Beaufort County communities. For more information and to RSVP, contact Jodie Martinez at jodie.martinez@bcgov.net.

3 from Beaufort on Wofford Fall 2024 Dean's List Wofford College provost Dr. Timothy Schmitz has announced Dean's List students for the fall 2024 semester, including three students from Beaufort. The following local students were named to Wofford College's 2024 fall Dean's List: Hayden Canaday, Bailey Herron, and Marin Mead of Beaufort. Wofford College, established in 1854, is a four-year, residential liberal arts college located in Spartanburg. It offers 27 major

fields of study to a student body of 1,800 undergraduates.

Sapanchuk named to Troy Chancellor's List

Dmytro Sapanchuk of Beaufort has been named to the Chancellor's List at Troy University for the Fall Semester/Term 2 of the 2024-2025 academic year.

The Chancellor's List honors full-time undergraduate students who are registered for at least 12 semester hours and who earn a grade point average of 4 0 Troy University is a public, historic, international university with 22 500 students and 154,000 alumni.

– Staff reports

Marian Anderson performs in Philadelphia’s Constitution Hall. One of the largest patriotic women’s service organizations in the world, Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) has 190,000 members in approximately 3,000 chapters across the country and several foreign countries. Submitted photo

ART

Budding Artist

After-School Art Club

4 to 5 p.m., or 5:15 to 6:15 p.m., Mondays/Wednesdays or Tuesday/ Thursdays, Happy Art Studio, 10 Sam’s Point Way, Beaufort. Ages 8 to 13. Painting, drawing, clay or crafts. Visit www.happyartstudio.net.

BOOKS

2025 Books Sandwiched In Noon to 1 p.m., Mondays, Jan. 27 through March 10, USCB Center

For The Arts, 805 Carteret Street, Beaufort. The event is free and open to the public. Each week, a community member talks about a book that has been meaningful to him or her. Light refreshments are served and raffle items are available for bidding each week.

For those interested in joining the Friends to support the work they do, an annual membership can be purchased at the door or on the Friends website at $25 per household or $15 per military household. For more information, please visit https://friendsofthebeaufortlibrary.com/ or contact Carter Hoyt at carterhoyt@comcast.net or 404-936-5695. Schedule -- Jan.

27: “Payne-ful Business” by Margaret Seidler; Presented by Margaret Seidler. Feb. 3: “The Open-Focus Brain” by Les Fehmi and Jim Robbins; Presented by Jane Caffrey. Feb. 10: “Black Boy” by Richard Wright; Presented by Jeffrey Blount. Feb. 17: “Teddy and Booker T.” by Brian Kilmeade; Presented by Pat Sculley. Feb. 24: “The World Without Us” by Alan Weisman; Presented by Elaine Adams. March 3: “Rosencrantz & Guildenstern Are Dead” by Tom Stoppard; Presented by Bruce Page. March 10: “Books Promiscuously Read” by Heather White; Presented by Lauren Hoffer.

CALENDAR

Tides To Tables Restaurant Week Through Sunday, Jan. 19, Beaufort. Tides to Tables Restaurant Week kicks off the Beaufort Oyster Festival featuring local restaurants and their cuisine.

Beaufort Oyster Festival

10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 18 & 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Sunday Jan. 19, Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park, Beaufort. Hosted by the Beaufort Area Hospitality Association. Free Admission. Live music. Cornhole tournament at 1 p.m., Sunday. Oysters provided are all locally farmed or harvested. Oysters will be available steamed, raw, roasted or fried. Other food options will be available as well. More than 15 local educational organizations will take part.

Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration 1 to 4 p.m., Monday, Jan. 20, Penn Center’s Frissell Community House, Penn Center Circle West, St. Helena Island. The program begins at 1 p.m., and a free lunch will follow. The will be free tours from 1 to 4 p.m. at the York W. Bailey Museum. Troops 4105 and 4777 (St. Helena Island) of the Girl Scouts of Eastern South Carolina Council and Troop 665G (Rincon, Ga.) of the Girls Scouts or Coastal Georgia Council will be participating, and there will be a voter registration drive held in conjunction with the event. For more information, contact Barbara Gardner Hunter at 347-497-9326; Renee Jenkins at 678-764-5113; or Allyne Mitchell at 843-304-5668.

Beaufort International Film Festival Wine Dinner

6 to 9 p.m., Wednesday, Jan. 22, Saltus River Grill, Beaufort. Tickets are $125 per person. Gratuity and tax included. A portion of the proceeds from the dinner will benefit the Beaufort Film Society. Cocktails will be served on the waterfront patio by the fire at 6 p.m. Then get ready to indulge in exquisite pairings featuring highend wines. Each wine tells a story you won't want to miss. Limited tickets — reserve at bit.ly/BIFFSaltus2025 and get ready for a night of great food, fine wine, and cinematic magic. For more information about the 2025 Beaufort International Film Festival and to find Tickets, Schedule of Events, Screening Times, Trailers & more please visit www.beaufortfilmfestival.com

Bands, Brews & BBQ

6 to 9 p.m., Friday, Feb. 14 & 11

a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 15, Paris Avenue, Port Royal. Two days of food, music and fun with wings, barbeque, beer, live music and fun for the entire family. Proceeds from the event benefit nonprofits HELP of Beaufort and Zonta Club of Beaufort. HELP of Beaufort assists our neighbors in need of food, clothing, financial assistance, prepared meals since 1973, and is a certified USDA Wellness Pantry. Friday is the Hometown Heroes Wing Throw Down Party, while Saturday features the Hometown Heroes Boston Butt and Ribs.

50th Beaufort Charities Festival Friday & Saturday, Feb. 28 & March 1, Live Oaks Park, Port Royal. Live entertainment Friday and Saturday nights. Oyster roast all day Saturday.

Lowcountry Food Truck Festival

11 a.m., Saturday, April 5, 1404 Paris Avenue, Port Royal.

WHAT’S HAPPENING

MCAS Beaufort Airshow Saturday, April 12 and Sunday, April 13, MCAS Beaufort. Celebrate 250 years of the Marine Corps with us. From the U.S. Navy Blue Angels to unforgettable aerial thrills, it’s a weekend you don’t want to miss. Tickets are free for general admission but required! Reserve yours now to secure your spot. Go to beaufortairshow.com to reserve your tickets.

Karaoke with Melissa

7:30 p.m. to midnight, Mondays, Tomfoolery, 3436 17 Market, Habersham, Beaufort. Enjoy food and drinks during 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. • 7:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m., Fridays, R Bar & Grill, 70 Pennington Drive, Bluffton. Enjoy food and drinks during Karaoke with Melissa. • 8 p.m. to 12 a.m., 2nd and 4th Saturdays of every month, Peaceful Henry’s Cigar Bar, 181 Bluffton Road, Bluffton. Enjoy food and drinks during Karaoke with Melissa.

Karaoke 9 p.m. to midnight, Tuesdays, Luther’s Rare and Well Done, 910 Bay Street, downtown Beaufort. With DJ Ali.

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. • 7 p.m., Thursdays, Amvets Post 70, 1831 Ribaut Road, Port Royal. Free. Public is welcome. Enjoy Karaoke. Dinner will be available. • 9 p.m., Fridays, Highway 21 Bar, 3436 Trask Pkwy, Beaufort. Free. Enjoy Karaoke with Lt. Dan. • 9:30 p.m., Fridays, Rosie O’Grady’s, 2127 Boundary Street, Suite 2, Beaufort. Free. Enjoy Karaoke with Parker. • 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. • 9:30 p.m., Saturdays, Rosie O’Grady’s, 2127 Boundary Street, Suite 2, Beaufort. Free. Enjoy karaoke with 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.

Karaoke at Willie’s 8 p.m., Thursdays, Willie's Bar and Grill, 7 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, Saint Helena Island. Come and showcase your singing talents or just enjoy the performances. For more information, visit www.GullahLove.com.

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.

Habersham Farmers Market

3 to 6 p.m., Fridays, Habersham Marketplace. Vendor roster includes B&E Farm, Cottonwood Soap, Flower Power Treats, Hardee Greens, Megs Sweet Treats, Vitamin Bee, Lady’s Island Oyster Company, Pet Wants.

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.

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.

DANCE

The Beaufort Shag Club

6:30 to 9 p.m., Wednesdays, AmVets Club, 1831 Ribaut Road, Port Royal. Free lessons for members from 6 to 6:30 p.m. We also host a dance the second Saturday of each month from 7 to 10 p.m. Lessons will run September through May only. Visit our FaceBook page (beaufortshagclub) for current events.

HEALTH AND WELLNESS

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.

BEMER Circulation Therapy 10 to 11 a.m., Fridays via Zoom. Already own a BEMER? Never heard of it but curious? Join to ask any questions about this leading-edge German technology that enhances blood flow 30% in 8 minutes. Sessions are designed to support those who have their own unit but everyone is welcome. Brought to you by BEMER Specialist -- Human & Equine, Elizabeth Bergmann. Text 410-212-1468 to get the Zoom link. Free.

HISTORY

South Carolina’s Maritime History 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 1, S.C. History Center, 8301 Parklane Road, Columbia. Cost is $80 or $25 for teachers and students. For more information or to register, visit https://bit.ly/3PxWg82. Pre-registration is highly recommended. Lunch is included with the registration fee. Presentations include Pirates, Planters, and Proprietors: The Economy of Early South Carolina by Andrew Johnson, Ph.D., S.C. Dept. of Archives & History; Palmetto Privateers of 1812 by Joe Long, South Carolina State Museum; The Royal Navy in Colonial-era South Carolina by Nic Butler, Ph.D., Charleston County Library; Archaeological Investigations of Early Shipwrecks in South Carolina Waters by James Spirek, State Underwater Archaeologist, University of South Carolina; and more.

Language of Clay: Catawba Indian Pottery and Oral Tradition Through Saturday, Feb. 22, Morris Center for Lowcountry Heritage, 10782 South Jacob Smart Blvd., Ridgeland. This immersive exploration of Catawba pottery, curated by the University of South Carolina Lancaster’s Native American Studies Center, promises to captivate audiences with its profound connection to oral traditions.

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

Winnie the Pooh’s Birthday

3 p.m., Friday, Jan. 17, St. Helena Branch Library, 6355 Jonathan Francis Sr. Road, St. Helena Island. Help us wish Winnie the Pooh a Happy Birthday! Join us in the Hundred Akre Wood for a party with hunney (and more)! No registration required. Call 843-255-6487 for more information.

Community Expo

10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 18, Beaufort Branch Library, 311 Scott Street. Come learn about community agencies and the programs and services provided. For more information, call 843-255-6458.

Toddler Storytime

11 a.m., Mondays through May 12, St. Helena Branch Library, 6355 Jonathan Francis Sr. Road, St. Helena Island. (Library will be closed Jan, 20 and Feb. 17.) Join us for a fun-filled time of stories. Books and activities will focus on toddlers/preschoolers, but siblings are welcome.

Postpartum Support Group

11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Tuesdays, St. Helena Branch Library, 6355 Jonathan Francis Sr. Road, St. Helena Island. Join us fr a postpartum and parenting support circle, a weekly gathering for parents and caregivers

navigating the postpartum journey. Led by full-spectrum holistic doula Tameka Walker, the circle provides a warm supportive environment where families can connect, share and learn together. Registration is requested but not required. Call 843-255-6487 for more information.

“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.

Career Navigator 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., every Tuesday, Beaufort Branch Library, 311 Scott Street, Beaufort. Free one-on-one resume writing and job application assistance with a Career Navigator from Palmetto Goodwill. No appointments necessary. For more information call 843-255-6458.

Bridge Club 11 a.m., Wednesdays, Beaufort Branch Library, 311 Scott Street, Beaufort. Beginning September 18. The first session is for beginners new to the game, and following sessions will provide some instruction and we will learn as we play. Join us if you want to learn a new game, practice your skills, or need more players. Call the Beaufort Branch Library at 843-255-6458 for more information.

Baby Time 10 a.m. Thursdays through May 15, St. Helena Branch Library, 6355 Jonathan Francis Sr. Road, St. Helena Island. Join us for stimulating stories, activities, and more. Designed for babies, 0-18 months.

Mahjong Basics 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Thursday, St. Helena Branch Library, 6355 Jonathan Francis Sr. Road, St. Helena Island. Join us to learn the basics of this fun tile game. Intructor Donna Misuraca will teach participants the structure and rules of the game and guide you through how to play. All game materials will be provided. Call 843-2556540 for more information.

Mahjong Club 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Fridays, Beaufort Library, 311 Scott Street. All levels of players are welcome. Feel free to bring your own mahjong sets. Plan to meet every week. For more information, call the Beaufort Branch Library at 843-255-6458.

MEETINGS

PFLAG Savannah –

Beaufort Peer Group

6:30 p.m., first Tuesday of every month, Fellowship Hall, Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Beaufort (UUFB), 178 Sams Point Road, Beaufort. Free. The group will be moderated by Rick Hamilton and Kay Carr. The provides advocacy for the LGBTQ+ community, family, peers, and allies in the Lowcountry. The peer group provides a safe and strictly confidential environment for LGBTQ+ individuals, their families, friends, and allies to discuss the challenges faced in coming out or being out in neighborhoods, the workplace, school, or church. The organization offers resources for counseling, educating, and advocating to achieve an equitable, inclusive community where every LGBTQ+ person is safe, celebrated, empowered, and loved. Minors under the age of 18 are required to come with an adult parent, guardian, or mentor. Additional information about peer groups, membership, donations, and volunteering is on the website www.PFLAGSavannah.org and on Facebook.

Zonta Club of Beaufort 6 p.m., 4th Tuesday of each month, Smokehouse, Port Royal.

Rotary Club of Sea Island lunch meeting 12:15 p.m., 2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month, Sea Island Presbyterian Church, 81 Lady’s Island Drive, Lady’s Island. Social gathering every 3rd Tuesday at 5:30 pm, locations vary and posted on our website. For more information, visit www.seaislandrotary.org.

Rotary Club of Sea Island social gathering 5:30 p.m., 3rd Tuesday of each month, locations vary and posted on our website. For more information, visit www.seaislandrotary.org.

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.

The Beaufort Trailblazers –A Volunteer Group 8 a.m., first Thursday each month, Herban Marketplace, Beaufort. Anyone interested in supporting or building off-road/dirt/ wilderness mountain biking/jogging/walking trails near is encouraged to attend. For more information, call 843-575-0021 or email universitybicycles@hotmail.com.

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, 81 Lady's Island Dr., Ladys' Island. Catered breakfast from local chef. Speakers weekly. Occasional social events replace Friday mornings, but will be announced on our website, www.rotaryclubofthelowcountrybeaufort.org.

MUSIC

Live entertainment

7 to 11 p.m., Wednesdays, Luther’s Rare and Well Done, 910 Bay Street, downtown Beaufort. • 9 p.m. to midnight, Fridays & Saturdays, Luther’s Rare and Well Done, 910 Bay Street, downtown Beaufort.

Chris Jones 7 to 11 p.m., Thursdays, Luther’s Rare and Well Done, 910 Bay Street, downtown Beaufort.

Habersham Third Fridays Music on Market 5 to 8 p.m., third Friday of the month, Habersham Marketplace.

OUTDOORS/NATURE

Friends of Port Royal Cypress Wetlands Speakers Series –Andy Jones 5:30 p.m., Wednesday, Jan. 22, Shellring Ale Works. Andy Jones, Ph.D., will present “Why Cypress Wetlands is so Important to Birds.” Jones is a dedicated naturalist focused on the biodiversity of the southeastern U.S. Originally from Kingsport, Tenn., and Raleigh, N.C., he began his natural history journey at age 5. He earned a degree in biological sciences from the University of Tennessee and completed his Ph.D. on Philippine bird evolution at the University of Minnesota. From 2006 to early 2022, he served as curator of ornithology at the Cleveland Museum of Natural History, conducting research on bird genetics and leading initiatives like Lights Out Cleveland to protect migrating birds. Jones has also held various nonprofit leadership roles and was recognized as a Fellow of the American Ornithological Society. In May 2022, he became Executive Director of the Spring Island Trust and Lowcountry Institute.

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.

RUNNING

Daufuskie Island Marathon 8:30 a.m., Saturday, Jan. 18, Daufuskie Island. Half-marathon cost is $165; it starts at 9:30 a.m. Marathon cost is $185; it starts at 8:30 a.m. Sign up at https://bit. ly/3PsKXOm. Event is produced by Run 4 a Reason/ Rough Runners R4R. Runners will be greeted with a morning cup of coffee, cinnamon roll, and entertainment. Race through Haig Point, to Freeport, onto Church Road, and then back into Haig Point along the beach. After your race, a catered picnic lunch and an assortment of beverages await … including a cool beer provided you’re of legal drinking age. Runners will receive swag and a medal to commemorate the accomplishment. A local artist will engrave your finishing time while you enjoy the after party. Visit www.daufuskieislandmarathon. com for complete information and logistics. A ferry pass Daufuskie Island is NOT included in the registration – visit https://bit.ly/3DQJA9W for ferry pass tickets.

SPORTS/GAMES

ACBL Duplicate Bridge Club 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 a.m., Tuesdays, Carteret St. Events will be held weekly. Contact Director and Club Manager Susan DeFoe at 843-597-2541 for location.

Sometimes the path leads away from a father’s dreams

and calculus.

It is Tuesday, and I’m sitting on my reconditioned deck in Port Royal. This afternoon the weather is cooler and so I’m tending a small fire in my stainless steel, Solo- brand fire-pot.

During my plebe year at The Citadel, I came within seven demerits of expulsion. My roommate came within nine demerits. During our final week on campus (before the summer break) we agreed that we liked each other; but we also agreed we were toxic in combination. After a couple of beers at Rabens Tavern we decided to seek out new roommates for our second year.

In that second year, I found a new roommate but soon discovered that we shared a unique disability.

My new roommate’s father was a physician; my dad was a research immunologist; and both of these men desperately wanted their first born sons to follow in their footsteps.

My roommate’s father arranged for him to watch surgical procedures; my father arranged for me

to watch autopsies. Both fathers steered their progeny into the sciences and, in my case, into science fairs where I would sometimes graft white (rabbit) skin onto black rabbits.

I don’t know what kind of grades Tommy got in high school, but I suspect they were as mediocre as my own. I can remember presenting my father with a C+ in algebra and him reacting like I had contracted smallpox.

Being a pre-med major at The Citadel was entirely inconsistent with being a successful, fully-functioning cadet. The nightly demands of the system — the rifle disassembly; the brass and shoe polishing; the folding of one’s underwear into neat, stackable

rectangles — made it next to impossible to open, much less read a chemistry text.

Somehow we both survived that second year academically but were on the cusp of failure when it came to military matters. We didn’t have rank, we had way too many demerits; and I suspect there was the unspoken consensus among our peers that we belonged somewhere else.

Eventually I would find Bill Stansbury, the cadet who would become the company commander, and that attachment is what probably got me through. Tommy also found another cadet who helped him navigate the system.

After graduation Tommy went into the ministry and pastored a series of churches in the Southeast. In those years he would occasionally call and we would talk about our work, our young families, emphasizing the small successes that gave our lives substance. These telephone calls were infrequent; but we both wanted to underscore that we had succeeded notwithstanding our earlier, unhappy struggle with chemistry

These days we talk with greater frequency — almost every month — and I must say I was surprised when he told me his son had gone to The Citadel. I took even more satisfaction upon learning that his son had succeeded where we had failed — his son rising up to battalion staff and then, after graduation, that same son going to medical school eventually becoming a Naval Flight Surgeon.

(I must confess here that I also took pride in telling Tommy about my son. And though he did not go to The Citadel, or become a doctor, I do get to watch my son’s creative ability every Sunday Night along with a large cohort of other football fans.)

At the end of our telephone conversations there is always his question, “Will you pray with me?”

I’m not completely comfortable with this because, well, I don’t do a lot of communal praying and that kind of conversation is hard for me.

“Lord,” he begins without waiting for my reply, “I know you’re

Tips from SC on how to save Social Security

busy with other people and places. Places like Ukraine and Sudan but I would ask that you look after Scott and Susan …”

As Tommy prays, my mind wanders back to a sepia-tinted image of two semi-bald cadets trying to polish the brass insignia on their dress uniforms and — at the same time — learn the principles of chemistry.

It is not unusual that a father would want his son to follow his footsteps. I suspect Dad first dreamed this dream in the Philippines during World War II. Some of my classmates had a family business that they were expected to join, grow and then pass on to a grandchild.

But sometimes one has to cycle through a series of courses, a dozen professors, follow a path that is indirect, involves detour and requires that one pivot.

And sometimes that path leads one away from the tropical dreams dreamed by one’s father.

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

By Holley Ulbrich

Like many other states, South Carolina found itself in difficulty with its public pension system in the last two decades.

Years ago, the Social Security model of a defined- benefit pension program was widely adopted by states for their own public employees, but many of these state systems were underfunded.

South Carolina’s underfunding resulted from a costly retirement incentive program and some serious errors in managing the funds.

The 2000 dot.com crash and the 2008 housing crash took more bites out of the fund. Low pay for state workers and the availability of a 401(k) option for some state workers reduced the ratio of workers paying into the fund of retirees collecting benefits. Underfunding slowed down growth of revenue from the system’s assets even as payouts to retirees were rising.

IBut like at least a few other states, South Carolina has assumed its responsibilities to current and retired state workers. States like South Carolina increased the employee contribution by a moderate amount and the state contribution by a much larger amount until the system’s assets are at least close actuarially to being properly funded.

In the last few years, the fund has actually seen revenue from pension fund contributions exceed payments to beneficiaries. Professional management, closely supervised by a commission with suitable professional qualifications, has made significant progress toward full funding. South Carolina does not give cost-of-living adjustments (COLA), but it does provide an annual 1% increase, subject to a $500 cap.

Why am I writing to our U.S. senators about this issue? Because there are close parallels between

“...the Social Security Trust Fund is shrinking. Let’s do something NOW...”

HOLLEY ULBRICH, on the urgency of Social Security reform.

what is happening in the states and the urgent need to take action on federal Social Security. Like South Carolina’s public pension plan, Social Security is a defined-benefit plan that is not adequately funded. But unlike the S.C. General Assembly, Congress has been all talk and no action. The only cap in Social Security is on the amount of wages and salary subject to the Social Security tax.

We should consider

removing the federal cap on income subject to the tax and impose a cap on benefits instead. The average billionaire doesn’t derive much income from something as plebeian as wages and salaries, but rather from profits, dividends, capital gains and other forms of compensation that are not subject to Social Security taxes. So, they have no reason to object.

Football coaches, university presidents and others might have a challenge rearranging their income streams to evade some of the tax, but it would still generate considerably more revenue.

Why do we also need a benefit cap? Part of the challenge of increasing the income cap subject to Social Security tax is that it would result in higher future benefits to be paid to those high-end workers, based on their full earnings. A second cap would be needed on benefits to make this proposal work. Most higher income earners

have access to additional retirement income from pensions, 401(K) plans and investments. So a benefit cap would not be a serious challenge to their lifestyle.

Social Security was never meant to be the sole source of retirement income, although it is for many Americans. Right now, the maximum possible benefit for a single individual is about $6,000 a month, or $72,000 a year, which should enable someone to survive without depending on the local food bank. A benefit cap of $6 000 a month with an annual COLA should not be too much hardship to bear.

Married? A spouse with limited earnings can claim half her husband’s benefit, raising the family income from Social Security alone to as much as $108 000 (In the South Carolina retirement system, unlike Social Security, retirees can assure survivor benefits for a spouse only by reducing their own monthly benefit

Focus on what’s real, not made-up

t’s beyond unfathomable that people are really talking about taking Greenland or Panama by force – and that others around the world are paying attention and responding with grave concerns. Sure, when the future leader of the free world, President-elect Donald Trump, starts spewing nuttiness again about Greenland – and then throws in Panama for good measure – you probably need to pay attention, particularly when the United States has a huge nuclear arsenal in its back pocket.

But come on, really? This is nonsense – just another way for the narcissistic Trump to try to steal the limelight from real events that matter, from the terrible wildfires in California to war in Ukraine to the emotional state funeral for former President Jimmy Carter.

Instead of giving these issues and others their proper

respect, we’re left with a political version of Seinfeld – big, old nothing-burgers. Perhaps that’s what’s ahead for four more years – emotional rollercoasters of political nothingness – not to make America great, but to lead the country into a downward spiral, just as Great Britain lost world power decades ago to become just plain old Britain.

Americans of all stripes should be outraged by this manufactured malarkey caused by intellectual laziness about what democracy actually is, the lack of apprecia-

tion for history and the unfettered algorithm that spews forth nonsense in the social media channels that addict Americans.

Even some solid conservative Republicans seem to be a little frustrated, as illustrated in recent days by a comment by S.C. Senate Majority Leader Shane Massey, R-Edgefield, after the squeaker of a vote to reelect U.S. Rep. Mike Johnson, R-Louisiana, as House Speaker. He wrote:

“The number of messages and emails I have received today from people complaining about me not voting for Rep. Mike Johnson for Speaker of the United State House of Representatives really … seriously … makes me question if there is even a basic understanding of civics (or spelling or geography) in this country. Please bring back Schoolhouse Rock!”

Massey also hit it out of the park this week by encouraging holistic tax reform, not just another round

of income tax cuts being sought by the establishment. He said he believes sales and property taxes that fund local governments also need to be on the table, particularly when some local governments have passed measures so that taxes on prepared food at restaurants are higher here than in places like Los Angeles and New York City.

“In the name of home rule, we’ve let some localities go crazy,” Massey said, according to the S.C. Daily Gazette. “That has an impact on the business climate.”

A story this week in Statehouse Report highlights how some budgeting experts say the proposal to reduce South Carolina’s income tax is little more than a bait-andswitch to give the richest South Carolinians another tax cut to the detriment of regular taxpayers.

So yes, bring back more civics education in the form of the $50 million national campaign we called for in 2018 to teach

to ensure those payments.) Retirees on the lower end of the income spectrum receive a larger percentage of their average wage than wealthier retirees.

Benefits are also more favorable to households with a single high-earner than those relying on two earners, each with a more moderate income. Certainly there are other challenges to be addressed, such as treatment of two-income families, but time is wasting and the Social Security Trust Fund is shrinking. Let’s do something NOW to increase the revenue and slow the growth of future benefits.

Holley Ulbrich is a professor emerita of economics at Clemson University. She holds a doctorate in economics from the University of Connecticut and a master of theological studies degree from Emory University. She is a member of the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Clemson, S.C., teaches adult religious education and does circuit preaching in small congregations.

politics

people about the importance of free speech, the common good, democratic institutions and the rule of law.

Bring back common sense. Stop paying so much attention to the screen. Bring back thinking.

As GOP Sen. Larry Grooms, R-Berkeley, said in 2019: “All educated people should have an understanding of our founding documents and understand where individual rights come from and how those individual rights are exercised. If we ever lose sight of those, we’re back into mob rule.” Embracing the rule of law, he said, “is something that conservatives and liberals should both embrace — the whole notion of a public discourse where you’re in the marketplace of ideas.”

Andy Brack is editor and publisher of the Charleston City Paper and Statehouse Report. Have a comment? Send it to feedback@statehousereport.com.

SCOTT GRABER

ANDY BRACK

Editor’s Note:

Chaos is an acquired taste

In just a couple of days, the world will witness Donald J. Trump's return to the Oval Office as the duly re-elected president of the United States of America.

Since the election results were finalized, I and many other Americans have been working through the stages of grief over this prospect.

First, denial: I can’t believe we are about to have another four years of this frigging guy.

Bargaining: Surely something will happen to save us from another four years of this frigging guy.

Anger: I can’t believe! We are going to have! Another four years! Of this frigging guy!

Depression: Lord, please help us through four more years of this frigging guy. Amen.

And finally, acceptance,

followed by a question: Why do we count presidents by terms instead of counting the number of people who served? One person being both 45th and 47th seems … odd. But hey, we’re in a post-logic society now, right? Anything goes! I have watched and read as world-class editorial cartoonists have been shut down by the owners of the newspapers carrying their creations because they depicted a little too accurately just how far these tech billionaires are genuflecting to try to protect themselves

against scrutiny from the incoming administration.

The whole concept of “eff you” money goes out the window when you look at these people. They have enough money to last 100 lifetimes and yet the first thing they do when they see Trump coming is breaking out the kneepads. I don't get it.

Maybe they learned the right (or wrong) lessons from Elon Musk and X. I've written here that I thought it was a colossal mistake on his part to buy the former Twitter, that the best he could hope to do was not lose as much money as most people on social media platforms based on public input.

How wrong I was. He has made the once-popular platform into a cesspool of lies and misinformation that functions as a little more than a loss leader to host his

efforts to boost and influence the incoming Trump White House. No doubt the money he has spent so far, no matter how much he ticks off Steve Bannon and the rest of the MAGA bigots, will return profits for his other companies.

With Jeff Bezos neutering the Washington Post, and Musk leveraging his millions into a shadow presidency, Meta’s Mark Zuckerberg probably felt like he had no choice but to yield to the turning tides.

In his announcement, Zuckerberg said, “We will end the current third-party fact-checking program in the United States and instead begin moving to a Community Notes program. … We want to undo the mission creep that has made our rules too restrictive and too prone to over-enforcement.” I can agree with him on

part of this. It takes little to nothing to earn a timeout on Facebook if you use the wrong words or phrases, including references to one’s own faith. I used to manage a message board where I could enter words that would flag posts to be sent to me for review, but that ancient technology seems to be missing at Facebook, where the “wrong” words are evaluated entirely out of context.

Anyone with a satirical bent or snarky tone would do well to err on the side of caution.

But does he really think community-based aunts and uncles, mamaws, and poppops who regularly get riled up and forward misinformation can recognize that stuff better than professional fact-checkers? I think not.

This is our new reality. We have a habitual liar/felon in

the White House, a Congressional majority of habitual liars who support him at every opportunity, and a nation of supporters who pretend anybody who actually listens to him and takes him seriously from some derangement syndrome. I refuse, though, to succumb to the MSNBC model of continuing to tilt at windmills people have moved on from. Trump is in power. Some people will find out the hard way what they purchased with this pig in a poke. As for me, I know rain falls on the just and the unjust. I have faith in the long-term arc of the moral universe. In the short them? Viva la résistance!

Equipping teachers with right tools for student success

As an educator, I remember the late nights all too well — the hours spent piecing together resources, searching online and crafting material.

Like so many educators, I wanted my lessons to engage every student and meet the expectations of rigorous state standards. It’s a Herculean effort.

This isn’t just my story. Across the country, countless teachers are doing the same, pouring their hearts into creating lessons from scratch.

Unfortunately, research from TNTP (formerly The New Teacher Project) shows that these well-intentioned, teacher-created resources align with grade-level standards only about 20% of the time, according to a 2018 report.

This is not because teachers aren’t working hard enough. It’s because we’re asking them to do too much with too little.

This status quo leaves students without consistent access to the quality instruction they deserve, and it’s exhausting for teachers. But it doesn’t have to be this way.

If we want to honor teachers’ time and position them to thrive in their classrooms, we must provide only the best instructional resources — tools that free them to teach, not force them to work long hours after school to fill gaps on their own.

Imagine asking a carpenter to build a house with a dull saw or bent nails. Even the most skilled craftsman would struggle to deliver quality work.

Teachers face a similar challenge when they’re handed outdated, incomplete, or unengaging materials and asked to “just make

it work.”

By equipping teachers with quality, well-designed resources, we give them the tools to deliver meaningful instruction that meets the needs of all their students. These tools provide a reliable toolbox from which to work. These materials don’t stifle a teacher’s creativity. They enhance it.

But tools alone aren’t enough. Teachers also need meaningful professional support to help them succeed in the classroom.

In South Carolina, nearly 20,000 teachers have begun specialized training programs designed to deepen their understanding of how children learn to read, particularly in foundational skills like phonics.

These programs emphasize evidence-based strategies that equip teachers to teach essential skills such as decoding words, building fluency, and fostering comprehension. With this practical knowledge, teachers are better prepared to give every child the strong reading foundation they need to succeed.

When paired with high-quality classroom materials, this kind of professional learning has the power to truly transform instruction and help students thrive.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Thank you, Mike McCombs

I want to thank you for publishing information for veterans in The Island News. Articles by Larry Dandridge have proven to of great value to me.

A few years ago I had issues that were very difficult to resolve with the Veterans Administration. However, Mr. Dandridge’s articles have given me a clear path about which forms and departments are critical to communicate my needs with the VA.

The Beaufort area has a high proportion of the populous that are veterans. I’m sure your newspaper with this relevant material is of great value to them.

– Wes Schuster, St. Helena Island

Likely a labor shortage fix

The article by Scott Graber and Lolita Huckaby Watson, “Council, administration must regain voters’ faith” (Jan. 9, 2025) did a good job outlining the Hilton Head Island “road shortfall,” and the stumbles by the council and county administration. However, I don’t think that they

When we provide teachers with quality tools and meaningful professional support, we amplify their impact in the classroom. These efforts don’t just lighten their workload, they help retain passionate educators and improve outcomes for students.

Here in South Carolina, we’re making real progress.

Thanks to strong support from the General Assembly and the State Board of Education, the South Carolina Department of Education has adopted new instructional materials for English language arts, which are already being implemented in schools statewide.

We’re also in the process of reviewing math materials with the

same level of care to ensure they meet state standards and provide teachers with the resources they need for student success.

These efforts are paying off.

I recently spoke with a South Carolina teacher who shared how having access to new instructional materials freed her from hours of preparation.

“Now, I can focus on engaging my students instead of worrying about creating lessons from scratch,” she told me.

This is exactly the kind of impact we’re working to achieve.

When teachers have access to high-quality materials, they can spark curiosity, foster critical thinking, and promote the kind of lasting learning that sets stu-

are responsible for the impact of the pandemic and its lockdown. Specifically, “why more money is now needed to improve the roads.”

Materials and labor are more expensive because of industrial shortages, workforce shortage, and quantitative easing. Many “baby boomers” left the workforce, and there were over a million deaths in the country, which had a labor impact.

The CEO of Land O’Lakes, Beth Ford, has publicly stated that if people want to see a decrease in food costs, the government needs to improve the farm visa program. The Congress doesn’t seem to understand this problem, but industry understands there is a labor shortage. The solution is more work visas, not less.

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce states that the U.S. workforce has lost 1 7 million people since 2020. The H-1B visa, and the H-2B visa programs cap visas at 85,000 and 99 000, respectively. Any reasonably intelligent person can understand that if we want to lower the cost of everything and have a strong economy, we need more labor.

This is not “MAGA think”, but it’s true.

Perhaps the county could lobby the state to increase the

dents up for success — not just in school, but in life.

Let’s renew our commitment to supporting South Carolina’s teachers and students. By giving teachers the tools and training they need, we can ensure every child has access to an excellent education and the opportunity to reach their full potential.

Matthew Ferguson is the chief academic officer and deputy superintendent for college, career, and military readiness at the South Carolina Department of Education. With experience in teaching, school and district leadership in Darlington County, and former executive director of the S.C. Education Oversight Committee, he believes strongly in the potential of providing an excellent education for every child.

accommodations tax allowed from 3% to 5%. An extra 2% could be applied to the roads. Or the added lanes could be toll roads, like the Cross Island Parkway. It is no longer a toll road because the bonds were satisfied in 2021 – Gerald Blount, St. Helena Island

More on veterans content

My name is Roy Yenchesky. I am an advocate for veterans and veterans benefits.

I have recently been in contact with Larry Dandridge and I read and share Larry's interesting and informative articles on Veteran's benefits.

I am the Membership Chair for a National Military Officers Association of America (MOAA) Virtual Chapter and also the Membership Chair for a chapter of the 82nd Airborne Division Association. His information is extremely valuable to many veterans, their families, and survivors in my sphere.

Thank you for this important resource.

– Roy Yenchesky

MATTHEW FERGUSON

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

TERRY MANNING

The South Carolina Department of Education headquarters in Lexington County. Photo courtesy of S.C. Department of Education

VOICES

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

The contrast is undeniably clear

As I was watching coverage of President Jimmy Carter’s funeral, a series of pictures flashed on the screen, and one took me by surprise; in fact I was momentarily shocked till I looked closer. President Carter was shown wearing a bright red cap, leaning over a work bench with hammer and nail in hand.

For one moment, all I could think was “MAGA” hat, although the rational part of my brain knew otherwise. Indeed, the logo on the hat was that of Habitat for Humanity, and the picture was used in reference to Carter’s devotion to this organization.

This brief flash was a reminder that the contrast between Carter and the perpetrator of the now infamous “red hat” is so stark that one can only stand in amazement.

From the time the 39th president was elected until he failed to be reelected in 1980, I insisted he was too moral to be in politics. And Washington made it apparent that they didn’t find his Plains, Ga., way of thinking to be a positive change from business as usual.

Despite the fact that Carter came in after having served as

Governor of his state, the Washington “elite” of both parties were somehow horrified that a peanut farmer occupied the White House. In 1976, Carter promised voters that he would bring change to Washington, and as soon as he arrived, it was clear he intended to do so. Instead of glad-handing and boozing with members of Congress, he immediately sold off the presidential yacht, Sequoia, to save the taxpayers money. There was never any questioning as to where that money was spent, nor do I recall his standing where the Sequoia was docked, selling small gold replicas of that yacht … but I digress.

The fact that the Trumps opted to attend the Carter funeral was cause for questioning on the part of some, myself included. Why would a man who spoke nothing

but ill of the deceased, show up at his funeral? In 2019, Trump tossed out about Carter, “Nice man, terrible President.”

Later Trump stated Carter was the worst President in history, but then added that the 39th president had to be “a very happy man since his presidency was great compared to that of President Biden.”

Well, Donald, just as an aside, I would like to suggest that you attained half of your 2019 statement. As to why you attended the service, dedicated to a man for whom you showed such little respect, remains open to conjecture. Photo op, perhaps?

And while I am drawing comparisons, I can remember how everyone made fun of Carter’s comment that he had “lusted in his heart.” Imagine, if you can, that coming from Trump who’s now a convicted felon in the hush money trial regarding a porn star.

It’s worth noting that Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter were married for 77 years, the longest married couple in presidential history, until her death in November of 2023. The marital history of Donald Trump, not to mention his “lusting,” can be assessed by you, dear reader. There is a level of sadness that

Carter’s accomplishments during his only term in office failed to be recognized until his death. Yes, written word regarding his philanthropy after he left office was plentiful as were those works in which he so vigorously engaged, but consider the following.

Jimmy Carter created a national energy policy that included conservation, price control, and new technology. He also successfully pursued the Camp David Accords which were a framework for peace in the Middle East, negotiated between Egyptian President Anwar Sadat and Israeli Prime Minister, Menachem Begin. The agreements were signed on Sept. 17, 1978, at Camp David, the presidential retreat in Maryland. The creation of FEMA was also Carter’s to claim. Furthermore, he negotiated the Panama Canal Treaties and the second round of Strategic Arms Limitations Talks.

I’m sorry, but a partially completed wall that Mexico didn’t pay for doesn’t make the list. Of course the most recent and more familiar pictures of Jimmy Carter are those where he is working on houses for Habitat for Humanity, this when he was in his early 90s. Just as an

aside, there are no pictures of or Jimmy’s throwing rolls of paper towels. Nor did we ever see Rosalynn wearing clothing touting, “I don’t care!”

Again, I digress, but that’s what this column is about … contrast!

To conclude, the nation watched as many in government, present and past, gathered to pay their respects to a man of character. Family members as well as sons of political rivals, now deceased, paid homage.

The ceremony was one of well-deserved pomp and circumstance. It should be noted that a major part of that ceremonial tribute included the President’s casket being brought from the Capitol Rotunda to the National Cathedral by men of the armed forces, none of whom would ever be called suckers and losers. Nor were you, President Carter. You were luminescent in the political dark, despite the efforts of those who battled you. Indeed you were a man for all seasons. Rest in peace.

is a

Carol

and a

of

Why history warns against Bessent’s economic agenda

Scott Bessent’s nomination as Treasury Secretary under the second Trump administration has largely escaped scrutiny – perhaps because, unlike some of Trump’s more colorful nominees, Bessent is neither surrounded by scandal nor prone to outlandish statements. Instead, he presents himself as a serious financial professional, quietly championing deregulation, aggressive tax cuts, and protectionist tariffs.

Unfortunately, history shows us that quiet policies can wreak havoc when left unchecked, and the Trump-Bessent economic agenda is more likely to leave the economy wheezing than roaring.

In his defense, Bessent recently invoked Alexander Hamilton in an op-ed he wrote to justify his love of tariffs, claiming that Hamilton’s “favorite tool” would address a wide range of Trump’s policy initiatives, from ending illegal immigration to opening foreign markets to U.S. exports. It’s worth a closer look at Hamilton and other successful Treasury secretaries, something Bessent may have overlooked.

Treasury secretaries like Hamilton, William Gibbs McAdoo, and Henry Morgenthau Jr. teach us that economic leadership requires long-term vision, stability, and balance. Bessent, however, seems to prefer Hamilton’s methods

over his principles, and therein lies the problem.

Alexander Hamilton, the nation’s first Treasury Secretary, faced the unenviable task of saving a fledgling economy drowned in war debt and confusion. Hamilton, not being one to sit idle, proposed tariffs as part of a broader strategy to protect specific industries and fund the government.

However, even Hamilton – the visionary that he was – knew that tariffs were like salt: a little improves the dish, but too much will ruin it. Further, the circumstances of the young, isolated American economy bear little resemblance to today’s deeply interconnected global market.

Bessent, on the other hand, proposes tariffs on nearly everything that moves, including a 60% tariff and threats of a 100% tariff on Mexican-made goods, as if economic prosperity is found at the bottom of a trade war. Someone ought to remind Bessent of the Smoot-Hawley Tariff Act of 1930, which achieved what seemed impossible: worsening the Great Depression. Perhaps Bessent thinks that history doesn’t

repeat itself – but we’ve all heard it rhymes, and his plan sounds suspiciously familiar.

William Gibbs McAdoo, Treasury Secretary under Woodrow Wilson, understood that stability required balancing the needs of industry with meaningful oversight. He understood that chaos didn’t fix itself, and that the government must act where the private sector falls short.

At a time when the financial system was as reliable as Nancy Mace’s positions – ever flailing in the wind – McAdoo brought order by overseeing the establishment of the Federal Reserve System, ensuring that credit flowed to farmers, small businesses, and rural communities – not just Wall Street’s coffers.

Let’s pause here to acknowledge that McAdoo, like the Wilson administration itself, carried significant flaws. The Wilson administration’s role in advancing segregation in federal offices was inexcusable then as it is now. Yet, on the economic front, McAdoo understood something Trump and Bessent would do well to consider: regulation is not an enemy of prosperity, but its sturdy foundation.

When the financial panic of 1914 arrived, induced by the onset of World War I, McAdoo acted swiftly by temporarily closing the New York Stock Exchange and issuing nearly $15 billion in today’s money to avert disaster. No hem-

ming, hawing, or waiting for market “self-correction” – just action. Imagine what McAdoo would think of Bessent’s calls for sweeping deregulation, which resemble handing the car keys back to the very drivers who crashed the economy in 2008.

Where McAdoo ensured stability through balanced regulation and swift governmental action, Bessent seems eager to tear down the guardrails that have allowed the nation to weather the storms. Rolling back these protections, as Bessent advocates, would recreate the same conditions of instability that McAdoo and his contemporaries worked to solve over a century ago.

Henry Morgenthau Jr., Treasury Secretary under Franklin D. Roosevelt, understood that a strong economy requires bold action in times of crisis and safeguards that endure for future generations. As the nation faced the Great Depression, Morgenthau oversaw programs that stabilized the economy, rebuilt public trust, and provided Americans with protections that still anchor economic security today.

The passage of Social Security remains one of the crowning achievements of FDR’s administration, and we give a big thanks to Morgenthau for it. At a time when the elderly, unemployed, and disabled faced abject poverty, Social Security offered aid that

restored dignity to millions of Americans. Nearly a century later, it continues to be one of the most significant bulwarks against economic hardship, ensuring that Americans – whether retirees, the disabled, or surviving family members – have a basic level of financial security.

Morgenthau also oversaw the establishment of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), which restored faith in the banking system and ensured that Americans no longer had to stash money in mattresses or worry about bank runs robbing them of their life savings.

The FDIC’s guarantee of bank deposits eliminated the fear of bank runs and gave Americans the confidence to put their money back into the economy.

Without these reforms, economic recovery would have stalled before it began.

By contrast, Bessent’s support for deficit-driven tax cuts and deregulation threaten to undo these protections. Extending or renewing Trump’s 2017 tax cuts, coupled with further slashing corporate tax rates to 15%, will add trillions to the deficit. Bessent seems determined to test Social Security’s durability by starving it so we can learn these history lessons once again. Deregulation might look good in a boardroom, but history tells us it doesn’t end well for anyone without a yacht.

Scott Bessent’s nomination as Treasury Secretary

may not come with the usual fanfare of modern politics, but the economic agenda he supports deserves far more scrutiny. Leaders like Hamilton, McAdoo, and Morgenthau faced crises with bold action, balanced solutions, and a vision for long-term stability.

Hamilton knew when to use tariffs and when to stop; Bessent seems ready to slap a tariff on anything that isn’t nailed down. McAdoo understood that markets needed guardrails; Bessent wants to hand Wall Street the keys and hope for the best. Morgenthau built Social Security to last generations; Bessent risks weakening its very foundation.

Scott Bessent may look to Hamilton for misplaced validation, but his economic agenda belongs on the shelf of failed ideas, not alongside Hamilton’s achievements. Tariffs aren’t a magic wand. Deregulation doesn’t create stability. And tax cuts don’t pay for themselves – no matter how many times someone says it with a straight face. If we ignore history now, the consequences won’t just be predictable – they’ll be avoidable, and that’s far worse. Here’s to the U.S. Senate asking Bessent the tough questions during his confirmation hearing.

Charleston attorney Mac Deford is a Coast Guard veteran and a graduate of The Citadel. He was a Democratic candidate for South Carolina’s 1st Congressional District in 2024.

Lucas

retired high school teacher

Lady’s Island resident. She is the author

the recently published “A Breath Away: One Woman’s Journey Through Widowhood.”

CAROL LUCAS

MAC DEFORD

Nashville native Sailor

By Lindsay Schreiber Naval Hospital Beaufort

MILLINGTON, Tenn. –Petty Officer 1st Class John Thompson, a native of Nashville, was recently named Sailor of the Year (SOY) for fiscal year 2024 while serving at Navy Medicine Readiness and Training Command (NMRTC) Beaufort.

SOY is an award given to an enlisted sailor in the Navy who is in the pay grade of E-6. The award recognizes sailors who demonstrate sustained superior performance, leadership and professionalism.

Thompson, a 2002 Whites Creek High School graduate, joined the Navy 20 years ago.

"I was originally in Air Force Junior ROTC in high school and was almost talked into joining the Army or the National Guard, but I decided not to pursue it," said Thompson. "After a year of balancing college and working at UPS, the

had been taught growing up in the scripture."

Today, Thompson serves as a hospital corpsman responsible for providing medical care to Navy and Marine Corps personnel and their families.

the United States is directly linked to recruiting and retaining talented people from across the rich fabric of America.

in serving America through military service.

U.S. Navy began pursuing me. I was drawn to the obvious benefits since I wanted to take care of my family one day. I've been married for 18 years now and we have three beautiful girls. It feels good knowing that they are taken care of."

The skills and values need-

ed to succeed are similar to those found in Nashville.

"The biggest thing that I had leaving home was my faith in Christ," said Thompson. "I grew up in what is normally called the 'Bible Belt.' Most of the disciplinary requirements of the U.S. Navy align with what I

According to Navy officials, NMRTC’s mission is to prepare service members to deploy in support of operational forces, deliver high-quality healthcare services and shape the future of military medicine through education, training and research. NMRTC serves as the single point of contact in support of installation and operational commanders, providing medical information, support and over medical cognizance of the active duty and reserve force.

With 90% of global commerce traveling by sea and access to the internet relying on the security of undersea fiber optic cables, Navy officials continue to emphasize that the prosperity of

Thompson serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation’s prosperity and security.

“We will earn and reinforce the trust and confidence of the American people every day,” said Adm. Lisa Franchetti, chief of naval operations. “Together we will deliver the Navy the nation needs.”

Thompson has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.

"I'm humbled to admit that I was happy just to make it to first class in 2020, right at the edge of the 16-year higher tenure limit," said Thompson. "I am now able to get to the 20-year retirement mark because of it."

Thompson can take pride

"Serving in the Navy is a privilege," said Thompson. "I speak to many who wish to serve but weren't able to. It's an opportunity to fight evil and aid the weak and it's a blessing because of the wide range of resources for military families."

Thompson offered some words of advice for those who may be seeking a career in the Navy.

"Surviving in the U.S. Navy is as simple as breathing A.I.R. (Accountability, Integrity and Respect)," added Thompson. "We shouldn't tolerate things that are wrong, and we should hold ourselves and others accountable for their actions. We also must have the integrity to do right at all times as ambassadors of the U.S. Navy. Lastly, we give everyone around respect. 'And as you wish that others would do to you, do so to them' – Luke 6:31."

More for veterans with service-connected asbestos injuries

Veterans should file claim with the VA — and claims with Asbestos Trusts or lawsuits

This is article two of three encouraging veterans and non-veterans (and their families) to file claims with asbestos trusts for injuries, illnesses, and conditions caused by or contributed to by asbestos exposure. Veterans are also encouraged to file claims with the VA for military service-connected disability compensation for asbestos-caused injuries, illnesses, diseases, and conditions.

Veterans who served before 1990 are at high risk of asbestos injuries

While most veterans are aware of the option to file a claim with the VA for a military service-connected disability caused by asbestos exposure, it is essential to note that the VA Claims process is a separate process from filing claims against asbestos trusts and lawsuits. This distinction is crucial for veterans (and non-veterans) to understand as they navigate their options for claims against asbestos trusts and lawsuits.

Urgent appeal to veterans to file claims with Asbestos Trusts

Good news: Veterans (and non-veterans) can receive compensation from the manufacturers of the asbestos-containing products they were exposed to. Currently, there are more than 70 asbestos bankruptcy settlement trusts, with billions of dollars set aside to compensate workers (veterans and non-veterans) injured by their products. More than $30 billion resides in the trust system today.

More good news: Veterans and non-veterans do not have to prove their injuries were

caused by asbestos exposure in an asbestos trust claim; they only need to prove that asbestos was a contributing cause of the veteran’s disease. Veterans and non-veterans can establish their exposure simply by showing that they served at one of the thousands of locations (including Navy/Army ships/vessels and military bases) on the trusts' site lists. For example, a veteran or non-veteran who worked at the Charleston, S.C., Navy Yard could file claims against 15 different Asbestos Trusts for any cancerous or non-cancerous injuries caused by asbestos if they: Are diagnosed with one of several specific asbestos-related diseases. Spent at least six months exposed to the specific trust company’s asbestos and • Have been exposed to asbestos from any source for at least five cumulative years.

Description of the Asbestos Trust System

The Asbestos Bankruptcy Trust System: Today, thousands of veterans are suffering from life-threatening illnesses caused by years of asbestos exposure. Asbestos is a material that was commonly used in hundreds of military applications, products, and ships because of its heat resistance, insulating properties, and ease of use.

Widespread military use: Every branch of the military used asbestos products during the 20th century, causing high rates of asbestos-related cancers and non-cancer injuries among veterans today. The timing of these high rates of injuries and claims is due to the latent nature of asbestos-related diseases, in which the manifestation of the disease can occur seven to 40 years or more after exposure.

Eligible veterans can receive compensation from Asbestos Trusts: Veterans can receive compensation from the manufacturers of the asbestos-containing products they were exposed to. Currently, there are around 70 asbestos bankruptcy settlement trusts, with billions of dollars set aside to compensate workers (veterans and non-veterans) injured by their products. Today, more than $30 billion in assets reside in the trust system.

History of Asbestos Trusts: Before the 1980s, asbestos was used everywhere in the country. In the 1980s, companies mining, manufacturing, and using asbestos faced tens of thousands of lawsuits in court. In 1994, Congress passed an amendment to bankruptcy law that allowed companies to set up asbestos trusts to compensate asbestos victims and spare the companies further lawsuits.

Vets only need to prove that asbestos was a contributing cause: Veterans do not have to prove their injuries were caused by asbestos exposure in an asbestos trust claim; they only need to prove that asbestos was a contrib-

uting cause of the veteran’s disease. Veterans can establish their exposure simply by showing that they served at locations (including Navy ships and boats or Army vessels) on the extensive site lists maintained by the trusts.

Multiple Asbestos Trusts: Veterans eligible to file a claim against an asbestos trust can file claims with multiple trusts and receive separate payments from each trust when their claim is approved. Because veterans’ exposure is presumed for any site listed on the Approved Asbestos Trust Site Lists, veterans are often awarded thousands of dollars for non-cancer-related injuries and potentially six-figure amounts for cancer injuries.

Trusts are set up on a model similar to Medicare: Congress has allowed companies that mined asbestos and manufactured asbestos products to declare bankruptcy and set up Asbestos Trusts with billions of dollars in over 70 trusts. Those bankrupt companies can no longer be sued in court, and claimants must file a claim with the asbestos trusts that apply to them. If a claimant meets the eligibility requirements, he or she gets paid. No adversary litigation, discovery, depositions, or courts are involved in claims against asbestos trusts. Eligibility is determined by the information and documentation submitted by the claimant, and if the claimant can check the required boxes, he or she gets paid.

Thousands of military bases and sites are on Approved Asbestos Trust Site Lists: For example, during this writer’s 24-year Army career, I was stationed, among other places, at Fort Campbell, Fort Bragg (now Fort Liberty), Fort Eu-

stis (now Joint Base Langley-Eustis), Hunter Army Airfield, Sierra Army Depot, and Patch Barracks in Germany. Each of these locations is on one or more Approved Asbestos Site Lists. Veterans are especially at high risk for asbestos injuries: Veterans make up about 30 percent of all people diagnosed with mesothelioma who asbestos trusts have paid. Veterans from every branch of military service who served before the late 1980s are at high risk of asbestos injuries. Veterans who served as aircraft, wheeled, and tracked vehicle mechanics, who served in navy jobs, and other maintenance specialties were at the highest risk for asbestos exposure. However, every veteran from that era had some degree of asbestos exposure. Before the 1980s, the military (and industry) had weak hazardous material handling programs and few Hazardous Material Data Sheets

Continued next week.

Larry Dandridge is a Vietnam War wounded warrior, disabled veteran, ex-Enlisted Infantryman, ex-Warrant Officer Pilot, and retired Lt. Colonel. He is a past Veterans Service Officer, a Patient Adviser at the RHJ VA Hospital, the Fisher House Charleston Good Will Ambassador, and the VP for Veteran Affairs for the local Army Association Chapter. Larry is the author of the award-winning book Blades of Thunder and a contributing freelance writer with The Island

LARRY DANDRIDGE

Hospital Corpsman First Class John Thompson was named Sailor of the Year for Navy Medicine Readiness and Training Command Beaufort. Lindsay Schreiber/Naval Hospital Beaufort

LOCAL MILITARY

UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS

Recruit Training Regiment, Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, South Carolina, 17 January 2025

Recruit Training Regiment • Commanding Officer, Colonel C. B. McArthur 3rd Recruit Training Battalion • Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Colonel B. L. Tye Commander of Troops, Captain Z. B. Abey • Parade Adjutant, Captain S. A. Carroll Company “N”, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion • Commanding Officer, Captain A. S. Abey Drill Master • Staff Sergeant B. A. Graham

PLATOON 3000

Senior Drill Instructor

SSgt M.J. Van Duyne

PVT Apontehernandez, Edgardo N.

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PLATOON 3001

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SSgt E. Tourigny

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PLATOON 3002

Senior Drill Instructor

SSgt T. J. Hepp

PFC Abrams Jr, T. J.*

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PLATOON 3004

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*Denotes Meritorious Promotion

SERVICE DIRECTORY

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