Transportation sales tax finalized; now it’s up to voters
BEAUFORT
Beaufort County Council has finalized details for the 10-year transportation sales tax ordinance which will be on the ballot in November. So with four months left before the voting, let the campaigning begin.
The county engineering staff has set up an informational page on the county’s website – Referendums – Beaufort County One Cent Sales Tax Program (beaufortcountypenny.com) – outlining the proposed spending plan for the $950 million they project will be generated by the extra penny sales tax.
But the county’s wish list has a lot of unanswered questions.
There’s money for sidewalks and pathways, dirt road improvements. But what about that $75 million proposed for “Ribaut Road improvements,” … what specifically are those improvements? The Beaufort City Council members made it clear they didn’t like the idea of roundabouts and narrowed roadways for their section of the 5 5-mile Ribaut Road, but what would that $75 million buy?
The wish list includes $60 million for the “Lady’s Island Corridor Projects” which include projects such as the Beaufort High access road realignment that didn’t get built in the 2018 transportation sales tax referendum. But “improvements to the U.S. 21 mainline,” … what are they?
North of the Broad River (that would include the municipalities of Port Royal and Beaufort and the unincorporated areas such as St. Helena Island, Lobeco, and Dale) is designated to get $30 million to be split while the towns of Hilton Head Island and Bluffton each get $30 million to handle their massive transportation needs. Beaufort County certainly isn’t the only county to turn to the sales tax option for needed dollars
DragonBoats rule Beaufort River
DragonBoat Beaufort held its 2024 Race Day on Saturday, June 29, at the Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park and raised $83,087 for the DragonBoat Beaufort Fund, administered by Community
Foundation of the Lowcountry, more than its goal of $80,000, according to www. dragonboatraceday.com.
The funds raised support cancer patients undergoing treatment in Beaufort County who are struggling
financially. Thirty teams, from various states, donned outrageous costumes to participate in the fun-filled race along the Beaufort River, the 11th of its kind in Beaufort. For results, see Page A4
By Delayna Earley The Island News
The City of Beaufort has voted to change how it schedules and conducts council meetings going forward.
During the June 25 regular City Council meeting, council members voted to approve an ordinance that changes number of times that council meets during the month. In the ordinance, a monthly work session at 5 p.m. and regular meeting at 7 p.m. are to be held on the second Tuesday of the month. Previously, meetings were held twice a month on the second and fourth Tuesdays of the month. Additionally, the ordinance allows work sessions or other needed meetings to be held on the second, third and fourth Tuesdays of the month.
These meetings were also previously held on the second and fourth Tuesdays of the month with a third work session devoted to Beaufort Code changes, but the code work sessions have come to an end, according to a release from the City of Beaufort.
During the June 11 meeting, City Council also adopted a manual of Standard Operating Procedures that changes how the council will conduct its regular meetings.
Going forward, Council agen-
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House in Port Royal on Sunday afternoon, June 30. Photo courtesy of Ashlee Hiester
Runaway boat sails through window at Port Royal Waffle House
By Delayna Earley and Mike McCombs
The Island News
If you’ve spent much time at Waffle House, you have a story. After Sunday at the Waffle House
in Port Royal, a few more people have theirs.
On Sunday afternoon, June 30 a boat on a trailer redefined “drivein window” and came crashing into Waffle House in Port Royal. Luckily, no injuries were reported and the restaurant remained open for business.
Apparently, the small boat
LOLITA HUCKABY
small boat on
trailer crashed
window of the Waffle
Crews paddle their boats into position for one of the many races during the DragonBoat Beaufort 2024 Race Day on Saturday, June 29, 2024, at Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park. Bob Sofaly/The Island News
LOWCOUNTRY LIFE & NEWS
This photo was not taken in Africa. It's in the yard of Garden-a-Day garden owner, Linda Peters. The lady in photo is Debbie Oakley, and the giraffe is Mombasa. 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.
William Allen Galloway
VETERAN OF THE WEEK W. A. GALLOWAY
Beaufort’s William Allen Galloway, 81, joined the United States Army in New York City in 1960. After Basic Training at Fort Dix, N.J., and further training at Fort Benning, Ga., he qualified as Airborne at Fort Bragg, N.C., and undertook special forces training. He separated in 1963 and entered the field of funeral directing in New York. In 1994 he moved to the Lowcountry and today owns three Allen Funeral Homes, one each in Beaufort, Ridgeland and Walterboro.
CELEBRATION OF LIFE
Roger Pinckney
There will be a Celebration of Life service beginning at noon at Freeport on Wednesday, July 10. After the more organized part of the program we invite all to stay and celebrate Roger doing what he loved most: telling stories with the beverage of your choice, listening to the music he loved, and being in fellowship together.
The Pinckney family has a tradition of color coordinating a memorial, and no other color than Haint Blue would be appropriate. Please join us in your favorite shade of blue as we remember a man who dedicated much to the preservation of culture to the beloved Lowcountry.
About traversing Daufuskie:
Getting to the island will require a boat either privately held or for hire.
A regularly running boat is Island Head. The boat leaves from Broad Creek Marina on Hilton Head and docks at Freeport. The team at Island Head has generously offered a discounted ferry ticket for a day pass ride. When checking out, please use promo code RPXI
July
– Compiled by John Chubb, American Legion Post 207 For Veteran Of The Week nominations, contact jechubb1@gmail.com.
Lowcountry Ferry holds the current county contract and leaves from Pinckney Island. Lowcountry docks at the Melrose Landing. The Melrose Landing is a walkable distance to Freeport. There are other boats for hire out of Savannah and Hilton Head/Bluffton, just please know where your boat docks and if you will need additional transportation on the island.
After arriving on island, if you plan on leaving the dock where you are dropped, you will need a golf cart rental. Day rentals are left at the dock, but if you are staying overnight, the cart will be left at your house rental. Shuttle services are then required to get you to your rental house where your cart will be waiting.
Golf cart rental companies:
Daufuskie Life
Daufuskie Carts
Mungeon Creek
When renting a cart, please remember to confirm where your cart will be and if that aligns with where your boat will dock. There are several docks on the island. Not all cart
2021: The Town of Port Royal’s July 4 fireworks celebration is plagued by technical difficulties causing it to start almost two hours late and last only a few minutes. Eventually, the town would host a “do-over” on September 3
PAL PETS OF THE WEEK
July 7
Roger Pinckney
companies have agreements to park carts at certain docks. These two things must align! We wish to encourage people to make reservations well in advance. If you will need something on island, please plan way ahead. July is high season, and the likelihood of vacation rentals, golf carts and ferry tickets being sold out is a reality.
Wick Scurry and Freeport have generously offered to host Roger's Celebration of Life service. At Freeport you will have access to a general store, food and drink and wonderful views of the river.
Roger Pinckney's reach was wide. He was so many things to so many different people. We hope that you can join us in celebrating all the beauty and bounty of his life through story, song and toast. If you have things to share: pictures, videos, thoughts, please send them to rpximemorial@gmail.com
“Peace and bacon grease, we'll see you on the right side."
2020: After being deluged with 8 inches of rain during the day, Hunting Island State Park closes. The park received 12 75 inches of rain over two days. It would be more than two weeks before it reopened.
– Compiled by Mike McCombs
Dog Of The Week Shadow is a gentle lap dog. She is a lovely leash walker who enjoys tennis balls and good company. Shadow loves people and soaks up attention. She does well with other dogs as well as cats. She is a wonderful, wellrounded dog waiting to find her forever home. She is spayed, up to date on vaccinations, and microchipped.
Cat Of The Week
Need a lap warmer? Meet Grayson! This charming, 5-year-
old boy loves to sit on your lap, and he is an excellent snuggler. Grayson has such a good heart. He is often found at Palmetto Animal League comforting orphaned kittens. He is neutered, up to date on vaccinations, and microchipped.
For more information on Shadow, Grayson or any of our other pets, call PAL at 843-645-1725 or email Info@ PalmettoAnimalLeague.org.
– Compiled by Lindsay Perry
BJWSA asking customers to curb morning water usage
Utility urging customers to avoid irrigation between 3 and 9 a.m., stagger usage
From staff reports
Extended hot, dry weather is increasing water demand in the Beaufort Jasper Water and Sewer Authority (BJWSA) service area, particularly during the morning hours of 3 to 9 a.m. Demand from irrigation is approaching approximately 50% of the total system daily water demand.
BJWSA is reminding customers to follow the utility’s Irrigation Management Program to alleviate peaks and ensure public safety. Too many customers pull-
ing water from the system at the same time can result in severe consequences such as water discoloration, boil water advisories, service outages and, in some cases, impact the performance of fire hydrants.
“The authority is working hard to increase the amount of water we can treat and expand storage capacity to meet ever-increasing demand,” BJWSA General Manager Verna Arnette said in a news release. “If residents will simply adjust their lawn watering sched-
ule it will reduce early-morning demand buying us time to complete the expansion of our water treatment plant expected to come online next summer.”
BJWSA is asking customers to: Avoid irrigation on Mondays and any day between the hours of 3 and 9 a.m. when demand is traditionally the highest.
Adjust irrigation timers to water only three days per week, on a rotating schedule. Odd-numbered addresses are
asked to irrigate on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays Even-numbered addresses are asked to irrigate on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays between midnight and 3 a.m. or from 9 a.m. to noon.
The irrigation guidelines were developed in cooperation with Clemson Extension Service in order to ensure that lawns are being watered at appropriate times for health and growth. Further, al-
lowing landscaping to dry during no-water days will encourage plants to grow deeper roots and reduce the occurance of fungal diseases.
The authority has several projects underway that will help address demand including doubling the treatment capacity of the Purrysburg water treatment plant to be able to produce 30 million gallons per day and constructing a 1 5 million water storage tank in Bluffton. These projects will be complete in 2025
Harris Teeter finally opens on Lady’s Island
ADVANCED ORTHOPEDIC OPTIONS TO RELIEVE BACK AND NECK PAIN
When unmanageable neck or back pain gets in your way, it’s time for the board-certified, fellowship-trained experts at Beaufort Memorial to give you relief.
At Beaufort Memorial you also find:
Whether you experienced a recent injury or have a chronic condition, Beaufort Memorial has your back. The Advanced Orthopedics and Spine Program at Beaufort Memorial brings together state-of-the-art technologies and top spine care experts to address a range of conditions that cause neck and back pain. Let our team create an individualized care plan, exploring both nonsurgical and surgical treatment options, so you can get back to life.
• Innovative solutions that improve your mobility and allow for more natural movement
• An Optimization Program that follows you through the process to ensure the best outcomes
• Advanced procedures that spare healthy tissue and speed recovery
• Outpatient surgeries that allow many patients to go home the same day Visit BeaufortMemorial.org/SpineCare
Attendees enjoy live music from Drew Marler during the Lady’s Island Harris Teeter Grand Opening on Tuesday, June 25, 2024. Amber Hewitt/The Island News
Harris Teeter and Pepsi staff members were on-site to distribute Pepsi products to attendees during the Lady’s Island Harris Teeter Grand Opening on Tuesday, June 25, 2024. Amber Hewitt/The Island News
NEWS
Beaufort County Council passes $154.2 million budget for FY2025
From staff reports
The County Council passed on third reading the Fiscal Year 2025 Budget Ordinance at a Special Called County Council meeting
Thursday, June 27
Council approved the $154 2 million budget where it passed unanimously. The budget was passed with no mill rate increase: it will remain at 59 5
"This budget is fiscally responsible yet provides quality services that our citizens expect in order to live, work and play within our County," County Council Chairman Joe Passiment said in a news release. "I thank the County staff for their hard work and dedication to get a well-thought-out budget in front of Council."
Some budget highlights:
General Fund Overview
Capital Improvement Fund
$100,013828
◦ Debt Service Fund $10 388 520 Rural and Critical Debt Service
$10,206,894
FY2025 Priorities
Quality of life
– Staff compensation adjustments to remain competitive
Public Safety-transportation
» $50,000 for Beaufort County Hazmat Teams
» $40,000 for Marine Water Rescue
» 4717 639 for Palmetto Breeze
◦ Culture and Community – Passive Parks
» 38 9 % for park planning hydrology and engineering assessment
» $2 2 million-Camp St. Mary's for civil planning and construction
» $120,000 -Crystal Lake Park for trail walkway
» $250,000 -Ford Shell Ring for park construction
» $500 000 -Fort Fremont for stairs and safety
» $950,000-Park Construction
» Whitehall Park- $250 000 for pier/dock construction
– Parks and Recreation
» $2 47 million-MC Riley Pool HVAC and Building Envelope Repairs
» $635,000 -Southside Park Pickleball Courts
» $593 000 Charles Lind Brown Renovations restroom, Gym renovation, entryway awning
» $87 000-Booker T, Washington remodel
◦ Improved Customer Service
– Administration Building Lobby Remodel- $1 2 million
» also includes Council Chamber and Administration Building upgrades
» Invest in technology and community engagement
+ $154 , 237 Budget
bers of City Council reserve the right to remove items from the consent agenda in order to discuss them before approval.
community the opportunity to comment on any matter related to City business.
das will include a consent agenda or routine items that typically come before City Council, such as approvals of special events held at Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park.
Other non-controversial and routine items may also be included on the consent agenda.
The items on the consent agenda can be approved all together, although mem-
The way in which public comment is handled during regular City Council meetings will change as well. There will now be two different public comment periods, one near the beginning of the meeting and one near the end.
The first comment period will be limited to comments on meeting agenda items only, while the second period will give members of the
In the past, public comment for unrelated agenda topics was allowed at the beginning and then community members were given the opportunity to comment as each of the agenda items was discussed by Council during the meeting.
Under the new procedures, speakers will be limited to five minutes per speaker and comments can be made in person or via Zoom.
Speakers are asked to sign
management, development and transparency tool
+ $68 346 Project management tool
+ $32 000 Public Information Tool to communicate with community, facilitate and engage in two way communication
Economic Development – Address deferred internal facilities and capital needs
– External funding for higher educaiton, indigent care and economic development
To watch a replay of this meeting or to watch all programming, Beaufort County TV (BCTV) can be found on Hargray – Chs. 9 and 417; Comcast – Ch. 2; Spectrum – Ch. 1304. BCTV also streams live on www.BeaufortCounty.tv and through the FREE BCTV APP available on ROKU, Apple TV, Android TV and Amazon Fire.
a
on the boats as one team managed to capsize their boat during one of the earlier races.
a Public Comment Sign-In Sheet at least 15 minutes before the meeting, which will be set up on a table at the entrance to Council Chambers or let the City Clerk know of their intentions to speak prior to the meeting.
City Councilman Neil Lipsitz said that he thinks that these changes will be nothing but positive for the meetings going forward, especially as it will require community members to focus their comments to fall within the time frame.
Agreeing with his fellow councilman, Josh Scallate
said he thinks that this will be positive because it will allow council members to put focus in needed places.
“I feel confident that this will not hinder our productivity and may even allow for members of council to focus more on work sessions, where community input in collected to ensure proper alignment with decisions that will be made in our regular sessions,” Scallate said.
During the June 25 meeting, council voted to approve a revised calendar of City Council meetings for
the remainder of 2024 The next City Council work session and regular meeting will be held on July 9 before council will take a brief summer break. The new ordinance and Standard Operating Procedures went into effect on July 1, which was the start of the new fiscal year.
Delayna Earley, who joined The Island News in 2022, formerly worked as a photojournalist for The Island Packet/The Beaufort Gazette, as well as newspapers in Indiana and Virginia. She can be reached at delayna.theislandnews@gmail.com.
Team captains line up after the opening parade during the DragonBoat Beaufort 2024 Race Day held at Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park on Saturday, June 29, 2024. Amber Hewitt/The Island News
Drummers pound out the pace while their team members pull hard on their paddles during one of the DragonBoat Beaufort 2024 Race Day on Saturday, June 29, 2024, at Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park. In the background rescue crews with Beaufort Water Search and Rescue keep
close eye
Bob Sofaly/The Island News
Ready for the 4th
Tommy O’Brien, owner of Kobuch’s Fire Works off Savannah Highway, was busy stocking his shelves with fireworks Thursday, June 27, in preparation for the upcoming celebration of Independence Day. O’Brien said he would remain open every afternoon up to July 4 so everyone can get “their BOOM on.” Bob Sofaly/The Island News
Cultural District earns recertification
From staff reports
The City of Beaufort’s Cultural Arts District has just earned a five-year recertification from the South Carolina Cultural Districts program. The dates span July 1 2024, through June 30 2029. The district was first approved in 2015 What is the Cultural District?
The Beaufort Cultural District is a walkable section of downtown that encompasses a wide array of arts and cultural venues, organizations, businesses, and events. “Cultural districts are geographic areas of S.C. cities or towns that have a concentration of artistic assets, cultural facilities, creative businesses, and placemaking activities. They contribute creative economic vitality to their locality and are tourism hotspots for locals and non-locals alike,” the South Carolina Arts Commission said. Beaufort’s District is administered by the City’s Cultural Dis-
trict Advisory Board (CDAB), which works to foster collaboration and cohesiveness in district marketing and identities.
The Cultural District has sponsored a number of initiatives,
including the painted benches found throughout downtown and in Beaufort neighborhoods that celebrate aspects of Beaufort’s history or culture. The Cultural District also sponsored the contest
for the mural at the Downtown Marina.
Significant achievement
“We’re delighted that the Cultural District’s certification has been renewed,” said Bonnie Hargrove, who is chair of the CDAB and the director of USCB’s Center for the Arts. “This designation reaffirms that our City’s rich history, culture and art continue to be a significant economic driver, and make Beaufort such a desirable place to live and visit.”
To earn its recertification, the Cultural District Advisory Board and the City had to demonstrate it met certain criteria, including a strategic plan, a marketing plan, a district map, a list of assets within the district, baseline data within the district and other factors.
In Beaufort County, Bluffton also has a designated Cultural District. There are only 12 such districts in South Carolina.
100 WOMEN WHO CARE
Ott awarded Coroner of the Year, announces
By Delayna Earley
The Island News
Beaufort County Coroner
David Ott received a high honor during a recent training conference.
Ott was recognized as the 2024 South Carolina Coroner of the Year by the South Carolina Coroner’s Association as he attended the annual gathering on June 27 2023
He received the award for his “outstanding work and advances within his office,” according to a press release sent out by the Beaufort County Coroner’s Office on Tuesday, July 2
Some of the accomplishments that led him to being awarded with this honor include reuniting unclaimed cremains dating back to 1982 and hiring a full-time Forensic Pathologist and assistant.
In 2023, the office received National Accreditation through the Association of Coroner’s and Medical Examiners and Ott has also added a Lodox X-ray system and Randox rapid drug screening machine.
Ott, who was elected to the office in 2020, will not be seeking re-election in November and will retire in January.
“Coroner Ott is kind, caring and shows the utmost compassion when dealing with families who have lost a loved one. He is the epitome of what a public servant should be,” the release said. “He puts his heart into his job and strives every day to severe the citizens and visitors of Beaufort County in the best way possible.”
Delayna Earley, who joined The Island News in 2022, formerly worked as a photojournalist for The Island Packet/The Beaufort Gazette, as well as newspapers in Indiana and Virginia. She can be reached at delayna.theislandnews@gmail.com.
The 100 Women Who Care have made their second quarter donation to the Friends of Shanklin (Elementary School). In the photo, 100 Women Who Care Coordinator, Laura Riski is presenting the check to VIcki Fornasar, Vice President of Friends of Shanklin. Submitted photo
From staff reports
Late Thursday afternoon, June 27, the Burton Fire District, MCAS Fire and Emergency Services, Beaufort County EMS and Sherriff’s Office, responded to a reported house fire in Seabrook, which was the second in a week, and the fourth in June, for Burton and MCAS firefighters.
Just before 4:30 p.m., emergency crews received a call for a possible house fire
NEWS
Burton Fire District deals with 4th fire in June
On June 26, 2024, the new 2024-25 Rotary Club of Beaufort board members were sworn in by District 7770 Assistant Governor Kerry Bunton (left). The new board, from left, front row, are Bob Allen, President; Barry Wilson, Past President; Rosemary Hunt, International Services; Owen Hand, Membership; Nancy Dykeman, Secretary; Jim Weiskopf, Public Image;
Nick Hunt, Club Programs; and
Graham Holcombe, Club Administration; Ethan James, Rotary Foundation; Brenda Litchfield, Membership. Photo courtesy of Rotary Club of Beaufort
from page A1
for transportation projects. Jasper County Council is working on getting a similar ordinance on its ballot.
Up the road on U.S. 17, voters in Georgetown County will be asked to approve a one percent sales tax for eight years for road and drainage projects.
In Charleston County, they’re pushing for a half-cent sales tax which they hope will generate $5 4 billion to extend the Mark Clark Expressway, debated almost as much as the Hilton Head Town Council talked about replacing their lifeline, the U.S. 278 bridge. (That project plan was finally approved last Friday after a seven-hour discussion. This was just the design plan … construction is a long way from starting.)
Beaufort County leaders, like other local elected officials, believe there’s not a lot of realistic options to handling the growing traffic congestion the Lowcountry and coastal communities are experiencing.
And the local sales tax, like the existing 6 percent statewide sales tax, doesn’t include food items
and (and thanks to the thoughtful actions of the General Assembly this year– no longer includes feminine hygiene products) is primarily paid by visitors versus increased property taxes.
Four months, … that’s how long voters have to familiarize themselves with the sales tax proposal and decide how to vote.
Primary turnout low as expected but November’s coming
BEAUFORT – Speaking of voting, last month’s political primaries are behind us and the party candidates across the board know who their opponents will be in November.
And in case you missed it, Beaufort County voters in that June 14 primary elections, who didn’t have a single local race to consider, did slightly better than the rest of the state. Turnout was 21 8 percent of the approximate 150,000 voters, with Republicans, of course, making up the majority of those that went to the polls.
The statewide average was less than 14 percent, according to the state elections office.
Tsk, tsk. And how much did those candidates – especially Nancy Mace and Catherine Templeton for the First District Congressional GOP nomination and
Michael Moore and Mac Deford for the Democratic nomination –spend for their victories?
Legislature finishes with book bans for all libraries
COLUMBIA – FYI, the state legislature has concluded its 2024 session and members have come home to begin campaigning.
Much was accomplished; much was not, depending on who you talk to. A couple of bills which got considerable attention here in Beaufort included:
– Ban on school books: As S.C. Daily Gazette reporter Shanna Adcox told readers in the June 6 edition of The Island News, the “ban” or “new rules” on “age-appropriate” materials slipped into state law quickly and quietly.
Because the elected legislators never took a vote on the State Board of Education’s proposal to restrict books in classes K-12, it automatically was approved at the conclusion of the May 9 regular legislative session.
Despite the efforts of nationally recognized groups like Beaufort’s own DAYLO (Diversity Awareness Youth Literacy Organization) to fight the bans, the Board of Education found a way to get the new restrictions passed. Plus the legislators, who are up for election
this year, didn’t have to take a stand for or against.
Adcox’s report was a fascinating explanation on how the Legislature can work, or not work.
– Ban on public library books: While the focus on book bans has widely focused on the local school board level, a proviso was inserted into the state budget during the last days of session to tie state funding to public libraries to the amount of “prurient” material found within their walls.
– Hate crime bill: Despite the efforts of Beaufort City Council, the Port Royal Town Council and other municipalities around the state, the Legislature did NOT pass the “Clementa C. Pinckney Hate Crimes Act,” named for the late state Senator who was murdered along with eight other church members at Charleston’s Mother Emanual Church in 2015
The legislation, which would have imposed harsher penalties for those committing certain types of crime, was supported by those who pointed out the FBI’s statistics showed a 93 percent increase in the state’s reported hate crimes since 2019 with 110 reported in 2022
The House of Representatives passed one version of the bill and
the Senate, another. Leaders of the two elected groups couldn’t get it together and South Carolina remains one of two states in the country without such legislation.
– Sen. Tom Davis’ medical marijuana bill: After a decade of discussion, South Carolina still doesn’t have legislation which would allow doctors to prescribe cannabis for limited medical conditions. The bill, politely called the “Compassionate Care Act” made it past the Senate during the past two sessions but did not make it through the House.
The state’s law enforcement agencies still oppose the legislation despite its multiple rewrites. South Carolina is one of a dozen states that does not legalize medical marijuana. Davis, who now lives in Bluffton and represents the southern part of Beaufort County, says he’ll refile the bill next year.
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
Whitney McDonald, Treasurer. Top row, from left, are Peter Murphy, Community Services;
Ron Garrett, Member at Large. Not pictured are Jay Patel, Sergeant-at-Arms;
Boys and Girls Club of the Lowcountry Kim Sullivan Resource Development Director accepts a ceremonial check for $1,292.50 from Beaufort Rotary Club President Barry Wilson. The Boys and Girls Club submitted a grant request for the purchase of individual T-shirts for each participant in their summer camp programs, which was approved by the Beaufort Rotary Club. The check was presented on June 19, 2024. Photo courtesy of Rotary Club of Beaufort
Late Thursday afternoon, June 27, the Burton Fire District answered a call for a possible house fire in Seabrook after a 911 caller stated that there was a trailer on fire behind a residence on Detour Road. Photo courtesy of Burton Fire District
Hot and getting hotter
Boat from page A1
trailer carrying a boat detached from a truck traveling on Parris Island Gateway, took a turn to the right, and collided with the restaurant at around 2 p.m., according to Port Royal Police Capt. John Griffith. There were customers present, but they were all sitting at the other end of the restaurant. According to an employee, there had been customers on that end of the restaurant, but they had left just a few minutes before the inci dent. The boat and trailer took out two sections of the plate glass window, bent several support brackets and wiped out the jukebox. By Monday, the sections had been replaced with plywood.
Port Royal Police De partment responded to the incident, but a wrecker was not needed to remove the boat from the property.
At this time, The Island News hasn’t learned if there are any traffic cita-
A small boat on a trailer crashed through the window of the Waffle House in Port Royal on Sunday afternoon, June 30.
News in
Their Future PAC endorses Moore
Their Future PAC, the sole political action committee dedicated exclusively to advocating for children’s issues, announced June 27 its endorsement of Democrat Michael B. Moore for South Carolina’s 1st Congressional District seat. Moore will face Trump-endorsed incumbent Nancy Mace in November.
As a community and business leader who has consistently prioritized the needs of the most vulnerable among us, including our children, and his priorities align perfectly with the mission of the PAC, according to the release from Their Future PAC.
Dr. Annie Andrews, Founder and CEO of Their Future PAC, praised Moore’s decision to run for Congress and determination to unseat Mace.
“Michael’s dedication to building the brightest possible future for every child in America aligns perfectly with our PAC’s vision,” Andrews said in the release. “We are
By Delayna Earley The Island News
Beaufort County Solid Waste has launched a new interactive app to help residents reduce household waste and ensure they are recycling correctly. Recycle Coach is now available for download in the app store from any mobile device. Recycle Coach is a network that will allow the County Solid Waste Department to communicate recycling information to the residents of Beaufort County. The platform includes engagement and educational tools to help people manage and correctly dispose of their waste. Download the app in either the Google Store and the Apple Store. The goal of the app is to empower residents to make smarter disposal decisions and take an active approach to reducing household waste. The department hopes this will increase recycling and reduce the contamination in the recycling stream.
Residents can access Recycle Coach from their desktop computers and mobile devices. For more information, please contact Victoria
Fire Department’s Sparking Embers Camp
formerly
thrilled to support his effort to unseat Nancy Mace, whose legislative record on these issues, and so many others, is abysmal.”
City offices to close for July 4
City of Beaufort offices will be closed on Thursday, July 4, in honor of Independence Day.
Capital Waste Services will also observe the holiday. Thursday pickups for trash/recycling will move to Friday, and Friday pickups to Saturday.
Port Royal is hosting a July 4 celebration at Sands Beach, with food, drink and music, and fireworks after sunset.
July LIBPA meeting
City of Beaufort Assistant City Manager JJ Sauvé will be the featured speaker when the Lady’s Island Business & Professional Association meets at 8 a.m., Tuesday, July 9, 2024, at the Beaufort Realtors Association
Headquarters at 22 Kemmerlin Lane, Lady’s Island. Please stop by for coffee and conversation concerning the community.
Free Summer Tax Prep Available for Lowcountry Residents Who Missed Deadline
The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program is offering a free summer tax preparation program for qualifying residents of Beaufort and Jasper counties who missed the traditional tax filing deadline.
This program – a collaboration between the IRS, Beaufort County Human Services Alliance, and United Way of the Lowcountry (UWLC) – is designed to assist low-income individuals and families, non-English speaking taxpayers, people with disabilities, and seniors (age 60+) in accurately and efficiently filing their federal and state tax returns.
"We understand that filing taxes can be overwhelming, especially for those who
have limited resources," United Way Volunteer and VITA Program Coordinator Sherry Halphen said. "Our summer tax preparation program allows residents to receive free assistance from IRS-certified volunteers, ensuring they receive every deduction and credit they deserve."
Program Details:
• What: Free tax preparation assistance by IRS-certified VITA volunteers.
• When: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on July 25, August 22 and September 26
• Where: United Way of the Lowcountry Bluffton Office (10 Buckingham Plantation Drive, Suite D, Bluffton, S.C. 29910)
• Appointments Required: Call 843 321 9071 or email lowcountryvitacoalition@gmail.com
• Visit www.uwlowcountry.org/VITA for eligibility requirements and a list of documents to bring with you to your appointment.
– From staff reports
Auto Care Center on Parris Island Gateway has become sort of a local legend with its humourous messages posted on its sign. Newcomers to Beaufort are being advised that the really hot weather hasn’t even kicked off yet. As many would say, “just wait til August.” Bob Sofaly/The Island News
Deputy Chief Ross Vezin of the City of Beaufort/Town of Port Royal Fire Department and Gracie Sexton, a 17-year-old from Beaufort, enjoy a ride in the fire truck box while learning about the life of a firefighter during the Sparking Embers camp for high school girls, held from June 24 to June 27, 2024. Amber Hewitt/The Island News
Photo courtesy of Ashlee Hiester
Trump praises Scott during debate, raising VP speculation
By Abraham Kenmore SCDailyGazette.com
Former President Donald Trump did not announce his running mate Thursday night as he’d teased. But he did give an onstage shout out to one of the top contenders: U.S. Sen. Tim Scott of South Carolina.
Trump’s praise of Scott during his 90-minute televised debate with President Joe Biden came after the former president was asked about climate change. Trump instead circled back to a previous question to Biden on how the economy has impacted Black Americans, touting a program he and Scott worked on together.
“Tim Scott was incredible and did a great job. Great senator from South Carolina,” Trump said. “He came to me with the idea, and it was a great idea. It’s one of the most successful economic development acts ever in the country, Opportunity Zones. And the biggest beneficiaries are Blacks.”
Trump went on to say the program was the reason behind his growing support among Black voters — although as a whole, Black voters still favor Biden by a wide margin.
Opportunity Zones have become Scott’s signature policy vic-
tory — a bipartisan proposal signed into law in 2017 by Trump that provides tax breaks for investors who put money into designated low-income areas.
According to Scott’s page on the policy, more than half of the 31 5 million people in Opportunity Zones are not white.
“SO proud of the work President Trump and I did on Opportunity Zones. *takes bow*” Scott posted on X, formerly Twitter, during the debate.
During an interview aired on Fox News earlier Thursday, Scott said the proposal grew out of a conversation he had with Trump after criticizing the former president’s handling of a white nationalist rally in Charlottesville, Virginia, in 2017 Scott said Trump invited him in for a conversation.
“He listened,” Scott said. “And after we finished talking, he said, ‘Help me help those I have offended.’ That’s how Opportunity Zones was born.”
The effectiveness of Opportunity Zones has been a matter of debate, with some Democrats crit-
icizing it as chiefly benefiting wealthy investors. A 2023 review by the Urban Institute, a Washington, D.C., think tank, found mixed-to-no impacts on employment and job creation in the zones.
Scott also ran for the Republican presidential nomination for 2024 but dropped out in November before a single vote was cast.
There was immediate speculation on Scott as a vice presidential pick, partly because his relationship with Trump never soured. Trump said good things about Scott when he jumped in, and Scott never went after Trump while he was running.
Speculation ramped up significantly after Scott’s on-stage endorsement of Trump in January. During the runup to the South Carolina Republican presidential primary, Scott appeared with Trump frequently throughout the state. And he’s continued to be a top surrogate nationally.
Scott’s been such an enthusiastic supporter, Trump has said the senator’s a better campaigner for him\ than Scott was for himself.
“He was right,” Scott told “FOX
and Friends” co-host Ainsley Earhardt in the interview aired Thursday morning, June 27
This year, Scott also launched a video series called America’s Starting Five, with the four other Black Republicans in Congress. When Scott, then a congressman representing the coastal 1st
District, was appointed to the U.S. Senate in December 2012, he was the only Black Republican in Congress and became the South’s first Black Republican senator since Reconstruction.
Earlier this month, he announced that the Great Opportunity PAC, a political action committee associated with Scott, will spend $14 million before Election Day with a focus on turning out Black voters for Trump.
After the debate, South Carolina’s senior senator, Lindsey Graham, said Scott would be a great choice for vice president.
“I don’t think he could have a better pick. He’s qualified to be president, which matters to me,” he told Fox News host Sean Hannity, who interviewed Scott and Graham together. “What you see with Tim, is – he’s the same way when nobody’s looking.”
Abraham Kenmore is a reporter covering elections, health care and more. He joins the S.C. Daily Gazette from The Augusta Chronicle, where he reported on Georgia legislators, military and housing issues.
S.C. Daily Gazette is part of States Newsroom, the nation’s largest state-focused nonprofit news organization. nonprofit news organization.
SC passes $14.5 billion budget
By Jessica Holdman SCDailyGazette.com
COLUMBIA — Legisla-
tors passed a $14 5 billion state spending package that cuts income taxes, increases state employees’ salaries and freezes tuition at public colleges in South Carolina for the sixth consecutive year.
Both the House and Senate easily approved the budget compromise Wednesday, June 26, sending it to Gov. Henry McMaster’s desk.
The spending package also pumps money into the state’s tech schools, pays for improvements to overcrowded juvenile detention centers, and designates more than $500 million additional to bridge and road construction. That includes
$200 million specifically for projects decided by local governments.
“After this funding for our county transportation committees, if you have a pothole in your district, you need to take a look at your county,” said Senate Finance Chairman Harvey Peeler, R-Gaffney.
Thirteen members of the ultra-conservative House Freedom Caucus were the only legislators in either chamber to vote against the measure.
“I think there are a lot of good things in (the budget),” said Rep. Jordan Pace, R-Goose Creek. “But the fact is it still grows the size of state government. It does not shrink it.”
Pace praised the budget’s speeding up of state income
tax relief and increased pay for teachers, but he railed against earmarks — spending on local projects and nonprofits sponsored by legislators — which tally $430 million.
He specifically called out $900,000 going to the South Carolina Football Hall of Fame to produce inspirational videos of football stars meant to encourage children to do well in school. He also suggested sending $400 000 to the small town of Neeses — population 400 — for a town museum was not a good use of state taxes.
McMaster has until midnight July 3 — two days after the fiscal year starts — to review the spending package and issue line-item vetoes on any spending he oppos-
es. The budget will take effect with his veto message.
Vetoes
Both chambers also voted to override McMaster’s veto of a bill that expunges the criminal record of first-time offenders convicted of selling alcohol to anyone under age 21
“He missed the point,” Senate Minority Leader Brad Hutto, D-Orangeburg, said of McMaster’s opposition to erasing criminal history. “It’s eligible for expungement through the normal process anyway.”
The legislation made law by the chambers’ supermajority votes aims to encourage first-time offenders to take a class — called a “merchant education program” — rather than simply pay the
fine, Hutto said.
The Senate also voted to override McMaster’s veto of legislation dismissing gun possession charges for those still facing conviction for a now-nonexistent crime.
A law passed earlier this year made it legal for adults to carry a handgun without a permit and allowed past convictions to be expunged.
But it left people with pending cases of unlawful carry in limbo.
While the Senate unanimously overrode the veto 38-0, the House never took it up. So, the veto stands, leaving decisions on whether to drop the pending charges up to local prosecutors.
Neither chamber took up McMaster’s veto of legislation allowing for the expungement of convic-
tions for writing fraudulent checks. That leaves McMaster successful on two of his only three vetoes of the entire year so far.
S.C. Daily Gazette Editor Seanna Adcox contributed to this report.
Editor’s Note: This article has been corrected to reflect that McMaster has until midnight July 3 to review the budget. The chambers’ leaders did not ratify the budget bill with their signatures until Thursday, delaying the timeline by a day.
Jessica Holdman writes about the economy, workforce and higher education. Before joining the S.C. Daily Gazette, she was a business reporter for The Post and Courier.
S.C. Daily Gazette is part of States Newsroom, the nation’s largest statefocused nonprofit news organization.
Compromise tweaks how legislature selects judges
By Jessica Holdman SCDailyGazette.com
COLUMBIA — The South Carolina Legislature reached a final-hour compromise on changes to how it picks judges in the state, giving the governor some input but still holding tight to legislative control.
The unanimous votes Wednesday, June 26, in the House and Senate followed several hours of side-room negotiations while most legislators were in chambers passing a state budget or listening to farewell speeches from incumbents who aren’t returning next year.
The deal tweaks the judicial selection process but stops short of comprehensive changes some reform advocates wanted.
Many, including the attorney general and solicitors of both parties, say the system gives the Legislature too much power over judges, particularly lawyer-legislators who appear before the judges they put on the bench. Rather than barring them, the compromise actually allows for the possibility of more lawyer-legislators on the panel. But it adds rules ensuring judges aren’t screened by the same legislators term after term.
South Carolina is among two states where the Legislature elects most judges.
terms — but then must come off the panel for a term before returning, meaning judges won’t be screened for election and re-election by the same members.
Aside from the current chairman and vice chairman, any member that has been on the panel for more than four years isn’t eligible for re-appointment right away.
That means all but three of the current panelists will have to vacate their seats for at least two years.
The legislation also requires a commissioner to resign if they have an immediate family member or in-law seeking a judgeship.
And anyone seeking a spot on the screening panel can’t have made a campaign donation to the legislative leader appointing them.
Senate Majority Leader Shane Massey acknowledged senators did not want to change how magistrates are selected.
The county-level judges — most of whom aren’t attorneys — are technically appointed by the governor. But they’re actually chosen by their local senators, who control when and if they’re replaced. The House plays no role in magistrate selections.
Massey, R-Edgefield, said it’s possible that senators would agree to changing that system at some point — an idea he personally supports.
The process involves the Judicial Merit Selection Commission screening applicants and forwarding the names of three candidates deemed qualified to the entire Legislature for a vote. Of the panel’s 10 current members, six are legislators who are also lawyers. The other four are lawyers appointed by legislators.
The deal adds two people to the panel, making it 12. Eight of them could be legislators.
The governor would, for the first time, get appointments. He will ap-
point four lawyers who have been practicing for at least a decade, the same years of service required to run for a judgeship.
The House and Senate would each get four appointments: Four made by the House speaker, two by the Senate president and two by the Senate Judiciary Committee chairman. It does not bar legislators who are lawyers from serving on the panel but does term-limit them.
Legislators can stay on for four years — two consecutive two-year
Finally, it doubles the number of qualified judicial candidates that can be forwarded to the General Assembly for a vote. The maximum would be six instead of three.
The compromise did not address House-proposed changes to the appointment and authority of magistrates.
“Our Senate colleagues were not interested in magistrate reform,” said Rep. Weston Newton, R-Bluffton. “And we did not want to miss the opportunity to have meaningful reform in the way we elect and select judges in the state over that issue.”
“There are some senators who are very protective of that,” said Massey, an attorney. “It suits me to give it up completely. They’re a pain in my butt. But that is something that will be talked about in the future. Especially if we continue to have problems in that area, there will be more conversations.”
S.C. Daily Gazette Editor Seanna Adcox contributed to this report.
Jessica Holdman writes about the economy, workforce and higher education. Before joining the S.C. Daily Gazette, she was a business reporter for The Post and Courier.
S.C. Daily Gazette is part of States Newsroom, the nation’s largest state-focused nonprofit news organization.
Donald Trump Tim Scott
Senate Majority Leader Shane Massey, center, huddles with Rep. Leon Stavrinakis, D-Charleston, left, and Rep. Weston Newton, R-Bluffton, right, Wednesday, June 26, 2024, to discuss a compromise over changes to how the Legislature elects judges in South Carolina. Jessica Holdman/S.C. Daily Gazette
Tickets on sale for USCB Center For Arts 2024-25 season
From staff reports
Tickets for the USCB Center for the Arts 2024-25 performing arts season are now on sale, including the fall production of “Oklahoma,” which recently held auditions.
From electrifying live music concerts to stunning theater productions and captivating tributes, the upcoming season offers something for everyone.
Tickets are available at https:// bit.ly/3XPbZoS.
Here are the events for Fall 2024: “Oklahoma!”
September 14 20 21 (7:30 p.m.) and September 15 22 (3 p.m.) Beaufort Theatre Company presents, Rodgers and Hammerstein's “Oklahoma!,” a love story between confident cowboy Curly and feisty farmer Laurey. As the road to romance and the road to statehood converge, Curly and Laurey are poised to carve out a life together in a brand-new state.
“Shrek, Jr.”
November 22, 23 (7 p.m.) and November 24 (3 p.m.)
Based on the Oscar-winning DreamWorks Animation film, “Shrek The Musical Jr.” is a Tony
Award-winning fairy tale adventure. Featuring new songs by Jeanine Tesori and a side-splitting book by David Lindsay-Abaire, this musical brings all the beloved characters to life on stage. A Beaufort Children’s Theatre production.
“Queens of Rock and Soul”
October 11 (7:30 p.m.)
Join American Idol Finalist LaKisha Jones in a celebration of the great ladies of soul, including Diana Ross, Donna Summer, Tina Turner, the legendary Aretha Franklin, and the one and only Whitney Houston. Don’t miss this unforgettable evening! “… from sound stages and concert halls across the country and around the world, she’s got them standing in the aisles!"
“Christmas with Pam Tillis”
December 13 (7:30 p.m.)
Pam Tillis, daughter of Country Music legend Mel Tillis and multimedia artist Doris Tillis, brings her unique blend of Country, R&B, Bluegrass, and Rock to the stage. With a career spanning film, TV, and theater, Pam Tillis offers a Christmas show that the entire family will enjoy.
Authors of new book about those who follow true crime coming to Beaufort
From staff reports
For those in the Lowcountry interested in why people put their lives on hold to watch the Alex Murdaugh trial and others, a new book tackles this topic and more, and there will be two upcoming chances to meet the authors.
Co-authors of the new book, “Trial Watchers,” Neil Gordon and Mike Petchenik will be in Beaufort on Friday, July 12, to discuss the book, provide complimentary bookmarks, and sign autographed copies.
Gordon and Petchenik will sign books from noon to 4 p.m., at McIntosh Book Shoppe at 917 Bay Street in Beaufort. Then the authors will give a brief talk, answer questions and then autograph books from 5 to 6:30 p.m., at the Beaufort Bookstore at 2127 Boundary Street in Beaufort.
Almost a year has passed since Neil Gordon and embattled former Alex Murdaugh trial clerk Becky Hill published “Behind the Doors of Justice: The Murdaugh Murders.”
Gordon and his wife almost lost their livelihoods over the allegations of Becky’s jury tampering and her plagiarism, and
they spent hours speaking to South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) investigators and S.C. Ethics investigators related to Hill’s alleged actions.
Over the last year, something good came out of the situation — the Gordons encountered amazing true crime fans who inspired their new project, “Trial Watchers,” an anthology of short stories that explore the true crime obsession.
Three of those stories chronicle experiences of women traveling to the Lowcountry to attend the Murdaugh trial.
“Trial Watchers” also covers these topics behind-the-scenes events releated to the Becky Hill controversy; true crime, social media, and how hurt people hurt people; trial watchers who travel all over the country; how true crime fans seek justice in their own lives; and media crime reporting ethics and lack thereof.
Gordon and Petchenik will donate 10% of the book’s quarterly profits to victims’ charities, including those associated with the Community Foundation of the Lowcountry.
For more information, visit www.trialwatchers.com
Camp Conroy exhibit ‘Timeless Treasures’ on display at Beaufort Art Association
From staff reports
Through July 14, Beaufort Art Association Gallery is showing an exhibit of selected artwork and writing from the 2024 Camp Conroy, an annual program of the nonprofit Pat Conroy Literary Center.
For the seventh year, Camp Conroy has challenged students, ages 9 to 14, to have fun and create during two weeks of their summer break. Students work both independently and collaboratively as they research, write, illustrate, edit, and design pages for a book they publish together.
This year’s theme was time travel, which resulted in a nearly 90-page anthology of student work titled “Timeless Treasures,” exploring notions of time from student perspectives. The camp’s instructors were author and artist Lisa
Anne Mckibben, poet Miho Kinnas, Lady’s Island Elementary School third-grade teacher Maddy Roth, and Conroy Center executive director Jonathan Haupt.
Alex Bosley, an intern at Beaufort Art Association and one of six Camp Conroy counselors this summer, has curated “Timeless Treasures” from the art created by the talented students of Camp Conroy. The exhibit will be freely on
12
display at the Beaufort Art Association Gallery at 913 Bay Street, through Sunday, July 14
A reception will be held during the First Friday celebration on July 5. The public is invited to visit, to celebrate these creative students, and to encourage and promote artists of all ages in Beaufort. For more information, please visit www.BeaufortArtAssociation.com.
Sunset Contrast by Ava Wilson, age
Neil Gordon
Mike Petchenik
HEALTH & WELLNESS
Options & References for a Healthier Life
How many steps should you walk a day?
Cleveland Clinic exercise physiologist, Christopher Travers, MS, talks about the idea of getting 10,000 steps a day and shares some advice on how to up your step count.
There’s no universal standard for this. You should find a number that works for you—you should factor in how much time you have for exercise per day, your fitness level and your age. For some reference, most American adults walk around 6,000 steps per day.
But if you’re just starting out on your fitness journey, you may need to work toward a smaller amount of steps per day and gradually increase that amount as your fitness level improves. And know that you can always reduce the amount of steps you’re aiming for if it’s too challenging.
And if you typically hit 10,000 steps or more per day, you may want to consider upping your goal.
Another way to think about how much exercise to get each day is to consider the general guidelines for physical activity for adults. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and American College of Sports Medicine recommend that you get a minimum of 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise five days a week, which adds up to 150 minutes of exercise a week. Some may argue that it’s a better, more attainable goal to hit.
“The biggest thing is we need is to move more—we’re such a sedentary society,” notes Travers. “Start small and make it a part of your
day. Aim for 20 minutes a day of movement.”
How many steps a day is considered active?
While it all depends on your unique factors, it’s generally accepted that people who walk fewer than 5 000 steps a day are considered to have a sedentary lifestyle, while walking more than 10,000 steps per day is considered active.
Researchers have come up with these basic guidelines:
Sedentary: Walking fewer than 5 000 steps per day.
Low active: Walking about
5 000 to 7 499 steps per day.
Somewhat active: Walking around 7,500 to 9,999 steps per day.
Active: Walking more than 10,000 steps per day.
Highly active: Walking more than 12 500 steps per day.
How far is 10,000 steps?
How long is 10,000 steps?
“This magic number of steps is the equivalent of moving almost five miles,” Travers clarifies.
While this distance might, at first, be daunting, he notes that when you walk this distance, you’ll burn somewhere between 35 and 120 calories per mile.
“It all depends on your pace, and how well your body adapts to taking on oxygen and using fuel for energy,” he continues.
It turns out, it’s not too difficult to reach the 10 000-step milestone
on a daily basis. Adding in a quick jaunt around the block or at your local park can significantly add steps to your day. You don’t have to run a marathon.
But it’s important to aim for at least 10 minutes of nonstop walking to reap the health benefits.
“By walking for at least 10 minutes consecutively, it gives your body the ability to adapt and increase your capacity,” shares Travers.
Start small
If you’re not used to walking regularly, start off with five minutes of consecutive walking. Or if that’s
still too difficult or intimidating, aim for three minutes of walking at a time. As long as you become more active, you’re doing more for your body than sitting down on your couch and just watching TV. (And you can even walk in place or walk on a treadmill while catching up on your favorite shows.)
At first, don’t worry about how fast you’re moving or how far you’ve gone. Start small. Consistency is key.
“You don’t have to make it intense—just be sure to make it consistent movement,” encourages Travers.
Walking is a great form of exercise—not to mention that it’s free, doesn’t require any extra equipment and you can do it almost anywhere, at any time.
So, whether you’re striving for those 10 000 daily steps or 150 minutes of consecutive steps per week, trying to improve your overall health is your ultimate goal.
“As long as you begin moving daily, you’ll find taking those steps will start becoming easier,” says Travers.
If you often find yourself buying things you don't need, you're not alone. A psychologist explains how to help reduce the habit of compulsive shopping.
If you find yourself constantly adding new items to your online shopping cart or buying things you really don’t need, you’re not alone. Compulsive shopping can be a common problem.
As Susan Albers, PsyD, psychologist for Cleveland Clinic explains, mental health has a lot to do with it.
“Compulsive shopping goes hand in hand with emotions and mental health. It's often a way of coping with stress, anxiety, and depression,” said Dr. Albers.
“Spending is one way that we can fill the emotional void, escape from negative emotions and give us a tem-
porary boost of feeling pleasure in our life.”
Dr. Albers said when you buy something, the neurotransmitter dopamine is released into your brain, making you feel good. The enjoyment you get is from the experience, not so much the item.
She said you can help reduce compulsive shopping through simple behavior modification, like pausing before a purchase. Ask yourself if you really need this item. How will it add value to your life?
You should also focus on how you’re feeling. Are you buying something to escape negative emotions? Other tips include deleting shopping apps on your phone and setting a budget.
“The difference between compulsive spending and
healthy purchases is intention and consequences.
With healthy shopping, we purchase in a calm and planned manner of the things that we need,” said Dr. Albers. “Compulsive shopping in contrast is done with a sense of urgency. There is an emotional trigger, and it often results in emotional or financial distress.”
She said if you feel guilty after buying something, that is a tell-tale sign that you engaged in compulsive shopping.
She recommends taking a step back and reflecting on the decision.
You may also want to consider speaking to a mental health professional about it.
For many, the Fourth of July holiday and weekend is a time to celebrate with barbecues, parades and fireworks. But, experts say, when it comes to fireworks, it's best to leave it to the professionals.
Every year, thousands of people are admitted into emergency departments across the country because of injuries caused by fireworks.
"We'll see injuries to fingers or the whole hand. Another common injury is burns. And sometimes we'll see eye injuries because of
the sparks that fly into the eye," says Dr. Neha Raukar, a Mayo Clinic emergency medicine physician.
If consumer fireworks are legal where you live here are a few tips from the National Safety Council: Never allow young children to handle fireworks. Always have adult supervision.
• Wear protective eyewear. Never hold lighted fireworks in your hands.
Don't point or throw fireworks at another person.
• Only light one firework at a time.
• Watch them from a safe distance.
"If you're going to have some fireworks, don't be drinking at the same time. Have the person who is not drinking be the one to light the fireworks. Stay away from them once you light them, and just be aware of your surroundings," says Dr. Raukar.
HEALTH & WELLNESS
Having total knee replacement surgery can feel like a big decision. You not only want to know whether the procedure will address your pain, but you also want to know whether the new joint will last as long as you need it to.
“One frequently asked question I hear from patients about joint replacement is how long their new joint will last,” says Dr. Edward R. Blocker, a board-certified orthopedic surgeon with Beaufort Memorial Orthopaedic Specialists. “The good news is that knee replacement implants can last many years and help you enjoy an active lifestyle with much less pain. It is now a realistic hope that the new knees will last the average patient their lifetime.”
Historically, hip and knee replacements used to only last around 10 to 15 years. However, with the progress in surgical techniques and implant technology, today's knee replacements can last for 15 to 25 years, and some even last longer. As the stability of knee replacements continues to improve, the chances of needing a second knee replacement later in life are reduced.
Newer surgical methods and tools, such as the Mako SmartRoboticsTM and VELYSTM robotic-assisted system in use at Beaufort Memorial, provide more precise placement, alignment and rotation of the implant and a more balanced joint.
The types of materials used to fabricate the implant or prosthesis have also made a significant difference in longevity. Modern implants are made of lightweight, long-lasting materials, including:
Ceramic or ceramic-metal mixtures
Medical-grade polyethylene Titanium-chromium or cobalt-chromium alloys
“For many patients, knee replacement surgery is a once-in-a-lifetime event,” Dr.
Blocker says. “The implants and technologies we use factor in your anatomy and your joint’s range of motion, which can lead to more successful joint replacements.”
When Knee Replacements Need Replacing
For many people considering knee replacement, questions about longevity stem from concerns that they may need revision surgery later in life.
In many cases, revision surgeries are performed because of:
Joint instability that can occur if your knee ligaments experience damage
Loosening of the new joint
Scar tissue that developed around the knee joint before a total knee replacement and causes stiffness, even with a new joint Wear and tear on materials, which can be related to high-impact activities and excess weight
“We can’t guarantee that a revision surgery will never be necessary,” Dr. Blocker says. “However, the advanced technologies we use allow us to plan procedures more accurately and, hopefully, reduce the chances that your knee replacement will fail. We also work closely with patients before and after the procedure to ensure they follow pre- and post-op instructions, which may allow us to address some of these issues before they occur.”
Helping Your Knee Replacements Last
To ensure that your joint stays healthy for as long as possible and avoid the need for additional surgeries in the future, it’s important to take care of your new knee joint properly. Pay close attention to your new knee during the first few weeks after surgery and be cautious
If you’ve ever struggled to eat just one or two cookies, or one slice of pizza, you know that it can be difficult to not go overboard. You think, “These are so addictive! I must stop!” even while you reach for more. There was once an ad on TV for a very popular processed food proclaiming “Bet you can’t eat just one.” And they were right. Research on food addiction is ongoing, but what we’ve learned so far is that the symptoms that surround food cravings do indeed seem to mirror those related to drugs and similar substances.
Hallmarks of food addiction include:
No control over consumption
• Continued eating patterns despite a negative impact
Lack of ability to control eating despite wanting to do so
Hiding it from your spouse
Planning your day, or going out of your way, to consume a certain food
How long do knee replacements last? Can foods
about any movements that could compromise its safety. Physical therapy is essential to the healing process. Your physical therapist will work with you to strengthen the muscles surrounding your joint and give you advice about which activities to avoid. Low-impact exercises, such as walking, cycling and swimming, are great options for staying active. However, you may need to avoid high-impact exercises, such as running and skiing, to prevent wear and tear on the new joint.
In the days immediately after surgery, follow these tips to ease your recovery: Bathing. Ask a loved one to help you clean hard-to-reach areas of your body. Use a shower chair if you feel uncomfortable standing. Avoid sitting inside a regular bathtub, as you will have a hard time getting back
on your feet.
• Climbing. When using stairs, take your time and use the handrail. Step first with your non-treated leg when going up and with your treated leg on the way down. If possible, avoid tall, long staircases. Dressing. Whether you sit on a chair or on the edge of your bed, being seated can prevent a fall while getting dressed. The National Institutes of Health recommends you put socks and shoes on your treated leg first and start with your treated leg when putting on pants. Then, do the opposite when undressing, removing clothing from your treated leg last.
• Resting. Keep your new knee straight and lie on your back when resting. Elevate your foot as well as your knee to keep
Highly processed foods have artificially increased levels of refined carbohydrates (sugar, white flour) and fat. These may trigger addiction-like responses because they produce unnatu-
rally high levels of reward in the brain.
Lots of refined carbs can also increase the rate at which the addictive food components are absorbed into the bloodstream,
your leg straight.
Sitting. Sitting too much in one position may lead to stiffness or pain. If you need to sit for long periods, change your position every 45 to 60 minutes. If you can, however, get up and move around before sitting back down. Sitting in a firm chair with armrests may make it easier for you to get up out of your chair.
• Using assistive devices. Crutches or a walker help you maintain your balance and reduce the amount of weight on your new knee. Use these assistive devices as long as your surgeon recommends.
Ongoing Care for Your New Joint
To maximize how long your knee replacement lasts, you should:
creating a blood sugar spike. Research has shown a link between blood sugar levels and activation of the parts of the brain involved with addiction.
Not everyone who likes pizza or chips will necessarily eat them uncontrollably. And just because you find yourself craving junk food or even losing control over your consumption of it may not mean you’re addicted to it. The Yale Food Addiction Scale—a way to assess addiction-like eating behaviors—found that food addiction often occurs in the context of other issues, such as depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
A 2015 study published in PLoS One ranked foods on their potential to be addictive, with a score of 1 being not at all addictive, and 7 being extremely addictive. As expected, ultraprocessed foods ranked high on the scale. Is it any surprise addictive foods are common in the American diet?
Complete your entire physical therapy plan. Attend all follow-up appointments with your care team. Listen to and follow your care team’s advice. Stay active to keep the muscles around your new knee strong and maintain good balance. Understand what to expect after knee replacement and when to seek medical attention for pain or other issues.
“Many patients tell me they wish they’d had their knee replacement sooner,” Dr. Blocker says. “If you’re concerned about having the procedure because you think it may only lead to future surgeries, we’re happy to talk through those concerns with you. We want you to regain your quality of life and will do our best to make sure you gain the most benefits possible from a new knee.”
Least addictive foods: Cucumbers
Carrots
Beans Apples
Brown rice
Broccoli
Bananas
Salmon
Most addictive foods:
Pizza
Chocolate
Chips
Cookies
Ice cream
French fries
Cheeseburgers
Non diet soda
Cake
Cheese
Want to learn more?
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Branch Manager, Vice President – Investments
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Truth Matters
Which table to choose?
An enormous banquet hall is filled with large tables, ready for a Thanksgiving meal. Some tables are overflowing with a turkey and a great number of side dishes. Other tables have a turkey but seem to be missing quite a few dishes. Many tables do not have a turkey, but they do have some of the side dishes. Wouldn’t you want to be with your loved ones at one of the overflowing tables?
This is an analogy for Christianity and other religions. The turkey would represent belief in Jesus and having a living relationship with him. The side dishes would represent all of the other truths that God has revealed about himself, and all the gifts that he wishes us to have for our journey with him. So there are tables that do not have a turkey at all; these are the non-Christian religions. And there are tables with a turkey, but with more or fewer side dishes; these are the different Christian faiths.
Are all religions the same?
One often hears, “All religions are equal, so it doesn’t matter what faith a person is.” But since the major world religions make different claims about objective truth, they can’t all be equally true. If Jesus is truly God who became man, then it matters whether one knows Jesus, and we would want to share him with non-Christians! But even the tables without turkey are not bare of all nourishment. This illustrates how Christians can recognize and appreciate that other religions can have certain aspects of truth, such as true moral teachings or insights into God.
Are all Christian faiths the same?
The different Christian churches all have a love for Christ, and share him in common. But there are also many areas of disagreement on important truths, such as doctrines of morals or salvation. This means that in such areas, some churches are mistaken and are unintentionally teaching error, and thus don’t have all of the “side dishes.” In other words, members are not receiving all the gifts and truths that God wants them to have on their journey with him.
Are you seeking the fullness of truth?
As with our banquet example, we want not only Jesus, but also all the other gifts and truths that he meant for us to have. This is what we mean by “the fullness of truth.” We can have many reasons to belong to a particular church, such as our upbringing or having friends there. But isn’t it even more important to search for the fullness of truth, and make sure that we are receiving all the gifts Jesus wants us to have?
•
•
Learning
• Small Group Instruction
• Proactive School Culture Does this sound like a good fit for your middle schooler?
Ospreys pick up first win
LowcoSports.com
The Beaufort Ospreys won’t walk away from the inaugural season of their return to American Legion baseball empty-handed.
Jayden Davis and Hunter Hollingsworth combined to shut down Moncks Corner Post 126 on Wednesday, as the Ospreys were able to grind out a 4-2 road win after dropping their first six games.
The Ospreys jumped out quickly with two runs in the first and two more in the third to take a 4-1 lead, and that was enough support for Beaufort’s pitching duo. Davis struck out eight over five innings, allowing one run on three hits with four walks, and Hollingsworth nailed down the save with two innings of one-run ball and three strikeouts.
Maurice Barnes had two hits
and scored twice, while Reece Mullen was 2 -for- 3 with two RBIs, and Hollingsworth drove in a run.
A MEETING WITH HER CATCHER
Beaufort couldn’t pull off the series win, though, falling 10 - 3 at home Friday as Moncks Corner drew 11 walks and a hit-by-pitch.
The Ospreys (1-7) are scheduled to make up a home game against first-place Charleston Post 147 at 7 p.m. Wednesday at Battery Creek High School before a three-game series against Walterboro Post 93 next week.
It takes a lot of little things to be a good dad. Here, Royals catcher Ryan Smith takes “time out” between innings to chat with his 3-year-old daughter Allison during a Beaufort County Adult Men’s Baseball League game against the Shockers on Wednesday, June 26 at Burton Wells. Its not clear what words of encouragement Allison gave her dad but the Royals went on to beat the Shockers, 14-6. Bob Sofaly/The Island News
5 Lowcountry Masters Swimmers compete at Nationals in Indianapolis
From staff reports
LOCO, the Lowcountry Masters Swimming team based in Beaufort, sent five swimmers to compete at the U.S. Masters Swimming (USMS) Spring 2024 Nationals from June 20 to June 24 at the IUPUI Natatorium in Indianapolis.
The five-day event features swimmers from all over the country competing in short course yards swimming events -- everything from 50 yards to 1 650 yards in all different strokes. There were 2,322 swimmers registered to swim at this meet.
LOCO’s five swimmers in attendance were Ted Byrd, Irene David, Susan Korsedal, Jeff Styerwalt, and Stephanie Waninger.
Ted Byrd placed in the top 20 for his age group (65-69) for all four of his events this weekend.
Irene David placed seventh overall in her age group (80-84) in
Five members of the Lowcountry Masters Swimming team based in Beaufort competed at the U.S. Masters Swimming (USMS) Spring 2024 Nationals earlier this month in Indianapolis. Submitted photo
the 50-yard Freestyle with a time of 58 59 Susan Korsedal placed in the top 10 for her age group (70-74) in
four events -- the 50-yard Freestyle, 200-yard Freestyle, 100-yard Butterfly, and 200-yard Backstroke. Her top finish was fourth in the
200-yard Freestyle with a time of 2:44 82. She placed in the top 15 of her age group for all six of her events.
Jeff Styerwalt placed ninth in his age group (60-64) for the 1 000-yard Freestyle with a time of 13:13 57
Stephanie Waninger placed in the top 10 for her age group (3539) in two events -- the 500-yard Freestyle and 100-yard Backstroke. She placed in the top 20 for all of her five events.
Even with only five swimmers in attendance, the LOCO team placed 134th out of 327 teams.
Lowcountry Masters Swimming is a group of about 25 to 30 swimmers who practice Monday through Friday from 6 to 7 a.m., at the Wardle Family YMCA. Questions about masters swimming or interested in joining? Email them at lowcountryswimming@gmail.com.
Beaufort County 15u shaved by Mohawk
LowcoSports.com
The Beaufort County 15-and-under All-Stars dropped two tight games to CWC Mohawk, including a heartbreaker that ended their run at the Diamond Baseball state tournament over the weekend in Sumter. Beaufort County couldn’t dig out from an early deficit in a 5-3
loss to Mohawk in Friday’s opener, as Mohawk’s four-run first inning held up despite a late rally led by Remington Wheeler’s 3-for-4 night. Wheeler played a big role in keeping Beaufort County alive with a 12-0 win over Fort Mill, tossing a two-hit shutout and going 2-for-3 with a double and two
RBIs to help end the game early on the 10-run rule. Denver Jones was 2-for-3 with three RBIs, James Williams drove in two runs, and Mason Music had two hits and scored twice in the offensive outburst. The rematch began the same as the first meeting, as CWC Mohawk put up four runs in the first, but Beaufort County clawed
back to tie it at 4 before the teams traded two-run frames in the fifth. Mohawk scratched across a run in the top of the seventh, and Beaufort County had the tying and winning runs in scoring position in the bottom half before Mohawk third baseman Tanner Ray snared Blake Martin’s line drive to end the threat.
Dickson makes final at Olympic trials
LowcoSports.com
Beaufort native Michael Dickson advanced to the finals and finished seventh in the men’s 110-meter hurdles last week at the U.S. Track and Field Olympic team trials in Oregon.
Michael Dickson
Dickson ran fourth in Heat 3 in Monday’s prelims, clocking a time of 13 36 to advance on time to Thursday’s semifinals. He cranked it up in Round 2, running a blistering time of 13 19 to place second in Heat 3 and qualify for the finals.
In Friday’s final, Dickson was nearly as fast, placing seventh with a time of 13 21
Dickson was a star at Beaufort High School and a two-time All-American and eight-time MEAC champion at North Carolina A&T, where he graduated in 2019
Kelley qualifies for AAU nationals
Whale Branch and Palmetto Road Runners standout Jonathan Kelley will get to compete on the same stage where Dickson made his name in college after qualifying for the AAU Junior Olympics with his performance last weekend.
Kelley placed second in the 110-meter hurdles and fifth in the long jump in the 15-16 boys division at the AAU Region 8 Qualifiers in Columbia to qualify for next month’s nationals.
The rising junior at Whale Branch will compete in the 110-meter hurdles prelims on July 31 with the finals on Aug. 1 along with the long jump.
Several local golfers win at Parris Island
LowcoSports.com
Several Beaufort-area golfers were among the division winners when the Beaufort Junior Golf Association made its stop at the Legends at Parris Island on Monday.
Beaufort’s Andrew Hollingsworth continued his outstanding summer with a 1-under-par round to win the Boys 7-9 title, while Seabrook’s Barnes Gooding (+7) took the Boys 15-18 title by two shots over Beaufort’s Gus Christian.
Beaufort’s Lauren Holcombe (+27) won the Girls 13-18 title in playoff with Beaufort’s Kenadie Cole, while Bluffton’s Ryan George (-2) won the Boys 13-14 title, and Bluffton’s JJ Johnson Jr. (E) won a playoff with Mt. Pleasant’s Jack Semararo to win the Boys 10-12 crown.
Cat Island hosts 12u Championship Bluffton’s Mac McGirt shot 5-over-par and finish third, while Bluffton’s JJ Johnson Jr. tied for fourth at 8 over in the SCJGA’s 12-and-under Junior Championship this weekend at Cat Island Golf Club. Wilson Cauley of Anderson shot 2-under over 36 holes to win by five shots over Greenville’s Wilson Brasington.
CALENDAR
Karaoke with Melissa
8 p.m. to midnight, Tuesdays, Highway 21 Bar, 3436 Trask Pkwy, Beaufort. Enjoy food and drinks during Karaoke with Melissa.
Karaoke with Melissa
7:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m., Wednesdays, Beaufort Moose Lodge, 350 Broad River Blvd, Beaufort. Enjoy food and drinks during Karaoke with Melissa.
Trivia with Tom – Fat Patties
7:30 p.m., Every Wednesday, Fat Patties, 831 Parris Island Gateway, Beaufort. Free. Team trivia event, win house cash prizes! For more information, visit https://rb.gy/o9nhwe.
Eric’s Karaoke Krew
9:30 p.m., Wednesdays, Rosie O’Grady’s, 2127 Boundary Street, Suite 2, Beaufort. Free. Enjoy karaoke with either Parker or Eric.
Trivia with Tom – Bricks On Boundary
7 p.m., Every Thursday, Bricks on Boundary, 1422 Boundary St, Beaufort. Free. Team trivia event, win house cash and Beer Bucket prizes! For more information, visit https://rb.gy/o9nhwe.
Eric’s Karaoke Krew
7 p.m., Thursdays, Amvets Post 70, 1831 Ribaut Road, Port Royal. Free. Public is welcome. Enjoy Karaoke. Dinner will be available.
Bluffton Night Bazaar –a Lowcountry Made Market
5 to 8 p.m., first Thursday of each month, Burnt Church Distillery, 120 Bluffton Road. A highly curated selection of accessories, clothing, home goods, custom gifts and more by local artists and makers.
TECHconnect
5:30 to 7:30 p.m., 3rd Thursday of each month, Beaufort Digital Corridor, 500 Carteret Street, Suite D, Beaufort. Free. The BDC's signature happy hour “meetup” networking event for tech professionals. Connect with like-minded people, fellow entrepreneurs, start-ups and VCs over local food and cold beverages. Call 843-470-3506 or visit https://rb.gy/ e7t2h for more information.
Eric’s Karaoke Krew
9 p.m., Fridays, Highway 21 Bar, 3436 Trask Pkwy, Beaufort. Free. Enjoy Karaoke with Lt. Dan.
Eric’s Karaoke Krew
9:30 p.m., Fridays, Rosie O’Grady’s, 2127 Boundary Street, Suite 2, Beaufort. Free. Enjoy Karaoke with Parker.
Karaoke with Melissa
7:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m., Fridays, R Bar & Grill, 70 Pennington Dr, Bluffton. Enjoy food and drinks during Karaoke with Melissa.
Highway 21 Flea Market
9 a.m. to 4 p.m., every Saturday and Sunday, Highway 21 Drive-In. Sellers, vendors, handmade items, unique products and yard sale items. For information, email lowcountryfleamarket@gmail.com.
Port Royal Farmers Market
9 a.m. to noon, Saturdays, year round, Naval Heritage Park, 1615 Ribaut Road, Port Royal. Rain or shine. You will find fresh, local, seasonal produce, shrimp, oysters, poultry, beef, pork, eggs, bread and cheese, as well as plants, ferns, camellias, azaleas, citrus trees and beautiful, fresh cut flower bouquets. There are prepared food vendors serving barbecue, dumplings, she crab soup, crab cakes, paella, coffee, baked goods, bagels and breakfast sandwiches. No pets allowed. For more information, visit http://www. portroyalfarmersmarket.com/, visit @ portroyalfarmersmarket on Facebook or call 843-295-0058.
Slip and Splash Saturdays
10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Saturdays, Battery Creek Pool, 1 Blue Dolphin Drive, Beaufort, and Bluffton Pool, 55 Pritchard Street, Bluffton. $5 per person. Stay busy for hours climbing on our inflatable challenge track.
Music Bingo with Mike –Bricks On Boundary
6 p.m., Every Saturday, Bricks on Boundary, 1422 Boundary St, Beaufort. Free. Play with a team or alone, win house cash! For more information, visit https://rb.gy/o9nhwe.
WHAT’S HAPPENING
HIGHWAY 21 DRIVE-IN
The movies scheduled for this week (Wednesday, July 3 through Thursday, July 11) at the Highway 21 Drive-In are Despicable Me 4 (PG-13, 8:45 p.m.) and Fall Guy (PG-13, 10:40 p.m.) on Screen 1; Inside Out 2 (PG, 8:45 p.m.) and If (PG, 10:40 p.m.) on Screen 2; Bad Boys, Ride or Die (R, 8:45 p.m.) and A Quiet Place, Day One (PG13, 11 p.m.) on Screen 3.
Online ticketing is available at hwy21drivein. com on the Now Playing page. Patrons are asked to arrive early on Friday and Saturday nights. Gates open at 6 p.m.
A reminder: no outside food or beverages can be brought into the drive-in.
Upcoming movies include Deadpool & Wolverine (July) and Twisters (July).
Eric’s Karaoke Krew
7 p.m., Saturdays, The Beaufort Moose Lodge, 350 Broad River Blvd., Beaufort. Free. Enjoy karaoke with Lt. Dan. Come early at 6 p.m. for Steak Night.
Eric’s Karaoke Krew
9:30 p.m., Saturdays, Rosie O’Grady’s, 2127 Boundary Street, Suite 2, Beaufort. Free. Enjoy karaoke with Eric.
Teddy Bear Picnic Read-Aloud
9 a.m. to noon, 1st Saturday each month, Port Royal Farmer’s Market, Corner of Ribaut Road & Pinckney Blvd, Port Royal. Free. DAYLO Students and other volunteers will read to young children, who are encouraged to bring their favorite stuffed animals.
Karaoke with Melissa
8 p.m. to 12 a.m., 2nd and 4th Saturdays of every month, Peaceful Henry’s Cigar Bar, 181 Bluffton Rd, Bluffton. Enjoy food and drinks during Karaoke with Melissa.
DANCE
The Beaufort Shag Club
6:30 to 9 p.m., Wednesdays, AmVets Club, 1831 Ribaut Road, Port Royal. Free lessons for members from 6 to 6:30 p.m. We also host a dance the second Saturday of each month from 7 to 10 p.m. Lessons will run September through May only. Visit our FaceBook page (beaufortshagclub) for current events.
GOLF
Stingray Scramble
9 a.m., Saturday, Sept. 28, Ocean Creek Golf Course, Fripp Island. Team of 4, $650. Individual, $175. Benefits Riverview Charter School. Shotgun start. 4-man scramble. Registration 8 to 8:45 a.m. Registration includes golf, gift, lunch, awards. Register at https://bit.ly/4bUzWPh.
HEALTH AND WELLNESS
Rooted Beaufort Yoga classes
5:30 to 6:45 p.m., Thursdays, Cypress Wetlands, Port Royal; 9 to 10:15 a.m., Whitehall Park or Pigeon Point Park. Rooted Beaufort is a collective of local Yoga teachers who host outdoor yoga classes and donation-based events with proceeds being donated locally on a rotating basis.
BEMER Circulation Therapy
10 to 11 a.m., Fridays via Zoom. Already own a BEMER? Never heard of it but curious? Join to ask any questions about this leading-edge German technology that enhances blood flow 30% in 8 minutes. Sessions are designed to support those who have their own unit but everyone is welcome. Brought to you by BEMER Specialist -- Human & Equine, Elizabeth Bergmann. Text 410212-1468 to get the Zoom link. Free.
HISTORY
Beaufort History Museum at the Arsenal 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesday through Friday; 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturdays, 713 Craven St, Beaufort. General Admission for Adults $8, Seniors $7, Active Duty Military and College Students with ID $5. Children/Teens younger than 18 Free. Explore and experience more than 500 years of Beaufort History with knowledgeable docent guided tours.
The Historic Port Royal Museum 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. or upon request, Thursdays through Sundays, The Historic Port Royal Museum, 1634 Paris Ave. The museum features the turn-of-thecentury 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
Love God, Love Others, Reach Out
Join Us for Worship & Fellowship
Sunday Morning Worship at 8:30 & 10:30
81 Lady’s Island Drive
Pastor Steve Keeler • (843) 525-0696 • seaislandpresbyterian.org
www.portroyalhistory.org, email historicportroyalfoundation@gmail.com or call 843-524-4333.
Tour Historic Fort Fremont Dawn to dusk, Monday through Sunday, The Fort Fremont Preserve, 1124 Land’s End Road, St. Helena Island. Free and open to the public. The History Center is open Fridays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; and Sundays from 1 to 4 p.m. Visitors can learn about the fort’s history during the Spanish-American War through interpretive signs, self-guided walking tours with a smart phone, exhibits in the history center, and docent-led tours. For more information visit www.fortfremont.org or contact Passive Parks Manager Stefanie Nagid at snagid@bcgov.net.
LIBRARY ACTIVITIES
Scavenger hunt
10 a.m., Thursday, July 13, St. Helena Branch Library, 6355 Jonathan Francis Sr. Road, St. Helena Island. Explore the grounds around St. Helena Library while searching for nature’ hidden treasures native to our Lowcountry. All ages. No registration. Appropriate footwear required.
Beachcombing for kids
11:30 a.m., Thursday, July 18, St. Helena Branch Library, 6355 Jonathan Francis Sr. Road, St. Helena Island. Join Master Naturalist Margit Resch as she teaches us all about our local beach creatures. Learn about invertebrates, mollusks, crabs, sand dollars, sea stars and more. All ages. No registration required.
DIY Lava Lamps with USCB
11:30 a.m., Thursday, July 25, St. Helena Branch Library, 6355 Jonathan Francis Sr. Road, St. Helena Island. Journey into scientific adventures with hands-on activities, including a do-it-yourself lava lamp hosted by professors from USC Beaufort. Ages 6 to 12. Space is limited. Registration is required. Call 843-255-6440.
Monday Adventure Movie Matinee
4 to 5:30 p.m., Mondays, June and July, St. Helena Branch Library, 6355 Jonathan Francis Sr. Road, St. Helena Island. Join us for a fun-filled afternoon of adventure movies in our teen lounge. We’ll have popcorn.
“Lego” With Lego
4:30 to 5:30 p.m., every Tuesday, St. Helena Branch Library, 6355 Jonathan Francis Sr. Road, St. Helena Island. Free and open to the public. Ages 5 and up. No registration required. Come see our new and improved Lego Club. Choose one of our new Lego kits and get going. Call 843-255-6540 for more information.
Career Navigator
11 a.m. to 1 p.m., every Tuesday, Beaufort Branch Library, 311 Scott Street, Beaufort. Free one-on-one resume writing and job application assistance with a Career Navigator from Palmetto Goodwill. No appointments necessary. For more information call 843-255-6458.
MEETINGS
Zonta Club of Beaufort
6 p.m., 4th Tuesday of each month, Smokehouse, Port Royal. Beaufort Rotary Club Noon, Wednesdays, Sea Island Presbyterian Church Fellowship Hall, 81 Lady’s Island Drive, Lady’s Island. Catered buffet lunch, followed by a guest speaker. Prospective members welcome. For further information and upcoming speakers, please visit website www.beaufortrotaryclub.org.
The Beaufort Trailblazers –A Volunteer Group
8 a.m., first Thursday each month, Herban Marketplace, Beaufort. Anyone interested in supporting or building off-road/dirt/wilderness mountain biking/jogging/walking trails near is encouraged to attend. For more information, call 843-575-0021 or email universitybicycles@hotmail.com.
Emotions Anonymous International local group meeting
4 p.m, Thursdays, via Zoom. Emotions Anonymous International, (EAI), is a nonprofit program designed to help people with emotional difficulties. It has a chapter in the Lowcountry and members want others who feel the need to know they are welcome to participate. There is no charge to
participate. They are based on the 12 steps and 12 traditions of Alcoholics Anonymous and follow a specific format designed to provide the support and tools for navigating life’s painful difficulties. All are welcome. Anyone interested in participating may contact the group via email at EALowcountry@ gmail.com or call or text Laurie at 252917-7082. For more information on EAI visit www.emotionsanonymous.org.
Rotary Club of the Lowcountry 7:30 a.m., Fridays, Sea Island Presbyterian Church, Sea Island Parkway, Lady’s Island. A light breakfast is provided before the program. For further information and upcoming speakers, please visit our website at www.lowcountryrotary.org or contact our President, Bob Bible at reconmc@aol.com or 843-252-8535.
OUTDOORS
The Beaufort Tree Walk Lady’s Island Garden Club invites you to take a meandering walk through the Historic “Old Point” and enjoy some unique and noteworthy trees. The “Walk” takes about an hour, is a little over a mile starting at the corner of Craven & Carteret streets in Morrall Park and concluding in Waterfront Park. Booklets with map and information about each tree are available free at the Visitors Center in the historic Arsenal on Craven Street.
Tours of Hunting Island Every Tuesday, Hunting Island State Park, 2555 Sea Island Pkwy. Free, park entry fees apply. Sponsored by Friends of Hunting Island Keeper Ted and his team. For more information call the Hunting Island Nature Center at 843838-7437. The next Tuesday is August 1.
PHOTOGRAPHY
Camera Club of Hilton Head Island photography exhibit Through July 7, Main Gallery, Coastal Discovery Museum at Honey Horn, 70 Honey Horn Drive, Hilton Head Island. Admission is free. The theme is "Field Trip," showcasing images of natural and historic sites throughout the region. A highlight of the exhibit will be photographs by student winners of the Kurtzberg Memorial Awards. Named after Larry Kurtzberg, a champion of youth photography and the club's founder and first president, these awards recognize exceptional students enrolled in Hilton Head Island High School's visual arts photography courses. As part of the museum’s ongoing efforts to support local arts groups, the museum is also hosting gallery talks by the Camera Club, at 2 p.m., on Wednesday, June 12, and Saturday, June 22. The talks are free and open to the public.
SEWING/QUILTING
American Needlepoint Guild Meeting 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., 1st Tuesday each month. The Hilton Head Chapter of the American Needlepoint Guild welcomes anyone, beginner or experienced stitcher, who is interested in needlepoint to join us for stitching, learning and fellowship. For more information, please contact us at hiltonheadislandchapter@needlepoint.org.
Embroidery Guild of America Meeting Second Tuesday of every month, Palmetto Electric Community Room, Hardeeville. The Lowcountry Chapter of the Embroidery Guild of America welcomes anyone, beginner or experienced stitcher, who is interested in any type of embroidery including needlepoint, cross-stitch, surface and beaded embroidery, hardanger, bargello, sashiko, etc., to join us for stitching, learning and fellowship. For more information, please contact us at lowcountrychapter@egacarolinas.org.
SPORTS/GAMES
ACBL Duplicate Bridge Club 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 a.m., Tuesdays, Carteret St. United Methodist Church. Games and events will be held weekly. Contact Director and Club Manager Susan DeFoe at 843-597-2541
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.
By Delayna Earley
The Island News
Ethics complaint against Superintendent Rodriguez dismissed
An ethics complaint that was filed against Beaufort County Superintendent Frank Rodriguez in September 2023 has been dismissed.
According to reporting from The Island Packet, Richard Bisi, a resident of Hilton Head Island, filed a complaint with the S.C. Ethics Commission against Rodriguez for hiring a consultant
to give advice on strategy to allegedly build support for the $439 million school bond referendum that appeared on the ballot in November 2023
Bisi alleged that Rodriguez used public funds to try and sway voters, per an article by The Island Packet
At the time, Beaufort County School District spokesperson Candace Bruder said that the complaint lacked evidence, and according to an email from Bruder on Tuesday, July 2, it would appear that the S.C. Ethics Commission agreed, as the complaint has been dismissed.
“I am pleased that the ethics complaint filed against me has been thoroughly investigated and dismissed by the State Ethics
Commission,” Rodriguez said in the email. “I want to express my gratitude to the community for their support and understanding during this time. My commitment to serving the best interests of our students, staff, and community remains a top priority.”
The referendum, which is expected to help with overcrowding in schools, bolstering security measures and modernizing outdated facilities, passed in November. The policy of The Island News is to not report on ethics complaints unless they are confirmed to warrant an investigation by the S.C. Ethics Commission.
Delayna Earley, who joined The Island News in 2022, formerly worked as a photojournalist for The Island Packet/The Beaufort Gazette, as well as newspapers in Indiana and Virginia. She can be reached at delayna.theislandnews@gmail.com.
Beaufort County schools offer free lunch, breakfast to all students
By Delayna Earley The Island News
Beaufort County students will all now be eligible for free lunch and breakfast in the upcoming school year.
All Beaufort County School District (BCSD) schools will offer one breakfast and lunch to every student at no charge during the 2024-2025 school year, according to a release from the district. Every year a district policy requires the district to analyze the calculations of the Community Eligibility Provision to see if any schools are eligible, and this year all the schools in Beaufort County are eligible for free breakfast and lunch, said Tonya Crosby, the chief financial officer for Beaufort County School District.
Community Eligibility Provision (CEP), which is funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, enables schools to be able to pro-
vide meals to students free of charge.
In the 2023-2024 school year, more than 20 of the schools in Beaufort County that have the highest number low-income students qualified to provide meals to their students, but for the first time since the COVID pandemic all district schools will be able to provide free meals.
While right now only the upcoming school year is eligible, according to Crosby the district plans for this to be a recurring program going forward.
“Students would select a meal that is USDA compliant, they would work through the line to the cashier, provide their student ID number and the Pointof-Sale software is automatically programmed to know that that school is free for one breakfast and one lunch for each student for each day,” Crosby said about the
process of redeeming the free lunch.
She went on to say that anything beyond that – a second meal, a-la-carte items – would require the students to pay for them from their account.
“We are going to encourage parents to leave a balance on their student’s account so that they are able to pay for those extra items that they may want,” said Crosby. Students will still have the option of bringing their own lunch if they choose to.
Crosby said that students who have special dietary needs, such as allergies and diabetes, will be able to work with the school to accommodate their individual needs.
While the school district first released this information at the end of June, they are working on a communication campaign through the schools and to the parents to try and answer some
DAYLO, Conroy Center, Storybook
Shoppe
holding supply drive for St. Helena Elementary School
From staff reports DAYLO: The Diversity Awareness Youth Literacy Organization, the Pat Conroy Literary Center, and the Storybook Shoppe children’s bookstore are collaborating on a school supplies drive to benefit the students and teachers of St. Helena Elementary School, a Title 1 school, during the month of July (through July 28).
Donated supplies from the school’s wish list can be dropped off at the Conroy Center (601 Bladen Street, Beaufort) or the Storybook Shoppe (Tanger 2, A190, 1414 Fording Island Road, Bluffton). Drop-off bins will also be available at DAYLO’s Teddy Bear Picnic read-aloud at the Port Royal Farmers Market on Saturday, July 6, from 9:30 a.m. to noon, and at the Conroy Center’s Lowcountry Children’s Book Fair at the Port Royal Sound Foundation
Maritime Center on Saturday, July 27 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Requested items include crayons, markers, and colored pencils (Crayola brand preferred); No. 2 pencils (Ticonderoga brand preferred); student-sized scissors (Fiskar brand preferred); dry-erase markers (Expo brand preferred); office supplies for teachers, including tape, staples, paper clips, pens, highlighters; sticky notes (Post-It brand preferred); plastic zippered bags (Ziploc brand preferred); tissues; and gift cards. Learn more about DAYLO: https://linktr.ee/DAYLOBFT. Learn more about the Pat Conroy Literary Center: www.patconroyliterarycenter.org. Learn more about the Storybook Shoppe: https://www.facebook.com/storybookshoppe. Learn more about St. Helena Elementary School: https://shes.beaufortschools.net.
of their questions and let them know about the no cost meals being offered in the upcoming school year.
Crosby said they expect to really start rolling out that campaign closer to the start of the 2024-2025 school year, which for public schools is on August 7
“I’m very excited about it,” Crosby said. “It’s something we’ve been looking at for years and it’s something that many school districts across the state are doing. We think it only benefits our students and ensures that they will have the opportunity to have a healthy meal every day, and that’s really the prime priority of this decision.”
While the reaction from parents in the community seems to be mostly positive, there are some who expressed on social media that they are concerned about the nutritional value of the meals and quality of
food provided to students at school.
“Making sure that our students are fed and making sure that they have the nutrition that they need is important to us,” Superintendent Frank Rodriguez said.
“It’s a critical part of their learning and their learning experience. We just want to make sure, when this is possible, that our students have the opportunity for it.” Crosby followed by saying that this not only benefits the students, but it also benefits the administration as well because when individual students need to apply for free or reduced lunch, it requires a lot of paperwork and time.
“There is a huge burden put on the [administrative] staff that is just taken away,” Crosby said about the program.
According to district spokesperson Candace Bruder, to her knowledge
this does not extend to Riverview Charter School because they are a separate legal entity with their own food service program, but the district is in the process of confirming this information.
Any parents or guardians who do not want their children to participate in the CEP program can contact Virginia Weekly at 843-322-0806 or email her at virginia.weekly@beaufort.k12.sc.us, according to the release. Formal appeals can be made by contacting Tonya Crosby at tonya.crosby@ beaufort.k12.sc.us or by mail at P.O. Box 755, Beaufort, S.C. 29901
Delayna Earley, who joined The Island News in 2022, formerly worked as a photojournalist for The Island Packet/The Beaufort Gazette, as well as newspapers in Indiana and Virginia. She can be reached at delayna.theislandnews@gmail.com.
BCSD receives national recognition for financial reporting, budget presentation
From staff reports Beaufort County School District (BCSD) has been honored with two recognitions by the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA), the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting and the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award for its budget.
According to the GFOA, the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting was awarded to BCSD for its annual comprehensive financial report for the fiscal year ending on June 30 2023 The report was judged by an impartial panel to meet the high standards of the program, which includes demonstrating a constructive "spirit of full disclosure" to clearly communicate its financial story and motivate potential users and user groups to read the report.
The Certificate of
Achievement is the highest form of recognition in the area of governmental accounting and financial reporting, and its attainment represents a significant accomplishment by a government and its management.
The Distinguished Budget Presentation Award represents a significant achievement by the district, reflecting the commitment of the governing body and staff to meeting the highest principles of governmental budgeting. In order to receive the budget award, the district had to satisfy nationally recognized guidelines for effective budget
presentation. These guidelines are designed to assess how well an entity's budget serves as: A policy document; A financial plan; An operations guide; and A communications device. Budget documents had to be rated "proficient" in all four categories, and in the 14 mandatory criteria within those categories, to receive the award. There are more than 1,700 participants in the Budget Awards Program. The most recent Budget Award recipients, along with their corresponding budget documents, are posted quarterly on GFOA's website. Award recipients have pioneered efforts to improve the quality of budgeting and provide an excellent example for other government agencies throughout North America.
Frank Rodriguez
VOICES
Editor’s Note: The opinions of our columnists in the Voices section are not necessarily the opinions of The Island
I hope this is a genuine search for truth
It is Wednesday and I’m in Hagerstown, Md., sitting in the lobby of the Hampton Inn, where I’ve got a cup of their complimentary “dark roast.” The lobby also comes with the ubiquitous monitor which is now giving us “Wake Up Weather.”
But my ancient brain cannot focus on the heat that is hanging over the East Coast. This morning I’ve been talking with my son, Zach, who has just given me a report on the “workshop” that happened yesterday involving Beaufort City Council and Mike Horton from Davis and Floyd.
My son reports the crowd, mostly people from the Old Point, were uniformly against the pumps that Horton is promoting for the drainage of King Street. The Point people argue that simply replacing the old, clogged pipes will provide enough protection from what they consider minor, infrequent flooding.
ISome of my readers may know I have written about this $10 million stormwa-
ter project three times. My views are well known and I come to this controversy with an opinion. And my opinion is that Mike Horton is telling the truth when he says that upgrading the existing pipes will not do the trick. That Horton is being honest and accurate when he says that changing out the old pipes will work when a big rain coincides with low tide; but that a pipes-only solution will fail when a hard, lengthy rain coincides with high tide.
“Its like Russian Roulette,” he said to me earlier this morning. “Every time you’re betting that a big rain will come with a low tide. …”
I can understand why the
Point people don’t want a half-submerged, concrete pump house just off Federal Street. I understand that they don’t want two utility buildings in the park adjacent King Street. But I don’t question the data, the models and the conclusions provided by Davis and Floyd.
The day after the workshop, John Ginder wrote an e-mail advocating for a second opinion regarding Mike Horton’s conclusions.
Apparently, Conway Ivy has suggested that the Point folks hire someone to “conduct an independent engineering analysis of a gravity based alternative to the proposed pump station and electrical buildings for
the King Street Drainage Project. Such a study would compliment and perhaps challenge the existing analysis and would, in any case, build greater confidence in the results …”
“In a controllable gravity-based system, an electric sluice gate would be used as an automated tide gate at the pond outfall. These gates consume a small fraction of the power of large pumps and can be energized by solar power. …”
Assuming the Point cohort is serious about an “independent engineering analysis”, it will require confirmation of the rain and sea level-rise data collected by Davis and Floyd; confirma-
tion that the models created by the Davis and Floyd are correct. Or not. And time for the City to choose the right model — all of which is now constrained by a deadline — December 31, 2026 I am a retired trial lawyer, and a part of me says this “alternate study” is actually a strategy to run out the clock. But assuming this is a genuine search for truth, let’s get the Point analysis underway today. And, more importantly, let’s be sure about an extension beyond the December 2026 deadline.
Scott Graber is a lawyer, novelist, veteran columnist and longtime resident of Port Royal. He can be reached at cscottgraber@gmail.com.
‘And I don’t like anybody very much’
was watching the morning news the other day, and one of the upcoming blurbs spoke of rioting in Kenya. It seems that the raising of taxes in an already over-taxed society was bringing people into the streets. For whatever reason, my mind went screaming back to a concert I had attended in college where I was lucky enough to see The Kingston Trio in person.
One song’s lyrics, most of which I was able to add to the tune running through my head, was “The Merry Minuet.” That I was able to recall the lyrics was somewhat astounding, given that these days I can’t remember the name of a person I met 10 minutes before.
But then the year was 1961, and I have come to accept that longterm memory wins out every time.
I’m going to take the necessary space in this piece to give you the entire lyrics of “The Merry Minuet” simply because 60-plus years later they still ring true. Yes, the one line is meant to be humorous, and yes, we all laughed at the concert because we knew those lyrics,
and the world at that time was as troubled as it is today. Remember, it was the sixties. Sadly some things just don’t change, or if they do, the same ‘gift’ is simply that in a different wrapping.
They're rioting in Africa, they're starving in Spain. There's hurricanes in Florida, and Texas needs rain.
The whole world is festering with unhappy souls.
The French hate the Germans, the Germans hate the Poles; Italians hate Yugoslavs, South Africans hate the Dutch, And I don't like anybody very much!
IBut we can be tranquil and "thankfill" and proud,
For man's been endowed with a mushroom-shaped cloud.
And we know for certain that some lovely day
Someone will set the spark off, and we will all be blown away!
They're rioting in Africa, there's strife in Iran.
What nature doesn't do to us will be done by our fellow man!
When you picture three guys on stage with guitars in hand, singing these lyrics and mimicking an old English tradition of the minuet, of course there is humor. Furthermore, and just as important, we should never attempt to remove the humor from our lives. It is what sustains us during our darkest moments.
But read these again and see beyond the humor.
Six decades have passed, and we still have the threat of nuclear war hanging over our heads. The alliance of Russia and North Korea, recently emphasized with Putin’s unusual trip to see Kim Jong
Un should concern everyone. The Russian leader even brought, as a gift, a car, and the two were seen driving along like old “buds.” You remember Kim of “love letter” fame. I wonder if there is any jealousy involved … but as I am wont to do, I digress. The nuclear threat also rests with Iran, a country mentioned in the above lyrics. We recognized even then that genie, set free, could never be put back into the bottle. As for starvation in Spain, I have to admit those words were probably used as a convenience for rhyme. However, we know there is starvation in so many countries. The situation in Gaza comes to mind, but sadly we have, in our own country, pockets of population where the source of food is a daily concern. That this is the case in a country of our wealth is very simply a blot that should not be.
Hurricanes? Climate change? Flooding? Raging fires? All of these seem to have become a regular part of our lives, and ways to stem that tide, no pun intended,
seems to be a point of still one more battle.
The need to oppose what seems so obvious to many is unending. One cannot ignore the recent fighting over what caused COVID and the ways to deal with it. Masks or no masks. Vaccines, mandatory to attend school. Shutting down schools because of the disease. The list goes on.
So yes, there is rioting in Africa, specifically Kenya. But we all know that may be the least of the world-wide problems that are confronting us. And until we find a way to bring people together for the common good of all, the vitriol and the bitterness will continue to divide us.
Walt Kelly's insightful declaration that "we have met the enemy, and he is us" is one of those wonderful quotes that seems increasingly appropriate and defies the passing of time.
Carol Lucas is a retired high school teacher and a Lady’s Island resident. She is the author of the recently published “A Breath Away: One Woman’s Journey Through Widowhood.”
SC should participate in program that helps parents buy summer groceries
am appalled that South Carolina rejected increased grocery benefits for families while children are home during the summer.
As a South Carolina social worker with many children in my caseload some years ago, I learned a lot about this issue. Some children went to school only to eat. School lunch was the only meal they could rely on each day in the days before school breakfast.
Gov. Henry McMaster chose not to participate in the federal program that provides families up to $120 a month in summer grocery aid. He’s pointed to existing food benefit programs, including two that provide poor students free prepared meals in the summer. While it’s true that there are summer lunch programs available, that leaves families scrambling to pay for two other meals daily.
During the school year, their children would typically be able to eat two meals at school during the week. As it is, we have Backpack Buddies here in Horry County, which packs food for kids to eat on weekends. But these foods, while helpful, tend to be highly processed and not the best choices for daily use.
Children should not have to rely on this sort of charity for a basic need like a daily meal. Meanwhile, food pantries are strained and often have empty shelves.
I suspect that not every family can get their
children to summer lunch program sites. The more difficult the family situation, the more likely this is to be true.
The federal government fully covers the cost of the summer grocery aid added to debit cards. The states only have to fund half of the administrative costs.
With a large revenue surplus, the state could well afford to nourish vulnerable children.
McMaster could have recommended using a tiny portion of this money to feed children, who would then more likely grow up to be taxpayers instead of dependents.
But McMaster calls basic nutrition for children during the summer a “Covid-related benefit extra.” Instead, the governor backs the legislative move to further cut state income taxes. The spending plan sent to McMaster’s desk last week doubles the tax reduction called for in the coming year under a 2022 law.
South Carolina, and especially its children, need more services, not fewer.
The best way to ensure a bright future for South Carolinians and especially our children is to boost services to the poorest and most vulnerable among us.
Programs that ensure children are well nourished benefit everyone, because well nourished children are not only healthier, they learn more easily, providing SC with a stronger, healthier, better educated workforce in the future.
Barbara Sloan started her career as a field social worker focused on families and children and went on to develop and manage dual diagnosis addiction/mental health treatment programs. She has also written extensively about issues affecting families and children for professional journals as well as newspapers in South Carolina, Connecticut and nationally. She lives near Myrtle Beach, her hometown.
SCOTT GRABER
CAROL LUCAS
BARBARA SLOAN
Editor’s
Did our eyes fool us last Thursday?
Aprofessional obligation prevented me from watching the first presidential debate as it was broadcast live on CNN.
I got back to my hotel room just as the post-debate commentary was beginning. It was brutal.
The same sad song was being played from one channel to the next.
“This was painful.”
“The debate was a travesty.”
“The Democratic Party has to find another way forward.”
I texted a friend, “They’re making it sound like President Biden is a dead man walking. Was it that bad?” When I didn’t hear back from her immediately, I suspected the worst.
I turned the TV off and settled into a fitful sleep.
My friend texted me the next morning to say she’d fallen asleep and missed the debate entirely. That made me feel better.
Want to know what else made me feel better? I found the debate on Apple Podcasts and listened to it for myself.
What I heard included some fumbling many had reported about Biden. He sounded hoarse, a little off his game. I laughed a couple of times in noting he seemed over-coached. He stuttered in trying to recall minutiae, anecdotes, statistics, and facts. Who didn’t stumble over minutiae, anecdotes, statistics, and facts was the man across the stage from him: Donald Trump. I groaned while listening to him as it became clear early on that he didn’t prepare for the debate like Biden did because he didn’t have to.
Trump said the same stuff he’s been saying for years: America is under attack. Terrorists are flood-
ing our borders and “killing our women.” Immigrants are stealing from the social safety net and voting illegally. The 2020 Election was stolen from him. Everything was so much better when he was president!
The only new trick he floated was the immigrant threat to “Black jobs,” another in a series of ill-conceived attempts to appeal to Black voters. Social media collectively responded to that by asking, “What, pray tell, is a ‘Black job?’”
I also noted how CNN commentators Dana Bash and Jake Tapper paid more attention to clock-watching than fact-checking. No matter what outlandish assertion Trump made, the CNN anchors merely replied with a polite "Thank you” before moving on to their next questions.
I have long criticized CNN for giving too much airtime to Trump acolytes. I don't know how it helps the public to give equal footing to people who make factual statements and those who blatantly lie and mischaracterize the truth to
favor Trump.
Sure, they had a fact-checker review statements made by both candidates after the fact, but by then Biden critics were feasting on video clips and soundbites that made him look incompetent.
Notice I wrote, “look.” Because Biden didn’t sound nearly as bad as what I’d been positioned to expect.
I was reminded of stories about the first televised presidential debate, between then-Vice President Richard Nixon and Sen. John Kennedy.
Legend has it that people who watched the debate on television thought Kennedy was the stronger candidate because he was more telegenic compared to Nixon, who was described as disheveled and having a "sweaty upper lip.” Radio listeners thought Nixon was stronger on the issues and that Kennedy was glib and patronizing.
In a recent story about that debate, U.S. News & World Report quotes columnist William White, who questioned the notion that a
Rtelevised debate would affect the vote’s outcome:
“There is … no miraculous way to ride the electronic waves to the presidency: no gold mine of easily extracted votes in the TV sky.” I wonder what he would have written about a former reality TV personality reaching the Oval Office. Especially one whose convincing image as a successful businessman was largely fabricated by staging and in the editing room.
When I asked a family member his thoughts on the debate, he replied, “It was awful.”
“You think Biden lost that badly, huh?”
“Between Biden's stumbles and Trump's lies, I think the whole country lost.”
If we let 90 minutes make us forget what the last eight years comprised, for better and for worse, that certainly will be the case.
Terry E. Manning is a Clemson graduate and worked for 20 years as a journalist. He can be reached at teemanning@gmail.com.
Make convicted legislators pay cost of special elections
ep. Gilda Cobb-Hunt-
er, D-Orangeburg, and Rep. Heather Bauer, D-Columbia, co-sponsored H. 3244 this past session, which would impose the costs of special elections called to replace convicted and removed elected officials in South Carolina on the ousted criminal officials themselves rather than the taxpayers.
This reform is badly needed because the costs of special elections called to replace criminal officials is now inflicted on the taxpayers at great public expense.
Our state has had in recent years many legislators, sheriffs, and other elected officials removed from office on conviction and replaced by specially called elections.
In the last 60 years, a total of 47 state legislators have been convicted of crimes and lost office, with one former representative currently under indictment. In addition, a total of 20
sheriffs have been convicted and ousted, with two former sheriffs under indictments. The now-former officials were charged while in office. It costs taxpayers to replace ousted criminal elected officials. Replacing a state senator runs to over $100 000 because Senate districts are so large, having over 100 000 residents each.
In addition, in some cases where there are three or more candidates, three special elections are needed — primary, primary runoff, and general — all paid for by the taxpayers. In the case of a criminal sheriff, the cost of holding two or three special elec-
tions in large-population counties such as Greenville (with 547 950 people), is even greater because so many more voters have to be served by the county election commissions.
The costs to a county and its taxpayers can run to $200 000 or more for a three-round sheriff special election.
In fact, Greenville County did hold special elections in 2020 to replace a sheriff convicted of misconduct in office and sentenced to a year in prison.
At the same time, it is generally the case that state and federal judges do not include restitution to county and state governments in their sentencing orders for any of the costs of special elections called to replace the criminal elected officials that the judges sentence to probation or prison.
In the recent state House criminal cases involving state Sens. Robert Ford and John Courson as well as Reps. Rick Quinn and Jim
Merrill, special elections were called to replace all of them at public expense. All pleaded guilty to misdemeanor misconduct in office. Ford also pleaded guilty to forgery and ethics violations and was ordered to pay nearly $70,000 in restitution.
But sentencing judges did not order any restitution for the costs of these special elections which were all inflicted on the taxpayers.
Yet while in office, prosecutors said, Rep. Rick Quinn collected $4 5 million in unreported money from lobbyists for his father’s consulting firm, Rep. Merrill’s consulting firm collected over $1 million in business contracts, Sen. Courson used $159 000 in campaign donations for personal expenses, and Sen. Ford misspent thousands from his campaign account on personal expenses.
And former House Judiciary Chairman James Harrison secretly made $935,000 over 13 years that he failed to report.
None of these convicted legislators were required to pay for the special elections that cost taxpayers.
In addition, the prosecutions of elected officials caused additional huge costs on the taxpayers.
In Harrison’s case, no special elections were needed because he had retired from the House in 2012 before ultimately pleading guilty in 2021 to misconduct in office and perjury.
But Harrison caused the taxpayers to pay for the full costs of his criminal investigation and prosecution, including a five-day long jury trial in 2018, an appeal to the S.C. Supreme Court, an eventual plea and sentencing, court hearing, and the costs of six months in state prison.
The restitution bill (H. 3244) pre-filed by Cobb-Hunter in December 2022 ahead of the 202324 legislative session and co-sponsored by Bauer was referred to the House Judiciary Committee.
There is good reason to believe that no taxpayer or legislator opposes the bill, which would surely be signed by Gov. Henry McMaster if it reaches his desk. But the bill gained no traction whatsoever. It officially died without a vote when the regular session ended in May. However, it could be reintroduced for next year. Taxpayers should contact their legislators in support.
John Crangle is a graduate of the University of South Carolina School of Law and member of the South Carolina Bar. He was a member of a commission appointed in 1991 that proposed ways to improve the selection of judges. Approved changes included a ban on sitting legislators voting for themselves for judicial positions and the creation of a Judicial Merit Selection Commission to screen judicial candidates. He also participated in reforming the magistrate system. Changes effective in 1996 included requiring new magistrates to have a four-year college degree and pass a course in the basic laws magistrates enforce.
TERRY MANNING
JOHN CRANGLE
Where do we go from here?
blame him for that.
Iam sitting here trying to digest the disaster that I saw last night at the Presidential debates. The one thing that sticks in my mind is that the world is on fire, and the best two candidates that we can come up with are arguing about who can hit a golf ball the farthest.
Don’t get me wrong, I love to play golf and hitting the ball a long way is an important part of the game, but on the other hand, thank God, I am not running for President of the United States of America.
I am pretty sure that I was not alone watching our President mumble and bumble his way through ninety minutes of what will go down in history as one of the most painful
hour and a half in modern political history. He may not be my guy, but he is my President, and having that performance presented to a world wide audience was scary.
Trump was as always, Donald Trump, playing fast and loose with the truth. The only surprise was that he was somewhat restrained when it came to rising to the bait that was offered. I was pleased to see
that the CNN commentators were about as fair and balanced as anyone could expect, with no “got ya” questions for either candidate. Good job CNN! I watched the debate on CNN, and after the debate, they cut back to the panel of about eight Democrats and not one of them made any attempt to spin President Biden’s performance in a positive light. I was amazed when each and every one of them threw Biden right under the bus, even to the extent of calling for him to step down.
There is something up in Demsville. Needless to say they also pointed out the many departures from the truth that Trump took, and for the most part they were right, because as we all
know he does have a problem in that area, but aside from that he did pretty well. So, where do we go from here? I have watched the “talking heads” today with lots of conjecture and assumed profundity tell us what each party will be doing in the future as a result of last night’s disaster, and I figure that my guess is as good as theirs. So here goes. I think that the Dems now know if they continue with Biden and Harris, and Trump and Haley let bygones be bygones and form a ticket, it’s game over for the Dems. I don’t think that President Biden can be convinced to step down, because if he does there is a good chance that his son will go to jail, and you can’t
That leaves one good option, … tell Harris to step aside and let California Governor Gavin Newsom run on the ticket as V.P. Promise Harris that she will become the governor of California. That solves several problems, and the Democratic base and lots of independents who can’t stand Trump, will turn out on election day, knowing that at some point in the near future Newsom will be President.
If that happens it will become a real horse race, everything will, as always, depend on who can turn out the most voters.
Like most of us I hope for the best, whatever that may be, because we are at one of those real turning points
in history and our future as a nation will depend very much on the outcome of this year’s elections and who will lead us into the future. Our world is becoming more dangerous everyday, and we need real competent, knowledgeable people in positions of leadership. Vote and hope for the best!
New history dives into importance of SC role in Revolutionary War
It’s not uncommon for visitors to Charleston to revel in one history when it really might be richer to absorb another.
Too many forget the critical national importance of Charleston and the Carolinas in the colonial effort to become free from Great Britain.
Instead, they want to tour Fort Sumter and see the cannons in White Point Garden that they think bombarded the fort (nope; those cannons didn’t have the range at the time.)
With this week being full of Revolutionary War history – South Carolina celebrated the war’s first patriot naval victory over the British on June 28’s Carolina Day and the Declaration of Independence on July 4 – it’s the perfect time for a new look at what happened here from 1776 to 1783
And so enters Virginia historian Alan Pell Crawford whose new book, “This Fierce People: The Untold Story of America’s Revolutionary War in
the South,” comes out July 2 In the 382-page work, he elegantly reminds us of one big thing: Had patriots in the Carolinas not fought in as many battles and pesky skirmishes during that war for independence, the colonists might not have won. In turn that means one thing to all of those tourists who flock in because of the Civil War – it wouldn’t have happened if not for the zeal for liberty by South Carolinians like Christopher Gadsden, Henry Laurens and his son John, Francis Marion, Thomas Sumter and William Moultrie.
Most people, Crawford inci-
sively writes, think of the War for Independence as something that Virginian George Washington waged and won in the Northeast.
“The problem is that much of the war took place not in the North but in the South, and that is where the most decisive battles – those that forced the British surrender at Yorktown – were fought,” Crawford writes.
Key battles were here at Camden, Kings Mountain, Cowpens and Eutaw Springs, just an hour away from Charleston. The British also spent precious time and resources fighting to seize Charleston, the second richest colonial city during the time of the war. All of this stretched supply lines and diverted British attention, often giving Washington’s northern troops time to rest, recover and resupply.
Part of the reason the South’s crucial role in the Revolutionary War has been glossed over may be because of the Civil War and slavery.
“Even in the immediate aftermath of the Civil War, historians were understandably reluctant to honor southerners who contributed so much to the War of Independence, knowing as they did the direct line from [Revolutionary War General] Henry Lee III, for example, to [Civil War General] Robert E. Lee.”
Nevertheless, Crawford’s objective discussion of the South’s role in the Revolutionary War makes for compelling reading. He tells the stories of events through captivating profiles of people like Marion, the hawk-nosed leader who essentially invented guerilla warfare in South Carolina’s swamps.
Or the moving and ultimately sad tale of John Laurens, the energetic leader, aide to Washington, buddy of Alexander Hamilton and son of the only man long held during the war in the Tower of London. John Laurens died late in the war – in August 1782 – after an impetuous skirmish with a large
British foraging party along the Combahee River.
Crawford’s book gets its title from a speech made in 1775 by British statesman and philosopher Edmund Burke, who said of the colonists: “We cannot, I fear, falsify the pedigree of this fierce people, and persuade them that they are not sprung from a nation in whose veins the blood of freedom circulates.”
So this year as you celebrate freedom, watch fireworks and think about what’s happening to this country 248 years later, recall the passion of colonists who risked their lives for an ideal – independence from a king – so they could become a government of the people, by the people and for the people.
Andy Brack is editor and publisher of Statehouse Report and the Charleston City Paper. Crawford’s book is available for pre-order online until July 2, when it will be in bookstores. Have a comment? Send to feedback@statehousereport.com.
Remembering the cost of our independence
This week we celebrate Independence Day which is also commonly known as the Fourth of July. It’s a federal holiday commemorating America’s independence from the British empire. Over the past 250 years, it has meant a public display of pride and patriotism.
This past Sunday at church we sang a heartfelt melody of patriotic songs that declared, America. America, God shed His grace on thee, Glory, Glory Hallelujah His truth is marching on, and God bless the USA! There were American flags at every entrance with beautiful decorations. Many wore red, white, and blue to show their love and allegiance to this great nation.
Why is it great? It is indeed a land filled with some of the most breathtaking landscapes on the planet, but it’s the hard-working, courageous, and God-fearing people who love and obey His truth that makes living here a privilege and honor.
July 4 is significant because it is the anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence by the 2nd Continental Congress, a governing body of delegates from the 13
original American colonies. The document officially declared the United States of America’s independence from British rule. It came nearly a month after Virginia Delegate Richard Henry Lee proposed for the colonies to seek independence. The Declaration of Independence we know and love was largely written by Thomas Jefferson, while other members of Congress suggested edits and finally approved one of the most important documents in our history.
The American Revolution was a war for independence, a conflict of self-defense fought by families and neighbors on American farms against a fierce enemy coming from an ocean away. It impacted millions from Vermont’s Green Mountains to the swamps of South Carolina, from Indian Country to the Iberian Peninsula. In defeating the British Empire and giving
birth to a new nation, the American Revolution made a huge impact on the world. Thirteen colonies on the Atlantic Coast were victorious from being controlled by a constitutional monarchy. We rightfully celebrate how they won our independence and established a republic that still endures.
Am I saying this country is perfect, or that it is not guilty of horrible sins? Of course not. There are many areas where the desire for carnal freedom was and is being accepted by a confused legal system that could care less about God’s moral standards.
There are two types of freedom, a spiritual liberty to worship and obey the Almighty, and the aggressive pursuit of fleshly rights that defiantly shake their fist in His face. In recent years liberal unbelievers have tried to destroy the founding documents which were based on Biblical principles and the Christian faith and replace them with a new progressive culture of moral relativism. God will always judge sin and nations are not an exception. He has blessed His remnant because they stand boldly to speak His truth even while facing persecution. Psalm 33:11-12 says, “The counsel
of the Lord stands forever, the thoughts of His heart to all generations. Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord.” Of course some rebel against being loyal to any government or nation and accuse those who do with being a nationalist. The pledge of allegiance is an example the dissidents and anarchists use to teach against obeying and trusting governments. I’m not going into a lengthy explanation of this term as there are so many thoughts about it and scholars are not even sure what it means. I believe for the patriotic Christian, honoring the flag includes
understanding that God requires for a nation to follow His voice. His children do not worship people or politics but are praying and trusting that He will guide the government by His divine truth.
In recent years, conservatives have been accused of being intolerant, discriminating, and prejudiced by declaring that America is the greatest country ever while looking down on everyone else. Some might feel this way, but I believe the overwhelming majority of patriots who love Christ love all people and respect their cultures, history, and traditions.
There is nothing wrong with having a deep sense of appreciation for everything good in a nation as long as it does not include the attitudes of arrogance associated with supremacy or hostility against those from other cultures. The “God and Country” ideology is still very dear to most Americans and should be, as the red stripes of our flag represent valor and the precious blood of those who paid for our independence.
Navy Medicine Readiness and Training Command (NMRTC)
has recognized Sonya Schunior, an Audiologist Technician, for her outstanding demonstration of the Hearing Conservation Program at the Branch Health Clinic aboard Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort.
According to NMRTC, during the Safety and Occupational Health
Management Evaluation (SOHME), Schunior showed exceptional counseling skills by thoroughly explaining the procedures and discussing the test results with her patient. By asking the essential questions regarding noise exposure and hearing protection use, Schunior was able to identify that the patient was not utilizing his hearing protection properly.
Schunior then took the opportunity to provide hearing conservation training by practicing proper insertion of hearing protection device. Schunior engaged with the patient in a manner where the patient was able to see, feel, and hear the difference when hearing protection is used prop-
Beaufort native Hipp assuming new role
U.S. Marine Corps Col. Edmund B. Hipp, a Beaufort, S.C., native, outgoing commanding officer, renders a salute June 21, during the Marine Operational Test and Evaluation Squadron (VMX) 1 change of command ceremony at Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Az. Hipp will assume a role in the U.S. Indo-Pacific command and relinquished command of the VMX-1 to Col. Charles W. Del Pizzo. Cpl. Jade K. Venegas/USMC
erly. Schunior’s excellent work displayed how the Hearing Conservation Program is serving its mission to prevent noise-induced hearing loss in the Navy.
“The best part about my job is being able to educate people about their hearing and how to protect it,” Schunior said. “Helping our clients understand why they are in our office and need to take this hearing test calms (the) majority of the stress around the hearing exam. Knowing that people are leaving our office having more knowledge about hearing than when they walked in is why I love doing my job.”
Schunior is an Air Force veteran with 11 years of service and a mother of three children. During her time outside of work, she is a member of a roller derby team, the Savannah Derby Devils, and is an advocate for the sport.
which formally conveys to the Sailors of the Command, the continuity of command. Lance Cpl. Ayden Cassano/USMC
Veterans with PTSD should seek VA treatment, service-connected disability compensation
As a 100% service-connected disabled veteran and a Vietnam-era wounded warrior who suffers from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), I am familiar with the symptoms and effects of this devastating injury and condition. Fortunately, as a veteran who has been through the successful treatment for PTSD at one of the best Mental Health Centers in the world, The Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center, I am here to tell fellow veterans and their family members that:
1. The VA mental health treatment works; and
2. VA service-connected disability compensation is tax-free and generous.
This article and the next will cover the minimum that veterans and their family members need to know about PTSD, how to apply for VA medical care, and how to apply for military service-connected disability compensation
VA Mental Health webpage
According to the VA “Mental Health” webpage, https://bit.ly/4bvNHTT, sometimes, when you experience a traumatic event — a car accident, an IED blast, military sexual trauma, killing the enemy at close quarters, or the death of a fellow service member — that moment can continue to bother you weeks and even years later. That can mean reliving the event by constantly replaying it in your head. It can mean avoiding places or things that remind
you of the experience. It can also mean nightmares, sleeplessness, or anxiety. You might feel numb or, conversely, feel hyperaware of your surroundings.
The symptoms and effects of PTSD can disrupt your everyday life. People with PTSD sometimes withdraw from their family members and friends and in the worst cases resort to spouse or child abuse. They can find it hard to concentrate, startle easily, and lose interest in things they used to care about. Some may try to dull their feelings by misusing alcohol or drugs. There are resources to help you recover from PTSD. Even if your symptoms come and go — or surfaced months or years after the traumatic event — effective treatments are available. If you are the spouse or friend of a veteran who has PTSD symptoms, you owe it to the veteran and yourself to encourage the veteran to seek help at a local VA Medical Center or Community-Based Outpatient Clinic (CBOC).
PTSD symptoms
PTSD symptoms may start within one month of a traumatic event, but sometimes symptoms may not appear until years after the event. These symptoms
cause significant problems in social and work situations and relationships.
Untreated PTSD can lead to divorce and even suicide. They can also interfere with your ability to go about your normal daily tasks.
PTSD symptoms are generally grouped into four types: intrusive memories, avoidance, negative changes in thinking and mood, and changes in physical and emotional reactions. Symptoms can vary over time or vary from person to person.
Intrusive memories
Symptoms may include: Recurrent, unwanted distressing memories of the traumatic event.
Reliving the traumatic event as if it were happening again. Upsetting dreams or nightmares about the traumatic event.
Severe emotional distress or physical reactions to something that reminds you of the traumatic event.
Avoidance
Symptoms o may include: Trying to avoid thinking or talking about the traumatic event. Avoiding places, activities, or people that remind you of the traumatic event.
Negative changes in thinking and mood
Symptoms may include: Negative thoughts about yourself, other people, or the world. Hopelessness about the future.
Memory problems, including not remembering important aspects of the traumatic event.
Difficulty maintaining close relationships (Divorce).
Feeling detached from family and friends.
Lack of interest in activities you once enjoyed. Difficulty experiencing positive emotions.
Feeling emotionally numb.
Changes in physical and emotional reactions
Symptoms may include: Being easily startled or frightened. Always being on guard for danger.
Self-destructive behavior, such as drinking too much or driving too fast.
Trouble sleeping.
Trouble concentrating. Irritability, angry outbursts, or aggressive behavior.
Overwhelming guilt or shame.
Frightening dreams that may or may not include aspects of the traumatic event.
Learn more about PTSD and PTSD symptoms at the VA’s PTSD: National Center for PTSD webpage, https:// bit.ly/4cmGveb.
PTSD screening
If you are bothered by thoughts and feelings from a trauma, you may wonder if you have PTSD. Taking a screening — either online at https://bit.ly/3RWhApp or at a VA medical center (VAMC) is a good idea. Only
a mental health care provider can diagnose PTSD, but the screening can help you and your provider understand if you might benefit from treatment.
VA PTSD treatment
According to the VA’s PTSD: National Center for “PTSD Treatment Basics” webpage, https://bit. ly/3znZdU6, PTSD treatment works. Those who have gone through trauma can learn to feel safe in the world and cope with stress. There are several helpful treatments, so you have options. No one treatment is right for everyone. Working with your VA healthcare provider, you can decide together which is best for you based on benefits, risks, side effects, and other preferences.
Talk therapies
Studies show that certain talk therapies (psychotherapies) work best. The talk therapies with the most research support are trauma-focused. "Trauma-focused" means that the treatment focuses on the traumatic event and what it means to you. The talk therapies that work best are Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and Prolonged Exposure (PE).
In these talk therapies, veterans and their families learn ways to work through their trauma, by visualizing, talking, or thinking about
the traumatic event until it becomes less upsetting. Talk therapies also focus on changing unhelpful beliefs about the trauma or since the trauma happened. Talk therapies usually last about eight to 16 sessions.
Other options have less research support but may be good options for a veteran and his or her family. Learn more about Talk Therapies for PTSD at the VA’s National Center for PTSD “Talk Therapy” webpage, found at https://bit.ly/3RUFjGG.
Medication
Several medications help treat PTSD symptoms. The best medication options are those with the most evidence: paroxetine, sertraline, and venlafaxine. Veterans work with their healthcare provider to check on their response to the medication, discuss side effects, and change the dose if needed. The benefits of medications take time to work and end after a veteran stops taking them. Learn more about medications for PTSD at https://bit.ly/3zrrSHP.
Continued next week.
Larry Dandridge is a Vietnam War wounded warrior, disabled veteran, ex-Enlisted Infantryman, ex-Warrant Officer Pilot, and retired Lt. Colonel. He is a past Veterans Service Officer, a Patient Adviser at the RHJ VA Hospital, the Fisher House Charleston Good Will Ambassador, and the VP for Veteran Affairs for the local Army Association Chapter. Larry is the author of
U.S. Navy Capt. Tracy R. Isaac, commander of Navy Medicine Readiness Training Command Beaufort, receives command from Capt. Chad E. Roe in a Change of Command ceremony held Thursday, June 27, at Naval Hospital Beaufort. The Change of Command ceremony is a time honored tradition
Sonya Schunior
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