January 26 edition

Laura Eggers, of Beaufort, shares her thoughts with the rest of her group during the Beaufort County School District’s second Book Review Committee meeting on Thursday, Jan. 19, at Okatie Elementary School. Eggers is a member of the community who volunteered for the position. Delayna Earley/ The Island News

Committee votes to remove first book from Beaufort County Schools

By Delayna Earley

The Island News

For the first time, a Book Review Committee has voted to remove a book from the shelves completely in the Beaufort County School District. During the second Beaufort County School District Book

15 of 16 books addressed by committees have been returned in some fashion to school shelves SEE

Review Committee meeting on Thursday, Jan. 19, Committee No. 10 voted to remove the first book, It Ends With Us by Colleen Hoover. The book is on a list of 97 books that were removed from the school district’s library shelves in October so that they could be reviewed. Four committee members voted

to remove It Ends With Us entirely, and one voted to return it to grades 9-12 only. Seven other books were deemed appropriate for grades 9-12 and one book was voted as appropriate for grades 6-12.

LIZ FARRELL

Murdaugh circus hits Walterboro

WALTERBORO

Until Tuesday afternoon I didn’t know what an “elephant ear” was.

Clearly, I know that elephants have ears. Who doesn’t know this about elephants?

I’m talking about “elephant ears,” as in — all right, I haven’t actually seen one yet; but they were described to me as a “big fried dough thing ... shaped like an ear.”

They are sold at fairs and carnivals ... and at all the hottest Lowcountry murder trials.

Oh, yes, there IS such a thing as “murder snacks” now.

According to The Post and Courier, the big fried dough thing has been a big fried hit in Walterboro this week, where Alex Murdaugh is standing trial for the June 7, 2021, murders of his wife, Maggie, and son Paul.

The “ears” are from one of the food trucks set up outside the courthouse to feed the circus. I am a part of that circus but I haven’t made the culinary rounds because I’ve been too busy wondering which potential Colleton County jury member will be the one to hang the jury.

There are not enough street tacos in this world to numb me from the pain of that concern. Not after what I’ve learned over the past four years about how

SEE FARRELL PAGE A4

Beaufort Oyster Festival draws big crowd

By Delayna Earley

free to enter, and patrons were able to buy tickets to purchase oysters and drinks while at the park.

This is the second year that the festival has been held at the park. The first year it was held at the Beer Garden in Port Royal and was limited to 150 at-

tendees due to COVID-19.

“People love this because it is so different and not something you can do year round,” President and CEO of the Beaufort Area Hospitality Association

SEE FESTIVAL PAGE A6

LOWCOUNTRY LOWDOWN

Nothing to do in Beaufort? We beg to differ

BEAUFORT

So, who says there’s nothing to do in this little, laidback community?

We may not have a nationally

(dare we say internationally)

“famous” murder trial starting up this week, like the one 45 minutes up the road in Walterboro.

The trial is projected to bring in hundreds of media-types and legal beagles, not to mention the curious who will show up, if for

LOLITA HUCKABY

nothing else than to check out the food trucks. (And kudos there to fellow

WJWJ-ETV veteran and Beaufort County Channel Director Scott Grooms who left the county in September after 15 Years to serve as Tourism Manager for the Colleton County seat. Just in time to handle what is being billed a “media circus,” as high-profile court cases often are. Good luck, Scott.)

But back to this part of the Lowcountry, where the weekend’s weather – at least Saturday –prompted folks to get up off their

couches and check out their social calendars. We may not have a local movie theater or a bowling alley as some folks like to complain about when they get to talk about what we DON’T have, but we do have things going on, not to mention our beaches and waterways.

Thanks to the Beaufort Hospitality Association, we had what appears to be a successful third

SEE LOWDOWN PAGE A4

From left, John Torgersen, of Lady’s Island, Theresa Smiley, and her husband Steven Smiley, both of Port Royal, and Sandra Riches, of Cannes, France, enjoy oysters during the 3rd annual Beaufort Oyster Festival on Saturday, Jan. 21, at Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park in Downtown Beaufort.

The Island News Oysters and good music drew huge crowds to downtown Beaufort’s Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park on Saturday and Sunday, Jan. 21 and 22. The 3rd annual Beaufort Oyster Festival was

LOWCOUNTRY LIFE & NEWS

ISLAND NEWS PUBLISHING, LLC

PUBLISHERS

Jeff & Margaret Evans

PUBLISHERS

FOUNDING

Elizabeth Harding Newberry Kim Harding

EDITORIAL/DESIGN

Editor-in-Chief Mike McCombs theislandnews@ gmail.com

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Sports Editor Justin Jarrett LowcoSports@ gmail.com

Videographer Delayna Earley delayna. theislandnews@ gmail.com

SALES/BUSINESS

VETERAN OF THE WEEK RJ CLAYTON

Beaufort’s RJ Clayton, 35, joined the United States Marine Corps in Manasquan, N.J., in 2008. After boot camp at Parris Island and Marine Combat Training at Camp Lejeune, he was assigned to Motor Transport duties at MAGTFTC/MCAGCC Twentynine Palms, Calif. While there he deployed to Iraq, provid- ing transport services for Opera-

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Look at the facts

I love it when people wax poetic about old properties, establishments, communities, etc., without looking at the facts. St. Helena is the most crimeridden, drug-infested community in the Lowcountry. The only safe place to live is in one of the beautiful gated communities. And while I’m at it, the Woods Bridge is a disaster waiting to happen. It is far beyond its useful life with traffic far beyond what it was designed to handle. Does anyone remember when

it failed coinciding with the damage to the McTeer Bridge?

The National Guard was called in to handle the traffic.

There are thousands more cars east of the bridge now with thousands of homes already approved for construction. Do you see what traffic is like now at say 3 p.m.? What happens when Whitehall Park opens? This bridge needs to be replaced with a draw bridge or lift bridge and the northern bridge built soon before we have a catastrophe.

– James Beck, Beaufort

LEGAL NOTICES

tion Iraqi Freedom. Clayton next served at Camp Pendleton, from which he deployed to Afghanistan for duty delivering supplies in logistics convoys. He returned to California and was separated in 2011. He continues to serve as a firefighter/EMT, first with the City of Beaufort and more recently aboard MCRD Parris Island

Public education is the great equalizer

The South Carolina House is currently debating S.39 ESA, “the voucher bill.” This bill will divert much-needed funds away from our public schools to private and charter schools. Public schools in South Carolina are already woefully underfunded and S.39 will only make a bad situation worse. For more than 200 years, America’s public schools have been “the great equalizer” enabling

while continuing part time with Beaufort. He is also active with Heroes on the Water, providing recreational wellness experiences for veterans and first responders.

– Compiled by John Chubb, American Legion Post 9. For nominations, contact jechubb1@gmail.com

children from poorer families to achieve the American Dream of success, fulfillment, and upward mobility. If you value public school education, I urge you to write your state representatives and tell them to vote “No” on S.39. The following website makes it very easy to express your opinion on this vital issue: https://www.thescea.org/s39

Every child in South Carolina deserves a quality education.

– Peter Birschbach, Port Royal

Dataw Island’s Mark Pritchard came across this Cedar Waxwing in his yard earlier this month while hunting for fallen holly berries. 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 January 28

1974: Joe Frazier lost to Muhammad Ali by unanimous decision in a NABF heavyweight title fight at Madison Square Garden in New York City.

– Compiled by Mike McCombs

PAL PETS OF THE WEEK

Cat of the Week: Hailey is calm, cool, and collected. She arrived at our adoption center with her two small kittens. She has waited for several months to find her forever home, she would love a quiet home with one or two people to call her own. Hailey is almost two years old, spayed, up to date on vaccines, and microchipped.

Dog of the Week: Harley is one of our longest residents, she has been with us for more than 700 days consecutively. She is a beautiful, smart, and energetic dog who would make a great companion. Harley is 5 years old, spayed, up to date on vaccines, and microchipped.

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

Advertising Sales Director Amanda Hanna 843-343-8483 amanda@ lcweekly.com

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

CONTACT US PO Box 550 Beaufort, SC 29901 TheIslandNews@gmail.com www.YourIslandNews.com facebook.com/TheIslandNews

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DISCLAIMER

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

RJ Clayton

Port Royal Police still seek suspects in armed robbery

By Mike McCombs

The Island News

The Port Royal Police Department is still seeking suspects in a Wednesday, Jan. 18 armed robbery at the Eventide Apartments at 10 Shell Creek Drive in Beaufort.

At around 9:30 p.m., Wednesday, Port Royal Po-

lice officers responded to a report of a robbery that had just occurred.

Officers learned that a female victim who had just returned from work, was approached by two male subjects in the parking lot. One male flashed a handgun at the victim and took her car keys and both subjects left

in the victim’s white 2020 Kia Sportage.

The subjects were described as Black, of a slender build, wearing all black with face masks. Port Royal Detectives have asked anyone in the community who has security cameras to check them and report anything suspicious to

Single-vehicle collision injures driver

From staff reports

Just past 7:30 p.m.,

Monday evening, Jan. 23, Burton firefighters and Beaufort County EMS responded to a reported vehicle collision on Stanley Road in Burton.

Emergency crews arrived on scene to a single vehicle collision involving a pickup truck that left the roadway and struck cement object. The driver of the vehicle was already being attend -

ed to by Beaufort County paramedics when Burton firefighters arrived. The extent of the driver’s injuries is unknown. Firefighters worked to secure community hazards before returning to service.

the police.

According to Capt. John Griffin of the Port Royal Police Department, detectives are still looking for suspects. Te vehicle, however, was recovered Sunday night in Seabrook. Griffith said the car was not damaged.

“Not at all,” Griffith said.

Man arrested for leaving City Manager threatening voicemail

By Mike McCombs

The Island News

“It looked like it was just parked.”

If anyone has any information related to the incident, they are asked to call Sgt. Detective Boggess at 843-986-2220.

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

The Burton Fire District and Beaufort County EMS responded to a motor vehicle collision Monday evening, Jan. 23, that resulted in injuries. Photo courtesy of Burton Fire District.

A Beaufort man was arrested Tuesday evening in connection with a threatening voicemail left for Beaufort City Manager Scott Marshall.

Thomas Virgil Armstrong, 65, was charged with Threatening the Life, Person or Family of a Public Official, Teacher or Principal.

According to Beaufort Police spokesperson Lt. Charles Raley, verbal threats were made via voicemail to Marshall between 2:30 and 3 p.m., Monday, which were in turn reported to the Beaufort Police Department.

As of Tuesday night, Armstrong remained incarcerated at the Beaufort County Detention Center.

Marshall assumed his position as City Manager just last week. He succeeds Bill Prokop, who retired earlier this month.

Convenience Centers moving from sticker to card

From staff reports

Before February, residents approved for a convenience center decal or seeking a replacement will receive a plastic decal card instead of a sticker. The plastic card will be similar to a grocery store reward card or gas station card.

This change comes after complaints from Beaufort County citizens that a sticker decal was challenging for homes with multiple cars.

The Solid Waste & Recycle Department highly encourages the use of digital decals that can be displayed on your phone. Residents that currently have a decal sticker will not need to replace it with a card. Decal stickers will continue to be accepted at all convenience centers.

The Decal Program started in 2021 and has saved property tax-paying citizens $734,903. Eleven collection

centers in Beaufort County served 61,555 households, and 80 percent of the county’s households had a curbside pickup in 2018.

Collection centers struggled to handle issues associated with the growing population and the increase of contractors’ illegal dumping, leading to the decal system.

“We discovered, as suspected, that many contractors and out-of-county

residents were illegally using the county’s collection centers, costing the county thousands of dollars in disposal fees,” said Jared Fralix, Assistant County Administrator for Engineering.

South Carolina Association of Counties recognized the program with The J. Mitchell Graham Memorial Award, recognizing innovative projects completed by South Carolina’s counties during the past fiscal year.

Winners represent the best qualities of local governance — attention to detail, service to citizens, efficient use of tax dollars, and improved quality of life.

Reminders for residents

Visits are limited to three per week. (Sunday-Saturday)

Renters of single-family homes should request the decal from property owners.

Citizens who rent from large apartment complexes will use the trash service provided by the complex; for large items, they should go to the landfill. Commercial properties are not eligible for a decal. The decal help and information page can be found at http://bit.ly/3H8CAmM

For additional information please call Beaufort County Solid Waste & Recycle at 843-255-2930.

Nationally Ranked Health Care

We all want access to top healthcare, because we know that “top” means a commitment to pursuing and achieving the best, which is especially important when you’re looking for medical services and care. And the good news: it’s right in our backyard.

We’re proud to be among the select group of hospitals recognized by the national hospital safety watchdog organization The Leapfrog Group for putting patients and their safety first every day. Not only does it mean our team is focused on you, it means you can feel confident in trusting us when it matters most.

Marsh Tacky group hosting oyster, barbecue fundraiser

From staff reports The Carolina Marsh Tacky Association (CMTA) will be hosting its 2nd annual Pigs & Pearls: Oyster Roast & BBQ on Saturday, Feb. 11 to raise funds and awareness for a rare horse breed native to the Lowcountry.

Formed in 2007, CMTA’s mission is promote, preserve and protect the Carolina Marsh Tacky, which is S.C. State Heritage Horse.

“We put this fundraiser together last year for the first time, and it was a huge success with over 150 people in attendance,” CMTA president Charles Hill said in a

news release. “We had great food and music, and people were able to learn about this breed of horse and why it is so special.”

Marsh Tackies are descendants of Spanish horses brought to America in the 1500s. Isolated on S.C. sea islands and secluded areas of the Lowcountry, they developed into a unique strain of Colonial Spanish horses.

Tough, easy-going and versatile, the Marsh Tacky was once a mainstay of the Gullah community and Lowcountry families. Today, fewer than 500 horses are living. They are document-

ed in a conservation registry that preserves the purity of the breed’s bloodlines.

The Marsh Tacky has galloped well beyond the borders of S.C., however, with Tacky owners as far north as New York and far west as Mississippi. “The association is diligently working to save the breed and to preserve its history and heritage for future generations,” Hill said.

Open to the public, Pigs & Pearls will have a menu of oysters and barbecue provided by Gullah Man Oyster & Seafood. Live entertainment will be provid-

SCDNR sets Feb. 15 public meeting to introduce draft Edisto River Basin Plan

From staff reports

The S.C. Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) has announced a public meeting on Feb. 15 in Orangeburg to introduce the draft Edisto River Basin Plan to the basin’s stakeholders.

The draft plan was developed over a two-and-a-halfyear period by the Edisto River Basin Council, a working group of stakeholders with water interests in the basin, under the guidance of the South Carolina State Water Planning Framework published in 2019. The plan is the first of eight River Basin Plans scheduled to be completed over the next several years for each of the eight planning basins in the State.

Farrell from page A1

things work in this part of the state when it comes to the name Murdaugh.

While there is a practicality to the food trucks being outside the courthouse, the festival-like atmosphere has taken a second to reconcile with the seriousness of the event. I have to keep reminding myself this isn’t the Beaufort Water Festival or the RBC Heritage. We are there because two people had their lives taken from them — possibly by the one who was meant to love them the most … by the one who was meant to protect them from the very evil he is accused of perpetrating.

Like everything else about the Murdaugh case, the availability of “elephant ears” is asking a lot of my

Lowdown

from page A1

The draft Edisto River Basin Plan includes an assessment of current and future water availability in the basin and documents water management strategies that can help ensure water is available for all future uses in the basin for the next 50 years. The draft Edisto River Basin Plan is available for review and download on the SCDNR website at http:// bit.ly/3H7g6nl

The public meeting will serve as a venue for presenting the draft plan to the basin’s stakeholders and for soliciting public comments on the plan. Public comments will be accepted from Feb. 15 through March 17, with submission instructions found at the website

brain, specifically the part that causes me to have this thought: “........”

Thank you for that, Richard Alexander Murdaugh — son of Randolph III, grandson of Randolph II, great-grandson of Randolph I.

Your family’s legacy of serving as solicitor for the 14th Circuit and heading up one of the most powerful law firms in this area has always included an imposinglooking courthouse.

Now, because of you, that imposing-looking courthouse has portable toilets called “Taj Mah Stalls” sitting outside of it.

For the past two days, I have observed the tedious — but oh so important — task of qualifying the very large jury pool that was called for this trial.

Eighteen people — 12 jurors, six alternates — will ultimately be chosen to determine whether the

Don’t talk to us about drive-throughs

annual Oyster Festival, just the thing for a wintery-like Saturday in the Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park.

Thanks to Bonnie Hargrove and the folks at USCB’s Center for the Arts, the facility’s new renovations were on display as part of the Historic Beaufort Foundation’s history lecture series, the local chamber music concert on Sunday and kickoff for the Friends of the Library’s Books-SandwichedIn program on Monday.

No wonder Beaufort’s been tagged as Best Little Town for 2022 by Southern Living magazine and the Friendliest Town in America by TheTravel.com website. Or maybe it’s because the natives just wave at visitors too often.

WANT TO GO?

What: SCDNR’s Edisto River Basin Plan meeting

When: 6 to 8 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 15

Where: Orangeburg DPU Operations Center, 352 Sprinkle Avenue, Orangeburg, S.C. 29115

noted above. Public involvement is critical to the goal of ensuring that future generations of South Carolinians have secure, well-managed supplies of our most critical natural resource — water. Those interested can download a copy of the South Carolina State Water Planning Framework and learn more about the S.C. river basin planning process at: http://bit.ly/3Xmkqon

State of South Carolina has met its burden in proving that Murdaugh gunned down his family.

This is the part where I should take a moment to remind you of all the accusations Murdaugh has faced since his family’s name re-emerged from the dusty archives of Lowcountry lore in February 2019 when his drunk teenage son crashed the family’s boat into a piling on the bridge to Parris Island, killing 19-year-old Mallory Beach.

Instead I will rely on the statistic I recently learned when 95 percent of every jury panel stood up after being asked the question “Have you heard about this case?”

It was a telling moment that must’ve made the reporter who was there from France feel very justified for his travel expenses.

The trial is expected to

BEAUFORT – Beaufort may be considered a “friendly town” but not necessarily when it comes to drive-throughs.

What seemed like a simple question before the city’s Zoning Board of Appeals this week — whether a new bank could have a drive-thru lane running parallel to Robert Smalls Parkway — evolved into an interesting debate on the “city’s” support of economic development.

South Atlantic Bank’s plans for a new branch building in the Beaufort Plaza were being appealed after the city planning staff under the direction of interim director Riccardo Giani, rejected its plans for the drivethrough fronting the busy fourlane parkway.

The bank’s attorney argued the new Chipotle restaurant, at

ed by Noel Lindler Music. The event will be held at Grayson Oaks, 471 Orchard Rd., Yemassee, with the party getting started at 2 p.m.

WANT TO GO?

What: Carolina Marsh Tacky Association’s 2nd annual Pigs & Pearls: Oyster Roast & BBQ.

When: 2 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 11.

Where: Grayson Oaks, 471 Orchard Road, Yemassee.

Tickets: Tickets are $65 per person; $35 for children ages 12 and younger.

More information: Open to the public, Pigs & Pearls will have a menu of oysters and barbecue provided by Gullah Man Oyster & Seafood. Live entertainment will be provided by Noel Lindler Music. There will be raffle prizes and a silent auction of donated items. To learn more or purchase tickets, email marshtacky@gmail.com or call 864-915-7108. Tickets must be pre-purchased.

Tickets are $65 per person; $35 for children ages 12 and under. There will be raffle prizes and a silent auction of donated items.

NEWS BRIEFS

County receives Excellence in Financial Reporting Award

The Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting has been awarded to Beaufort County by the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA) for its Fiscal Year 2021 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report.

“The certificate of achievement is the greatest recognition that Beaufort County can receive for governmental accounting and financial reporting,” said Hayes Williams, the County’s Chief Financial Officer. “I’m proud of our team for earning this significant accomplishment for Beaufort County and its Finance Department.”

Certificate of Achievement requirements for jurisdictions include adhering to all pronouncements issued by the Government Accounting Standards Board (GASB) and an annual audit by an external certified public accounting firm. An impartial panel judged the comprehensive financial report to meet the high standards of the program including demonstrating a constructive “spirit of

last through Feb. 10. I will check in with The Island News each week to give you the highlights. Here is what to keep your eye on so far:

1. How Murdaugh looks and acts

With the jury in the room, he is a slumpy slouch. Thin, tired-looking — HAUNTED-looking — and beaten down. During a ballistics expert’s testimony at Tuesday afternoon’s evidentiary hearing, Murdaugh leaned forward with his arms wrapped around himself, occasionally rocked back and forth and shook his head in adamant disagreement. These are all the expected behaviors of a wrongfully accused man and while I don’t doubt they are genuine, I will also note that during recesses — when the jury is out of the room and the judge is in chambers — Murdaugh returns to his full

the other end of the renovated plaza, got approval for their drivethrough as did the infamous Chick-fil-A drive-through disaster across Boundary Street.

The issue of Chipotle’s drivethrough, which runs parallel to Boundary Street, was brought up earlier this month at another planning meeting by former city planning director Libby Anderson, who encouraged enforcement of existing development guidelines.

She pointed out the new Wendy’s on Boundary Street and the one on Lady’s Island complied with city masterplan designs with drive-through away from major thoroughfares.

The city’s new planning director Curt Freese who began work earlier this month even stepped into the appeal cautioning the board to focus on existing development regulations. If you don’t

To learn more or purchase tickets, email marshtacky@ gmail.com or call 864-9157108. Tickets must be prepurchased.

disclosure” to clearly communicate its financial story and motivate potential users and user groups to read the report.

This report provides important information to Beaufort County Council, Administration, all departments and Beaufort County taxpayers concerning how public funds are being spent and managed.

To view the County’s financial reports, visit www.beaufortcountysc.gov/finance

More details about the certificate of achievement can be found at http://bit. ly/3wp7BxT

Volunteers needed for HELP of Beaufort

Volunteers are needed for HELP of Beaufort. Come join the team providing food and clothing to those in need in our community.

HELP also offer a Mobile Meals program which depends on volunteers, as well. Open 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Monday through Friday at the organization’s temporary location at 502 Charles Street, Beaufort. For more information, call 843-524-1223 or visit helpbeaufort@gmail.com

– From staff reports

upright stature and breezy conversation with those in the row behind him.

2. Who shows up for him and who shows up for Maggie and Paul

On Tuesday afternoon, Murdaugh’s older sister sat behind him. It was the first time we’ve seen a family member attend any of the proceedings. From hearing her on the jailhouse calls and seeing her this week, it’s heartbreaking to see how truly devastated she is. She sobbed and held his hand. He sobbed too. That moment was real. During the trial, we will finally learn where his surviving son, Buster, his brothers and his in-laws stand on his guilt or innocence.

3. The jury. The jury. The jury

Our justice system and law enforcement agencies have not fared well over

like a regulation, he reminded those present, it’s up to the City Council to change it.

In a rather confusing little play, the board members agreed, on a vote of three with two abstentions, to support the current staff’s decision to reject the plans based on the drive-through. But then they turned around and voted to approve the bank’s request for a variance to allow approval … with the requested drive-through.

Local developer Graham Trask who has had his own battle with the county about a doughnut shop on Lady’s Island – with a proposed drive-through, spoke in favor of the bank project as did a couple of others as well as Ian Scott of the Beaufort Regional Chamber of Commerce who felt the appeals board, aka “the city” wasn’t being “business friendly.”

No mention was made about the future of the existing Ameris

the past four years after a litany of revelations about the many ways they have been historically corrupted and abused to favor the powerful and politically connected, specifically the Murdaugh family. This abuse and corruption has been alleged to extend to the juries as well. To trust in our system we need to trust that whatever decision a jury reaches — especially if they cannot reach one — was arrived at honestly. We need to trust that they were not tampered with in any way. We need to TRUST. Will we be able to this time?

Liz Farrell has lived in the Lowcountry since 2003. She is an award-winning journalist and co-host of the Murdaugh Murders Podcast and Cup of Justice podcast with Mandy Matney. The two have been investigating the Murdaugh story for four (very strange) years. You can reach them both by going to murdaughmurderspodcast.com

Bank with its own drive-through facility behind the building at the other end of Beaufort Plaza.

Jessie White, with the Coastal Conservation League, assured those critics the concerns on issues like drive-throughs adjacent to busy thoroughfares and pedestrian safety were based on the desire for good, balanced development. The new bank, which already has an office space on the Parkway, is most certainly welcome, without a drive-through in the front.

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

County Council needs volunteers for Green Space Advisory Committee

From staff reports

Last fall, Beaufort County voters approved a Green Space Program. Now the County needs a Green Space Advisory Committee.

On November 8, 2022, Beaufort County voters approved a referendum which authorized the establishment of the Beaufort County Green Space Program in accordance with Section 4-101010 et seq. of the Code of Laws of South Carolina.

The Green Space Program

requires the establishment of a Green Space Advisory Committee. The duties and responsibilities of the Advisory Committee are:

To identify stakeholder groups with extensive knowledge of and experience in land preservation to assist with recommendations to the Advisory Committee on which area and types of properties to target for acquisition;

To develop and recommend to County Council

for adoption program

Criteria to guide the identification and prioritization of lands to be acquired through the Green Space Program;

To develop and recommend to County Council an application process that includes a measurable scoring system based on adopted program criteria;

To submit to South Carolina Department of Revenue, Council approved

program criteria and application process for acknowledgement; To review and recommend to Council, lands to be acquired based on the adopted program criteria and scoring system; and

To perform such other duties as may be assigned by County Council.

Minimum Requirements

Each member must possess experience in the areas

of natural resources, land development, forestry, finance, land conservation, real estate, or law.

Members shall possess considerable experience with, and a comprehensive knowledge of, the geography and condition of Beaufort County’s land, the natural environment, land development dynamics, and land preservation and development.

Residency is not required of the Beaufort County Legis-

lative Delegation member or of the member who is knowledgeable of the geography and condition of Beaufort County’s land. Current Beaufort County boards, commissions and agency members are encouraged to apply.

Download an application to serve on the committee at http://bit.ly/3kK5stN

Watch the Community Services and Land Use Planning Discussion of the Green Space Program at http://bit. ly/3ZZXGfw

SCDNR’s quail

habitat seminar set for March 9-10

From S.C. Department of Natural Resources

The S.C. Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) will host its Annual Wild Quail Management Seminar on March 9 and 10 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. 3. 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 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

Wild quail populations don’t just happen – they are the result of intensive habitat management like the kind taught at the SCDNR Wild Quail Management Seminar. Michael Small/ SCDNR

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,” SCDNR wildlife biologist and Small Game Project Supervisor Michael Hook said in a news release. “So if you have any interest in creating better habitat for bobwhite quail and the other assorted species that use these early 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.

Driver injured in single-vehicle wreck

From staff reports

Just before 9 a.m., on the morning of Thursday, Jan. 19, the Burton Fire District and Beaufort County EMS responded to a reported vehicle collision on Anns Point Road by Perry Clear Drive.

Emergency crews arrived on scene to find a heavily damaged SUV that left the roadway and collided with a tree.

Burton’s Advanced EMT and EMS paramedics tended to the injured driver. While the extent of her injuries is unknown, they were not believed to be life threatening. The driver was wearing her seatbelt.

Shelves from page A1

One committee voted to return their book to circulation with no restrictions.

Committees need a majority vote to decide on a book, and each committee is supposed to comprise seven people, although according to Candace Bruder, BCSD spokesperson, an absence on the day the committee meets does not change the process.

Committee members were expected to read the book that they reviewed and were given a chance to discuss with other members of their

Reconstruction Era National Park, GirlTrek join to restore trail at Penn Center

From staff reports

The Martin Luther King, Jr. Day is a Congressionally designated day of service — “a day on, not a day off.” At National Park Service sites around the country last week, volunteers participated in dozens of projects as part of a national effort to honor the legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr. by giving back to their communities.

At Reconstruction Era National Historical Park, those volunteers included the national staff of GirlTrek who restored parts of the Capers Creek Nature Trail at Penn Center on St. Helena Island on Monday, Jan. 16, GirlTrek is “a million Black women strong, and is currently the largest nonprofit for Black women’s health in America. Our national staff is here at Penn Center for a planning retreat in the footsteps of civil rights activists, including Dr. King, on Dr. King’s Birthday” Co-Founder Morgan Dixon said in a news release.

Penn School was established in 1862 as one of the first schools for formerly enslaved people at the dawn

Volunteers discuss the second batch of books being reviewed during the second Beaufort County School District Book Review Committee meeting on Thursday, Jan. 19, at Okatie Elementary School. Delayna Earley/The Island News

committee before voting. The results of Thursday’s votes are: Committee No. 7: Milk

and Honey by Rupi Kaur –returned to grades 9-12 only.

Committee No. 8: The Freedom Writers Diary by

Erin Gruwell – returned to grades 9-12 only.

Committee No. 9: Looking for Alaska by John

of Reconstruction, and a century later, organizations like the Southern Christian Leadership Conference visited the site for their own planning retreats during the Civil Rights Movement. Today, the Penn Center National Historic Landmark District is one of the iconic sites in Beaufort County, and in 2017 was included as a part of Reconstruction Era National Historical Park.

While coordinating their planning retreat, members of GirlTrek reached out to National Park Service rangers at the park to explore ways to celebrate the legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr. with a volunteer project.

Working with park volunteer coordinator Rich Condon, the group decided that they wanted to help restore parts of the Capers Creek Nature Trail through Penn Center National Historic Landmark District that will connect Darrah Hall to sites associated with Dr. King’s presence at Penn Center.

“National Parks are all about community, and the work we did with GirlTrek today is going to open up a really special part of the

Green – returned to grades 9-12 only.

Committee No. 10: It Ends With Us by Colleen Hoover – removed from circulation.

Committee No. 11: Impulse by Ellen Hopkins – returned to grades 9-12 only.

Committee No. 12: Glass by Ellen Hopkins – returned to grades 9-12 only.

Committee No. 13: Go

Ask Alice by Anonymous – returned to grades 9-12 only.

Committee No. 14: Crank by Ellen Hopkins – returned to grades 9-12 only.

Committee No. 15: Thir-

teen Reasons Why by Jay

Asher – returned to circulation.

park to the community, and we’re so excited” Park Superintendent Scott Teodorski said.

Vanessa Garrison, one of the founders of GirlTrek, said “We believe that outside is a sanctuary that all Black people should have access to.”

Thanks to the work of GirlTrek and other volunteers, future generations of visitors to St. Helena Island will have the opportunity to access the outdoors and to connect to history at the Penn Center National Historic Landmark District. The park is beginning plans to develop maps and signage along the trail, and in the future, plans to hold a ribbon-cutting to officially reopen the trail. Visitors can access the trail either at Darrah Hall or at the Retreat House at Penn Center.

For more information about Reconstruction Era National Historical Park, visit www.nps.gov/reer or follow on Facebook at www. facebook.com/ReconstructionNPS

For more information about GirlTrek, visit https://www.girltrek.org/

Committee No. 16: The Poet X by Elizabeth Aceveda – returned to grades 9-12 only.

“I thought the process was well organized,” said Laura Eggers, of Beaufort, who participated on one of the committees on Thursday night, “Everyone was very respectful.”

Delayna Earley lives in Beaufort with her husband, two children and Jack Russell. She spent six years as a videographer and photographer for The Island Packet and The Beaufort Gazette before leaving the Lowcountry in 2018. After freelancing in Myrtle Beach and Virginia, she joined The Island News when she moved back to Beaufort in 2022. She can be reached at delayna.theislandnews@gmail.com

Morgan Dixon, co-founder of GirlTrek, clears debris from the Capers Creek Nature Trail at Penn Center on Monday, Jan. 16. NPS/Chris Barr

The Burton Fire District and Beaufort County EMS responded to a reported single vehicle collision on the morning of Thursday, Jan. 19, resulting in the driver suffering injuries. Photo courtesy of Burton Fire District.

Food, music, fun return with 2023 Bands, Brews & BBQ

From staff reports Beaufort Memorial Hospital presents the 2023 Bands, Brews & BBQ, bringing two days of food, music and fun with wings, barbecue, craft beers, and live music on Friday, Feb. 24 and Saturday, Feb. 25 on Paris Avenue in Port Royal.

Festival

from page A1

This official South Carolina Barbecue Association sanctioned event benefits FRIENDS of Caroline Hospice.

Friday night is the Wing Throw Down from 6 to 9 p.m., where you can sample wing recipes from participating cookers while

VIDEO For a brief video, follow this digital link or go to https://youtu.be/ Ws_dw0FXSEU.

Ashlee Houck said. “I would say the festival this year drew three times the crowd than we had last year, and I think Saturday was so busy because people saw that there was going to be some rain on Sunday.”

The crowd ate their way through more than 250 bushels of fresh oysters. That does not include the oysters that were fried or incorporated into different oyster-based dishes by the various food vendors present.

Food vendors included Aramark with University of South Carolina Beaufort, Sea Eagle Market, Black Marlin Bayside Grill, Lady’s Island Oyster Inc., and Sutton Construction.

Once patrons were done with the oysters, they were asked to dump the oyster shells onto a huge pile of in a trailer in the center of the park for recycling.

“We want this festival to be an ethical one, and we don’t want

enjoying live music from Mike Ponder and Steel Rail Express.

Saturday is the barbecue tasting day from 11a.m. to 4 p.m. with cook teams from across the Southeast serving their award-winning butts. Don’t forget the beautiful view, live music

any oyster shells making their way into the trash when they can be put back into the water,” Houck said. As for the music, Houck said they wanted to keep the music local, but also wanted to bring in music that people do not see very often. Saturday’s headliner Blackhawk helped to draw fans to the festival. Houck says that they are hoping to continue to grow the festival next year by adding more food vendors.

Delayna Earley lives in Beaufort with her husband, two children and Jack Russell. She spent six years as a videographer and photographer for The Island Packet and The Beaufort Gazette before leaving the Lowcountry in 2018. After freelancing in Myrtle Beach and Virginia, she joined The Island News when she moved back to Beaufort in 2022. She can be reached at delayna.theislandnews@gmail.com

from local favorites Chris Jones, The Bullgrapes, and The Chiggers. Awards will be presented on Saturday by the South Carolina BBQ Association. One award that is quickly gaining popularity is the Hometown Heroes award. Local teams representing

First Responders, Veterans, Education, and Health Care compete for $500, a flag, and bragging rights for the year.

Admission is free. The sampling of wings Friday night and barbecue Saturday will be available by purchasing tickets for $1 each.

Beer and wine, water and soft drinks, and food from other vendors will also be available for purchase. The event will take place rain or shine. For more information and volunteer opportunities go to fochospice.org or call 843-525- 6257.

Holy Trinity hosting lectures on Lewis’ ‘The Abolition Of Man’

The Rev. Joe Lawrence, Holy Trinity Classical Christian School Interim Headmaster, will lead a two-night lecture series on The Abolition of Man. Submitted photo.

EDUCATION BRIEFS

Riverview Charter recognizes new board members

Riverview Charter School recognizes its newly elected Board members who will serve on the board from January 2023 to December 2024 – Maurice Greenleaf, Lauren Kelly Chelsi Everhart Erica Martin and Bridget Norton Riverview Charter School Director Robert Bechtold also wants to thank Lamarr Cooler MJ Simmons, Carol Smalls Jenkins and Trey Rivers, who worked on the Board for the past several years. Cooler served on the board for a total of eight years.

USC Beaufort graduates 10 from Beaufort in December

The University of South Carolina Beaufort celebrated the graduation of 137 students, including 10 from Beaufort, on Dec. 10, 2022, in the first convocation ceremony for December graduates held on the Bluffton campus.

Beaufort graduates included

Kaylee Aiken Christiana Badger Wyatt Kenninger Katherine Lataille, Bradley Moody, Christopher Sanders Patricia Simmons

Tonya Sneed-Jenkins, Joshua Ward and Nakya Witter

USCB is the fastest growing four-year institution within the University of South Carolina System. It offers 20 baccalaureate degrees on three campuses – Bluffton, Beaufort and Hilton Head Island. Its 2,000 students hail from

From staff reports Holy Trinity Classical Christian School is hosting a lecture series on C.S. Lewis’s book The Abolition of Man. The Rev. Joe Lawrence will lead the two-night series from 6 to 7 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 21 and Tuesday, Feb. 28, on the main campus at 302 Burroughs Ave. This series is open to the community and is free of charge. Registration is required. To register, go

multiple states and more than a dozen international locations.

4 from Beaufort graduate College of Charleston

The College of Charleston recently awarded undergraduate and graduate degrees during the Winter 2022 Commencement ceremony. The following local students earned degrees:

Piper Van Buskirk (29906) graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology; Jaxson Lyles (29907) graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science; Ashley Weber (29907) graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education; and Sarah Norwood (29906) graduated with a Bachelor of Professional Studies.

Located in the heart of historic Charleston, the College of Charleston is a nationally recognized public liberal arts and sciences university. Founded in 1770, the College is among the nation’s top universities for quality education, student life and affordability.

Beaufort’s Wallace selected to Omicron

Delta Kappa at Young Harris

Albert Wallace of Beaufort has been selected for induction into the Omicron Delta Kappa (ODK) National Honor Society at Young Harris (Ga.) College.

To be inducted into ODK, students must demonstrate strong academic performance and must

to the school’s website at www.HTCCS.org and see News & Announcements on the homepage or use the quick link.

Lewis’s The Abolition of Man is a thought-provoking and timely exploration of the role of education and morality in shaping our world and our place in it. It is a must-read for anyone interested in the intersection of education, morality, and the future of humanity.

be nominated for demonstrated leadership in one of the five pillars recognized by ODK: Academics & Research, Athletics, Fine Arts, Communications, and Government & Service. The students selected for induction into the inaugural class of our ODK Circle have attained a GPA of 3.5 or greater and were nominated for their leadership under one of the five pillars of ODK. Wallace was recognized for the Pillar of Athletics.

Young Harris College is a private baccalaureate and master’s degree-granting institution located in the beautiful mountains of North Georgia. Founded in 1886 and historically affiliated with The United Methodist Church, Young Harris has four academic divisions: Fine Arts; Humanities; Mathematics, Science, and Technology; and Professional Studies. Approximately 1,400 students are enrolled.

Beaufort’s Smith named to Kennesaw State’s Fall 2022

Dean’s List

Brayden Smith of Beaufort has been named to Kennesaw (Ga.) State University’s Fall 2022 Dean’s List in recognition of academic achievement.

Majoring in Psychology, Smith is among more than 7,600 students named to the Fall 2022 Dean’s List. To qualify, students must earn a grade point average of 3.5 or higher and complete a minimum of nine credit hours. A leader in innovative teach-

Lewis discusses the importance of objective moral truths and the role that education plays in shaping our moral compass. Children are not born with an innate understanding of the moral impulses they should follow; this faculty must be nurtured in them by their parents and teachers.

He argues that there are certain moral virtues, such as courage and compassion, that are universal and

ing and learning, Kennesaw State University offers undergraduate, graduate and doctoral degrees to its more than 43,000 students. Kennesaw State is a member of the University System of Georgia with 11 academic colleges.

2 from Beaufort make Belmont’s Fall 2022 Dean’s List

The following students achieved the Dean’s List at Belmont University for the Fall 2022 semester. Eligibility is based on a minimum course load of 12 hours (exclusive of audit and pass/fail courses this semester) and a quality grade point average of 3.5 with no grade below a C (inclusive of audit, pass/ fail courses and zero-credit courses): Kimberly Rauscher (29906) and Nicolas Hackler (29907) of Beaufort. Located two miles from downtown Nashville, Tennessee, Belmont University comprises nearly 9,000 students from every state and 33 countries. Nationally ranked and consistently recognized by U.S. News & World Report for innovation in higher education, the University offers more than 115 areas of undergraduate study, 41 master’s programs and five doctoral degrees.

SNHU announces Fall 2022 President’s, Dean’s lists Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) congratulates the following students on being

timeless, and that education should be focused on instilling these virtues in students.

Over the course of two evenings Rev. Joe Lawrence will illustrate how Classical Christian education is the remedy to prevent the abolition of man. For more information about this lecture and future lectures, please contact Celeste Pruit, Director of Advancement, at cpruit@htccs.org or call her at 843-379-9632.

named to the Fall 2022 President’s List and the Fall 2022 Dean’s List. The fall terms run from September to December.

Full-time undergraduate students who have earned a minimum grade-point average 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 each 16week term or paired 8-week terms grouped in fall, winter/spring, and summer.

Those honored include Diamond Benitez Ortega of Beaufort (29902), Alysha Kromm of Beaufort (29906), Amber Rose of Beaufort (29906), Devin Williams of Beaufort (29906), Maika Gomez of Beaufort (29906), Elisabeth Hernandez Perez of Beaufort (29907) and Gregorio Pichardo of Lady’s Island (29907).

Full-time undergraduate students who have earned a minimum grade-point average of 3.500 to 3.699 for the reporting term are named to the Dean’s List. Those honored include Joel Mulvihill of Beaufort (29906) and Joshua Washington of Beaufort (29907).

SNHU is a private, nonprofit institution with a 90-year history of educating traditional-aged students and working adults. Now serving more than 170,000 learners worldwide, SNHU offers approximately 200 accredited undergraduate, graduate and certificate programs, available online and on its 300-acre campus in Manchester, N.H.

– From staff reports

Paul Mack, district manager with Aramark at University of South Carolina Beaufort, adds horseradish sauce to a plate of fried oyster pudding.

Curtis Berry, of Lady’s Island, shucks an oyster to eat.

Branden Redford, of Beaufort, puts oysters on the fire pit to cook at the Sutton Construction booth at the 3 rd annual Beaufort Oyster Festival.

Photos by Delayna Earley/The Island News

The mystique of it all

‘Romantic Celebration’ featuring pianist Susan Merdinger, Beaufort Symphony Orchestra set for January 29

From staff reports “Romantic Celebration” is the theme of Beaufort Symphony Orchestra’s upcoming concert with guest artist, pianist Susan Merdinger, who will captivate her audience with her interpretation of one of the world’s most beloved works, Tchaikovsky’s Piano Concerto No. 1 in B-flat minor, Op. 23 “What I love about this piece are the unabashed romantic melodies and thrilling virtuosity throughout,” she said in a news release.

“One gets to play the loudest possible chords and the softest imaginable arpeggios, making it emotionally and viscerally gratifying to perform as well as exciting for the audience to experience!”

For Merdinger, it is a delicate balance between conveying a composer’s intentions while also infusing her own interpretation of the work.

“I hope to bring tears to their eyes or goosebumps on their arms — how this is accomplished is the mystique of it all!”

In addition to her prize-winning concert piano performances Merdinger is also a gifted conduc-

tor and founder of the Sheridan Solisti Chamber Orchestra based in the Chicago area. Her ensemble focuses on hidden gems of the traditional repertoire as well as contemporary music and specializes in presenting soloists with orchestra.

“As a soloist one must wear two hats – be both a leader and a follower,” she said. “Projecting with strength and power and knowing

where to play second fiddle are equally important. Concertos are usually written giving soloist and orchestra a chance to shine sepa rately and together.”

Merdinger also shared some fas cinating facts about the concerto she and Maestro Frederick Devyat kin selected for this performance. It was debuted in Boston in 1875, after some early criticism calling it “un

playable.” Later the work became immensely popular around the world due in large part to concert pianist Van Cliburn’s unprecedented First Prize-win at the inaugural Tchaikovsky International Piano Competition in Russia in 1958.

WANT TO GO?

Who: Pianist Susan Merdinger with the Beaufort Symphony Orchestra

What: Romantc Celebration

When: 4 p.m., Sunday, Jan. 29

Where: Beaufort High school Performing Arts Center, 84 Sea Island Parkway, Beaufort.

Tickets: Tickets may be purchased on the Beaufort Symphony Orchestra’s website at www.beaufortorchestra.org or by calling 800-595-4TIX(4849).

Tickets are $40 for adults, $15 for students. Remaining tickets at the door if available.

The subsequent studio recording was the first classical album to ever go Platinum, earning Van Cliburn a Grammy Award. For more than a decade it remained the best-selling classical album in the world and eventually went triple platinum. Today, Tchaikovsky’s Piano Concerto No. 1 is still so familiar that most people recognize the main themes of the first movement even if they are not classical tra will perform the Mendelssohn Symphony No. 3 “Scottish” in A mi

The Sunday afternoon concert will be held on Jan. 29, at 4 p.m., at Beaufort High school Performing chased on the Beaufort Symphony

. Tickets are $40

CFA hosting Children’s Theatre advanced performance class

From staff reports

Registration is now open for a Beaufort Children’s Theatre Performance Intensive to be held February

1 through March 22 at the USC Beaufort Center For The Arts at 801 Carteret Street for Children Grades 3 through 8.

In this class, students will each learn one group number and one solo or duet number.

Class times will be spent learning intermediate and

advanced acting and singing techniques, as well as experiencing theater in a smaller, more intensive group setting. This performance intensive offers students the opportunity to learn and prepare an acting or musical theater selection to submit to the South Carolina Theater for Youth Festival. If the students are selected they have the opportunity to perform in a showcase April 22 in Saluda.

Students must have been cast and participated in at least two children’s theater productions not associated with their school, either in Beaufort or elsewhere.

Only one absence is permitted. Classes March 15 and March 22 are mandatory. Students must be able to work independently in the classroom and at home.

For Grades 3 through 5, the cost is $130 per student.

Classes meet from 5:30 to 6:15 p.m. on Thursdays (Feb. 1,

Beaufort Theater Company to hold auditions for ‘The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee’

From staff reports

The Beaufort Theater Company is hosting auditions Sunday for its April 14-23 production of The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. Auditions will be held frok 5 to 7 p.m., Sunday, Jan. 29 at the USC Beaufort Center For The Arts at 801 Carteret Street. Callbacks are scheduled from 7 to 9 p.m., Monday, Jan. 30.

Those interested in au-

ART BRIEFS

ditioning should arrive 15 minutes prior to audition time to complete registration. Those auditioning should bring a recent non-returnable photograph. No experience is required, and not all who audition will be cast. Cast size is limited, and all roles sing and dance.

Those who are auditioning should prepare 1 minute (32 bars) of a contemporary theater musical song that

USCB Center For Arts

welcomes ‘The Evolution of Joni Mitchell’

USC Beaufort’s Center for the Arts is hosting “The Evolution of Joni Mitchell: A Concert By Lauren Fox.”

Mitchell is a true pioneer, blazing a trail for women in music for decades to come, by never compromising her artistry.

Tickets are on sale now for this one night only performance, at 7:30 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 28 at the USCB Center for the Arts at 801 Carteret Street in historic downtown Beaufort.

Tickets and details are available online at www.uscbcenterforthearts.com or by calling 843-521-4145.

‘The Orchid Tattoo’ the next Book Sandwiched In

The Orchid Tattoo — written by Carla Damron and presented by Carla Damron — is the next scheduled book in the 2023 Books Sandwiched In series hosted by The Friends of the Beaufort Library.

The book will be presented from noon to 1 p.m., Monday, Jan. 30 at the USC Beaufort Center for the Arts located at 805 Carteret Street, Beaufort with free parking. There will be a presentation, discussion

shows their range.

The audition process includes vocal performance, learning a short dance number and reading the script. No prepared monologues are required.

For those who are given a part, rehearsals will be held from 6 to 7:30 p.m., Tuesdays and Thursdays, and from 2 to 4 p.m., Sundays. The performance is scheduled for April 14 through 23.

and questions and answers about the book.

This series is free and open to the public with special thanks to the generosity of our community sponsors. Light refreshments will be served.

To learn more visit us at www.friendsofthebeaufortlibrary.com/books-sandwiched-in

‘Till’ the next Monday Night Movie

Occasional Monday Night Movies are back in January at USC Beaufort’s Center For The Arts.

At 3 and 7 p.m., Monday, Jan. 30, Till, starring Danielle Deadwyler and Jalyn Hall, will be shown. (Running time 2 hours, 10 minutes)

The true story of Mamie Till-Mobley’s relentless pursuit of justice for her 14-year-old son Emmitt Till, who was brutally lynched in 1955 while visiting his cousins in Mississippi. General admission tickets are $8. USC Beaufort students are free with ID.

Publication Day pop-in party

Help celebrate the publication of Lynn Seldon’s new novel, Carolina’s Ring, from 5 to 7 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 15 at the Pat Conroy Literary Center at 601 Bladen Street.

– From staff reports

Feb. 8, Feb. 22, March 1, March 8, March 15, March 22).

For Grades 6 through 8, the cost is $150 per student.

Classes meet from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Wednesdays (Feb. 1, Feb. 8, Feb. 22, March 1, March 8, March 15, March 22).

Classes are limited to 12 students.

The class will be taught by instructor Madeline

Helser. Helser holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music for Vocal and Oboe performance. She has performed in 24 shows, musically directed seven shows, and has taught private voice and oboe lessons.

Additionally, Helser worked with the Richmond, Ind., youth theatre, Stage One, before moving to South Carolina. She previ-

ously worked as a youth librarian for 10 years, and was the owner of Miss Madeline’s Musikgarten, an early childhood music business centered on musical ear training, child development, and movement.

To register, download the form at https://bit.ly/3Jdndfd (it will not work in the browser), fill it out and hit the Submit button.

The Y is proud to o er several youth development opportunities such as: After School Care Summer Camps Day Camps Soccer T-Balll Basketball Swim Team Flag Football and so much more!

Pianist Susan Merdinger. Submitted photo.

Dehydration can be serious at any age

With illness going around in the winter season, dehydration can often become a problem. Dehydration is a condition caused by the loss of too much fluid from the body. It happens when you are losing more fluids than you are taking in, and your body does not have enough fluids to work properly.

What causes dehydration?

You can become dehydrated because of: diarrhea, vomiting, sweating too much, urinating too much, which can happen because of certain medicines and illnesses, fever, not drinking enough.

Who is at risk for dehydration?

Certain people have a higher risk of dehydration:

Older adults. Some people lose their sense of thirst as they age, so they don’t drink enough fluids.

• Infants and young children, who are more likely to have diarrhea or vomiting

People with chronic illnesses that cause them to urinate or sweat more often, such as diabetes, cystic fibrosis, or kidney problems

• People who take medicines that cause them to urinate or sweat more

• People who exercise or work outdoors (especially during hotter weather)

What are the symptoms of dehydration?

In adults, the symptoms of dehydration include feeling very thirsty,

dry mouth, urinating and sweating less than usual, dark-colored urine, dry skin, feeling tired, dizziness.

In infants and young children, the symptoms of dehydration include dry mouth and tongue, crying without tears, no wet diapers for 3 hours or more, a high fever, being unusually sleepy or drowsy, irritability, eyes that look sunken.

Dehydration can be mild, or it can be severe enough to be life-threatening. Get medical help right away if the symptoms also include:

Confusion

Fainting

Lack of urination

Rapid heartbeat

Rapid breathing

Shock

How is dehydration diagnosed?

To make a diagnosis, your health care provider will do a physical exam, check your vital signs, ask about your symptoms. You may also have blood tests to check your electrolyte levels, especially potassium and sodium. Electrolytes are

minerals in your body that have an electric charge. They have many important jobs, including helping to keep a balance of fluids in your body. Your doctor may also perform blood tests to check your kidney function and urine tests to check for dehydration and its cause.

What are the treatments for dehydration?

The treatment for dehydration is to replace the fluids and electrolytes that you have lost. For mild cases, you may just need to drink lots of water. If you lost electrolytes, sports drinks may help. There are also oral rehydration solutions for children. You can buy those without a prescription. Severe cases may be treated with intravenous (IV) fluids with salt in a hospital.

Can dehydration be prevented?

The key to preventing dehydration is making sure that you get enough fluids:

Drink enough water every day. Each person’s needs can be different, so ask your health care provider how much you should be drinking each day.

• If you are exercising in the heat and losing a lot of minerals in sweat, sports drinks can be helpful

• Avoid drinks that have sugar and caffeine

Drink extra fluids when the weather is hot or when you are sick.

Source: https://medlineplus.gov/ dehydration.html

parent PULSE ©

Helpful drinks to prevent dehydration in a vomiting child

For vomiting children, the main risk is water loss, or dehydration, especially if fever causes them to sweat more or they are also losing fluid through diarrhea. When vomiting is severe or prolonged, a child may lose sodium, potassium, and chloride. These minerals have a crucial role in the transmission of nerve impulses and the contraction of muscles, and in regulating the body’s fluid balance.

While missing a meal or two will cause no harm to an otherwise healthy child, it’s important that a sick child continue to drink water to take care of normal daily needs, plus extra to make up for fluid loss and prevent dehydration. Young children are especially susceptible to dehydration because they are less efficient at conserving water than older children and adults. In addition, small body size means that it takes less fluid loss to lead to dehydration.

Offer frequent sips of water or, if your child doesn’t feel like drinking, ice chips to suck on. Build up to 1 oz an hour, then 2 oz an hour until the child is able to drink normally.

Your pediatrician may recommend a commercial rehydration solution to help replace lost sodium and potassium in a young child. These come in liquid and Popsicle-like forms to make them more appealing to children. It also makes certain that the liquid is taken slowly. Older children may ask for commercial sports drinks, but these should be used with care. They replace salts, but they also contain large amounts of sugar, which can make diarrhea worse. A child who wants a change from plain water may enjoy sips of fruit juice diluted half-and-half with water or flat soda. If your child is too sick to drink or listless or shows signs of progressive dehydration such as dry mouth, fewer tears, or urinates less frequently, seek urgent medical attention. Contact your pediatrician immediately.

Sources: https://www.healthychildren. org/English/health-issues/conditions/ abdominal/Pages/Drinks-to-PreventDehydration-in-a-Vomiting-Child.aspx;

Nutrition: What Every Parent Needs to Know, American Academy of Pediatrics

SHE GAVE ME MY LIFE BACK

L o c a l c l i n i c h a s a m o d e r n , m e d i c a l s o l u t i o n t o t r e a t y o u r P e r i p h e r a l N e u r o p a t h y a n d i s s e e i n g i n c r e d i b l e r e s u l t s !

"It started out as a normal outing. My wife and I had to run to the grocery store. We were driving down the road casually going over our shopping list when the car ahead of me started to slow down anticipating the yellow light. I started to move my foot from the gas to the brake as any normal person would do when they see brake lights in front of them, but I couldn't. I couldn't feel my foot. The car kept moving forward, and I just couldn't get my foot on the brake. And CRUNCH! I finally came to a stop when I hit the car in front of me."

This tragic story was shared with us by Dan S., a Beaufort resident, who has peripheral neuropathy. And while no one was hurt in this accident, Dan S. had suffered almost everyday of his life with tingling and burning in his feet until numbness set in, and he could no longer feel even the brake pedal beneath his foot.

"The first stage is pain." shares Dr. Joy Keller of ABIMC | Acupuncture Beaufort Integrative Medicine Center. "You feel burning, tingling, sharp pains, or you feel like you're walking on tacks or marbles. This pain eventually subsides and the numbness sets in. Unfortunately the numbness brings with it a whole other host of problems."

This was the case with Dan. "I said I wasn't going to drive again. What if that had been a pedestrian?"

It is terribly common that peripheral neuropathy and its debilitating symptoms interfere with a person's ability to live their life. Dan was now reliant on his wife to drive him around, even the simple pleasure of cruising down Bay Street or taking her out to dinner was outside his capabilities. And even more common, Dan's general practitioner and several specialists told him there was nothing they could do other than prescribe him pills that would ease the pain of his neuropathy.

That's where Dr. Keller and her staff at ABIMC come in. "About 75% of our current patients come to us suffering from the same condition as Mr. Dan," tells Dr. Keller.

"They're in constant pain from neuropathy, and it prevents them from not only living their lives but more importantly, it prevents them from enjoying it. Depending on the severity of their nerve damage, we typically see tremendous progress in 3-4 months of treatment. I like to say we're in the business of making your golden years golden."

"I can't lie," confides Dan.

"I was skeptical at first. The folks at MUSC told me there was nothing that could be done, and then there's a doctor right here in Beaufort tells me she can help. Turns out she was right! About three months after treatment I was able to confidently drive myself to my appointments! My wife and I celebrated by buying ourselves a new car! It's hard to put into words how incredible this is, quite frankly [Dr. Keller] gave me my life back."

While ABIMC specializes in acupuncture and it's definitely part of their protocols in treating neuropathy, the real secret is in a more modern medical solution called ATP Resonance BioTherapy™. "This technology was originally developed by NASA to expedite healing and recovery," shares a Patient Care Technician at the clinic. "It's like watering a plant. ATP Resonance BioTherapy™ stimulates the blood vessels to grow back around the peripheral nerve and provide them the proper nutrients to heal and repair."

You can learn more about Dr. Keller and ABIMC by visiting www.AcuBeaufort.com. If you're ready to schedule a consultation, call (843) 486-2803 and do so quickly. ABIMC is a very intimate clinic and the staff takes pride in their ability to take their time with each patient so they are very limited in their ability to take on new patients.

What is the best diet for prostate cancer?

A plant-based diet that is high in fiber, fruits, and vegetables and low in saturated fats and added sugars may be the best option for men with prostate cancer.

Research also suggests it may be best for them to avoid diets high in red meats, saturated fats, and added sugars.

According to a 2020 ncbi.nlm.nih.gov article, a high intake of refined carbohydrates, animal-based protein, and fat may increase oxidative stress in the body and the risk of developing prostate cancer.

Eating a diet high in fiber, vitamins, minerals, and phytochemicals may have protective effects against prostate cancer.

This article suggests the best dietary advice for preventing or managing prostate cancer may be to:

consume a moderate intake of calories reduce intake of carbohydrates, saturated fats, and total fat replace refined carbohydrates with whole grains reduce intake of overcooked meat

increase intake of fruits and vegetables

According to another article from 2020, research suggests that excessive intake of saturated fatty acids may lead to obesity and contribute to prostate cancer through inflammation and alterations in sex hormones and growth factors.

Dietary guidelines for a healthy prostate

Some guidelines for a diet that supports prostate health include the following:

primarily consuming plant-based foods including plenty of fruits and vegetables

eating a diet high in fiber and low in fat limiting the amount of simple sugars

Foods to eat

Men should focus on including a wide range of fruits and vegetables that may have protective effects against prostate cancer in their diet, such as:

cruciferous vegetables, such as broccoli, cau-

liflower, kale, Brussels sprouts, and cabbage

carrots

tomatoes

mushrooms

pomegranates

grapefruit

grapes

citrus fruits, such as oranges and lemons

apples

• avocados

berries, such as blueberries and raspberries

peppers and jalapenos

A person can prioritize plant-based protein sources and swap refined grains for whole grains.

Sources of plant-based protein include beans, lentils, tofu, and seeds. Limiting red meat and opting for poultry and fish may also be a smart choice.

It’s suggested to prioritize whole grains such as quinoa, oats, and barley over refined grains and refined grain products such as white bread.

You may also opt for organic foods wherever pos-

sible to avoid potentially harmful pesticides and chemicals.

However, although some studies suggest following an organic diet may reduce the risk of developing cancer, it is more important to eat a variety of healthy foods—such as fruits and vegetables—on a daily basis, whether organic or not.

Foods to avoid

People may want to limit or avoid the following foods: red meat, including beef, pork, and lamb foods containing animal fat sugary drinks added sugar

saturated fats

trans fats

Another ncbi.nlm.nih. gov 2021 study also recommends men at a higher risk of prostate cancer reduce or eliminate their intake of

milk or milk products. People who avoid milk products may need to take calcium and vitamin D supplements.

Diets to try

Men may wish to focus on diets that are high in fiber, fruits, and vegetables and low in saturated fats, such as:

• a plant-based diet

a vegetarian diet

a low fat diet

the Mediterranean diet

the DASH diet

Exercise

According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), being physically active regularly can help reduce cancer risk, alongside a healthy diet and lifestyle choices such as limiting alcohol and avoiding smoking.

The ACS recommends adults engage in around 150–300 minutes of moder-

ate-intensity exercise or 75–150 minutes of vigorous-intensity activity weekly.

You may wish to try an activity that increases your heart rate and gets you sweating, such as brisk walking, jogging, running, fast swimming, fast cycling.

Summary

Plant-based diets high in fiber, fruits, and vegetables and low in saturated and animal fats may be best for men with prostate cancer. You may wish to talk with a healthcare professional about the best diet for you and your treatment plan. You can also ask about a suitable exercise regime that may be beneficial.

Source: Summarized from the article: https://www. medicalnewstoday.com/articles/ what-is-the-best-diet-forprostate-cancer?

Is hip or knee pain keeping you from doing the things you enjoy?

To learn about available solutions, join Beaufort Memorial Physical Therapist and Orthopedic Care Coordinator Andrea Sadler for a free joint pain class this month. The free hour-long class, “Solv-

ing Hip and Knee Pain,” will be held on Tuesday, January 30 at 1 p.m. in the conference room of the Beaufort Memorial Port Royal Medical Pavilion at 1680 Ribaut Road. Sadler will discuss symptoms of

joint-related problems and will provide information about treatments to relieve or resolve pain that can be personalized for specific needs, including in-home exercises, medical management, and physical

therapy. She will also explain available surgical options, including robot-assisted joint replacement and outpatient surgery, as well as what can be expected in terms of recovery. There will also be an opportu-

nity for questions and answers. The seminar is free, but registration is required as space is limited. To learn more or make a reservation visit BeaufortMemorial.org/ SolvingJointPain

Patients who need blood only have one source: YOU

By Courtney McDermott

Medical advancements have created artificial substitutes for everything from limbs to internal organs, but one of our most precious and life-saving resources, human blood, is not one of them.

Patients who require blood transfusions rely on healthy humans to donate blood at community blood drives and blood centers across the nation so that blood and blood products are available at local hospitals like Beaufort Memorial.

“The fact is there is no other source of human blood,” said Dr. Bradford Collins, a board-certified pathologist and medical director of Laboratory Services at Beaufort Memorial. “It cannot be manufactured or produced in any other way, so the im-

portance of volunteer blood donors to the health of our patients cannot be overstated or overvalued.”

Dr. Collins is keenly aware of the importance of blood donors to patients in his community.

“The availability of safe, reliable blood products can literally mean the difference between life and death for patients who need them,” he said.

Hospitalized patients require blood for a variety of reasons, including car accidents, traumatic injuries and surgical blood loss, among others.

In fact, it was for this reason that in 2002 Dr. Collins, along with dozens of hospital and community leaders, began developing a community blood center in Beaufort to provide for patients

at Beaufort Memorial.

Now known as OneBlood, the center and its staff have a 20-year history of collecting blood from local donors throughout Beaufort and surrounding areas to ensure that Beaufort Memorial and its patients always have the blood products they need, when they need them.

January is National Blood Donation Month,

designated as such to help boost collections during the winter when donations are historically low.

One pint of blood can save up to three lives, and eligible donors can roll up

their sleeves every 56 days to donate. Almost anyone can donate, but unfortunately only 5- to-10 percent of eligible donors give, and even fewer do so regularly. Donors must be in good health, at least 16 years of age and weigh more than 110 pounds to be eligible.

OneBlood partners with businesses, schools, neighborhoods and community organizations to host mobile blood collection events several times each month. They also operate a free-standing center on Boundary Street in Beaufort where donors can give single or doublered-blood-cell donations

utilizing special equipment available onsite. To find a location to donate, visit OneBlood.org/donate-now Today Beaufort Memorial utilizes about 200 pints of blood per month. Officials expect that number to increase as the hospital system expands its surgical capacity and its operations throughout the county.

“We are so grateful to the thousands of people who have rolled up their sleeves to provide this resource to patients at Beaufort Memorial,” Dr. Collins said. “If you’re thinking about becoming a donor, the time is now.”

Save Beaufort County by demanding controlled growth

To many (perhaps most?)

residential citizens of Beaufort County, it should be becoming quite evident that our county is steadily becoming overdeveloped. It’s been in the works for a long time, but development here now seems feral.

The massive power poles and the tree butchering accommodating their power lines, the clear cutting of land for residential neighborhoods, big box stores and fast food drive-throughs, the horrendous traffic that accompanies all these “developments” on land and on our waterways, seems to be snow balling now.

As for being in a severe weather zone, if a person does not think what happened with Ian in Fort Myers Fla., this past year wouldn’t happen here, they need to think again: that’s kind of “la-la-land” thinking. It seems that instead of preparing for an inevitable, probable disaster, we are putting more civilians and buildings in harm’s way.

What I can’t figure out is why our public citizens cannot get through to our various governmental bureaucracies, agencies that are supposed to listen to what a seemingly majority of our citizens want. So much is being pushed through in residential and commercial land development, it seems we citizens are “late and a dollar short” with stopping what we don’t want in the first place.

I know we have access to

TIM WOOD

development information from the county or city that is out there (somewhere) to cover their legal hurdles, but, in fairness to Joe-public, it is not easily found, understood, nor is it obviously transparent. There aren’t too many properly paid watch dog groups that help our citizenry to actually understand or foresee what’s happening with Beaufort County’s growth and development.

Thank God for our Historical Society, Open Land Trust, Lolita Huckaby, and our Coastal Conservation League; they all help us to understand what is going on with development within our county, along with the detriments and harm of overdevelopment on a vulnerable landscape.

Keeping tabs on what is presently happening with the development of Pine Island and St. Helenaville and properly understanding established master plans (for both Beaufort and Port Royal) can be mind-numbing.

And isn’t it something to hear our own governmental staff

and pro-development lawyers praise rewriting established ordinances, insisting that the proposed new language (written by those same folks) is actually a more protective CPO than what already exists as a road block for them? That’s what used to be called “gobbledygook.”

Look, if you’ve been in Beaufort County for around 40 years, you know what I’m talking about because you know and remember what happened to Bluffton when Del Webb and Palmetto Bluff moved in. You also probably remember what Mount Pleasant, Folly Beach and Tybee Island looked like a couple decades back.

The fact that our “Lowcountry” has been “discovered” will now never go away, and the only way to save Beaufort’s charm is for citizens to start demanding controlled (new) growth.

I’ve thought about this issue for many years. I never supported developments like Sun City, developments that I thought harmed the well being of our county. I have come to the conclusion that the best method to establish controlled growth in the county would be to establish a continual, capped annual population growth of less than one percent. The county is at about 200,000 right now, this would allow slightly under 2000 new residencies per year and this translates into no more than 20,000 over a decade.

My thinking is that if you control what is moving in you can control what’s building out. Presently, it seems our policies are “build it and they will come.”

If this area has become so popular why couldn’t there be a sort of lottery for folks that want to move here? I mean, that’s basically what’s happening with some of our National Parks because of overcrowding. People tolerate waiting decades to float down the Colorado through the Grand Canyon. Isn’t our Lowcountry environment just as important, vital and in need of protecting?

Why can’t we vote on the issue of overpopulation in Beaufort County, our own home? Our marsh is arguably even more naturally fragile than the Grand Canyon.

I encourage and support organizations like the Coastal Conservation League as they try their best to keep our citizenry informed and help draft petitions to help guild county and state policies. I would also encourage neighborhoods to mobilize and communicate with each other, keeping friends and neighbors informed about what developments might be on the planning table near or within blocks of their homes. We live in an age of easy-touse, mass media communication and should continue our efforts with social activism through that media; have it work for us instead of simply passing along bad news.

We need to start working together to help curb the ongoing threat of overdevelopment here in Beaufort County now, not later.

Our county will become even more unrecognizable as Yemassee and Jasper County now are starting to rumble with residential and commercial developments. As tourists flock in are we destined to become like Fort Myers or Myrtle Beach (think Margaritaville!)? It’s almost like becoming older: You look in the mirror and ask, where has the time gone and what has happened to me? Don’t a majority of Beaufortonians want to protect the quality of our future, our quality of living?

We need to elect and hire administrators that enforce that quality of life, insisting that they represent and work toward what the majority of their citizenry want. Do we really want even more high-density “communities” along with national fast food chains and box stores? I believe the majority of our citizenry does not, and it would be nice to know for sure through voting on a sensible plan that actually controls growth in Beaufort County.

Tim and Kristy Wood moved to Beaufort in 1974. He worked as a carpenter in both restoration and new home construction, as well as operating a shop specializing in custom woodwork, Wood on Wood Specs. He is semi-retired, involved with fine woodworking and formerly sat on the City of Beaufort Zoning Board of Appeals.

Life can be like a mixed-up playlist

I’m not a fan of Taylor Swift’s music, per se, but I’m a fan of Taylor Swift. She started as a kid. She writes and plays her own music. She can’t dance worth a plug nickel, but she still is one of the last real superstars in the music industry.

So when her most recent album, Midnights, was released last year, it was big news. I stumbled across the lead single one day on my smartphone.

“I have this thing where I get older but just never wiser …”

Say what?

“I should not be left to my own devices/They come with prices and vices/I end up in crisis …”

This was not the bubble-

gum pop I was expecting. This was mature and kind of dark.

“Did you hear my covert narcissism I disguise as altruism”

Ouch! I looked to see the song’s title: “Anti-Hero.”

“It’s me, hi, I’m the problem, it’s me/At tea time, everybody agrees/I’ll stare directly at the sun but never in the mirror …”

Get out of my head, Taylor Swift!

The lyrics aren’t exact matches for some of the things I’ve been thinking and experiencing lately, but doggone. What is this little white girl doing all up in my middle-aged-Blackman business?

I found articles where Swift explained the song is a meditation on her insecurities and feelings of depression, calling it one of “my favorite songs I’ve ever written.” Only a writer could call digging into their own pains and fears one of their favorite things ever.

But like the best music — the best art of any type, really — the more personally she wrote, the more universally the lyrics seemed to apply. So yeah, I found myself with “Anti-Hero” in constant rotation.

I moved home recently without a lot of forethought and planning, and

the transition has been a challenge. Being gone from anywhere over an extended period creates a loss of familiarity it is tough to overcome.

As Neil Diamond sang, “L.A.’s fine, but it ain’t home/New York’s home, but it ain’t mine no more.”

So I look for faces I used to know and visit places I used to go. Some are where they used to be, and some aren’t. Some are newly gone, and others have been gone for a long, long time. I search job listings to see where I can whittle a career of doing a lot of things down to the one thing a potential employer might be looking for, typically at a wage comparable to what I was earning 25 years ago.

High school pals have their own jobs to attend to, not to mention their own families. My family

members have taken turns with various ailments, so I steer clear out of caution for them and myself. I never was much of one for stopping by and hanging out, anyway.

A former coworker asked about the move, “Have you found a girlfriend yet?”

I laughed. I changed my locale on a couple dating apps I frequent, and got a few notifications of interest, but I either swiped left or clicked the “X,” meaning thanks, but no thanks.

Like Stevie Wonder crooned, “I’m lookin’ for another pure love in my life,” but I would like things to stabilize before I jump back into all that.

So I stay close to home. Most days, I walk up and down the hills of the road near the house. Muscles that had grown weak and tight from sitting at a desk all day are starting to

strengthen and lengthen. Arthritic joints complain, but the cold morning air feels good in my nostrils. The sounds of the creek are comforting.

Sometimes I’ll see a flock of birds flitting between tree branches or sweeping across yards looking for breakfast. They remind of another song:

“Why should I feel discouraged/Why should the shadows come/Why should my heart be lonely/ And long for heaven and home …”

His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me. Things will work out the way they are supposed to and in due time.

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

Do more than the book removal proponents have

Regarding Ivie Szalai’s “Voices” piece from December 21: I can empathize with parents of school-age kids these days. I’m in the middle of it, too, with a third grader in public school in Beaufort. We’ve dealt with isolation, virtual school, excessive screen time, and multiple attempts at finding normalcy after the pandemic. There’s a sense of a loss of control, and no clear way to regain stability.

During this time I’ve seen new and continued efforts to increase parental involvement, some good, and some misguided, as communities work toward improving public education overall.

While I appreciate Ms. Szalai’s desire to protect BCSD students from what she considers obscene, her reasoning and actions show me that she and her supporters should not be dictating decisions about school library materials

for any children but their own. I certainly have no interest in supporting their efforts at mass book removals. I support the highly qualified BCSD school librarians and teachers who make informed decisions about the materials they select.

Ms. Szalai neglected to mention in her piece that BCSD parents can submit an opt-out form for any books they find objectionable, thereby keeping their children from accessing those books. I humbly suggest that Ms. Szalai and any other concerned parents

avail themselves of this option rather than pushing for removing access for all BCSD students.

Beyond that omission, Ms. Szalai and her fellow book removal proponents continually undercut their own points by employing bad faith arguments. Whether it’s using out-of-context excerpts, citing anonymous book ratings as if they’re authoritative, making claims that books and/or librarians are “normalizing pedophilia” or “grooming” students, implying that books are “aberrant” or creating “deviants,” or threatening BCSD staff with legal action, this group is extremely dedicated in its attempts to shock people into supporting the mass removal of books without question or a second thought (or even without reading the actual books).

That type of effort to “protect children” comes off as insincere. There’s no real dialogue, no

attempt to find common ground, only demands and threats and an endless list of outlandish claims. It seems to be more about gaining power, playing politics, or enforcing a moral code. If this is a reaction to the instability of the past few years, it’s extremely misguided.

As book review committee decisions continue to roll in, and books continue to return to the shelves, it’s all but certain that even more bad faith arguments will appear during the appeal process. The system is rigged! You picked the wrong people! Only we understand the law! It’s all part of the same bad faith game, with BCSD students and staff coming out on the losing end due to the temporary-but-extended removal of books and a significant expenditure of resources.

I’m not sure how this all ends

but, like Ms. Szalai says in her

closing, please do some research on the materials if you’re concerned about this issue. But maybe do a little more than the book removal proponents have: Read the books in their entirety, not just excerpts. Consider publications like Booklist, Publishers Weekly, Kirkus, and School Library Journal when looking for comprehensive reviews. Take ratings from web sites with content from anonymous sources, like booklooks.org, with a grain of salt. Engage with teachers and librarians in good faith.

In the end, if you still find a book objectionable, use the opt-out form. It can be as simple as that if you’re truly concerned about your children, and not more interested in controlling others.

TERRY MANNING

ALEX MOODY

SC’s General Assembly began to signal Republican resurrection in 90s

It is Sunday, early, and it is cold.

This morning I have my coffee, Green Mountain Breakfast Blend, and a fragile, yellowing newspaper saying “Ravenel Whips Dorn.”

The date is April 9,1974.

In this same paper — called Osceola — there is an advertisement featuring a photo of a young man named Carroll Campbell, a candidate for Lt. Governor.

In the copy there is the noun REFORM, but there is nothing saying Carroll Campbell is a Republican.

In order to understand the connection between Ravenel, Campbell and reform, one must know a little bit about South Carolina politics in the 1970s.

In those days power was in the exclusive confines of the South Carolina General Assembly. It was specifically the domaine of a dozen men, white men, who had worked their way into positions of seniority in the South Carolina Senate. These men

SCOTT GRABER

included Rembert Dennis, Marion Gressette, James Stevens and our own Jimmy Waddell.

All of these men were old and white and called themselves Democrats. There was no Republican among them, indeed there was no Republican Party of any consequence in South Carolina. One of the few Republicans in South Carolina was Strom Thurmond, previously a Democrat, then a Dixiecrat and finally South Carolina’s kingmaker having delivered Richard Nixon the nomination at the 1968 Republican Convention.

In 1974 a young man named Charles “Pug” Ravenel returned to South

Carolina and announced he would be running for Governor. This was big news because Ravenel had no political experience in Columbia having never been elected to any seat in the South Carolina General Assembly.

He had grown up in South Carolina and gone off to Harvard where he was quarterback on their football team. After graduation he had gone to Wall Street and had earned some money under the guise of being an investment buyer.

At 36, Ravenel had none of the experience, or the connections, that any politician had to have if he wanted to reside in the Governor’s Mansion in Columbia.

But Pug Ravenel could speak.

He would pepper his speeches with prose from John Fowles and poetry from Archibald McLeish. Ravenel was uniformly critical of the old guard in South Carolina Senate, but

he was also aspirational. He described his “impossible dream” of reforming the General Assembly; and by the end of his speech most were willing to walk into “hell for a heavenly cause.”

It didn’t hurt Ravenel’s primary campaign that his opponent, Congressman Bryan Dorn, was old, overweight and had spent his life in politics. Dorn said the issue was “whether South Carolina was going to be hoodwinked, bamboozled and humbugged by slick Madison Avenue public relations firms or whether we’re going to elect one of our own.”

In fact, Ravenel hired Marvin Chernoff from Brooklyn, N.Y., to run his South Carolina campaign. Chernoff knew that the traditional way of campaigning — going county to county and getting endorsements from the clerk of court, county council and local chair of the Democratic Party — would not work. So Chernoff designed television spots that projected

Ravenel’s charisma (and that of his attractive wife, Mollie) directly into the homes of the voters.

Chernoff’s campaign worked.

There was also a question of timing — South Carolinians had a low opinion of the General Assembly — and a new crop of baby-boomer-aged legislators had somehow got their ticket to the State House. These new faces included Dewey Wise (D – Charleston) who proposed an ethics bill that would require members to disclose outside employment and would have required attorney/legislators to reveal their clients. Other new Democrats — including Alex Sanders and Richard Riley — were elected on the promise of changing the way the General Assembly did business.

But then the old men struck back in the form of a lawsuit alleging that Pug Ravenel was not a South Carolina resident. Notwith-

standing an earlier advisory opinion, the Supreme Court found he did not meet the five year residency rule. The balloon of optimism that animated many South Carolina voters evaporated. A Charleston dentist then beat Bryan Dorn in the general election and thus began the rebirth of the GOP in the Palmetto State. Although control of the General Assembly would not shift until the 90s, many believe that Carroll Campbell (together with Lee Atwater) engineered the Republican resurrection by bringing evangelicals and “Joe SixPack” into its ranks. Others believe that the majority of those migrating to South Carolina — 84,000 newcomers in 2022 alone — are wealthy, conservative, white and now find their ideological home in the GOP.

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

Maybe we should let someone hold our mule

“Holdmy mule” is a figurative expression from the American South that means when a person is leading a mule and they need to go somewhere, or do something very important they will ask someone to hold their mule. Sometimes it meant they were going to enter into a confrontation be it a verbal or physical one, but in church settings where the members were not embarrassed to express their emotions, the phrase meant they were getting happy and praising the Lord or spending time at the altar crying out to God. Do churches still use altars? Do people still get happy?

When it comes to people expressing their worship, I’ve been in a lot of assemblies over the years and witnessed several worship styles. I was raised in a conservative Baptist church where I sang the wonderful hymns and later became a worship pastor for more “lively” groups such as Vineyard, Charismatic, Pentecostal, and Assembly of God churches. I love all styles. I’ve written and recorded several albums of

Christian music and wrote a book about worship, but whether we raise our hands or we are more reserved, God knows what we believe in our hearts.

Spiritual music is dear to my heart, and often I feel that God is speaking to me in a song. Powerful emotions well up inside and many times tears will flow as it seems the Lord is embracing me with His love. I will never forget a day back in the 80s, I was driving and listening to the radio when Steve Green began to sing “In God Alone,” and I just started weeping.

Among many others, I remember another song that is very special in my life and that is, “His Blood” by Shirley Caesar. If you’ve never heard these songs, I highly recommend them.

As a young minister, I

used a small segment of “His Blood” as the intro for some of my teaching cassette tapes. You do remember cassettes, don’t you? Anyway, for those familiar with Shirley Caesar’s music, you know that she gives everything she has when she sings. She was known around the world as the First Lady and the Queen of Gospel which included 17 Dove Awards, 10 Grammys, 12 Stellar awards, and 40 albums. She would always say, “I’m called to be a preacher first, and a singer second!” When you listen to her, you will

know what she means.

One of Shirley’s songs is called, “Hold My Mule,” where she tells a story about an 86-year-old man named John, who joined an ultra-conservative church where everything was dreadfully sophisticated and solemn. From the moment John began attending, his presence disturbed the reserved and comfortable congregation. He was such a positive and encouraging personality and would come in beaming with joy. As the sermon was being preached, he would loudly

exclaim “Amen!” and “Praise you, Jesus!” with sincere enthusiasm. Everyone scoffed and raised their eyebrows in disapproval, and when the deacons tried to intervene, they could not contain him.

I’m reminded of the passage in Luke 19:40 when Jesus spoke out and said if these people keep silent, the stones will cry out in praise.

One day the deacons went to see John dressed in their finest and driving their big fancy car. They found him around back plowing his field with a mule. He saw them coming and said, “I know

why you are here, you want me to stop worshiping my Jesus.” They replied, “John we don’t act like that in our church. There are dignitaries and many wealthy and important people in our midst and they have a reputation to protect. If you don’t stop shouting, dancing, and praising we are going ban you from our church.”

With tears in his eyes, John said, “Well, then you’re going to have to put me out because I can’t hold my peace. Let me tell you why. Look at all that beautiful land that you just drove through. God gave me that land. Look at my children. God gave these blessings and they all love Him and have never given us any trouble. Look at me, I’m 86 years old. I’m still able to walk behind this old mule and harvest my crops and you don’t want me to show Jesus how much I love Him in your church? Here, hold my mule, because I’m gonna sing and dance and shout and give thanks to God right now!”

Read more about the Christian life at billyhollandministries.com

BILLY HOLLAND

Who cares about public

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

Public notices – information local governments are obligated to provide citizens – are required to be published in local newspapers to provide a public record that’s accessible to everyone.

Public notices keep you informed about your government. But, in some states legislators are trying to keep public notices from appearing in local newspapers. This severely impacts government transparency and, in turn, limits the public’s right to hold them accountable for their actions.

Let your state legislators know that you value being able to access notices in your newspaper and that they are worth the investment.

SPORTS&RECREATION

WB assistant Kinloch takes over at Colleton

By Justin Jarrett LowcoSports.com

After a successful run as offensive coordinator at Whale Branch Early College High School, Adam Kinloch is going home.

Kinloch was approved as the next head football coach at Colleton County High School by the school board last week, replacing Kristopher Howell.

“It’s my dream job,” Kinloch said. “I’m ready to give back to my community.”

Kinloch is a native of Green Pond and attended Colleton County High School, where his father, the late Greg Kinsey, was

Adam Kinloch

assistant head coach from 200206 following a stint as head coach at Ruffin High School from 1997 until its closure in 2002. He received an undergraduate degree from South Carolina State University in 2013 and added a master’s degree in counselor education in 2017, and he is in the process of attaining another master’s in physical education

from The Citadel. Kinloch has worked in the Beaufort County School District since Aug. 2013, first as a behavior management specialist and, since 2017, as a professional school counselor. He was an assistant football coach at May River High School from 2017-20

SEE COLLETON PAGE B2

Beaufort point guard Quinn Wilson puts up another two points against Hanahan during the first half of their Region 8-3A game Friday night at Beaufort High School. The Lady Eagles narrowly escaped overtime with the Lady Hawks and managed to win, 39-36. The Lady Eagles improved their record to 7-8 overall and 2-2 in region play. The next home game will be against the Lady Dophins from Battery Creek High School on Friday, Jan. 27. Game time is 6 p.m. Bob Sofaly/The Island News

Eagles take two from Hanahan

Wilson wills Beaufort girls to region win

She’s going to play soccer at the next level, but Quinn Wilson was a baller Friday night.

The future Georgia Southern goalkeeper collected 13 points, eight rebounds, four assists, and four steals along with a huge blocked shot that helped Beaufort High’s girls basketball team hang on for a 39-36 home win over Region 8-3A rival Hanahan.

The Hawks clawed an eight-point Beaufort lead down to two with 22 seconds left, and after Riley Brozek hit the first of two free throws, they got a clear look at a 3-pointer for the tie before Wilson closed out and stuffed it. Hanahan got two more looks but couldn’t convert.

Beaufort jumped out to an early lead before Hanahan hit an 11-0 spurt to open a seven-point advantage. Wilson stopped the bleeding with a 3-pointer that set off a nine-point spurt to put the Eagles up by two at halftime.

It was tied at 22 late in the third quarter when Makayla Simmons came up with a steal and went coast-to-coast and followed buckets from Wilson and Anaiya Houseal with a baseline jumper to cap an 8-0 run that put Beaufort

LowcoSports.com

on top for good.

Beaufort (7-8, 2-2) was back in action

Tuesday at Philip Simmons.

Backcourt buoys

Beaufort boys in region race

Beaufort High’s boys basketball team dominated in the paint in Friday’s 59-36 home win over Hanahan, but it wasn’t the usual suspects doing all the damage.

Sure, big man Michael Dennison put up nine points and pulled down 14 rebounds in what has become a pedestrian output for the all-state star, and Sully Gay got his 12, but the Eagles’ unheralded backcourt caused havoc, too.

State championship quarterback Samari Bonds scored 14 points largely off six steals and added seven rebounds and four assists in a game-changing effort, and Arthur Singleton went 3-for-5 from 3-point range to add 13 points as Beaufort turned a five-point halftime lead into a rout.

McLeod Reichel also had a solid allaround game for the Eagles with four points, six rebounds, and six assists.

Beaufort (6-11, 3-1) was set to play

Beaufort’s Sully Gay makes what appears to be a routine layup against Hanahan on Friday night at Beaufort High School. The host Eagles went on to defeat the Hawks, 59-36, and improved their record to 6-9, 3-1 in Region 8-3A play. The Eagles’ next home game will be Friday night, Jan. 27, against crosstown rival Battery Creek Dolphins.

Bob Sofaly/The Island News

Tuesday at Philip Simmons, which handed the Eagles their only region loss, 48-43 on Jan. 6.

Beaufort Academy’s Kamirah Freeman has trouble controlling the ball while getting around Hilton Head Christian’s Jaida Grayson during the first half of their non-conference game Monday night at Beaufort Academy. Hilton Head Christian completely shut down BA’s offense holding them to just four points in the first quarter and cruising to 74-57 win. The visiting HHCA Eagles improved their record to 19-1, while the BA Eagles dropped to 10-8. Bob Sofaly/The Island News

HHCA stops BA’s hot streak

LowcoSports.com

Beaufort Academy’s basketball teams have emerged as SCISA Class 2A contenders and remain unbeaten in region play, but the Eagles ran into a pair of SCISA Class 3A contenders Monday when Hilton Head Christian Academy paid a visit.

The host Eagles caught the visiting Eagles flat-footed at the jump, as Braydon Dineen and Te’Shaun Heyward sparked BA to an early 12-5 lead, but HHCA heated up and closed the first quarter on a 14-0 run and led the rest of the way to a 64-48 win.

Dineen had 12 points, six rebounds, and three assists, Heyward added 12 points, five assists, and three steals, and Zeke Gonzalez scored 12 points to lead BA (10-5), which hosts winless Colleton Prep in a mismatch Friday.

HHCA’s juggernaut girls team dominated for three quarters before emptying the bench to allow BA to bring it back to a respectable 74-57 margin thanks to 31 points from Mike’Ala Washington and 18 from Tahleea Heyward, who recently announced her commitment to play at Coker College.

Morgan Scott (24 points, 15 rebounds) and Abby Peduzzi (16 points, 20 rebounds) each posted double-doubles for HHCA (19-1), which exploited its advantage in the post. Jai’da Grayson added 17 points and four assists, and Tamya Hutchinson had 16 points, seven boards, and five assists.

BA (10-8) looks to stay perfect in region play at home Friday against Colleton Prep.

Hilton Head Christian Academy’s Isaiah Anderson turns to the inside to get around Beaufort Academy’s Gavin Midyette during the first half of their non-conference basketball game at Beaufort Academy on Monday night. The HHCA Eagles went on to win the game, 64-48, over their host and improved to 7-1. The BA Eagles dropped to 9-4. Bob Sofaly/The Island News

GIRLS HOOPS

HHCA 74, BA 57

HHCA (19-1): Morgan Scott 24 pts, 15 rebs, 3 blks; Jai’da Grayson 17 pts, 4 asts; Abby Peduzzi 16 pts, 20 rebs; Tamya Hutchinson 16 pts, 7 rebs, 5 asts, 3 stls

BA (10-8): Mike’Ala Washington 31 pts, Tahleea Heyward 18 pts

BOYS HOOPS

HHCA 64, BA 48

HHCA (17-2): Isaiah Anderson 16 pts, 12 rebs; Qayden Turner 14 pts, 12 rebs, 3 asts; Wells Sharp 14 pts, 8 asts; Harrison Skinner 11 pts, 4 rebs

BA (10-5): Braydon Dineen 12 pts, 6 rebs, 3 asts; Zeke Gonzalez 12 pts; Te’Shaun Heyward 12 pts, 5 asts, 3 stls

Golden Warriors hitting stride at right time

By Justin Jarrett LowcoSports.com

After bolting to a 7-1 start before Christmas, John Paul II’s girls basketball team took almost four weeks off to catch its breath. But when the Golden Warriors hit the court January 5 with a tough loss at Beaufort Academy, they hit it running. And running, and running. Since that 41-37 defeat at BA, JPII reeled off six wins in an 11-day span, including three in as many days (and five in the span of a week).

Whew.

JPII passed one of its biggest tests of the early season with a 61-46 home win over Palmetto Christian on Tuesday, took care of a pesky Pat-

rick Henry team on Friday, and sandwiched in blowouts of St. Andrew’s and Thomas Heyward (twice). There’s no rest for the weary, either, because the Golden Warriors were set to host Hilton Head Prep to open region play Wednesday before traveling to perennial powerhouse Hilton Head Christian Academy for a showdown Friday.

JPII (13-2) has a star in Brady Mahoney, whose streak of 10 straight double-doubles was snapped with a 23-point, 9-rebound effort against St. Andrew’s –but she started a new streak with 12 points, 10 boards, and five steals in Monday’s 44-14 win over the Rebels.

Emily O’Sullivan also has emerged as a reliable scorer and rebounder, and Cayce Graves, Lily Termini, Camryn Michael, Savannah Trott, Gracie Henderson, and Lauren Majorkiewicz form a supporting cast with the ability to take on a lead role any given night.

The Golden Warriors know they’ll need all of them to carry the team deep into the playoffs.

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

Tiebreaker lifts Eagles past Dolphins in wild region duals

By Justin Jarrett LowcoSports.com

It was clear throughout the season that the wrestling teams from Beaufort High and Battery Creek were evenly matched, and that when they met at the Region 8-3A Duals, it would go down to the wire. That was an understatement.

After finishing tied at 39, Beaufort High earned the bonus point and win on the seventh tiebreaker criteria — most first points scored — to give the Eagles the win and second place after securing easy

Colleton

from page B1

before joining Jerry Hatcher’s staff at Whale Branch as offensive coordinator

wins over Philip Simmons and North Charleston.

The heartbreaking loss put the Dolphins on the ropes, but they nearly knocked off Hanahan — which opened the night with a 43-36 win over Beaufort — to forge a three-way tie for first. Battery Creek was within six going to the final match against the undefeated Hawks, but Aiden Northway could only manage a decision, resulting in a 3936 defeat and a third-place finish by the narrowest of margins.

Andrew Legree, An -

and recruiting coordinator in 2020. The Warriors went 16-5 in the first two seasons with Kinloch on staff before finishing 6-5 in a 2022 season derailed by season-ending injuries to two

26–FEBRUARY 1, 2023

tonio McKnight, Colton Phares, Ryli Corbin, and Tayriq Legree each went 4-0 with at least two pins for Beaufort, while Battery Creek’s Anthony Phelan pinned all four of his opponents, Aiden Northway was 4-0 with three pins, and Leroy Tyus won all four matches.

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

of team’s top two-way players at running back and linebacker.

Now he inherits a program that struggled to a 1-9 record this season after going winless in five region games in an abbreviated

HIGH SCHOOL WRESTLING ROUNDUP

2021 campaign. Kinloch’s first priority is bringing together a coaching staff who can help him rebuild the foundation needed to get the Cougars back on competitive ground.

“My No. 1 goal is to

shape the lives of student-athletes through the great game of football,” Kinloch said, “so that when they leave Colleton County High School they are leaving with a solid foundation for success.”

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

John Paul II’s Brady Mahoney drives past a St. Andrew’s defender during a home game January 13. Mahoney had a streak of 10 consecutive double-doubles before a 23-point, 9-rebound effort against the Lions in a rematch Saturday in Savannah. Justin Jarrett/LowcoSports.com

ARTS

Indelible Moments: 1970 Street Photographs from Two Cultures

5:30 to 7:30 p.m., Friday, Jan. 27, opening reception, USCB Center for the Arts, 801 Carteret Street. Photography show featuring the work of Jack Dempsey, a Beaufort resident. The USCB Center for the Arts will present an exhibit of more than 50 street photographs from the U.S. and South America during the early 1970s. Photographs in the front exhibit area were taken during two extended trips to Columbia, Ecuador, and Peru in 1971 and 1972. The interior exhibition area will present photographs taken in the central, eastern, and southern U.S., around the early 1970s as well. These photographs highlight the contrasts and similarities of the two cultures during that unique period in our history. The show will run through February 20. For more information, visit https://www.uscbcenterforthearts.com/ or jdempsey.net.

Gifts From the Boneyard

10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday through Friday; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday, March 1-31, 2023, Port Royal Sound foundation (PRSF) Museum, 310 Okatie Highway, Okatie. The Friends of Hunting Island (FOHI) and The Port Royal Sound Foundation (PRSF) are hosting an art exhibit called, “Gifts From the Boneyard, Art Inspired by Hunting Island’s Landscape.” The featured artist is Barbara James, a local fabric artist. Photographers Joan Eckhardt and Andy Stephens are also contributing pieces. Proceeds from sales will go to FOHI and PRSF. Opening gala from 4 to 6 p.m., March 2, 2023.

CALENDAR

Karaoke with Melissa

8 p.m. to 12 a.m., Tuesdays, Highway 21 Bar, 3436 Trask Pkwy, Beaufort. Enjoy food and drinks during Karaoke with Melissa. The next Karaoke night is Tuesday, Jan. 30.

Karaoke with Melissa

7:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m., Wednesdays, Beaufort Moose Lodge, 350 Broad River Blvd, Beaufort. Enjoy food and drinks during Karaoke with Melissa. The next Karaoke night is Wednesday, Feb. 1.

Trivia with Tom – Fat Patties

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

Eric’s Karaoke Krew

9:30 p.m., Wednesdays, Rosie O’Grady’s, 2127 Boundary Street, Suite 2, Beaufort. Free. Enjoy karaoke with either Parker or Eric.

Trivia with Tom –

Bricks On Boundary

7:30 p.m., Every Thursday, Fat Patties, 1422 Boundary St, Beaufort. Free. Team trivia event, win house cash and Beer Bucket prizes! For more information, visit https://rb.gy/o9nhwe.

Eric’s Karaoke Krew

7 p.m., Thursdays, Amvets Post 70, 1831 Ribaut Road, Port Royal. Free. Public is welcome. Enjoy Karaoke. Dinner will be available.

Bluffton Night Bazaar — a Lowcountry Made Market

5 to 8 p.m., first Thursday of each month, Burnt Church Distillery, 120 Bluffton Road. A highly curated selection of accessories, clothing, home goods, custom gifts and more by local artists and makers.

Rooted Beaufort Yoga

classes

5:30 to 6:45 p.m., Thursdays, Cypress Wetlands, Port Royal; 9 to 10:15 a.m., Whitehall Park or Pigeon Point Park. Rooted Beaufort is a collective of local Yoga teachers who host outdoor yoga classes and donation-based events with proceeds being donated locally on a rotating basis.

Wet Willie’s Trivia Night

7 to 10 p.m., every Thursday, Wet Willie’s, Beaufort Town Center. Win awesome prizes while you sip the worlds greatest daiquiris and munch on delicious bites.

Wet Willie’s Bingo Night

7 to 10 p.m., every Friday, Wet Willie’s, Beaufort Town Center. Win free giveaways, merchandise, and more cool prizes.

Eric’s Karaoke Krew

9 p.m., Fridays, Highway 21 Bar, 3436 Trask Pkwy, Beaufort. Free. Enjoy Karaoke with Lt. Dan.

Eric’s Karaoke Krew

9:30 p.m., Fridays, Rosie O’Grady’s, 2127 Boundary Street, Suite 2, Beaufort. Free. Enjoy Karaoke with Parker.

Karaoke with Melissa

7:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m., Fridays, R Bar & Grill, 70 Pennington Dr, Bluffton. Enjoy food and drinks during Karaoke with Melissa. The next Karaoke night is Friday, Jan. 27.

Drum Circle

6:30 to 8 p.m., 2nd Friday of every month, Beaufort County Black Chamber of Commerce, 711 Bladen Street, Beaufort. Free. Anyone welcome, no experience necessary. Eric Roy, a recent transplant from Connecticut with successful experience in leading drum circles, is our new facilitator. He will start sessions off with 15-20 minutes of instruction on djembe playing and teach a selected traditional rhythm & accompaniment for participants to play. In addition, there will be time allotted for spontaneous group drumming. Bring a drum, if you have one, a chair and a desire to have fun. The Drum Circle has several extra drums and many other percussion instruments that anyone can use. To receive updates on future events, send your email to lannyk13@gmail.com. The first session will be on Friday, Jan. 13.

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.

WHAT’S HAPPENING

HIGHWAY 21 DRIVE-IN

The movies scheduled for this week (Friday, Jan. 27 through Thursday, Feb. 3) at the Highway 21 Drive-In are A Man Called Otto (PG-13, 7 p.m.) and Plane (R, 9:20 p.m.) on Screen 1; Puss n Boots, Last Wish (PG-13, 7 p.m.) and Megan (PG-13, 8:50 p.m.) on Screen 2; and Avatar: Way Of The Water (PG-13, 7 p.m.) on Screen 3 (Friday and Saturday).

Online ticketing is available at hwy21drivein. com on the Now Playing page. Patrons are asked to arrive early on Friday and Saturday nights. Gates open at 6:30 p.m.

“Our family at the Hwy. 21 drive in feel a responsibility to our community,” a statement from Highway 21 Drive-In management reads. “We are concerned about many things in these trying times and in making the right decisions. We are concerned with our employees, our patrons, our business, our community’s businesses, and the health and well-being of all.”

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

Upcoming movies include Quantumania (February) and The Amazing Maurice (February).

Port Royal Farmers Market

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

Eric’s Karaoke Krew

7 p.m., Saturdays, The Beaufort Moose Lodge, 350 Broad River Blvd., Beaufort. Free. Enjoy karaoke with Lt. Dan. Come early at 6 p.m. for Steak Night.

Eric’s Karaoke Krew

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

Karaoke with Melissa

8 p.m. to 12 a.m., 2nd and 4th Saturdays of every month, Peaceful Henry’s Cigar Bar, 181 Bluffton Rd, Bluffton. Enjoy food and drinks during Karaoke with Melissa. The next Karaoke night is Saturday, Jan. 28.

YMCA Puppy Plunge

9 to 11 a.m., Saturdays, Jan. 28, Feb. 25, March 25. Wardle Family YMCA, Outdoor pool, 1801 Richmond Ave., Port Royal. Well-behaved canines of all breeds and sizes are welcome. Cost is $10 per pup. All proceeds benefit the Y’s Learn to Swim program. Owners will be required to sign a waiver before entering the enclosed, exterior pool area (use the side entrance gate), must be present with their pups at all times, and humans are not permitted to swim in the Puppy Plunge. The YMCA asks that pets be up-to-date on all vaccinations. Event is weather dependent so check the YMCA social media or call the Y front desk at 843-522-9622 the morning of the Puppy Plunge to check any status update.

Occasional Monday

Night Movies – Till

3 p.m. & 7 p.m., Monday, Jan. 30, USCB Center for the Arts, 805 Carteret St, Beaufort. General Admission 8$. Free for USCB Students with ID. This Monday’s movie is Till (2022). Till is a profoundly emotional and cinematic film about the true story of Mamie Till Mobley’s relentless pursuit of justice for her 14-year-old son, Emmett Till, who, in 1955, was lynched while visiting his cousins in Mississippi. In Mamie’s poignant journey of grief turned to action, we see the universal power of a mother’s ability to change the world. PG-13, starring Danielle Deadwyler & Jalyn Hall. 130 minutes.

Karaoke with Melissa

7 p.m. to 10 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 4, Latitude Bar & Chill, 3295 Latitude Blvd, Hardeeville. Open to residents and their guests only. Enjoy food and drinks during Karaoke with Melissa.

Lowcountry Christian

Women’s Connection

Luncheon and Program

11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 15, 170 Hampton Hall Blvd., Bluffton. ‘Jazz it Up Feature/

Speaker-Tempe Brown; Mini Jazz & Blues Concert. Prepaid Reservations: Luncheon is $28 Luncheon is $28 payable to CWC Bluffton and send to Carol Mock, 607 Argent Way, Bluffton SC. 29909 or email Julie.ott.az@gmail.com.

Karaoke with Melissa

7 p.m. to 10 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 18, Latitude Bar & Chill, 3295 Latitude Blvd, Hardeeville. Open to residents and their guests only. Enjoy food and drinks during Karaoke with Melissa.

MCAS Beaufort Airshow

Saturday-Sunday, April 22-23, 2023, MCAS Beaufort. Visit BeaufortAirShow.com. General admission is free.

HISTORY

The Historic Port Royal Museum

10 a.m. to 3 p.m. or upon request, Thursdays through Sundays, The Historic Port Royal Museum, 1634 Paris Ave. The museum features the turn-of-the-century businesses and industries of Port Royal: Shrimping, crabbing, oystering, the railroad, the school and the mercantile. Great gifts featuring local artists are available. For more information. visit www.portroyalhistory. org, email historicportroyalfoundation@gmail. com or call 843-524-4333.

Tour Historic Fort Fremont

Dawn to dusk, Monday through Sunday, The Fort Fremont Preserve, 1124 Land’s End Road, St. Helena Island. Free and open to the public. The History Center is open Fridays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and Saturdays from 10 a.m. 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 docentled tours. For more information visit www. fortfremont.org or contact Passive Parks Manager Stefanie Nagid at snagid@bcgov.net.

A State Fair to Remember History Talk

11 a.m., Saturday, Jan. 28, Morris Center for Lowcountry Heritage, 10782 S. Jacob Smart Blvd, Ridgeland. Free (Suggested $5 Donation). Please Register by Jan. 26. Remember the smell of corndogs and the thrill of the Tilt-AWhirl?

You’ll be ready for a trip to the fair after author Rodger Stroup discusses his book Meet Me at the Rocket: A History of the South Carolina State Fair. With vivid imagery, he’ll explain how the fair grew from its humble beginnings into the popular event it is today. For registration and more info, visit https://morrisheritagecenter.org/ event-5046948.

Beaufort County

Historical Society: Battle of Port Royal Island, 1779

11 a.m. to 12 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 2, Beaufort Branch Library, 311 Scott St, Beaufort. Limited seating, registration recommended. For registration, please go to https://www. beaufortcountyhistoricalsociety.com/events on or after Jan. 19. Presentation by Col. Neil Baxley, former Marine and head of Beaufort County’s Emergency Management Division. Come learn about the strategy, tactics and significance of this American Revolution battle fought near the Marine Corps Air Station 244 years ago. South Carolina’s first land based engagement between professional British, militia and Continental forces resulted in a Patriot Victory.

Beaufort County Historical Society: Stuarts Town

1 to 5 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 4, USCB Center for the Arts, 805 Carteret St, Beaufort. Presentation by Chester de Pratter and his archaeological team. Participate in a community forum to reveal the findings and the significance of those findings from the 117 shovel tests conducted in Beaufort’s downtown Point area.

Gullah 101

2 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 8, Room 115, USCB Hilton Head Campus, 1 Sand Shark Drive, Hilton Head Island. $8 for Heritage Library members, $10 for non-members. To register, go to https:// heritagelib.org/online-classes. Let us introduce you to the spiritual, musical, linguistic and storytelling world of the Gullah culture.

The American Revolution: A World War No One Knows

10:30 to 11:30 a.m., Tuesday, Feb. 14, Room 115, USCB Hilton Head Campus, 1 Sand Shark Drive, Hilton Head Island. $8 for Heritage Library members, $10 for non-members. To register, go to https://heritagelib.org/online-classes. Discover how America was only one relatively compact and insignificant theater of war in what was in reality a World War for England, and that American independence was won only due to military aid from two European powers and distractions provided by four other major nations.

LIBRARY ACTIVITIES

Dungeons & Dragons

4 p.m., Mondays, Beaufort Downtown Branch Library, 311 Scott Street, Beaufort, 843-255-6441.

Ages 12 to 18.

Lego Club

4:30 to 5:30 p.m., Mondays, St. Helena Branch Library, 6355 Jonathan Francis Senior Road, St. Helena Island, 843-255-6540. All ages welcome.

Time for Tea (English Tea Party)

3 p.m., 1st Monday of each month, Beaufort Downtown Branch Library, 311 Scott Street, Beaufort, 843-255-6456.

Teen Art Club

4 p.m., 1st & 3rd Tuesdays of each month, Beaufort Downtown Branch Library, 311 Scott Street, Beaufort, 843-255-6441. Ages 12-18.

Teen Anime Club

4 p.m., 2nd & 4th Tuesdays of each month, Beaufort Downtown Branch Library, 311 Scott Street, Beaufort, 843-255-6456.

Law Talk

5:30 to 6:30 p.m., select Tuesdays, St. Helena Branch Library, 6355 Jonathan Francis Sr. Road, St. Helena Island. To register, call 843-2556540. Free. Brief topic overview with Question & Answer with volunteer attorney. Tuesday, Feb. 7, Expungement; Tuesday, March 7, Credit Card

Debt; Tuesday, April 4, Social Security Disability; Tuesday, May 2, Getting Arrested.

Teen Video Game Club

4 p.m., 1st & 3rd Wednesdays of each month, Beaufort Downtown Branch Library, 311 Scott Street, Beaufort, 843-255-6441. Ages 12 to 18.

Law Talk

Noon to 1 p.m., select Wednesdays, Hilton Head Branch Library, 11 Beach City Rd, Hilton Head Island. To register, call 843-255-6525. Free. Brief topic overview with Question & Answer with volunteer attorney. Wednesday, Feb. 15, Cyber Security and Data Privacy; Wednesday, March 15, Wills, Estates, and Probate; Wednesday, April 19, Advance Health Care Directives; Wednesday, May 17, Real Estate and Foreclosure.

S.C. Works Job Coaching

2 to 4 p.m., Thursdays, St. Helena Branch Library, 6355 Jonathan Francis Senior Road, St. Helena Island, 843-255-6540. Free help with job searches, interviews.

Chess Club

1 to 2 p.m., Saturdays, St. Helena Branch Library, 6355 Jonathan Francis Senior Road, St. Helena Island, 843-255-6540. Ages 5 and older.

Chess Meet Up

a.m., 2nd

of each month, Beaufort Downtown Branch Library, 311 Scott Street,

Beaufort, 843-255-6456. Instructor Henry Otto Seim will show beginners the basics or play a friendly game with more experienced players. All skill levels welcome. Extra boards will be set up.

LITERATURE

Books Sandwiched In –

The Orchid Tattoo

12 to 1 p.m., Monday, Jan. 30, USCB Center for the Arts, 805 Carteret St, Beaufort. Free. A thought leader in our community discusses a book that has had an impact on the presenter, with questions and discussion to follow. Light refreshments offered. This meeting’s book is The Orchid Tattoo by Carla Damron, presented by Carla Damron.

Books Sandwiched In –

The Boys in the Boat

12 to 1 p.m., Monday, Feb. 6, USCB Center for the Arts, 805 Carteret St, Beaufort. Free. A thought leader in our community discusses a book that has had an impact on the presenter, with questions and discussion to follow. Light refreshments offered. This meeting’s book is The Boys in the Boat by Daniel James Brown, presented by Joe DeVito.

Books Sandwiched In –

Trouble the Water

12 to 1 p.m., Monday, Feb. 13, USCB Center for the Arts, 805 Carteret St, Beaufort. Free. A thought leader in our community discusses a book that has had an impact on the presenter, with questions and discussion to follow. Light refreshments offered. This meeting’s book is Trouble the Water by Rebecca Dwight Bruff, presented by Rebecca Dwight Bruff.

MEETINGS

Maye River Quilters

10 a.m., Feb. 4, Palmetto Electric Cooperative, 1 Cooperative Way, Hardeeville. To attend as a guest, RSVP at mayeriverquilters@gmail.com. For Information and membership forms, call 843-705-9590.

Beaufort Sportfishing and Diving Club

February meeting

7 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 9, Beaufort Yacht and Sailing Club located on Lady’s Island off of Meridian Road. Social begins at 6:30 p.m. Guests are welcome. Reservations are not needed. The guest speaker is Ryan Yaden, DNR Director of the S.C. Artificial Reef Program. Ryan will present the history of this very successful program with updates on the reef from Edisto to Hilton Head White Water Reef, including new coordinates. He will also present deployments of materials of opportunity at these reefs with underwater video of deployed tanks, APCS Barges, Tug Boat, and NY Subway Car. Beaufort Boat & Dock Supply, Butler Marine, and Adams Marine Seminars again are our monthly $50 drawing sponsors. Remember to weigh in your favorite catch at Beaufort Boat & Dock Supply –located at 1734 Ribaut Road, Port Royal – during regular hours. Congratulations to Bill Hennigh, last month’s winner. Winners must be present at the next month’s meeting to receive the cash award. Guests are welcome. Reservations are not needed. For additional information, please contact Captain Frank Gibson at 843-522-2122 or email fgibson@islc.net.

The Beaufort Trailblazers –

A Volunteer Group

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

League of Women Voters

6 to 7:30 p.m., second Thursday of every month, Meeting Room, Sea Island Presbyterian Church, 81 Ladys Island Dr, Beaufort. Free. The Public as well as LWVB members are encouraged to attend. The next meeting is Thursday, Jan. 12. The meeting will be about the topics members have suggested as projects for 2023.

OUTDOORS

Port Royal Cypress Wetlands

tours

4 to 5:30 p.m., Friday, Jan. 27; 10 to 11:30 a.m., Saturday, Feb. 11; 4 to 5:30 p.m., Friday, Feb. 24, Port Royal Cypress Wetlands. Bring your holiday guests to a free guided tour of the wetlands sponsored by Friends of Port Royal Cypress Wetlands and led by Master Naturalist Jill Moore. Moore is full of information about alligators, turtles, trees, plants, and the variety of birds that call the wetlands home. This is a great opportunity to learn about this magical place. Tours are limited in size so sign up now. Kat Bray, Tour Coordinator, info@foprcw.org.

Birding 101

4 p.m., Feb. 8, Port Royal Cypress Wetlands Amphitheatre, 1700 Paris Ave, Port Royal. Friends of the Port Royal Cypress Wetlands and Fripp Island Audubon Club will be offering a workshop for those new to birding. The workshop will be led by a Master Naturalist. Focus will be on how to use binoculars, identifying characteristics of common birds found in the wetlands, useful phone apps and guide books. Space will be limited. For further information and to reserve a space please call Dan Frese at 843-473-9393.

SPORTS

Beaufort Masters Swim Team

6 to 7 a.m., Monday through Friday, Wardle Family Port Royal YMCA. Coached practices. Ages 18 & older, all skill & speed levels, no prior swim team experience needed. Visit lowcountryswimming.com for more information.

Becoming Elite Mental Performance

Seminar

1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 28, Beach House, 1 S Forest Beach Dr, Hilton Head Island. Free. Joel Klock is a former Division I athlete turned coach, looking to educate, energize, and empower others to become their best selves. He has obtained an MS in Sport and Performance Psychology, and is currently working toward becoming a Certified Mental Performance Consultant through the Association of Applied Sport Psychology. Topics discussed will include Growth Mindset, Confidence, Self-Talk, Routines & Habits, Mindfulness, Focus & Awareness, Handling Failure, and Emotional Control.

PLATOON 1008

Senior Drill Instructor

SSgt C. B. Posey

PFC* Angelesgonzalez, Ezekiel S.

Pvt Avilafunez, Jeffery I.

Pvt Bautistaluis, Sebastian

Pvt Bravo, Adam J.

Pvt Cetnar, Maxx C.

Pvt Crowe, William R.

Pvt Cunningham, Devon R.

Pvt Davis, Timothy L.

PFC Degroff, Connor L.

Pvt Dixon, Roland R.

Pvt Evans, Daniel M.

Pvt Fields, Braeden S.

Pvt Garcia, Gustavo

Pvt Garcia, Stephon G.

PFC Gatewood, Immanuel Y.

Pvt Gawryl, Donovan M.

Pvt Gonzalezvilleda, Carlos O.

Pvt Greaves, Juaquin D.

PFC Hales, Sage M.

PFC* Harris Jr., Leon Y.

Pvt Howard, Dakota A.

Pvt Kam, Nathanael D.

Pvt Kuhn Jr., Jason D.

Pvt Livingston, Kavon

PFC Marshall, Angelo A.

PFC Miller, Johnathon L.

Pvt Parrish, Jayden J.

Pvt Perez, Mariano M.

Pvt Pura, Nicholas S.

PFC Rose, Hayden L.

Pvt Schlosser, Jaidan D.

LCpl Simeleumo, Martinluther

PFC Smith, Austin K.

Pvt Smith, Christain A.

Pvt Spangler, Michael H.

Pvt Thomas, Karon T.

Pvt Tinsley, Tevin L.

PFC Tran, Bryan G.

PFC Welborn, Daniel W.

UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS

PLATOON 1009 Senior Drill Instructor

SSgt J. Muratalla

PFC Baldacchinocranmer Jr., Christopher P.

Pvt Bolduc, Jake E.

Pvt Bryce, Denzel E.

Pvt Clarke, Tammoy J.

PFC Cornett Jr., John D.

PFC C ouch, Rogelio D.

PFC Couch, Jeremy K.

Pvt Curtis, Justice I.

Pvt Drohan, Zachary P.

Pvt Gaylord Jr., Gerald C.

Pvt Gerbrick, Aaron R.

Pvt Grant, Jacob R.

Pvt Grantham, Trey J.

Pvt Hicks, Ryan J.

PFC Johnson, Austin B.

Pvt Johnson, Pharoh S.

PFC* Jonak, Ashton G.

Pvt Jones, James J.

Pvt Katz, Daniel M.

Pvt Landon, Sebastian T.

PFC* Lawlor Jr., Brian T.

Pvt Lopezrodriguez, Miguel A.

PFC Mason, Jerome D.

Pvt Mccammon, Nolan M.

Pvt Mchale, Anthony D.

Pvt Overfield, Lucian T.

Pvt Pacheco Jr., Anthony M.

Pvt Phalon, James R.

PFC Rehkamp, Caleb M.

PFC Riney, Cole A.

PFC Rodrigues, Bryan O.

Pvt Romeropereira, Jefferson A.

PFC* Sewell, Benjamin G.

PFC Sosa, Odessa

Pvt Sykes, Anthony R.

PFC Tanner, Matthew L.

Pvt Taylor, Chase M.

PFC Tenezacalozado, Cristian F.

Pvt Vernon, Angel T.

Pvt Wright, Conner R.

PLATOON 1010

Senior Drill Instructor SSgt V. D. Odell

Pvt Alvaradochavez, Katherine R.

PFC Aung, Myo T.

PFC Balsamo, Zoe R.

PFC Barbanell, Jana P.

PFC Borges, Rocio E.

LCpl* Brokopp, Paige M.

PFC Camachocanales, Karelys V.

Pvt Carinonieves, Fabiola Z.

Pvt Castillomaldonado, Lizbeth J.

PFC* Cheatham, Donasia E.

PFC Farrag, Nazik I.

Pvt Faust, Kyleigh P.

PFC Finley, Tara R.

PFC Frechpecora, Xiomara L.

PFC Gbanyah, Peterline Y.

PFC Hart, Madison A.

Pvt Hill, Tamera S.

PFC Holt, Katelyn R.

Pvt Ives, Kenzie A.

PFC Jeanlouis, Deborah

PFC Lane, Alexandra M.

Pvt Long, Monica L.

Pvt Longino, Mya N.

Pvt Mazariegos, Abby A.

PFC* Mcenerney, Jaliyah R.

PFC Meima, Abigail L.

Pvt Meyers, Jayde E.

Pvt Moerler, Mackenzie K.

LCpl Pagdilao, Skylynn O.

Pvt Parker, Cara E.

PFC Pinto, Lizzette N.

PFC Pottorf, Jayna E.

Pvt Prady, Laina M.

PFC Rodriguezguitierrez, Miriam J.

Pvt Rosario, Ayvelis R.

PFC* Salgado, Diana L.

Pvt Thomasgutierres, Veronica

Pvt Thompson, Vanesia R.

Pvt Tomb, Rebecca D.

Pvt Whorley, Aryson J

Pvt Wilson, Grace O.

PFC Wright, Ashley A.

PLATOON 1012

Senior Drill Instructor SSgt K. A. Strom

PFC* Arrington, Shannon M.

PFC Ayala, Gabriel P.

Pvt Bailey, Braeden T.

Pvt Bonillahernandez, Cesar E.

PFC Bugger, Nathan L.

Pvt Burton, Sharon R.

PFC Carcamomata, Jeferson A.

Pvt Delgado, Hector M.

Pvt Elas, John R.

PFC* Ernest, Jax D.

Pvt Esquivel, Oscar F.

PFC* Fisher, Jalen D.

Pvt Foster, Clayton M.

Pvt Gerger, Nikolas A.

Pvt Hairston, Leroy

PFC Houston, Zackery S.

Pvt Huescamunoz, Joseph B.

Pvt Hurst, Westly J.

Pvt Jenkins, Orlandis M.

PFC Jones, Henry J.

PFC Lambert, Nicholas J.

Pvt Maldonadomendoza, Luis A.

Pvt Maradiaga, Lenin D.

Pvt Marr, Justin R.

PFC Matosserrano, Juan J.

Pvt McPherson, Gavin L.

Pvt Morochofarfan, Washington E.

Pvt Notaro Jr., Keith L.

Pvt RamirezGarcia, Daniel R.

Pvt RiveraRamos, Jair R.

Pvt Rodriguez, Omar A.

Pvt Rodriguezramos, Angel A.

Pvt Sakunov, Kyryll

Pvt Samayoamatos, Frankie J.

Pvt Sands, Cory J.

PFC Seattskoonce, David I.

PFC Shorter, Camal A.

PFC Singh, Karanvir

Pvt Velasquezturcios, Andrew V.

PFC Urena, Johanoy R.

Pvt Watson, Jason B.

PLATOON 1013

Senior Drill Instructor

Sgt C. B. Wadding

Pvt Alatorrerivera, Jonathan

PFC Anderson, Adama G.

Pvt Badger, Austin M.

PFC Barnes, Isaiah J.

Pvt Bermudez, Kevin S.

Pvt Braxton, Mckobe M.

Pvt Calmo, Ramiro A.

Pvt Carter, Daondre R.

PFC* Cerdarodriguez, Jose M.

Pvt Champagne, Billy J.

Pvt Duvall, James M.

Pvt Evans, Mayson T.

PFC* Gilfilian, Gabriel J.

Pvt Gnat, Sean J.

Pvt Gordillomoreno, Juan C.

Pvt Guchereau, Eli B.

PFC Hernandez, Anthony

PFC Houmis, Anthony F.

Pvt Johnson, Jaden A.

PFC Kern, Austin G.

Pvt Lopezerazo, Jorge L.

PFC* Marshall, Landen J.

Pvt Martinezmora, Juan F.

PFC Mcbride, Nehemiah

PFC Mcdonald, Dylan T.

Pvt Medina, Skyler J.

Pvt Meyer, Tyler A.

PFC Mixon, Trezae A.

Pvt Owens, Zane B.

Pvt Parrales, Yasmid S.

Pvt Perkins, Jiray K.

Pvt Quezada, Nicolas E.

Pvt Rodriguezcorrales, Cristian A.

Pvt Rosalinares, Jason F.

Pvt Rossman, Jordan T.

Pvt Santuccione, Sebastiano M.

Pvt Smith, Yorick D.

Pvt Vasquez, Angel D.

Pvt Velasquez Jr., Wilfredo

PFC Velasquez, Jesus

Pvt Vicente, Carlos

PLATOON 1014

Senior Drill Instructor

SSgt K. D. Gadson

Pvt Adams, Trevor J.

Pvt Aragonperez, Juan C.

Pvt Brown, Cayden R.

Pvt Bruno, Alexander C.

PFC Bryant, Terrell M.

PFC Carthens, Jaire N.

Pvt Case, Cody

PFC Castillo, Derek J.

Pvt Coleman, Jeremiah E.

Pvt Cooper, Brandon A.

PFC Cruz, Gabrieljoshua L.

PFC* Dellavolpe, Jason C.

Pvt Demas, Nathan B.

PFC Denner, Adam T.

Pvt Desjardins, Kevin J.

PFC Dos, Yuranann

Pvt Falcone, Austin R.

Pvt Frear, Noah A.

Pvt Harper, Cole M.

Pvt Hook, Collin O.

Pvt Jones, Javeon F.

Pvt Kline, Derek J.

Pvt Lafferty, Dominic M.

PFC Landon, Dylan E.

Pvt Legget, Isaah M.

PFC Lockett Jr., John W.

Pvt Malone, Trenton A.

Pvt Morales, Branden A.

Pvt Murray, Malik M.

PFC* Natividad, Renlouverkeif

PFC Ortega, Eric E.

PFC* Robinson, Cole A.

Pvt Russell, Charles J.

Pvt Shay, Michael J.

PFC Syphrett, Parker J.

Pvt Trejo Jr., Armando

Pvt Wells III, Gerald L.

Pvt Williams, Tyler B.

Pvt Wilson, Nathanial R.

Pvt Wright, Ralph S.

*Denotes

A U.S. Marine Corps F/A-18C Hornet, assigned to Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 312, MCAS Beaufort catches an Aircraft Arresting System (AAS) cable during an annual certification Jan. 6, at Yokota Air Base, Japan. The AAS utilizes a ground cable and the arresting hooks attached to the tail of an aircraft to safely decelerate it. Photos by Machiko Arita/U.S. Air Force

Aircraft Arresting Certification

Senior Airman Jacob Handler, 374th Civil Engineer Squadron power production journeyman, ensures precise spacing inbetween cable donuts Jan. 6, prior to the annual certification test of the Aircraft Arresting System (AAS) at Yokota Air Base, Japan. The rubber donuts elevate the cable to the proper height, providing the correct distance for an aircraft to latch onto the cable in the event of an emergency landing.

According to the S.C. Department of Motor Vehicles (SCDMV) website ( https:// bit.ly/3ZWkVHk) and SCDMV Form MV-37, there are 43 different types of S.C. Military Plates for vehicles. Some of those plates provide limited free parking in metered and timed spaces and some require a fee. Veterans and their family members can view all of the available SC military license plates at https://bit. ly/3ZWFp2R

Required Documentation

To apply for a Military Plate, applicants must provide to the SCDMV a completed MV-37 Form and all necessary official military documentation, which may include DD-214, NGB Form 22, Official order, A “Twenty Year Letter” from a Military Reserve Component, and a Veterans Identification Card.

Plates that provide free parking at metered and timed parking spaces

Under S.C. Code, Title 56, Chapter 3, Section 56-3-14910, the following

S.C. Military Plates (1) Medal of Honor-Army, (2) Medal of Honor-Navy, (3) Medal of Honor-Air Force, (4) Distinguished Service Cross-Army, (5)

Distinguished Service Cross-Navy, (6) Distinguished Service CrossAir Force, (7) South Carolina Medal of Valor,

(8) Silver Star, (9) Bronze Star (with valor), (10) Soldier’s Medal allow active and prior service members to park in metered and timed parking places without paying a fine.

Under S.C. Code, Title 56, Chapter 56, Chapter 3, Section 56-3-14920, the following Military Plates

(1) Distinguished Service Medal-Army, (2) Distinguished Service Med-

A U.S. Marine Corps F/A-18C Hornet, assigned to Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 312, Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, comes to a stop on the base flightline Jan. 6, during an annual certification test of the Aircraft Arresting System (AAS) at Yokota Air Base, Japan. An AAS can save lives in cases where a pilot is unable to stop their aircraft during landing. In those extreme cases, the arresting system initiates to also prevent any potential damage to the aircraft itself or other airfield equipment by stopping it on the runway.

SC Military License Plates

of vehicles. As a condition to this privilege, a vehicle must display a distinguishing license plate issued by the SC Department of Motor Vehicles for vehicles registered to recipients of an award specified in subsection (A) of the code.

al-Navy, (3) Distinguished Service Medal-Air Force, (4) Distinguished Service Medal-Marine Corps, (5) Distinguished Service Medal-Coast Guard, (6) Distinguished Flying Cross, (7) Legion of Merit, and (8) Palmetto Cross allow active and prior service members to park in metered and timed parking places without paying a fine.

• Under S.C. Code, Title 56, Chapter 56, Chapter 3, Section 56-3-14930, the following Military Plates (1) Gold Star Family: available to immediate family members (spouse, parent, children, or siblings), (2) Gold Star Family Personalized: available to immediate family members (spouse, parent, children, or siblings), (3) Prisoner of War: available to the award recipient and spouse, (4) Purple Heart: available to the award recipient, (5) Purple Heart Wheelchair: available to the award recipient allow active and prior service members to park in metered and timed parking places without paying a fine.

The Military Plates issued under S.C. Code, Title 56, Chapter 56, Chapter 3, Section 56-314910, -14920, and -14930 have no application to those areas or during those times in which the stopping, parking, or standing of all vehicles is prohibited or which are reserved for special types

The above-mentioned S.C. Military Plates do not provide for free parking in privately owned parking places.

S.C. Military Plates which require a fee Air Medal, Bronze Star, Chief Petty Officer, Combat-Related Disabled Veteran, Female Veteran or Female Veteran (Wheelchair), Marine Corps, Meritorious Service Medal, National Guard, National Guard-Retired, Normandy Invasion Survivor, Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm, Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Iraqi Freedom, Pearl Harbor Survivor, and State Guard. There is a limit of 3 plates per registrant who qualifies. All plates labeled “wheelchair” require the applicant to also submit Form RG-007A titled, Application for Placard and/or License Plate for People Who have a Disability with their completed application.

MV-37 Form Page 1

The MV-37 From has sections for General Information, Plate Selection and Vehicle Information, Customer Information, In-

surance, Certification, Gold Star Family, and Surviving Spouse Certification.

The first section of the form also tells applicants to mail the completed application MV-37 Form (and if required an RG-077A Form) and all other required documentation and applicable fees to SCDMA Headquarters at S.C. Department of Motor Vehicles, Specialty Plates, P.O. Box 1498, Blythewood, S.C. 29016-0038.

If the SCDMV receives the veteran’s application within 90 days or less of your current plate expiration, a paid tax receipt for the next registration year and additional fees may be required.

The form’s first section also requires veterans to select the type of vehicle they are requesting a plate for. The choices are Motor Home, Motorcycle, Private Passenger Auto, or Truck with an empty weight of up to 9,000 pounds or a Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) of up to 11,000 pounds. There are Senior Citizen Reduced Fees available for age 65 or older of $36 for Passenger autos and $38 for seniors aged 64. The Senior Citizen fee for Trucks with a GVW of up to 6,000 pounds of $30.

MV-37 Form Page 2

Covers guidelines and 29 types of S.C. Military Plates.

MV-37 Form Page 3

Covers 14 types of S.C. Military Plates and an extract from S.C. Code

Sections 56-3-14910(D), -14920(D), -14930(D) which states, “A person issued a license plate under the provisions of subsection (A) may park in metered or timed parking places without being subject to parking fees or fines. This section has no application to areas or during times in which stopping, parking, or standing of all vehicles is prohibited or which are reserved for special types of vehicles. As a condition of this privilege, a vehicle must display a distinguishing license plate issued by the (SC) department for vehicles registered to recipients of an award specified in (the Code).”

Get help from a VSO Veterans, their family members, and survivors can get help applying for S.C. Military Plates from a Veterans Service Officer (VSO). Below are the county VSOs listed at https://scdva.sc.gov/ county-veterans-affairs-offices in the Lowcountry area.

Beaufort: Carl Wedler, 843-255-6880, cwedler@bcgov.net

Charleston: David J. LeBlanc, Sr., 843-974-6360, vaoffice@charlestoncounty.org

Colleton: Janet D. Smith, 843-549-1412, cvao@ colletoncounty.org

Berkeley: Gerald Baxley, 843-377-8506, gerald.baxley@berkeleycountysc.gov

Dorchester: Johnny K. Brown, 843-832-0050,

JKBrown@dorchestercountysc.gov

Hampton: Sharon Johnson, 803-9142085/2087, sjohnson@ hamptoncountysc.org

Jasper: Alton Jenkins, 843-726-7727, ajenkins@ jaspercountysc.gov

Forms

You can download the MV-37 Form and the RG007A Form at https://bit. ly/3ZWkVHk and at https:// bit.ly/3J6PZOM

SCDMV New Notices

As of April 18, 2022 applications for military plates will only be processed by mail at SCDMV Headquarters in Blythewood. Also, as of May 6, 2022, all newly issued military license plates will require an updated decal each year. Read the article at https:// bit.ly/3R00ULU for more information.

So, what are you waiting for? Go on and apply for your hard-earned SC Military Plates!

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.

LARRY DANDRIDGE

ATTORNEY

Christopher J. Geier Attorney at Law, LLC

Criminal Defense & Civil Litigation

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

AUDIOLOGY & HEARING

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

Hear the Beauty that Surrounds You

The Beaufort Sound Hearing and Balance Center Dr. Larry Bridge, AU.D./CCC-A 206 Sea Island Parkway, Suite 31, Beaufort thebeaufortsound@gmail.com

www.thebeaufortsound.com | 843-522-0655

AUTOMOBILE SERVICES

Zippy Lube, Inc. www.zippylubebeaufortsc.com zippylubeinc@gmail.com 843-522-3560 Quick Lube and Full Service Automobile Repair Ronnie Kizer, Owner 149 Sea Island Parkway • Beaufort, SC 29907

THURSDAY’S CARTOON

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AUCTIONS

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ESTATE

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ADVERTISE YOUR AUCTION in 99 S.C. newspapers for only $375. Your 25-word classified ad will reach more than 2.1 million readers. Call Randall Savely at the S.C. Newspaper Network, 1-888-727-7377.

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HELP WANTED – DRIVERS

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ADVERTISE YOUR VACATION PROPERTY FOR RENT OR SALE to more than 2.1 million S.C. newspaper readers. Your 25-word classified ad will appear in 99 S.C. newspapers for only $375. Call Randall Savely at the South Carolina Newspaper Network, 1-888727-7377.

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One day, as the apostle Peter was praying, he saw a vision. There was a great multitude of animals and birds, of the sort that dietary laws of the Old Testament prohibited the Jewish people from eating. God commanded Peter to rise and eat, and Peter replied that he would not, since the food is forbidden. But God replied, “Do not call anything unclean that God has made clean.” (Acts 10:15)

Strangers arrived looking for Peter.

They had traveled from Caesarea, an important Roman port in that region. They were servants of a man named Cornelius, a centurion in charge of the Roman soldiers in that city. Although he was not Jewish, Cornelius was a just man who sought to know God. God sent an angel to Cornelius, instructing him to send for Peter in the city of Joppa, about a day’s journey away. The servants went and found Peter just as the angel had said.

Peter visited Cornelius and something unexpected happened.

As Peter began to preach the good news about Jesus, the Holy Spirit came upon Cornelius and all in his household. Peter was astonished that the Holy Spirit would come upon Gentiles, or people who did not share the Jewish faith. Peter then baptized them, observing, “Surely no one can stand in the way of their being baptized with water, for they have received the Holy Spirit just as we have!” (Acts 10:47)

This was a turning point in the life of the early Church. God had given the Jewish people many dietary and social laws to help them preserve their religious identity. They were not supposed to mingle with Gentiles or visit their homes. The original followers of Jesus were all raised with these laws and customs. These habits were so ingrained that, at first, it was difficult even for leaders like Peter to imagine sharing the Gospel with Gentiles.

Jesus intended for all to know him, Gentiles and Jews. Through Peter’s vision and experience with Cornelius, Jesus reminded the early Church that there could no longer be a separation between those who are Jewish and those who are not. All people are meant to hear the Good News about Jesus and follow him. Christians began preaching the Gospel to all who would hear, both Gentile and Jew alike. Soon, Gentile Christians began to outnumber Christians with Jewish backgrounds.

The early Church was a family of faith meant for all peoples. Jesus meant for his Church to a worldwide family of faith, embracing people of all backgrounds and ethnic groups. In this family, it did not matter if you were Gentile or Jew, rich or poor, master or servant. All became brothers and sisters in Jesus. Humanity, broken apart by sin, was starting to be reunited by Jesus in a beautiful family

faith.