January 18 edition by The Island News

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LOWCOUNTRY LOWDOWN

LOLITA HUCKABY

1619 Project draws local attention to black history

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4th annual Oyster Festival set for weekend

From staff reports Tides to Tables Restaurant Week culminates this weekend with the fourth annual Beaufort Oyster Festival on Saturday and Sunday, Jan. 20-21 at the Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park. Organizers hope to at least match last year’s turnout, when the crowd ate more than 250 bushels of fresh oysters, not counting the oysters incorporated into the different oyster-based dishes sold by various food vendors present.

Food vendors this year include Black Marlin Bayside Grill & Hurricane Bar, SERG Restaurant Group, Sutton Construction, Mother Smokin’ Good BBQ LLC, Lady's Island Oyster, Locals Raw Bar, Tout Sweet Macarons, Almost Heaven Cheesecake and Sea Eagle Market. Vendor menus and prices (in tickets) are available on

the Beaufort Oyster Festival’s Facebook page at https://bit. ly/3HiZ98O. Tickets are $1 each. Oyster lovers can skip the line and go to https:// bit.ly/3SlPGDU to buy tickets ahead of the event. The Beaufort Area Hospitality Association, who organizes the event, has designated Shellring Aleworks as the exclusive beer provider for the Oyster Festival.

The festival kicks off Saturday morning, Jan. 20 with the Oyster Boogie 5K at 8 a.m. For details and sign-up information, visit https://bit.ly/47tVvmX. At 9 a.m. Saturday, Coastal Excursions will be hosting an Oyster Ecotour, leaving from its base camp on St. Helena Island. The 1½ hour tour will explore the expansive oyster reefs between the barrier islands and St. Helena to

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MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. DAY PARADE

BEAUFORT hen Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. came to Penn Center out on St. Helena Island in the late 1960’s, he and his advisors were drawn to the quiet, isolated campus as a place where they could sit together, talk quietly, share ideas, plan a course of action that would hopefully change the nation. Penn Center’s history notes that King, along with others of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, met there at least five times between 1964 and 1967, largely unreported by the local press and more importantly, those who opposed their strategies. One can’t help but compare those thought-provoking sessions that King and his colleagues must have had with a symbolic session held this past weekend during a 20-hour period in the fellowship hall of Tabernacle Baptist Church in downtown Beaufort. Billed as a marathon community reading by its organizers, the subject was The 1619 Project: A New Origin Story, an anthology of essays collected by the journalists at The New York Times and published in 2019. Since its publication the book and its accompanying educational curriculum have been praised for its focus on black history in this country but damned by conservatives as part of the “woke” culture and inflammatory. The curriculum was banned by Gov. Ron DeSantis in Florida and other states introduced legislation to do the same. Organizers of Saturday’s event — Marie LeRoy, Sally Lombard and TziPi Radonsky — felt the community read would be a way of bringing people together, introducing many to the published work and raise awareness about diversity and equality. The 100-plus citizens who took time

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A float in patriotic red, white and blue reminds everyone to, “VOTE” as it makes its way down Boundary Street during the annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day Parade on Monday, Jan. 15 in Beaufort. Bob Sofaly/The Island News

Children from Riverview Charter School carry their banner adorned with photos of the Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr., during the annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day Parade on Monday, Jan.15, as it makes its way along Boundary Street. The parade was blessed with perfect weather and mild temperatures. Bob Sofaly/The Island News

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INSIDE

BMH OB nurse wins DAISY award for ‘above and beyond’ care.

Center for the Arts opening Black Mermaids exhibit with a splash.

Haley looks ahead to New Hampshire after coming in third in Iowa.

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Lowcountry Life A2 News A2–7 Business A7 Health A8–9 Voices A10-11 Sports B1–2

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Mark Pritchard shot this photo of a Monarch butterfly on a Poinsettia plant in late December in his backyard on Dataw Island. Most Monarch butterflies migrate to Mexico by October, but it has been recently discovered that coastal South Carolina is home to a unique group of Monarchs that live here yearround. (See https://bit.ly/47DEQh9). To submit a Lowcountry Life photo, you must be the photographer or have permission to submit the photo to be published in The Island News. Please submit high-resolution photos and include a description and/or names of the people in the picture and the name of the photographer. Email your photos to theislandnews@gmail.com.

VETERAN OF THE WEEK

Beaufort’s “Sport” Lewis, 57, joined the United States Marine Corps in Mullins, S.C. in 1983. After Boot Camp at Parris Island, he trained as a Motor Transport operator. His first assignment was at Camp Lejeune followed by duty at Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii, from which he made multiple deployments to South Korea. He was next as-

Liston “Sport” Lewis

signed to MCAS Beaufort from which he deployed to Saudi

LISTON “SPORT” LEWIS Arabia and environs for Desert Shield/Storm. There he operated with convoys delivering resupplies where needed within the immediate theater of operations. In 1991, Lewis separated but then joined the active Reserves for four more years. He then worked for the Beaufort Fire Department for eight years before

changing careers; then 16 years with telephones and now with concrete services. He is a past commander of our VFW and a member of AMVETS. – Compiled by John Chubb, American Legion Post 207. For Veteran Of The Week nominations, contact jechubb1@gmail.com.

NEWS BRIEFS

South Carolina declared drought free

The S.C. Drought Response Committee declared Thursday, Jan. 11 that the entire state is now drought free. Due to significant rainfall since mid-December, the committee removed the incipient drought status of 16 counties and the moderate drought status of seven counties. The committee tries to avoid changing the drought status by two levels unless there is substantial support across all drought indicators, which is the case currently, said S.C.

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Emergency crews arrived on scene Thursday morning, Jan. 11 to find a two-vehicle collision with an SUV rolled over on its side and the driver trapped inside. Burton firefighters tunneled through the rear of the vehicle to rescue the driver. Photo courtesy of Burton Fire District State Climatologist Hope Mizzell said. The time of year was also a factor, since water use and evaporation are low during the winter months. Most stations across the state reported 7 to 14 inches of rain since Dec. 1, with a few reporting 15 to 20 inches. Elliot Wickham, water resources climatologist with the State Climatology Office, said that the Upstate had higher precipitation accumulation during the last 40 days than it did during the 91-day period of Sept. 1-Nov. 30, 2023, the period of climatological fall. The S.C. Drought Response Committee will continue to monitor conditions and meet as needed.

Public Test of ballot tabulating machines set for February 2

A public test of the Central Count Scanners (Ballot Tabulating Machines) for the February 3, 2024 Democratic Presidential Preference Primary (PPP) will begin on Friday, Feb. 2, 2024 at 10 a.m. at the Board of Voter Registration and Elections of Beaufort County office, located at 15 John Galt Road, Beaufort, S.C. 29906. For more information, call 843-255-6900. – Compiled from staff reports

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: Beaufort-born 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 Cat of the Week: Darwin is a laid-back cat who is eager to meet new friends. He is often found waiting by the door to Cat Room 8 to see who is visiting him next. Darwin enjoys spending time with other cats and people of all ages. He has spent most of his life in our cat rooms so he will need someone patient to help introduce him to his new home. Darwin is 1.5 years old, neutered, up to date on vaccines, and microchipped.

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Accounting

Burton Fire frees trapped driver

Just before 9 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 11, the Burton Fire District, Beaufort County EMS and Sheriff’s Office, responded to a reported vehicle collision on Ice House Road by the Parris Island Gateway intersection in which an injured driver was rescued. Initial reports were that the driver of an SUV was trapped. Emergency crews arrived on scene to find a two-vehicle collision with an SUV rolled over on its side and the driver trapped inside. Burton firefighters tunneled through the rear of the vehicle to rescue the driver who was transported to Beaufort Memorial Hospital with what were believed to be non-life threatening injuries. Traffic at the intersection of Ice House Road and Parris Island Gateway was slowed for approximately 30 minutes while emergency crews assisted the occupants and removed roadway hazards.

Sports Editor

Dog of the Week: Tater is as sweet as they come. This guy loves to go on car rides and meet new people, he is always down for an adventure. Tater loves to spend his time playing with his toys or going on walks on a nice sunny day. He would make a fun addition to any household, as long as they are always down to ride in the car. Tater is 2 years old, neutered, up to date on vaccines, and microchipped.

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

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

NEWS

Beaufort City Council approves $7.1 million bond for parks

By Delayna Earley The Island News Southside Park and Washington Street Park will be getting a $7.1 million makeover in 2024. During the first city council meeting of the year, on Tuesday, Jan. 9, 2024, council unanimously voted to approve a Parks and Tourism revenue bond that will help to fund improvements to the two parks. The bond, which will last 15 years, will be funded through the City of Beaufort’s local hospitality and accommodations tax revenue per a release issued by the city. During the council meeting, Paul Trask and Graham Trask spoke against approving the bond due to concerns that the park improvements do not qualify for the bond because they don’t see how the parks will improve or affect tourism. Mayor Phil Cromer said that originally, he did not support the bond due to the projected pricing of the parks, but after looking at it more carefully he thinks it is better to get it done all at one time, which was the turning point for him. “We should get just get it all done in one swoop,” Cromer said. City Council members also authorized City Manager Scott Marshall to contract with Nix Construction Company of Hilton Head Island to begin the first phase of construction at Southside Park. The first phase includes two playgrounds, one for younger children and one for older children, a pavilion, pathways, new parking and infrastructure such as stormwater drainage, landscaping, utilities, etc. The $3.3 million contract is expected to begin in the first quarter of this year.

Master plan for Southside Park City Council convened a Southside Park Task Force in early 2021, to plan to improve the 34-acre-park. Currently, the park offers green space, playing fields, walking paths and a dog park, but there is not a playground there. The City previously contracted with Woods + Partners to develop a Master Plan for the park, which County Council also adopted. Southside Park is in the Mossy

Oaks neighborhood, and Councilman Neil Lipsitz, who lives in the neighborhood, has acted as a liaison. A date for groundbreaking has not been announced. As for the historic Washington Street Park, improvements will include a new pavilion and the relocation of the basketball court in hopes of it becoming a multi-use court. A Washington Street Park De-

sign Committee, which is composed of neighborhood members and city employees, convened in 2023 to help provide input on improvements to the park. Washington Street Park is in the Northwest Quadrant in Beaufort. The Washington Street Park Design Committee is currently working on an updated master plan that will be presented to City Council in late January or February.

These improvements are expected to be completed by the end of 2024. The City has received grants, which it has matched, to pay for some of these improvements. Delayna Earley formerly worked as a photojournalist for The Island Packet/The Beaufort Gazette, as well as newspapers in Indiana and Virginia. She can be reached at delayna.theislandnews@gmail.com.

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JANUARY 18–24, 2024

NEWS

Second Gentleman Emhoff visits Beaufort

By Delayna Earley The Island News Beaufort played host last week to Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff at a local business in downtown Beaufort and at the historic Old Grace A.M.E. Church as he campaigned for his wife, Vice President Kamala Harris, and President Joe Biden. Emhoff began his day on Thursday, Jan. 11, 2024, by visiting Good Aura, a boutique on West Street in downtown Beaufort that specializes in sustainable women’s clothing and gifts, according to their website. Good Aura is owned by Melinda Hendrickson, also the chair of Families Against Book Banning (FABB), a group that has been advocating against banning books in Beaufort County since a list of 97 books were removed from Beaufort County School District (BCSD) libraries in October 2022 so that they could go through a review process. In addition to perusing Hendrickson’s store, Emhoff spoke with her and other members of the FABB Board of Directors about what they are doing. “We started talking about the book bans and what happened

Councilman Dawson to host public forum From staff reports County Council Member Gerald Dawson (District 1) is hosting one remaining public forum on the upcoming February Primary Elections – Thursday, Jan. 18, at 6 p.m. at Booker T. Washington Center, Yemassee. Beaufort County Director of Voter Registration and Elections Marie Smalls will be the guest speaker at the Gerald forum. For Dawson information about voter registration and other election information, visit Beaufort County Board of Voter Registration and Elections. "This will be a busy election year with primaries, preferred primaries and the general election – all of which can be a confusing and stressful process for residents," said Dawson in a news release. "We want to provide an opportunity for residents to learn more about the elections process, voter registration and get answers to their questions." The forum is open to the public and registration is not required. For more information, contact Dawson at 843-986-7265 or gdawson@bcgov.net.

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out of a busy, beautiful Saturday schedule and attended the reading probably agreed. If that reading could have been construed as “civil disobedience,” as some critics have called it, Dr. King probably would probably have smiled. Local elected officials easing into 2024 BEAUFORT – In the first three weeks of the new year, all the local government bodies have met and set their course for the coming year.

JANUARY 18–24, 2024

here locally in Beaufort County,” Hendrickson said. “We also shared with him how we have progressed and how now we are really fighting at the state level.” Hendrickson said that he encouraged them to get everyone out to vote. The following day, on Jan. 12, he made a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, about his visit to Good Aura and meeting the all-female board of FABB. “We can’t allow MAGA Republicans to ban books and prevent the teaching of America’s full and true history,” Emhoff’s post said. Following his trip to Good Aura, Emhoff made his way over to Old Grace A.M.E Church on Charles Street. There, Emhoff spoke before a packed room about the Biden-Harris ticket and how they are in a fight for the “soul of our nation.” President Biden and Vice President Harris are running mostly unopposed in South Carolina, but they have taken to touring the state with help from family and friends to get people out to vote in the Democratic primary on Feb. 3, 2024. Biden spoke at Mother Emanuel A.M.E Church in Charleston on Monday, Jan. 8, which is where

nine black parishioners were shot and killed by a white man during their Bible study in 2015, and Harris spoke in Myrtle Beach at the annual retreat at the 7th Episcopal District A.M.E Church Women’s Missionary Society in Myrtle Beach on Saturday, Jan. 6. This was the first stop for Emhoff on the campaign trail. “Our freedom, our democracy. It’s on the ballot,” Emhoff said to the media following his appearance at Old Grace A.M.E. Church. S.C. House Representative Michael Rivers introduced Emhoff and said he agreed with a lot of what he had to say, but the most important message was the need to get out and vote. “If you do not vote, you lose your right to complain if you don’t like what is happening in government,” Rivers said. Following his appearance in Beaufort, Emhoff traveled to Charleston and spoke there, as well. Delayna Earley formerly worked as a photojournalist for The Island Packet/The Beaufort Gazette, as well as newspapers in Indiana and Virginia. She can be reached at delayna.theislandnews@gmail.com.

Doug Emoff, husband to Vice President Kamala Harris, makes his remarks to a crowd of more than 100 Democrats on Thursday, Jan. 11, at Grace Chapel AME Church in Beaufort. Bob Sofaly/The Island News

Omega Psi Phi Seafood Bash

Dana Siptlin, left, mixes the cole slaw while Serg Watson coats fresh whiting filets during the annual Omega Psi Phi Seafood Bash on Saturday, Jan. 13 at Live Oaks Park in Port Royal. Forty pounds of fresh whiting were served up along with 40 pounds of sausage and corn, cole slaw and 10 bushels of fresh local oysters. Bob Sofaly/The Island News

Serg Watson left, coats fresh whiting filets while Seth Andrews stirs the cauldron of frying fish as the line forms at far right during the annual Omega Psi Phi Seafood Bash on Saturday, Jan. 13 at Live Oaks Park in Port Royal. Forty pounds of fresh whiting were served up along with 40 pounds of sausage and corn, cole slaw and 10 bushels of fresh local oysters. Bob Sofaly/The Island News

Serg Watson, left, watches as Seth Andrews takes up the first of the whiting fish filets from the hot oil during the annual Omega Psi Phi Seafood Bash on Saturday, Jan. 13 at Live Oaks Park in Port Royal. Forty pounds of fresh whiting were served up along with 40 pounds of sausage and corn, cole slaw and 10 bushels of fresh local oysters. A slight problem with the steamer delayed the serving of oysters, though nobody seemed to mind. Bob Sofaly/The Island News

Christy McCullough, right, and Eydie Moody seem to be enjoying their freshly fried fish during the annual Omega Psi Phi Seafood Bash on Saturday, Jan. 13 at Live Oaks Park in Port Royal. At left are Tyrone Jackson and Dianna Coz. Bob Sofaly/The Island News

Well … kinda. Beaufort County Council had their first meeting and got a presentation from Dean Moss about project recommendations within the proposed one-cent sales tax referendum voters can expect to see on the November ballot. The citizens advisory committee which came up with the list of projects — of which Moss is chair — estimates the tax will generate more than $1 billion over a 15-year period. The committee came up with a vague “big projects” and “small projects” list which will be the subject of much discussion in the coming weeks. And a headsup to the WE NEED ANOTHER BRIDGE (WNAB)

supporters – it’s been suggested that a third-bridge crossing between Beaufort and Lady’s Island should be on that funding list. The County Council, along with the municipal councils, will have to agree to the support the list if they want voters to support the penny tax in November. The county gang also agreed to spend impact fees to buy 10 acres of land on May River Road in Bluffton to build a new library. Good news for library supporters who were thrilled last year to hear the county officials were finally going to open a library in Port Royal this year, the seventh facility in the system. The County Council also

has on its agenda for the coming year employment of a new county administrator, not to mention it’s an election year for three of the council members. The Port Royal Town Council, with a new mayor who has a new baby, finished last year with a bang, firing off a letter to Safe Harbor LLC, saying it wanted some answers on what’s happening with the port redevelopment project. Its first meeting of the year, last week, was highlighted by a letter back from Safe Harbor attorneys who said they, too, would like to have a sit-down meeting. More to follow. Beaufort City Council also started the year with a new mayor but continu-

ing projects. The group of five agreed to direct $7.1 million from hospitality and accommodations tax money to financing the much-debated, long-awaited Southside Park and the not-so-much-debated Washington Street Park. Improvements to the Southside Park have been on the city’s to-do list for more than two decades but neighbors are hopeful this may be the year for playground equipment and more pickleball courts. Critics of the council’s action at the meeting questioned whether it was a legal use of hospitality and accommodations revenues since those funds are generated largely by tourists and

are to be used, according to state law, for projects to attract more tourists. City bond counsel didn’t agree. The town council of Yemassee — not to overlook that growing municipality in the northern part of the county — had to cancel its first meeting due to bad weather. 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.

NEWS

1619 Project marathon reading draws large number of volunteers By Delayna Earley The Island News Almost 60 people showed up to participate in the First Beaufort Community Marathon Reading of The 1619 Project: A New Origin Story by Nikole Hannah-Jones on Saturday, Jan. 13, at Tabernacle Baptist Church Fellowship Hall in Beaufort. The reading began at 7 a.m. and volunteers read in 15-minute blocks until after 3 a.m., when the book was finished. “The audiobook takes around 19 hours, and we finished in about 20,” said TZiPi Radonsky, one of the three coordinators of the event. The 1619 Project: A New

Origin Story is a piece of long-form journalism from The New York Times and The New York Times Magazine and is an anthology of essays re-framing American history and the institution of slavery’s impact on the United States’ laws, society, economy and the livelihoods of Black Americans. “When people came to listen, they were all asked to remain silent while they were inside of the church,” Radonsky said. “It was very moving.” Radonsky and fellow coordinators, Sally Lombard and Marie LeRoy, wanted to emphasize the message behind what the book is about.

This is not the first time that Radonsky has participated in a reading of this book – she also participated in one in Massachusetts – but the women agreed that they would be interested to know what kind of impact this reading had on those who attended. LeRoy said that what stood out to her was not just the number of people who participated, but the diversity among those who participated. They had readers of all races and genders, but also all ages. “A family came to participate, and all but one of the children read,” LeRoy said. “He didn’t read because he

wasn’t old enough. But his 9-year-old sister read.” Radonsky said that many of the readers had a hard time getting through their time due to becoming overcome with emotions. Their goal was to tell the truth, Radonsky said, and that is what they did. Editor’s Note: Mike McCombs, Editor of The Island News, took part in the marathon reading of The 1619 Project: A New Origin Story. Delayna Earley formerly worked as a photojournalist for The Island Packet/The Beaufort Gazette, as well as newspapers in Indiana and Virginia. She can be reached at delayna.theislandnews@gmail.com.

The Rev. Kenneth Hodges, Paster of Tabernacle Baptist Church on Craven Street, reads part of The 1619 Project: A New Origin Story aloud during the public marathon reading on Saturday, Jan. 13, in Tabernacle’s social hall. Many volunteers from the community read sections of the controversial book from Saturday through Sunday morning. Bob Sofaly/The Island News

Man wanted in connection with downtown Beaufort break-ins in custody in NC

By Mike McCombs The Island News A man wanted in connection with break-ins in downtown Beaufort in the summer of 2023 is in custody in North Carolina. Anthony Leon Butler, 55, of Beaufort is currently detained in Forsyth County, N.C., near Winston-Salem. In August, Butler was identified as a person of interest by the Beaufort Police Department in connection with the June 6 break-in at Coastal Art Supply at 216 West Street. He is now wanted, as well, for Burglary in connection with the June 28 break-in at NeverMore Books at 910 Port Republic Street. According to Deputy Chief Ste-

phenie Price, the Beaufort Police Department was contacted by Forsyth County authorities to let investigators know they had Butler Butler in custody and ask if Beaufort Police wanted them to put a hold on him. Price said the Beaufort Police enlisted the 14th Circuit Solicitor’s Office and obtained a Governor’s warrant for Butler. He’ll be extradited as soon as he’s had a preliminary hearing for charges he faces in North Carolina. Butler allegedly broke into NeverMore Books by breaking the

bottom of the glass door. But there was no money readily available for the intruder to steal and, according to owners Dave and Lorrie Anderson, the burglar cut himself while trying to squeeze through the door and left blood – DNA evidence – behind. When the advisory that Butler was a person of interest in the Coastal Art Supply burglary was put out, Beaufort Police were still waiting on lab results for evidence from the Nevermore Books burglary. Police believed the two crimes, as well as a similar break-in at Bathe – a store located at 210 Scott Street known for selling soaps, lotions and rubber duckies – were related.

“The evidence is leaning that way,” Price said in July. On June 27, someone broke into Bathe by breaking the bottom of the glass door with a car jack and stole around $450 from the cash register. NeverMore owners Dave and Lorrie Anderson praised the communication and hard work on the part of the Beaufort Police. “A shout out to local law enforcement,” Dave Anderson said. The Beaufort Police Department wasn’t the only local law enforcement agency looking for Butler. Apparently, the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office is interested in his return to South Carolina, as well. According to BCSO spokesper-

son Maj. Angela Viens, there is a warrant for Butler for failure to appear in a 2021 case. Butler was linked forensically through DNA analysis to a March 11, 2021 burglary at a Lady’s Island dental office. According to Viens, a warrant was obtained for Butler for Burglary on Aug. 27, 2021. He was arrested Sept. 6, 2021 and released on bond Dec. 1, 2021 before fleeing. Butler is expected to be back in Beaufort County by the end of January. Mike McCombs is the Editor of The Island News and can be reached at TheIslandNews@gmail.com.

Learn to improve quail habitat at SCDNR seminar in March Enhance your conservation knowledge in Hampton County

By the S.C. Department of Natural Resources The S.C. Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) will host its annual Wild Quail Management Seminar March 7-8 at the James W. Webb Wildlife Center and Management Area in Hampton County. The registration fee is $95 per person and includes meals, overnight accommodations and seminar materials. The deadline to register is Friday, Feb. 2. Registration is limited to 30 participants. For more information, contact the SCDNR Small Game Program in Columbia at 803-734-3609, e-mail Patty Castine at CastineP@ dnr.sc.gov or visit https://www.dnr. sc.gov/education/quail.html. Field demonstrations and classroom instruction will focus on habitat practices including firebreak establishment, prescribed burning, forest management, brush control, discing for native foods and supplemental food patch plantings. Presentations will be given on wild quail natural history, biology,

predation and other factors that may be contributing to the population decline. An update on current research will also be presented. Speakers will include wildlife and forestry professionals from state and federal agencies. Bobwhite quail populations in the Southeast, including South Carolina, have been declining steadily over the past 60 years due to major land use change and reduction in suitable habitat. The annual Wild Quail Management Seminar is designed to instruct landowners and land managers in the proper techniques of creating habitat that will support native populations of bobwhite quail. “The annual quail management seminar is a great place to meet and learn from many experts in the natural resources field,” said Michael Hook, SCDNR wildlife biologist and Small Game Project supervisor. “So if you have any interest in creating better habitat for bobwhite quail and the other assorted species that use these early

Oyster

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The annual Wild Quail Management Seminar is designed to instruct landowners and land managers in the proper techniques of creating habitat that will support native populations of bobwhite quail. Photo courtesy of SCDNR successional habitats, this seminar is for you.” More than 1,500 people have attended the seminar since its inception in 1987. These sportsmen

and sportswomen have positively affected thousands of acres across South Carolina by applying basic techniques to improve habitat on their lands.

Acord named Fire Officer of the Year

From staff reports The City of Beaufort/Town of Port Royal Fire Department has named Lt. Justin Acord the 2023 Fire Officer of the Year, according to the department’s social media posts. This award is voted on by all members of the department. "I have been happily married for 12 years and would not be where I am today without my wife,” Acord said. “She has pushed me, support-

ed me, and molded me into the man I am today. My beautiful daughter is 9 years old and is an amazing athlete, student, and has Lt. Justin the biggest heart Acord I've ever seen. I am beyond blessed to be where I am in life and I owe every bit of my success and every blessing to my lord and savior Jesus Christ."

Acord joined the Beaufort/Port Royal Fire Department Reserve Program in 2018 and was hired full-time as a firefighter by the department in 2019. Known for being a passionate firefighter and an enthusiastic community servant, Acord is also in Paramedic School and will be finishing up in the next few months. He holds several specialty cortication's such as fire instructor, fire officer, car seat technician, and rope

rescue technician. Acord, born in Beckley, W.Va., joined the United States Marine Corps in 2010 and married his high school sweetheart. In March of 2012, while stationed at MCAS Beaufort, he was deployed to Afghanistan. After getting out of the Marine Corps in 2014, Acord started his own landscape company before eventually committing to serve his community.

talk about their importance to our ecosystems and culture here in the Lowcountry. Visit https://bit.ly/424orkk to book a spot. The Oyster Festival itself runs from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. on Saturday. Live music will be provided by 12th Street (10 a.m. to noon), Southbound 17 (noon to 2 p.m.), Boondockers (2 to 4 p.m.) and Shan Tan & the Oyster Reefers (4 to 6 p.m.) On Sunday, Jan. 21, the Oyster Festival runs from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Live music will be provided by Campfire Tyler (11 a.m. to 1 p.m.) and The Fabulous Clams (1 to 4 p.m.). There is a cornhole tournament at 1 p.m. Sunday. Entry fee for the double-elimination tournament is $60 per team. Proceeds go to Riverview Charter School. Assuming the minimum of 20 teams is met, cash prizes are $400 for first place, $200 for second place and $100 for third place. Sign ups are at noon. Bags fly at 1 p.m. Teams may bring their own bags or some will be provided. All skill levels are welcome. Interested participants can sign up at https://bit. ly/4aOV21K. JANUARY 18–24, 2024

NEWS

BMH OB nurse wins DAISY award for ‘above and beyond’ care

By Lynne Cope Hummell Special to The Island News When Andrea Farr, RN was called into work on a recent day off, she didn’t hesitate. Farr is an obstetrics nurse at Beaufort Memorial Hospital and loves her job. Recently, she has been working on the side with colleagues on a project to improve patient care quality and safety. So on the Thursday after Christmas, she arrived at the OB unit expecting to work on the project with Jodie Cunningham, RN, MSN, a clinical instructor at the hospital. Cunningham did meet her at the nurse’s station. But, as Farr went to sign in, Cunningham told her – in front of a crowd of executives and peers surrounding them – that the crowd was there for her, as she had been chosen to receive a DAISY Award, a special recognition for extraordinary nurses who deliver exceptional patient care. “I was shocked,” Farr said. “At first, I was truly speechless. I gasped, covered my mouth and said, ‘I don’t believe it.’” During the award presentation, Farr received a hand-carved sculpture titled “A Healer’s Touch,” along with a bouquet of daisies. Created in 1999 by a Seattle couple as a way to honor the nurses who took care of their dying son, The DAISY Award has since been adopted by healthcare facilities all over the world. “I was truly honored by the presence of past and present coworkers, directors and leaders that came

The Beaufort Memorial OB team celebrates with DAISY Award recipient Andrea Farr, RN. Submitted photo

to support me,” she said. “It’s very humbling and rewarding to have received this award.” Her colleagues weren’t surprised. “Andrea consistently receives accolades from patients,” said her supervisor, Tiffany Washington, RN, BSN, Director of the Collins Birthing Center at BMH. The patient who nominated Farr for the DAISY Award said that she “went above and beyond in providing compassionate care while I was laboring with my first child. Her competence, positive attitude, and calm demeanor made my birth experience peaceful so I could enjoy the most profound moment of delivering a child. Andrea will forever be included in my birth story.”

Washington quoted another patient from earlier in the year who said, “She was attentive, encouraging, and caring. She was in my room every 30 minutes to help me reposition and diligently monitored my pain. I had the best possible birthing experience, thanks to her.” In fact, Cunningham noted that it is typical of Farr to go “above and beyond.” “She listens to her patients and takes their preferences into consideration,” Cunningham said. “She does this by spending quality time with them at the bedside during her shift.” Farr also “willingly takes on additional roles within the department, including the charge nurse

role,” said Cunningham, also citing the patient safety project as an example. Farr began her obstetrics journey in 2019 as a postpartum nurse, and the following year began training in labor and delivery. “I’ve furthered my skills by independently pursuing certifications in maternal and neonatal health as well as advanced lactation,” she said. “I fell in love with the intimacy of each experience and the connection I can develop with each family.” Farr is determined to make the labor and delivery process as smooth as possible for both mother and child. “As much as people think labor

is a natural occurrence, sometimes a baby’s pathway into this world can be tricky,” Farr said. “By providing a position change or a coping mechanism, I can help relieve pain or help a baby come into this world sooner.” When asked, “What do you think you did for the nominating patients that was beyond your normal type of care?” Farr replied, “Nothing! That’s the great thing. The patients who nominated me just saw the passion I have for everyone; they just put it into words.” Anyone can nominate a Beaufort Memorial nurse for the honor. Applications are available throughout the hospital and can also be found at BeaufortMemorial.org/Daisy.

MLK DAY OF SERVICE

Local Marine earns reserve Firefighter of the Year title From staff reports The City of Beaufort/ Town of Port Royal Fire Department named Firefighter Bryan Levitzki the 2023 Jennings L. Lyons Reserve Firefighter of the Year. This award is voted on by all members of the department. While serving in the United States Marine Corps. as an Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF) firefighter, Levitzki still managed to Bryan record more Levitzki than 120 hours of station time and more than 20 hours of training hours in 11 months with the City of Beaufort/Town of Port Royal Fire Department. In addition to volunteering with the department, Levitzki is also currently enrolled in Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) school to help prepare himself for a career in the fire service outside of the U.S. Marine Corps. Levitzki has served in the USMC for a little longer than three years and holds the position of Lead Firefighter. He has a great attitude, is experienced, certified, and is always looking to improve his skills.

Andrea Farr, RN chats on FaceTime with her family after receiving the DAISY Award. Submitted photo

Volunteers stop for a group photo Monday, Jan. 15 before the start of their day of service project, the second annual trail cleanup project along the Capers Creek Nature Trail in the Historic Penn Center, National Historic Landmark District on St. Helena Island. Amber Hewitt/The Island News

Emma Murphy-Novak, Park Ranger at the Reconstruction Era National Historical Park, speaks to volunteers before beginning the trail clean-up project Monday, Jan. 15, along the Capers Creek Nature Trail in the Historic Penn Center, National Historic Landmark District on St. Helena Island. Amber Hewitt/The Island News

Isabell Davis of Beaufort leads the way as Vance Fleming and Jaxon Barringer follow behind her, carrying debris that they cleaned up Monday, Jan. 15 from the Capers Creek Nature Trail in the Historic Penn Center, National Historic Landmark District on St. Helena Island. Amber Hewitt/The Island News

Council appoints members to new Planning Commission

By Mike McCombs The Island News City Council, at its January 9 Regular Meeting, made appointments to the newly created Beaufort Planning Commission. Appointed to one-year terms expiring June 30, 2025: Mike Tomy: Tomy has served on city and county boards, including as chairman of the Metropolitan Planning Committee (since disbanded); he is also an architect

JANUARY 18–24, 2024

with extensive project management experience. Paul Trask: Trask is a local developer and business owner. Appointed to two-year terms expiring on June 30, 2026: Bill Bardenwerper: Bardenwerper recently served on the Metropolitan Planning Commission. Before moving to Beaufort, he was the managing partner of a boutique law firm in Louisville, Ky., focused on land use law.

William Suter: Suter, who has an MBA, has extensive project management experience for design/build firms. He recently served on the Design Review Board (since disbanded). Appointed to three-year terms expiring on June 30, 2027: Clinton Hallman: Hallman, who served on the Design Review Board, was formerly chief counsel at several major corporations. He has extensive project manage-

ment experience. formerly held by the MetKim McFann: McFann ropolitan Planning Comrecently served on the mission and the city’s Design Review Board. Design Review Board. She is a local attorney. This commission will Benjie Morillo: Moonly review City of rillo was chairman of the Beaufort projects (not in Design Review Board and the Historic District). Its is an architect in Beaufort. first meeting will be in February. The new Planning Commission, which City Council voted Mike McCombs is the Editor of to approve last year, assumes the The Island News and can be reached discretionary review authority at TheIslandNews@gmail.com.

NEWS & BUSINESS

Beaufort County collecting homelessness data for 2024

From staff reports The challenge of homelessness is on the rise, not only in Beaufort County, but throughout the nation. To effectively address homelessness, obtaining actionable data is crucial for Beaufort County and the federal government to accurately assessing the level of need. To collect that date, Beaufort County will again participate in a Point-in-Time (PIT) Count. This year’s Pit Count is scheduled for Wednesday, Jan. 24. The PIT Count is a nationwide event that occurs every year to capture a count of the number of people experiencing homelessness in our nation on a single night in January. The PIT Count is important because it allows for crucial data that is needed for The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to allocate

federal funding for programs aimed at preventing and ending homelessness. Communities seeking federal assistance must participate in annual PIT counts to be eligible. Each county in our state is responsible for conducting its PIT Count coordinated by a county representative. The PIT count is meticulously planned, coordinated, and executed at the local level in collaboration with the Lowcountry Continuum of Care (LCOC). Ana Ramirez, the Program Coordinator for the Beaufort County Human Services Department, Ana Ramirez of the Beaufort County Human Services and the PIT Count Coordi- Department conducts a survey with an anonymous individual nator for Beaufort County, experiencing homelessness during the PIT Count in 2923. collaborates with the LCOC and agency partners within Submitted photo the Beaufort County Hu“Previously, the total count and Beaufort counties, was man Services Alliance to make sure Beaufort County within our Continuum of 17,” Ramirez said. “Last year, acquires the most accurate Care area, which includes through the hard work of Colleton, Hampton, Jasper, our Together for Beaufort count possible.

County agency partners and volunteers, we had a count of 65 with (more than) 120 witnessed individuals experiencing homelessness in Beaufort County alone. The coordination of our partners has made all the difference in conducting the count for the benefit of our county.” This year, according to Ramirez, the same organizations have joined up again to conduct the count and continue to collect data that helps organizations be able to tap into potential federal funding through HUD. “The data is shareable and supports our collective efforts to address this issue head on,” Ramirez said. The count will be held the evening of Wednesday, Jan. 24. “The date is decided by HUD … We do not get to decide the date,” Ramirez said.” That evening, volunteers

will be conducting surveys with individuals experiencing homelessness. “We will also be offering the individuals bags of gratitude that contain various items we take for granted,” Ramirez said. “… flashlights, hand warmers, emergency blankets, toiletries, socks, hats and scarfs, toothbrushes and tooth paste, reusable water bottles, ponchos, and other items.” Volunteers are still needed for the count. Mandatory virtual training will be provided on January 22. In-person volunteering hours day of the count will be between 3 p.m. and midnight. For more information or to volunteer, contact Ana Ramirez at ana.ramirez@bcgov.net. Or to make a donation to the organizations who organize, conduct the count and collect data, visit https:// bit.ly/3Slwrdy.

Key questions to answer to help plan to pay for retirement

Provided by Wells Fargo that may also have costs associated? Your retirement could last 20 • Do I plan to travel? years or more. Now could be the • Are there things I enjoy time to ask yourself, “What do I doing that have related costs? want to do when I retire?” • What are the activities that It’s an important question to make up my ideal retirement ask sooner rather than later, as the day? answer could impact your retirement savings plans, so that you can align the retirement you want Where will I be living with the retirement you can afford. in my retirement years? • Will I stay in my current The first two steps in that process home or downsize to a are: (1) decide what you want to do, smaller home or a rental and then (2) determine the potenproperty? tial costs. • Will I move to a retirement The answers to these questions community or assisted living could help you take the first step facility? toward creating the retirement • Will I sell my home and lifestyle you hope to achieve. replace it with an RV or other alternative living option? What will I be doing during

my retirement days?

• Do I plan to continue working past age 65 or after I reach my full retirement age? Full time or part time? • Are there hobbies I want to pursue that will either cost money or make money? • Is there volunteer work

What situations might occur that could impact my retirement expenditures?

• What health care coverage do I need for my specific health conditions? • Do I have an emergency fund for unexpected situations

such as a health care crisis or loss of property due to a natural disaster? • What if I stop working sooner than expected? • What happens if I experience a significant loss of income?

What are the barriers that are keeping me from investing?

• I have nothing extra to invest. • I have education loans or other debt. • I don’t know how to start an investment plan. • I have time to start saving later.

Next steps:

• Prepare rather than panic. Review the questions above and create an outline from your answers. That outline will give you the framework to calculate the income you may need to support your retirement lifestyle. • Make the decision to adjust your spending patterns to-

Fireside Chat on Dataw

The Dataw Historic Foundation hosted a record 185 dinner guests to hear Victoria Smalls on January 11 for the annual Fireside Chat. Smalls was engaging and informative, while the entire evening was a tribute to the Gullah Geechee people, from decor to food choices. Beaufort Mayor Phil Cromer and Dataw Historic Foundation President Marilyn Peck are pictured along with Smalls. Submitted photo

day. Choose something that you really don’t need and redirect that amount to a savings or investment account. Take advantage of the growth potential over time. Pay yourself first instead of spending money on something that will not support your future retirement needs. Creating that nest egg now could lessen your stress about money. • Start or add to an emergency fund. Even if the amount seems very small, it is important to take the first step. As that amount grows and the saving behavior becomes a habit, you will likely gain confidence and momentum in your investment activities. • Meet with your financial advisor to review your answers and turn your outline into a plan that will help you work toward your goals. Your advisor has planning tools and other resources to help you identify your retirement income needs. • Revisit your plan on a regular

basis. Over time, your goals may change because of new opportunities or unexpected events. Periodic reviews can help you assess your progress and fine-tune your strategy.

This article was written by/for Wells Fargo Advisors and provided courtesy of Katie C. Phifer, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, RICP® and First Vice President-Investment Officer in Beaufort, SC at 843-982-1506. Investment and Insurance Products are: • Not Insured by the FDIC or Any Federal Government Agency • Not a Deposit or Other Obligation of, or Guaranteed by, the Bank or Any Bank Affiliate • Subject to Investment Risks, Including Possible Loss of the Principal Amount Invested Wells Fargo Advisors is a trade name used by Wells Fargo Clearing Services, LLC, Member SIPC, a registered broker-dealer and nonbank affiliate of Wells Fargo & Company. ©2022 Wells Fargo Clearing Services, LLC. PM-06052025-6140977.1.1

Council approves $379K in ATAX grants to promote tourism

From staff reports Beaufort City Council approved the awarding of $379,411 in ATAX grants to 14 nonprofit local organizations at its January 9 Regular Meeting. This compares to $321,110, when Council last awarded grants in late 2022. The grants are generated by the State Accommodations Tax (ATAX) revenue, and state law governs the distribution and use of the monies. A certain amount of these revenues is allocated for the grant process to non-profit groups focused on the promotion, marketing, and advertising of tourism. The Tourism Development Advisory Committee (TDAC) meets once a year to review, discuss and score applicant presentations for these grants. The organizations and amounts awarded: • Greater Beaufort-Port Royal Convention & Visitors Bureau (the Destination Marketing Organization (DMO) for the City of Beaufort): $146,000 for destination marketing • Greater Beaufort-Port Royal CVB: $34,500 for sales plan • SC Lowcountry & Resorts Island Tourism Commission: $47,029 for promotion of City of Beaufort and Lowcountry • The Original Gullah Festival: $33,825 for the festival

• Gullah Traveling Theatre: $25,950 for Gullah Symposium, and other events • Tabernacle Baptist Church: $23,875 for the Harriet Tubman Monument and Combahee River Raid event • Beaufort Area Hospitality Association: $18,250 for Oyster Festival • Freedman Arts District: $10,625 for Street Chalk Arts Festival • Friends of Hunting Island: $10,500 for lighthouse lens exhibit • Penn Center: $8,075 for Heritage Days Celebration • Port Royal Sound Foundation: $6,650 for reptile displays • Mather School Museum: $6,125 for African-American history programs • South Coast Cyber Center: $4,750 for Cyber Summit • Friends of Spanish Moss Trail: $3,257 for visitor marketing ATAX grants are awarded as reimbursements for expenses incurred by the organization. The organizations have two years from the date of the award to submit final reports for reimbursement. To be considered for a grant, organizations must fill out an application and make a presentation to City’s the Tourism Development Advisory Committee. JANUARY 18–24, 2024

HEALTH & WELLNESS Options & References for a Healthier Life

When is a cough a concern?

Hearing a chorus of coughs is typical at this time of year. An occasional cough is normal and healthy. A cough that persists for several weeks or brings up discolored or bloody mucus may indicate a condition that needs medical attention. A cough is your body's response when something irritates your throat or airways. An irritant stimulates nerves that send a message to your brain. The brain then tells muscles in your chest and abdomen to push air out of your lungs to force out the irritant. While an occasional cough is expected, a cough that persists may be a sign of a medical problem. At times, coughing can be very forceful. Prolonged, vigorous coughing can irritate the lungs and cause even more coughing. It also can cause sleeplessness, dizziness or fainting, headaches, urinary incontinence, and/or vomiting.

Acute vs. chronic cough:

if you start coughing up thick, green to brown sputum with fevers and chills. If you have chest pain or feel like you can't breathe, call 911.

Is a cough always a sign of illness?

• Chronic obstructive A cough is considered "acute" pulmonary disease (COPD) if it lasts less than three weeks. • COVID-19 Some of the causes of an acute • Croup cough include: • Gastroesophageal reflux • Common cold disease (GERD) • Influenza • Heart failure • Inhaling an irritant, such as • Lung cancer smoke, dust, chemicals, or a • Respiratory syncytial foreign body virus (RSV) • Pneumonia, which is an infection in one or both lungs Treating a cough: • Whooping cough Knowing when to see your Some common causes for a healthcare team can be challenging. Usually, a benign cough will "chronic" cough include: be short-lived and often associat• Allergies ed with a runny nose or cold-like • Asthma symptoms. Most of the time, those • Bronchitis

Other ideas include: • Eating chicken noodle soup. • Getting plenty of rest. • Using a cool mist humidifier or taking a steamy shower to moisturize the air. • Drinking warm liquids, such as broth, tea or lemon juice, to soothe your throat. • Avoiding tobacco smoke.

kinds of coughs will go away on their own. Cough medicines are the most common antidote when the cough is acute, causes much discomfort, interferes with sleep, and is not associated with any potentially worrisome symptoms. Be sure to follow the dosing instructions on the medication. To ease your cough, cough drops, or hard candies may help relieve a dry cough and soothe an irritated throat. Don't give them to a child under age 6, however, because of the risk of choking. Also, consider taking a teaspoon of honey to loosen the cough.

Coughs are most notably known as a sign of a problem in your body. However, a cough can be a more straightforward issue. A cough usually indicates an irritation in the lungs or the airway. The irritation triggers the nerves that connect to our brain to tell our body to try to expel it. A cough is your body's reflex of trying to get something out that's not supposed to be there. If you have a new cough accompanying other symptoms like a runny nose and congestion, or if you're having fevers, you can consider wearing a mask and doing a COVID-19 test to ensure you're keeping those around you safe. If you have any other concerns, see your healthcare team to discuss them.

Pay attention to your cough.

Although most coughs are usually minor, they can make you feel poorly. Trying the latest remedy is tempting, but the best thing you can do is take care of yourself. Rest, drink fluids and keep the air Antibiotics may not be part of around you moist. Also, remember the treatment plan. Antibiotics to wash your hands frequently. treat bacterial infections, such as pneumonia, but they won't help Source: Excerpted from an article by Joel viral illnesses, like colds, flu and Streed January 9, 2024. most sore throats. https://newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org/ discussion/when-is-a-cough-a-concern/ Talk with your healthcare team

careTALK©

Do you have a vitamin D deficiency?

Vitamin D is essential for our bodies, especially when it comes to bone health, but many people don’t get enough of the so-called “sunshine vitamin” in the winter. “Typically, there’s less sunlight during the wintertime. People are wearing more layers this time of year as well, which results in less sun exposure,” explained Matthew Goldman, MD, a family medicine physician with Cleveland Clinic Florida. If you avoid going outside during the colder weather of winter, Dr. Goldman said eating vitamin-D rich foods

like salmon or mushrooms can help. But this might not be enough for everyone, and symptoms of a deficiency can include fatigue, bone pain and muscle weakness. At the end of the day, many people don’t know they’re not getting enough vitamin D. That’s why Dr. Goldman says talking to your doctor about testing may be important, especially if you’re more at risk for a deficiency, like infants or those over the age of 65. Along with memory impairment, having a vitamin

D deficiency could potentially increase your chance of developing bone issues over time. “A vitamin D deficiency can lead to a higher risk of an array of issues including osteoporosis, which can increase your chances of bone fractures and breaks,” he said. Dr. Goldman adds your primary care provider can help you assess your risk and determine if a vitamin D supplement is needed. Source: https://newsroom. clevelandclinic.org/2024/01/10

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

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JANUARY 18–24, 2024

HEALTH & WELLNESS Options & References for a Healthier Life

Massive number of plastic particles found in bottled water Are they harmful to health?

•

According to a new study, bottled water contains hundreds of thousands of tiny plastic nanoparticles.

•

With the health effects of ingested plastics remaining unclear but worrying, the study suggests a far larger problem than previously understood.

•

Similarly, a second new report finds far greater microplastic levels than expected in nearly every food tested.

A new study introduces a new method of detecting tiny nanoparticles—less than a thousandth the width of a human hair—of plastic in bottled water. They are so small that they are measured in billionths of a meter. Closely following new research from Consumer Reports’ lab that found microplastics — from five millimeters to one micrometer in size — in 84 out of 85 foods tested, plastics seem to have infiltrated the human food chain to an even greater degree than previously understood. The new study found between

Micro and nanoplastics can 110,000 and 370,000 nanoparticles, most of which were nanoplas- also be a chemical hazard, as they tics, when they tested three popular contain additives which are addbottled water brands. ed during their production to give them special properties such as Why tiny plastic particles strength, flexibility, stiffness, adaptability to external factors, etc. can be harmful to health Tiny plastic particles may also It is not entirely certain what risks may result from the consump- harbor unhealthful stowaways. tion of such particles. However, re- Microparticles and nanoparticles search suggests cause for concern. have the ability to bind all kinds Both the study authors and ex- of compounds when they come ternal researchers (not involved into contact with fluids, thus actin the study), acknowledge that ing as carriers of all kinds of sub“these plastic particles can cause stances including environmental physical injury by damaging, for pollutants, toxins, antibiotics, example, the intestine when con- or microorganisms. Once inside the cells, [the suming contaminated food, or the lungs when we inhale them. There nanoparticles] could release the is the simple fact that plastics rub compounds, leading to additional against tissue. health issues.

Plastic particles could induce physical stress and damage, apoptosis, necrosis, inflammation, oxidative stress and immune responses, which could contribute to the development of diseases such as cancer, metabolic disorders, and neurodevelopmental conditions, among others.” It is also the case that plastics do not readily biodegrade, so once they are ingested, they may remain for an undetermined length of time, potentially posing a longterm health hazard.

How to reduce risk from microplastics consumption

The best advice is awareness and avoidance. Highly processed foods and

beverages would be more likely to contain plastic particles. Switch from disposable plastic bottles to metal or glass. This provides two benefits. In addition to reducing the risk of exposure to plastics, reusable drinking containers lower the number of bottles used, reducing one’s waste stream. The study author notes, “Staying hydrated is crucial for health. Therefore, we do not advise against drinking bottled water when necessary, as the risk of dehydration may outweigh the potential impacts of nanoplastics exposure.” Source: Excerpted from an article by Robby Berman; https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/ articles/are-plastic-particles-in-bottledwater-harmful-to-health

parentPULSE©

Pediatric flu cases on the rise Flu cases are continuing to rise across the country. A pediatric infectious disease specialist offers advice on how to prevent further spread. Now that the holidays are over and kids are back to school, more cases of the flu are being reported, Frank Esper, MD, pediatric infectious disease specialist with Cleveland Clinic Children’s, said is to be expected. “Influenza does this, where it slowly goes up week after week, and then it really hits a peak and goes up exponentially for about three, four weeks and then finally subsides,” Dr. Esper explained. The flu is a common respiratory virus and can easily spread. Symptoms often include fever, chills, body

“The flu vaccine and the flu virus that’s in the community right now are pretty good matches based on the initial tests. So, it’s going to help protect you from getting the flu, but more importantly, it will protect you from getting really, really bad flu, like that gets you in the hospital or on a breathing machine.” Dr. Esper said it’s also very important for people who are 65 and older, children under five, pregnant So, how can you and women, and those with your little ones avoid pre-existing health congetting sick? ditions to get vaccinated, Dr. Esper said be sure to since they are considered regularly wash your hands, more vulnerable. sanitize high touch areas and get the flu vaccine if Source: https://newsroom. you haven’t. clevelandclinic.org/2024/01/08

aches, cough, headaches, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose and fatigue. In mild cases, Dr. Esper said it can be treated at home with supportive care, like getting plenty of rest, staying hydrated, and taking pain relievers to help with headaches, body aches and fevers. Anti-viral medications are also available under certain circumstances.

How to cope with feelings of ‘mom guilt’

If you’ve ever had feelings of mom guilt, you’re not alone. Melissa Young, MD, functional medicine specialist, said a lot of women can relate, especially when they decide to take some time for themselves. “I think it’s the pressure coming from all sides,” Dr. Young said. “The work responsibilities, things need to get done at home, the shopping, the cooking, the laundry, and obviously children require a lot of attention.” Dr. Young said while it’s natural to feel guilty, that shouldn’t stop you from taking time for yourself. Self-care is important for your mental and physical health. It gives you the chance to relax and focus on your own needs. Doctor Young suggests imagining an “energy bank”—you can’t al-

a walk, take a nice long bath, or spend time with friends. “Selfcare is really not a luxury, it is a necessity. Because at some point when we are under all of this chronic stress and feeling guilty about wanting time for yourself, being is a chronic sympathetic fight or flight dominant state, this can lead to increased risk of health issues,” said Dr. Young. “Our blood pressure can go up leading to hypertension, and it can actually increase risk for anxiety and depression.” Dr. Young said if you notice your stress or anxiety is getting more frequent, or more severe, you ways make withdrawals—you have should speak with your primary care provider. to make deposits too. And it doesn’t have to be anySource: https://newsroom.clevelandclinic. thing major. You could do someorg/2024/01/09 thing simple like meditate, go for

“I think it’s the pressure coming from all sides ... The work responsibilities, things need to get done at home, the shopping, the cooking, the laundry, and obviously children require a lot of attention.”

JANUARY 18–24, 2024

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

The lessons of Martin Luther King Jr.’s life should give us hope

s we remember and reflect on the life and work of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., there are valuable lessons that should give us hope that we can overcome what we face today in a divided and teetering America. If we, like King, truly believe that the words of the Constitution and Declaration of Independence are meant for all Americans, then zealously embrace them and put them into practice by letting them govern and guide our actions in both our public and private lives. That fundamental belief inspired and motivated King and lit the path he chose to fix policies and practices to make life in America as it was intended to be. This was made abundantly clear in his “I Have a Dream” speech during the historic march on Washington in the summer of 1963: “When the architects of our republic wrote the magnificent words of the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence, they were signing a promissory note to which every American was to fall heir. This note was a promise that all men, yes, black men as well as white men, would be guaranteed the unalienable rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.” King did not ignore, nor seek to discredit or dismantle, the basic tenets of our democratic republic.

JANICE ELLIS

He embraced them instead. When you hear the words and see the actions today of some of our elected officials at every level of government, do you sense that they, like King, are using our fundamental governing documents as guides? If we, like King, seek to bring about change through dialogue — and when dialogue fails use sustained peaceful protest — then we have chosen a proven and effective strategy. What would King have thought about what happened in our nation’s Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, which was in stark contrast with what happened during the march on Washington in 1963? Even though another momentous document — the Emancipation Proclamation signed one-hundred years before King led the Civil Rights movement — had failed to deliver on its promises, King still believed in its purpose and its power.

More importantly, he firmly on Washington. He continued of your teeming shore”— has lost believed that resorting to viothe fight until his assassination its meaning. lence and hatred was not the way in 1968 at the young age of 39. On a broader scale, what would to get the country to honor its We will never know how long he think about some of our promises when it came to racial he would have stayed the course, elected officials’ lack of belief in equality. working for equal justice, equal principles, laws and institutions In that same speech, King opportunity, equality in housing, that have made America? Would said: “In the process of gaining employment and education to he be dismayed by the bold our rightful place we must not become standard practice, indismissal of democratic values be guilty of wrongful deeds. Let grained in the fabric of American and norms — even the blatant us not seek to satisfy our thirst life. denial and distortion of defining for freedom by drinking from the But he let us know how deeply periods in the nation’s history? cup of bitterness and hatred. We his beliefs and faith ran: “I say Martin Luther King Jr.’s life must forever conduct our strugto you today, my friends, so even and work stood for more than the gle on the high plane of dignity though we face the difficulties of fight for civil rights. King fought and discipline. We must not today and tomorrow, I still have a for the fulfillment and realization allow our creative protest to dedream. It is a dream deeply root- of America’s principles, values generate into physical violence.” ed in the American dream. I have and promises. Would he be discouraged by a dream that one day this nation What are we willing to stand growing advocacy and tolerance will rise up and live out the true for during these challenging of acts of racial hatred and viomeaning of its creed: “We hold times we are facing? lence — committed by young and these truths to be self-evident: older Americans alike? that all men are created equal.” Janice Ellis is a regular columnist for the If we, like King, still have faith If he were alive, what would he Missouri Independent. She has lived and in America’s promises, despite think about the status today of worked in Missouri for more than three her imperfections and failures, all people of color, all disenfrandecades, analyzing educational, political, and faith in the decency and chised groups? social and economic issues across race, goodwill of the majority of our Would he be perplexed by ethnicity, age and socio-economic status. Her fellow Americans, we will contin- how leaders in both political commentary has appeared in The Kansas City ue to rise and protect this nation parties have continually failed Star, community newspapers, on radio and and work to make our way of life for decades to pass meaningful now online. She is the author of two awardbetter. policies on how to manage the winning books: From Liberty to Magnolia: No matter how long it takes. immigration crisis? In Search of the American Dream (2018) No matter how strong the oppoHe would have reasons to wonand Shaping Public Opinion: How Real sition is. der whether the inscription at the Advocacy Journalism™ Should be Practiced King began his fight to gain bottom of the Statue of Liberty (2021). Ellis holds a Ph.D. in communication equal rights for Blacks, poor —“Give me your tired, your poor, arts, and two Master of Arts degrees, one in whites and other disenfranchised your huddled masses yearning to communications arts and a second in political groups years before the March breathe free, the wretched refuse science, all from the University of Wisconsin.

The famous adventures of Lash La Rue

was looking through an old shoe box of photographs that I had accumulated over the years and ran across a picture of myself and Lash La Rue. I really had not thought of him for a long time, but with seeing that picture years of boyhood memories came flooding back. His real name was not Lash at all. His real name was Bobby Jones, which doesn't sound strange, which is probably why Bobby always wanted to be called Lash. The name came about when we were in the fifth grade and would ride our bikes down town to the Saturday matinee at the Lyceum theater. For the princely sum of 10 cents, the Lyceum featured two western movies, a weekly serial, and two cartoons. On that day, one of the westerns stared a cowboy

them off to jail to face long over due justice. From that day on, Bobby was hooked. He made the discussion then and there that from now on he would be called Lash La Rue. As you might imagine, his parents, most school JIM DICKSON officials and the few (more or less) normal people who hero whose name was Lash lived in our town were not La Rue. Lash dressed in fast to go along with the black from head to toe. He name change, but Lash even had a black cowboy was not to be dissuaded by hat, which was very unusu- mere adults. al for a good guy. It went As a part of his persona against type – good guys Lash liked to tell people wore white hats and bad that he and his parents guys wore black. came west in a covered Not only did Lash have wagon fighting Indians a set of six guns in fancy and outlaws all the way. holsters, but he carried a In that Lash moved to our long black bullwhip, and little town when we were he would use the whip to in the third grade, I am lash guns, knives and oth- pretty sure that story was er assorted weapons out of somewhat exaggerated, the hands of bad guys and because by 1951 almost no then wrap the whip around one came west in a covered their legs, pull them down, wagons, all the Indians subdue them, and haul that I knew were pretty

nice people, who to the best of my knowledge had never attacked a wagon of any kind. And if we had any outlaws, I had never seen them. Lash never did get an all black outfit and a set of fancy six shooters. He did make himself a long black whip out of an old garden hose and a piece of old broom as a handle. He became most proficient with it, to the point that any kid, dog, or cat that came into his range was fair game. That worked pretty well until he tried it on a kid named Smirk Goodfellow. Smirk was the local bully and all-around tough guy who all the kids avoided if possible. He and Bobby (now Lash) had a history of problems with each other, and Bobby (now Lash) had always come out on the short end of the stick. Now that he was Lash things were going to

change. I am sad to report it didn’t work out the way we all pictured it. Lash lashed, Smirk grabbed the hose, wrapped it around Lash, hit him over the head with the broom stick handle a couple of times and told him that if he ever saw him with the whip again he would really be sorry. A sadder-but-wiser Lash disassembled the whip, put the hose back in his dad’s garage and it was never seen again. So ended the short career of the new Lash La Rue, but the name stuck, and except for a few hard-headed adults. Lash was my best buddy, and we came to be known as the two foremost rocket builders, explosive experts and distillers of fine sprites in our little town. It was a reputation that was honestly earned over the years, not that his or my parents where particularly pleased about any of it.

Sadly we all have to grow up and become responsible adults who don’t have cool nicknames or terrorize small towns, but it was fun while it lasted. I am not sure what ever happened to Lash. The last I knew he went back east to law school, changed his name to Robert, married a girl who went to Wellesley, and God help him, I am afraid he became a Democrat. A sad end to a fellow who once had such great potential. Born, raised and educated in the Southwest, Jim Dickson served in the U.S. Navy Reserve in Vietnam before a 35-year business career. Retired to St. Helena Island, Dickson and his wife are fiscally conservative, socially moderate and active in Republican politics, though they may not always agree with Republicans. Having lived around the country and traveled around the world, Dickson believes that the United States truly is the land of opportunity.

Trump appeal to low-info voters remains high

had a falling out with a friend several years back who declared she was voting for the first time in decades to support then-candidate Donald Trump. I have long said I don’t dispute anyone’s right to vote for whomever they choose, but I had to ask her, “Why him? Why now?” “It’s too important,” she answered, referring to the idea Trump would support efforts to roll back abortion rights, specifically by nominating conservative justices to fill expected vacancies on the Supreme Court. My reply? “Stay on the sidelines.” The last thing I thought the election needed was an influx of single-issue voters who had opted out of keeping themselves informed on other issues that were — and are — just as or more important than abortion. Trump won, of course, and lived up to the expectation my friend and millions of others had that he would usher in a new age of social

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JANUARY 18–24, 2024

barely beat out Florida’s Marco Rubio in earning 22 percent of the evangelical vote. A December 2023 poll taken by NBC News, the Des Moines Register and Mediacom showed Trump enjoying a whopping 51 percent of the evangelical vote in the state. I won’t waste time offering comTERRY MANNING mentary on people who describe themselves as religious voting conservatism on the high court. to empower the most amoral (Never mind that the nominees national leader this country has said under oath to Congress they had in more than a century; they would respect legal precedent in can answer for themselves at the upholding Roe v Wade.) pearly gates. I was reminded of my friend The same poll showed firstwhen I saw a recent story about the time voters equally enthusiastic scandal-plagued former president about the former president and showing remarkable resilience in in numbers that eclipse those of polls taken with Iowa voters who evangelicals. Up from 30 percent identified as evangelicals and/or in 2016, 63 percent of first-time first-time caucus voters. voters support Trump. That’s NBC News data analyst Steve 50-plus percentage points more Kornacki showed support among then runner-up Ron DeSantis at evangelicals actually increased 12 percent. from 2016. Trump came in second And again, I have to ask, “Why to Sen. Ted Cruz then and only him? Why now?”

Abortion rights have been rolled back tremendously, to darn-near colonial levels in many states. (I mean, really, Texas? Are you okay with private citizens being able to snitch on their neighbors who might choose to go out of state for a private medical procedure they’re denied in your state? With forcing pregnant women to carry dying or dead fetuses with no consideration for the mothers' health or future fertility? Sheesh.) So what’s left to woo first-timers to the voting booth? Trump has openly refused to pledge he won’t try to overthrow the federal government if he loses the next general election. We know what happened last time he rallied supporters to his cause, and yet there are those who would return him to a position where he could do the same or worse than last time. Even South Carolina’s own former governor Nikki Haley laid

out what a second term in office for Trump would be like, saying in last week’s Iowa debate, “His way is not my way. I don’t have time for vengeance. I don’t have vendettas. I don’t take things personally. For me, it’s very much about no drama, no whining, and getting results …” Vengeance, drama and vendettas are exactly what Trump has promised if he’s re-elected. Heck, he’s promised them even if he isn’t re-elected. If you’re one of those people who always says, “I don’t like talking about politics” or “both sides are the same” or some other willful ignorance, I respect your right to sit this one out. I encourage it, actually. Don’t jump back in the voting pool just to stain it yellow for everyone else.

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

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

Putin gives a nod to Russia’s newest best friend

t’s early, raining, and there is a linear, northeastern-moving storm front headed toward Beaufort after a run through the deep South. Thanks to the Weather Channel’s radar; and its red, yellow and green colorized blobs; one can watch the progress of the storm and write one’s column at the same time. This morning I have my coffee — French Roast — and an article from the January 8 New Yorker dealing with the ancient Mongols titled “Genghis the Good.” The piece, written by Manvir Singh, gives us a new take on Genghis, Batu, Attilla and the horsemen who rode across the Russian Steppe bringing mayhem and death wherever they went. I have always believed that these Mongols were bad people. Part of me also believed that Joseph Stalin, Nikita Khrushchev and Vladimir Putin were direct descendants of the Golden Horde and this fact explained the assassina-

theory by finding out how many Russians actually carried the Y chromosome of Genghis Khan. They looked at 1,400 men from various ethnic groups and found a cluster of ‘Ghenghisides’ among the Kazakhs, Altai and Buryats of Northern SCOTT GRABER Eurasia. But they didn’t find any genetic trace of the tions, pogroms, deliberate Mongol marauder in Russia famines and the Gulag itself.” Archipelago. But this morning we learn With this in mind, I wrote that Western academics a column on the Russian are taking a new look at soldier in connection with the horse-riding archers their more recent butcheries “who spilled into Europe, in Ukraine, asking: “Who India, the Near East and are these killers?” Western China.” Eventual“Some say that these ly the Mongols arrived in young, conscripted Russians Russia making vassals of its soldiers carry the chromolong-suffering peasants and somes of Genghis Khan. its caviar-eating princelings. Actually some claim these We are told (by Macold-blooded killers are rie Favereau) that these descendants of Batu Khan, rapid-moving, blood-drinkGenghis Khan’s grandson, ing warriors believed in who led his rabid, raping “Security and free passage horsemen — the so called for merchants and goods, Golden Horde — into Russia privileged treatment for in 1248.” elites, clergy, traders, and artisans; carefully planned “In 2004 Russian genettax and land regimes; and icists decided to test this

mostly indirect governance … for Russian subjects and Mongols alike.” “The Russian principalities experienced extraordinary economic vitality during their vassalage to the Horde, she writes, pointing to forty or more cities built in Northeastern Russian during the fourteenth Century.” (For more positive press please read Marie Favereau’s “The Horde: How the Mongols Changed the World.”) Singh’s New Yorker piece also ends by emphasizing that these hard-riding horsemen were truly remarkable. “They lived in enormous, traveling societies. They subsumed diverse ethnic groups and could mobilize for war instantly.” Notwithstanding this praise — high praise to be sure — the New Yorker cannot help taking a gratuitous shot at those old-school, old-fashioned scholars who still insist that the cradle of civilization was located in Greece, Rome, China and

the Persian Empire. “Global history’s professed aim of de-centering world history requires a more sophisticated grasp of what sophistication looks like. In the case of the nomadic societies, we need to shift our orientation from the static to the flexible, from social complexity embodied in brick and bureaucracies to something that dwells within networks; an ever responsive capacity for large-scale collective action.” The new, and apparently growing scholarship on the Golden Horde is obviously meant to pull them into a new, positive category of “sophistication” by giving them points for large-scale collective movement and being a very good shot with a bow while galloping full tilt on a pony. OK, I get that. But is it necessarily to diminish the Greek, Roman, Persian and the Chinese civilizations by insisting we’ve got to put that art,

sculpture, philosophy, agriculture and the building of aqueducts and underground sewers on the same level as “large-scale collective action” and the ability to mobilize for war? Until recently the Russian people looked upon the 250 years of Mongol occupation as a period of national humiliation. But lately Vladimir Putin has embraced Alexander Nevsky, the Russian Prince who accepted the servitude to the Khans in order to stay in power. In a recent speech, Putin lauded the Mongol rulers for saving Russian people from Western influences. This is a nod to Putin’s new friend, China, and it recognizes the troops serving in Ukraine of Turkic and Mongol origin. It probably means new chromosome testing to cement Russia’s ancient ties with bedlam. Scott Graber is a lawyer, novelist, veteran columnist and longtime resident of Port Royal. He can be reached at cscottgraber@gmail.com.

Morning person or not, don’t dismiss eating a frog

t’s Sunday afternoon, and I am sitting at my computer trying to come up with something feasible to commit to print. I’m really aggravated that the muse has decided to go on vacation, but I rely too much on the little bugger to engage in direct vitriol. So I decide to cruise the Net (yes, even old ladies can do slowly what youngsters do with the speed of lightning) to see if I might happen upon something. Lo and behold, luck is with me. First I must give full credit to a writer named Michael Nordine who is senior writer and editor at Optimism Media. Given my state of mind as I was searching, the word optimism caught my eye. Furthermore, that he is a native of Los Angeles, lives in Denver with his two cats, but wishes he lived in Tokyo, piqued my interest further. And when I read his opening line, “Even if you aren’t a morning person …” I knew I was hooked. You see, if you were to look in the dictionary (even the one some are seeking to ban) for the phrase “never a morning person,” you would find my picture. Scientists have produced voluminous works about the body clock. Some of us are bright-eyed and bushy tailed at the crack of dawn. I vehemently exclude myself from that group.

we've all formed certain blearyeyed habits by now. Some are more conducive to feeling good for the rest of the day than others, of course, and these five habits will go a long way toward making your mornings more enjoyable and productive.” CAROL LUCAS “An hour-long workout?” “A specific breakfast?” Say what? I won’t even bother to When I taught school, I had to verbalize why the former never has rise at 5:45 a.m. every morning. been nor will it be in my repertoire. My sweet husband would bring I’m the gal who makes it to the my coffee to me without fail, and I bathroom through squinted eyes. would apply my make-up in a haze As for a “specific breakfast,” how and throw on my clothes, hoping I didn’t miss. We had to be there (he about a random brunch? Nordine addresses the much-beand I taught in the same school) by loved “snooze button,” and he make 7:10 as the first class began at 7:45. the cogent argument that not only I used to tell my first-period does hitting that button two or class that if they could just see three times give you less time to do me during third period, I was an what must be done in your routine, entirely different human being. Of but it really doesn’t provide more course many of them were barely real rest since being jerked awake awake, so I suspect they didn’t care every five minutes hardly equates much. Recent statistics show that rest. high school classes should begin Nordine’s label for his next no earlier than 9 a.m. Duh! I could have told them that a long time ago suggestion is “Eat a Frog.” Yes, you read correctly, and I admit to pausif they had asked. ing before reading. He provides the But back to Nordine and his following quote, often attributed contention. He says, “we all have (though not necessarily accurately) a morning routine. It could be as to Mark Twain. “If the first thing simple as a sipping cup of coffee or enjoying a hot shower when you you do each morning is to eat a live frog, you can go through the day wake up, or as complicated as an hour-long workout followed by a with the satisfaction of knowing very specific breakfast. Either way, that that is probably the worst

thing that is going to happen to you all day long.” All of this to say, "get your most difficult task out of the way first." As one who wears procrastination like a badge of honor, I thought, “Right, sure.” But it makes sense, as do most of Nordine’s suggestions. And then the author moves on to a topic that has always intrigued me, that of dreams. He suggests keeping a dream journal. I did so shortly after my late-husband passed away because I was having such vivid dreams, unlike the usual blurry, barely remembered ones. In my book, A Breath Away, I address dreams, and some of the science behind those that are vivid. Eventually, I got away from keeping a journal, but I find his suggestion well worth consideration. Nordine concludes by saying, “Experts recommend starting a dream journal, both as a way of centering yourself in the morning and coming to a better understanding of what’s truly going on up there.” I assume by “up there,” he means in the brain. I might change that phrase to “over there” since I tend to believe dreams are often messages from a place not directly visible. The next suggestion is one I have utilized almost every day, but I was able to do so only after I

retired. The author proposes brain stimulation: “The morning is, in many ways, a time of transition — from sleep to wakefulness, from yesterday to today. How you make that transition sets the tone for the rest of the day, and for some, that effort is hampered by the usual brain fog that comes from still feeling half-asleep.” I often sit down with my first cup of coffee and play Solitaire on my laptop. The final option is meditation. I have often wished I could engage in meditation, especially when trying to go to sleep. Unfortunately my mind is usually in overdrive, and occasional melatonin is as good as it gets. I have quoted Nordine verbatim in several places because he states the case for each suggestion so much better than I. I have sprinkled those quotes with anecdotes of my own, hoping to bring to the piece a bit of human interest. I know we are into the new year, and we have devised our own list of resolutions. But maybe one of these will strike you as not only viable but valuable. Wishing you luck with your goals, and you are welcome to dismiss eating a frog. Carol Lucas is a retired high school teacher and a Lady’s Island resident. She is the author of the recently published “A Breath Away: One Woman’s Journey Through Widowhood.”

Love God, Love Others, Reach Out Join Us for Worship & Fellowship Sunday Morning Worship at 8:30 & 10:30 81 Lady’s Island Drive

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JANUARY 18–24, 2024

A11

Tours

Food

Education

5k Run

Music

FESTIVAL 2024 Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park

11-21

Tides to Tables - Restaurant Week

Tides to Tables Restaurant Week kicks off the Beaufort Oyster Festival featuring local restaurants and their amazing cuisine on January 11, 2024.

Beaufort Oyster Festival VIP Sponsor Appreciation Event - Invite Only

Oyster Boogie 5k - Downtown Beaufort

Beaufort Oyster Festival 10-6pm

Beaufort Oyster Festival 11-4pm

Join the Beaufort Area Hospitality Association for a USATF Certified 5K Race on Saturday morning January 20th in Downtown Beaufort.

Free Admission. Live Music: 10-12pm 12th Street | 12-2pm Southbound 17 | 2-4pm Boondockers | 4-6pm Shan Tan & the Oyster Reefers

Free Admission. Live Music: 11-1pm Campfire Tyler Jamsesh | 1-4 The Fabulous Clams

Cornhole Tournament 1 pm

20-21

Beaufort Oyster Festival Menu Options 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.

Over 15 local Educational Organizations

or visit Beaufortoysterfestival.com

SPORTS&RECREATION

JANUARY 18–24, 2024

THE HARD WORK OF ALL ATHLETES DESERVES RECOGNITION

JPII 6th, Creek 7th at Bobcat Duals

LowcoSports.com May River flexed its muscle as the area’s top wrestling program with an undefeated run at the Bobcat Duals on Saturday at Bluffton High School, but John Paul II’s growing program had another strong day against tough competition to lead the northern Beaufort County contingent. The Golden Warriors claimed a 41-39 win over Battery Creek in the first round of pool match-

es after Chris Orta rallied for a pin after trailing through two periods, and they also defeated Whale Branch, 45-36, to finish 2-2 in pool matches before falling 64-15 to Hilton Head in the fifth-place match. After going 1-3 in pool matches, Beaufort and Battery Creek squared off in the seventh-place match with the Dolphins winning, 47-36, in a preview of next week’s Region 8-3A duals. Whale Branch

defeated Colleton Prep, 54-12, in the ninth-place match.

RSLA, LIMS each send 2 to state

Two wrestlers each from Robert Smalls Leadership Academy and Lady’s Island Middle School finished in the top three in their weight classes Saturday at the

John Paul II’s Chris Orta scored a third-period pin to lift the Golden Warriors to a 41-39 win over Battery Creek during the Bobcat Duals on Saturday at Bluffton High School. JPII finished sixth among 10 teams. SEE DUALS PAGE B2 Photo courtesy of John Paul II

BLITZ BORDER BOWL

Team Lowco falls short in Savannah LowcoSports.com Despite a talent-laden roster filled with accomplished high school football stars, Team Lowco didn’t have enough firepower to keep up with the Coastal Empire on Saturday, falling, 26-9, in the annual Blitz Border Bowl at Savannah’s Memorial Stadium. The Georgia stars built a 20-0 lead before Hampton County’s Zion Dobson got the Lowco on the board with a touchdown run and the South Carolina squad cut it to 20-9 before a touchdown pass with just over a minute left provided the dagger. Beaufort High’s Jadyn Andrews, Quion Rivers, and Dom Camacho were on the Lowco roster along with Whale Branch’s Darrell Cummings, Bradford Thompson, and KJ Chisholm and Battery Creek’s Juju Gordon.

Battery Creek High School’s Jayvorie Cole, left, and Daniel Briscoe, right, try to stop Beaufort High School’s Brandon Blackmon as he goes for a basket against a tough Battery Creek defense during the second quarter of their Region 8-3A game Wednesday, Jan. 10, at the Eagles Nest. The Eagles defeated the Dolphins, 48-42, to go to 7-7 overall and 1-1 in the region. The Dolphins drop to 8-8 overall and 0-2 in region play. Bob Sofaly/The Island News

Eagles protect The Nest LowcoSports.com Both games went down to the wire, as a heated rivalry should, but Beaufort High was able to defend The Nest last Wednesday, sweeping a Region 8-3A basketball doubleheader from crosstown rival Battery Creek. Anaiya Houseal scored 16 points to go along with five rebounds, four assists, and five steals for Beaufort’s girls, who pulled away in overtime for a 51-46 win. Sophomore Carson Crosby had a huge game for the Eagles with 11 points, 19 rebounds, four steals, and five blocks. The boys game was a battle throughout, but the Eagles clamped down on defense in the fourth quarter and edged ahead for a 48-42 win. Naiim Pope led the way for Beaufort with 14 points, 11 rebounds,

four assists, and three steals, while Brandon Blackmon also collected a double-double with 10 points and 11 boards. Guerin Willis flirted with a double-double with nine points and nine rebounds. Samari Bonds came up big for Beaufort in the fourth quarter and finished with 11 points and seven rebounds. Alizjah Mathis had 12 points and four assists, and Jayvorie Cole added nine points and eight rebounds to lead Battery Creek. Both Beaufort teams were back in action Tuesday at North Charleston, where the girls moved to 2-1 in region play with a 47-32 win while the boys dropped to 1-2 with a 53-38 defeat. The Eagles travel to Hanahan on Friday, while the Dolphins return to action at Philip Simmons.

Battery Creek’s Audrey Jefferson, right, is double-teamed while trying to pass the ball by Beaufort’s Claire McDaniel, left, and Aubree Levi during overtime. Bob Sofaly/The Island News

USCB women overwhelmed by ’Canes By Brackin Lambert uscbathletics.com BLUFFTON — Brielle Bartelt and Taniyah Bowman scored 15 points apiece on Saturday, but USCB women’s basketball fell to Georgia Southwestern 86-48 in The Cove. "We have a long way to go," USCB coach Sharon Versyp said. "But we're playing five or six freshman when they are playing juniors, seniors, fifth years, so I think the first half was OK, but the second half they started hitting the threes and that really hurt. But still played with a lot of heart, and I'm proud of our team." The Sand Sharks battled through a tough first quarter, keeping it within single digits, but in the second quarter the Hurricanes extended their lead to double-figures and went into half up 13. GSW found its grove in the second half, shooting 60 percent from the field, and kept Beaufort to only nine points in the fourth period. USCB (4-8, 0-4) hits the road next week with trips to Georgia College on Wednesday and North Georgia on Saturday.

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SPORTS

Sand Sharks slide hits three games

By Brackin Lambert uscbathletics.com BLUFFTON — USCB men's basketball had a chance to tie the game with less than 10 seconds remaining when Shea Champine went up for a 3-pointer, but a no-call followed by a turnover helped Georgia Southwestern escape The Cove with an 84-79 victory over the Sand Sharks on Saturday. "It was a hard-fought game, really proud of our effort," USCB coach Ron Fudala said. "We responded well, with a boost of energy and our guys were ready to play. We'll go back to the drawing board to solidify a couple of things, but this league is tough. Every night you're going to get everyone's best shot, we just have to be

ready for it." Larry Bulluck led USCB with 14 points after hitting a couple of late 3-pointers, and Marcus Overstreet picked up his fifth double-double of the year with 11 points and 11 boards, while Qurahn Anderson and Champine added 10 points apiece. The Sand Sharks’ lead grew as large as 12 with under six remaining in the first half, but the Hurricanes battled back within two at

the break and took their first lead of the game on the opening possession of the second half. Georgia Southwestern pushed its lead to nine, but Beaufort continued to push back. Champine knocked down four straight from the charity stripe to tie it up at 59, and Anderson threw down his second thunderous dunk off a steal to put USCB on top and send shockwaves through The Cove, but Jordon Johnson hit a triple from the top of the key to put GSW back up by three and the Sand Sharks fell for the third straight game. USCB (8-4, 1-3) will travel to Milledgeville on Wednesday for a conference road game against Georgia College and then head to North Georgia on Saturday.

BASKETBALL ROUNDUPS HS BOYS HOOPS SCORES Wednesday’s Game

Beaufort Academy 58, Colleton Prep 38

Thursday’s Games

Patrick Henry Academy 64, Beaufort Academy 60 John Paul II 74, Cross 26

Friday’s Games

John Paul 63, Patrick Henry 39 JPII: Dante Aiken 19p newspapers.org/public-notices America’s Newspapers is a national association supporting journalism and healthy newspapers in our local communities. Find out more at www.newspapers.org or follow us on Twitter @newspapersorg or on Facebook @americasnewspapers.

Saturday’s Game

Hampton Co. 50, Whale Branch 46

Tuesday’s Games

North Charleston 53, Beaufort 38 Bridges Prep 77, Royal Live Oaks 22 Whale Branch 80, Branchville 46 Hilton Head Prep 49, John Paul II 39 Patrick Henry 78, Holy Trinity 44 Bethesda Academy 60, Beaufort Academy 56 BA: Zeke Gonzalez 22p, Matt Moukanda 16p

Patrick Henry’s Andy Searles, center, gets double teamed by a pair of Holy Trinity defenders during the first quarter of their SCISA Region 2-2A game Tuesday night at Holy Trinity. The Stingrays went on to win 78-44 over the Mighty Lions. Bob Sofaly/ The Island News

HS GIRLS HOOPS SCORES Wednesday’s Game

Beaufort Academy 54, Colleton Prep 51 BA: Kamirah Freeman 32p

Thursday’s Games

Patrick Henry Academy 49, Beaufort Academy 37 John Paul II 62, Cross 40

Saturday’s Game

Hampton Co. 59, Whale Branch 33

Tuesday’s Games

Beaufort 47, North Charleston 32 Bridges Prep 59, Royal Live Oaks 4 BP: Makayla Lapp 25p John Paul II 67, Hilton Head Prep 41 JPII: Brady Mahoney 21p/21r/3b, Cayce Graves 11p/5r Patrick Henry 55, Holy Trinity 27

Holy Trinity’s Anna Kate Gray, center, has difficulty getting the ball past Patrick Henry’s Holly Mikell during the first half of their SCISA 2-2A game Tuesday, Jan, 16, at Holy Trinity. The Lady Mighty Lions lost the game 55-27, dropping their overall record to 0-5 and 0-3 in their region. Bob Sofaly/The Island News

Duals

from page B1 Coastal Sectional to qualify for the middle school state tournament Saturday at the Carolina Invitational in Lexington. Elijah Shuler of Robert Smalls pinned his way to the 126-pound title, while Lady’s Island’s Cameron Posey won two tough decisions before scoring a first-period pin in the John Paul II’s Daniel Snyder had a strong showing Saturday at 135-pound final. Lady’s Isthe Bobcat Duals at Bluffton High School, helping the Golden land 96-pounder Santino Warriors defeat Battery Creek and Whale Branch and finish Comunale placed second, falling 7-2 to H.E. McCrack- sixth among 10 teams. Photo courtesy of John Paul II en’s Andrew Lawson in the final, and Chris Martinez ner-up at 158 pounds, scor- by fall to Bluffton Middle’s of Robert Smalls was run- ing two pins before losing Henry Santiz.

JANUARY 18–24, 2024

EDUCATION

Tech school students guaranteed transfer credits at USC, Clemson By Jessica Holdman SCDailyGazette.com COLUMBIA – South Carolina college students who start their degree at a technical college have an upfront guarantee they won’t need to retake any core classes if they choose to continue on to the state’s two largest research universities. South Carolina’s technical college system already has individual agreements with all of the state’s public universities. But a new contract signed Thursday, Jan. 11, marked the first step toward a unified, statewide pact when it comes to students moving between the state’s higher education institutions. “There’s no point in taking the same course — let’s say English — twice and hav-

The University of South Carolina campus on Monday, Oct. 30, 2023, in Columbia. Mary Ann Chastain/Special to the S.C. Daily Gazette ing to pay for it both times,” “This will make a college Gov. Henry McMaster said education more affordable,” in explaining the purpose of the governor added. the agreement. Under the agreement,

students who complete 30 hours of college credit — equivalent to one year of education — at one of

the 16 technical colleges in the state will be able to put those hours toward a degree at Clemson University or the University of South Carolina. By starting at a technical college, students can save an estimated $30,000, according to Tim Hardee, president of the state Technical College System. Technical colleges send about 1,600 students on to USC and Clemson as transfers annually, Hardee said. While the tech schools already had agreements in place with USC, Clemson, as well as the state’s 10 other four-year colleges, this move takes that continuity a step further, he said. “These agreements go back decades, but they are evolving as the landscape

is changing and the preferences of the students change,” USC President Michael Amiridis said. “We’re trying to make it easier every time and more friendly.” This latest commitment applies only to the core set of classes all South Carolina college students must complete to graduate. Howeveer, Hardee said, there are more than 80 other courses that can be taken at the technical college level and put toward certain degrees at the state’s four-year schools. Jessica Holdman writes about the economy, workforce and higher education. Before joining the S.C. Daily Gazette, she was a business reporter for The Post and Courier.The Post and Courier.

Head of SC higher ed agency retiring in fallout over $152M surplus

By Jessica Holdman SCDailyGazette.com COLUMBIA — The head of South Carolina’s higher education agency announced his retirement a month after an audit found the agency allowed $152 million in unspent state lottery profits intended for college scholarships to pile up over six years. Rusty Monhollon, executive director of the state Commission on Higher Education, will retire in March. He has led the agency since 2019. “I know there’s more to do and

more I want to do, but I think it’s the right time,” Monhollon said in a statement. “This is the best job I’ve ever had and has been the culmination of my professional career.” Monhollon came to South Carolina from Missouri to bring stability to the agency that had a revolving door of leadership over several years. “Dr. Monhollon’s retirement from the CHE is a huge loss for higher education in South Carolina. He has done an outstanding job in restoring confidence in the agency,” said former Sen. Wes Hayes, chair-

man of the Commission on Higher Education’s governing board. “Our work will continue but we will miss his leadership.” But Monhollon will leave the leave the agency with a mark on his record after state Inspector General Brian Lamkin reported the agency “wasted” opportunities for students by letting $152 million in lottery scholarship money sit in the bank, which he said lawmakers could have spent to help more students. Voters approved the lottery in 2000 as a way to fund college scholarships and make a degree

EDUCATION BRIEFS

TCL, King Arthur Baking Company launch ‘Tastes Like Home’ student recipe contest

The Culinary Institute of the South at Technical College of the Lowcountry has partnered with King Arthur, America’s oldest baking company, to launch a recipe competition for area students. The “Tastes Like Home Recipe Contest” is open to all 11th and 12th graders enrolled in Beaufort, Hampton, Jasper and Colleton county schools and to current students at the Culinary Institute of the South. Based in Norwich, Vermont, King Arthur was founded in 1790, making it the oldest baking company in the United States. Today, the employee-owned company offers premium baking mixes and flours, kitchen tools, bakeware and pans and a variety of online and in-person classes. Lowcountry students interested in entering the contest have until Sunday, Feb. 11 to enter via an online application. Contestants are required to use King Arthur’s high-quality unbleached all-purpose flour in their recipe and will be provided a voucher to purchase the flour for free, while supplies last. Finalists will be notified in March and will compete in a live competition held at an open house on Saturday, April 6, at the Culinary Institute of the South, in Bluffton, to determine the top recipe in several categories. Winners will receive a scholarship to the Culinary Institute of the South or a trip to King Arthur in Vermont. For additional details including contest rules, guidelines and contest application, visit www.tcl.edu/tasteslikehome.

Beaufort’s Weber graduates from College of Charleston

affordable for South Carolina students, who can put it toward costs at the private or public college of their choice. While the money sat untouched, no eligible student was denied scholarship funding, Monhollon said. The error was in predicting how much was needed to fully cover the state’s three largest scholarship programs. In Monhollon’s retirement announcement, the agency instead highlighted accomplishments. Those include the start of a program to encourage veteran

arts and sciences university. Founded in scale while carrying a class load of at least 12 1770, the College is among the nation's top hours during the semester. universities for quality education, student Nationally recognized for academic exlife and affordability. cellence and as an outstanding educational value, Berry is an independent, coeducational, comprehensive liberal arts college of apPage named to Troy proximately 2,200 students. For more than Chancellor's List a century, the college has offered an excepMatthew Page of Beaufort has been tional education that balances intellectual named to the Chancellor's List at Troy (Ala.) exploration, practical learning, and characUniversity for the Fall Semester/Term 2 of ter development. Its 27,000-acre campus in the 2023-2024 academic year. Rome, Ga., is the world's largest. The Chancellor's List honors full-time undergraduate students who are registered for at least 12 semester hours and who earn a SNHU Announces Fall grade point average of 4.0. 2023 President's List Troy University is a public, historic, interSouthern New Hampshire University national university with 22,500 students and (SNHU) congratulates 10 students from the 154,000 alumni. Students on the Troy, Ala. Beaufort area on being named to the Fall campus enjoy a traditional college experi- 2023 President's List. The fall terms run ence, while adult students are the centers of from September to December. attention at campuses in Dothan, MontgomFull-time undergraduate students who ery and Phenix City, Ala., as well as at loca- have earned a minimum grade-point average tions around the world and online. of 3.700 and above for the reporting term are named to the President's List. Full-time status is achieved by earning 12 credits over Willingham graduates each 16-week term or paired 8-week terms from Lander grouped in fall, winter/spring, and summer. Lander University conferred bachelor’s Those honored include Ashley Donato and master’s degrees to 270 graduates of Beaufort (29902); Diamond Benitez Orduring the University’s 168th Commencetega of Beaufort (29902); Emani Peterson ment Ceremony on Wednesday, Dec. 13, of Beaufort (29906); Karyn Richardson 2023. The Class of 2023 includes graduates of Beaufort (29906); Elisabeth Geines of from local communities, cities and regions Beaufort (29906); Alana White of Beaufort across South Carolina, including Beaufort’s (29906); James Cook of Beaufort (29907); McCayla Ann Denise Willingham, who Andrew Deems of Beaufort (29907); Justin graduated Cum Laude with a Golden L with Bryson of Lady's Island (29907); and Tracy a Bachelor of Science in Business AdminisPichardo of Beaufort (29907) tration. Southern New Hampshire University Cum Laude is a distinction awarded to (SNHU) is a private, nonprofit institution graduates with a cumulative GPA of 3.50with a 91-year history of educating tradi3.74, while the Golden L is given to graduates tional-aged students and working adults. who have earned a cumulative GPA of 3.50 Now serving more than 225,000 learners or higher in the last 60 hours of instruction. worldwide, SNHU offers approximately 200 Founded in 1872, Lander University is a accredited undergraduate, graduate and cerco-educational, state-assisted, four-year Unitificate programs, available online and on its versity serving more than 4,300 students 300-acre campus in Manchester, N.H. and offering more than 90 areas of study in the liberal arts and sciences located in 4 from Beaufort make Greenwood, S.C.

The College of Charleston recently awarded undergraduate and graduate degrees during the Winter 2023 Commencement ceremony. Ashley Weber of Beaufort (29907) graduated with a Master of Education in Languages. Weber was among more than 370 bache- Pellegrino named lor's degree and master's degree candidates to Berry Dean's List who participated in the ceremony. Beaufort’s Sophia Pellegrino was named Located in the heart of historic Charles- to the Fall 2023 Dean's List at Berry College. ton, South Carolina, the College of Charles- The Dean's List honors students who posted ton is a nationally recognized public liberal an academic average of 3.5 or better on a 4.0

nurses to become educators of future nurses, an event celebrating graduating high school seniors at the Statehouse called “College and Career Decision Day,” efforts to ensure credit for classes taken at one college in the state transfer seamlessly to another and leading the agency through the COVID-19 pandemic. Jessica Holdman writes about the economy, workforce and higher education. Before joining the S.C. Daily Gazette, she was a business reporter for The Post and Courier.The Post and Courier.

student must have at least a 4.0 grade point average and carry a minimum of 12 hours for the semester. Beaufort students honored include Jayra Hernandez (29906), Oakley Magbee (29902), Olivia Hogle (29906) and Lindsey Breaux (29907). Georgia Southern University, a public Carnegie Doctoral/R2 institution founded in 1906, offers approximately 155 different degree programs serving more than 26,100 students through 10 colleges on three campuses in Statesboro, Savannah, Hinesville and online instruction.

8 from Beaufort make Georgia Southern’s Fall 2023 Dean's List

Georgia Southern University recently recognized approximately 3,550 students – including eight from Beaufort – for excellence in academics on the Fall 2023 Dean's List. To be eligible for the Dean's List, a student must have at least a 3.5 grade point average and carry a minimum of 12 hours for the semester. Beaufort students honored include Jamiah Johnson (29902), Ashlee Gomez (29906), Jason Hernandez (29906), Sergio Smith (29907), Lily Melville (29907), Victoria Floyd (29907), Cristos Kramer (29902) and Sara Sanchez (29906). Georgia Southern University, a public Carnegie Doctoral/R2 institution founded in 1906, offers approximately 155 different degree programs serving more than 26,100 students through 10 colleges on three campuses in Statesboro, Savannah, Hinesville and online instruction.

3 from Beaufort make Wofford’s Fall 2023 Dean's List

Wofford College provost Dr. Timothy Schmitz has announced Dean's List students for the fall 2023 semester including three students from Beaufort: Hayden Canaday, Bailey Herron, and Morgan McDermott. Georgia Southern’s Fall Wofford College, established in 1854, is a 2023 President's List four-year, residential liberal arts college loGeorgia Southern University recently rec- cated in Spartanburg, S.C. It offers 27 major ognized approximately 2,350 students – in- fields of study to a student body of 1,875 uncluding four from Beaufort – for excellence dergraduates. in academics on the Fall 2023 President's List. To be eligible for the President's List, a – Compiled from staff reports JANUARY 18–24, 2024

ARTS

Center for the Arts opening Black Mermaids exhibit with a splash

From staff reports USC Beaufort’s Center for the Arts will host a reception at 6 p.m., Friday, Jan. 19 to formally open its newest exhibit – Black Mermaids From Africa to America. Curated by Cookie Washington, the show features bold and colorful works by award winning artists that explore and bring to life, the spirituality and folklore of the Merworld. The vision and voices of the artists tell the stories of Black mermaid archetypes using fiber, textiles, and mixed media. “After seeing the show in Charleston where it premiered at the City Gallery, I knew we had to bring the exhibit to Beaufort to share with our community.” says Bonnie Hargrove, Director of the Center for the Arts. In addition to the reception event, there will be an artisans fair and documentary films screening from noon to 4 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 20; guided viewings with the curator from noon to 3 p.m., Tuesday, Feb.: and a special water blessing closing event from 5 to 7 p.m., on International Mermaid Day, Friday, March.

WANT TO GO? What: Black Mermaids From Africa to America art exhibit Where: USC Beaufort Center for the Arts, 805 Carteret Street, Beaufort When: Friday, Jan. 19 through Friday, March 29 Cost: Free and open to the public

South Carolina, Cookie Washington does that every day. Washington is an artist, curator and folklorist who recently led a sold-out art quilting presentation at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture. She has long been drawn to and inspired by the rich folklore and historic significance of black About the exhibit People around the world cel- mermaid mythologies. The exhibit features the work ebrate black mermaids, but in The exhibit and all events will be hosted at the Center for the Arts and are free and open to everyone. For more information, visit https://bit.ly/424hsrC or call USCB Center for the Arts at 843521-4145

Books Sandwiched In series returns to USCB Center For The Arts

From staff reports The 2024 Books Sandwiched In Series, presented by Friends of the Beaufort Library, returns Monday, Jan. 22 from noon to 1 p.m. at the at the USC Beaufort Center for the Arts. The series runs through Wednesday, March 13. Each week a community leader will discuss a book that has had an impact on them, followed by a rich discussion and a question-and-answer session about the book. Here is the complete schedule: January 22 – Namjah Thomas, Ph.D., tenured Associate Professor of Human Services and African American Studies at USCB and a daughter of the Gullah Geechee community of St. Helena, presents Island Queen by Vanessa Riley. This novel is a sweeping epic of an adventurer and a survivor who answered to no one but herself as she rose to power and autonomy against all odds, defying rigid 18th-century morality and the oppression of women as well as people of color. January 29 – Jane Frederick, a principal at Frederick + Frederick Architects, a Fellow at the American Institute of Architects and the first woman to receive The Medal of Distinction from AIA SC, presents Eyes on The Street: The Life of Jane Jacobs by Robert Kanigel. The first major biography of the irrepressible woman who changed the way we view and live in cities, and whose influence is felt to this day. February 5 – Grace Cordial, responsible for the day-to-day operation of the Beaufort District Collection, the special collections library and archives unit of the Beaufort County Library presents Hurricane Jim Crow by Dr. Caroline Grego. This narrative history of the deadly natural disaster of 1893 uncovers how Black workers and politicians, white landowners and former enslavers, northern interlocutors and hu-

JANUARY 18–24, 2024

manitarians all met on the flooded ground of the coast and fought to realize very different visions for the region's future. February 12 – Kristin Williams, Executive Director at the Open Land Trust and previously Executive Director of Friends of the Environment, a conservation organization situated in Abaco, Bahamas where she is from, presents Wind From The Carolinas by Robert Wilder. This is a novel of an aristocratic Tory clan who fled the South in the wake of the American Revolution to rebuild their baronial plantations and recapture their lost fortune in the turbulent, windswept Bahamas Islands. February 19 – Barney Forsythe, Ph.D., Brig. Gen., U.S. Army (retired), with extensive experience in leadership development and education, presents Robert E. Lee and Me by Ty Seidule. In a unique blend of history and reflection, Seidule deconstructs the truth about the Confederacy and challenges the myths and lies of the Confederate legacy. February 26 – Marie Gibbs, Ph.D., a retired educator who has spent more than 34 years teaching the children of St. Helena Island and Beaufort County and manager of the Penn Center Museum, presents Thank You, Mr. Falker by Patricia Polacco. A first for

Books Sandwiched In, this children’s book is a real-life, classic story of a dyslexic girl and the teacher who would not let her fail. March 4 – Brian Canada, Ph.D., Professor of Computational Science and Chair of the Department of Computer Science & Mathematics at USCB, presents 88 Names by Matt Ruff. This novel is a thrilling and immersive virtual reality epic – part cyberthriller, part twisted romantic comedy – that transports you to a world where identity is fluid and nothing can be taken at face value. March 13 – Bill Love, Executive Director of Beaufort County Department of Disabilities and Special Needs (DSN) and previous Deputy Secretary of the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections presents Until We Reckon by Danielle Sered. Critically, Sered argues that the reckoning owed is not only on the part of those who have committed violence, but also by our nation's over-reliance on incarceration to produce safety – at great cost to communities, survivors, racial equity, and the very fabric of our democracy. This series is free and open to the public. Light refreshments will be served. To learn more visit us at https://bit.ly/3O5gFkL.

of dozens of esteemed and award-winning fiber artists from across the United States, whose mixed-media works celebrate African goddesses as mermaid and water spirit, honoring the past and exploring them anew. The show’s theme contextualizes black mermaids through the history and belief systems of those forcibly removed from Africa and carried across the ocean.

“Black mermaids traveled with enslaved Africans from Yoruba, West Africa, to distant lands, comforting them in the holds of the slave ships that took them far away from their homeland in Africa,” Washington said. “Because of the rich oral traditions of these peoples, few if any of these stories were written down until they were recorded by collectors of folk tales toward the end of the 19th century. The fine artistry in Celebrating Black Mermaids: From Africa to America is griot in nature. Each piece is a storyteller, using color, texture, form and embellishment to express a narrative.” For a list of other activities planned with Mermaid exhibit, visit uscbcenterforthearts.com.

Batson Artist In Residence for Beaufort County Library

From staff reports Thanks to a grant from The Public Library Foundation of Beaufort County, local painter and fashion designer Dorneisha Batson is the newest Artist-in-Residence for the Beaufort County Library for January/ February 2024. “The Public Library Foundation of Beaufort County is proud to sponsor the Artist in Residence program,” Foundation Co-Chair, Woody Rutter said in a release. “Our libraries are not just about books; they provide many services to the public that make our lives richer. The Artist in Residence program helps us to see and appreciate an artist’s creativity and interpretation of their subject matter.” Born in Maryland, Batson relocated with her family to Beaufort in 1988. Having foundational roots from two distinct regions has played a part in molding her creativity. She is predominantly an abstract artist in painting and drawing. Her pieces are bold, colorful abstract expressionist designs that connect the viewer with the world around them. Batson completed a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management at Park University in 2006 and Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Fashion Design at the Savannah College of Art and Design in 2010. She held her first solo art show at Green Herring Art and Framing in Beaufort in July 2013 and showcased her work in numerous cities in the United States as well as London. In addition to Washington D.C., New York, and London, her pieces are currently on display locally at USC Beaufort’s Bluffton Campus Library and Lowcountry Dance Center. During her residency, Batson will provide nine public

workshops at the Beaufort Branch for children, teens, and adults, as well as scheduled studio hours each week on select days at the Beaufort, Lobeco, and St. Helena branches, where library customers will be able to see her painting skills in action. Batson’s workshops will include visual storytelling, color theory, basic visual art skills, fabric painting, and wearable art. A special workshop will be held right before Valentine’s Day. Space is limited for the workshops, please register early. To register for the workshops, contact the Beaufort Branch Library at 843-2556458. Batson said, “This residency means so much to me, it allows me a chance to introduce myself and my work to an audience I may never have had the chance to encounter. I am looking forward to sharing with people of all ages and backgrounds the tricks I’ve learned along the way to create art and tell my story.”

p.m. (13-Adult) Learn how to prepare fabric for painting, choose designs, color identification, mixing, and various painting techniques.

Valentine’s Day Painting Tuesday, Feb. 13, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. (All Ages) Make a canvas painting for your loved one. Paints and brushes will be provided! T-Shirt Painting Saturday, Feb. 17, Noon to 1 p.m. (ages 8-12); 1:30 to 3 p.m. (13-Adult) Bring your own t-shirt or garment and you will be guided in customizing your design. To see Dorneisha Batson in action, her studio hours will be held the following days and times:

Meet the Artist! Wed., January 24, 2024, 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Beaufort Branch Meet Batson during her first studio hours and learn Schedule more about her upcoming Painting and Visual Art residency. No registration Workshops will be held as necessary. follows: Additional Studio Hours Visual Storytelling and Wednesday, Jan. 31, 10 Color Theory 101 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., St. Helena Saturday, Jan. 27, Noon to Branch 1 p.m. (ages 8-12); 1:30 to 3 Wednesday, Feb. 7, 10 a.m. p.m. (13-Adult) to 1:30 p.m., Lobeco Branch Learn how to create art that tells a story, using dif“We’re thrilled to continferent materials – and your ue the Artist in Residence imagination! program for a second year,” Library Director, Amanda Intro to Visual Art Dickman said. "During this Saturday, Feb. 3, Noon to residency, visitors to the 1 p.m. (ages 8-12); 1:30 to 3 library will see art come to p.m. (13-Adult) life in real-time and have Develop drawing, paint- the opportunity to inspire ing, and composition skills their own inner artist in new as well as techniques to de- ways.” velop 2D figures. For updates on future Artist in Residence programs, Fabric Painting 101 stay tuned to https://www. Saturday, Feb. 10, Noon to beaufortcountylibrary.org/ 1 p.m. (ages 8-12); 1:30 to 3 artist-in-residence.

LEGAL NOTICES NOTICE OF APPLICATION Notice is hereby given that Lady’s Island Marina – Marina Store intends to apply to the South Carolina Department of Revenue for a license and/or permit that will allow the sale and 7 day off-premises beer and wine consumption at 73 Sea Island Pkwy STE 14, Beaufort, SC 29907. To object to the issuance of this license and/or permit, you must submit Form ABL-20, postmarked no later than, January 25, 2024. Submit protests online at MyDORWAY.dor.sc.dov, or email ABL@dor.sc.gov.

BAKER 283 CYPRESS TRAIL DRIVE, ORMOND BEACH, FL 32174, 0.0147723220820258%, U2503-W41B, 3861/2721, $32,880.62, $350, $221.38, $33,452.00, $13.03;FRANK J. RALLY 361 BRECKENRIDGE DR, AURORA, IL 60504, 0.0073861610410129%, U1308-W3O, 4009/1637, $14,837.36, $350, $221.38, $15,408.74, $5.95;COURTNEY NICOLE LOVE 121 BOZEMAN DRIVE APT B, FORT MILL, SC 29715, 0.0073861610410129%, U1105-W4O, 4028/300, $11,991.42, $350, $221.38, $12,562.80, $5.94.

NOTICE OF APPLICATION Notice is hereby given that New YUMMY LLC/DBA: Yummy Hibachi and Sushi 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 1370 Ribaut Rd, Port Royal, SC, 29935. To object to the issuance of this license and/ or permit, you must submit Form ABL-20, postmarked no later than 2/1/2024. Submit protests online at MyDORWAY.dor.sc.dov, or email ABL@dor.sc.gov.

TRUSTEE’S NOTICE OF SALE

TRUSTEE'S NOTICE OF SALE 95-4 Pursuant to S.C. Code Ann. §§ 27-32-300, et. seq., NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN of the intent of the undersigned Trustee, KING CUNNINGHAM, LLC, to sell the below described Properties at Public Auction to the highest bidders for cash on 12/21/2023 beginning at 9:30 A.M. The Public Auction shall occur at the Office of Bolchoz Law Firm, 6 Buckingham Plantation Rd, Ste B, Bluffton, SC 29910. Property Descriptions: A fee simple undivided interest (SEE EXHIBIT "A") in the Project as tenant(s) in common with the holders of other undivided interests in and to the timeshare property known as MBV VACATION SUITES, as established in 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 EXHIBIT "A"). The names and notice address of the obligor(s), record owner(s) of the timeshare estate (if different from the obligor(s), and junior interest or lienholder(s) (if applicable) (hereinafter referred to as “Obligors”) are identified in Exhibit “A”. The sale of the Properties is to satisfy the defaults in payment by the Obligors of the obligations secured by those certain Mortgages to HHI Development, LLC as recorded in the records of Beaufort County, South Carolina and detailed in Exhibit “A”. The amounts secured by the MORTGAGES, including accrued interest and late charges now owing along with a per diem amount to account for further accrual of interest and late charges are detailed in Exhibit “A”, together with any and all additional principal, interest, costs coming due and payable hereafter. The successful bidders shall be required to pay, in cash or certified funds, at the time of the bid, unless the successful bidder is the Creditor, which shall reserve a credit against its bid for the Total Owing as set forth in Exhibit “A”. The successful bidders shall also be required to pay for Deed Preparation, Documentary Stamps, or transfer fee, and Recording Costs. This sale is subject to all taxes, liens, easements, encumbrances, assessments, and/or senior mortgage liens of record and the undersigned Trustee gives no opinion thereto. An Obligor has the right to cure the default, and a Junior Lienholder has the right to redeem its interest up to the date of that the Trustee issues the Certificate of Sale pursuant to S.C. Code Ann. § 27-32-345. KING CUNNINGHAM, LLC, Trustee and Attorney for HHI Development, LLC, by Jeffrey W. King, SC Bar # 15840; or W. Joseph Cunningham, SC Bar # 72655, P.O. Box 4896, North Myrtle Beach, SC 29597, (843)-249-0777. EXHIBIT “A” – NOTICE OF TRUSTEE’S SALE Owner(s), Address, TS Interest, TS Interval Control No., MTG BK/PG, Default Amount, Trustee’s Fee, Interest, Total Amount Due, Per Diem- VERONICA BLACK KODZAI 8127 IVY HOLLOW DR, CHARLOTTE, NC 282272438, 0.0073861610410129%, U1305-W5E, 4180/2459, $13,734.46, $350, $390.88, $14,475.34, $5.81; JEROME GETER&ANGELA J. GETER 119 MISTY FOREST WAY, PIEDMONT, SC 29673-9829, 0.0073861610410129%, U2607-W27O, 4230/52, $35,886.91, $350, $390.88, $36,627.79, $15.96; WILFRID JEAN, JR.&TIESSENCE ARQUEIA JEAN 2400 NW 33RD ST UNIT 1110, OAKLAND PARK, FL 33309, 0.0073861610410129%, U2502-W4O, 4213/1943, $18,258.49, $350, $221.38, $18,829.87, $8.52; CIRO RAFAEL SANTANA&LILIANA MARIA LINARES 7383 BIG CYPRESS COURT, HIALEAH, FL 33014, 0.0073861610410129%, U1105-W29E, 3766/2810, $21,935.08, $350, $221.38, $22,506.46, $7.27; E. CHRISTINE MOLL 1090B ARGYLL CIR, LAKEWOOD, NJ 08701-6948, 0.0147723220820258,0.0147723220 820258%, U2210-W34B,U2307-W25B, 3897/2468, $77,416.56, $350, $221.38, $77,987.94, $30.96; NAVANEETHA KRISHNAN PURUSHOTHAMAN 43227 HERON DR, NOVI, MI 48375, 0.0073861610410129%, U2106-W3E, 4212/2906, $13,851.98, $350, $221.38, $14,423.36, $5.44; HAZEL R. CLARK 8576 JAMESTOWN WAY, JONESBORO, GA 30238, 0.0147723220820258%, U2301-W27B, 3809/3109, $28,982.15, $350, $221.38, $29,553.53, $13.05; TRISHA MARIE HARRISON&MICHAEL PAUL HARRISON 128 ROCK ISLAND ST, SPRING VALLEY, IL 61362-1628, 0.0147723220820258,0.01477 23220820258%, U1302-W9B, U1302-W47B, 4094/2504, $54,091.59, $350, $221.38, $54,662.97, $22.23; DOMINIC ANTHONY CATALLO&NICOLE JANA LYNN CATALLO 2861 SIERRA MADRE AVE, CLOVIS, CA 93611-5084, 0.0073861610410129%, U1203-W48E, 4137/2214, $11,825.38, $350, $221.38, $12,396.76, $5.84; DIANTE S. JOHNSON 900 ARMY NAVY DR # 1411, ARLINGTON, VA 22202-4928, 0.0073861610410129%, U2408-W4O, 4424/2115, $14,263.02, $350, $221.38, $14,834.40, $7.3;DEE ANN MYERS&STEPHEN CHARLES HULL 2924 SOUTHWEST 16TH ST, LEES SUMMIT, MO 64081, 0.0073861610410129%, U1106-W11O, 3717/879, $13,801.35, $350, $221.38, $14,372.73, $4.69;CYNTHIA C. CABRERA&ERIC T. JACKSON 3085 PONY RIDGE TURN, DUMFRIES, VA 22026-2765, 0.0073861610410129%, U2108-W30O, 4197/702, $34,680.49, $350, $221.38, $35,251.87, $17.44;BARAK KERNS BAKER&LISA BETH

Pursuant to S.C. Code Ann. § 27-32-300, et. seq., NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN of the intent of the undersigned Trustee to sell the below described Property at Public Auction on the 1/18/2024 beginning at 9:00 A.M.. The Public Auction shall occur at the Office of Bolchoz Law Firm, 6 Buckingham Plantation Rd, Ste B, Bluffton, SC 29910. Property Description: Unit Number 444, Vacation Week 18, Designated Season GOLD Timeshare Interest consisting of 1 undivided 1/102 interest(s) in fee simple as tenants in common in and to the below described Condominium Unit, together with a corresponding undivided interest in the Common Furnishings which are appurtenant to such Condominium Unit, as well as the recurring (i) exclusive right every calendar year to reserve, use and occupy an Assigned Unit within Royal Dunes Beach Villa sat Port Royal Resort Horizontal Property Regime (the “Project”); (ii) exclusive Furnishings located within or otherwise appurtenant to such Assigned Unit; and (iii) non-exclusive right to use and enjoy the Common Elements of the Project, for their intended purpose, during the Vacation Week or one (1) or more Split Vacation Periods (up to maximum of seven (7) days and nights) in the Designated Season identified above as shall properly have been reserved in accordance with the provisions of the then-current Rule and Regulations promulgated by Royal Dunes Beach Villas at Port Royal Resort Owners Association, Inc., all pursuant to the Master Deed for Royal Dunes Beach Villas at Port Royal Resort Horizontal Property Regime, duly recorded in the RMC Office for Beaufort County, South Carolina, in Record Book 698 at Page 940, as amended from time to time (the “Master Deed”). Name/Notice Address of Obligor; Record Owner, if different from the Obligor; and any Junior Lienholders is as follows: LARRY B. DENT & VEDA J. DENT , 906 LOWER MILL ROAD, HIXSON, TN 37343. The sale of the Property is to satisfy the default in payment by the Obligor/Owner of the obligations secured by the CLAIM OF LIEN as recorded in Lien Book 157 at Page 2528, records of Beaufort County, SC. The amounts secured by the CLAIM OF LIEN, are

Dunes Beach Villas at Port Royal Resort Horizontal Property Regime, duly recorded in the RMC Office for Beaufort County, South Carolina, in Record Book 698 at Page 940, as amended from time to time (the “Master Deed”). Name/Notice Address of Obligor; Record Owner, if different from the Obligor; and any Junior Lienholders is as follows: JAMES C. SCHAEFER & E. ANNE SCHAEFER , 800 NATCHEZ TRACE, UNIT 27, LEXINGTON, TN 38351. The sale of the Property is to satisfy the default in payment by the Obligor/Owner of the obligations secured by the CLAIM OF LIEN as recorded in Lien Book 158 at Page 395, records of Beaufort County, SC. The amounts secured by the CLAIM OF LIEN, are

TRUSTEE’S NOTICE OF SALE Pursuant to S.C. Code Ann. § 27-32-300, et. seq., NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN of the intent of the undersigned Trustee to sell the below described Property at Public Auction on the 1/18/2024 beginning at 9:00 A.M.. The Public Auction shall occur at the Office of Bolchoz Law Firm, 6 Buckingham Plantation Rd, Ste B, Bluffton, SC 29910. Property Description: Unit Number 334, Vacation Week 3, Designated Season Bronze Timeshare Interest consisting of 1 undivided 1/51 interest(s) in fee simple as tenants in common in and to the below described Condominium Unit, together with a corresponding undivided interest in the Common Furnishings which are appurtenant to such Condominium Unit, as well as the recurring (i) exclusive right every calendar year to reserve, use and occupy an Assigned Unit within Royal Dunes Beach Villa sat Port Royal Resort Horizontal Property Regime (the “Project”); (ii) exclusive Furnishings located within or otherwise appurtenant to such Assigned Unit; and (iii) non-exclusive right to use and enjoy the Common Elements of the Project, for their intended purpose, during the Vacation Week or one (1) or more Split Vacation Periods (up to maximum of seven (7) days and nights) in the Designated Season identified above as shall properly have been reserved in accordance with the provisions of the then-current Rule and Regulations promulgated by Royal Dunes Beach Villas at Port Royal Resort Owners Association, Inc., all pursuant to the Master Deed for Royal

Property Description: Unit Number 214, Vacation Week 7, Amount currently in default (including interest) Designated Season Bronze $ 3,751.02 Timeshare Interest consisting of 1 undivided 1/51 interest(s) Costs $ 248.66 in fee simple as tenants in common in and to the below described Condominium Unit, together with a corresponding Attorney Fees $ 350.00 undivided interest in the Common Furnishings which are Total Amount Due $ 4,349.68 appurtenant to such Condominium Unit, as well as the recurTogether with any and all additional dues, assessments, costs, ring (i) exclusive right every calendar year to reserve, use and occupy an Assigned Unit within Royal Dunes Beach Villa sat other fees, and interest coming due and payable hereafter. Port Royal Resort Horizontal Property Regime (the “Project”); The successful bidder, other than the Creditor, shall be re- (ii) exclusive Furnishings located within or otherwise appurquired to pay in cash or certified funds at the time of the bid. If tenant to such Assigned Unit; and (iii) non-exclusive right the Creditor is the successful bidder at the sale, it shall receive to use and enjoy the Common Elements of the Project, for a credit against its bid for the Total Amount Due. The success- their intended purpose, during the Vacation Week or one (1) ful bidder shall also be required to pay for Deed Preparation, or more Split Vacation Periods (up to maximum of seven (7) Documentary Stamps, or transfer fee, and Recording Costs. days and nights) in the Designated Season identified above This sale is subject to all taxes, liens, easements, encumbranc- as shall properly have been reserved in accordance with the es, assessments, and/or senior mortgage liens of record and provisions of the then-current Rule and Regulations promulgated by Royal Dunes Beach Villas at Port Royal Resort Ownthe undersigned Trustee gives no opinion thereto. ers Association, Inc., all pursuant to the Master Deed for Royal An Obligor has the right to cure the default, and a Junior Lien- Dunes Beach Villas at Port Royal Resort Horizontal Property holder has the right to redeem its interest up to the date of Regime, duly recorded in the RMC Office for Beaufort County, that the Trustee issues the Certificate of Sale pursuant to S.C. South Carolina, in Record Book 698 at Page 940, as amended Code Ann. § 27-32-345. from time to time (the “Master Deed”). King Cunningham, LLC, Trustee, by Jeffrey W. King, SC Bar # 15840; or W. Joseph Cunningham, SC Bar # 72655 P.O. Box 4896, North Myrtle Beach, SC 29597 (843)-249-0777 TRUSTEE’S NOTICE OF SALE Pursuant to S.C. Code Ann. § 27-32-300, et. seq., NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN of the intent of the undersigned Trustee to sell the below described Property at Public Auction on the 1/18/2024 beginning at 9:00 A.M.. The Public Auction shall occur at the Office of Bolchoz Law Firm, 6 Buckingham Plantation Rd, Ste B, Bluffton, SC 29910.

Property Description: Unit Number 131, Vacation Week 3, Amount currently in default (including interest) Designated Season Bronze $ 4,696.49 Timeshare Interest consisting of 1 undivided 1/51 interest(s) Costs $ 248.66 in fee simple as tenants in common in and to the below described Condominium Unit, together with a corresponding Attorney Fees $ 350.00 undivided interest in the Common Furnishings which are Total Amount Due $ 5,295.15 appurtenant to such Condominium Unit, as well as the recurTogether with any and all additional dues, assessments, costs, ring (i) exclusive right every calendar year to reserve, use and occupy an Assigned Unit within Royal Dunes Beach Villa sat other fees, and interest coming due and payable hereafter. Port Royal Resort Horizontal Property Regime (the “Project”); The successful bidder, other than the Creditor, shall be re- (ii) exclusive Furnishings located within or otherwise appurquired to pay in cash or certified funds at the time of the bid. If tenant to such Assigned Unit; and (iii) non-exclusive right the Creditor is the successful bidder at the sale, it shall receive to use and enjoy the Common Elements of the Project, for a credit against its bid for the Total Amount Due. The success- their intended purpose, during the Vacation Week or one (1) ful bidder shall also be required to pay for Deed Preparation, or more Split Vacation Periods (up to maximum of seven (7) Documentary Stamps, or transfer fee, and Recording Costs. days and nights) in the Designated Season identified above This sale is subject to all taxes, liens, easements, encumbranc- as shall properly have been reserved in accordance with the es, assessments, and/or senior mortgage liens of record and provisions of the then-current Rule and Regulations promulgated by Royal Dunes Beach Villas at Port Royal Resort Ownthe undersigned Trustee gives no opinion thereto. ers Association, Inc., all pursuant to the Master Deed for Royal An Obligor has the right to cure the default, and a Junior Lien- Dunes Beach Villas at Port Royal Resort Horizontal Property holder has the right to redeem its interest up to the date of Regime, duly recorded in the RMC Office for Beaufort County, that the Trustee issues the Certificate of Sale pursuant to S.C. South Carolina, in Record Book 698 at Page 940, as amended Code Ann. § 27-32-345. from time to time (the “Master Deed”). King Cunningham, LLC, Trustee, by Jeffrey W. King, SC Bar # 15840; or W. Joseph Cunningham, SC Bar # 72655 P.O. Box 4896, North Myrtle Beach, SC 29597 (843)-249-0777

King Cunningham, LLC, Trustee, by Jeffrey W. King, SC Bar # 15840; or W. Joseph Cunningham, SC Bar # 72655 P.O. Box 4896, North Myrtle Beach, SC 29597 (843)-249-0777

Name/Notice Address of Obligor; Record Owner, if different from the Obligor; and any Junior Lienholders is as follows: RAY GORDON HODGES , PO BOX 6365, SEVIERVILLE, TN 37864. The sale of the Property is to satisfy the default in payment by the Obligor/Owner of the obligations secured by the CLAIM OF LIEN as recorded in Lien Book 158 at Page 383, records of Beaufort County, SC. The amounts secured by the CLAIM OF LIEN, are

Name/Notice Address of Obligor; Record Owner, if different from the Obligor; and any Junior Lienholders is as follows: WILLIAM A. BRADLEY JR. & SHIRLEY L. BRADLEY , 92 WEST STREET APT 323, WILMINGTON, MA 01887. The sale of the Property is to satisfy the default in payment by the Obligor/Owner of the obligations secured by the CLAIM OF LIEN as recorded in Lien Book 158 at Page 391, records of Beaufort County, SC.

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843-940-7665

Amount currently in default (including interest) $ 3,750.82 Costs $ 851.36 Attorney Fees $ 350.00 Total Amount Due $ 4,952.18 Together with any and all additional dues, assessments, costs, other fees, and interest coming due and payable hereafter. The successful bidder, other than the Creditor, shall be required to pay in cash or certified funds at the time of the bid. If the Creditor is the successful bidder at the sale, it shall receive a credit against its bid for the Total Amount Due. The successful bidder shall also be required to pay for Deed Preparation, Documentary Stamps, or transfer fee, and Recording Costs. This sale is subject to all taxes, liens, easements, encumbrances, assessments, and/or senior mortgage liens of record and the undersigned Trustee gives no opinion thereto. An Obligor has the right to cure the default, and a Junior Lienholder has the right to redeem its interest up to the date of that the Trustee issues the Certificate of Sale pursuant to S.C. Code Ann. § 27-32-345. King Cunningham, LLC, Trustee, by Jeffrey W. King, SC Bar # 15840; or W. Joseph Cunningham, SC Bar # 72655 P.O. Box 4896, North Myrtle Beach, SC 29597 (843)-249-0777 TRUSTEE’S NOTICE OF SALE Pursuant to S.C. Code Ann. § 27-32-300, et. seq., NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN of the intent of the undersigned Trustee to sell the below described Property at Public Auction on the 1/18/2024 beginning at 9:00 A.M.. The Public Auction shall occur at the Office of Bolchoz Law Firm, 6 Buckingham Plantation Rd, Ste B, Bluffton, SC 29910.

Property Description: Unit Number 331, Vacation Week 4, Designated Season Bronze Amount currently in default (including interest) Timeshare Interest consisting of 1 undivided 1/51 interest(s) in fee simple as tenants in common in and to the $ 7,887.29 below described Condominium Unit, together with a Costs $ 855.46 corresponding undivided interest in the Common FurnishAttorney Fees $ 350.00 ings which are appurtenant to such Condominium Unit, as Total Amount Due $ 9,092.75 well as the recurring (i) exclusive right every calendar year Together with any and all additional dues, assessments, costs, to reserve, use and occupy an Assigned Unit within Royal Dunes Beach Villa sat Port Royal Resort Horizontal Property other fees, and interest coming due and payable hereafter. Regime (the “Project”); (ii) exclusive Furnishings located The successful bidder, other than the Creditor, shall be re- within or otherwise appurtenant to such Assigned Unit; quired to pay in cash or certified funds at the time of the bid. If and (iii) non-exclusive right to use and enjoy the Common the Creditor is the successful bidder at the sale, it shall receive Elements of the Project, for their intended purpose, during a credit against its bid for the Total Amount Due. The success- the Vacation Week or one (1) or more Split Vacation Periods ful bidder shall also be required to pay for Deed Preparation, (up to maximum of seven (7) days and nights) in the DesigDocumentary Stamps, or transfer fee, and Recording Costs. nated Season identified above as shall properly have been This sale is subject to all taxes, liens, easements, encumbranc- reserved in accordance with the provisions of the then-cures, assessments, and/or senior mortgage liens of record and rent Rule and Regulations promulgated by Royal Dunes the undersigned Trustee gives no opinion thereto. Beach Villas at Port Royal Resort Owners Association, Inc., all pursuant to the Master Deed for Royal Dunes Beach Villas at An Obligor has the right to cure the default, and a Junior Lien- Port Royal Resort Horizontal Property Regime, duly recordholder has the right to redeem its interest up to the date of ed in the RMC Office for Beaufort County, South Carolina, that the Trustee issues the Certificate of Sale pursuant to S.C. in Record Book 698 at Page 940, as amended from time to Code Ann. § 27-32-345. time (the “Master Deed”). King Cunningham, LLC, Trustee, by Jeffrey W. King, SC Bar # 15840; or W. Joseph Cunningham, SC Bar # 72655 P.O. Box 4896, North Myrtle Beach, SC 29597 (843)-249-0777

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

The sale of the Property is to satisfy the default in payment by the Obligor/Owner of the obligations secured by the CLAIM OF LIEN as recorded in Lien Book 158 at Page 402, records of Beaufort County, SC. The amounts secured by the CLAIM OF LIEN, are Amount currently in default (including interest) $ 3,750.82 Costs $ 854.64 Attorney Fees $ 350.00 Total Amount Due $ 4,955.46 Together with any and all additional dues, assessments, costs, other fees, and interest coming due and payable hereafter. The successful bidder, other than the Creditor, shall be required to pay in cash or certified funds at the time of the bid. If the Creditor is the successful bidder at the sale, it shall receive a credit against its bid for the Total Amount Due. The successful bidder shall also be required to pay for Deed Preparation, Documentary Stamps, or transfer fee, and Recording Costs. This sale is subject to all taxes, liens, easements, encumbrances, assessments, and/or senior mortgage liens of record and the undersigned Trustee gives no opinion thereto. An Obligor has the right to cure the default, and a Junior Lienholder has the right to redeem its interest up to the date of that the Trustee issues the Certificate of Sale pursuant to S.C. Code Ann. § 27-32-345. King Cunningham, LLC, Trustee, by Jeffrey W. King, SC Bar # 15840; or W. Joseph Cunningham, SC Bar # 72655 P.O. Box 4896, North Myrtle Beach, SC 29597 (843)-249-0777

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The amounts secured by the CLAIM OF LIEN, are

Property Description: Unit Number 234, Vacation Week 6, Amount currently in default (including interest) Designated Season Bronze $ 5,667.53 Timeshare Interest consisting of 1 undivided 1/102 interest(s) in fee simple as tenants in common in and to the below Costs $ 851.36 described Condominium Unit, together with a corresponding Attorney Fees $ 350.00 undivided interest in the Common Furnishings which are Total Amount Due $ 6,868.89 appurtenant to such Condominium Unit, as well as the recurTogether with any and all additional dues, assessments, costs, ring (i) exclusive right every calendar year to reserve, use and occupy an Assigned Unit within Royal Dunes Beach Villa sat other fees, and interest coming due and payable hereafter. Port Royal Resort Horizontal Property Regime (the “Project”); The successful bidder, other than the Creditor, shall be re- (ii) exclusive Furnishings located within or otherwise appurquired to pay in cash or certified funds at the time of the bid. If tenant to such Assigned Unit; and (iii) non-exclusive right the Creditor is the successful bidder at the sale, it shall receive to use and enjoy the Common Elements of the Project, for a credit against its bid for the Total Amount Due. The success- their intended purpose, during the Vacation Week or one (1) ful bidder shall also be required to pay for Deed Preparation, or more Split Vacation Periods (up to maximum of seven (7) Documentary Stamps, or transfer fee, and Recording Costs. days and nights) in the Designated Season identified above This sale is subject to all taxes, liens, easements, encumbranc- as shall properly have been reserved in accordance with the es, assessments, and/or senior mortgage liens of record and provisions of the then-current Rule and Regulations promulgated by Royal Dunes Beach Villas at Port Royal Resort Ownthe undersigned Trustee gives no opinion thereto. ers Association, Inc., all pursuant to the Master Deed for Royal An Obligor has the right to cure the default, and a Junior Lien- Dunes Beach Villas at Port Royal Resort Horizontal Property holder has the right to redeem its interest up to the date of Regime, duly recorded in the RMC Office for Beaufort County, that the Trustee issues the Certificate of Sale pursuant to S.C. South Carolina, in Record Book 698 at Page 940, as amended Code Ann. § 27-32-345. from time to time (the “Master Deed”).

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Name/Notice Address of Obligor; Record Owner, if different from the Obligor; and any Junior Lienholders is as follows: CHARLES W. BAVIS , 11656 LAKE WILLIS DRIVE, ORLANDO, FL 32821. The sale of the Property is to satisfy the default in payment by the Obligor/Owner of the obligations secured by the CLAIM OF LIEN as recorded in Lien Book 158 at Page 387, records of Beaufort County, SC.

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STATE NEWS

Erasing medical school debt floated as way to lure doctors to rural SC

Proposal would forgive up to $30,000 in student loans in exchange for serving rural patients

By Jessica Holdman SCDailyGazette.com COLUMBIA — South Carolina needs more doctors for its rural areas. One lawmaker wants the state to cover a portion of medical students’ loans to get them there. Senate Minority Leader Brad Hutto proposes reimbursing medical professionals’ student loan payments, up to $30,000, as long as they commit to work full time for two years in a rural area or with underserved patients in an urban setting. If they work in the community less than 36 hours a week, they must commit to four years there. Payments would begin in the healthcare worker’s final year of clinical education. “We welcome the advancement of telehealth, but nothing can replace actually having a doctor in a community,” said Hutto, whose district spans six rural counties. The Orangeburg Democrat sponsored the same bill two years ago, but the measure never gained traction. This year, Hutto is leading a special committee tasked with studying the impact of a law signed last year that eliminates South Carolina’s half-century “certificate of need” bureaucratic process. The phased-in repeal of rules requiring hospitals to get permission to build, expand or buy expensive medical equipment started last summer. Hutto is hopeful the study will put a spotlight on rural healthcare and give some momentum to his bill. “It’s time to address the state of healthcare in rural South Carolina,” said Hutto, who represents some of the state’s poorest counties. Some of the communities Hutto represents no longer have a hospital. But he remembers a time when every little town had a doctor. Tiny Holly Hill (in Orangeburg Coun-

Charleston truck parts manufacturer closing, laying off 466 people By Jessica Holdman SCDailyGazette.com NORTH CHARLESTON — More than 460 South Carolinians will be out of work this spring as a Charleston-area truck parts manufacturer shutters. Mahle Behr, headquartered in Germany, announced it would close its plant at 4500 Leeds Avenue and begin laying off all of its workers April 12, according to a company filing with the state Department of Employment and Workforce. The company did not immediately respond to messages left by the S.C. Daily Gazette. The manufacturer makes parts for air conditioners and radiators used in large commercial trucks. Mahle, one of the world’s largest automotive suppliers, has struggled financially the last couple years, posting major losses in 2021 and 2022. The company employs about 72,000 people worldwide. In 2018, the company celebrated an expansion of its North Charleston location but has since fallen on hard times, citing cost increases for utilities, materials and labor. Jessica Holdman writes about the economy, workforce and higher education. Before joining the S.C. Daily Gazette, she was a business reporter for The Post and Courier.

JANUARY 18–24, 2024

Senate Minority Leader Brad Hutto, D-Orangeburg, claps as two new senators, both Democrats, are sworn into office on Tuesday, Jan. 9, 2024, in Columbia. Mary Ann Chastain/Special to the S.C. Daily Gazette ty) had three. Now, many people in on call time so people can take his district must drive 45 minutes time off. for medical care. And the lifestyles of these new graduates may not be suited to ruWhy the decline? ral living, Bennett said. Today, barriers are stacked up “Often they’re younger,” he said. against those who may consider a “If they’re married, they may want rural practice, said Dr. Kevin Ben- to have a family. So, they look at nett, who heads the Center for Ru- school districts. They look at parks. ral and Primary Healthcare at the They look at those opportunities, University of South Carolina. and those are in lower supply in ruFor starters, rural residents are ral communities.” less likely to carry health insurance Combine all that with the debt or are more likely to be on Medic- load, Bennett said. aid, which reimburses doctors for The median medical school loan services at a lower rate. debt is $200,000, according to the “So, it’s a little bit harder finan- latest data from the American Ascially to set up a brand new prac- sociation of Medical Colleges. tice,” Bennett said. “It’s all these barriers,” Bennett It’s also difficult to find and keep said. “Once you get over one hurstaff, from nurses to front desk dle, you have another one and anworkers to janitorial workers. At the other one and another one to try to same time, finding alternative em- figure out how to get the right perployment for a spouse can be hard. son in the right spot.” Being the only doctor in a comBy contrast, practicing in urban munity is also an obstacle when or suburban areas comes with a there is no one to consult on trou- higher rate of privately insured resbling cases or no one else to share idents, more available housing and

neighborhoods with amenities like pools, good school districts and after-school programs. “So, you have to find that right person who is from a rural community, who really wants to go back and serve that rural community,” Bennett said. It helps, he said, when medical school students do their residency studies in a rural area. “You train and you practice in rural in your residency and you realize, not only is this doable, but this is really what you want to do. It’s very rewarding and impactful,” Bennett said. Hutto’s proposal is not the first time added financial incentives like this have been tried, though it would be on a larger scale than past programs. Other attempts Bennett’s center previously received state funding through the state’s Medicaid agency to cover medical school tuition for people studying to be doctors, physician’s assistants or nurse practitioners. As long as the graduates worked in a rural community, each year the center forgives a portion of the money it paid on the student’s behalf. After four years, the entire loan is forgiven. As a result, over the next five years, about 35 doctors will go to work in rural South Carolina. But the center has since discontinued that program, pivoting instead to an annual bonus program for working physicians. In partnership with the state’s largest hospital system, Prisma Health, the center is piloting a program to pay up to 11 doctors — four family medicine providers, four psychiatrists and three obstetricians — between $30,000 and $50,000 annually over the next four years in exchange for working in a rural community.

Rather than covering students’ costs and waiting the seven years it takes them to get through school and residency, it makes an immediate impact, Bennett said, by putting eligible doctors straight to work in rural settings. So far, Prisma has filled at least six of the spots. Because of the partnership, they’ll be able to keep one of their maternity wards open that was in danger of closing due to understaffing in the Upstate. Bennett said the Upstate doctors will go to work in either Oconee County or Laurens County, two communities that are largely rural but also serve surrounding rural residents, so they don’t have to drive all the way to Greenville or Columbia. There will also be doctors in Sumter. While Sumter itself is less rural, the facility also draws patients in from a 30-mile radius and saves them from driving 45 extra miles to Columbia. “The financial incentives are fine as far as Band-Aids go, but they’re really kind of a reactive correction rather than a proactive one,” Bennett said. An effective proactive approach, he said, would be to recruit middle and high school students from rural communities into medical careers and give them academic support, such as test prep for the medical school admissions test, the MCAT. Hutto agrees, highlighting an existing program within Orangeburg’s charter schools for students interested in nursing or becoming a doctor. “If you’re from a community like that, you’re gonna be more likely to go back and serve it,” Bennett said. Jessica Holdman writes about the economy, workforce and higher education. Before joining the S.C. Daily Gazette, she was a business reporter for The Post and Courier.

SC attorney general wants $10 million to open shelters for human trafficking survivors Human trafficking cases in SC last year involved more than 450 children; only one emergency shelter in the state available

By Skylar Laird SCDailyGazette.com COLUMBIA — The South Carolina attorney general is asking for $10 million to open more shelters for children and teens freed from the horrors of human trafficking. Human trafficking most often refers to sex trafficking, but it also includes labor trafficking, in which people are forced or manipulated into working for no or little pay. Of the 357 human trafficking cases investigated in 2023 by state law enforcement, nearly 90% of them involved forced prostitution, according to the 2023 Human Trafficking Annual Report released Thursday. Investigators with the State Law Enforcement Division suspect nearly 500 people in South Carolina were being trafficked last year. Of those, 460 — more than 90% — were children and teenagers younger than 18, according to the report. But the state only has one emergency shelter for young survivors who manage to escape on their own

and their families.” The state budget designated funding to the Human Trafficking Task Force, run by Wilson’s office, for the first time in 2022. The $1.7 million it’s received annually since has hired employees and funded outreach efforts, to include Center to Assist Abused teaching students in public Persons — allows minors to schools how to avoid being stay there. And the Cumbee trafficked, Wilson said. Center only serves a handful of counties, according to Increase in victims the annual report released The number of people by Wilson. SLED agents suspected Residential treatment is were being trafficked inavailable for underage traf- creased in 2023, even as ficking survivors at three the total number of casnonprofits across the state. es investigated dropped. But that doesn’t necessarily In 2023, the department help people who immediate- opened 357 cases involvly need somewhere to stay. ing nearly 500 victims. In Emergency shelters are 2022, it opened 440 cases essential for people who may involving 416 victims. not be able to return to their The number of people families because their fami- charged with crimes related ly members were involved in to trafficking also increased, the trafficking, Wilson said. from 10 in 2022 to 21 in “We need to open up 2023. The state had 31 peoshelters around the state,” ple awaiting trial on traffickWilson said. “These shelters ing-related charges as of the will provide much-needed report’s release Thursday. safety and care and provide The number of cases services to both the children can vary widely from the

The strong focus on human trafficking statewide led to the biggest year of charging and prosecuting of human trafficking cases across the state.” or are freed by law enforcement, Attorney General Alan Wilson told reporters Thursday, Jan. 10. “The state is woefully inadequate in providing transitional housing and places for minor victims of human trafficking to go,” Wilson said during the news conference. Building more shelters Wilson plans to ask House budget writers next week for $10 million in the upcoming state budget to create a grant program for more shelters. He did not provide details. And his office declined to provide any before he formally makes his request to legislators. While four nonprofits offer emergency shelters, only one — the Cumbee

NATIONAL HUMAN TRAFFICKING HOTLINE If you have a tip about a potential human trafficking situation, call 888-3737888 or text 233733 to anonymously report it.

number of people charged for multiple reasons, such as one person accused of multiple crimes, cases still being investigated and other closed without charges, said SLED spokesperson Renée Wunderlich. The increase in people charged is not necessarily because there’s more trafficking going on in the state. It could be because there’s more awareness of it, according to the report. “The strong focus on human trafficking statewide led to the biggest year of charging and prosecuting of human trafficking cases across the state,” the report reads. Skylar Laird covers the South Carolina Legislature and criminal justice issues. Originally from Missouri, she previously worked for The Post and Courier’s Columbia bureau.

STATE NEWS

Haley looks ahead to New Hampshire after coming in third in Iowa By Ashley Murray States Newsroom Former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley now has her eye on New Hampshire, where the nation’s second presidential nominating contest happens in just a week. Haley finished third in Monday night’s Iowa caucuses, trailing close behind Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis. Former President Donald Trump sailed ahead early in the evening and retained a historic margin. “I love you Iowa, but we’re

onto New Hampshire,” Haley told a crowd in West Des Moines. Haley won one Iowa county, Johnson County, Nikki by a single vote Haley over Trump, according to the state’s Republican Party, which manages the contest. The former South Carolina governor pulled 19.1% of the vote statewide with 90% precincts reporting just before 11 p.m. Cen-

tral. Haley remained 2,356 votes behind DeSantis. “The question before Americans is now very clear: Do you want more of the same or do you want a new generation of conservative leadership?” Haley told the crowd. “I’ve spoken a lot of hard truths to America, and here’s another one: I voted for Donald Trump twice. I was proud to serve in his administration. But when I say ‘more of the same,’ you know what I’m talking about. It’s both Don-

ald Trump and Joe Biden. They is Jan. 23, followed by the firsthave more in common than you in-the-South primary in her home think,” Haley said, highlighting state Feb. 24. the candidates’ ages and federal spending during the COVID-19 Like S.C. Daily Gazette, Iowa Capital pandemic. Dispatch is part of States Newsroom, Haley said her campaign is “the a nonprofit news network supported by last best hope of stopping the grants and a coalition of donors as a Trump-Biden nightmare.” 501c(3) public charity. Iowa Capital “And as we head to New HampDispatch maintains editorial independence. shire I have one more thing to say: underestimate me because that’s Ashley Murray covers the nation’s capital always fun,” she said, repeating as a senior reporter for States Newsroom. her campaign’s rallying cry. Her coverage areas include domestic The New Hampshire primary policy and appropriations.

VP Kamala Harris tells voters to continue MLK’s fight at the ballot box

By Abraham Kenmore SCDailyGazette.com COLUMBIA — Vice President Kamala Harris told a crowd gathered outside the Statehouse that the freedoms Martin Luther King Jr. advocated for six decades ago are under attack, and voters must fight back at the ballot box. King “dedicated his life, and in the end gave his life, to advance one of our nation’s highest ideals – the ideal of freedom,” Harris said Monday, Jan. 15, in her roughly 15-minute speech at the NAACP’s annual King Day at the Dome event. The NAACP named the theme “Ballots for Freedom, Ballots for Justice, Ballots for Change!” Harris said the freedoms at risk this election year include LGBTQ rights and abortion access. South Carolina is among states across the South that have enacted strict restrictions or near-total bans on abortion since the U.S. Supreme Court overturned a half century of precedent and returned the legality of abortions to state legislators last summer. “Freedom is fundamental to the promise of America,” Harris said. Under assault, she continued, is “freedom from fear, violence and harm,

freedom to vote, to live, to learn, to control one’s own body, and the freedom to simply be.” Harris was the featured speaker less than three weeks before South Carolina Democrats go to the polls for the first presidential primary recognized by the national party. Early voting for the contest starts in just one week. President Joe Biden is expected to win handily over two little-known challengers. But state and national Democrats want a strong showing in South Carolina, where Black voters make up a large part of the party’s base, to galvanize support amid polls that show a drop in enthusiasm for Biden among Black voters nationally. In her speech, Harris cited part of King’s famous 1963 “I Have a Dream” address in Washington, in which he called the words of the Constitution and Declaration of Independence a promissory note that all Americans would be guaranteed the rights of life, liberty and pursuit of happiness. Harris quoted King, saying, “We refuse to believe that the bank of justice is bankrupt. … So, we have come to cash this check, a

Vice President Kamala Harris gives the keynote speech Monday, Jan. 15, 2024, at the NAACP’s annual King Day at the Dome event honoring the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. Mary Ann Chastain/Special to the S.C. Daily Gazette check that will give us upon demand the riches of freedom and security of justice.” She told the people who marched Monday from Zion Baptist Church in downtown Columbia to the Statehouse they are an extension of King’s fight to make the promise a reality. “Though we have come far, in this moment it is up to us to continue that fight, to cash that promissory note,” she said. In conclusion, she said, “Freedom is never truly won. You earn it, and win it, in every generation.” Harris’ attendance brought extra layers of security for the event hosted an-

nually by the NAACP since 2000. Initially organized as a protest of the Confederate flag that, at the time, still flew from the Statehouse dome, King Day at the Dome has become a must-attend event for Democratic presidential campaigns. In 2020, Biden was among presidential contenders walking arm in arm down Main Street to speak at the Statehouse. Harris had dropped out of the race a month earlier. The event then went virtual for two years amid the pandemic before resuming in person. This year, people who walked the half-mile from the church, the event’s tradition-

al start, had to go through metal detectors at a security checkpoint before being allowed on the Statehouse’s front lawn. It was also the first time that tall security glass separated the speakers from the audience. Other high-profile Democrats in Columbia for the event included U.S. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries of New York, who gave the main speech at the church to start the day. Like King, he said, sometimes people must step forward without knowing the destination. He quoted a Bible passage from Luke, when Jesus and his disciples are in a boat, and Jesus calms the sea. King stepped forward into the storm, guided by faith, Jeffries said. “When he would go into a town like Birmingham, or St. Augustine, or Selma, Alabama, he wasn’t greeted with wine and roses,” he said. “He was greeted with billy clubs and fire hoses.” He called for the audience to carry on the fight for justice. “You can’t get from your departure to your point of destination without encountering at some point along the way some turbulence,” Jeffries said.

The event attracted separate groups of protesters this year. Some people held signs calling for reparations for Black Americans. Others protested the Israel-Hamas war. Some of them were removed from Statehouse grounds by security. It’s unclear how many. Monday’s speech was Harris’ second in South Carolina this month. In Myrtle Beach on January 6, she told a crowd mostly of Black women it was time to “roll up their sleeves” and organize for a second Biden term. That speech was given to the 7th Episcopal District African Methodist Episcopal Church Women’s Missionary Society retreat. Biden himself campaigned last week at Mother Emanuel in Charleston, where he thanked Black voters in South Carolina for putting him in the White House. He will return one week before the February 3 Democratic primary for the party’s “First in the Nation Celebration” dinner. Abraham Kenmore is a reporter covering elections, health care and more. He joins the S.C. Daily Gazette from The Augusta Chronicle, where he reported on Georgia legislators, military and housing issues.

Legislation seeks to limit children’s use of social media; opponents warn of lawsuits

By Abraham Kenmore SCDailyGazette.com COLUMBIA — Legislation attempting to limit children’s access to social media is backed by GOP leaders in the South Carolina House, but the details of how to verify users’ ages and enforce violations without inviting a lawsuit could be a problem. The bill would require social media sites such as Facebook and Instagram to verify that South Carolinians with accounts are at least 18 years old or, if they’re younger, they have their parents’ permission. It sets March 1, 2025, as the date when sites would have to begin verifying ages for existing users as well as anyone newly signing up. The chief sponsor is House Judiciary Chairman Weston Newton, and it’s moving through his committee — but not swiftly. No action was taken at the bill’s first subcommittee hearing Thursday, Jan. 10. “There are few things as important for us up here than protecting children,” Newton, R-Bluffton, said to open discussion. “There are some who have attacked it as governmental control. It’s actually intended to provide for parental consent.” The dangers of children’s unregulated access to social media include disrupted sleep, bullying and even sex trafficking, he said. The proposal would prohib-

it social media providers from showing ads on the website feeds or pages of South Carolina minors and from collecting most forms of data from them. It specifies parents must be able to see what their children are viewing, including direct messages. And it says minors’ accounts must be unusable from 10:30 p.m. to 6:30 a.m., unless a parent overrides the restriction. Violators could be fined $2,500 per instance or face lawsuits. Newton said he based his bill on a law passed last spring in Utah, the first state to pass such restrictions. They’re supposed to take effect this March. A court challenge could prevent that. NetChoice, a Washington, D.C.based trade association whose members include Google, Amazon and Meta among others, sued Utah in December, claiming the law is an unconstitutional violation of First Amendment free speech rights. Four other states have passed similar laws since last spring. NetChoice is already suing in three of them too. Given those court challenges, Newton said he’s working on an amendment that will hopefully avoid one here. A NetChoice executive said there’s nothing that would make the bill palatable to his group. The requirement to verify us-

ers’ ages eliminates “anonymous speech” opportunities for all South Carolinians, whether that’s to set up an account for a pet or be able to comment online using a fake name, said Carl Szabo, vice president of NetChoice. He also argued the bill’s exemption of news sites and video game platforms from the requirements gets into dangerous territory. “I guess the state gets to decide who is or is not news, which is very scary to me as conservative,” Szabo said. “So essentially, what the state has done is violated the First Amendment by deciding who is allowed to speak and who’s not allowed to speak.” A representative of the largest companies that would fall under the law said it’s an issue that should be handled by the federal government, not the state. Meta, the parent company of social media giants including Facebook and Instagram, advocates for a national solution for children’s online safety that involves the app stores verifying minors’ ages, not each individual social media app, said Caulder Harvill-Childs, Meta’s public policy manager for the Southeast. “Given that the internet and digital services do not stop at state borders, we encourage South Carolina” to let the federal government take the lead, he said.

House Judiciary Chairman Weston Newton, R-Bluffton, talks with fellow legislators in House chambers Thursday, Jan. 11, 2024, at the Statehouse in Columbia. Mary Ann Chastain/Special to the S.C. Daily Gazette Backers of the bill include the state’s largest teacher advocacy group. Patrick Kelly of the Palmetto State Teachers Association told lawmakers his only problem with the bill is that it doesn’t go far enough. It should also mandate filters on children’s devices, so they don’t see school fights and other violent or obscene behavior. “As both a parent and a professional educator, I believe this generation of state leadership has a compelling interest to combat the addictive and negative effects of unfiltered internet access for chil-

dren,” said Kelly, a lobbyist with the teachers’ association and Columbia-area high school history teacher. Newton’s bill is a priority for the Legislature’s conservative, faithbased Family Caucus. Another bill on its priority list would additionally filter out any pornographic material from children’s smartphones and tablets. Abraham Kenmore is a reporter covering elections, health care and more. He joins the S.C. Daily Gazette from The Augusta Chronicle, where he reported on Georgia legislators, military and housing issues. JANUARY 18–24, 2024

WHAT’S HAPPENING CALENDAR Russo's 2024 Oyster Roast 1 to 5 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 20, Russo's Fresh Seafood, 246 Red Cedar Street, Bluffton. All-you-can-eat-oysters and fun for the whole family, including live music and bounce houses. This event helps support Palmetto Animal League, a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of animals in the Lowcountry. There will also be Woof Gang Bakery & Grooming, so treat your furry friend to delicious pup treats and paw-some swag. Guests are encouraged to bring their own chairs, beverages, and, most importantly, their whole family, including their four-legged companions. Tickets are $65 and available at https://bit. ly/3vv830c. Children younger than 8 are free. Karaoke with Melissa 8 p.m. to midnight, Tuesdays, Highway 21 Bar, 3436 Trask Pkwy, Beaufort. Enjoy food and drinks during Karaoke with Melissa. Sharing Hearts Support Group 5:30 to 7 p.m., second Tuesday of every month, 2201 Boundary Street, Suite 208, Beaufort. Free. Come tell your 10-minute story of a life lesson or healing message using your own creative expression through a song, poetry, reading, art or verbal storytelling. Come away with an uplifting sense of support and connections or to just listen. Register by leaving a voicemail with name, phone and number of attendees at 843-525-6115 or send email to reneesutton@healthierhealing.com. Notification will be done of any location change due to seat requirements.

HIGHWAY 21 DRIVE-IN The movies scheduled for this week (Friday, Jan. 19 through Thursday, Jan. 27) at the Highway 21 Drive-In are Wonka (PG, 6 p.m.) and Mean Girls (PG-13, 8 p.m.; and 10 p.m., Friday and Saturday) on Screen 1; Anyone But You (R, 7:45 and 10:45 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 7 p.m. Sunday and Thursday) and Night Swim (PG-13, 6 p.m.; 9:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday) on Screen 2; The Beekeeper (R, 8:15 p.m.; 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday) and Aquaman (PG-13, 6 p.m.) on Screen 3. Online ticketing is available at hwy21drivein. com on the Now Playing page. Patrons are asked to arrive early on Friday and Saturday nights. Gates open at 6 p.m. “Our family at the Hwy. 21 drive in feel a responsibility to our community,” a statement from Highway 21 Drive-In management reads. “We are concerned about many things in these trying times and in making the right decisions. We are concerned with our employees, our patrons, our business, our community’s businesses, and the health and well-being of all.”

Highway 21 Flea Market 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., every Saturday and Sunday, Highway 21 Drive-In. Sellers, vendors, handmade items, unique products and yard sale items. For information, email lowcountryfleamarket@gmail.com.

Port Royal Farmers Market 9 a.m. to noon, Saturdays, year round, Naval Heritage Park, 1615 Ribaut Road, Port Royal. Rain or shine. You will find fresh, local, seasonal produce, shrimp, oysters, poultry, beef, pork, eggs, bread and cheese, as well as plants, ferns, camellias, azaleas, citrus trees and beautiful, fresh cut flower bouquets. There are prepared food vendors serving barbecue, dumplings, she crab soup, crab cakes, paella, coffee, baked goods, bagels and breakKaraoke with Melissa 7:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m., Wednesdays, fast sandwiches. No pets allowed. For Beaufort Moose Lodge, 350 Broad more information, visit http://www. River Blvd, Beaufort. Enjoy food and portroyalfarmersmarket.com/, visit @ portroyalfarmersmarket on Facebook drinks during Karaoke with Melissa. or call 843-295-0058. Slip and Splash Saturdays 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Saturdays, Battery Creek Pool, 1 Blue Dolphin Drive, Beaufort, and Bluffton Pool, 55 Pritchard Street, Bluffton. $5 per person. Stay busy for hours climbing on our inflatable challenge track.

Eric’s Karaoke Krew 9:30 p.m., Wednesdays, Rosie O’Grady’s, 2127 Boundary Street, Eric’s Karaoke Krew 7 p.m., Saturdays, The Beaufort Suite 2, Beaufort. Free. Enjoy karaoke Moose Lodge, 350 Broad River Blvd., with either Parker or Eric. Beaufort. Free. Enjoy karaoke with Lt. Dan. Come early at 6 p.m. for Steak Trivia with Mike – Night. 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.

LIBRARY ACTIVITIES

Pete’s 2nd annual Perfect Pizza & Popcorn Party A reminder: no outside food or beverages 4:30 p.m,, Thursday, Jan. 18, Lobeco can be brought into the drive-in. Branch Library, 1862 Trask Parkway. Upcoming movies include Kung-Fu Panda 4 and Argylle. Music, stories, crafts and more, starring our favorite cat, Pete! Our popcorn popper is popping and Pete is 2127 Boundary Street, Suite 2, Beau- bringing the pizza. All ages welcome! fort. Free. Enjoy Karaoke with Parker. Registration required. Call 843-2556479 or stop by to reserve your spot. Karaoke with Melissa 7:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m., Fridays, R Community Expo Bar & Grill, 70 Pennington Dr, Bluffton. 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 20, Enjoy food and drinks during Karaoke Beaufort Branch Library, 311 Scott with Melissa. Street. Get information on some of

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

Trivia with Mike – Fat Patties 7:30 p.m., Every Wednesday, Fat Patties, 831 Parris Island Gateway, Beaufort. Free. Team trivia event, win house cash prizes! For more information, visit https://rb.gy/o9nhwe.

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.

Eric’s Karaoke Krew 9:30 p.m., Saturdays, Rosie O’Grady’s, 2127 Boundary Street, Suite 2, Beaufort. Free. Enjoy karaoke with Eric.

JANUARY 18–24, 2024

Every Child Will Have A Home 7 p.m., Wednesday, Jan. 31, St. Gregory The Great Catholic Church, Parish Life Center, 31 Saint Gregory Drive, Bluffton. Evolution Big Band and Panney Lynn Smith. Doors open at 6 p.m. Delicious desserts and non-alcoholic bevereges. Tickets are $40 at the door.

OUTDOORS

The Beaufort Tree Walk Lady’s Island Garden Club invites you to take a meandering walk through the Historic “Old Point” and enjoy some unique and noteworthy trees. The “Walk” takes about an hour, is a little over a mile starting at the corner of Craven & Carteret streets in Morrall Park and concluding in Waterfront Park. Booklets with map and information about each tree are available free at the Visitors Center in the the area's agencies and sServices and historic Arsenal on Craven Street. programs offered – including Neighborhood Outreach Connection, Good Tours of Hunting Island Neighbor Medical Clinic, Alcoholics Every Tuesday, Hunting Island State Anonymous, Second Helpings, Beau- Park, 2555 Sea Island Pkwy. Free, fort County Veterans Affairs, Habitat park entry fees apply. Sponsored by for Humanity and Narcotics Anony- Friends of Hunting Island Keeper Ted and his team. For more information mous. call the Hunting Island Nature Center at 843-838-7437. The next Tuesday is Where’s My Money: An Interactive August 1. Tax & Finance Workshop 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 27, Lobeco Branch Library, 1862 Trask SEWING/QUILTING Parkway. Receive expert guidance American Needlepoint from a credentialed tax professional/ Guild Meeting Enrolled Agent and certified financial 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., 1st Tuesday planner from Pearling Tax Solutions, each month. The Hilton Head Chapter as they provide clarity on what steps of the American Needlepoint Guild you can take as an employee to enwelcomes anyone, beginner or expesure that your taxes are correct each rienced stitcher, who is interested in year. Light refreshments served. Regneedlepoint to join us for stitching, istration encouraged. Call 843-255learning and fellowship. For more in6479 or stop by to sign-up. formation, please contact us at hiltonheadislandchapter@needlepoint.org. Basic Computer Skills Class 11:30 a.m., every other Friday (Jan. Embroidery Guild 12, 26, Feb. 9, 23), Lobeco Branch of America Meeting Library, 1862 Trask Parkway. PersonSecond Tuesday of every month, alized computer classes led by SC Palmetto Electric Community Room, Works for job seekers, beginners, or Hardeeville. The Lowcountry Chapter those looking to refresh their skills. of the Embroidery Guild of America For more information, call 843-255welcomes anyone, beginner or ex6479 or stop by for more information. perienced stitcher, who is interested in any type of embroidery including MEETINGS needlepoint, cross-stitch, surface Beaufort Republican Women’s Club and beaded embroidery, hardanger, 11:30 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 10, Caroli- bargello, sashiko, etc., to join us for na Room, Dataw Island Club, 121 Da- stitching, learning and fellowship. taw Drive, St. Helena Island. The club For more information, please contact will hold its annual membership drive us at lowcountrychapter@egacaroliluncheon. The buffet luncheon is $40 nas.org. per person. To reserve a seat or seats, please mail checks to BRWC, P. O. Sea Island Quilters Box 1835, Beaufort, S.C. 29901 by Jan6:30 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 18, Cartuary 27. For additional information, eret Street United Methodist Church, call Kathy Stanton at 843-838-4974. 408 Carteret Street, Beaufort. Attend by Zoom, as well. Program this month will be by Anne Marcellus – Zonta Club of Beaufort 6 p.m., 4th Tuesday of each month, “My Journey to Creative Quilting.” She offers Tips, tricks Smokehouse, Port Royal. and demos as well as a trunk show. Beaufort Rotary Club Noon, Wednesdays, Sea Island Maye River Quilters 10 a.m., Saturday, Feb. 3, PalmetPresbyterian Church Fellowship Hall, 81 Lady’s Island Drive, Lady’s Island. to Electric Cooperative, 1 CooperaCatered buffet lunch, followed by a tive Way, Hardeeville. To attend as a guest speaker. Prospective members guest, RSVP to mayeriverquilters@ welcome. For further information and gmail.com. For more information or upcoming speakers, please visit web- a membership form, call 987-4640585. site www.beaufortrotaryclub.org.

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 encourBluffton Night Bazaar — aged to bring their favorite stuffed a Lowcountry Made Market 5 to 8 p.m., first Thursday of each animals. month, Burnt Church Distillery, 120 Bluffton Road. A highly curated se- Karaoke with Melissa 8 p.m. to 12 a.m., 2nd and 4th Saturlection of accessories, clothing, home days of every month, Peaceful Henry’s goods, custom gifts and more by local Cigar Bar, 181 Bluffton Rd, Bluffton. The Beaufort Trailblazers – A Volunartists and makers. Enjoy food and drinks during Karaoke teer Group 8 a.m., first Thursday each month, with Melissa. Rooted Beaufort Yoga classes Herban Marketplace, Beaufort. Any5:30 to 6:45 p.m., Thursdays, Cyone interested in supporting or buildHISTORY press Wetlands, Port Royal; 9 to 10:15 ing off-road/dirt/wilderness mouna.m., Whitehall Park or Pigeon Point Beaufort History Museum at the tain biking/jogging/walking trails Park. Rooted Beaufort is a collective of Arsenal near is encouraged to attend. For local Yoga teachers who host outdoor 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesday through more information, call 843-575-0021 yoga classes and donation-based Friday; 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturdays, or email universitybicycles@hotmail. events with proceeds being donated 713 Craven St, Beaufort. General Adcom. locally on a rotating basis. mission for Adults $8, Seniors $7, Active Duty Military and College Rotary Club of the Lowcountry TECHconnect Students with ID $5. Children/Teens 7:30 a.m., Fridays, Sea Island Pres5:30 to 7:30 p.m., 3rd Thursday of younger than 18 Free. Explore and byterian Church, Sea Island Parkway, each month, Beaufort Digital Corridor, experience more than 500 years of Lady’s Island. A light breakfast is pro500 Carteret Street, Suite D, Beaufort. Beaufort History with knowledgeable vided before the program. For further Free. The BDC's signature happy hour docent guided tours. information and upcoming speak“meetup” networking event for tech ers, please visit our website at www. professionals. Connect with like-mind- The Historic Port Royal Museum lowcountryrotary.org or contact our ed people, fellow entrepreneurs, start10 a.m. to 3 p.m. or upon request, President, Bob Bible a reconmc@aol. ups and VCs over local food and cold Thursdays through Sundays, The com or 843-252-8535. beverages. Call 843-470-3506 or visit Historic Port Royal Museum, 1634 https://rb.gy/e7t2h for more informa- Paris Ave. The museum features the MUSIC tion. turn-of-the-century businesses and industries of Port Royal: Shrimping, Beaufort Drum Circle Eric’s Karaoke Krew 6:30 p.m, Saturday, Jan. 27, Susan crabbing, oystering, the railroad, the 9 p.m., Fridays, Highway 21 Bar, school and the mercantile. Great gifts Stone's Studio (The Arts Port Roy3436 Trask Pkwy, Beaufort. Free. En- featuring local artists are available. al), 1404 Paris Avenue. Lots of free joy Karaoke with Lt. Dan. For more information. visit www.por- parking on the street. Enter at the troyalhistory.org, email historicpor- "ARTS" logo and go upstairs to her Eric’s Karaoke Krew troyalfoundation@gmail.com or call studio. The studio, itself, is warm and 9:30 p.m., Fridays, Rosie O’Grady’s, 843-524-4333. cozy and is a delightful venue for our Eric’s Karaoke Krew 7 p.m., Thursdays, Amvets Post 70, 1831 Ribaut Road, Port Royal. Free. Public is welcome. Enjoy Karaoke. Dinner will be available.

meetings this winter. While there, explore the various classes in art, music, yoga and others that are offered. All are welcome. It is family friendly. It is free. No percussion or music experience necessary. Some extra percussion instruments for attendees to borrow. No need to bring a chair as many are available. We plan to return to the Waterfront Park in downtown Beaufort in March.

Stitch In Public Day 10 a.m. to noon, Saturday, Feb. 3, Bluffton Branch of the Beaufort Country Library. Lowcountry Chapter of the Embroidery Guild of America will hold “Stitch in Public Day.” Anyone interested in any type of embroidery (including needlepoint, cross-stitch, surface and beaded embroidery, hardanger, bargello, sashiko, etc.) is welcome to come see our work, and learn about the art of embroidery and about our group. We will have materials available if you would like to try a little embroidery.

SPORTS/GAMES ACBL Duplicate Bridge Club 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 a.m., Tuesdays, Carteret St. United Methodist Church. Games and events will be held weekly. Director Gene Ogden. Contact Jane Simpson 803-226-3491. Beaufort Masters Swim Team 6 to 7 a.m., Monday through Friday, Wardle Family Port Royal YMCA. Coached practices. Ages 18 & older, all skill & speed levels, no prior swim team experience needed. Visit lowcountryswimming.com for more information.

LOCAL MILITARY

Mr. and Mrs. Mathews

Pfc. Morgan Mathews was awarded her Eagle, Globe, and Anchor by her husband and recruiter SSgt. Charles Mathews on Dec. 9, 2023 at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island. The EGA ceremony is one of the most important events in any Marine's life, and rarely is there an opportunity for a spouse to present a new Marine with the EGA. This moment was so emotional that neither could say a word. Lance Cpl. William Horsley/USMC

Veterans’ family members may be eligible for VA healthcare

his is the first article in a two-part series on family member VA healthcare. This article will cover four types of VA and Department of Defense (DOD) healthcare programs for veterans’ family members. Article 2 will cover three other VA healthcare programs for family members.

VSOs Veterans and their family members are encouraged to use their local Veterans Service Officer (VSO) to help them apply for VA benefits. VSO service is normally provided by a County or State Area Veterans Services Office or an independent VSO working for a local Veterans Service Organization (AL, VFW, VVA, DAV, AMVETS, etc.) Chapter. Some ways to find VSOs include: • Find SC County VSOs at https://bit. ly/3qbLVSL. • Find Georgia VSOs at https://bit.ly/44KMVA7. • Find VA-accredited representatives nationwide at https://bit. ly/3QnCk5M. • Find VSOs at VA Regional Offices at https://bit.ly/3TahNn1. • Search the national website for a Veterans Service Organization or just call your local chapter. One local VSO that this author knows and trusts is Beaufort DAV Chapter, VSO Michael Vergantino, 843-301-2543, and mlv1030@gmail.com. VSOs in the Columbia, S.C. VA Regional Office do travel to other SC cities. Overview According to the VA “Healthcare Family Mem-

LARRY DANDRIDGE

bers (Overview of VA Health Care)” webpage at https://bit.ly/3O0GBhl, “A Veteran’s family member may be eligible for certain benefits through programs such as the Civilian Health and Medical Program (CHAMP-VA), Spina Bifida, Children of Women Vietnam Veterans, Foreign Medical Program, and the VA Caregiver Support Program. Get details about family health benefits at the VA’s “Healthcare for Spouses, Dependents, and Family Caregivers” web page at https://bit.ly/3JgMCoa. Vet Centers also provide services to family members of veterans and service members, for military-related issues, when it is found that they aid in the readjustment of those that have served, or help cope with the deployment of a loved one. Services include marriage and family counseling and bereavement counseling for families who experience an active-duty death. Learn more about eligibility for Vet Center Services at the VA “Vet Centers” webpage at https://bit.ly/48AVMWF. Health care for spouses, dependents, and family caregivers The VA’s “Healthcare for Spouses, Dependents, and Family Caregivers”

webpage at https://bit.ly/ 3JgMCoa states that if you are the spouse, surviving spouse, dependent child, or family caregiver of a veteran or service member, you may qualify for health care benefits. In certain cases, you may also qualify for health care benefits due to a disability related to your veteran’s service. You owe it to yourself and your veteran to find out if you qualify and how to apply.

Seven Types of Healthcare Programs [TRICARE, Civilian Health and Medical Program (CHAMPVA), Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC), Camp Lejeune Family Member Program, Spina Bifida Health Care Benefits Program, Children of Women Vietnam Veterans (CWVV) Program, Pharmacy Benefits] 1. TRICARE: If you’re the family member of an active-duty, retired, or deceased service member, National Guard soldier, Reservist, or Medal of Honor recipient, you may qualify for the TRICARE program. TRICARE provides comprehensive health coverage, including health plans, prescription medicines, dental plans, and programs for people with special needs. The Department of Defense’s Defense (DOD) Health Agency manages this program. Learn more at https://www.tricare.mil. On that webpage you will be able to: • Find answers to Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs), enroll or purchase a

plan, find TRICARE EDITOR’S NOTE PLANS, find doctors, This article is the first in a find phone numbers, series of two. and get proof of TRICARE coverage. will take to hear back • View referrals/authoabout your application, rizations, view your answers to FAQs, how to military health record, file a claim, and find out see what is covered, if you can get care at a book appointments, local VA medical center and learn about TRIunder CHAMPVA. CARE FOR LIFE. 3. The Program of Com• Contact the Suicide prehensive Assistance and Crisis Lifeline, for Family Caregivers download a form, (PCAFC): This prolearn about contragram offers support ceptive services, and services for family compare costs, get caregivers of eligible TRICARE NEWS, and veterans who were serisee what you need to ously injured in the line do when you have a of duty and meet other life-changing event. eligibility requirements. • Find resources, Services for eligible pardownload TRICARE ticipants may include a publications, sign up financial stipend, access for TRICARE emails, to health insurance, contact TRICARE, mental health counseland more. ing, caregiver training, 2. The Civilian Health and respite care. Find and Medical Program out if you may be eligiof the Department ble and how to apply for of Veterans Affairs the PCAFC Program at (CHAMPVA): Are you https://bit.ly/48TSWf9. the current or surviving On this web page, you spouse or child of a vetwill find eligibility eran with disabilities or requirements for the a service member who family member and the died in the line of duty? veteran, what personal If you don’t qualify for services include, the TRICARE, you may be able to get health insurnumber of caregivers ance through CHAMPa veteran can appoint, VA. Through this DOD the application process, program, the VA covers what to do if the veteran the cost of some of your you are caring for is not healthcare services and eligible, and how to get supplies. Find out more a veteran enrolled in at https://bit.ly/3FVA Healthcare. CwL1E. 4. The Camp Lejeune On that website you Family Member can find the eligibility Program: Did you live requirements, what else at U.S. Marine Corps might affect CHAMPVA Base Camp Lejeune benefits, what benefits or a Marine Corps Air you get, how to apply, Station (MCAS) in what happens after North Carolina with you apply, how long it an active-duty veteran

who was your spouse or parent? If you lived in either of these places for at least 30 cumulative days from August 1953 through December 1987, you may have had contact with contaminated drinking water there. Evidence has shown an association between exposure to these contaminants and the development of certain diseases later on. If you now have one of the related conditions, you may qualify for health care benefits through VA. Find out if you qualify for the Camp Lejeune Family Member Program at https://bit. ly/48uxGwK. On this webpage you will find if you are eligible for VA disability compensation, what it means to have a presumptive condition, how to file a claim, VA healthcare benefits you will get if your claim is approved, how the PACT Act affects Camp Lejeune claims and related benefits, and more helpful information.

Continued next week. Larry Dandridge is a Vietnam War wounded warrior, disabled veteran, ex-Enlisted Infantryman, ex-Warrant Officer Pilot, and retired Lt. Colonel. He is a past Veterans Service Officer, a Patient Adviser at the RHJ VA Hospital, the Fisher House Charleston Good Will Ambassador, and the VP for Veteran Affairs for the local Army Association Chapter. Larry is the author of the award-winning book Blades of Thunder and a contributing freelance writer with The Island News. Contact him at LDandridge@earthlink.net or 843-276-7164.

FREE in • Obituaries

Life Changes

• Engagements

• Weddings

• Births

• Death Notices

300 Words or Less are FREE (includes picture). Over 300 words billed at 0.25¢ per word. Contact Island News at 843-233-9465 or Jeff.TheIslandNews@gmail.com JANUARY 18–24, 2024

SERVICE DIRECTORY ACUPUNCTURE

FURNITURE / HOME DECOR

1001 Bay St, Beaufort, SC 29902 open Tues.-Sat. noon to 5pm, Sun. by chance

furniture, home decor & more (843) 379-4488

Allison & Ginny DuBose, Owners aldubose@yahoo.com

ATTORNEY

HOME SERVICES

Christopher J. Geier

PEST CONTROL

residential commercial real estate

843-379-0185

www.BeaufortPestControl.com

PET SERVICES

Furbulas Dog Grooming and Pet Sitting

Brittany Riedmayer 843-476-2989 • 843-522-3047 furbulasdoggrooming@hotmail.com Member of National Dog Groomers Association of America

Attorney at Law, LLC Criminal Defense & Civil Litigation

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

PIANO SERVICE

AUDIOLOGY & HEARING

Beaufort Audiology & Hearing Care Monica Wiser, M.A. CCC-A Licensed Audiologist 38 Professional Village West, Lady's Island monica@beauforthearing.com www.beauforthearing.com | 843-521-3007

GARDEN CENTER

Retail Garden Center

Serving Beaufort & LowCo Areas Visit Our Retail Garden Center

Plants • Flowers • Gifts • Coffee

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The Beaufort Sound

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GENERAL CONTRACTOR

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MOBILE HOME INSURANCE

John D. Polk Agency INSURANCE

Manufactured Homes • Cars • Boats RV's • Homes • All Commercial

843-524-3172 info@polkagency.com

CALL FOR A QUOTE TODAY!

PRESSURE WASHING

Pressure Washing • Window Cleaning Soft Roof Wash • Residential & Commercial

843-522-3331 CHSClean.com Locally Owned and Operated ROOFING

DA Roofing Company

Donnie Daughtry, Owner

Call us for ALL of your roofing needs. New Construction, Residential and Commercial, Shingles, Metal, Hot Tar & Hydrostop. All repairs and new additions. FREE ESTIMATES — 843-524-1325

YOUR AD HERE Connect with our dedicated marketing team: Amanda Hanna – amanda@lcweekly.com Sandy Schepis – sandyschepis@gmail.com

CLASSIFIEDS & GAMES

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

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THEME: THE GRAMMYS ACROSS 1. Moonshine maker 6. *Artist with most 2024 Grammy nominations 9. Not his 13. "Roots" author 14. That guy 15. Full of emotion (2 words) 16. Relating to #3 Down 17. Tarzan's mom, e.g. 18. Caribbean island destination 19. *The Recording ____, voting organization 21. *"What Was I Made For?" movie 23. *"A Boy Named ____," 1970 Grammy winner 24. Prickle on a wire 25. Drench 28. Waiter's handout 30. *Grammy-nominated Lauper song, "True ____" 35. Amusement destination 37. Rachel Renee Russell's "____ Diaries" 39. Extend subscription 40. South Korean boy band 41. Type of wrap 43. Italian wine region 44. Forearm length unit 46. Honey-producing facility 47. Saw incision

48. Nauseant 50. Fancy marbles used as shooters 52. U.S. Marine Corps gift recipient 53. EU currency 55. Aglet on a shoelace, e.g. 57. *____.com Arena 60. *Miley Cyrus' Song of the Year nominee and popular romantic gift 64. Texas cook-off dish 65. *"In the ____ Tonight," by Grammy-winner Phil Collins 67. Send, as payment 68. Safe place 69. Bird word 70. Leave out 71. Bookkeeping entry 72. Refrigerator sound 73. Scatter DOWN 1. Not Sunni 2. Baby powder ingredient 3. Pelvic parts 4. Shows the way 5. Aristotle's school 6. One-horse carriage 7. Mailing "code" 8. Single-cell protozoan 9. *Grammy-winner, ____ Alpert 10. *Purse for the red carpet

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11. Bumpkin 12. Pampering place 15. Bar ____, ME 20. Rewards, in the olden days 22. Pendulum's path 24. Cantina staple 25. *Ice ____, Best New Artist nominee 26. Wooden ship caulking 27. Space exploration mission 29. *Grammy host for the fourth time 31. Plumbing problem 32. Early stages of illness 33. Reminiscent of the past 34. *"Anti-Hero" performer 36. Not purl 38. Pacific Islanders' herbal drink 42. Handrail post 45. Neckwear decoration 49. Use scissors 51. Soft palate vibrations 54. House pest 56. Resided 57. Social media conversation 58. Bank of Paris 59. Big Bang's original matter 60. Word on a gift tag 61. Arabian bigwig 62. Fair attraction 63. Hot pot 64. Denoted by symbol X 66. Debtor's letters

LAST WEEK’S CROSSWORD & SUDOKU SOLUTIONS

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www.LowcountryRealEstate.com ~Weekly Specials~

January 17th – 22nd or until we sell out. Chicken Cacciatore

Pork Ribeye

Szechuan Beef & Noodles

Eggplant Burrata Spaghetti Squash

Fried Grit Cakes with Red Eye Gravy

Lowcountry Pasta

Green Beans with Balsamic Portobella Mushrooms & Roasted Romas

Visit thebeaufortkitchen.com for full menu.

Online ordering for easy pick up or delivery

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What is Your Source of Joy? Our hearts are created for joy that the world cannot give or take away Only about a third of Americans say that they are happy. Each year Time Magazine conducts a study asking Americans about their happiness. For the last ten years, the results have been very consistent: only about a third of Americans respond that they are happy. Other studies have similar results. How can this be? Our nation is one of the richest in the world. We are living longer than ever before. From a worldly perspective, we have all the ingredients for happiness. And yet, how many of us are truly happy? How many of us have true joy? Our worldly blessings do not always bring joy. For example, we have more options for entertainment than ever before: hundreds of television channels, video streaming over the internet, and ways to connect by social media. But are we happier? Instead of bringing joy, don’t these things often make us feel lonely or unfulfilled? Even though we are surrounded by so many worldly blessings, why are we so often without joy? The apostle Paul had the opposite experience. During his ministry, he experienced tremendous sufferings in his efforts to share Christ: persecution, physical beatings, constant rejection, and even shipwrecks! (2 Cor 11) And yet he was a man filled with joy. He could even encourage his readers, “Rejoice always! I say it again, rejoice!” (Phil 4:4)

All of us desire a deep, authentic joy that cannot be taken away. The good news is that this desire can actually be fulfilled! God placed this yearning in our hearts so we can start to seek him out. All of the beautiful and good things which we experience in our lives are meant to point us to him, so we can experience the even deeper joy that comes from knowing him. Christians should be happy, joy-filled people! In the coming weeks, we will be sharing some of our reasons for joy as Christians. We hope that you will find these messages an encouragement and an inspiration.

What are your reasons for joy?

Paul’s experience shows us that there is a deeper source of joy which comes from God. There are many things that help us feel happiness or joy in a particular moment, such as spending time with a friend or winning a championship game. But most of the joys given by the world only last for a while, or the sources of joy can be taken away or lost.

Reasons for Joy Message 1 of 8

Next Week There’s Got to Be More Than This! 70 Lady’s Island Drive, Beaufort • 843-522-9555 • www.stpetersbeaufort.org • office@stpetersbeaufort.org